Museo delle Scienze, Trento, Italy

The biological mechanisms underlying the cooperation between germline genetic variants and somatic mutations during carcinogenesis are rarely elucidated. Here, characterizing isogenic prostate cancer cell lines, we dissected the interplay between a germline variant at the 7p14.3 locus (rs1376350, G>A) and early recurrent prostate cancer-specific mutation in the Speckle-Type POZ protein (SPOP) gene across human prostate adenocarcinomas. The transcriptomes of multiple edited models pointed to Gli3 and the Hedgehog signaling pathway in a genotype-specific manner, while SPOP mutation and AR stimulation promote Gli3 accumulation in the full-length (FL) transcriptionally active form. This, in turn, triggers the cell-autonomous production of steroids that prostate cancer relies on, in line with the enhanced responsiveness of SPOP-mutated prostate cancer to androgen deprivation therapy. These data demonstrate that germline variants dictate men’s prostate cancer somatic evolution and suggest opportunities to jointly model germline-somatic tandems to help untangle the complexity of human cancer.

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of coordination polymers known for their intrinsic porosity. This property, combined with their ability to exhibit some degree of flexibility, makes them ideal materials for various innovative applications, like the inclusion and controlled release of active compounds for active packaging and agricultural applications. This study aimed to characterize the uptake and release behavior of an equimolar mixture of two phenolic essential oils (EOs), that is, carvacrol (CAR) and thymol (THY), encapsulated in two microporous Zn‐based MOFs with different entanglement motifs: PUM168 is threefold interpenetrated and flexible, while PUM210 is fourfold polycatenated and rigid (PUM = Parma University Materials). The guest uptake was calculated using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis, whereas the release profiles were investigated via headspace gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (HS‐GC‐MS) (Headspace‐Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass‐Spectrometry) analysis over a period of 15 days at room temperature. The monitoring revealed the superior ability of the flexible PUM168 for a stable and prolonged release of the volatile components, while the release from the rigid PUM210 was completed within 24 hours.

Aim This observational study aimed to verify and improve the predictive value of plaque microbiome of patients with dental implant for peri‐implant diseases. Materials and Methods Patients were included in one of the following study groups according to the health status of their dental implants: (a) healthy, (b) affected by mucositis and (c) affected by peri‐implantitis. From each patient, submucosal plaque microbiome samples were collected from the considered dental implant and from a contralateral healthy implant/tooth. After shotgun metagenomic sequencing, the plaque microbiome was profiled taxonomically and functionally with MetaPhlAn 4 and HUMAnN 3, respectively. Taxonomic and functional profiles were fed into machine‐learning models, which were then evaluated with cross‐validation to assess the extent to which the plaque microbiome could be used to pinpoint peri‐implant diseases. Results Shotgun metagenomics sequencing was performed for a total of 158 samples spanning 102 individuals. Four‐hundred and forty‐seven prokaryotic species were identified as part of the peri‐implant microbiome, 34% of which were currently uncharacterized species. At the community level, the peri‐implant microbiome differed according to the health status of the implant ( p ≤ 0.006 for all pairwise comparisons) but this was site‐specific, as healthy contralateral sites showed no discriminating microbiome features. Peri‐implantitis microbiomes further showed lower inter‐subject variability than healthy plaque microbiomes ( p < 0.001), while mucositis‐associated microbiomes were in the middle of the continuum between health and peri‐implantitis. Each health condition was associated with a strong signature of taxonomic and functional microbiome biomarkers (log 10 LDA score ≥ 2.5), 30% and 13% of which represented uncharacterized microbial functions and unknown species, respectively. Distinct Fusobacterium nucleatum clades were associated with implant status, highlighting the subspecies F. nucleatum ′s functional and phenotypic diversity. Machine‐learning models trained on taxonomic or functional plaque microbiome profiles were highly accurate in differentiating clinical groups (AUC = 0.78–0.96) and highlighted the extent to which the peri‐implant microbiome is associated with peri‐implant clinical parameters (AUC = 0.79–0.87). Conclusions Plaque microbiome profiling with shotgun metagenomics revealed consistent associations between microbiome composition and peri‐implant diseases. In addition to pointing to peri‐implant‐associated microbes, warranting further mechanistic studies, we showed high‐resolution plaque microbiome evaluation via metagenomics as an effective tool. Its utility within protocols for clinical management of peri‐implant diseases should be explored in the future.

