Protocol for rapid and cost-effective extraction of genomic DNA from a wide range of wild yeast species for use in PCR-based applications.

Isolation of amplifiable genomic DNA is a prerequisite for the implementation of PCR-based techniques. Here we present a protocol for isolating the genomic DNA from a variety of wild yeast species. This can be completed in approximately 1 h and does not require sophisticated laboratory equipment. We describe steps for growing yeast cells, genomic data extraction, and downstream assay for amplification of specific sequences from the genomic DNA. We then detail procedures for gel electrophoresis and analysis of the results. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Kristjuhan et al.1.

Protocol for aerial trapping and analyses of candidate pheromone compounds released by moths via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Detection of pheromones is pivotal to chemical ecology and agronomy; however, analytic detection of the volatile pheromone components from odorized air is highly challenging. Here, we introduce a protocol for the detection of airborne pheromones from female moths, which are key models for chemosensory studies. We describe a step-by-step guide from pheromone collection to quantitative estimation of pheromone components. We also detail procedures for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. This protocol has potential applications beyond chemosensory research, particularly in environmental chemistry. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Ghosh et al.1.

Protocol for three-dimensional shaping strategy via solidifying polygonal nanofluid drops.

Mesoscale to nanoscale three-dimensional (3D) fabrication mostly requires complicated industry processing techniques. Here, we present a protocol for 3D shaping control by solidifying a water-based TiO2 nanofluid drop on a polygonal wettability-patterned surface. We detail the steps for preparing stable TiO2 nanofluid and wettability-patterned surfaces. We then describe the experimental procedure to obtain various and precise 3D morphologies by adjusting the deposited TiO2 nanofluid drop volume. This protocol provides a promising technique for future 3D manufacturing. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Jiang et al.1.

Protocol for developing an explosion-propeller hybrid driving underwater robot for AI-based concrete overhaul in real marine environments.

We recently developed an explosion-propeller hybrid driving underwater robot combined with an AI-based concrete damage detection technique for concrete overhaul in real marine environments. Here, we describe steps for establishing a detection dataset, optimizing and testing the algorithm, and preparing the explosive module. We detail procedures for setting up the robot body, assembling, and preparing other tools. Finally, we outline steps for testing in the designated sea area, collecting data, and processing and analysis. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Zhang et al.1.

China's progress in synergetic governance of climate change and multiple environmental issues.

Advancing the synergetic control of climate change and environmental crisis is crucial for achieving global sustainable development goals. This study evaluates synergetic governance levels over climate change and four environmental issues at the provincial level in China from 2009 to 2020. Our findings reveal significant progress in China's coordinated efforts to mitigate carbon emissions, reduce air pollutants, and conserve water resources. However, there remains room for improvement in managing solid waste and protecting ecological systems and overall progress in synergetic governance has slowed since 2015. Employing a random forest model, we identify socio-economic factors with great influence on synergetic climate change and environmental governance, such as energy intensity, service sector development, electronic equipment manufacturing, and transportation. Additionally, we reveal nonlinear relationships between some factors and performance of environmental subsystems, including both plateau effects (e.g. output in the smelting of ferrous metals) and U-shaped patterns (e.g. output in the manufacturing of metal products), possibly attributed to constraints in end-of-pipe treatment capacities and complexities in supply chain networks. Furthermore, through hierarchical clustering analysis, we classify provinces into four groups and provide tailored recommendations for policymakers to enhance synergetic governance levels in their respective regions. The framework established in this study also serves as a valuable reference for countries seeking to develop practical and context-specific solutions to mitigate climate and environmental risks.

Protocol for hydroxylating aryl chlorides catalyzed by photouranium with water under ambient conditions.

Here, we present a protocol for the hydroxylation of aryl chlorides catalyzed by photouranium with water under ambient conditions. We describe steps for gram-scale hydroxylation of 2'-chloroacetophenone using our self-designed continuous-flow photoreactor. We then detail procedures for obtaining 2'-hydroxyacetophenone using our self-designed rapid separation and purification instrument. This protocol is not suitable for polycyclic and heterocyclic aryl chlorides. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Sun et al.1.

An Industrial Internet-of-Things (IIoT) Open Architecture for Information and Decision Support Systems in Scientific Field Campaigns.

Information and decision support systems are essential to conducting scientific field campaigns in the atmospheric sciences. However, their development is costly and time-consuming since each field campaign has its own research goals, which result in using a unique set of sensors and various analysis procedures. To reduce development costs, we present a software framework that is based on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and an implementation using well-established and newly developed open-source components. This framework architecture and these components allow developers to customize the software to a campaign's specific needs while keeping the coding to a minimum. The framework's applicability was tested in two scientific field campaigns that dealt with questions regarding air quality by developing specialized IIoT applications for each one. Each application provided the online monitoring of the acquired data and an intuitive interface for the scientific team to perform the analysis. The framework presented in this study is sufficiently robust and adaptable to meet the diverse requirements of field campaigns.

Protocol for measuring the effects of an inhibitory signal associated with danger on honey bee dopamine levels.

The stop signal is produced in response to negative experiences at the food source and inhibits honey bee (Apis mellifera) waggle dancing. Here, we present a protocol for measuring the effects of an inhibitory signal associated with danger on honey bee dopamine levels. We describe steps for observing honey bee colonies, training them with artificial nectar, and simulating hornet attacks. We then detail procedures for recording waggle dancing and stop signals and measuring brain dopamine levels during different treatments. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Dong et al.1.