Die Naturwissenschaften[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Predicting the potential geographic distribution of Fagus orientalis Lipsky under climate change using an ensemble model approach in Türkiye.
Koç İ
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Dec · PMID 41324682 · Publisher ↗
Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) is an ecologically and economically significant species, covering 8.5% of Türkiye's total forest area. However, climate change threatens its distribution due to increasing tempera...
Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) is an ecologically and economically significant species, covering 8.5% of Türkiye's total forest area. However, climate change threatens its distribution due to increasing temperatures and decreasing precipitation. This study integrates geospatial informatics and ensemble modeling (EM) to predict the potential geographic distribution (PGD) of F. orientalis under future climate scenarios using Biomod2 within the ShinyBIOMOD framework. An EM model has been developed from six models [Generalized Boosting Model (GBM), Generalized Linear Model (GLM), Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS), Generalized Additive Model (GAM), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), and Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt)] using 76 validated occurrence records and 19 environmental predictors. Model validation achieved high predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.96, TSS = 0.85). Spatial projections for SSP2-45 and SSP5-85 scenarios indicate significant shifts in PGD. Notably, high-suitability habitats will decline under SSP2-45 but expand under SSP5-85. Bio2 [Mean Diurnal Range (mean of monthly (maximum temperature - minimum temperature))] and Bio4 [Seasonal temperature fluctuation (temperature seasonality (standard deviation x 100))] emerged as the dominant drivers of distribution changes. Based on geospatial analyses, F. orientalis is expected to migrate to higher altitudes in the Black Sea region and expand into southern and inner Türkiye. This shift reflects a broader trend of temperate forest adaptation to climate change. This study underscores the power of ensemble modeling for ecological forecasting and conservation planning, demonstrating the value of computational tools in assessing climate-driven species distribution changes. The findings contribute to predictive modeling for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.
Forensic discrimination of sex from thermally treated human hair using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and machine learning.
Gunashree BS, Thomas MW, Rawat S … +3 more , Shrilakshmi K, Keerthana T, Benny A
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Dec · PMID 41324673 · Publisher ↗
Thermal degradation alters hair's molecular structure, influencing its protein, lipid, and disulphide components, which serve as indicators for forensic analysis. The present study investigates the effect of thermal trea...
Thermal degradation alters hair's molecular structure, influencing its protein, lipid, and disulphide components, which serve as indicators for forensic analysis. The present study investigates the effect of thermal treatment on the chemical composition of human hair and explores the potential of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy combined with machine learning for forensic sex determination. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy was employed to analyze untreated and thermally treated hair strands collected from 50 male and 50 female participants aged 18-30 years. The resulting spectral data were subjected to multivariate analysis using PLS-DA, SVM, and KNN models to classify the samples based on sex and thermal treatment status. Thermal exposure caused distinct alterations in the key spectral bands, especially those associated with proteins (Amide I, II, III), lipids (C-H stretching), and disulfides (S-S stretching), indicating structural denaturation, bond cleavage, and oxidative modifications. Furthermore, the application of multivariate models PLS-DA, SVM, and KNN, on ATR-FTIR spectral data proved highly effective in classifying hair samples by sex and thermal treatment status. All three models achived 100% accuracy, precision, recall and F1-scores, effectively distinguishing between thermally treated and untreated samples by sex In conclusion, ATR-FTIR, coupled with advanced machine learning models, offers a powerful, non-destructive tool for assessing thermal damage, characterising hair composition determining sex, offering significant potential applications in forensic investigations involving burnt hair samples.
Molecular identification, chemical profiling, and bioactive potential of Eryngium thyrsoideum Boiss.: ethnopharmacological perspectives.
Karim HR, Rasul KS, Halshoy H … +1 more , Mohammed AA
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Dec · PMID 41324657 · Publisher ↗
Eryngium thyrsoideum is a regionally significant species known for its distinctive morphological traits and documented medicinal uses. The genus is primarily known for its antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and a...
