Abstract: Microplastics (MPs) have become a widespread environmental contaminant, raising concern due to their persistence, capacity to transport pollutants, and potential risks to ecosystems and human health. Their increasing global production, prolonged degra-dation, and ubiquity in aquatic environments underscore the need for improved strategies for monitoring and mitigation. This review examines the definition, sources, environmental transport mechanisms, associated risks, and current detection methods for MPs in natural and engineered water systems. The methods discussed encompass a broad range of analytical and sensing technologies used to identify, characterize, and quantify MPs across diverse environmental matrices. The review highlights that no single technique is sufficient for comprehensive MP analysis; instead, the combination of multiple methods enhances sensitivity, specificity, and reliability. Current findings indicate widespread MP contamination, including within the human body, emphasizing significant ecological and health concerns. Progress in automated sample preparation, standardized protocols, and advanced sensing platforms is key to improving detection efficiency and comparability across different studies. Overall, the evidence presented supports the need for strengthened monitoring, continued technological innovation, and coordinated mitigation policies. Reducing MP pollution will require interdisciplinary collaboration, regulatory action, and increased public awareness to protect environ-mental integrity and human health.

Abstract: Allosteric modulation has emerged as a powerful strategy for achieving superior selectivity and safety in drug discovery and protein function regulation. Unlike highly conserved orthosteric sites, allosteric pockets are structurally diverse and less evolutionarily constrained, making them particularly amenable to be modulated by designed miniproteins. Miniproteins can provide extended binding interfaces and high affinity for shallow, dynamic, or cryptic regulatory surfaces that are often inaccessible to small molecules. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming this field through deep learning–based structure prediction and generative modeling. These AI-driven approaches enable the identification of allosteric hotspots, characterization of conformational ensembles, and de novo} design of structured miniprotein binders. They are rapidly expanding the landscape of designing selective modulators across diverse allosteric targets, including GPCRs, receptor tyrosine kinases, nuclear receptors, ion channels, and protein–protein interfaces. This review summarizes state-of-the-art AI-driven computational methodologies for designing miniproteins as potential allosteric modulators and discusses their current challenges and future opportunities in allosteric drug discovery.

Abstract: Enzyme performance parameters, including the turnover number and specificity constant, exhibit remarkable diversity due to biological evolution and natural selection. In some bacterial and human enzymes, catalytic efficiencies approach fundamental physical limits, underscoring the importance of physical constraints on enzymatic function. A deeper understanding of these constraints, particularly in far-from-equilibrium irreversible processes, is therefore essential for rational enzyme engineering. Such constraints are most naturally addressed within the frameworks of nanothermodynamics and stochastic thermodynamics, which remain relatively unfamiliar to much of the molecular biology community. Recent theoretical and experimental advances indicate that classical enzyme kinetic parameters are not independent, but are systematically linked to energetic dissipation. In particular, enzymes appear to occupy a characteristic dissipation plane defined by entropy production, reflecting the coupled influence of thermodynamic principles and evolutionary selection. In this review, we synthesize evidence across diverse enzyme families demonstrating correlated increases in housekeeping dissipation, evolutionary divergence, and enzymatic performance. Together, these findings support dissipation as a physically grounded parameter that connects enzyme kinetics, biological evolution, and nonequilibrium thermodynamics.

