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Viable nature-based climate solutions (NbCS) are needed to achieve climate goals expressed in international agreements like the Paris Accord. Many NbCS pathways have strong scientific foundations and can deliver meaningful climate benefits but effective mitigation is undermined by pathways with less scientific certainty. Here we couple an extensive literature review with an expert elicitation on 43 pathways and find that at present the most used pathways, such as tropical forest conservation, have a solid scientific basis for mitigation. However, the experts suggested that some pathways, many with carbon credit eligibility and market activity, remain uncertain in terms of their climate mitigation efficacy. Sources of uncertainty include incomplete GHG measurement and accounting. We recommend focusing on resolving those uncertainties before broadly scaling implementation of those pathways in quantitative emission or sequestration mitigation plans. If appropriate, those pathways should be supported for their cobenefits, such as biodiversity and food security. Nature-based climate solutions are widely incorporated into climate change mitigation plans and need firm scientific foundations. Through literature review and expert elicitation, this analysis shows that for some major pathways there is strong support, while for others their efficacy remains uncertain.

In 2024, NASA’s Perseverance rover explored Neretva Vallis, an ancient river channel that once transported water into Jezero crater. There, the rover encountered Mg-poor mudstones with diverse alteration features. In 32 rock targets in Neretva Vallis, nickel (Ni) was detected by the SuperCam instrument with concentrations in individual rocks as high as ~1.1 weight percent – the highest abundance ever seen in bedrock on Mars. In this work, we describe and contextualize these Ni enrichments using outcrop-scale imagery and petrographic-scale elemental maps provided by the PIXL instrument. We find Ni enrichment in Fe-sulfides and their weathering products. The geochemistry and morphology of Neretva Vallis Fe-sulfides are similar to pyrite present in terrestrial Archean and Paleoproterozoic sedimentary rocks. As an essential element for terrestrial microbial life, the proximity of Ni enrichments to reduced sulfur and organic matter adds to the interest in bringing back to Earth the rock sample collected by Perseverance at this location, which could provide key insights into complex redox chemistry on early Mars. NASA’s Perseverance rover detected high nickel abundances in an ancient Martian river channel. Their chemistry resembles nickel enrichments in ancient Earth rocks and may hint at complex redox–organic processes in Mars’ past.

This paper describes the design and performance of a compact detector, BDX-MINI, that incorporates all features of a concept that optimized the detection of light dark matter in the MeV-GeV mass range produced by electrons in a beam dump. It represents a reduced version of the future BDX experiment expected to run at JLAB. BDX-MINI was exposed to penetrating particles produced by a 2.176 GeV electron beam incident on the beam dump of Hall A at Jefferson Lab. The detector consists of 30.5 kg of PbWO4 crystals with sufficient material following the beam dump to eliminate all known particles except neutrinos. The crystals are read out using silicon photomultipliers. Completely surrounding the detector are a passive layer of tungsten and two active scintillator veto systems, which are also read out using silicon photomultipliers. The design was validated and the performance of the robust detector was shown to be stable during a six month period during which the detector was operated with minimal access.

Phosphorus is an essential component for life, and in-situ identification of phosphate minerals that formed in aqueous conditions directly contributes toward one of the main goals of the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover: to seek signs of ancient habitable environments. In Jezero crater, proximity science analyses within a conglomerate outcrop, “ Onahu ” demonstrate the presence of rare Fe 3+ -bearing phosphate minerals (likely metavivianite, ferrolaueite, (ferro)beraunite, and/or santabarbaraite) embedded in a carbonate-rich matrix. While Fe-phosphates have been inferred previously on Mars, this work presents the most definitive in-situ identification of martian Fe-phosphate minerals to date, using textural, chemical, spectral, and diffraction analyses of discrete green-blue grains. The Fe-phosphate minerals’ textural context along with comparisons to Earth analogs suggest they likely formed after oxidation of Fe 2+ -phosphate vivianite, the most common Fe-phosphate in sedimentary environments on Earth, often associated with microbial activity and organics. While there is no obvious evidence of biological inputs in Onahu , if the Fe-phosphates’ formation environment was similar to vivianite-rich sedimentary environments on Earth, these minerals likely originally precipitated in conditions favorable to potential martian life — in a low temperature, reducing aqueous medium with high concentrations of bio-limiting elements, and Fe-redox gradients that could provide an energy source. If the sample collected from Onahu ( Otis_Peak ) is returned to Earth, analysis of the Fe-phosphates may provide new insights into ancient habitable environments on Mars. The Perseverance rover has made the most definitive identification of Fe-phosphate minerals on Mars to date. High-resolution chemical and textural PIXL analyses suggest they originally formed after vivianite in a potentially habitable environment.