Eryngium thyrsoideum is a regionally significant species known for its distinctive morphological traits and documented medicinal uses. The genus is primarily known for its antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Despite its ethnobotanical relevance, comprehensive scientific studies exploring its molecular profile and pharmacological properties remain scarce. Therefore, in the present investigation, fresh leaves and stems of this species were collected from the wild populations at the pre-flowering stage in early June. The leaves were used for DNA extraction, while the stem samples were analyzed using a spectrophotometer to detect selected phytochemicals and GC-MS to determine the chemical profile. To the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first DNA sequencing of E. thyrsoideum using ITS markers, with the resulting sequence submitted to the NCBI database. Phylogenetic analysis indicates a close genetic relationship between this species and Eryngium kotschyi. The quantities of total phenols, total flavonoids, antioxidants, ascorbic acid, and soluble sugar were 257.14 ± 1.64 µg GAE/g FW, 94.39 ± 0.27 µg QE/g FW, 318.30 ± 4.09 µg Trolox/g FW, 191.68 ± 2.77 µg TE/g FW, and 44.50 ± 1.37 µg GE/g FW, respectively. The GC-MS analysis revealed 32 compounds, and the top compounds were Methyl-β-D-thiogalactoside (24.24%), 4 H-Pyran-4-one,2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl- (8.91%), and 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (7.74%). Whereas cis-13-Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester, Petroselinic acid, TMS derivative, and Heptanoic acid, 1-methylethyl ester were the compounds with the lowest peak area values (0.27, 0.31, and 0.47%, respectively). Thus, the chemical diversity identified in this plant provides scientific support for its ethnobotanical importance and highlights its potential as a source of health-promoting compounds.
Connecting the dots: integrating citizen science, ecology, and habitat change for the conservation of three Leporidae species in the central mountains of Mexico.
Ramírez-Bravo EO, Camargo-Rivera EE, Sánchez-Lewy Aldana C … +2 more , Amador-Cruz F, Mora-Ramirez MA
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Dec · PMID 41324631 · Full text
Anthropogenic activities have a profound impact on ecosystems, threatening species and contributing to increased extinction rates. Among them are some Leporidae species, for which ecological data remains insufficient to...
Anthropogenic activities have a profound impact on ecosystems, threatening species and contributing to increased extinction rates. Among them are some Leporidae species, for which ecological data remains insufficient to support effective conservation. This study aimed to monitor the status of the volcano rabbit (Romerolagus diazi), eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), and Mexican cottontail (Sylvilagus cunicularius) in 2018 in southern Mexico City, using citizen science tools. The field research involved recording fecal pellets and habitat characteristics along 1 km transects. Vegetation changes over the past 20 years were analyzed using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), and Standard Anomaly Index (SAI). Among 2,026 quadrants (~ 8,000 km²), the volcano rabbit, eastern cottontail, and Mexican cottontail were detected in 3.25%, 8.09%, and 12.37% of sampling points, respectively. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that mature tree density harmed the presence of the volcano rabbit. At the same time, cottontails appeared to be more resilient to habitat changes. Despite reforestation efforts, SPI, EVI, and SAI data indicated an increase in dryness over time. Intensive planting has transformed alpine grasslands, a key habitat for the volcano rabbit, into densely forested areas. Citizen science is an effective tool for monitoring certain species of leporids, such as the volcano rabbit, and provides valuable insights for conservation strategies. Future interventions should prioritize the preservation of alpine grasslands to ensure their long-term survival.
GC/MS analysis and insecticidal activity of Pelargonium graveolens essential oil from Algeria against Culex pipiens and Culiseta longiareolata mosquito larvae.
Mokhati R, Bouabida H, Dris D
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Nov · PMID 41296075 · Publisher ↗
The aim of our study on the essential oil of the local plant Pelargonium graveolens, collected from Tebessa, Northeast Algeria, is to determine its chemical composition and its toxicity as well as effects on biochemical...
