Several polyoxometalates (POMs) have been shown to possess antitumor activity. In this study, hydrophilic POMs were combined with the hydrophobic drug podophyllotoxin (PPT) to create an amphiphilic anti-cancer drug PPT-POM-PPT, which can self-assemble into hollow vesicles. The properties of these vesicles, such as the critical aggregation concentration, were characterized. These vesicles had low hemolytic activity and high stability. Cytotoxicity tests showed that the PTT-POM-PPT vesicles exhibit strong antitumor activity against lung and liver cancer cells without significantly affecting normal cells. Cell uptake experiments confirm that the PPT-POM-PPT vesicles can easily penetrate cell membranes and effectively enter tumor cells, thus exerting anti-tumor effects. Furthermore, these vesicles co-localized with lysosomes. Moreover, these PPT-POM-PPT vesicles exhibit synergistic effects of PPT and POMs. They are efficient drug delivery platforms that act as both the carrier and the active drug, avoiding the potential risks associated with additional carrier ingredients. In summary, due to their anticancer properties, POMs and PPT facilitate the generation of novel amphiphilic self-assembling vesicles, providing a theoretical basis and enabling clinical applications of POMs in cancer therapy.

Genome analysis and protein modeling reveals Methylocystis suflitae's high-efficiency methane-to-PHA conversion (11.90 mg PHA/L/h), showcasing industrial potential.

Researchers provide a conceptual overview of liver vasomics, including the classification of vascular phenotypes in the liver.

Chronic liver diseases are closely linked to complex hemodynamic alterations, affecting both intrahepatic and extrahepatic vascular structures and functions. Recently, “Vasomics,” an emerging omics discipline, has gained attention for its comprehensive analysis of vascular systems by integrating disease pathophysiology, biomechanics, medical imaging, computational science, and artificial intelligence. Vasomics is characterized by its multidimensional, multiscale, and high-throughput nature, which depends on the rapid and robust extraction of well-defined vascular phenotypes with clear clinical and/or biological interpretability.

The increasing global interest in outdoor activities highlights the need for detailed 3D outdoor maps. Researchers have developed a novel method for constructing accurate and enriched 3D hiking road maps by combining crowdsourced trajectories and advanced geospatial modeling, addressing gaps in outdoor mapping technology. Tested using 1,170 hiking trajectories in China's Yuelu Mountain Scenic Area, the resulting 3D road network map demonstrated high accuracy in both spatial positioning and elevation estimation. Published in the Journal of Geo-information Science, this innovation provides outdoor enthusiasts with safer route planning and navigation, as well as enhanced support for search and rescue operations in complex terrains.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a formulation consisting of Kalonji (Nigella sativa) and Sirka (vinegar) in treating acne vulgaris, comparing it with the commonly used benzoyl peroxide 5% gel. A total of 40 participants aged 13-40 were treated over a 28-day period. The study measured the outcomes using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS), Cook’s Acne Grading Scale (PSAG), and the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI). While the results did not show significant differences between the two treatments, the use of Kalonji and Sirka demonstrated potential as an alternative acne treatment, especially considering its traditional use in Unani medicine. This study highlights the importance of exploring alternative, safer treatment options for acne, with further research needed to confirm the formulation’s effectiveness on a larger scale.

This review highlights the growing interest in ginsenosides, especially Compound K (CK), as potential anti-aging agents due to their promising effects on skin health. Rare ginsenoside Compound K, a highly active deglycosylated metabolite of ginsenosides, demonstrates significant anti-aging properties. This review discusses the anti-skin aging mechanisms of Compound K, including improving skin barrier, protecting against photoaging, supplementation of extracellular matrix, regulation of autophagy, resistance to inflammation, activation of longevity gene family, regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergy, and antioxidant Journal Pre-proof repair of cell damage.In addition, the physicochemical properties and transdermal absorption effects of CK were described in detail. In the end, the article emphasizes the need for further research into the molecular mechanisms of Compound K's anti-aging effects and its potential applications in developing natural anti-aging skincare products.

Collagen, a primary structural protein in the mammalian extracellular matrix, plays a crucial role in supporting, repairing, and protecting tissue cells. With sources ranging from natural extraction to artificial synthesis, collagen has significant applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, medicine, and the food industry. Its unique structure, excellent biocompatibility, and low antigenicity make it highly valuable in the cosmetic industry, where it is widely used in skincare products and medical aesthetic procedures to combat skin aging and enhance skin health. This paper reviews the sources and types of collagen utilized in cosmetics, explores its effects on skin, and discusses its future prospects in dermatology and cosmetic applications.