Systematic review of science education approaches to climate change education and sustainable development goal 13 - Discover Environment

Climate change poses one of the most pressing global challenges of the twenty-first century, yet the capacity of science education to foster climate literacy and sustainable behaviour remains unevenly realised. This study systematically reviewed empirical and conceptual research published between 2018 and 2025 to examine how climate change education (CCE) is integrated into science curricula and how it supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action). A total of forty-five peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria after an extensive search on Scopus and Google Scholar. Data were analysed using a four-domain coding framework focusing on instructional practices, teacher competence, student outcomes, and curriculum integration. The findings revealed that while inquiry-based, project-based, and SSI-STEAM approaches are highly effective in improving students’ conceptual understanding and engagement, disparities persist in curriculum coherence, teacher preparedness, and institutional support. Moreover, limited policy alignment and insufficient teacher training continue to constrain the systematic implementation of CCE. The review concludes that science education has the potential to contribute to environmental awareness, critical thinking, and engagement with climate issues when supported by coherent curriculum reform and professional development. The study recommends strengthening national policies, expanding teacher capacity-building initiatives, and deepening research into the long-term behavioural and career impacts of climate change education on learners.

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Extraction techniques, mechanistic insights for gut health, microbiota modulation, and industrial applications of diosgenin - Discover Chemistry

Background Diosgenin is a steroidal saponin of Dioscorea and Trigonella species, which has been gaining a lot of interest due to its health-promoting action. This review will summarize the potential usefulness of diosgenin, especially with regard to the use of diosgenin in the regulation of gastrointestinal microbiota, the effects, therapeutic mechanisms, utility, and practical implications. Objectives This review aims to comprehensively examine the phytochemistry, extraction techniques, biological mechanisms, and therapeutic potential of diosgenin, with emphasis on its role in gastrointestinal health. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature published between 2019 and 2025 was conducted via PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, prioritizing clinical trials, animal studies, and systematic reviews in accordance with predefined inclusion criteria. Findings Diosgenin has been shown to have the ability to defend the gut, prevent cancer by modifying the signal transduction pathway of NF-kB and MAPK; thereby reinforcing the barrier to the gut and reducing inflammation. Diosgenin is also able to shift the intestinal microbiome in favor of healthy species, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. Bioavailability may be modulated by new approaches in nanoparticle delivery or macromolecular cyclodextrin complexes. Conclusion and future directions Diosgenin may be applied in the treatment of gastrointestinal-associated conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and colorectal cancer. What also makes it clinically significant is the capability to achieve the balance of the gut-brain axis. Future clinical trials and pharmacokinetics studies need to be conducted in order to know how diosgenin is demonstrated in functional foods and personalized medicine, and be able to use them in therapies. Graphical Abstract

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Recent advances and future prospects in methanol fuel cell technologies - Discover Electrochemistry

Purpose To review the current advances, persistent challenges, and future prospects of methanol fuel cell technologies, thereby supporting the transition toward low-carbon energy systems. Design/methodology This is a comprehensive review that analyzes recent global progress across key aspects of methanol fuel cell technology. The focus areas include catalyst development, membrane innovation, performance optimization, and system integration. Findings Recent advances in electrocatalysts, nanostructured membranes, and hybrid system designs have substantially enhanced the efficiency, durability, and operational flexibility of methanol fuel cells. This progress has enabled their expansion in transportation, portable electronics, stationary power, and industrial energy generation. Originality/value This review offers a holistic overview of the current state-of-the-art and identifies critical limiting factors, such as methanol crossover, limited long-term durability, and high production costs, that continue to constrain commercialization. It emphasizes the need for coordinated, multidisciplinary efforts in materials science and system engineering, alongside favorable policies, to accelerate adoption and position methanol fuel cells as an integral component of the future renewable-energy landscape.

