Hypogravity environments (e.g., 1/6 g on the Moon and 3/8 g on Mars, where gravity is lower than on Earth) profoundly alter the sensorimotor mechanisms underlying spatial orientation, perception, and manual task execution. Understanding these adaptations is essential for ensuring astronaut operational performance. In particular, there is a need for a better understanding of the long-term effects of hypogravity on manual task performance during seated operations, such as piloting, landing, and navigating, which rely on the integration of vestibular, visual, and somatosensory signals that drive motor adaptation in unfamiliar gravitational environments. However, sensorimotor processes and adaptation to hypogravity remain incompletely understood, particularly after prolonged exposure. This perspective paper synthesizes current knowledge largely derived from experimental platforms with inherent constraints. Additionally, it explores the convergence of technological approaches used both to simulate hypogravity for spaceflight preparation and to support rehabilitation after vestibular or neurological impairment. Finally, it suggests that future research should focus on long-term hypogravity simulation using AI-driven assistive technologies through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Gravity is a fundamental environmental factor influencing plant evolution and development. As humanity prepares for long-duration space missions, understanding plant responses to microgravity is crucial for sustainable space agriculture. While the International Space Station (ISS) offers an ideal research environment, high costs and limited accessibility have necessitated the use of ground-based microgravity simulators, such as 2D and 3D clinostats and Random Positioning Machines (RPM). This review summarizes the physical principles of these devices and synthesizes plant biological responses, including organ-level morphogenesis, cellular structure, hormonal balance, and molecular metabolism. We critically compare ground-based simulation data with actual spaceflight results, identifying areas of high reproducibility-such as statolith randomization and automorphogenesis-as well as significant discrepancies that might be caused by simulator-specific artifacts like mechanical vibration, centrifugal acceleration, and fluid shear stress. Furthermore, we emphasize the need for standardized performance metrics, including time-averaged simulated microgravity (taSMG) and the degree of gravity dispersion (DGD), to enhance data reliability. Finally, we discuss how technical innovations such as brushless direct current (BLDC) motor integration and 3D printing can bridge the "space-ground gap". This review provides a strategic framework for optimizing ground-based research to support the development of life support systems for future lunar and Martian habitats.
Exposure to microgravity leads to severe skeletal muscle atrophy, particularly in muscles that act to maintain posture against gravity, and results in significant reductions in muscle mass, cross-sectional area, and contractile force. This review examines the physiological and cellular response of microgravity in both rodent and human models, emphasizing shifts in muscle fiber type, altered contractile properties, and molecular adaptations. Specifically, rodents exhibit rapid atrophy, predominantly in slow-twitch fibers, whereas human studies suggest greater intersubject variability, with both slow- and fast-twitch fibers significantly affected. Cellular responses due to microgravity reveal mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and impaired synaptogenesis as key contributors to muscle degradation. Further, despite exercise countermeasures, spaceflight induced atrophy remains a significant challenge. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing therapeutics to mitigate musculoskeletal degradation during prolonged spaceflight. The aim of this review is to compare the effects of microgravity-induced skeletal muscle atrophy across rodent, human, and in vitro models, highlight species differences in responses, and evaluate Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-mediated mechanisms that underlie muscle loss throughout spaceflight.
In this study, we investigated whether gravity influences goal-directed planar arm movements by having participants perform point-to-point outward and inward movements in a reclinable chair, varying orientation relative to gravity from horizontal (0°) to vertical (90°) in steps of 15°. Strict temporal (400 ± 100 ms) and spatial constraints ensured comparable movement conditions across orientations. Consistent with the literature, we found significant differences between inward and outward movements in terms of movement curvature (xdev) and time-to-peak-velocity (tpv), which were consistent across all chair reclining angles. However, when comparing inward movements at different angles and outward movements at different angles, we found no significant effect of gravity on both xdev and tpv. Using an optimal control musculoskeletal model of the human arm, we predicted movement trajectories for several commonly proposed cost functions. We found that only jerk-based (kinematic) cost functions reproduced the experimentally observed movement kinematics, while cost functions incorporating muscle activation (e.g. control effort) or muscle output (e.g. muscle force, muscle torque) predicted clear gravity-dependent effects that were not present in the experimental data. In conclusion, we found no effect of body orientation relative to gravity on the kinematics of goal-directed arm movements; observed differences were due only to differences in movement direction. In addition, only kinematics-based cost functions generated movements similar to those observed experimentally.