The aim of our study on the essential oil of the local plant Pelargonium graveolens, collected from Tebessa, Northeast Algeria, is to determine its chemical composition and its toxicity as well as effects on biochemical and enzymatic parameters of Culex pipiens as well as Culiseta longiareolata mosquito at the fourth larval stage. The P. graveolens essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillationthen analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The analysis revealed that the major constituents of this oil were Citronellol (24.86%), followed by Geraniol (20.50%), Citronellylformate (8.30%), Geranyl isovalerate (8.12%), Lavandulyl acetate (5.51%), Menthone (5.26%), and Linalool (2.91%). This essential oil's toxicity was tested on larvae (stage four) of Cx. pipiens and Cs.longiareolata mosquitoes. Our study has shown that P. graveolens EO has great larvicidal efficiency against L larvae of Cx.pipiens and Cs.longiareolata. For both species, our LC values were 27.32 and 39.56ppm whileour LCvalueswere 34.39 and 44.95ppm respectively. The results indicate that the essential oil of P. graveolens, applied at the LC and LCconcentrations, caused a significant decrease (assessed via Student's t-test, p < 0.05) in protein, lipid, and carbohydrate levels as well as activation of detoxification enzymes, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT).In conclusion, essential oil of P. graveolens can be used as a natural alternative to insecticides against insects such as Cx pipiens and Cs.longiareolata mosquitoes.
The oncogenic role of BCL2L12 associated with immune status in the prognosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma.
Niu K, Cao S, Lian N … +2 more , Du R, Lu G
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Nov · PMID 41296062 · Publisher ↗
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global challenge with a high cancer-related death rate. Although BCL2L12 has been reported to be upregulated in mice with HCC, and its deletion markedly inhibits HCC progression, its s...
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global challenge with a high cancer-related death rate. Although BCL2L12 has been reported to be upregulated in mice with HCC, and its deletion markedly inhibits HCC progression, its specific role and associated tumorigenesis mechanisms in human HCC remain elusive. Differential gene expression analysis was performed using TCGA and GEPIA databases. Survival probability analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method. Immune checkpoint-related prognosis in HCC and their correlation with BCL2L12 were analyzed. The correlation between BCL2L12 and immune infiltration was investigated using the TIMER database. MEXPRESS and MethSurv were employed to display methylation of BCL2L12 and prognostic value. Upstream ncRNAs of BCL2L12 were predicted using starBase, String and TargetScan. Protein-protein interaction network involving BCL2L12 was constructed via String. Genes related to BCL2L12 in HCC were obtained from the LinkedOmics database. BCL2L12-targeted drugs for HCC were predicted via RNAactDrug, Enrichr, CTD, and NetworkAnalyst. BCL2L12 expression was upregulated and associated with poor prognosis in HCC. BCL2L12 showed significant co-occurrence with an immune checkpoint, namely TNFRSF4. BCL2L12 was significantly associated with immune infiltration in HCC. Cg03848533 methylation and CYTOR/MIR4435-2HG-has-miR-125b-5p axis regulated BCL2L12 expression and prognosis of HCC. BCL2L12 interacted with ZNF215 and PUSL1, all of which were independent risk factors for overall survival in patients with HCC. Panobinostat, Pirinixic acid, and Fluorouracil were predicted to be the potential BCL2L12-targeted drug for HCC. Our findings offer an understanding of the Oncogenic Role of BCL2L12 associated with immune status in the prognosis of HCC and provide potential strategies for currently limited treatment.
Habitat degradation relates to reduced immune function in nestlings, but not adults, of a tropical forest bird.
Sorg TI, Hegemann A, Cousseau L … +6 more , Kung'u GN, Heiskanen J, Pellikka P, Githiru M, Lens L, Apfelbeck B
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Nov · PMID 41296038 · Full text
Human-induced habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation are among the leading causes of species decline worldwide. This is particularly true in tropical forests, where unique, often highly specialized fauna is under th...