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Addressing the influence of nomophobia on mental health among secondary school students in Ethiopia - Discover Applied Sciences

Nomophobia (No-Mobile-Phone Phobia), defined as the fear or anxiety experienced when individuals are unable to access their smartphones, has emerged as a growing digital wellbeing concern among adolescents worldwide. Although smartphone access continues to expand across Ethiopia, limited attention has been given to the potential mental health implications of excessive smartphone dependence among secondary school students. This policy brief synthesizes recent international evidence on the relationship between nomophobia and adolescent mental health and examines its implications for the Ethiopian education system. Evidence from cross-sectional and longitudinal studies indicates that problematic smartphone use is associated with anxiety, depressive symptoms, sleep disturbances, reduced academic engagement, and emotional dysregulation. Despite growing digital connectivity, Ethiopia currently lacks school-based digital wellbeing frameworks, standardized screening mechanisms, and comprehensive policies addressing technology-related behavioral risks among adolescents. Drawing on evidence from international school-based digital wellbeing programs implemented in countries such as South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Australia, this policy brief proposes contextually relevant policy actions for Ethiopia. Key recommendations include integrating digital wellbeing education into secondary school curricula, strengthening school counseling services, promoting parental digital literacy, establishing national guidelines for responsible smartphone use, and supporting local research on adolescent digital wellbeing. These measures can help maximize the educational benefits of digital technology while protecting adolescent mental health and educational outcomes.

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Burnout syndrome among professionals working in emergency and urgent care settings in Spain: a systematic review - Discover Public Health

Introduction Burnout syndrome affects professionals working in emergency and urgent care settings and may involve emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment. Objective To describe burnout syndrome among professionals working in emergency and urgent care settings in Spain and summarize associated occupational and mental health factors. Methods and materials A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Studies published from January 1, 2020, to February 15, 2025, were searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and CENTRAL. Eligible studies included professionals working in emergency or urgent care settings in Spain and used validated burnout measurement tools. Data were extracted systematically. ROBINS-E was used to assess risk of bias in exposure-outcome association results, and STROBE was used only to assess completeness of reporting. Results Ten eligible studies published between 2020 and 2024 were included, involving 2,496 professionals, including physicians, nurses, nursing care assistants, and other staff. Burnout estimates varied by professional group, setting, and measurement instrument. Emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment were recurrently reported. Workload, rotating or long shifts, limited resources, workplace violence, low professional recognition, and limited social support were frequently associated with burnout. Reported associated outcomes included anxiety, depression, chronic stress, and self-reported clinical errors. Conclusions Burnout is frequent among professionals working in emergency and urgent care settings in Spain. Because several included studies used mixed professional samples, findings should not be interpreted as pooled physician-only estimates. Organizational measures addressing workload, staffing, shift patterns, resources, recognition, and workplace violence may be warranted, although the predominance of cross-sectional evidence prevents causal interpretation.

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Diversity and community composition of herpetofauna from Ibanda-Makera, Sanza, and Nyagasenyi remnant forests, Eastern Rwanda - Discover Environment

Remnant forests are vital yet threatened refugia for biodiversity. We assessed herpetofauna diversity in Nyagasenyi, Sanza, and Ibanda Makera remnant forests using visual encounter, dip-netting, acoustic, and active searches (dip-netting for amphibians only). Seventeen amphibians and thirteen reptiles were recorded, with Hyperoliidae (amphibians) and Scincidae (reptiles) as dominant families. Notable records include three Albertine Rift endemics (Arthroleptis schubotzi, Leptopelis kivuensis, Hyperolius rwandae), Near Threatened Python sebae, a putatively novel Sclerophrys sp., and Trachylepis cf. quinquetaeniata, a potential new record to Rwanda. Amphibian richness peaked at Nyagasenyi; reptile richness at Ibanda Makera, though statistical tests revealed no significant differences among forests. Only Ptychadena nilotica occurred in all three forests, while most species were recorded in a single forest. Community composition differed significantly among forests (PERMANOVA: amphibians p = 0.01, reptiles p = 0.01). Spearman correlations were predominantly negative, indicating compositional dissimilarity. Numerous species exhibited positive associations with specific microhabitats (Spearman’s rho = 1.00, p < 0.05) including flooded grasses, forest edges, swamps, water pools, shrubs, rocky areas, and tree logs, underlining habitat specialization. The presence of Hyperolius lateralis, restricted to natural wetlands in Nyagasenyi, together with Arthroleptis schubotzi in Sanza, substantiates that these forests maintain natural ecological conditions. They support Albertine Rift, threatened, and potentially undescribed species, so conservation must prioritize habitat heterogeneity over large intact blocks.