Dual career (DC) athletes face significant challenges in balancing dual demands of academic and athletic commitments. A scoping review of 25 studies published between 2014 and 2024 included data from over 3,000 student-athletes across 23 countries, with 88.5% focused on European contexts. Most adopted qualitative (52%) or quantitative (44%) approaches, with one study (4%) using a mixed method. Findings, synthesized using PRISMA guidelines, addressed logistical, social, financial, tutorship, curricula, and policy aspects. Recurring barriers included a lack of flexible educational programs, insufficient financial aid, and limited access to proximate sports and facilities. Social support systems, such as mentorship and institutional committees, emerged as essential for engagement and reducing isolation. European athletes frequently cited the need for improved financial support, highlighting scholarships and fee waivers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, e-learning strategies supported educational adherence and reduced stress, emphasizing their potential as flexible tool for addressing DC demands. However, disparities in policy implementation and service provision persist, with studies identifying cohesive institutional strategies for DC athletes. These findings underscore the need to develop harmonized frameworks across Europe, prioritizing integrated logistical planning, expanded financial support and tailored curricula. Broader perspectives from stakeholders are needed to enable DC athletes to thrive academically and athletically.

Background The NeuroArtP3 (NET-2018-12366666) is a multicenter study funded by the Italian Ministry of Health. The aim of the project is to identify the prognostic trajectories of Alzheimer's disease (AD) through the application of artificial intelligence (AI). Only a few AI studies investigated the clinical variables associated with cognitive worsening in AD. We used Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores as outcome to identify the factors associated with cognitive decline at follow up. Methods A sample of N = 126 patients diagnosed with AD (MMSE >19) were followed during 3 years in 4 time-points: T0 for the baseline and T1, T2 and T3 for the years of follow-ups. Variables of interest included demographics: age, gender, education, occupation; measures of functional ability: Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental (IADLs); clinical variables: presence or absence of comorbidity with other pathologies, severity of dementia (Clinical Dementia Rating Scale), behavioral symptoms; and the equivalent scores (ES) of cognitive tests. Logistic regression, random forest and gradient boosting were applied on the baseline data to estimate the MMSE scores (decline of at least >3 points) measured at T3. Patients were divided into multiple splits using different model derivation (training) and validation (test) proportions, and the optimization of the models was carried out through cross validation on the derivation subset only. The models predictive capabilities (balanced accuracy, AUC, AUPCR, F1 score and MCC) were computed on the validation set only. To ensure the robustness of the results, the optimization was repeated 10 times. A SHAP-type analysis was carried out to identify the predictive power of individual variables. Results The model predicted MMSE outcome at T3 with a mean AUC of 0.643. Model interpretability analysis revealed that the global cognitive state progression in AD patients is associated with: low spatial memory (Corsi block-tapping), verbal episodic long-term memory (Babcock's story recall) and working memory (Stroop Color) performances, the presence of hypertension, the absence of hypercholesterolemia, and functional skills inabilities at the IADL scores at baseline. Conclusion This is the first AI study to predict cognitive trajectories of AD patients using routinely collected clinical data, while at the same time providing explainability of factors contributing to these trajectories. Also, our study used the results of single cognitive tests as a measure of specific cognitive functions allowing for a finer-grained analysis of risk factors with respect to the other studies that have principally used aggregated scores obtained by short neuropsychological batteries. The outcomes of this work can aid prognostic interpretation of the clinical and cognitive variables associated with the initial phase of the disease towards personalized therapies.

Liver transplantation (LT) represents an effective therapeutic option for patients with end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, barriers to access LT programs still exist for many patients, including distance from transplant centers and delays in referral. Furthermore, long-term care is required also in stable LT recipients. This pilot study aims to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of patients with end-stage liver disease referred to Padua University Hospital following the implementation of a structured referral program with Trento Hospital. Furthermore, the study assesses the outcomes of LT recipients who were referred back and continued follow-up care at the Spoke Center. After an internal work reorganization at the Spoke Center to improve care for patients with liver disease, we designed this prospective pilot study based on a structured referral and referral-back program for managing patients before and after LT. Accordingly, all inpatients potentially eligible for LT were transferred from the Gastroenterology Unit at Trento Hospital to the Multivisceral Transplant Unit at Padua University Hospital between 2020–2023. Similarly, stable LT recipients were referred back to the Spoke Center for management of long-term follow-up. During the study period, 27 adult inpatients (59% male; median age 50 [42–51] years) deemed eligible for LT were consecutively referred from Trento to Padua. The median [IQR] MELD score at the time of referral was 26 [23–30], and the length of stay at the LT Center was 21 [18–23] days. At the end of follow-up, 6 (22%) patients underwent LT, while the transplant-free survival rate was 37%. During the same period, 27 stable adult LT recipients (55% male; median age at referral back 56 years; median time since LT 9 years) living near Trento were referred back to the Spoke Center. During the follow-up, n.19 (70%) patients experienced at least one medical complication (40% liver-related), the majority of these being managed at the Spoke Center. LT recipient satisfaction of this way of care Center was high. A structured Hub and Spoke collaboration increase access to LT, making it more equitable, and improves the management of stable LT recipients closer to home. Graphical abstract