The passive nature of gravity matching navigation, along with its concealment and freedom from error accumulation over time, is essential for reducing inertial navigation system (INS) errors and enabling high-precision autonomous underwater positioning. The current paper provides a systematic review of major technologies in the field, including the development of underwater gravimeters, construction of gravity reference maps, suitable area selection, optimization of matching algorithms, gravity-inertial integrated navigation, and path planning. We discuss hardware developments, including classical sensors, gradiometers, and quantum sensors, as well as methodological concepts such as multi-source sensor data fusion, intelligent area selection, algorithm optimizations, connections between multiple filters, and intelligent trajectory design. Despite a relatively well-developed technical infrastructure, several bottlenecks remain, including the low engineering maturity of high-end hardware, poor algorithmic performance under extreme conditions, over-reliance on simulation, and weak module integration. Future research should focus on hardware miniaturization, cross-domain intelligent adaptive algorithms, multi-condition real-world validation, and the transition from loosely coupled to tightly coupled architectures to achieve improved accuracy and robustness.
A catastrophic Ms7.8 earthquake occurred in Tangshan in 1976 at a focal depth of approximately 12 km, resulting in severe casualties and substantial economic losses. Given its unique tectonic setting, the seismogenic structure and dynamic genesis of the Tangshan earthquake have long remained a key research topic in seismotectonic studies. To better characterize the tectonic framework, seismogenic mechanisms, and deep-shallow dynamical coupling within the Tangshan seismic zone, we employ multi-scale wavelet decomposition on high-resolution residual gravity anomalies to isolate crustal structure signals across different depth ranges. Integrating these structural signatures with the spatial distribution of seismicity yields a comprehensive framework for interpreting the regional tectonic evolution. The Tangshan seismic zone is positioned within the intricate structural architecture of the Tangshan rhombic fault block, a system embedded within the broader context of the North China Craton (NCC) destruction. Seismicity displays a distinct preferred orientation, with events concentrated along block-bounding faults and gravity anomaly gradient zones. With increasing wavelet decomposition levels, the gravity anomalies exhibit a systematic transition from spatially dispersed patterns associated with shallow structures to more concentrated features reflecting deeper geological domains. Shallow anomalies from the first to third decomposition orders, which are primarily controlled by Quaternary sedimentary layers, show a fragmented distribution that corresponds well with the development of local flower structures and the occurrence of diffuse shallow seismicity. The fourth- to seventh-order anomalies clearly delineate the rhombic block and its bounding peripheral faults, highlighting the structural intersections that hosted the Tangshan mainshock and its associated aftershock sequence. In contrast, the eighth- to tenth-order deep-seated anomalies corresponding to deeper structural levels exhibit pronounced coalescence, effectively imaging mantle upwelling and large-scale density heterogeneities within the lithospheric mantle. These concentrated gravity highs are closely coupled with mantle thermal activity, whose upward ascent induces thermal weakening of the lower crust and facilitates progressive stress transfer toward shallower crustal levels. Concurrently, frictional locking of shallow high-angle faults promotes intense stress accumulation within the rigid basement. The interplay between deep-seated dynamic concentration and shallow structural confinement ultimately triggers the catastrophic coseismic rupture responsible for the Tangshan earthquake. By delineating the structural transition from deep-seated aggregation centers to shallow dispersed fracture zones, this study establishes a robust framework for assessing seismogenic environments and regional seismic hazard potential across the progressively destroyed NCC.