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First record of golden jackal, Canis aureus, Linnaeus 1758, in Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia - Discover Life

Despite being a widespread species, information on the golden jackal’s distribution in Saudi Arabia has been based on limited records, restricted its presence to Al Hofuf and surrounding areas (Eastern Province), four locations at Al Jouf Province, and a recent record in 2024 from the Prince Mohamed bin Salman Royal Reserve in the northwest (Tabuk region). In addition, photographic evidence of a juvenile individual was recorded in 2017 in the Al Jubail area (Eastern Province). On 2nd October 2025, in the present study, camera traps recorded two golden jackals at King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, Riyadh Province, KSA. This record is important for Saudi Arabia and the reserve, as it supports conservation efforts and highlights the importance of systematic surveys to understand the species population, status, and potential threats. Further research covering the biology, ecology and population dynamics of Canis aureus in its newly occupied habitats within King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve is needed.

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Local communities and botanists join forces to describe a new Vanilla species in the pacific rainforests of Western Colombia

Springer Nature Singapore By Nicola S. Flanagan and Andres Navia-Samboni Vanilla beans have long been gathered from the rainforests of Colombia's Pacific coast by the Afro-descendant and Indigenous communities who live there, being valued for their use in ceremonial rituals.

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Discover Sustainability’s 5th Anniversary - Hear from the Editor-in-Chief

As we celebrate the 5th anniversary of the journal, we are pleased to share insights from the Editor-in-Chief.

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Five years of Discover Food: reflecting on a changing food paradigm

Discover Food -

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The global health implications of proportionate co-investment in health workforce migration - Discover Health Systems

Health professional mobility has become a defining feature of 21st-century health systems, highlighting deep structural inequalities within global health labour markets. International movement of health workers can unfairly disadvantage source countries by losing publicly funded training investments, although it offers benefits at both individual and system levels. This narrative review compiles evidence on current patterns, drivers, and impacts of health worker migration, and explores the emerging idea of proportionate co-investment as a framework for fairer global health workforce management. Literature was gathered through database searches of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and major organisational and government websites. Evidence was presented following SANRA guidelines. The review emphasises dominant South–North migration flows. Widening wage gaps, poor working conditions, and power imbalances allow high-income countries to benefit from “implicit subsidies” in health workforce development. For source countries, this results in service gaps, poor distribution, higher health system costs, and slower progress toward universal health coverage. Current ethical recruitment codes and bilateral agreements are mostly voluntary, fragmented, and inadequate to fix labour-market imbalances. Proportionate co-investment redefines health worker migration as a shared global duty. Destination countries should systematically support health workforce education, retention, and working conditions in source countries. This review advocates a proactive framework grounded in proportionality, predictability, system alignment, and shared governance, drawing on emerging models such as skills partnerships and destination-country financing. Embedding proportionate co-investment could shift global policy from managing health worker losses to sharing responsibilities, promoting ethical mobility, and strengthening health systems worldwide.

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Climate change and ocean management shape marine biomass resilience in the Marine Corridor of the Eastern Tropical Pacific - Discover Oceans

