@article{21231, abstract = {To assess cell migration in complex spatial environments, microfabricated chips, such as mazes and pillar forests, are routinely used to impose spatial and mechanical constraints, and cell trajectories are followed within these structures by advanced imaging techniques. In systems mechanobiology, computational models serve as essential tools to uncover how physical geometry influences intracellular dynamics; however, decoding such complex behaviors requires advanced inference techniques. Here, we integrated experimental observations of dendritic cell migration in a geometrically constrained microenvironment into a Cellular Potts model. We demonstrated that these spatial constraints modulate the motility dynamics, including speed and directional changes. We show that classical summary statistics, such as mean squared displacement and turning angle distributions, can resolve key mechanistic features but fail to extract richer spatiotemporal patterns, limiting accurate parameter inference. To solve this, we applied neural posterior estimation with in-the-loop learning of summary features. This learned summary representation of the data enables robust and flexible parameter inference, providing a data-driven framework for model calibration and advancing quantitative analysis of cell migration in structured microenvironments.}, author = {Arruda, Jonas and Alamoudi, Emad and Mueller, Robert and Vaisband, Marc and Molkenbur, Ronja and Merrin, Jack and Kiermaier, Eva and Hasenauer, Jan}, issn = {2056-7189}, journal = {npj Systems Biology and Applications}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, title = {{Simulation-based inference of cell migration dynamics in complex spatial environments}}, doi = {10.1038/s41540-026-00648-9}, volume = {12}, year = {2026}, } @article{21382, abstract = {The exceptional energy-harvesting efficiency of lead-halide perovskites arises from unusually long photocarrier diffusion lengths and recombination lifetimes that persist even in defect-rich, solution-grown samples. Paradoxically, perovskites are also known for having very short exciton decay times. Here, we resolve this apparent contradiction by showing that key optoelectronic properties of perovskites can be explained by localized flexoelectric polarization confined to interfaces between domains of spontaneous strain. Using birefringence imaging, electrochemical staining, and zero-bias photocurrent measurements, we visualize the domain structure and directly probe the associated internal fields in nominally cubic single crystals of methylammonium lead bromide. We demonstrate that localized flexoelectric fields spatially separate electrons and holes to opposite sides of domain walls, exponentially suppressing recombination. Domain walls thus act as efficient mesoscopic transport channels for long-lived photocarriers, microscopically linking structural heterogeneity to charge transport and offering mechanistically informed design principles for perovskite solar-energy technologies.}, author = {Rak, Dmytro and Lorenc, Dusan and Balazs, Daniel and Zhumekenov, Ayan A. and Bakr, Osman M. and Alpichshev, Zhanybek}, issn = {2041-1723}, journal = {Nature Communications}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, title = {{Flexoelectric domain walls enable charge separation and transport in cubic perovskites}}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-68660-5}, volume = {17}, year = {2026}, } @article{21485, abstract = {Insulating oxides are among the most abundant solid materials in the universe1,2,3. Of the many ways in which they influence natural phenomena, perhaps the most consequential is their capacity to transfer electrical charge during contact4,5,6,7,8,9,10—which occurs even between samples of the same oxide—yet the symmetry-breaking parameter that causes this remains unidentified11,12. Here we show that adventitious carbonaceous molecules adsorbed from the environment are the symmetry-breaking factor in same-material oxide contact electrification (CE). We use acoustic levitation to measure charge exchange between a sphere and a plate composed of identical amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO2). Although charging polarity is random for co-prepared samples, we control it with baking or plasma treatment. Observing the charge-exchange relaxation afterwards, we see dynamics over a timescale of hours and connect this directly to the presence of adventitious carbon with time-of-flight mass spectrometry, low-energy ion scattering and infrared spectroscopy. Going further, we confirm that adventitious carbon can even determine charge exchange among different oxides. Our results identify the symmetry-breaking parameter that causes insulating oxides to exchange charge in settings ranging from desert sands4 to volcanic plumes5,6, while simultaneously highlighting an overlooked factor in CE more broadly.