Airborne pathogens are associated with the spread of infectious diseases and increased morbidity and mortality. Herein we present an emerging chemical free, nanotechnology-based method for airborne pathogen inactivation. This technique is based on transforming atmospheric water vapor into Engineered Water Nano-Structures (EWNS) via electrospray. The generated EWNS possess a unique set of physical, chemical, morphological and biological properties. Their average size is 25 nm and they contain reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. In addition, EWNS are highly electrically charged (10 electrons per particle on average). A link between their electric charge and the reduction of their evaporation rate was illustrated resulting in an extended lifetime (over an hour) at room conditions. Furthermore, it was clearly demonstrated that the EWNS have the ability to interact with and inactivate airborne bacteria. Finally, inhaled EWNS were found to have minimal toxicological effects, as illustrated in an acute in-vivo inhalation study using a mouse model. In conclusion, this novel, chemical free, nanotechnology-based method has the potential to be used in the battle against airborne infectious diseases.

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Pluripotent stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, are regarded as new sources for cell replacement therapy. These cells can unlimitedly expand under undifferentiated conditions and be differentiated into multiple cell types. Automated culture systems enable the large-scale production of cells. In addition to reducing the time and effort of researchers, an automated culture system improves the reproducibility of cell cultures. In the present study, we newly designed a fully automated cell culture system for human iPS maintenance. Using an automated culture system, hiPS cells maintained their undifferentiated state for 60 days. Automatically prepared hiPS cells had a potency of differentiation into three germ layer cells including dopaminergic neurons and pancreatic cells.

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In the present study, the effects of electrostatic atomization on ascorbate (AsA) metabolism were studied and the possible molecular mechanisms were discussed in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica). With the treatment of electrostatic atomization, the yellowing process was delayed, and the ethylene production and respiration rate were significantly suppressed in broccoli after harvest. In the meanwhile, the AsA content declined rapidly to a lower level in the control after harvest, and the reduction of AsA was suppressed by the treatment with electrostatic atomization during the storage period. Additionally, the modulation of the AsA reduction by electrostatic atomization was highly regulated at the transcription level. The up-regulation of the AsA biosynthetic genes (BO-VTC1, BO-VTC2 and BO-GLDH), and AsA regeneration genes (BO-MDAR1, BO-MDAR2 and BO-DHAR) led to the suppression of AsA reduction in the electrostatic atomization treated broccoli after harvest. These results indicated that electrostatic atomization treatment might be a new effective approach for delaying the senescence of broccoli.