The Tropical Eastern Pacific Marine Conservation Corridor (CMAR) was established in 2004 through the cooperation of Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama with the objective of safeguarding the migratory routes of large pelagic species such as sharks, rays, turtles, and marine mammals. As climate change modifies marine ecosystems worldwide, CMAR's recent ambitious conservation efforts might be affected by climate-driven species range shifts towards the Humboldt current. Here, we aim to identify possible adaptation and management strategies to enhance the climate resilience of biodiversity and fisheries in ten marine protected areas (MPA) of the CMAR region. We rely on scenario building and spatially-explicit integrated climate-fish-fisheries models to project the impacts of climate change on marine biomass of key marine species under different fisheries management and marine protection scenarios. Our results show that biomass in the CMAR region, and the effectiveness of MPAs in supporting biomass conservation, seafood production and sustainable tourism, are strongly impacted by higher-emission scenarios. Improving fisheries management and conservation could offset some of the impacts of climate change, especially if these are done in parallel. Adapting fisheries and MPA management plans within the CMAR region to climate-driven range shifts is essential to achieve their established conservation objectives. Improving our understanding of climate change impacts on marine biodiversity and biomass of key species of commercial importance can enhance the effectiveness of conservation and fishery management plans in building climate resilience of ecosystems in the region.

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Molecular engineering of organic room temperature phosphorescence emitters for next generation applications - Discover Molecules

The emergence of room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) has opened a new era in material science, offering metal-free alternatives for efficient triplet exciton utilization. Key advances, such as the incorporation of non-metallic heavy atoms (S, Se, B), rigid conjugated scaffolds, and intramolecular locking strategies, have enabled efficient inter-system crossing (ISC), spin-orbit coupling (SOC), and the stabilization of triplet states, leading to efficient RTP. Alongside RTP, thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters have emerged as another breakthrough in purely organic triplet harvesting. Both classes of materials share design synergies, such as rigid polycyclic frameworks and precise electronic control, yet differ fundamentally in their excited-state dynamics: RTP relies on triplet phosphorescence, while TADF relies on reverse inter-system crossing. Interestingly, recent studies reveal that certain TADF molecules can also exhibit RTP, owing to their structural modulation. This duality suggests exciting opportunities to design multifunctional emitters that selectively access TADF and RTP, thereby broadening the application landscape. This review critically surveys and classifies the state-of-the-art in organic RTP molecules showing TADF, outlining molecular design strategies, photo physical principles and their potential applications in OLEDs, bio imaging, information encryption, X-Ray imaging, time-gated bioassay, photodynamic therapy, flexible wearable optoelectronic devices and circularly polarized room-temperature phosphorescence. Finally, the challenges and opportunities are identified for expanding these classes of organic triplet-harvesting molecules.

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Reassessing the climate mitigation benefits and environmental risks of coastal seaweed farming - Discover Oceans

Seaweed farming is increasingly promoted as a nature-based solution for marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR), offering the dual promise of climate mitigation and ecosystem enhancement. However, here we highlight a fundamental paradox: while macroalgae cultivation can significantly boost carbon sequestration and support biodiversity, it also introduces site-specific ecological risks—most notably eutrophication, hypoxia, and acidification—particularly in semi-enclosed coastal systems with limited water exchange. We synthesize current understanding of both the positive and negative impacts of large-scale macroalgae farming, examining pathways of carbon uptake, storage, and export alongside biogeochemical and food web disruptions. Critically, we identify the overlooked roles of hydrodynamic conditions and benthic-pelagic coupling in mediating ecological outcomes. To ensure that macroalgae aquaculture contributes effectively to climate goals while safeguarding coastal ecosystem resilience, we call for the development of a targeted and comprehensive evaluation framework capable of accurately assessing its impacts on adjacent waters. Such a framework should incorporate site-specific water-exchange characteristics and biogeochemical vulnerability, thereby enabling more informed and adaptive management strategies—including hydrodynamically guided site zoning—to support sustainable, long-term ecosystem benefits.

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Socio technical mapping of youth aspirations for post COVID future cities in Southeast Asia - Discover Cities

Amid rapid urbanisation and the impacts of COVID-19, reimagining Malaysia’s urban futures is urgent. This study examines how young Malaysians envision sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities using a mixed-method concept mapping approach. Participants generated and clustered 108 proposals into eight thematic areas: Urban Planning, Community Development, Laws & Regulations, Civic Consciousness, Transport, Social Support, Futuristic Attractions, and Healthcare. Validation with 248 additional respondents revealed shifting priorities, with Healthcare and Civic Consciousness gaining prominence post-pandemic. Key youth-driven demands include expanded public transport, enhanced digital infrastructure, support for localised urban villages, and stronger healthcare systems. Grounded in socio-technical systems theory, the findings offer a context-specific perspective on urban resilience and post-pandemic recovery, advancing theorisation of urban transformation by highlighting youth agency and the socio-political embeddedness of future-oriented urban imaginaries in the Global South.