}, author = {Grosjean, Galien M and Ostermann, Markus and Sauer, Markus and Hahn, Michael and Pichler, Christian M. and Fahrnberger, Florian and Pertl, Felix and Balazs, Daniel and Link, Mason M. and Kim, Seong H. and Schrader, Devin L. and Blanco, Adriana and Gracia, Francisco and Mujica, Nicolás and Waitukaitis, Scott R}, issn = {1476-4687}, journal = {Nature}, number = {8106}, pages = {626--631}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, title = {{Adventitious carbon breaks symmetry in oxide contact electrification}}, doi = {10.1038/s41586-025-10088-w}, volume = {651}, year = {2026}, } @article{21711, abstract = {Background: Low-volume trapping columns are essential for sample enrichment, desalting, and injection profile focusing on nano-LC–MS-based proteomics. They enable higher sample loading, improve chromatographic performance, and protect the analytical column by removing salts and contaminants. Recently, monolithic trap columns with micropillar architecture have emerged as alternatives to conventionally packed traps. This study compares the performance of a packed and a micropillar monolithic trap column for the analysis of tryptic peptides. Methods: A tryptic digest of HeLa cell lysate was analyzed under identical LC–MS conditions using both trap types. Peptides were detected at 214 nm and analyzed by nano-ESI on a Q Exactive Plus Orbitrap. Data were searched against the human UniProt database (February 2023) using FragPipe v20.0, and statistical evaluation of MaxLFQ intensities was performed in Perseus using Welch’s t-test and clustering analysis. Results: Over 2500 proteins were identified with both setups. The packed trap column yielded more total peptides, particularly those with post-translational modifications and higher hydrophilicity, whereas the monolithic column favored peptides of intermediate hydrophobicity. Chromatographic profiles confirmed a slight reduction in the trapping efficiency of hydrophilic peptides by the monolithic trap. Conclusions: Trap column design significantly influences peptide recovery and proteome coverage.}, author = {Miletić Vukajlović, Jadranka and Ilić, Bojana and Bruszel, Bella and Panić-Janković, Tanja and Mitulović, Goran}, issn = {2227-7382}, journal = {Proteomes}, number = {1}, publisher = {MDPI}, title = {{Comparison of the trapping efficiency for tryptic peptides on particle-packed and micro-pillar trap columns for proteomics analyses}}, doi = {10.3390/proteomes14010010}, volume = {14}, year = {2026}, } @article{21767, abstract = {The involvement of non-scientific staff in discussions about animal welfare and scientific quality is essential for biomedical research progress. In this study, we developed a survey to collect the self-perception of animal care staff (ACS) and laboratory technicians about their involvement in scientific planning and conduct. Participants were contacted to complete an anonymous online questionnaire. We obtained 850 responses, mainly from Europe: 564 from ACS and 286 from laboratory technicians. Job satisfaction was assessed as positive by ACS and laboratory technicians despite the low frequency of culture of care activities and mental health meetings. Both groups expressed their desire to be trained in research planning and conduct; however, regular training was not reported. In addition, the inability to act on animal welfare concerns owing to experimental reasons was reported by both groups. Over half of the participants felt valued and appreciated by the lead scientists or animal facility manager; however, it is not clear how they are acknowledged, as their names on the authors list or in the manuscript acknowledgments are barely included. Our results indicated that involvement of ACS and laboratory technicians in planning and conducting studies would improve their understanding of how experiments are done, and therefore communication processes, work satisfaction, animal welfare, and scientific quality. Finally, we provided recommendations to improve the engagement of ACS and laboratory technicians in discussions about animal research planning and conduct.