Human-induced habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation are among the leading causes of species decline worldwide. This is particularly true in tropical forests, where unique, often highly specialized fauna is under threat. By altering resource availability, anthropogenic habitat change can impose resource constraints on animals and may influence their allocation of resources to competing life history traits. In this study, we investigated whether nestlings and adults differently invest in self-maintenance depending on habitat degradation in the placid greenbul (Phyllastrephus cabanisi placidus), a cooperative breeder native to the cloud forests of Eastern Africa. We quantified investment in self-maintenance by measuring innate immune function using bacteria killing assays (BKAs) in adult breeders and their nestlings along a gradient of fragmented and degraded forests of the Kenyan Taita Hills. While innate immune function is an important defence against pathogens, resources needed to maintain it may come at a cost to other processes such as nestling development. We show that while forest degradation did not affect adult innate immune function, nestlings bear the cost of growing up in degraded habitats, as their ability to clear bacteria from blood plasma was lower in areas with degraded vegetation. These findings highlight the importance of studying the effects of habitat fragmentation and degradation in the tropics, where most of the global biodiversity occurs, and where long-lived species may respond differently from short-lived temperate ones, for example by prioritising self-preservation over reproduction.
A new species of Huiyingosmylus Liu et al., 2013 reveals an abnormal foreleg morphology from the Middle Jurassic of China (Neuroptera, Saucrosmylidae).
Liu XT, Ren D, Wang YJ
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Nov · PMID 41295993 · Publisher ↗
Saucrosmylidae as an enigmatic Mesozoic lineage of Neuroptera, is characterized by its large body, typically expanded RA area, dense crossvenation and diversified wing patterns. A new species of Saucrosmylidae, namely Hu...
Saucrosmylidae as an enigmatic Mesozoic lineage of Neuroptera, is characterized by its large body, typically expanded RA area, dense crossvenation and diversified wing patterns. A new species of Saucrosmylidae, namely Huiyingosmylus wangi sp. nov. is described based on a well-preserved specimen. This specimen bears four stretched wings and a partial body, including a significantly shortened foreleg, and was collected from the Middle Jurassic of Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China. This new species further enhances the species diversity of Saucromylidae and also provides new information on the biological characteristics of this family.
Aluminum in native plants from the Campo Rupestre: Investigating accumulation sites and detoxification mechanisms in Melastomataceae.
Santana-Tomaz J, Arcelino Resende IM, de Sousa Côrtes H … +5 more , Valente GE, Dalvi VC, de Oliveira BV, Romero R, Azevedo AA
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Nov · PMID 41251856 · Publisher ↗
The presence of aluminum (Al) in the soil as a factor promoting adaptations in the flora of Campos Rupestres (CR)/(Quartzite Rupestrian Grasslands) has been neglected. Our aim was to highlight the accumulation of Al in C...
The presence of aluminum (Al) in the soil as a factor promoting adaptations in the flora of Campos Rupestres (CR)/(Quartzite Rupestrian Grasslands) has been neglected. Our aim was to highlight the accumulation of Al in CR species and to understand the metal resistance strategies of twenty Melastomataceae species collected together with soil samples. The following analyses were carried out: Al and nutrient levels; tests for histolocalization of Al, phenolic compounds and mucilage; mapping of Al, Ca, Fe, Mn and Si in leaves and stems using SEM/EDS; and chemical analysis of the soils. All analyzed species are Al accumulators, with leaf Al concentrations ranging from 1.46 to 27.74 g kg⁻¹ of dry mass. The primary cell walls of different tissues are the main accumulation sites. The presence of Al in meristematic tissues, nuclei, and chloroplasts corroborates the metal's non-toxicity in CR plants. Compartmentalization of Al inside sclereids and mucilaginous idioblasts, complexation with silicon in cell walls and mineralized structures, and exudation of the metal together with secretion from glandular trichomes are possible mechanisms of Al internal detoxification. This study is the first to demonstrate Al accumulation by plants from Campo rupestre quartzitic, a megadiverse Brazilian OCBIL.
Mechanistic study on the regulatory role of hsa-miR-1247-5p and TRIB2 in sepsis-induced acute lung injury.
Ding X, Zhang B, Cai S … +3 more , Liao D, Huang L, Zhang X
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Nov · PMID 41212325 · Publisher ↗
Sepsis is a complex clinical syndrome characterized by an exaggerated systemic inflammatory response to infection. The lung is the most vulnerable organ in septic patients, leading to acute lung injury (ALI) as a common...