Abstract: Breast cancer (BC), affecting 2.3 million women annually, requires early detection and effective follow-up to achieve >90% survival rates. Current modalities (mammography: 1000 mm³, MRI: 4.2 mm³) struggle with micro-tumors and dense breasts. This work presents a smart bra integrating electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and electrocardiography (ECG)-based heart rate variability (HRV) to detect tumors as small as 0.1–0.5 mm³ (~1–5 × 10⁴ cells) and monitor relapse and cardiotoxicity every 3 months post-diagnosis. The device uses 24 MNP-coated silver-nylon electrodes, a 3-lead ECG sensor (AD8232), a high-precision impedance analyzer (10 kHz–1 MHz), and multimodal sensing (EIS, temperature, HRV). A hybrid LSTM-XGBoost model with space-time attention and GAN augmentation achieves >90% sensitivity and >85% specificity. EIS detects electric fields of 18.9 mV/m (0.1 mm³, superficial), 50 mV/m (0.5 mm³, superficial), and 41.7 mV/m (0.5 mm³, deep). ECG-based HRV (SDNN < 50 ms, RMSSD < 20 ms) predicts relapse (AUC = 0.80 with CEA) and cardiotoxicity (OR = 2.7). Tumor location statistics (60–70% upper-outer quadrant, 10–15% superficial) inform electrode placement. A patient trial will validate performance against mammography, ultrasound, clinical ECG, and CEA, targeting FDA 510(k) clearance. This multimodal wearable promises transformative early detection and longitudinal monitoring.

Abstract: Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are among the most common genetic causes of Parkinson’s disease (PD), yet substantial heterogeneity exists among pathogenic variants. How mutations in distinct functional domains of LRRK2 differentially perturb cellular homeostasis remains incompletely understood. Here, we compared two pathogenic LRRK2 mutations—G2019S in the kinase domain and I1371V in the GTPase domain—across multiple cellular models, including SH-SY5Y and U87 cells, and healthy human iPSC-derived floor plate cells. We demonstrate that the I1371V mutation induces markedly more severe cellular dysfunction than G2019S. I1371V-expressing cells exhibited elevated LRRK2 autophosphorylation at S1292 and robust hyperphosphorylation of Rab8A and Rab10, indicating enhanced downstream signaling. These alterations impaired sterol trafficking, leading to selective depletion of plasma membrane cholesterol without changes in total cellular cholesterol. Consequently, I1371V cells displayed increased membrane fluidity, disrupted microdomain organization, altered membrane topology, reduced Caveolin-1 expression, and impaired dopamine transporter surface expression and dopamine uptake. Lipidomic profiling further revealed broad disruption of lipid homeostasis, including reductions in cholesteryl esters, sterols, sphingolipids, and glycerophospholipids, whereas G2019S cells showed comparatively modest changes. Pharmacological intervention revealed mutation-specific responses, with the non-selective LRRK2 modulator GW5074 outperforming the kinase-selective inhibitor MLi-2 in restoring Rab8A phosphorylation, membrane integrity, and dopaminergic function. Collectively, these findings identify membrane lipid dysregulation as a central cell-biological mechanism in LRRK2-associated PD and underscore the importance of variant-specific therapeutic strategies.

Abstract: L-asparaginase (L-Aspase) enzyme has found applications in medicine for treatment of various cancers. Herein, we report single-molecule study of thermal denaturation of L-Aspase within 25°C to 60°C temperature range by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and by single-molecule sensing with a (solid state nanopore)-based electrical detector (SSNPED). AFM has allowed us to reveal a thermally induced changes in aggregation state of L-Aspase and in its adsorbability on mica. At the same time, the configuration of the enzyme’s globule spatial conformation has been found to alter according to data obtained with the SSNPED. Our results reported open up opportunities for further development of anti-cancer drugs.

Abstract: Ion channels in biological membranes often form spatially localized clusters that exhibit cooperative gating behavior, where the activity of one channel can modulate the opening probability of its neighbors. Understanding such inter-channel interactions is crucial for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying complex electrochemical signaling and for advancing channel-targeted pharmacology. In this study, we introduce a simplified stochastic model of multi-channel gating that enables systematic analysis of cooperative phenomena under controlled conditions. Two complementary information-theoretic measures, i.e., Shannon entropy and Sample entropy, are applied to simulated multi-channel datasets to quantify the degree and modality of inter-channel cooperativity. The analyzed signals include idealized total current traces and the corresponding dwell-time sequences of channel cluster states. We demonstrate that the dependence of Shannon entropy calculated for the idealized cluster currents on cluster size distinguishes non-cooperative from cooperative dynamics. Similarly, the Sample entropy of dwell-time series is also a potent indicator of inter-channel cooperation. Additionally, this metric provides enhanced sensitivity to temporal regularities in dwell-time data. The observed entropic signatures allow for classification of clusters according to the strength and mode of inter-channel coupling (non-, positively-, and negatively-cooperative). Thus, they extend a general analytical framework for interpreting multi-channel recordings. These findings, based on our simple model of channel cluster, establish entropy-based analysis as a promising approach for probing real collective gating in ion channel systems or simple biomimetic multi-nanopore devices, where some deviations from the idealized approach are expected.

