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GLP-1’s Role in Synaptic Control of Energy Balance

The hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) plays a crucial role in the central nervous system's regulation of appetite and energy balance, beyond its peripheral functions in glucose metabolism.
A recent study in Nature Metabolism unveils novel mechanisms of central GLP-1 action, linking the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) to the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) in the brainstem.
GLP-1 is secreted centrally by neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and influences various feeding control regions, with synaptic mechanisms of its anorectic effects now elucidated.
Research reveals the PVN^GLP-1R→DVC pathway's synaptic architecture involving glutamate release and modulation by local GLP-1 levels.
Chemogenetic tools confirm the pathway's role in appetite regulation, with modulation according to the animal's energy state.
Under energy deficit conditions, synaptic strength decreases, but sensitivity to GLP-1 potentiation increases, indicating adaptive modulation of feeding behavior.
In obesity models, disrupted plasticity in the PVN^GLP-1R→DVC synapses hampers appropriate response to GLP-1 signals, contributing to metabolic imbalances.
The study underscores the importance of state-dependent synaptic plasticity in maintaining energy homeostasis and suggests the fluctuating responsiveness of GLP-1 receptors to metabolic cues.
Manipulating the PVN^GLP-1R→DVC pathway impacts feeding behavior and metabolic health, highlighting its role in appetite control and energy balance.
Understanding the neural circuits modulated by GLP-1 offers potential for novel obesity treatments that target brainstem pathways involved in appetite suppression.
Decoding the synaptic mechanisms of GLP-1 could lead to innovative interventions for obesity and metabolic disorders, offering a promising avenue for therapeutic advancements.

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Bioengineer

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MetaSeeker: Exploring Invisible Spaces via Self-Play Learning

MetaSeeker is a cutting-edge framework combining self-play reinforcement learning and computational science to explore invisible spaces in artificial intelligence.
The framework autonomously generates sequences of actions to construct a latent map of complex, high-dimensional environments.
MetaSeeker's self-play mechanism facilitates exploration in abstract spaces, enabling the algorithm to approximate hidden structures and continuous spaces.
It balances exploration and exploitation through an adaptive reward strategy, preventing premature convergence to suboptimal strategies.
The algorithm iteratively refines its internal models through experimental action sequences, improving its fidelity to the underlying space.
MetaSeeker's versatility allows seamless integration with various neural architectures and environments, making it applicable to diverse fields.
The framework enhances interpretability by providing transparency into the learned environment, essential for verifiable decision-making.
MetaSeeker's implementation incorporates advanced optimization algorithms, ensuring scalability and robustness in handling large state-action spaces.
It embodies a dynamic learner paradigm, continuously refining knowledge through self-generated challenges, akin to developmental robotics.
MetaSeeker's potential applications span autonomous navigation, drug design, materials science, and adaptive user interface design, indicating transformative impacts.

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Bioengineer

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Data-Driven Decisions Power Regional Resiliency Center

A study published in 2025 explores data-driven decision-making tools for regional resiliency centers facing disasters and crises.
The research introduces an interdisciplinary, data-centric framework to improve disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
By integrating diverse datasets, advanced models, and expert knowledge, the framework enhances strategic decision-making processes.
Machine learning algorithms enable pattern recognition and anomaly detection, crucial for rapid-evolving risk scenarios.
The framework bridges insights from various fields like earth sciences, urban planning, and public health to quantify regional vulnerabilities.
It features a multi-layered decision support system for multiple administrative levels, aiding in scenario simulations and data-driven interventions.
Standardized metadata schemas and open data protocols ensure data validity and interoperability in collaborative disaster contexts.
Social media analytics and crowd-sourced data enrich the system with granular insights, enhancing community engagement in resilience-building.
Capacity building programs are detailed to equip teams with the necessary skills to effectively utilize analytical tools.
The study's real-world validation in pilot regions demonstrates improved early warning, resource allocation, and stakeholder confidence in decision-making.