The SuperCam instrument onboard the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover investigates Martian geological targets by a combination of multiple spectroscopic techniques. As Raman, Visible‐Infrared Spectroscopy, and Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) spectra deliver complementary information about the interrogated sample, the multivariate analysis of combined spectroscopic data sets is here proposed as a tool to optimize the SuperCam capability to discriminate mineral phases on Mars. For this purpose, the laboratory study of carbonate phases within the Ca‐Mg‐Fe ternary system were selected as representative case of study. After the characterization of model samples, the discrimination capability of mono analytical Raman, VISIR, and LIBS data sets was evaluated by applying a chemometric approach based on the combination of principal component analysis (for sample clustering) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (for mineral classification). Afterward, the low‐level combination (LL) of Raman, VISIR, and LIBS data was achieved by concatenating their spectra into a single data matrix. The mineral classification achieved by LL data sets outperformed the mono analytical ones, thus proving the complementarity between molecular and elemental spectroscopic techniques. Mineral classification was further improved by using a mid‐level data combination strategy. After evaluating benefits and limitations afforded by the proposed combination strategies, future developments are finally outlined. As such, the final objective of this research line is to develop a classification model based on data combination to optimize the capability of SuperCam in discriminating relevant minerals on Mars, this being a key requirement for the selection of the optimal targets to be cached for the future Mars Sample Return Mission. Plain Language Summary The SuperCam instrument onboard the Perseverance rover is capable of analyzing Martian rocks and soils by a combination of Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), Raman and Visible‐Infrared Spectroscopy (VISIR). Learning from terrestrial applications, the complementary information provided by the three spectroscopic techniques can be correlated to obtain a more accurate interpretation of the analyzed target. This approach could be particularly useful to discriminate carbonates, which are interesting minerals where to look for traces of past life. Having this in mind, several carbonate samples have been analyzed with laboratory Raman, LIBS, and VISIR instrument. After evaluating the advantages and limitations of each technique, their data were merged by using low‐level and mid‐level strategies that were successfully used previous works. This work proved that, when spectra are combined, the discrimination of carbonate phases is more accurate than when each technique is interpreted separately. This suggests the scientific results obtained by SuperCam on Mars could benefit from the development of tailored classification models based on data combination. Key Points Data combination of Raman, Visible‐Infrared Spectroscopy, and Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra collected by SuperCam is proposed Low‐ and mid‐level data combination strategies based on principal component analysis (discrimination) + PC‐Linear Discriminant Analysis (classification are evaluated and compared) The low‐level combination method outperformed the mono analytical discrimination. The mid‐level one further improved the results

The KM3NeT neutrino telescope will be the largest underwater neutrino telescope and will be located in the abyss of the Mediterranean Sea. In neutrino telescopes the key element of the detector is the optical module and for KM3NeT it consists of 31 PMTs stored inside a transparent pressure-resistant glass sphere of 17-inch that serves as mechanical protection while ensuring good light transmission. Since the PMTs installed into an underwater neutrino telescope can change their orientation because of movements of the detector structure due to sea currents, the influence of Earth's magnetic field has been investigated. Magnetic shielding by means of a mu-metal cage is used to reduce magnetic effects and to make the response of the PMT sufficiently orientation independent. In order to quantify the effect on magnetic field, we compared measurements on variation of gain, transit time spread and detection efficiency for a 3-inch PMT in shielded and unshielded condition at 3 PMT inclinations. Data shows that variations are sufficiently low especially for timing properties.

Abyssal temperature and velocity observations performed within the framework of the Neutrino Mediterranean Observatory, a project devoted to constructing a km 3 -scale underwater telescope for the detection of high-energy cosmic neutrinos, demonstrate cross-fertilization between subnuclear physics and experimental oceanography. Here we use data collected south of Sicily in the Ionian abyssal plain of the Eastern Mediterranean (EM) basin to show for the first time that abyssal vortices exist in the EM, at depths exceeding 2,500 m. The eddies consist of chains of near-inertially pulsating mesoscale cyclones/anticyclones. They are embedded in an abyssal current flowing towards North-Northwest. The paucity of existing data does not allow for an unambiguous determination of the vortex origin. A local generation mechanism seems probable, but a remote genesis cannot be excluded a priori . The presence of such eddies adds further complexity to the discussion of structure and evolution of water masses in the EM. Small-scale ocean dynamics can have wide reaching impacts on the larger-scale ocean circulation. Using temperature and velocity data, this study shows the presence of abyssal vortices in the Eastern Mediterranean basin, adding complexity to the structure and evolution of water masses in this region.