Abstract: We present a minimal driven–dissipative model in which a long-lived spin-correlated fermionic subspace is represented by Majorana operators and a Z₂ parity, and cou- ples to the electromagnetic field through dipolar and spin–orbit–assisted interac- tions. Parity-sensitive relaxation channels imprint the internal sector onto emitted photons, producing polarization- and helicity-resolved structure beyond generic lu- minescence. Using a Lindblad master equation with periodic modulation, we per- form numerical simulations and compute polarization-resolved emission spectra, Floquet sidebands, and photon correlations g⁽²⁾(τ ). The model predicts magnetic- field-dependent polarization asymmetries, drive-locked sidebands, and polarization cross-correlators accessible with polarization-resolved Hanbury Brown–Twiss de- tection. These signatures provide falsifiable discriminants for assessing whether Majorana-parity dynamics can contribute to reported ultraweak photon emission.

Abstract: Structural biomarkers determined by X-ray scattering of the tissues can complement conventional histopathology and facilitate a fast triage procedure of cancer biopsy samples. It has been shown previously that lipid reflexes can distinguish cancerous from benign samples, except for fibroadenomas. In the present study, we demonstrate that fibroadenoma samples can be recognized using X-ray scattering of collagen. Moreover, we show that modifications in collagen structure are manifested in the water reflexes. Examination of diffraction patterns from water using two-dimensional Fourier transformation and machine learning yields excellent classification metrics in both synchrotron images and laboratory diffractometer data.

Abstract:

Big Bang theories are connected to gravity by force of attraction. Forced lengthening, like eccentric contractions instigate proprioception as a result of working against gravity. Piezo2, as the principle mechanosensory ion channel responsible for proprioception, may fine modulates these anti-gravitational contractions in order to provide system-wide ultrafast postural control. This mechanism instantaneously emits energy and force by Piezo2 in order to offset gravity and it is suggested to be propagated by quantum tunneling of protons (and electrons). However, a Piezo2-initiated wormhole-like mechanism with the contribution of cryptochromes should be considered as part of this ultrafast long-distance non-synaptic neurotransmission despite quantum gravity concept is short of being unequivocally proven to be unified with quantum theory. The impairment of this ultrafast signaling is the equivalent of a Big Bang-like mechanism within a given compartment, or acquired Piezo2 channelopathy, leading to the principle gateway to pathophysiology.

Abstract: Background Force plate–derived measures are increasingly used to assess performance and monitor musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) risk, yet the mechanisms connecting jump-mechanics patterns to injury risk remain unclear, particularly when using proprietary, algorithmically derived risk scores. Clarifying these relationships is important for improving screening practices, training design, and load management in athletic populations. Methods A total of 233 collegiate athletes completed countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ) testing on a commercial force plate that produced 26 force-time variables and proprietary composite metrics. LASSO regression identified influential predictors of CMVJ height and MSKI risk, and Partial Least Squares (PLS) models characterized multivariate patterns across performance-, control-, and stability-related variables. Sex-stratified analyses and post-hoc modeling examined potential mechanisms. Results Higher MSKI risk was associated with a coordinated pattern of greater concentric output, including higher power, velocity, and impulse, combined with reduced braking capacity. Braking rate of force development (Load) showed a strong inverse association with MSKI risk across sexes, and females in the elevated-risk category displayed significantly lower braking values. Postural control measures contributed differently by sex. PLS models indicated that both CMVJ height and MSKI risk reflected interactions among multiple variables, while proprietary composite scores showed inconsistent alignment with mechanistic predictors. Conclusion Multivariate force-time profiling offers practical value for identifying athletes whose high-output movement strategies may elevate injury risk when braking control is insufficient. Because proprietary, algorithmically derived risk metrics show inconsistent associations with underlying mechanics, further independent validation is needed before such scores are used in clinical or training decisions.