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Extraction techniques, mechanistic insights for gut health, microbiota modulation, and industrial applications of diosgenin - Discover Chemistry

Background Diosgenin is a steroidal saponin of Dioscorea and Trigonella species, which has been gaining a lot of interest due to its health-promoting action. This review will summarize the potential usefulness of diosgenin, especially with regard to the use of diosgenin in the regulation of gastrointestinal microbiota, the effects, therapeutic mechanisms, utility, and practical implications. Objectives This review aims to comprehensively examine the phytochemistry, extraction techniques, biological mechanisms, and therapeutic potential of diosgenin, with emphasis on its role in gastrointestinal health. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature published between 2019 and 2025 was conducted via PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, prioritizing clinical trials, animal studies, and systematic reviews in accordance with predefined inclusion criteria. Findings Diosgenin has been shown to have the ability to defend the gut, prevent cancer by modifying the signal transduction pathway of NF-kB and MAPK; thereby reinforcing the barrier to the gut and reducing inflammation. Diosgenin is also able to shift the intestinal microbiome in favor of healthy species, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. Bioavailability may be modulated by new approaches in nanoparticle delivery or macromolecular cyclodextrin complexes. Conclusion and future directions Diosgenin may be applied in the treatment of gastrointestinal-associated conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and colorectal cancer. What also makes it clinically significant is the capability to achieve the balance of the gut-brain axis. Future clinical trials and pharmacokinetics studies need to be conducted in order to know how diosgenin is demonstrated in functional foods and personalized medicine, and be able to use them in therapies. Graphical Abstract

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Resilience and coping behavior among war refugees from diverse ethnic backgrounds - Discover Psychology

Background Given the psychological toll of forced displacement, understanding coping behavior is crucial for informing culturally sensitive interventions that foster resilience and mental well-being. This study examined resilience and coping behavior among war refugees from four ethnic groups: Ukrainians (N = 117), Palestinians (N = 19), Yemenis (N = 38), and Sudanese (N = 33) aged 18–45 y.o. Methods Participants completed the COPE and CD-RISC-10 scales via online surveys. Data analysis followed a multi-step approach: Differential Item Functioning (DIF) and Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC) modeling were used to establish partial scalar measurement invariance, ensuring valid cross-group comparison of latent means. Multigroup Bayesian Network Analysis (MBNA) was then employed to map the structural organization of coping strategies. Results Partial invariance was confirmed for both scales, validating cross‑group comparisons. Active coping, instrumental social support, planning, and positive interpretation and growth emerged as universal hubs. Group differences were consistent: Arabic‑speaking refugees reported greater reliance on religious coping, positive interpretation, social support, and planning. Structurally, acceptance was central for Ukrainians, while religious coping integrated with planning among Arabic‑speakers. Least used strategies across groups were substance use, disengagement, denial, and humor. Latent mean resilience scores were not culture-contingent. Conclusions The findings highlight both shared and distinct coping patterns among war refugees of the four ethnic groups. This emphasizes the importance of culturally sensitive and strengths-based interventions that promote adaptive coping strategies and psychological well-being. In particular, the findings suggest acceptance‑focused approaches for Ukrainians and integrated religious coping with planning for Arabic‑speakers. This study fills a research gap by examining coping strategies in under-represented ethnic groups of war refugees through a cross-cultural lens. It contributes to a broader understanding of cross-cultural resilience and coping behavior in war-displaced populations.