Whole-lung lavage (WLL) remains the gold standard for symptomatic pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). However, conventional protocols are resource-intensive, relying on manual chest percussion, frequent position changes, and active negative-pressure suctioning to accelerate effluent drainage. We evaluated a modified gravity-driven workflow designed to improve procedural efficiency by optimizing hydrodynamics and minimizing manual airway manipulation. In this single-center retrospective cohort study, we analyzed 112 WLL procedures performed in 88 patients between October 1, 2007, and April 30, 2024. Procedures were categorized into a classic workflow (n=60; utilizing manual percussion, postural changes, and active negative-pressure suction) or a modified gravity-driven workflow (n=52). The modified technique employed a saline reservoir elevated to 100 cm, fixed supine positioning, and passive gravity drainage through a three-way stopcock to maintain a closed circuit. Primary outcomes included lavage duration, anesthesia duration, and fluid recovery rate. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to adjust for baseline confounders. Baseline characteristics were balanced between groups. The modified technique demonstrated superior efficiency. Compared with the classic technique, the modified workflow significantly reduced the median lavage duration [135 (interquartile range (IQR), 116-160) vs. 240 min (IQR, 211-360 min); P<0.001] and total anesthesia duration (240 vs. 390 min; P<0.001). The fluid recovery rate was significantly higher in the modified group (95.0% vs. 92.0%; P<0.001). Both techniques showed improvement in oxygenation at discharge, and no statistically significant between-group differences were observed in oxygenation outcomes in this cohort. No statistically significant between-group differences were observed in recorded complications, including pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and hemodynamic instability. The gravity-driven modified WLL is an efficient technique. By utilizing increased hydrostatic pressure, this approach significantly reduces procedural time and improves fluid recovery. In this cohort, it was not associated with a detectable difference in short-term oxygenation outcomes or recorded complications.
Landing from a jump presents distinct challenges that require accurate prediction of both ground contact timing and the characteristics of the forthcoming impact forces to generate anticipatory kinematic adjustments to efficiently dissipate energy. This study quantified these adjustments under simulated microgravity to characterize their temporal and magnitude features. Nine participants performed countermovement jumps (CMJ) and drop-landings (DL) under simulated microgravity during parabolic flights, using a subject loading system to apply downward force in weightlessness (0g). Ground reaction forces and sagittal-plane kinematics were recorded to compute hip, knee and ankle joint angles, angular velocities, and joint flexion onsets. Loading rate, peak vertical ground reactions forces and extra work were computed to quantify the effect of anticipatory adjustments. A linear mixed-effects model examined the effect of energy to be dissipated at touchdown (ETD), task (CMJ or DL) and their interaction on onsets of joint flexion, joint angles and angular velocities at touchdown (TD). Joint flexion onsets occurred later relative to TD with increased ETD, to reach smaller joint flexion angles at TD. When expressed relative to the instant of downward fall initiation, latency of joint flexion also varied with ETD, indicating that adjustments do not rely on fixed timing reference. Joint angular velocities at touchdown increased with ETD in CMJ, suggesting a combined modulation of onset timing and angular acceleration to achieve the required velocity at TD. During DL, angular velocities at TD were lower, leading to reduced extra work and greater loading rates. Overall, these findings highlighted the critical role of anticipatory kinematic adjustments and the importance of fall initiation in energy dissipation during landing.
Total hip arthroplasty is one of the most common orthopedic procedures. When the surgery is successful and followed by high-quality physiotherapy, the patients' quality of life usually improves. This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the impact of anti-gravity treadmills on functional outcomes after total hip arthroplasty. The trial was conducted at the Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation of Heart, Lung, and Rheumatic Diseases Thalassotherapia Opatija. The sample consisted of patients admitted for inpatient rehabilitation three months after total hip arthroplasty. A total of 34 subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (N=18) and a control group (N=16). The outcome measures included abductor muscle strength, range of motion, numeric pain rating scale, Timed Up and Go test, and 40-meter Fast-Paced Walk test. A statistically significant between-group difference was observed only for hip abduction range of motion, favoring the experimental group (P=0.044). The other measured variables did not show any statistically significant intergroup differences. Anti-gravity treadmill training improved hip abduction range of motion but did not demonstrate superiority over conventional rehabilitation in the other assessed functional outcomes.