BackgroundWhole-genome sequencing (WGS) is a key tool for studying HIV-1 diversity, evolution, and epidemiology, especially as new drug classes emerge. The two main technologies, Illumina short-read and Oxford Nanopore (ONT) long-read sequencing, offer complementary advantages: Illumina’s high accuracy (<1% error) enables reliable variant detection, while ONT’s long reads improve haplotype resolution, essential for quasispecies analysis. However, despite improvements, ONT still has ~5% error rate, particularly in homopolymeric regions, which affects variant calling accuracy. This study evaluates WGS libraries obtained with AD4SEQ HIV-1 Whole Genome kit (Arrow Diagnostics) and sequenced on both technologies.Material and MethodsViral RNA was extracted using the ELITech InGenius® system. Illumina libraries were sequenced on iSeq100, while RT-PCR amplicons (~2600 bp) were processed with the Native Barcoding Kit 24 V14 (SQK-NBD114.24) and sequenced on MinION Mk1b for 19 h. Illumina FASTQ reads were analyzed using Smartvir (Smartseq) and an in-house pipeline, while ONT reads were processed with MinKnow and the EPI2ME pipeline. A 10% threshold consensus was obtained, focusing RAMs comparison initially on gag and pol, as they are easily analyzed on HIV Drug Resistance Database (Stanford University).ResultsOut of 24 samples, 2 were excluded due to library failure. The overall WGS coverage was similar for both methods as well as stratification for HIV-RNA levels (figure 1), except that ONT showed higher sample variability on low viral loads (table 1). Subtype-based analysis showed that subtype B had a mean WGS coverage of 83% for Illumina and ONT. Recombinant subtypes (CRF) exhibited the lowest coverage, with 57% (IQR: 45.0–69.0%) in Illumina and 66% (IQR: 48.8–82.1%) in ONT (figure 2). Gene-level analysis showed that at low viral loads (log 2–3), Illumina performed better in vif, tat, vpr and vpu, while ONT had superior coverage in nef; gag and pol were comparable. At higher viral loads, ONT showed better coverage for all accessory genes (figure 3). As per RAMs detection in pol, both technologies showed 100% concordance. In gag, 76% of mutations were detected by both platforms, 16% were found exclusively with ONT and 7% only with Illumina. Further investigations are ongoing.Abstract P178 Figure 1Overall WGS coverage in percentage compared between both sequencing technologies[Figure omitted. See PDF]Abstract P178 Figure 2Subtype-based stratification analysis of coverage between methods[Figure omitted. See PDF]Abstract P178 Figure 3Comparison of mean coverage (%). For simplicity only grouped log 2–3 and 6–7 are shown[Figure omitted. See PDF]Abstract P178 Table 1Stratified analysis of mean coverage in percentage per HIV-RNA levelConclusionsThese findings indicate that for pol RAM’s evaluation both technologies provide good results. As per coverage performance, Illumina ensures more stable sequencing for low viral loads, important for clinical samples, while Nanopore benefits from higher template availability, achieving superior coverage in high-viral-load samples. However, bioinformatics analysis parameters must also be carefully considered. While 99.9% accuracy is typical for Illumina (Q30), ONT operates around 90–95% accuracy (Q10), requiring additional filtering and error correction. Bioinformatics settings significantly impact sequencing outcomes and need to be further analyzed to refine analytical strategies.