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Bioengineer

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New Surgery-Chemotherapy Trial Targets Thymic Tumors

A recent phase II clinical investigation has revealed the potential of combining cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITOC) for treating thymic epithelial tumors with pleural dissemination or recurrence.
Thymic epithelial tumors are rare neoplasms that present clinical challenges, particularly when pleural involvement occurs, impacting traditional treatment effectiveness.
The study focused on reducing tumor burden through surgery followed by localized chemotherapy at hyperthermic temperatures to target microscopic residual disease and enhance oncological outcomes.
Intrathoracic hyperthermia optimization was crucial for augmenting the effects of chemotherapeutic agents like cisplatin, improving drug penetration and tumor cytotoxicity.
The trial's design allowed for a detailed assessment of safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy without comparison arms, setting the stage for future survival benefit studies.
Mechanistically, the cytoreductive HITOC approach induces synergistic tumoricidal effects through hyperthermia-induced processes like protein denaturation and enhanced apoptosis.
The research highlights the importance of precise surgical resections in managing pleural disease, emphasizing multidisciplinary collaboration and postoperative outcomes.
Immunomodulatory effects, symptomatic relief, and improved quality of life were observed in patients, showcasing the holistic benefits of the combined treatment.
This transformative approach challenges pessimism surrounding pleural thymic tumors, offering hope for durable disease management and potential long-term remission.
The study advocates for further collaborations to validate results in larger trials and explores combining therapies like immune checkpoint inhibitors to revolutionize thoracic oncology protocols.

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Bioengineer

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Groundwater Contaminants Linked to Hypertension in India

A recent study in India links groundwater contaminants to hypertension, posing a significant public health concern in the country where a quarter of the population is affected by high blood pressure.
While lifestyle and genetic factors have been known to contribute to hypertension, the study highlights the role of groundwater quality in cardiovascular health risks, using advanced machine learning techniques for analysis.
Groundwater pollution, influenced by natural and human activities, contains elements like heavy metals and nitrates that may contribute to chronic health issues, including hypertension.
The research identified specific contaminants such as arsenic and cadmium as significant factors in hypertension incidence, highlighting their impact on vascular function and blood pressure regulation.
Moreover, factors like water pH, hardness, and ionic composition were found to modulate contaminant toxicity, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of water quality for public health protection.
The study also implicated nitrates from agricultural runoff in hypertension risk through mechanisms affecting vascular function, showcasing region-specific variations in contaminant impacts.
By utilizing machine learning models, the researchers unveiled hidden patterns and predictive markers that can inform targeted interventions and policy decisions regarding groundwater contamination and cardiovascular health.
The findings underscore the importance of improving water safety standards, enhancing public awareness about groundwater contamination risks, and fostering collaborations between environmental agencies and healthcare providers for holistic health strategies.
This research bridges the gap between environmental science, machine learning, and epidemiology, offering insights for tailored interventions against hypertension influenced by environmental factors in India and potentially worldwide.
Addressing groundwater contamination emerges as a vital step in reshaping public health landscapes, emphasizing the need for collective efforts in safeguarding cardiovascular health through clean water resources.

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Bioengineer

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Virtual Reality Impacts Gait and Freezing in Parkinson’s

A study in npj Parkinson's Disease explores the impact of VR on gait and freezing in Parkinson's patients.
Parkinson's disease is known for motor dysfunction, including freezing of gait (FOG), which reduces quality of life and increases fall risk.
Traditional therapies offer limited control over FOG, motivating the need for non-invasive interventions like VR.
VR interventions led to improvements in stride length, gait velocity, and reduction in FOG episodes.
Personalized VR sessions adapt to patients' gait patterns and offer at-home rehabilitation options.
VR may promote neural plasticity by providing enriched sensory contexts and engaging compensatory neural circuits.
Challenges include individual responsiveness, technical requirements, and the need for personalized protocols in VR therapy.
Integration of VR with wearable neurotechnology shows promise for real-time feedback and tailored interventions.
VR therapy could reduce healthcare burdens and democratize rehabilitation for patients with Parkinson's disease.
The study sets a benchmark for interdisciplinary collaborations and future applications in motor control disorders.

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Bioengineer

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Innovative Brain Protection Device for Soldiers Secures $3.2 Million Research Grant

A $3.2 million research grant has been awarded to the University of Virginia School of Medicine for enhancing the Generalized Blast Exposure Value (GBEV) tool in military brain health protection.
The GBEV tool aims to quantify blast exposure histories among military personnel with data-driven precision to assess neurological risks associated with blast events.
Dr. James Stone leads the initiative, emphasizing the importance of accurately quantifying blast exposure for early detection and tailored interventions.
Low-intensity blasts during training exercises can lead to cumulative brain damage over time, prompting the need for more detailed exposure assessment tools.
Collaboration between Dr. Stone and Captain Stephen Ahlers focuses on characterizing the impact of repeated blast exposures on neurological integrity.
The GBEV tool integrates exposure data and clinical outcomes to refine blast exposure quantification for improved risk assessment.
Utilizing neuroimaging techniques and computational algorithms, the project aims to create multidimensional profiles of blast-related brain injury.
The enhanced GBEV tool not only serves as a predictive asset for early intervention but also supports resource allocation within the military health system.
The initiative's outcomes extend beyond clinical care by informing training protocols and protective guidelines to mitigate cumulative brain injury in service members.
The collaborative effort involves key institutions and stakeholders to ensure translation of research findings into clinical practice for the benefit of warfighters and veterans.