Sepsis is a complex clinical syndrome characterized by an exaggerated systemic inflammatory response to infection. The lung is the most vulnerable organ in septic patients, leading to acute lung injury (ALI) as a common complication. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) primarily regulate the expression of target genes, influencing disease initiation and progression. This study aimed to evaluate the regulatory role of hsa-miR-1247-5p and TRIB2 in sepsis-induced ALI. Bioinformatics approaches were employed to predict target genes of hsa-miR-1247-5p, followed by validation using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. A lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI cell model was established using murine monocyte-macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Techniques including CCK-8, RT-PCR, flow cytometry, mitochondrial membrane potential probe detection, and Western blotting were utilized to investigate the expression and functional roles of hsa-miR-1247-5p and TRIB2 in ALI. The regulatory mechanism was preliminarily assessed by downregulating hsa-miR-1247-5p. The dual-luciferase assay confirmed the direct targeting interaction between hsa-miR-1247-5p and TRIB2. In the sepsis-induced ALI cell model, hsa-miR-1247-5p and TRIB2 exhibited a negative correlation. Suppression of hsa-miR-1247-5p significantly increased cell viability while reducing mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis rates, and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Additionally, downregulation of hsa-miR-1247-5p decreased the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins (Caspase-1, ASC, and GSDMD), thereby inhibiting pyroptosis. hsa-miR-1247-5p ameliorates sepsis-induced ALI by negatively regulating TRIB2. This study elucidates a potential therapeutic pathway targeting the hsa-miR-1247-5p/TRIB2 axis in ALI management.
Epidemiology of acute myeloid leukemia in children and adolescents (1990-2021): a global burden of disease study.
Jia F, Li Y, Hao T … +1 more , Ma G
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Nov · PMID 41201676 · Full text
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a significant global health concern in children, though its epidemiological landscape has markedly changed over recent decades. Understanding these evolving trends can guide targeted...
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a significant global health concern in children, though its epidemiological landscape has markedly changed over recent decades. Understanding these evolving trends can guide targeted healthcare strategies and resource allocation. Utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database spanning 1990-2021, we analyzed global, regional, and national trends in AML incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) among children and adolescents. We applied annual percentage change (APC), estimated annual percentage change (EAPC), and correlations with the socio-demographic index (SDI) to quantify trends and influencing factors. From 1990 to 2021, global childhood AML incidence decreased by 37%, with mortality and DALYs declining by 40% and 42%, respectively. The most pronounced reductions occurred in children under 5 years of age. Substantial disparities emerged across SDI regions, with the high-middle SDI group exhibiting the sharpest declines in incidence (EAPC = - 2.96%), mortality (-3.44%), and DALYs (-3.51%). In contrast, the low SDI region saw mortality rise by 8% and DALYs increase by 5%. South Asia carried the highest absolute disease burden, while Oceania recorded the highest population-adjusted rates. Nationally, China reported the greatest incidence and India the highest mortality, despite both countries achieving significant reductions. Despite aggregate gains, childhood AML burden remains concentrated in lower-SDI settings, where exposure-related attribution is rising and outcome improvements lag. Prioritizing prevention, earlier diagnosis, and equitable access to definitive care is essential to narrow these disparities and accelerate global progress.
AI misuse of retracted literature: A comparative study of ChatGPT4o, deepseek, and grok 3 in stem cell research.
Yao L, Gu T, Li X … +5 more , Jiao Y, Li M, Graff JC, Li Y, Gu W
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Nov · PMID 41182423 · Full text
DeepSeek and Grok 3 appear as strong competitors to AI models, particularly the widely accepted model, ChatGPT. The accuracy of the utilization of data in retracted scientific articles has proven to be a significant chal...
