Abstract Bacteria often function as a community, called the microbiota, consisting of many different bacterial species. The accurate identification of bacterial types and the simultaneous quantification of the cells of each bacterial type will advance our understanding of microbiota; however, this cannot be performed by conventional 16S rRNA sequencing methods as they only identify and…

Abstract Previous surveys suggests that body mass index (BMI) may be positively related to development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, this association might be altered by metabolic syndrome. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association of metabolic health status with CKD. The present cross-sectional study was carried out on 3322 representative sample of Iranian…

Abstract Tree canopies are one of the most recognizable features of forests, providing shelter from external influences to a myriad of species that live within and below the tree foliage. Canopy disturbances are now increasing across European forests, and climate-change-induced drought is a key driver, together with pests and pathogens, storms and fire. These disturbances…

Abstract Emmetropization, a natural process of ocular elongation, is closely associated with scleral remodeling. The Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) was reported involved in scleral remodeling in myopia models. Herein, we aimed to investigate the role of scleral fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and FGF-2 in scleral remodeling during maturation. Our findings revealed that the posterior scleral fibroblasts (SFs)…

Labs range in size, and no one size is likely to fit all. Here some researchers share their lab size experiences and preferences. With lab size, says Lars Juhl Jensen of the University of Copenhagen, who works in proteomics, network biology and text mining, “it’s always a tradeoff.” Getting things done takes a critical mass…

Abstract In cis and trans geometrical configurations of the polyacetylene molecule, one-dimensional chain is constructed by attaching a number of identical –HC=CH– units one-by-one. We attach as many units as required to obtain the chain of the desired length. In case of a very long polyacetylene chain, which is practically considered infinite in length, a…

Abstract Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) shows high lethality and toxicity, marking it as an important biological threat. The only effective post-exposure therapy is botulinum antitoxin; however, such products have great potential for improvement. To prevent or treat BoNT, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are promising agents. Herein, we aimed to construct a bispecific antibody (termed LUZ-A1-A3) based on…

Abstract Within ice core science, woman-led studies contain 20% more women co-authors than man-led studies, and exceed the estimated proportion of women within the community by nearly 10%. We conclude that collaboration with other women is a key factor in closing gender gaps in science. This is a preview of subscription content, access via your…

There is something strange about the chemical bond. It is very difficult to define in a more sophisticated way than as being the ‘glue’ that ‘binds’ atoms. And yet the bond is one of the most essential concepts in chemistry; without it one cannot describe how molecules are structured, nor explain how a chemical reaction…