Abstract: The emergence and persistence of life pose a profound paradox: abiogenesis appears statistically almost impossible under standard physical chemistry, yet once present, living systems exhibit remarkable long-term stability against entropic decay. Here we propose that both phenomena can be explained by the action of a hitherto unobserved informational reservoir that subtly “leaks” into biological systems, biasing microstate probabilities in real time. While quantum coherence and nonlocality currently represent the most plausible physical substrates, the hypothesis deliberately remains agnostic about the ultimate origin of this reservoir. Crucially, the transfer need not be intentional; it may constitute an unintended “crosstalk” across an ontological boundary—analogous to sound leaking through a wall between apartments. This framework offers a strictly naturalistic alternative to intelligent design theories while generating falsifiable predictions distinguishable from both pure chance and directed panspermia.

Abstract: The Electron-Ion Interaction Potential (EIIP) is an empirically derived descriptor introduced through pseudopotential theory, representing the effective interaction between conduction electrons and atomic cores. Remarkably, EIIP depends solely on the atomic number Z, positioning it as a direct function of the periodic system. This paper revisits the theoretical foundation of EIIP and demonstrates its proportionality to the fine-structure constant α≈1/137, revealing a universal relationship that bridges quantum electrodynamics and the periodic architecture of matter. We show that EIIP can be expressed as EIIP=f(Z)⋅α, where f(Z) is a periodic function empirically determined from spectroscopic data. This insight establishes EIIP as a structural descriptor with broad applicability across physics, chemistry, and biology. Extending this framework, we introduce the concept of an effective biological fine-structure constant αbio, which quantifies the degree of electromagnetic coherence in living systems. Life is viewed as a resonant electromagnetic phenomenon, where molecular recognition and energy flow depend on synchronized electron and photon exchange. We define αbio in terms of dielectric and charge-transfer properties of biological media, and propose its deviation from α as a marker of aging and decoherence. By unifying EIIP and αbio, we establish a theoretical foundation for Electronic Biology, linking atomic periodicity with biological vitality through a shared electromagnetic language.

Abstract: Biological systems maintain coherent organization across spatial and temporal scales that cannot be fully explained by classical biochemical or electrophysiological models. Building on the dissipative quantum field theoretical framework introduced by Vitiello and collaborators, this work develops an organism-wide model in which coherence emerges from multiple quantum substrates undergoing spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB). Each substrate—coherent water domains, microtubular dipole fields, mitochondrial excitons, chromatin vibrational dipoles, ionic phase waves, and large-scale electromagnetic modes—defines a distinct coherent sector represented by macroscopic fields Θ₁–Θ₁₂. These fields are characterized by condensation amplitudes θₖ(t) derived from the vacuum structure.Using operator doubling, Bogoliubov transformations, and projection of the doubled Liouville equation, we obtain macroscopic evolution equations for θₖ(t) and show that their dynamics form a gradient flow on a multi-field free-energy landscape with a global attractor Θ_ref. The Biological Coherence Index (BCI), based on vacuum overlap, provides an experimentally accessible measure of whole-organism coherence.This framework offers a unified quantitative approach to long-range biological coherence, cross-scale coupling, and integrative regulation in living systems.