DeepSeek and Grok 3 appear as strong competitors to AI models, particularly the widely accepted model, ChatGPT. The accuracy of the utilization of data in retracted scientific articles has proven to be a significant challenge for AI as an assistant in scientific research. It is critical to understand whether and how three AI models handle information from retracted articles when they answer scientific questions. We collected retracted articles and used AI models to generate questions and analyzed the answers. The answers were compared and evaluated among three AI models. Here we show that these three models utilized 84 out of 93 retracted articles in their answers about stem cells. ChatGPT4o retrieved 74 out of 93 (80%) articles and recognized the retract status for 46 (62%) of them. DeepSeek only found one retracted article and did not realize its retraction status. Grok 4 retrieved 69 (74%) articles and recognized the retraction status of 46 (67%) of them. In cases when the retracted articles were not identified, ChatGPT fabricated articles 5 times out of 19 (26%) for its answers. Grok 3 fabricated 15 articles out of 24 (63%) for its answers. In 82 times of 93 (88%) answers, DeepSeek fabricated the articles in various forms. The answering styles from ChatGPT4o, DeepSeek, and Grok 3 are characterized by accurate and straightforward, a tangential structure and guesswork, and comprehensive and detailed answers, respectively. Analysis with non-retracted articles revealed the similar patterns of these models. This study suggests that, while no model is perfect, DeepSeek performed the worst when facing in-depth scientific real-world challenges. Much improvement has to be made before any of these AI models become problem-free and valuable for scientists.
Vaterite found in saltwater natural pearls from Pinctada Sp. mollusks.
Zhou C, Jin S, Homkrajae A … +2 more , Atchalak R, Alalawi A
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Oct · PMID 41160120 · Full text
In this study, we report the detection of vaterite in natural saltwater pearls reportedly found inside Pinctada species mollusks, collected from the pearl oyster beds near the water of Kuwait in the Persian (or Arabian)...
In this study, we report the detection of vaterite in natural saltwater pearls reportedly found inside Pinctada species mollusks, collected from the pearl oyster beds near the water of Kuwait in the Persian (or Arabian) Gulf. This rare polymorph of calcium carbonate was found on both surfaces and/or cross-sectional areas. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were carried out in order to characterize the structures, which confirmed the presence of vaterite. The results of one pearl are detailed in this article, which showed a predominantly vaterite formation with a calcite central core. Our results showed that vaterite not only existed in freshwater cultured pearls grown in freshwater mussels as previously reported but also can be found in pearls from marine bivalve mollusks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time vaterite was conclusively identified in saltwater pearls and pearls of natural origin, and such information provided invaluable insights into biomineralization of calcium carbonate in these unique biogenic gem materials.
Selection of superior Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) genotypes from seedling-originated trees in the North-Western Himalayan region based on morphological characterization using multivariate analysis.
Ahir M, Chauhan JK, Sharma DP … +3 more , Rana VS, Dogra RK, Dangi G
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Oct · PMID 41114817 · Publisher ↗
The current research study was undertaken with the aim of evaluating 98 distinct walnut genotypes from the existing seedling population and assessing 26 qualitative and 21 quantitative morphological and physiological cha...
The current research study was undertaken with the aim of evaluating 98 distinct walnut genotypes from the existing seedling population and assessing 26 qualitative and 21 quantitative morphological and physiological characteristics pertaining to trees, leaf, nut and kernel traits. The results revealed a significant degree of diversity among the examined walnut genotypes. A strong positive and negative association in evaluated morphological and physiological traits was identified through the analysis of correlation coefficients. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) applied to qualitative and quantitative characters successfully explained a notable amount of the entire variation, with the first nine and six PCs explaining 65.89 % and 78.81 % of variability, respectively. Using Ward's clustering method with the Euclidean distance metric, a hierarchical dendrogram was generated, in which two major groups were identified among the walnut genotypes, each of which subsequently partitioned into multiple smaller sub-clusters. This classification underscores the substantial genetic variability among the walnut genotypes, highlighting their potential for targeted breeding programs. Notably, genotypes distributed across different clusters present promising candidates for hybridization, facilitating the development of novel walnut varieties with desirable traits. The dendrogram illustrating the evaluated characteristics clearly demonstrates significant differentiation among the genotypes, emphasizing distinct variations. The integration of molecular techniques with conventional morphological assessments could further enhance the accuracy of genetic differentiation, thereby offering a more reliable and comprehensive approach to genotype classification and selection.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid attenuates cortisol-induced damage in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells via Nrf2 signaling.
Liu Y, Wu Y
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Oct · PMID 41114738 · Full text
Long-term psychological stress is associated with increased intestinal epithelial permeability. In the human central nervous system, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-protein amino acid found in bacteria, plants, and...