Liquid metal (LM) microdroplets have emerged as versatile building blocks for soft and stretchable electronics, enabling compliant conductors, multilayer architectures, and reconfigurable systems. Among the manufacturing strategies used to structure these composites, gravitational settling in liquid-phase polymer films offers a scalable pathway for directed assembly; however, the mechanics and kinetics governing this process remain poorly understood. Here we create an experimental platform and quantitative image-analysis framework to measure the gravitational settling dynamics of highly packed LM microdroplets in liquid-phase polymer resin films. By systematically varying LM microdroplets size ( ∼ 50 - 500 $\sim 50-500$ μ m ${\umu }{\rm m}$ diameter), resin viscosity ( ∼ 100 - 5000 $\sim 100-5000$ mPa s), and the geometry of the film system ( ∼ 300 - 1600 $\sim 300-1600$ μ m ${\umu }{\rm m}$ thick), we elucidate the process-structure relationships of gravitational settling of LM in confined films. Settling time decreases with droplet diameter following an inverse-square Stokes-type scaling and increases linearly with resin viscosity, which dominates the assembly rate. In contrast, film and saturated layer thicknesses exert only minor influence due to confinement effects. These relationships translate directly to a multilayer assembly process for soft interlayer via fabrication, establishing a predictive framework for scalable gravity-directed LM assembly.
Available evidence indicates that fat-free mass and muscle mass positively associate with baseline urine specific gravity, particularly in physically active individuals and athletes. Relatively little, however, is known about the relationships between skeletal muscle mass and other hydration biomarkers in more diverse samples. This investigation sought to evaluate the associations between skeletal muscle mass and hydration status measured via urine specific gravity, urine osmolality, and saliva osmolality. Eighty-three adults (37 men, 46 women; 36.1 ± 13.2 yr, 170.6 ± 9.4 cm, 90.0 ± 17.9 kg; 27.9 ± 11.8% body fat) visited the laboratory once to complete body composition testing and provide spot urine and saliva samples. Urine and saliva were analyzed using a digital pocket refractometer, benchtop osmometer, and portable handheld saliva osmometer. Urine osmolality and specific gravity were highly associated with one another (ρ = 0.98, p < 0.001; n = 81). In contrast, saliva osmolality showed no significant associations with urine specific gravity (ρ = 0.04, p = 0.726; n = 82) or urine osmolality (ρ = 0.03, p = 0.795; n = 81). Furthermore, urine specific gravity, urine osmolality, and saliva osmolality all showcased no statistically significant relationships with skeletal muscle mass, in either unadjusted or adjusted (age, past 4h fluid intake, and time of day) analyses. The insignificant associations between muscle mass and hydration measures are possibly due to the diverse physical activity of participants, variations in sampling time of day, and limited control over pre-visit nutritional intake. In comparison to homogenous athlete samples, there may be less of a relationship between muscle mass and hydration measures in diverse populations, particularly when relatively unrestricted pre-testing controls are imposed.
