Sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Transmembrane Domain Encodes Conformational Dynamics.

The homotrimeric SARS-CoV-2 spike protein enables viral infection by undergoing a large conformational transition, which facilitates the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane. The spike protein is anchored to the SARS-CoV-2 envelope by its transmembrane domain (TMD), composed of three TM helices, each contributed by one of the protomers of spike. Although the TMD is known to be important for viral fusion, whether it is a passive anchor of the spike or actively promotes fusion remains unknown.

Microplastic contamination in the aquaculture icon Oreochromis mossambicus: Prevalence, characteristics, and comprehensive overview.

The global production of plastics has surged to 368 million tonnes annually, leading to significant plastic waste accumulation, projected to reach 12,000 Mt by 2050, impacting aquatic ecosystems. Fish, crucial for their protein and nutrients, are particularly vulnerable to microplastic (MP) ingestion. As a major aquaculture producer and fish consumer, India faces rising plastic pollution in freshwater, which disrupts fish health and growth, posing a significant threat to the sustainability and productivity of aquaculture systems and potential health risks.

Impact of diethyl phthalate on freshwater planarian behaviour, regeneration, and antioxidant defence.

Diethyl phthalate (DEP) has been widely used as a plasticiser in various consumer products, including cosmetics, personal care items, and pharmaceuticals, and recent studies reported a higher abundance of this priority phthalate in the aquatic environment. DEP is a potential endocrine disruptor, affecting immune systems in humans and wildlife even at low-level chronic exposure. As concern over phthalates increases globally, regulatory bodies focus more on their environmental impact.

Nanostructured electroless Ni deposited SnO for solar hydrogen production.

Herein, Ni-decorated SnO (Ni@SnO) nanostructures have been synthesized using SnO as a matrix a simple electroless deposition method for the generation of hydrogen, a potent near-future fuel. XRD analysis confirmed the generation of rutile SnO in Ni@SnO. FESEM and FETEM imaging exhibited the formation of SnO nanoparticles with a size of 10-50 nm, which are deposited with Ni nanoparticles (5-7 nm) and intermittent films (thickness 1-2 nm).

Impact of Air Pollution on Neurological and Psychiatric Health.

Air pollution is a critical global issue with extensive implications beyond respiratory health, significantly affecting neurological and psychiatric disorders. Emerging evidence establishes a link between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM < 2.5 µm), sulfur dioxide (SO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO) and heightened risks of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, ADHD, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.