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Bioengineer

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Hepatitis B, C Linked to Multiple Myeloma Risk

A meta-analysis published in BMC Cancer has found a link between hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infections and an increased risk of developing multiple myeloma (MM), a complex hematological malignancy.
Multiple myeloma is characterized by malignant plasma cell proliferation, leading to severe symptoms like bone destruction and anemia, with poor long-term survival rates.
The study analyzed data from over three decades to clarify the association, focusing on high-quality studies examining MM risk in HBV and HCV-infected populations.
Results showed a modestly increased MM risk with HBV infection (RR: 1.25) and a more significant association with HCV infection (RR: 1.84), indicating nearly a twofold risk increase.
Geographic analyses revealed stronger correlations between HBV/HCV infections and MM risk in European populations compared to other regions, with distinct pathogenic mechanisms possibly at play.
Rigorous quality assessments and statistical tests for bias were employed, enhancing the credibility of the findings that patients with chronic hepatitis, especially HCV-infected individuals, may require close monitoring for MM.
The study underscores the need to integrate infectious disease history into oncological risk assessment and highlights the importance of further mechanistic research in understanding the virus-cancer interplay.
The findings suggest the potential benefits of vaccination campaigns for HBV and antiviral treatments for HCV in reducing MM burden by lowering chronic infection rates.
Overall, this research sheds light on the connection between HBV/HCV infections and MM risk, emphasizing the importance of proactive clinical management and integrated strategies to address infectious diseases and cancer.
Efforts should continue to deepen understanding and translate findings into enhanced patient care and public health policies for combating the complexities of virus-related cancers.

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Bioengineer

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Innovative 3D-Printing Technique Produces Two Materials from a Single Resin

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking vat polymerization technique that can create permanent objects and dissolvable support structures simultaneously using a single resin in 3D printing.
Traditional vat photopolymerization has been enhanced by a new resin formulation that integrates dual-curing chemistry, streamlining the process of creating complex 3D structures with interlocking components.
The innovative resin blend combines acrylate/methacrylate monomers with epoxy-based monomers, each reacting to distinct wavelengths of light to form dissolvable supports and permanent structures.
A bespoke 3D printer emitting synchronized UV and visible light patterns enables the printing of intricate multipart objects with permanent structures and supports within the same resin vat.
The sacrificial supports formed under visible light polymerization can be selectively dissolved in mild base solutions, allowing for the rapid removal of supports without compromising the printed object's integrity.
This advancement has significant implications for tissue engineering by enabling the creation of articulated components and dynamic constructs in a single print cycle, enhancing scaffold design and accuracy for customized implants.
The dual-wavelength curing strategy demonstrated by the researchers allows for the fabrication of complex geometries, such as interlocking rings and encapsulated balls, showcasing the technique's potential for creating intricate moving parts.
Beyond biomedical applications, this innovative technique also holds promise in electronics prototyping and sustainable manufacturing by minimizing material waste and simplifying recycling processes.
Further research is needed to expand the range of available monomers and photoinitiators to optimize mechanical properties and degradation profiles, but this study lays the groundwork for future advancements in 3D printing technologies.
In conclusion, the dual-wavelength vat polymerization technique represents a significant advancement in additive manufacturing, offering a more efficient and integrated approach to 3D printing that has the potential to impact various industries from regenerative medicine to micro-mechanics.

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Virginia Tech Scientist Awarded American Heart Association Fellowship to Investigate Obesity’s Impact on Heart Disease Risk

Mark Renton, a postdoctoral researcher at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, received an American Heart Association fellowship to investigate coronary microvascular dysfunction and its molecular connection to obesity.
His research focuses on understanding how obesity alters vascular function at the microvascular level, particularly examining the role of pannexin-1 protein in coronary microvessels.
Coronary microvascular dysfunction plays a crucial role in heart disease, where impaired blood flow within small heart vessels contributes to conditions like chest pain and ischemia.
Pannexin-1 channels are key to regulating vascular responses and signaling, and Renton's project explores how obesity-induced metabolic disturbances may impact these channels and lead to vascular dysfunction.
The research investigates ion flux, cellular signaling, and pannexin-1's influence on neighboring cells, aiming to understand how obesity could disrupt these processes and lead to compromised vascular reactivity.
Understanding the impact of obesity on pannexin-1 function in coronary microvessels could offer insights into treating microvascular complications not only in the heart but also in organs like the brain, liver, and kidneys.
Renton's work could pave the way for therapeutic interventions targeting pannexin-1 channel activity to mitigate cardiovascular risks associated with obesity and improve vascular health.
His research transcends traditional focus on macroscopic artery blockages, emphasizing the importance of microvascular health and its potential role in preventing irreversible damage caused by obesity-related heart disease.
Renton collaborates with renowned researchers at the Center for Vascular and Heart Research, enhancing the translational potential of his findings and accelerating progress from research to clinical applications.
His innovative research on the molecular links between obesity and coronary microvascular dysfunction holds promise for advancing cardiovascular health management and addressing the global challenge of obesity-related diseases.
In the face of rising obesity rates worldwide, Renton's investigation into pannexin-1 and coronary microvascular dysfunction represents a significant step towards understanding and combatting the vascular effects of obesity for improved clinical outcomes.