To evaluate in vitro determinants of intrarenal temperature (IRT) and pressure (IRP) during laser lithotripsy. A silicone urinary tract model was used to perform laser lithotripsy on artificial stones placed in the renal pelvis. Three laser sources (thulium fibre laser, holmium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet [Ho:YAG] with Magneto Technology, and pulsed thulium:YAG) with 200-μm fibres were tested at four energy settings (0.6 J-10 Hz, 1 J-10 Hz, 0.2 J-50 Hz, and 1 J-40 Hz), delivering 2000 J per experiment. Irrigation was provided by gravity (40 cmH2O) or hand-pump irrigation, combined with a standard ureteral access sheath (sUAS) or flexible and navigable suction sheath (FANS). Multivariable regression identified predictors of mean IRT and IRP. Baseline temperatures were comparable among groups (27.2-32.2 °C, P > 0.05). Hand-pump irrigation reduced mean IRT compared to gravity (-9.1 °C, P = 0.001). Laser power showed a dose-response effect (10 W: +2.5 °C, P = 0.003; 40 W: +8.2 °C, P = 0.001 vs 6 W). At equivalent power and irrigation settings, laser source did not influence IRT under the experimental conditions evaluated. The thermal-risk threshold (>43 °C) was reached in 16.7% of experiments, increased with power (2.8%, 15.3%, and 41.7% at 6, 10, and 40 W; P = 0.001) and decreased with hand-pump irrigation and FANS (P < 0.05). Hand-pump irrigation increased IRP by 21 cmH2O compared to gravity, while FANS reduced IRP by 12 cmH2O vs sUAS (P = 0.001). Mean IRT was associated with laser power and irrigation strategy. High-power settings (40 W) frequently exceeded the thermal-risk threshold. Although FANS was not associated with lower mean IRT, it reduced the likelihood of exceeding the thermal-risk threshold. Laser source had no effect on mean IRT when power and irrigation conditions were comparable. Mean IRP was influenced by irrigation strategy and UAS configuration but was not associated with mean IRT. These findings underscore the need for advanced integrated irrigation-aspiration systems capable of dynamic control of flow, pressure, and temperature to optimise procedural safety.
Ventilation distribution varies with body position because of gravitational loading, thoracic morphology, and respiratory muscle activity. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) enables real-time assessment of regional ventilation; however, quantitative characterization of posture-related ventilation redistribution and its associated factors in healthy subjects remains limited. To characterize posture-dependent changes in regional ventilation distribution using EIT in healthy subjects and to explore anthropometric and diaphragmatic factors associated with gravity-related ventilation redistribution. 10 healthy male volunteers underwent EIT measurements during quiet breathing in the supine, right lateral decubitus, prone, left lateral decubitus, and sitting positions. Regional ventilation was quantified using predefined regions of interest. Posture-related redistribution was evaluated using Δ ventilation distribution, defined as within-subject changes in regional ventilation proportion relative to supine, to detect subtle redistribution. Associations between Δ ventilation distribution and body mass index (BMI), cardiothoracic ratio (CTR), diaphragm thickness change ratio, and diaphragmatic excursion (DE) were also analyzed. Lateral decubitus positioning induced marked gravity-dependent redistribution toward dependent lung regions, with greater asymmetry in the right lateral position. Although overall dorsoventral ventilation patterns appeared similar among supine, prone, and sitting positions, Δ ventilation distribution analysis detected subtle but significant regional redistribution during prone and sitting. Redistribution during lateral positioning was associated with CTR and BMI, whereas redistribution during sitting was associated with DE. Posture-related ventilation redistribution may reflect interactions between gravitational loading, thoracic morphology, and diaphragmatic motion. These exploratory findings provide a sensitive physiological framework for quantifying regional redistribution and may improve understanding of position-dependent respiratory mechanics.