Species’ traits and environmental conditions determine the abundance of tree species across the globe. The extent to which traits of dominant and rare tree species differ remains untested across a broad environmental range, limiting our understanding of how species traits and the environment shape forest functional composition. We use a global dataset of tree composition of >22,000 forest plots and 11 traits of 1663 tree species to ask how locally dominant and rare species differ in their trait values, and how these differences are driven by climatic gradients in temperature and water availability in forest biomes across the globe. We find three consistent trait differences between locally dominant and rare species across all biomes; dominant species are taller, have softer wood and higher loading on the multivariate stem strategy axis (related to narrow tracheids and thick bark). The difference between traits of dominant and rare species is more strongly driven by temperature compared to water availability, as temperature might affect a larger number of traits. Therefore, climate change driven global temperature rise may have a strong effect on trait differences between dominant and rare tree species and may lead to changes in species abundances and therefore strong community reassembly.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a non-rare genetic cardiomyopathy, with an estimated prevalence of 1:500, characterized by an increase in the left ventricular wall thickness in the absence of increased loading conditions. The hypertrophy is mostly asymmetric and predominantly affects the basal septum and anterior wall. Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, at rest or after provocative tests, is detected in many patients and represents the primary cause of reduced functional capacity, as well as an independent predictor of sudden cardiac death and advanced heart failure. Until ∼1 year ago, symptomatic patients despite maximal therapy with β-blockers or calcium channel blockers plus disopyramide had only basal septal reduction therapy through myectomy or septal alcoholization as additional therapeutic options. Today, a new class of drugs that inhibit cardiac myosin activity is available for patients with obstructive HCM. In light of the new treatment perspectives, the correct clinical-therapeutic classification of affected patients becomes of fundamental importance for the cardiologist. The aim of this position paper is to increase the knowledge of cardiologists in the field of HCM, defining its epidemiological, genetic, and pathological characteristics, identifying the diagnostic criteria and instrumental methods capable of stratifying the risk profile, with the aim of an optimal therapy tailored on the single patient.

Advances in technology have enabled museum curators to employ equipment that can measure visitors’ physiological responses, offering a means to monitor these responses, while, at the same time, potentially engaging visitors. However, it is unclear whether these devices genuinely promote a positive experience or, conversely, are perceived as intrusive monitoring tools. Following traditional theories linking physiological responses, emotions and memory, we tested whether wearing a heart rate monitoring wristband during a temporary art exhibition could affect visitors’ emotions and if emotional changes due to this manipulation could, in turn, affect the long-term memory of the artworks. Our findings show that using such a device heightened pleasant emotions experienced by visitors and improved their memory of the exhibit. These effects were still present even after six days from the visit. Moreover, we found that providing fake feedback concerning the emotions experienced in a specific room increased visitors’ memory of artworks within that room. Our results are encouraging regarding the use of these technologies in museum exhibitions and bring evidence that they can enhance visitors' experiences, regardless of their accuracy.

Sheep‐shearing practices probably started in the Neolithic Age when the genetic selection of sheep began to be successful in obtaining animals with abundant wool. Flint and obsidian were the main materials probably used to manufacture tools for this purpose. From shearing, lanolin wax is accumulated onto the shearing tools. Lanolin is a complex mixture of esters and polyesters, alcohols, fatty acids, and hydrocarbons produced mainly by sheep to protect the skin and the wool from environmental agents. Due to its complex chemistry, lanolin is relatively difficult to characterize. This work investigates the possible use of lanolin as a biomarker of sheep‐shearing practices in the prehistoric era. For this purpose, lanolin degradation pathways have been studied by an experimental archeology approach adjuvated by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.