}, author = {Gonzalez-Uarquin, Fernando and Jirkof, Paulin and Bert, Bettina and Hawkins, Penny and Angelovski, Ljupco and Baumgart, Jan and Baumgart, Nadine and Cevik, Özge S. and Franco, Nuno H. and Horata, Erdal and Kaura, Rohish and Neuhaus, Winfried and Riso, Brigida and Smith, Adrian J. and Sotiropoulos, Athanassia and Vitale, Augusto and Schober, Sophie}, issn = {1758-1117}, journal = {Laboratory Animals}, publisher = {SAGE Publications}, title = {{Building bridges: Involvement of animal care staff and laboratory technicians in experimental planning and conduct of animal studies for better job satisfaction and science}}, doi = {10.1177/00236772251400976}, year = {2026}, } @article{21779, abstract = {Acidomycin is an anti-mycobacterial antibiotic with a unique mode of action, targeting the biotin biosynthesis pathway. Despite being highly active against mycobacteria in vitro, its development as an anti-tubercular agent has been hindered due to suboptimal pharmacokinetics. Engineering of the acidomycin biosynthesis may yield new analogues with improved pharmacological properties. Here, we describe the identification of the acidomycin biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) in a Streptomyces bacterium isolated from the rhizosphere of Edelweiss. Notably, the acidomycin BGC is located in proximity to the genes for the biosynthesis of stravidins, secondary metabolites targeting a different enzyme in the biotin biosynthesis pathway, and two genes for streptavidins, proteins that strongly bind and sequester biotin. The identity of the acidomycin BGC was confirmed via both gene knock-out and heterologous expression, which suggested that the fatty acid required for the formation of acidomycin's acyl chain is most likely scavenged from the biotin biosynthesis pathway. CRISPR/Cas9-assisted knock-out of the cytochrome P450-encoding gene in the acidomycin BGC resulted in a significant decrease in its yield but did not abrogate the biosynthesis completely.}, author = {Vignolle, Anna and Zehl, Martin and Garzón, Jaime Felipe Guerrero and Schneider, Olha and Gafriller, Johannes and Grienke, Ulrike and Kirkegaard, Rasmus H. and Zotchev, Sergey B.}, issn = {1751-7915}, journal = {Microbial Biotechnology}, number = {4}, publisher = {Wiley}, title = {{Identification and characterisation of the gene cluster governing biosynthesis of the anti-mycobacterial antibiotic acidomycin}}, doi = {10.1111/1751-7915.70357}, volume = {19}, year = {2026}, } @article{21848, abstract = {Despite the success of mRNA therapeutics, challenges remain in optimizing immune responses and minimizing side effects. Cell-specific antigen delivery may help reduce required doses and improve vaccine efficacy. In this study, we report on a targeted delivery system for mRNA to a specific subset of skin-resident antigen-presenting cells: Langerhans cells. By functionalizing lipid nanoparticles with a langerin-specific glycomimetic ligand, we achieve selective mRNA delivery to both murine and human primary Langerhans cells with minimal off-target uptake, at the same time resulting in significantly increased mRNA translation. This targeted mRNA delivery not only enhances antigen presentation and T-cell responses but also enables dose-sparing and superior antitumor immunity compared with conventional immunization in a B16-OVA tumor model. Importantly, our platform’s high compatibility with various lipid nanoparticle formulations offers a flexible and precise tool for skin-directed mRNA delivery.}, author = {Klein, Klara and Johnson, Litty and Rîca, Ramona and Sarcevic, Mirza and Carta, Gabriele and Seiser, Saskia and Elbe-Bürger, Adelheid and Langer, Freyja and Rahhal, Nowras and Rademacher, Christoph and Wawrzinek, Robert and Quattrone, Federica and Sparber, Florian}, issn = {1523-1747}, journal = {Journal of Investigative Dermatology}, publisher = {Elsevier}, title = {{Langerhans cell–targeted mRNA delivery: A strategy for dose-sparing and enhanced antitumor immunity}}, doi = {10.1016/j.jid.2026.03.026}, year = {2026}, } @article{21860, abstract = {Glutamate excitotoxicity is a cell death mechanism triggered by accumulation of glutamate in the extracellular space. The α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (αKGDHC), an enzyme of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, represents a branching point controlling glutamate formation and its consumption as a fuel. Hence, modulation of the activity of αKGDHC might alter the amount of glutamate available for excitotoxic effects. To address this hypothesis, hippocampal neurons in primary co-culture with glial cells were exposed to zero-Mg2 buffer to elicit excitotoxicity through N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor disinhibition. Pretreatment of the cultures with succinyl phosphonate, to inhibit αKGDHC, enhanced excitotoxity, whereas promotion of αKGDHC activity by pretreatment with thiamine caused an opposite action. Moreover, NMDA receptor currents – but not those mediated by α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors – were potentiated in neurons with impaired αKGDHC activity and diminished in neurons with boosted αKGDHC activity. The sensitization of NMDA receptors involved mGluR1 activation and was accompanied by enhanced neuronal discharge activity, elevated basal cytosolic Ca2+ levels, and augmented Ca2+ responses evoked by glutamate application. These results suggest that mGluR1-mediated potentiation of NMDA receptors contributes to a mechanism by which inhibition of αKGDHC might exacerbate glutamate excitotoxicity.