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Bioengineer

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Tracking Wild Poliovirus Evolution in Pakistan, Afghanistan

A study in Nature Communications examines the wild poliovirus evolution and transmission dynamics in Pakistan and Afghanistan from 2012 to 2023, revealing insights into the virus's persistence and spread amidst global eradication efforts.
Genomic sequencing efforts have mapped the genetic changes of wild poliovirus strains in the region, shedding light on their evolutionary trajectory and transmission patterns, including localized chains and cross-border movement.
The study quantifies substitution rates and identifies genetic hotspots affecting vaccine efficacy, aiding in the development of more targeted vaccines to combat evolving strains as global eradication efforts progress.
Sophisticated models integrating genomic and epidemiological data show how the virus spreads geographically and fluctuates in transmission intensity, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions and surveillance.
Persistent viral reservoirs in conflict-affected areas pose challenges to complete transmission interruption, prompting the call for innovative strategies addressing these resilient pockets through targeted surveillance and vaccination.
Analysis of human mobility patterns reveals how poliovirus exploits sociopolitical disruptions and population movements, underscoring the importance of cross-border collaboration in health interventions.
The study highlights the ongoing challenges posed by sociopolitical instability, vaccine hesitancy, and the virus's adaptability, emphasizing the need for adaptable public health responses in the dynamic battle against poliovirus.
Insights into vaccine-derived polioviruses aid in understanding outbreaks and informing vaccine strategies, while the study's analytical techniques set new standards for molecular epidemiology and outbreak response.
Policy implications stress the importance of molecular surveillance, community engagement, and tailored vaccination strategies to enhance eradication efforts, with a focus on agility and precision in response tactics.
The study raises questions about eradication feasibility in conflict zones, advocating for integrated health and peace-building initiatives to address systemic challenges in achieving public health goals.

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From Mixed to Matched: New Marker Identifies Therapeutically Relevant Stem Cell–Derived Islets

Diabetes affects over half a billion people globally, posing significant challenges in healthcare due to pancreatic islet impairment.
Dr. Eiji Yoshihara and team discovered FXYD2 as a key biomarker for identifying functional stem cell–derived islets suitable for clinical use.
FXYD2 not only characterizes islet maturity but also plays a role in β cell maturation through ion channel-mediated signaling.
The study integrated single-cell RNA sequencing to identify dysregulated gene sets, highlighting the mineral absorption pathway regulated by FXYD2.
FXYD2 expression levels were instrumental in categorizing islet organoids into high and low functional subpopulations.
Transplantation of FXYD2-high islets in diabetic animal models effectively reversed hyperglycemia, validating the marker's predictive accuracy.
This breakthrough in identifying FXYD2 enhances the quality control in stem cell–derived islet therapies, making safer and more effective treatments possible.
The discovery elevates the potential for curing diabetes by enabling precise selection of transplant-ready islets based on FXYD2 expression.
The research has broader implications, revealing insights into ion channel-mediated signaling and gene regulation, impacting cellular engineering and regenerative medicine.
Financial support from institutions like the NIH, Breakthrough T1D, and the Allen Foundation emphasized the importance of advancements in stem cell biology for therapeutic interventions.