Promoting the integrated development of China's urban agglomerations and realizing regional coordinated carbon reduction is an important starting point for the "dual carbon" goal. Taking 26 cities in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration as research objects， this paper discusses the change trend and driving factors of carbon emission spatial correlation network from the dual perspectives of "attribute data" and "relational data" through slope trend analysis， the generalized Divisia index decomposition method （GDIM）， gravity model， social network analysis （SNA）， QAP method， and exponential random graph model （ERGM）. The results show that： ① From 2000 to 2011， the carbon emission of each city was in a rapid growth stage. From 2011 to 2021， the overall growth of carbon emissions in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions slowed down， and Hangzhou and Jinhua showed a downward trend. The promoting effects of per capita carbon emissions and energy consumption on carbon emissions gradually remained stable after 2010， and the promoting effects of carbon emission intensity on carbon emissions were increasing after 2010. ② Among the promoting factors of carbon emission， economic scale was the most influential factor， followed by per capita carbon emission and energy consumption. Among the limiting factors of carbon emission， carbon emission intensity was the most influential factor， followed by per capita economic scale. The promoting effects of per capita carbon emissions and energy consumption on carbon emissions gradually remained stable after 2010， and the promoting effects of carbon emission intensity on carbon emissions were increasing after 2010. In addition， population size， energy intensity， and energy consumption carbon emission intensity had little influence on carbon emission change. ③ The network level of correlation gravity intensity evolved over time. The first level gradually shifted from the eastern part of the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration to the central and western part. The carbon emission correlation developed toward multi-polarization and multi-direction， and the correlation intensity shifted along the gradient of economic development level. The number of network relations was increasing， the network density was increasing， and the network had strong connectivity and toughness without rigid hierarchical structure. There was obvious spatial differentiation of carbon emission "club" in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration， and the plates were constantly reorganized over time. In 2021， all sectors of the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration showed carbon emission spillover paths of "net spillover plate ⇆ net benefit plate" and "net spillover plate ⇆ two-way spillover plate ⇆ broker sector → net benefit plate，" and the net benefit plates were mainly concentrated in the central and western parts of the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration， resulting in a "carbon emission refuge" effect to a certain extent. ④ From the perspective of exogenous factors， geographical adjacency， economic level difference， energy intensity difference， and economic agglomeration difference had a significant positive influence on the formation of the carbon emission spatial correlation network， while industrial structure difference had a negative influence on the formation of the carbon emission spatial correlation network. From the perspective of endogenous factors， reciprocity significantly positively affected the formation of the carbon emission spatial correlation network， and agglomeration significantly negatively affected the formation of the carbon emission spatial correlation network.
This study evaluates the suitability of Kuldana Formation limestone from Nammal Gorge, Salt Range-Potwar Basin, Pakistan, for construction and asphalt pavement applications through integrated petrographic, geotechnical, durability, statistical, and pavement-performance analyses. Fresh, unweathered limestone blocks were collected from intact outcrops and examined using optical microscopy and SEM-EDS to identify mineralogical composition, calcite veining, pore structure, vuggy porosity, and microfracture characteristics. Standardized EN/ISRM/ASTM-aligned laboratory tests were performed to determine mechanical properties, including unconfined compressive strength, unconfined tensile strength, point load index, shear strength, and Schmidt rebound, as well as physical and durability indicators such as specific gravity, bulk density, porosity, water absorption, crushing strength, Los Angeles abrasion coefficient, and freeze-thaw resistance. The limestone showed considerable variability, with UCS ranging from 25 to 98 MPa, UTS from 20 to 80 MPa, water absorption from 0.30 to 0.72%, specific gravity from 1.67 to 2.88, porosity from 1.13 to 2.78%, LA coefficient from 10.31 to 35.20, and freeze-thaw resistance from 14.2 to 60.5. This variability is mainly related to calcite veining, pore-fracture connectivity, vuggy porosity, and microcrack density. Pearson correlation and regression analyses identified coherent relationships among selected physical, mechanical, and durability parameters, while scattered data points reflected defect-controlled responses. Pavement-performance assessment of limestone-aggregate high-stiffness asphalt concrete mixtures showed that the mixtures can satisfy KR7 fatigue requirements and may support limited asphalt-layer thickness optimization, subject to field validation and production quality control. Overall, Kuldana Formation limestone shows promising potential as a construction and asphalt pavement aggregate.