}, author = {Goeschl, Vanessa and Hotka, Matej and Hochreiter, Bernhard and Hilber, Karlheinz and Boehm, Stefan and Kozlov, Andrey V. and Kubista, Helmut}, issn = {1477-9137}, journal = {Journal of Cell Science}, number = {8}, publisher = {The Company of Biologists}, title = {{α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex activity modulates glutamate excitotoxicity via metabotropic regulation of NMDA receptors in primary cultures}}, doi = {10.1242/jcs.264420}, volume = {139}, year = {2026}, } @article{21953, abstract = {Several Streptomyces strains were isolated from freshwater sediments collected in the Laxenburg ponds (Lower Austria). Genome sequencing and bioinformatics analyses revealed biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) that may specify production of chemically diverse secondary metabolites. Various culture conditions were employed to induce metabolite production, and subsequent LC-MS analyses facilitated the identification of the produced compounds and their correlation with the corresponding BGCs. These analyses of sediment-derived Streptomyces spp. highlight their extensive biosynthetic potential, revealing a diverse range of bioactive secondary metabolites, including siderophores, antibiotics, and other compounds with potential therapeutic applications. Genomes of two Streptomyces isolates, one of them representing a potentially new species, harbored several uncharacterized BGCs that may specify biosynthesis of novel secondary metabolites. Although targeted overexpression of pathway-specific regulators from these BGCs did not yield additional metabolites, whereas knockout experiments led to metabolic changes, presumably reflecting regulatory or compensatory interactions between multiple biosynthetic pathways. Continued exploration of these strains and their BGCs may lead to the discovery of new bioactive molecules with pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications.}, author = {Tocino-Márquez, Inmaculada and Zehl, Martin and Batajic, Jovana and Séneca, Joana and Pjevac, Petra and Murillo-Alba, José and Martín, Jesús and Sekurova, Olga N. and Zotchev, Sergey B.}, issn = {1664-302X}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, title = {{Unveiling the genomes and secondary metabolomes of Streptomyces spp. from freshwater sediments}}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2026.1793713}, volume = {17}, year = {2026}, } @unpublished{21963, abstract = {The cerebral cortex consists of immense numbers of neuronal and glial cell-types derived from radial glial progenitor (RGP) cells. How RGPs generate appropriate quantities of distinct cortical cell-types to safeguard a brain of correct size, is not well understood. However, genetic aberration in human, including mutations in PTEN, lead to cortical malformation such as macrocephaly, albeit with unknown etiology. Here we utilized Mosaic Analysis with Double Markers (MADM)-based clonal analysis and single cell phenotyping to decipher the role of Pten in neurogenic and gliogenic RGP lineage progression during cortical ontogeny. While neurogenic RGP lineage progression and projection neuron production was moderately altered in the absence of Pten, cortical astrocyte production was drastically increased. Through genetic epistasis experiments we show that the loss of Pten uncouples astrocyte generation from essential growth factor signaling hubs, funneling into MAPK. Collectively, our results suggest that Pten regulates RGP lineage progression with distinct sequential functions in cortical projection neurogenesis and astrocyte production to ensure the emergence of a correctly-sized cerebral cortex.