Abstract: We propose a generalization of the dissipative quantum field theory (DQFT) as developed by Celeghini, Rasetti, and Vitiello to describe the dynamic informational feedback underlying biological coherence. The new framework, termed the Quantum Blueprint Formalism (QBF), builds on the fact that in DQFT the conjugate field ψ̃ is an active dynamical partner of ψ, representing the time-reversed degrees of freedom that co-generate dissipation, irreversibility, and the selection of inequivalent vacuum states. Rather than functioning as a mere repository of past interactions, ψ̃ participates continuously in the system’s coherent evolution through SU(1,1) Bogoliubov mixing.QBF extends this structure by allowing the ψ–ψ̃ coupling to become explicitly state-dependent, thereby endowing the conjugate field with an informational role that reflects and influences the system’s ongoing coherence pattern. Correlation parameters Θ = {θₖ} quantify the instantaneous coherence relations between the two sectors and evolve in time according to a nonlinear stochastic differential equation derived from the dissipative field dynamics.This extended formalism provides quantitative links between informational coherence and physiological observables such as heart rate variability (HRV), EEG phase synchronization, water-domain ordering, and ultraweak photon emission. It thereby establishes a bridge between dissipative quantum physics, information theory, and experimental biophysics, offering a consistent mathematical and empirical basis for understanding life as an informationally guided, self-organizing process in which ψ and ψ̃ jointly sustain and regenerate coherence.

Abstract: Biological tissue analyses rely on morphological descriptors like shape, layering and cellular composition. We introduce Architectural Dynamics, a framework that employs more than one hundred quantifiable parameters to define architectural and dynamical properties of a cellular microenvironment, including structural, mechanical, geometrical, physical, network-theoretic, cellular and biochemical features. Biological tissues are portrayed as weighted networks whose nodes and edges carry measurable physical quantities like diffusion conductance, mechanical impedance, curvature and material anisotropy. Standard network metrics like global efficiency, modularity, diameter and centrality acquire physiological meaning as indicators of accessibility, compartmentalization and exposure to mechanical or biochemical cues. In parallel, physical fields such as diffusion, mechanics, curvature and topography generate patterns of transport, signaling, force propagation and communication that link microscale architecture to mesoscale dynamical behavior. Using combined descriptions, we show that behaviors like migration patterns, polarization, domain formation, compartmentalization, metabolic coupling, signal propagation and stability of functional domains emerge from agent dynamics shaped by weighted topology, structural heterogeneity, mechanical anisotropy and geometric confinement. Our perspective shifts the emphasis from cellular identity to quantitative analysis of local physical cues and global topological organization within a high-dimensional architectural space, enabling prediction of cellular behaviors directly from tissue architecture. Changes in development, health or disease correspond to movements along well-defined architectural directions rather than to simple morphological or biochemical alterations. Our framework applies to engineered scaffolds, organoids and regenerative medicine as well as extracellular matrices, cortical microcircuits and pathological architectures like tumors, where the modulation of architectural regimes becomes central to interpreting tissue organization.

Abstract: Amniotic membrane used as a scaffold in the creation of a tissue-engineered complex for the restoration of the anterior layers of the cornea, and as a therapeutic coating is extremely attractive in that the biological substrate made from it is transparent and bioresorbable, which allows monitoring the state of the pathological focus. At the same time, the biomaterial used for therapeutic effects in corneal pathology should specifically react with tissues, since the cornea is an avascular tissue. Consequently, as a result of the therapeutic effect of the biopolymer, there should be no newly formed vessels either on the surface or in the thickness of the cornea, but at the same time proliferation should be activated and a specific epithelial cover should be formed. On the contrary, in the process of skin and bone regeneration, stimulation of angiogenesis is important. Native amniotic membrane has a set of biologically active substances that are preserved to some extent during preservation. However, native biomaterial is not currently used due to the risk of infecting recipients. Biomaterial stored with preservation of the viability of cellular structures and with a violation of vitality is used. The most common cryopreservation technique undoubtedly allows preserving both the cellular structures and the anatomical integrity of the amniotic membrane, thus retaining biologically active substances. According to researchers, cryopreserved amniotic membrane prevents the formation of new vessels in the implantation zone. However, some researchers who prefer to use lyophilized decellularized biomaterials express their doubt regarding the preservation of biologically active properties even in the amniotic membrane without viable cellular structures and consider it necessary to carry out further studies. Taking into account the experience of the Samara Tissue Bank in developing methods for lyophilization of biological tissues and the widespread use of decellularized matrices and implying the use of physical methods of decellularization and a special mode of sublimation drying, we have developed a method for processing and lyophilization of amniotic membrane. The aim of the given research was to study the preservation of biologically active substances and morphological assessment of efficiency in decellularized lyophilized amniotic membrane.