Population genetics studies provide information regarding genetic diversity and genetic structure of populations. This information can in turn be used to inform conservation strategies. In view of programmed conservation efforts, we aimed at investigating the genetic composition of Primula palinuri Petagna, an endemic vulnerable species in Southern Italy. Ninety-one individuals of P. palinuri from seven populations were investigated using double digest Restriction Associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq) and a total of 99,014 Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. Low levels of heterozygosity (0.08–0.12) and high levels of kinship (0.20–0.30) and inbreeding (0.34–0.49) were detected in all study populations. Kinship computed irrespective of population was low, suggesting that the level of inter-population relatedness is low. Analysis of the genetic structure showed that the populations were differentiated from each other and formed three major clusters, broadly corresponding to the geographic sampling locations. We identified the SNPs mostly contributing to the separation in population clusters, and we identified a reduced set of 40 SNPs that can successfully discriminate between the three population clusters. In conclusion, our study shows that the sampled P. palinuri populations have low heterozygosity, low intra-population variability and high inter-population variability.

This study presents an extensive analysis of 1,768 well-preserved waterlogged archaeological grape pips covering approximately 7000 years of history. These samples originate from 25 Italian archaeological sites spanning from the Early Neolithic (6th millemmium BC) to the Medieval period (8th-14th centuries AD). Employing geometric morphometrics and linear discriminant analyses, we compared these archaeological grape pips with modern reference collections to differentiate between wild and domestic grape types. Additionally, we analysed phenotypic changes in grape pip length and shape over the studied period to the present day to highlight traits associated with domestication syndrome. During the Early Neolithic, no evidence of morphologically domesticated grapes was observed. Data from Early Bronze Age sites (ca. 2050–1850 BC) display the same trend observed for the Early Neolithic period. The Middle Bronze Age sites (ca. 1600–1300 BC) continue to exhibit a predominance of wild grape pips. However, a notable transition occurs at the end of the Late Bronze Age (ca. 1300–1100 BC), with the majority of grape pips classified as domestic, indicating the definitive establishment of cultivation practices and selection of domestic grape by these communities. In the Iron Age, grape pips from Etruscan sites dating to the 4th century BC are predominantly domestic, suggesting an advanced viticulture for this period. During the Roman period (1st-6th centuries AD), some sites exhibited a high presence of domestic grape pips and intermediate forms between wild and domestic morphotypes, suggesting introgression between local wild and domestic grape allowing the formation of new varieties. Finally, the Medieval period (8th-14th centuries AD) sites demonstrate a widespread prevalence of domestic grape pips across archaeological sites, indicating a reduction of intermediate forms between wild and domestic morphotypes and displaying morphometric characteristics entirely similar to modern domestic grape references. Overall, our study provides valuable insights into the evolution of grapevine cultivation in Italy, highlighting the gradual transition from wild to domesticated types over millennia.

The European wildcat (Felis silvestris) is an elusive felid legally protected in Europe under the Appendix II of CITES, yet ecological knowledge for the Italian populations remains scant. Exceptions are a few studies that estimated population density in Southern Italy and the Alps. Here we estimated the population density of wild-living cats, i.e. wildcats, domestic cat (Felis catus) and their putative hybrids (Felis silvestris x catus; hereafter ‘hybrid’), while also investigating their occurrence and activity patterns in the Foreste Casentinesi National Park (Tuscany-Emilia Romagna), Italy. By using a camera-trapping grid with 59 cameras spread over 355.87 km² from 31 August to 18 November 2020, we collected 180 wild-living cat detections, which we classified based on coat pattern as 65 wildcat, 23 domestic cats and 32 hybrid detections at 25, 4 and 10 stations respectively; we individually identified 15, 3 and 9 wildcats, domestic cats and hybrids, respectively. The most supported multi-session SECR model estimated the population density of wildcats, domestic cats and hybrids to be 3.09 (95% CI = 1.85 — 5.17), 0.61 (0.19 — 1.92) and 1.85 (0.96 — 3.59) individuals/100 km², respectively. Basal detection rates g0 were affected by camera placement(road vs. trail), with higher values for the trails irrespective of the type of cats. The most supported multi-species occupancy model estimated the occupancy of cats to be 0.66 (95% CI = 0.40 — 0.84), 0.07 (0.02 — 0.28) and 0.29 (0.12 — 0.55) (95% CI = 0.40 — 0.84; 0.02 — 0.28; 0.12 — 0.55) for wildcats, domestic cats and hybrids, respectively. Distance to municipalities negatively affected not only domestic cats’ occupancy, but also the detection probability of all cat types whereas cameras located on trails resulted in lower detection probabilities for wildcat, but higher for domestic cats. The activity level of cats was relatively low, being estimated at 0.33, 0.48 and 0.35 (95% CI = 0.22 — 0.40: 0.24 — 0.59; 0.23 — 0.43) for wildcats, domestic cats and hybrids, respectively. Diel activity largely overlapped between cat types with an average estimate of 0.76. and nocturnal activity was the most supported diel niche model using the Maximizing Hypothesis set, irrespective of cat type. Although our camera array was not established specifically to monitor wildcats, it provided a novel baseline of ecological estimates for the wild-living cats within this protected area. Our results stress the importance of limiting the number of domestic cats that roam freely within this protected area of wildcat range.