}, author = {Miranda, Osvaldo and Contreras, Ximena and Pauler, Florian and Davaatseren, Amarbayasgalan and Amberg, Nicole and Streicher, Carmen and Villalba Requena, Ana and Heger, Anna-Magdalena and Marie, Corentine and Hassan, Bassem A. and Rülicke, Thomas and Hippenmeyer, Simon}, booktitle = {bioRxiv}, title = {{Pten orchestrates neurogenic radial glia lineage progression and tunes neocortical astrocyte production}}, doi = {10.64898/2026.05.01.722191}, year = {2026}, } @article{22229, abstract = {Hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons (PNs) form the largest autoassociative network in the mammalian brain. Whether CA3–CA3 recurrent connectivity is genetically preconfigured or environmentally shaped during ongoing memory storage is currently unknown. To address this question, we performed multicellular patch-clamp-based circuit mapping of up to eight CA3 PNs in the mouse hippocampus at multiple postnatal time points (P7–8, P18–25, and P45–50). Here, we show that the hippocampal CA3 network undergoes a developmental transformation from local, dense, and random connectivity to a distributed, sparse, and structured configuration. Thus, sparse and structured connectivity may emerge via experience-dependent mechanisms. In parallel, the strength of single synapses is downregulated; single synaptic events are sufficient to trigger postsynaptic spiking early in development, whereas spatial summation of several inputs is required at later time points. Biologically inspired models of memory storage by Hebbian synaptic plasticity and retrieval via pattern completion suggest that developmental changes improve specific aspects of memory storage and retrieval. Our results imply a developmental transformation of the neuronal code and the memory functions in the hippocampal CA3 network.}, author = {Vargas Barroso, Victor M and Watson, Jake and Navas Olivé, Andrea C and Schlögl, Alois and Jonas, Peter M}, issn = {2041-1723}, journal = {Nature Communications}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, title = {{Developmental emergence of sparse and structured synaptic connectivity in the hippocampal CA3 memory circuit}}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-71914-x}, volume = {17}, year = {2026}, } @misc{21442, author = {Schlögl, Alois}, keywords = {hypocampus, ca3 simulations, modelling}, publisher = {Institute of Science and Technology Austria}, title = {{CA3Simu v1.06 (vargas2026v1)}}, doi = {10.15479/AT-ISTA-21442}, year = {2026}, } @article{22254, abstract = {The global rise of antimicrobial resistance has intensified the search for new microbial metabolites from underexplored environments and taxonomic groups. Extreme and geographically isolated habitats such as Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems represent promising reservoirs of biosynthetic diversity, particularly among rare and difficult-to-cultivate actinomycetes that may produce chemically diverse metabolites with potential biotechnological applications. Here, we report the characterization of kineochelins, a previously undescribed group of siderophores produced by the Antarctic isolate Actinokineospora sp. UV203, representing a difficult-to-cultivate actinomycete lineage. Structural elucidation revealed a set of closely related congeners with a mixed-ligand architecture consistent with metal-chelating activity. Genome mining combined with transcriptomic analysis identified a dedicated nonribosomal peptide synthetase-encoding biosynthetic gene cluster responsible for kineochelin production. Comparative genomic analyses indicated that, although kineochelin biosynthetic genes share limited similarity with known mixed-ligand siderophores, their gene content and organization differ substantially, suggesting a distinct biosynthetic lineage. Functional characterization of the culture supernatant and an enriched pre-purified kineochelin fraction demonstrated strong and selective iron chelation, with high affinity for ferric and ferrous iron. Crude culture extracts inhibited the growth of bacterial strains isolated from the same Antarctic environment, indicating that kineochelins may contribute to iron-mediated microbial competition. In addition, kineochelin-enriched pre-purified fractions showed moderate selective inhibitory activity against the opportunistic yeast pathogen Nakaseomyces glabratus and a clinical isolate of Saccharomyces cerevisiae associated with invasive infection. These findings expand the chemical and biosynthetic diversity known within the genus Actinokineospora and demonstrate that Antarctic rare actinomycetes represent valuable sources of previously unexplored natural products. The discovery of kineochelins highlights the potential of genome-guided exploration of polar microorganisms for identifying bioactive metabolites with relevance for antimicrobial discovery and biotechnology.