Abstract:

Over the past 50 years, scientific interest in electromagnetic field-biology interactions has flourished. Important experimental observations and mathematical hypotheses remain central to academic debate. Adey [1, 2] and Blackman [3, 4] found that specific electromagnetic frequencies affect calcium transport in cells. To explain this phenomenon, Liboff introduced ion cyclotron resonance-like (ICR-like) theory [5, 8-10, 32], proposing a specific mechanism for ion modulation. Preparata and Del Giudice introduced quantum electrodynamics (QED) [26-28], offering controversial quantum-level explanations that complement classical models. Lucia and NASA contributed further with thermomagnetic resonance [69-74] and experimental observations [76]. Together, these hypotheses have partially clarified how weak electromagnetic fields interact with cells and suggest possible parallel endogenous mechanisms. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a clear and logical framework for understanding biological events, both those that arise naturally within biology and those that can be initiated externally through the application of electromagnetic fields. Since electromagnetism is one of the 4 fundamental forces, this peculiarity deserves careful scientific attention.

Abstract: Curcumin, a natural polyphenol derived from Curcuma longa, is widely recognized for its therapeutic properties. However, its clinical utility is limited because of poor solubility, rapid degradation and hence low bioavailability. To overcome these issues, nanoformulation approaches, especially PEGylated liposomes, have been explored as advanced delivery systems. PEGylation, which involves attaching polyethylene glycol (PEG) to the liposomal surface, enhances circulation time by creating a steric shield that reduces protein interactions and clearance by the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS). However, PEG can alter lipid membrane properties, which may in turn affect curcumin’s solubility and distribution within the liposomal bilayer, ultimately reducing its loading efficiency. To ensure that PEG-modified liposomes can be effectively loaded with curcumin, we investigated curcumin–membrane interactions in saturated (DMPC) and unsaturated (POPC) liposomes, both in the presence and absence of PEG. Based on dissociation constants (Kd) obtained from fluorescence spectroscopy measurements, we found that PEGylated DMPC liposomes exhibit the strongest binding affinity for curcumin. Fluorescence quenching experiments showed that curcumin adopts a transbilayer orientation in all membranes examined. Curcumin’s location within PEGylated and non-PEGylated liposomal membranes was further confirmed by examining its effects on membrane properties, including fluidity, polarity, and oxygen transport. These effects were investigated using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy with spin labels. The results indicate that PEG does not impose major changes on membrane properties. Curcumin, however, was found to reinforce the liposomal membranes, increase their polarity, and reduce oxygen availability. Overall, the findings suggest that liposomes, particularly those composed of PEGylated DMPC, are effective vehicles for curcumin delivery.

Abstract: In Greek philosophy, symmetry was closely tied to the concepts of harmony, beauty, and unity of Nature. Modern physics reveals that the integrity of the Universe is intimately linked to concepts of symmetry and relativity. In philosophy, the idea that a single set of laws and principles governs all forms of existence is called monism. In physics, this conjecture was first articulated by Galileo as the relativity principle (RP). Thus, it is fair to say that Galileo is the father of relativity. The historical perspective unveils that the most generalized manifestation of RP is the unity of the Universe. All subsequent evolutions of RP were unfolding of this foundational idea. The evolution of the RP was closely tied to the refinement of the mathematical formulation of space-time geometry and symmetry. Euclidean geometry was gradually displaced from the status of absolute to the role of an initial approximation of physical space determinants. At present, it becomes evident that perceptual indistinguishability of uniform motion, articulated by Galileo, is a consequence of fundamental determinants of existence - space-time symmetry and relativity (STSR). Remarkable, but the nature of elementary (smallest) constituents, the evolution of the largest scales of the Universe, and human behavior follow the same fundamental physical principles. The review is written in a language comprehensible to physicists, mathematicians, biologists, and philosophers (students and teachers). Prerequisite: The biologists should be familiar with the fundamental aspects of geometry, and physicist with the origin and evolution of life.