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Adoption of climate-smart agricultural strategies improves farmers’ welfare and strengthens food security in peninsular India - Discover Agriculture

Adopting climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices is pivotal for enhancing crop yield, improving the livelihoods of subsistence farmers, while ensuring their food security. Despite numerous welfare benefits, the adoption of climate-smart strategies remains limited. The study was designed to analyze and report the impact of adopting CSA practices on yield, income, consumption expenditure, and self-assessed food security of smallholder farmers. Furthermore, the study identified socio-economic and demographic constraints to the adoption of CSA technology. Finally, the study examined the socio-economic, environmental, and farm factors influencing smallholder farmers’ decisions on climate change adoption. The primary data were collected from 415 small and marginal farmers residing in 25 villages in the Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts of Andhra Pradesh, India. The survey was conducted between August 2024 and May 2025, using a purposive stratified random sampling design. The propensity score matching (PSM) approach was employed to compare the adoption impact of two CSA practices, i.e., Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and Zero Tillage Maize (ZTM), on farmers’ yield, income, and welfare. The study used a probit regression model to identify the constraints of climate-smart practices, while the multinomial logistic regression (MLR) model was used to estimate the determinants of DSR, ZTM, and DSR + ZTM adoption choices. The results showed that farmers’ farm size (1% increase in average farm size resulted in 9.5% enhancement in CSA adoption), off-farm income (1% increase in off-farm income showed 6.3% rise in CSA adoption), machine availability (1% increase in machine availability resulted in 18.7% enhancement in CSA adoption), and perception of weather change (1% increase in perception on weather change resulted in 9.5% increase in CSA adoption) were critical factors in the adoption of CSA practices. The PSM results indicated that the adoption of DSR increased paddy yield by 1.53 quintal/acre and net farm income by INR 5134.67/acre. ZTM adoption raised maize yield by 1.62 quintal/acre and net farm income by INR 8272/acre. Farmers adopting both DSR and ZTM experienced yield gains of nearly 3.90 quintal/acre (paddy equivalent yield) and income gains of INR 12,812/acre, alongside higher per capita consumption expenditure (INR 239.67/person/month) and improved food security by 14.1%. MLR outcomes indicated that machine availability, participation in awareness meetings and training, extension services, and assured irrigation significantly influenced adoption choices among DSR, ZTM, and DSR + ZTM. The study advocates that community-based machinery rental hubs, extension services, structured training programs, and public–private partnerships beyond donor-funded projects will ensure wider adoption of DSR and ZTM, leading to measurable gains in yield, income, and food security across smallholder households. Future research should examine the long-term impacts of CSA practices on soil health, greenhouse gas mitigation, and gender-differentiated outcomes across diverse agro-ecologies.

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Systematic review of science education approaches to climate change education and sustainable development goal 13 - Discover Environment

Climate change poses one of the most pressing global challenges of the twenty-first century, yet the capacity of science education to foster climate literacy and sustainable behaviour remains unevenly realised. This study systematically reviewed empirical and conceptual research published between 2018 and 2025 to examine how climate change education (CCE) is integrated into science curricula and how it supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action). A total of forty-five peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria after an extensive search on Scopus and Google Scholar. Data were analysed using a four-domain coding framework focusing on instructional practices, teacher competence, student outcomes, and curriculum integration. The findings revealed that while inquiry-based, project-based, and SSI-STEAM approaches are highly effective in improving students’ conceptual understanding and engagement, disparities persist in curriculum coherence, teacher preparedness, and institutional support. Moreover, limited policy alignment and insufficient teacher training continue to constrain the systematic implementation of CCE. The review concludes that science education has the potential to contribute to environmental awareness, critical thinking, and engagement with climate issues when supported by coherent curriculum reform and professional development. The study recommends strengthening national policies, expanding teacher capacity-building initiatives, and deepening research into the long-term behavioural and career impacts of climate change education on learners.

