Abstract: Permeation of different chemical substances across the membrane is of utmost importance to the life and health of a living cell. Depending on the nature of the permeant, the process is mediated by either the protein (e.g., membrane channels) or lipid phases of the membrane, or both. In the case of small and physiologically important gas molecules, namely O2 and CO2, the literature supports the involvement of both pathways in their transport. The extent of involvement of the lipid phase, however, is directly dependent on the nature of the lipid constituents of the membrane that determine its various structural and physicochemical properties. In this study, we use molecular dynamics simulation, as a method with sufficient spatial and temporal resolutions, to analyze these properties in heterogeneous lipid bilayers, composed of phospholipids with varied tails, sphingomyelin, and cholesterol, to different degrees. Together with the calculation of the free energy profiles, diffusion constants, and gas diffusivity, the results shed light onto the importance of the lipid phase of membranes in gas transport rate and how they can be modulated by their lipid composition.

Abstract: This paper presents the first experimental study of the physical properties of the millimeter-wave radio response of aqueous media and biological objects to external centimeter-wave electromagnetic radiation. It has been hypothesized that the spectrum of the radio response to external millimeter-wave radiation contains not only frequencies an order of magnitude or more lower than the radiation signal, but also frequencies close to the radiation signal and even frequencies higher than the external signal. This radio response property would suggest that each point in an aquatic environment exposed to electromagnetic waves could be a source of a radio response across an ultra-wide spectrum of electromagnetic frequencies. Experiments have demonstrated the presence of a radio response at frequencies of 61,2 GHz, 94 GHz, and 118 GHz when water is irradiated in the microwave range of 1,16–5,6 GHz at a power flux of 10 mW/cm2. The experimental results prompt a new examination of the comparative effects of 4G and 5G cellular electromagnetic waves on humans.

Abstract: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are promising agents for nanomedicine but their interactions with lipid membranes, which are a key interface for drug delivery, require deeper understanding. This study investigates the influence of fructose-capped AgNPs on the physicochemical properties of SOPC-based liposomal bilayers, with implications for drug delivery and photothermal therapy. We employed a multi-technique approach, including infrared (IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermally induced shape fluctuation analysis, and laser irradiation at 343, 515, and 1030nm. Our results show that AgNPs incorporated into the bilayer are causing measurable perturbations: DSC revealed a decrease in the main phase transition enthalpy (from 0.280 to 0.234 J/g) and temperature (from 2.80 to 3.41 °C) while shape fluctuation analysis indicated a reduction in bending modulus (from 1.18 × 10−19 J to 0.93 × 10−19 J), confirming increased membrane fluidity. FTIR confirmed interactions of fructose-capped nanoparticles and lipid’s carbonyl and phosphate groups. Furthermore, the AgNPs-liposomes exhibited a strong, wavelength- dependent photothermal response with a temperature increase ≈22 °C under 515 nm laser irradiation, compared to only 3–5 °C at 1030nm. We concluded that fructose-capped-AgNPs moderately fludify lipid bilayers while enabling efficient, controllable photothermal capability, making them excellent candidates for designing advanced liposomal systems for combined therapy and diagnostic.

Abstract: For the first time, a comparative experimental analysis of the biophysical response in the form of a change in aquatic resistance was conducted for entamoeba gingivalis populations with an individual concentration of 1000 pcs/litre and 4000 pcs/litre under the influence of an electromagnetic field of the centimeter (2.1 GHz) and millimeter (42.25 GHz) wavelength ranges. It was shown that the studied populations demonstrate qualitatively comparable biophysical responses to external electromagnetic exposure in the centimeter and millimeter ranges in the form of a change in aquatic resistance. It was established that the biophysical response is characterized by four temporal phases: 1) the information exchange phase, 2) the phase of decreasing aquatic resistance, 3) the phase of a stable state of reduced resistance, 4) the phase of increasing resistance. The nature of the biophysical responses indicates a group reaction of individuals in the populations. The duration of the biophysical response phases depends on the frequency of the acting field and the pH value of the aquatic environment. It was established that the demonstrated functional states of the "water - entamoeba gingivalis population" system are more stable when exposed to a millimeter-wave electromagnetic field.