}, author = {Kralova, Stanislava and Spacek, Peter and Gafriller, Johannes and Bezdicek, Matej and Medvedcova, Viktoria and Séneca, Joana and Osvatic, Jay and Grienke, Ulrike and Rattei, Thomas and Sekurova, Olga N. and Zotchev, Sergey B. and Zehl, Martin and Loy, Alexander}, issn = {1751-7915}, journal = {Microbial Biotechnology}, keywords = {Actinokineospora, Antarctica, antimicrobial discovery, biosynthetic gene cluster, genome mining, microbial competition, nonribosomalpeptide synthetase, siderophores}, number = {6}, publisher = {Wiley}, title = {{Kineochelins - A new group of siderophores from an antarctic bacterium}}, doi = {10.1111/1751-7915.70386}, volume = {19}, year = {2026}, } @article{22289, abstract = {Single-stranded, helically folded aromatic oligoamides bearing anionic phosphonate side chains have been shown to bind to some DNA-binding proteins better than DNA itself. However, these DNA mimic foldamers have until now mainly consisted of a single repeat motif, like a poly(dA:dT) DNA duplex, and contained limited sequence information. Here, we introduce new monomers designed to display different chemical functionalities in the major groove of the DNA mimics. Four new Fmoc-protected amino acid monomers have been synthesized and incorporated into oligomers. Sixteen foldamer sequences were prepared on solid phase. Their conformations in solution and in the solid state and their conformational dynamics were investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance, circular dichroism, molecular modeling, and X-ray crystallography. The results show that three of the four new monomers behaved as designed and that their introduction enhances the conformational dynamics of the DNA mimic foldamers. In a fourth case, conformational behavior proved to be more complex than expected. The modified sequences retained the ability to bind to the bacterial histone-like protein HU. These results showcase design strategies to manipulate large molecular biomimetics in which not only side chains but also main chain components are varied. The new monomers pave the way to complex DNA mimic foldamer sequences targeting proteins that recognize sequence-selective DNA-binding proteins such as transcription factors or restriction enzymes.}, author = {Wu, Jiaojiao and Corvaglia, Valentina and Chakrabortty, Tulika and Mandal, Pradeep K and Huc, Ivan}, issn = {2041-6539}, journal = {Chemical Science}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, title = {{Tailoring the major groove of DNA mimic foldamers}}, doi = {10.1039/d6sc00798h}, year = {2026}, } @article{22301, abstract = {Auxin, primarily indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), is a central regulator of growth and development in land plants, but its physiological role in chlorophyte algae remains unclear. Here, we show that exogenous IAA modulates growth in Chlorella sorokiniana, Chlorella variabilis, and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in a concentration-dependent manner. Low IAA concentrations promoted growth by accelerating the onset of cell division without affecting cell size, whereas higher concentrations inhibited proliferation. Radiotracer assays showed that all three species take up and release IAA across the plasma membrane through a combination of passive diffusion and energy-dependent, saturable processes. Competition by excess unlabeled natural and synthetic auxins further supported the presence of carrier-mediated transport with broad substrate recognition. Phylogenetic analyses identified potential PIN-like auxin exporters in chlorophytes and other non-plant eukaryotes, and structural modeling supported conservation of the overall PIN fold and predicted auxin-binding residues. However, functional assays in Xenopus laevis oocytes, tobacco BY-2 cultured cells, and Arabidopsis thaliana did not support a role for these proteins in directional auxin export. Instead, non-plant PIN homologs localized predominantly to the endoplasmic reticulum and showed limited or no transport activity in heterologous systems. Together, these findings indicate that auxin responsiveness and basic cellular auxin transport predate canonical PIN-mediated directional auxin export, which appears to be a later innovation of the streptophyte lineage.}, author = {Smoljan, Adrijana and Koutnik‐Abele, Sarah and Vladimirtsev, Dmitrii and Klíma, Petr and Bírošíková, Anita and Zhang, Yuzhou and Merrin, Jack and Schuster, Maximilian and Kurtović, Katarina and Hammes, Ulrich Z. and Petrášek, Jan and Friml, Jiří}, issn = {1744-7909}, journal = {Journal of Integrative Plant Biology}, publisher = {Wiley}, title = {{Auxin response and PIN‐mediated transport in chlorophyte algae}}, doi = {10.1111/jipb.70309}, year = {2026}, } @article{21883, abstract = {Three-dimensional (3D) printing has rapidly developed from a niche hobbyist activity into a widely accessible and indispensable technology across multiple scientific disciplines. Within microscopy, optical engineering