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Recent advances and future prospects in methanol fuel cell technologies - Discover Electrochemistry

Purpose To review the current advances, persistent challenges, and future prospects of methanol fuel cell technologies, thereby supporting the transition toward low-carbon energy systems. Design/methodology This is a comprehensive review that analyzes recent global progress across key aspects of methanol fuel cell technology. The focus areas include catalyst development, membrane innovation, performance optimization, and system integration. Findings Recent advances in electrocatalysts, nanostructured membranes, and hybrid system designs have substantially enhanced the efficiency, durability, and operational flexibility of methanol fuel cells. This progress has enabled their expansion in transportation, portable electronics, stationary power, and industrial energy generation. Originality/value This review offers a holistic overview of the current state-of-the-art and identifies critical limiting factors, such as methanol crossover, limited long-term durability, and high production costs, that continue to constrain commercialization. It emphasizes the need for coordinated, multidisciplinary efforts in materials science and system engineering, alongside favorable policies, to accelerate adoption and position methanol fuel cells as an integral component of the future renewable-energy landscape.

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Social support as a novel predictor of healthcare affordability among adults with lifetime histories of cancer - Discover Public Health

Background Cancer is an expensive disease. Persons with new or prior cancer diagnoses experience health benefits from social support, which is also linked to better healthcare affordability outcomes in other patient populations. We investigated whether social support is associated with general healthcare affordability among adults with lifetime histories of cancer. Methods Using self-reported survey data from the 2020 & 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) on 5873 adults with histories of cancer, we obtained weighted adjusted odds and predicted probabilities of three indicators of increasing healthcare unaffordability: worried about medical bills, problems paying medical bills, and inability to pay medical bills, examining differences among those with frequent (“always/usually” getting) versus infrequent/no (“sometimes/rarely/never” getting) social support. Results In unadjusted analyses, individuals with frequent social support had lower prevalences of all three indicators compared to those with infrequent/no support (worried: 33.4% vs. 47.5%; problems: 9.8% vs. 21.0%; inability: 5.4% vs. 13.1%; all p < 0.001). Those with frequent social support had lower adjusted odds and corresponding predicted probabilities of all three healthcare unaffordability indicators compared to those with infrequent/no social support (worried aOR: 0.66 (0.55–0.78), high support pred. prob.: 36.2%, low support pred. prob.: 51.6%; problems aOR: 0.53 (0.41–0.68): high support pred. prob.: 9.0%, low support pred. prob.: 18.1%; inability aOR: 0.53 (0.40–0.71). high support pred. prob.: 5.0%, low support pred. prob.: 11.5%). Conclusions Social support is associated with increased general healthcare affordability in adults with cancer histories. Future longitudinal and mixed-methods research should investigate a causal relationship between social support and healthcare unaffordability.

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Identification of metabolic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis treated with methylprednisolone - Discover Oncology

Objective This study aims to screen and identify metabolic biomarkers and targets for methylprednisolone treatment of thymoma with myasthenia gravis (MG) through metabolomics and network pharmacology analysis, thereby improving guidance for clinical medication and treatment. Methods Serum from 15 patients with thymoma accompanied by severe MG was collected. Changes in serum metabolite levels before and after methylprednisolone treatment were determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC—MS). The raw mass spectrometry fragment information obtained was integrated and interpreted using the metabolomics data analysis software Progenesis QI v2.3. Differential metabolites were screened and identified using univariate and multivariate statistical analysis methods. Subsequently, potential targets of methylprednisolone treatment were identified through network pharmacology, and the mechanism of action of methylprednisolone in treating thymoma with MG was explored in conjunction with metabolomics. Finally, key targets and the upstream synthetic enzymes of critical metabolites identified were validated using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results A total of 148 differential metabolites were identified in the metabolomics study, among which key metabolites ceramide (Cer) and sphingomyelin (SM) play a significant role in cell immune regulation, inflammatory response, and tumor control. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) could serve as a potential target for methylprednisolone treatment of thymoma with MG. ELISA validation results showed that the key target TNF and the upstream synthetic enzymes of the key metabolites SM and Cer were all downregulated after methylprednisolone treatment, with the differences being statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion Our Study reveals that TNF could serve as a potential target for methylprednisolone treatment of Thymoma-associated MG, and Cer and SM could act as potential metabolic biomarkers to assess its treatment efficacy.

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