Abstract: This work unveils complex topological properties within a recent theoretical model concerning the interplay of positional and orientational order. The model features "complementary-spins" (c-spins), symbolic agents divided into two populations with contrasting positional and orien-tational interactions. The model is governed by a control parameter, a form of circular anisot-ropy that splits the c-spins natural rotational frequencies. For a given system size and for small anisotropy, uniform equilibrium patterns showing both positional and orientational regularity emerge, consistently with local stability predictions. For moderate anisotropy, the system de-velops complex topological point defects, driven by phase singularity and bistable with the uniform patterns. The defects are constituted by curled orientational textures embedding two c-spin loop trains that counter-rotate around the same center, exhibiting regular spacing, spin-momentum locking and dissipationless flow. These defect complexes are extremely robust to noise and capable of self-repair, and constitute a whole new class of non-equilibrium dissi-pative structures. These are in fact topological vortex states, classifiable by a two-valued topo-logical charge. For anisotropy values exceeding a local stability threshold, active turbulence (deterministic chaos) takes place and order is lost. A statistical analysis revealed the coexistence of a double phase transition at a critical parameter value: an "ordinary" symmetry-breaking transition associated with standard collective synchronization and a novel topological phase transition activating the vortex complexes. Quantitative boundaries in the parameter space have been evaluated, either analytically or numerically. Increasing system size enhances organiza-tional complexity, developing more intricate spin-momentum locked transport networks. Thanks to its self-organizational properties, this work provides a new tool to understand ro-bustness and morphogenesis in living systems.

Abstract: Lately the non-linear optical third harmonic generation (THG) microscopy is starting to emerge as a laboratory standard for label-free studies in biological samples. In this study, the THG signals produced from corn starch granules are investigated. In particular, the polarization-dependent THG (P-THG) signals emerging from the outer layer (shell) of the starch granules are compared with the P-THG signals originating from their inner portion (core). By rotating the linear polarization of the excitation beam, two distinct P-THG modulation patterns are revealed within single granules, corresponding to their shells and to their structurally different cores. These patterns are analyzed using a theoretical framework, that describes THG from an orthorhombic crystal symmetry, characteristic of corn starch. This allows us to extract point-by-point in the granules the ratios of the χ(3) susceptibility tensor elements and the average molecular orientations. Then, the anisotropy-ratio (AR=χxxxx3/χyyyy3) is defined and used as a quantitative descriptor of the local molecular arrangements. Our results show that the shells and cores exhibit distinct AR values, probing the anisotropy in the molecular arrangements between the two regions. This study establishes P-THG as a powerful contrast mechanism for probing structural anisotropy in biological samples beyond conventional THG intensity-only microscopy.

Abstract: Atomic force microscopy is a powerful tool for imaging and characterizing micro and nano-structures, particularly in the realm of biological membranes and model systems such as cells and supported lipid bilayers. The lateral resolution of AFM in liquid environments, necessary for studying membrane interactions, poses a challenge. In this study, we explore the imaging of freeze-dried supported lipid bilayers allowing for the topographical imaging of supported lipid bilayers in air with higher resolution as well as the use of Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy to measure electrical properties. Despite non-physiological conditions, this technique offers unprecedented insights into the study of lipid bilayer structures, bridging the gap between resolution and experimental feasibility. This process underscores the potential of freeze-dried supported lipid bilayers in advancing our understanding of complex membrane dynamics and membrane interactions in diverse experimental settings. The ability to measure the electrical properties of lipid bilayers will greatly advance our understanding and determination of membrane properties and their interactions with proteins, drugs and toxins. A more complete understanding of the factor intervening in the interactions would lead to, for example, better drug development.

Abstract: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a key biomarker for the early detection of prostate cancer recurrence following surgical treatment. In this study, we present a PSA-responsive, aptamer-based switchable aggregate system (AS2-US-AuNPs-Aggregate) composed of ultrasmall gold nanoparticles (US-AuNPs) linked by (partially) pairing oligomers that selectively disassemble in the presence of PSMA. The system was optimized also using a previously developed in-silico routine, and is designed for enhanced sensing capabilities and for supporting in vivo applica-bility. We measured the sizes of the nanosystems by dynamic light scattering (DLS), and their extinction spectra, also in presence of PSA in simple buffers, in the presence of DNAse, and under blood-mimicking conditions (filtered plasma) and We measured a response down to 1 fM PSA in buffers and to 1 pM in filtered plasma. Our findings highlight the potential of aptamer-based nanoparticle aggregates as a basis for us-er-friendly, portable diagnostic tools. Additionally, we discuss key optimization strat-egies to further advance their development for in-vivo diagnostic applications.