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Radiation Therapy Benefits in HER2+ Breast Cancer

A pooled analysis of TRYPHAENA and NeoSphere trials sheds light on the role of radiation therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer patients with clinically node-positive disease after primary systemic therapy and breast-conserving surgery.
The study investigates how regional nodal irradiation (RNI) impacts recurrence-free survival in this patient cohort and examines the benefit of RNI post achieving complete pathological nodal response.
The analysis includes 90 patients treated with HER2-directed primary systemic therapy, revealing high loco-regional recurrence-free survival rates in those achieving nodal complete response but reduced rates in patients with residual nodal disease.
Interestingly, no significant difference in locoregional outcomes was observed between patients receiving RNI and those who did not, questioning the routine use of RNI in cases of complete nodal response.
The study highlights the association between loco-regional failures and distant metastatic spread, emphasizing the importance of local control in influencing systemic disease progression.
Findings suggest that optimized radiation therapy protocols could spare certain HER2-positive breast cancer patients from RNI, while patients with residual nodal disease may still benefit from targeted radiation.
The analysis advocates for personalized treatment approaches based on post-systemic therapy pathological response data to tailor radiation fields and minimize overtreatment in cN+ patients.
The study underscores the need for further research on predictive markers for radiation benefit, innovative imaging modalities, and long-term surveillance to optimize treatment paradigms and balance risk-benefit profiles.
Implications extend to clinical practice, emphasizing the importance of individualized decision-making by radiation oncologists and multidisciplinary teams to enhance outcomes while preserving quality of life.
The research challenges traditional approaches to nodal irradiation in HER2-positive breast cancer, supporting the evolution of evidence-based, personalized radiation treatment strategies for improved survival outcomes with reduced toxicity.
In the era of precision oncology, tailored therapeutic strategies, and personalized care, studies like this contribute to refining radiation therapy protocols and optimizing treatment outcomes for HER2-positive breast cancer patients.

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Bioengineer

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Boosting Perovskite Solar Cells with Defect-Free SnO2

A novel excess ligand strategy in the chemical bath deposition of tin oxide (SnO₂) has been introduced, aiming to enhance the efficiency of perovskite solar cells by addressing traditional CBD method limitations.
The method suppresses the cluster-by-cluster pathway, promoting ion-by-ion growth and resulting in highly uniform, low-defect SnO₂ thin films with improved optoelectronic properties.
Surface recombination velocity is significantly reduced to 5.5 cm/s, showcasing the effectiveness of the excess ligand strategy in passivating surface states and minimizing trap-assisted recombination.
The SnO₂ electron-transport layers demonstrate exceptional electroluminescence efficiency of 24.8% while contributing to charge extraction and recombination suppression for enhanced device stability.
Perovskite solar cells utilizing this strategy achieved a high power-conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.4%, supporting scalability for commercial-level fabrication.
The method's versatility is highlighted by its compatibility with carbon-based perovskite cells, reaching an efficiency of 23.1% in solar modules, showcasing potential market impact and broader device applicability.
The excess ligand approach manipulates ligand content to control nucleation pathways, offering potential advancements in oxide semiconductor fabrication beyond SnO₂ for improved electron-transport layers.
The rapid deposition and improved film quality of the excess ligand method lead to cost savings, higher throughput, and enhanced scalability in manufacturing solar cells.
This research not only enhances perovskite solar cell performance but also addresses stability and efficiency challenges, paving the way for commercial viability and broader adoption of this renewable energy technology.
The excess ligand CBD method could facilitate the production of flexible, lightweight solar modules with low manufacturing costs, accelerating the deployment of perovskite-based photovoltaics in large-scale energy projects.
With record-setting efficiencies and scalable production capabilities, this advancement signifies a significant step towards bridging research innovations with practical applications in the sustainable energy sector.

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Biodiverse Urban Parks Boost Mental Health Naturally

Recent research highlights the mental health benefits of biodiversity-rich recreational areas in urban environments, aiding in alleviating depression and anxiety disorders prevalent in urban populations.
A global assessment of 9,034 cities revealed high accessibility to biodiverse areas within a two-hour travel distance, with disparities in utilization rates across regions.
Engagement with such nature-based interventions showed a significant reduction in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) related to depression and anxiety, reflecting tangible health improvements.
Cost-effective nature-based mental health strategies in developed regions underscore the economic benefits of biodiversity-rich landscapes in public health policy.
Addressing travel cost barriers, the study suggests establishing biodiverse recreational areas closer to urban centers for enhanced access and cumulative mental health benefits.
Interdisciplinary methodologies integrating geospatial data and epidemiological modeling support the study's conclusions on the impact of nature exposure on mental well-being.
The study advocates for urban planning integrating biodiverse environments to shift towards preventive, nature-based therapies enhancing urban well-being and biodiversity conservation.
Equality in nature access is emphasized, with the need for policies promoting inclusivity through affordable transportation and community engagement programs.
Psychological mechanisms suggest that exposure to biodiverse natural stimuli aids in stress reduction, cognitive restoration, and emotional regulation, enhancing well-being.
Nature-based mental health approaches offer potential for holistic health frameworks, complementing traditional treatments and addressing disparities in vulnerable populations.

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