BackgroundMeasles is a highly contagious RNA virus (genus Morbillivirus, family Paramyxoviridae) causing a potentially severe disease. The WHO declared a global epidemiological alert in 2024 due to a resurgence of measles, with over 1,000 cases reported in Italy, reflecting a broader trend of increasing cases worldwide. This situation, worsened by declining vaccination coverage and failure to meet WHO targets, underscores the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and continuous monitoring.Material and MethodsThe Hygiene Laboratory of Policlinico San Martino Hospital in Genoa, a subnational MoRoNet network reference centre for Liguria, conducted molecular tests on urine samples from patients with suspected measles. Nucleic acid extraction was performed using the ELITe InGenius® system (ELITechGroup) and amplification with the Real-Cycler Chic-Out test (Progenie Molecular). Positive samples underwent Sanger sequencing of the N-450 region in the N gene’s C-terminal part. Genotype identification was performed using the Nextclade v3.10.0 platform, and phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the Neighbour-Joining method, aiming to accurately identify transmission pathways.ResultsFrom February to October 2024, 35 measles cases were confirmed in Liguria (mean age: 31 years; 74% men). Most cases presented complications such as diarrhea, pneumonia, thrombocytopenia, or hepatitis, with 7 hospitalizations. Four cases were classified as imported based on travel history. Of the 35 patients, 32 were unvaccinated, while three had received a single dose of vaccine. Genotyping identified 29 samples as genotype D8 (99.9% sequence identity; 100% BLAST identity with strains isolated in Moscow, 2023). Six samples, including four imported cases and two epidemiologically related cases, were genotype B3 (99.7% BLAST identity with strains from Florida, 2016).Between late February and mid-March 2025, 14 measles cases were confirmed in Savona, west Liguria; 12 were linked to hospital exposure. Patients were 64.3% men, with a mean age of 39 years (median 37; IQR 27.5–50). Eight patients were healthcare workers; 12 were unvaccinated (85.7%), one had a single vaccine dose (7.1%), and one had two doses. Genotyping, performed on the 11 samples received to date by the laboratory, revealed samples as genotype B3.Abstract P59 Figure 1Phylogenetic analysis was inferred with neighbor-joining tree. Image was collapsed by cluster size[Figure omitted. See PDF]ConclusionsThe 2025 outbreak, unlike the broader 2024 epidemic, was predominantly hospital-associated, affecting healthcare workers and their contacts, most of whom were unvaccinated. Molecular characterization and sequencing were essential for accurately identifying transmission routes, supporting epidemiological investigations, clarifying transmission dynamics, and effectively interrupting transmission chains. These findings emphasize the importance of molecular tools in measles outbreak management and highlight the need for targeted preventive measures in healthcare settings.

BackgroundGenotyping Resistance Test (GRT) of HIV DNA in NGS is a useful tool for clinical treatment optimization, especially when GRT on RNA is unavailable and/or unfeasible and treatment history unreliable, and is particularly relevant when considering the prescription of long-acting (LA) therapies based on cabotegravir (CAB) and rilpivirine (RPV). However, NGS data interpretation, along with APOBEC-related mutations discrimination, remains complex and its clinical implications are still under investigation. This study evaluates NGS-GRT on DNA in individuals not eligible to standard enrolment criteria for CAB-RPV LA treatment, highlighting its potential in the challenges in HIV care.Materials and MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted at a single tertiary hospital, in individuals who underwent NGS-GRT on DNA and later started LA therapy. Library for NGS was prepared using the commercial kit AD4SEQ HIV-1 Solution v2 (Arrow Diagnostics). Consensus sequences were analyzed on HIV Drug Resisting Database (Stanford University). Mutations were considered APOBEC-induced if they appeared at low frequency and especially if associated with unusual mutations and/or stop codons. Data were described using the mean and standard deviation (SD) for normally distributed continuous variables and the median and interquartile range (IQR) for non-normally distributed continuous variables. Virological failure (VF) was defined as the occurrence of two consecutive viral load measurements >50 copies/mL.ResultsOur study included a cohort of 82 people living with HIV (PLWH) receiving LA therapy. Of these, 51 had NGS-GRT on DNA, 22 had mutations or stop codons, 10 had APOBEC-related mutations at sites that could potentially confer drug resistance (4 NRTI, 2 PI, 4 NNRTI, 6 INSTI).Among the nine individuals with APOBEC-associated INSTI or NNRTI mutations, none experienced VF. Only one study participant was switched to an oral INSTI-containing regimen due to the historical detection of E138Q in GRT on RNA, a low-level resistance mutation for RPV. Comparing individuals with (n=22) and without (n=29) APOBEC-associated mutations, the mean time from diagnosis to virological suppression was 10.2 (±7.9) vs. 3.2 (±5.3) years (p=0.002) and the mean duration of infection was 25.4 (±10.1) vs. 2.1 (±5.6) years (p=0.001). This suggests that a longer duration of unsuppressed viral replication may be associated with a higher likelihood of APOBEC- related mutation emergence.ConclusionAs the presence of mutations attributed to APOBEC activity is associated to defective virus, it does not preclude the efficacy of LA therapy with CAB/RPV; in fact, their correct identification in the INSTI and NNRTI drug classes should rather encourage clinicians in the use of LA therapy, in a setting of reduced viral fitness and growing capability. An accurate interpretation of NGS-GRT on DNA is therefore crucial to avoid unnecessary exclusion of individuals from LA therapy with CAB/RPV.