Abstract: The universe appears organized as a nested hierarchy of oscillatory processes spanning from quantum fluctuations to vast cosmological cycles. This paper presents a semi-comprehensive mapping of cycles across all scales of physical reality, examining how these rhythms interact, nest within one another, and give rise to increasingly complex phenomena including human consciousness. Through the lens of General Resonance Theory (GRT), we explore how shared resonance between oscillatory systems at different scales creates the foundation for information integration, consciousness, and the emergence of ever-more-complex forms of organization. We propose that "cycles upon cycles" represents not merely a descriptive observation but a fundamental organizing principle of reality itself—one that solves the combination problem in consciousness studies while explaining the thermodynamic necessity of cyclic organization in all open systems capable of storing energy.

Abstract:

We explore the wettability modulation induced on alumina (Al₂O₃) targets by femtosecond laser texturing to demonstrate a stable and durable hydrophilic character of the surface. Specifically, we identify a suitable operational regime to tailor micro-nanostructures onto Al₂O₃ plates and accurately assess the ablation threshold in our experimental conditions. A periodic geometry with triangular patterns of various groove depths was optimized for establishing a long-term wetting response. The latter was monitored on daily basis over a time interval of six-weeks by collecting contact angle measurements of samples with and without a post-process thermal annealing, here adopted to stabilize the surface wettability soon after the laser treatment. Results show that deeper grooves significantly enhance and maintain the hydrophilic character, particularly in samples without post-process thermal annealing, where super-hydrophilicity is demonstrated to persist throughout the entire time under test. These findings disclose the potential for an effective fine-tuning of the alumina wettability, thus opening to specific applications requiring long-term control of surface-liquid interactions, such as biomedical implants, orthopedic and dental prostheses.

Abstract: Aim: This observational study aims to explore a potential correlation between chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo according to Nichiren Shoshu Liturgy and subtle changes in detected natural radioactivity, proposing a novel link to psychoneuroimmunological pathways. The study hypothesizes that the focused psycho-physiological state induced by chanting could modulate the immune system, with fluctuations in natural radiation serving as a measurable physical correlate of this biological process. Methods: Measurements of natural radioactivity were continuously conducted over multiple sessions using a RadiaCode 10X instrument in Mesa, Arizona, to record Counts Per Second (CPS), ambient dose equivalent rate (µSv/h), and energy spectrum during chanting and control periods. The analysis focused on variations in CPS and spectral data, with a single-subject, observational design. Results: The cumulative spectrum showed a prominent low-energy peak, consistent with background radiation. Quantitative analysis revealed subtle but consistent differences; a representative session showed higher total CPS during chanting (498,432) compared to the control period (471,680), a pattern observed across other sessions. Visual inspection also suggested a correlation between chanting and increased CPS variability. Conclusions: These findings suggest a link between a focused psycho-physiological state and subtle alterations in detected radiation patterns. While the mechanism remains speculative, this work proposes that the observed physical changes may be an external manifestation of an internal biological process capable of influencing the immune system. Further investigation is warranted to explore this potential connection, contributing to a deeper understanding of how the mind and environment interact to affect health. It acknowledges the spiritual depth of the Buddhist practice extends beyond scientific explanation, yet offers this as "actual proof."

Abstract: The demand for sesame oil is increasing due to its nutritious qualities. The present study investigated heating conditions (heating temperature and time) on the oil extraction of yellowish and blackish sesame varieties under screw pressing operation. Using the factorial design, the three-level factors for heating temperatures were 40, 50, and 60 °C and the heating times were 15, 30, and 45 min. In total, twenty-six experimental runs were conducted for the sesame varieties. The moisture content of yellowish and blackish sesame samples was determined to be 3.49 ± 0.19 % w.b. and 6.69 ± 0.07 % w.b. In that order, the oil content of the samples was 38.73 ± 2.61 % and 45.31 ± 6.51 %. The overall optimal factor levels for explaining the dependent parameters (weight loss, seedcake, sediments in the oil, extraction loss, extracted crude oil, oil yield, and oil expression efficiency) were the heating temperature of 50 °C and time of 22.5 min for yellowish sesame, whereas those of blackish sesame were 60 °C and 15 min. The determined regression models with the significant terms predicted the crude oil, oil yield, and oil expression efficiency of yellowish sesame with the amounts of 25.496 g, 25.806 % and 66.631 % in comparison with blackish sesame with the amounts of 20.449 g, 22.215 % and 49.029 %. The absorbance-wavelength curves of yellowish and blackish sesame oils were not significantly affected by the heating conditions. It was found that yellowish sesame produced higher oil output than blackish sesame under the heating conditions.