Long-duration human space missions expose astronauts to microgravity, creating unprecedented surgical risks in environments where evacuation is impossible and communication delays limit real-time intervention. Understanding the feasibility and requirements of robot-assisted surgery in space is essential to ensure crew survival and mission continuity. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and aerospace medicine databases. Studies on surgical risks in spaceflight, robotic and tele-operated surgical systems, and translational applications were identified and thematically synthesized. Microgravity-induced physiological changes complicate surgical management. Anticipated emergencies include intra-abdominal pathologies, trauma, and craniofacial injuries. Miniaturized robotic systems with tele-mentored and semi-autonomous capabilities demonstrated feasibility in simulated and orbital environments, addressing constraints related to latency, sterility, and limited crew expertise. Translational applications include improved surgical access in remote, military, and low-resource settings on Earth. However, challenges remain in system reliability, training, ethics, and resource constraints. Robotic-assisted surgery represents a mission-critical capability for deep-space exploration and transformation for terrestrial surgical care. Integrated technological, training, and ethical frameworks are required to ensure safe tele-operated surgical interventions in extreme environments, improving global equity in surgical care.
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has abundant germplasm resources and strong adaptability, which has high ornamental value, good ecological and economic benefits, and high health care functions. The main production method of pomegranate industry in China is to build orchards with self-rooted stocks. However, the gravitropic setpoint angle (GSA) of self-rooted pomegranate stocks adventitious roots are relatively large, and its root system is shallow, resulting in poor stress resistance of pomegranate. Therefore, understanding the molecular basis of gravitropism in adventitious roots of self-rooted pomegranate stocks is crucial for breeding deep-rooted cultivars. This study identifies PgARF19 as a key auxin response factor that modulates the GSA in the self-rooted pomegranate stocks adventitious roots. We demonstrate that PgARF19 directly activates the transcription of PgFLP and PgPIN3 via binding to their promoters, thereby regulating the adventitious roots GSA. Additionally, the self-rooted pomegranate stocks adventitious root gravitropism has been abolished under microgravity. Furthermore, the 35S:PgARF19 in Arabidopsis enhanced lateral root gravitropism, resulting a smaller GSA, which confirms its conserved function via PgFLP and PgPIN3 in pomegranate. These results reveal a novel transcriptional regulatory module, PgARF19-PgFLP/PgPIN3, regulating the GSA of self-rooted pomegranate stocks adventitious roots in response to gravity.
In the context of China's "dual-carbon" strategy and its pursuit of high-quality development， elucidating the synergy between regional economic resilience and ecological resilience is essential for simultaneously protecting the environment and sustaining economic growth. This study develops an integrated evaluation framework for economic and ecological resilience and employs a coupling coordination model to quantify their coordination. Integrating a gravity model with social network analysis， we reveal the spatiotemporal coupling characteristics and interaction-network structure of the economic-ecological system at national and regional scales. Between 2014 and 2023， the national coupling coordination index rose steadily while regional disparities narrowed， and the spatial pattern evolved from an "east-strong， west-weak" and "south-strong， north-weak" configuration toward a "multi-polar equilibrium." The spatial network structure transformed from point-to-point linkages to agglomerated networks， in which core regions played a pivotal driving role. Regions were classified into four block types-strong net spillover， weak net spillover， primary beneficiary， and bidirectional spillover-with increasingly complex and diverse transmission paths of coupling dynamics. This research deepens our understanding of the spatial evolution mechanisms of the economic-ecological system and provides a theoretical basis and decision-making guidance for harmonizing regional environmental governance with economic development.
It is assumed that the eventual sink of global microplastic pollution is the deep sea. The primary vector for sediment and particulate pollutants to the deep sea are gravity currents down canyons along the coast line and at the shelf edge, and it has become recognised that these trap and transport microplastics. In order to quantify the potential storage within these marine environments, we develop a model of the transport of microplastic within turbidity currents. This model is to our knowledge the first to explicitly include microplastics and we find that the relatively simple model can produce turbidity currents similar to that observed within the Whittard Canyon; offshore Ireland. Based on this model we map the fate of microplastic within the canyon. Under most scenarios, the model simulates that small microplastics, fibres and fragments, will be transported into the canyon with little material leaving the canyon. Our best fitting model would suggest that at most only 11% of the source microplastic will bypass the canyon and be exported to the deep ocean floor. Marine canyons might therefore be a major sink of microplastic pollution, and act as a sponge between the anthropogenic source and the abyssal plane. This could have severe impacts on the ecosystems within these environments.