Tackling the current global biodiversity crisis requires large-scale spatially accurate biodiversity data to rapidly assess knowledge gaps and set conservation priorities. Obtaining such data is often challenging because surveying biodiversity across broad spatial scales requires massive logistical and economic efforts. Here, we provide high-resolution (0.81 to 81 km², depending on species ecology) habitat suitability raster maps for all 225 widespread breeding bird species in Italy. Maps were generated by means of species distribution models based on ~2.5 million spatially accurate (≤1 km-scale) and expert-validated occurrence records. Occurrence data were collected during the breeding seasons 2010–2016 by over 3000 skilled observers, mostly through the Ornitho.it web platform, with the aim of realizing the second Atlas of Breeding Birds in Italy, released in 2022. These raster maps will be useful to ecologists, conservation scientists and practitioners for investigating broad spatial patterns in avian diversity and identifying conservation priorities. We discuss potential applications of this dataset for inferring the composition of ecological communities and species distributions at the Italian scale.

The magnetization of a ferromagnetic layer can be controlled via spin-charge conversion (SCC) phenomena originating in an adjacent topological insulator (TI). Insertion of nonmagnetic interlayers between these materials has been demonstrated to enhance the SCC efficiency, as shown for Sb2Te3/Au/Co(Fe) heterostructures. The inert nature of the Sb2Te3/Au interface was assumed to preserve the topological surface state (TSS) of Sb2Te3, which mediates the SCC. Al is explored as an alternative to Au for its long spin diffusion length. Spin pumping experiments indicate the absence of SCC in the Sb2Te3/Al/Co heterostructure. Core level and valence band photoemission spectroscopies reveal that Al forms stable compounds with Te and Sb, thereby quenching the TSS of Sb2Te3, while the TSS is preserved upon the formation of the TI/Au interface. These results demonstrate directly the major influence of material chemistry and highlight the role of TSS on the SCC efficiency in TI-based devices.

Aim To validate the Visual Impairment Developmental Autonomy (VIDA) scale, a questionnaire to assess the autonomy level of children with visual impairment. Method The primary outcome measures included internal consistency, convergent validity, cross‐informant concordance, and descriptive statistics of autonomy profiles across three age groups (age 3–5 years; age 6–10 years; age 11–18 years). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's Alpha coefficient. Convergent validity was evaluated against established measures such as the TNO‐AZL Children's Quality of Life questionnaire (TACQOL) and the TNO‐AZL Preschool Children's Quality of Life questionnaire (TAPQOL) using bivariate Pearson's correlation indexes. Results Internal consistency coefficients ranged between 0.708 and 0.938 across all subscales and age versions of the instrument. The VIDA subscales showed consistent correlations with comparable dimensions of the TACQOL/TAPQOL (correlations index >0.3). The cross‐informant concordance was significant with weak‐to‐moderate effect sizes. Descriptive statistics showed different profiles of autonomy in the three age groups: clothing and orientation/mobility emerged as areas of vulnerability for adolescents. Visual acuity was significantly correlated with many VIDA scale scores, whereas no significant associations emerged with the quality of life. Interpretation The VIDA scale is effective and reliable in providing both insights on the actual needs of children and quantitative measures of the visual impairment impact on everyday life. Autonomy level affects quality of life, whereas visual impairment does not.