Abstract: Cell membranes and cytoskeleton play a crucial role in regulating cellular responses by mediating mechanical forces and physical stimuli from the microenvironment through their viscoelastic properties. Investigating these properties provides valuable insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Gold nanorods (GNRs), especially under irradiation, exhibit lethal effects against Leishmania parasites through plasmonic photothermal conversion. However, their mechanical interaction with cells remains poorly understood. Here, Defocusing Microscopy (DM), a quantitative phase microscopy technique, was employed to analyze membrane fluctuations in macrophages (M∅s) exposed to GNRs and infected with Leishmania amazonensis. Measuring the membrane-cytoskeleton fluctuation of defocused images, we quantified viscoelastic parameters such as bending modulus (kc) and viscosity (η), enabling a detailed char-acterization of membrane behavior. Results indicate that infection increases both kc and η, while IC50 treatment reduces infection and selectively increases kc without affecting viscosity. In healthy macrophages, GNRs reduced both parameters, suggesting a fluidizing effect. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of GNRs' therapeutic performance and cytotoxicity, contributing to improved phototherapy applications.

Abstract: We propose a quantum-like model to describe stem cell differentiation, treating the undifferentiated stem cell as a superposition of its potential differentiated states. The process of differentiation is then modeled as a quantum-like collapse, analogous to measurement in quantum mechanics. This approach offers a novel conceptual framework for capturing the probabilistic and context-dependent nature of cell fate decisions. This formalism may also apply to other biological systems governed by probabilistic and context-sensitive transitions.

Abstract: Traditionally, the correction factor lnN!, which resolves the Gibbs paradox, has been attributed to the quantum indistinguishability of identical particles. However, recent advances in colloid science reveal that this factor is also essential for understanding the collective behavior of classically distinguishable particles. This paper demonstrates that the inclusion of the correction factor lnN! gives rise to the emergence of a zero-point energy, which may induce a distinct type of entropic force. Building on this finding, we propose a Boltzmann machine consisting of classically distinguishable colloidal particles. Through this model, we demonstrate how the zero-point energy induced by the factor lnN! can drive the self-organizing evolution of colloidal systems in an environment of random fluctuations, such as Brownian motion. This mechanism can be applied to various fields of information technology, including information storage, intelligent coding, and cryptography.

Abstract: Heart rate (HR) is strongly affected by the autonomic nervous system (ANS), while its spontaneous fluctuations, called heart-rate variability (HRV), are reporting about the dynamics of the complex, vegetative regulation of the heart rhythm.Hence, HRV is widely considered an important marker of the ANS-effects on the cardiac system, and as such, a crucial diagnostic tool in cardiology. In order to get nontrivial results from HRV-analysis, it would be desirable to establish exact, universal interrelations between the typical HRV parameters and HR itself that, however, has not been fully accomplished, yet. Hence, our aim was to perform a comparative statistical analysis of ECG-recordings from a public database, with a focus on the HR-dependence of typical HRV parameters. We revealed their fundamental connections, which were substantiated by basic mathematical considerations, and were experimentally demonstrated via the analysis of 24-hours ECG-recordings of more than 200 healthy individuals. The large database allowed us to perform unique age-cohort analyses, too. We confirmed the HR-dependence of typical time-domain parameters as RMSSD and SDNN, frequency-domain parameters as the VLF-, LF- and HF-components, and nonlinear indices as sample entropy and DFA-exponent. In addition to shedding light on their relationship, we are the first to our knowledgeidentified a new, diffuse structure in the VHF regime, as an important indicator of the SNS activity. In addition, the demonstrated age-dependence of the HRV parameters gives important new insight into the long-term changes of the ANS-regulation of the cardiac system. As a possible molecular physiological mechanism underlying our new findings, we suggest that they are associated to Piezo2 channel functionand its age-related degradation. We expect our results to be utilized in HRV analysis related to both medical research and practice.