laboratories and imaging core facilities, 3D printing enables creating customised solutions for sample holders, optical components and everyday laboratory tools that traditionally required specialised machining. By providing rapid prototyping, low-cost production and reproducibility, 3D printing facilitates innovation and efficiency in facility operations. This article provides a perspective on the possibilities, challenges, and practical aspects of implementing 3D printing within microscopy core facilities. Instead of providing technical review about 3D printing, we focus on service organisation, user engagement, resource management and community-driven repositories for design dissemination. Our aim is to share insights with those considering the implementation of 3D printing as a service for developing add-on components to ease the operation of different aspects of the machine-park driven services and those who are managing advanced instrumentation within research groups.}, author = {Goudarzi, Mohammad and Schuster, Maximilian and Milberger, Arthur and Gunkel, Manuel and Terjung, Stefan and Krens, Gabriel}, issn = {1365-2818}, journal = {Journal of Microscopy}, number = {3}, pages = {382--395}, publisher = {Wiley}, title = {{3D printing in core facilities – Low pain, high gain}}, doi = {10.1111/jmi.70106}, volume = {302}, year = {2026}, } @article{21950, abstract = {One Health initiatives are modern paradigms for research and health care practices in various fields. Concrete definitions of the One Health framework, however, remain heterogeneous, leading to conceptual problems and uncertainties in the application of the framework. This article discusses several approaches to the One Health concept, and their associated consequences, with special focus on animal experimentation. The first issue addressed is how One Health should be defined, as well as what (and who) should be considered within a One Health approach. In order to shed further light on this, we explore the history of animals in biomedical science, highlighting historical milestones in the use of animal models, as well as the development and current state of ethical considerations in the field of animal experimentation. The second issue comes with the inclusion of animal experimentation per se as part of the One Health concept. Therefore, particular attention is paid to bioethical principles and the resulting problems that can arise when applying them to the One Health concept. Arguments such as the idea of inequality between humans and non-human animals, and the premise that all actions are done for the benefit of humans, are raised and then used to explore the question of whether the One Health concept is compatible with existing bioethical principles. Based on the bioethical principles of protecting the environment, the biodiversity and biosphere, this paper seeks an inclusive perspective of the One Health concept. Successful solutions will be based on this concept, which embraces all living beings. The authors conclude that a multispecies ethics approach could help create a more ethical ecosystem that is aligned with the wellbeing of all life on a shared planet.}, author = {Ulman, Yesim Isil and Kostomitsopoulos, Nikos and Camenzind, Samuel and Kitsara, Maria and Pavone, Ilja Richard and Schober, Sophie}, issn = {2632-3559}, journal = {Alternatives to Laboratory Animals}, number = {4}, pages = {226--235}, publisher = {SAGE Publications}, title = {{Emerging bioethical conflicts: One Health and animal experimentation}}, doi = {10.1177/02611929261453330}, volume = {54}, year = {2026}, } @article{22608, abstract = {For tissues to spread, they must deform while staying intact. How spreading tissues balance flexibility with integrity is not yet well understood. Here, we show that keratin intermediate filaments adapt tissue mechanical resilience to the stresses arising in epithelial tissues during spreading. By analyzing the expansion of the enveloping cell layer (EVL) over the yolk cell in zebrafish embryos in vivo, we find that keratin network maturation in EVL cells is promoted by stresses building up within the spreading tissue. Through genetic interference and tissue rheology experiments, complemented by a vertex model with mechanochemical feedback, we demonstrate that stress-induced keratin network maturation in the EVL increases tissue viscosity, to prevent tissue rupture. Further, keratins are required in the yolk cell for mechanosensitive actomyosin network contraction and flow, the forces pulling the EVL. These dual mechanosensitive functions of keratins enable a balance between pulling force production and EVL mechanical resilience, ensuring uniform and robust tissue spreading.