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Spontaneous Raman imaging has emerged as powerful label-free technique for investigating the molecular composition of medicines and biological specimens. Although Raman imaging can facilitate understanding of complex biological phenomena in vivo, current imaging modalities are limited in speed and sample compatibility. Here, we introduce a single-objective line-scanning light-sheet microscope, named λ-OPM, which records Raman images on a timescale of minutes to seconds. To demonstrate its function, we use λ-OPM to map and identify microplastic particles based on their Raman spectral characteristics. In live zebrafish embryos, we show that λ-OPM can capture wound dynamics at five-minute intervals, revealing rapid changes in cellular and extracellular matrix composition in the wounded region. Finally, we use λ-OPM to synchronize and average 36,800 individual frames to obtain hyperspectral videos of a zebrafish embryo’s beating heart at an effective 28 frames per second, recording compositional changes throughout the cardiac cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro/nano plastics are emerging pollutants in the environment and have shown serious hazards in human health and ecology, etc. It is urgent to explore strategies for efficient analysis and removal of micro/nano plastics. The current situation of micro/nano plastic pollution in water environment is summarized. The source, distribution and morphology of micro/nano plastics are introduced, the distribution characteristics of micro/nano plastics in water environment and the research of removal technology are reviewed, the removal process of micro/nano plastics in water bodies is summarized, the separation and degradation of the two parts of the technology are discussed in depth, and the development of emerging micro/nano plastics removal technology is outlooked to provide an important reference basis for the pollution control and management of micro/nano plastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) belongs to a subgroup of coronaviruses rampant in bats for centuries. It caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Most patients recover, but a minority of severe cases experience acute respiratory distress or an inflammatory storm devastating many organs that can lead to patient death. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 was facilitated by the increasing intensity of air travel, urban congestion and human contact during the past decades. Until therapies and vaccines are available, tests for virus exposure, confinement and distancing measures have helped curb the pandemic. Vision: The COVID-19 pandemic calls for safeguards and remediation measures through a systemic response. Self-organizing initiatives by scientists and citizens are developing an advanced collective intelligence response to the coronavirus crisis. Their integration forms Olympiads of Solidarity and Health. Their ability to optimize our response to COVID-19 could serve as a model to trigger a global metamorphosis of our societies with far-reaching consequences for attacking fundamental challenges facing humanity in the 21 st century. Mission: For COVID-19 and these other challenges, there is no alternative but action. Meeting in Paris in 2003, we set out to 'rethink research to understand life and improve health.' We have formed an international coalition of academia and industry ecosystems taking a systems medicine approach to understanding COVID-19 by thoroughly characterizing viruses, patients and populations during the pandemic, using openly shared tools. All results will be publicly available with no initial claims for intellectual property rights. This World Alliance for Health and Wellbeing will catalyze the creation of medical and health products such as diagnostic tests, drugs and vaccines that become common goods accessible to all, while seeking further alliances with civil society to bridge with socio-ecological and technological approaches that characterise urban systems, for a collective response to future health emergencies.