Abstract: In our previously published paper “Solar Intelligence: A Hypothesis on the Electromagnetic Origin of Life”, we proposed a scientific-philosophical hypothesis suggesting that organic life on Earth may have emerged as a resonant response to a highly organized informational impulse originating from external electromagnetic structures. In the present work, we develop this hypothesis further by applying a comparative probabilistic method of analysis: a resonance-induced model of the origin of life is evaluated against the classical scenario of abiogenesis based on probabilistic parameters.The aim of this approach is not empirical verification per se, but the construction of a formalizable model that demonstrates internal logical coherence, physical plausibility, and probabilistic richness. We consider life as a possible result of external informational influence encoded in biological matter, rather than as a purely random chemical autocatalytic sequence. This perspective not only broadens the conceptual framework for the origin-of-life problem but also allows for the formulation of potentially testable hypotheses within the scope of modern physics, biology, and information theory.

Abstract: Ultra-high dose rate radiotherapy known as Flash Radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) offers tremendous opportunities to improve the therapeutic ratio of radiotherapy by sparing the normal tissue while maintaining similar tumoricidal efficacy. However, the underlying biophysical basis of the FLASH effect remains under active investigation with several proposed mechanisms involving oxygen depletion, altered free-radical chemistry, and differential biological responses. This article provides an overview of available experimental and computational tools that can be utilized to probe the tumor and normal tissue microenvironment. We analyze in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo systems used to study FLASH responses. We describe various computational and imaging technologies that can potentially aid in understanding the biophysics of FLASH-RT and lead to safer clinical translational.

Abstract: We propose a multilayer geometric model of consciousness based on Recursive Informational Curvature (RIC), in which awareness emerges from curvature dynamics across nested informational manifolds. The model comprises three principal layers: (i) a Fisher layer, encoding unconscious probabilistic inference; (ii) a Finsler layer, capturing direction-sensitive effort and goal-directed cognition; and (iii) a Hermitian layer, modeling recursive symbolic modulation and introspective phase dynamics. Each layer is formalized through a distinct metric and curvature function, and their coupling governs the informational evolution of conscious states. We derive a unifying scalar field, K(t)=α λ(t)-β ∇S(t), where λ(t) represents recursive gain and ∇S(t) the symbolic entropy gradient. Conscious access is predicted to emerge when K(t) exceeds a critical threshold, whereas collapse into unconscious or unstable states occurs when curvature falls below this bifurcation point. Simulations across all three layers reveal the geometric structure of attention, effort, and symbolic cycling, visualizing cognitive dynamics as phase trajectories over recursive curvature fields. We further present an illustrative case study of moral decision-making under cognitive conflict, demonstrating the model’s interpretive capacity. To test empirical feasibility, Appendix B implements a minimal simulation using synthetic EEG-like signals under low- and high-noise regimes. Results confirm that positive curvature corresponds to semantic closure and awareness, while negative curvature indicates collapse into unstable symbolic states. Together, these results suggest that RIC provides a coherent, mathematically grounded framework for unifying cognitive geometry, symbolic dynamics, and informational collapse.

Abstract: Cholesteryl ester deposition in atherosclerosis (AS) plaques drives lipid core formation and plaque instability. Traditional statin drugs lack targeting and cause adverse reactions in some patients. This study proposed a novel laser-targeted therapy strategy based on photon-phonon resonant absorption (PPRA). We assigned the vibrational modes of four cholesteryl esters: cholesteryl linoleate (CLA), cholesteryl oleate (COA), cholesteryl palmitate (CPA), and cholesteryl stearate (CSA) using first-principles density functional theory, and determined the C=O vibration frequencies (1720-1750 cm-1). We suggested using a 52 THz laser to selectively excite C=O bond resonance, thereby achieving effective PPRA. It is predicted to disrupt cholesterol ester intermolecular hydrogen bonds, induce solid or liquid crystalline to liquid phase transitions in lipid cores. Consequently, this enhances the efficiency of esterase hydrolysis and promotes cholesterol reverse transport, which helps alleviate lipid plaque deposition. This method overcomes traditional drug limitations and offers a new physical intervention for laser-targeted therapy of AS.