Long-term psychological stress is associated with increased intestinal epithelial permeability. In the human central nervous system, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-protein amino acid found in bacteria, plants, and animals, acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter that controls the cardiovascular system, reduces blood pressure, enhances mood, and encourages sleep. It is still unclear how GABA controls the function of the colon epithelial barrier under long-term stress. This study explored the potential of GABA to ameliorate cortisol-induced damage in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HT29) and the mechanisms at play. Our results indicate that GABA mitigated cellular damage by neutralizing the negative impacts of Cortisol on HT29 cell viability, permeability, and the expression of barrier-associated proteins. Additionally, GABA maintained the cellular barrier function and antioxidant defense. Overall, our results point to the possibility that GABA may shield HT29 cells from harm caused by cortisol by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Artificial intelligence in biology and medicine.
Iskuzhina L, Turaev Z, Rozhin A … +4 more , Romanov A, Skomorokhova E, Ishmukhametov I, Rozhina E
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Oct · PMID 41107683 · Publisher ↗
This article explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine and biology. Special attention is given to areas of biology such as genomics, proteomics, biotechnology, cell, and synthetic biology. In the fiel...
This article explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine and biology. Special attention is given to areas of biology such as genomics, proteomics, biotechnology, cell, and synthetic biology. In the field of medicine, the emphasis is on diagnosis, vaccine development, and treatment of various diseases, including COVID-19. The future of AI is explored, including explainable AI and biologically inspired models, as well as the synergy of AI with other advanced technologies, such as robotics and nanotechnology. The limitations and challenges facing AI are also analysed, including ethical and legal aspects, data quality issues, and the need for standardisation. The article emphasises that the potential of AI can both improve the quality of life and accelerate scientific discovery, and increase the occurrence of risks associated with its introduction into the scientific process. It concludes by emphasising the need for responsible use of AI to preserve scientific diversity and innovation.
Pollination ecology and breeding system of Justicia gendarussa Burm. f. (Acanthaceae): first report of fruit set through supplementary obligatory-xenogamous pollination.
Kundu A, Mondal R, Layek U … +1 more , Karmakar P
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Oct · PMID 41107614 · Publisher ↗
Justicia gendarussa Burm. f. (Acanthaceae) is a highly important medicinal plant restricted to tropical Asia. However, recently, the species has become rare in different states of India, including West Bengal. To unravel...
Justicia gendarussa Burm. f. (Acanthaceae) is a highly important medicinal plant restricted to tropical Asia. However, recently, the species has become rare in different states of India, including West Bengal. To unravel its conservation status, the present study investigates the different reproductive aspects (flower biology, floral rewards, floral volatiles, floral visitors, and breeding system) for its long-term sustenance. The plant blooms once a year (January to April), with steady-state flowering. Flowers are typically gullet-shaped and have a longevity of 4 days. The male phase (day 1 to day 3; pollen fertility = 82.45 ± 2.14%) coincides with the female phase (day-2 to day-3), indicating dichogamy. The creamy white corolla with purple spots, floral nectar, and floral volatiles attract different groups of floral visitors. However, bees and syrphid flies are potent pollinators. As per pollination efficiency (PEi) and relative pollination service (RPS), Amegilla zonata is the most efficient pollinator (PEi = 0.86) and the only representative of the primary pollinating group (RPS% = 66.28). The plant species is completely self-incompatible (ISI = 0); obligatory xenogamy is the only successful pollinating mode. Thus, the plant species is completely pollinator dependent. The coefficient of pollination deficit is maximal in the wild habitat ( D= 1). Increasing population density of the potent pollinators and habitat (germplasm) conservation may be the most effective strategy for the long-term sustenance of this plant species.
Genetic and HPLC-DAD analyses of the Polistes canadensis wasp (Linnaeus, 1758) collected in the state of Bahia, Brazil.
Assunção A, Nolasco M, Reis IMA … +2 more , Oliveira E, Branco A
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Oct · PMID 41107580 · Publisher ↗
The Polistes canadensis wasp, present in natural and urban ecosystems, can act as an indicator of environmental quality and/or a biological control of pests. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic variabili...