The developmental sculpting of neuromuscular circuitry in early postnatal life occurs through the process of synapse elimination: Supernumerary axon inputs are gradually eliminated from the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), resulting in each muscle fiber being innervated by a single axon terminal. Here, we investigated the molecular pathways underlying this process using a ChAT-RiboTag mouse model in which we isolated ribosome-bound mRNAs in motor neurons during synapse elimination in vivo. Analysis of these mRNAs using translating ribosome affinity purification followed by RNA sequencing (TRAP-seq) revealed dynamic changes in the motor neuron translatome over the first 2 weeks of life, which were largely independent of parallel transcriptional changes and correlated with the progressive elimination of supernumerary inputs. Bioinformatic analysis identified distinct clusters of transcripts that were translated at specific time points during synapse elimination. Treating mice with two small molecules that were predicted to independently target the proteins or pathways encoded by the transcript cluster associated with neural metabolism increased the rate of synapse elimination in vivo. Together, these data provide a cell type–specific overview of temporal modifications occurring in the motor neuron translatome during synapse elimination, revealing rapid and dynamic responses to postnatal developmental cues.

The suitability of morphological characters to assess phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic identities have been much debated. However, they are often reliable to investigate patterns of variability in quantitative traits (i.e., morphometry). With this respect, head shape in snakes has often been regarded as a key morphometric character that is tightly involved in selection and evolution. In Northern Italy, species of the genus Vipera are relatively common along the Alps; more than one species can be detected, among which V. walser has been recently elevated to species rank, although its taxonomic status is still matter of debate. We used geometric morphometry to study variability in the shape of the head between Vipera walser , V. berus and V. aspis , to investigate patterns of sexual dimorphism and to verify the consistency of the morphological data with the current taxonomic identification of V. walser . Additionally, we described hemipenial morphology to discriminate the species under the perspective of reproductive isolation. We found no significant difference in head shape among the three species, with the head of male V. walser slightly matching that of V. berus more than V. aspis . On the opposite, the three species share a common pattern of sexual dimorphism in head shape, with females showing shorter and larger heads compared to males. Hemipenial morphology is consistent with GM analysis, although differences in hemipenal ornamentations and general morphology are even less marked than in head shape. V. berus and V. walser are more similar one another than to V. aspis , which is consistent with present day phylogenetic reconstructions. Our results suggest that the distinction of V. walser from V. berus cannot be robustly supported according to morphological data and that further molecular investigations are essential to determine the evolutionary history of V. walser .

RamanCrystalHunter (RCH) is a new software program designed to pre-process, analyze, and identify Raman spectra by comparison with spectra in the RamanCrystalHunter Database (RCHDB). The software is free and can be downloaded from the website https://www.fabrizionestola.com/rch. RCH is characterized by a simple graphical user interface, making it suitable for both specialist and non-specialist users, and it has been developed mainly for applications in Earth Sciences (processing the spectra of minerals) but can be used to process the Raman spectra of any synthetic or natural inorganic or organic material. RCH allows users to visualize, pre-process (e.g., using smoothing, noise reduction, and baseline correction operations), and analyze (e.g., using fitting or various calculation tools) Raman spectra. Moreover, it is equipped with the RCHDB, a new database of high-quality mineral spectra that can be downloaded for free, along with the RCH program. The RCHDB contains the Raman spectra of minerals (including single- and multi-phase inclusions within mineral hosts, for example, diamonds) and related synthetic compounds, allowing for rapid and accurate identification of unknown spectra. The RCH software includes highly customizable yet efficient and user-friendly methods for processing and analysis of Raman spectra and represents a valuable contribution to the field of Raman spectroscopy, whose applications have expanded greatly in recent years, especially in Earth Sciences. Two practical examples of novel ways in which this software can be used for geoscience applications are presented.

In drug discovery, precise target validation and ligandability assessment are pivotal processes. This article introduces an advanced protocol employing fluorine-19 (19F) NMR spectroscopy for fragment-based screening (FBS). This innovative methodology distinguishes fragment hits and elucidates their binding interactions, even within millimolar concentration ranges. Leveraging the distinctive advantages of 19F NMR, such as high signal dispersion, background-free spectra, and heightened sensitivity to protein binding, this technique emerges as a potent tool for early-stage drug discovery. The demonstrated application of this protocol in target validation, with a specific emphasis on ligandability assessment, provides a means to gauge the inherent challenges associated with a target right from the outset of a project.