}, author = {Naik, Suyash and Keta, Yann-Edwin and Pranjic-Ferscha, Kornelija and Hannezo, Edouard B and Henkes, Silke and Heisenberg, Carl-Philipp J}, issn = {2041-1723}, journal = {Nature Communications}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, title = {{Keratins coordinate tissue spreading by balancing spreading forces with tissue material properties}}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-72366-z}, volume = {17}, year = {2026}, } @article{22619, abstract = {Planar germanium is currently the only semiconducting platform where high-coherence spin qubits and proximity-induced superconductivity have each been demonstrated. Recent research into spin qubits in Ge/SiGe heterostructures has focused on increasing the thickness of the SiGe capping layer, reporting improvements in the electrostatic noise levels. Meanwhile, heterostructures with thinner capping layers remain rather unexplored, despite the potential advantages for proximity-induced superconductivity. Here, we study a Ge/SiGe heterostructure with a thin SiGe cap d - 4nm and investigate its viability to host low-noise quantum dots. To keep the thermal budget compatible with superconducting layers, low-temperature oxide deposition processes were developed and implemented for the gate dielectrics. The charge noise level of the fabricated devices is estimated to be 1.8  +- 1.0 μeV/ square HZ⁠, comparable to devices fabricated on shallow heterostructures (⁠ d - 20nm⁠) with high-temperature deposited oxides. Low charge noise levels, together with the straightforward integration of superconductors, make this heterostructure an attractive platform for prototyping hybrid semiconducting–superconducting devices.}, author = {Borovkov, Maksim and Schell, Yona A and Sokolova, Dina and Roux, Kevin Etienne Robert and Falthansl-Scheinecker, Paul and Fabris, Giorgio and Shah, Devashish C and Saez Mollejo, Jaime and Previdi, Rodolfo and Taha, Inas and Genç, Aziz and Arbiol, Jordi and Calcaterra, Stefano and Oliveira, Afonso De Cerdeira and Chrastina, Daniel and Isella, Giovanni and Bubis, Anton and Katsaros, Georgios}, issn = {1077-3118}, journal = {Applied Physics Letters}, number = {3}, publisher = {AIP Publishing}, title = {{Low-noise quantum dots in ultra-shallow Ge/SiGe heterostructures for prototyping hybrid semiconducting–superconducting devices}}, doi = {10.1063/5.0333142}, volume = {129}, year = {2026}, } @article{22645, abstract = {Nanocrystal superlattices are commonly formed by changing concentration, solvent conditions, or particle surface chemistry. Although effective, these approaches alter multiple contributions to the interparticle potential simultaneously, making it difficult to isolate the interactions responsible for ordering or to control assembly in chemically complex environments. Here, we show that oligomeric species present in a nanocrystal reaction medium drive superlattice formation through a depletion mechanism. Using PbTe nanocrystals as a model system, we identify Pb–oleate oligomers in the crude reaction mixture, characterize their solution structure, and quantify their contribution to the interparticle potential, establishing depletion as the dominant short-range interaction governing spontaneous body-centered cubic superlattice formation. We then confirm the depletion origin of ordering by showing that varying depletant concentration predictably shifts the order–disorder boundary and produces a thermally reversible transition between dispersed and ordered states ─ behavior that is inconsistent with van der Waals or ligand-mediated mechanisms but is a direct consequence of depletion control. Having established and validated the mechanism, we demonstrate that the same depletion framework can be deliberately activated in purified dispersions and transferred across nanocrystal systems of different composition and shape, including anisotropic and binary assemblies. These results establish precursor-derived depletion as a general and chemically grounded mechanism for nanocrystal superlattice formation, and show that collective ordering can be programmed through the surrounding medium rather than through particle surface modification.}, author = {Lee, Seungho and Balazs, Daniel and Rayaroth Puthiyaveettil, Aiswarya and Horta, Sharona and Goodrich, Carl Peter and Engel, Michael and Cherniukh, Ihor and Ibáñez, Maria}, issn = {1520-5126}, journal = {Journal of the AmericanChemical Society}, number = {29}, pages = {31245--31252}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, title = {{Reaction medium asan architect of nanocrystal superlattices}}, doi = {10.1021/jacs.6c07859}, volume = {148}, year = {2026}, }