The Polistes canadensis wasp, present in natural and urban ecosystems, can act as an indicator of environmental quality and/or a biological control of pests. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic variability of Polistes canadensis in three micro-regions of the state of Bahia, using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) molecular markers for genomic mapping, and also to analyze its venom by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with UV diode array detector. The results show structured populations, with genetic diversity even in geographically close populations and similar environmental characteristics, and indicated that the four populations are divided into three distinct groups. The chemical study enabled us to analyze the presence of biogenic amine, oligopeptedeo, and enzymes among the venoms and compare them with each other. From this study, one can have the first record of the genetic diversity of Polistes canadensis from the state of Bahia, Brazil, as well as a description of the chemical profile.
Recovering lost time in Syria: a gigantic latest Cretaceous azhdarchid pterosaur from the Palmyrides mountain chain.
Alhalabi WA, Pinheiro FL, Jaoude IB … +4 more , Ismail MJ, Suberbiola XP, Bardet N, Langer MC
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Oct · PMID 41099807 · Publisher ↗
Azhdarchidae was a diverse group of toothless pterosaurs and one of the few lineages of flying reptiles to survive to the end of the Cretaceous. Despite including medium-sized forms, the group is notable for their gigant...
Azhdarchidae was a diverse group of toothless pterosaurs and one of the few lineages of flying reptiles to survive to the end of the Cretaceous. Despite including medium-sized forms, the group is notable for their gigantic representatives, which correspond to the largest known flying animals. Azhdarchids had a nearly global distribution during the Late Cretaceous, including the Arabian Plate, with records in Lebanon and Jordan, such as the iconic Arambourgiana philadelphiae. Here, we report the first azhdarchid, and indeed the first pterosaur, from Syria, recovered from early Maastrichtian phosphate deposits of the Palmyrides mountain chain, near Palmyra (Tadmur). It corresponds to a fragmentary left humerus, missing both its proximal and distal ends, with a preserved length of 289 mm. The Syrian pterosaur was exceptionally large, with extrapolations suggesting that, if complete, its humerus would be only about 10% smaller than the holotype humerus of Quetzalcoatlus northropi, the largest known pterosaur. The new pterosaur fossil also represents the uncommon record of a giant azhdarchid in marine deposits, confirming that these gigantic animals, though classically considered continental, could also inhabit nearshore environments. The find also underscores the widespread occurrence of gigantic azhdarchids until the latest Cretaceous, just prior to their Cretaceous/Paleogene extinction, and highlights the potential for fossil discoveries in understudied regions such as the Middle East.
Beyond leaf projections: the multifunctionality of leaf teeth in Violaceae.
Dalvi VC, Rocha DI, de Paula-Souza J
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Oct · PMID 41091167 · Publisher ↗
The diverse morphology of leaf teeth, including the presence or absence of glands, is a taxonomic attribute. However, the adaptive advantages of these projections remain unclear, and the nature of the glands associated w...
The diverse morphology of leaf teeth, including the presence or absence of glands, is a taxonomic attribute. However, the adaptive advantages of these projections remain unclear, and the nature of the glands associated with the margins is commonly disregarded. We selected two species of Violaceae (Pombalia atropurpurea and Anchietea pyrifolia) to describe the morphoanatomy and micromorphology of the leaf teeth and to unravel the nature of the associated glands. Leaves at different developmental stages were collected, fixed, and processed according to standard light and scanning electron microscopy techniques (including SEM-EDS). The guttation process was conducted on young plants of P. atropurpurea. Both species show vascularized teeth bearing a colleter in the apical portion and a hydathode with evident modified stomata, with guttation observed. The colleters are of the standard type and secrete mucilage and proteins in the initial stages of leaf development. In expanded leaves, the colleters are completely collapsed and the hydathodes are active. Crystals occurred along the veins, including the vasculature that irrigates the teeth. These crystals were extravasated through the modified stomata and colleters, a function previously unknown to this gland. We suggest that the leaf teeth of Violaceae perform multiple functions in the plant body, such as (i) protection against desiccation, through the sticky secretion of colleters; (ii) guttation, through modified stomata, and (iii) elimination of excess calcium in the form of crystals.
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