Latest News Releases 8 April

In a paper published in Science Bulletin, a Chinese team of scientists led by Professor Bao revealed that the N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10), a ‘writer’ of the N4-acetylcytidine (ac⁴C) mark, is essential for spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation throughout first-wave spermatogenesis and during steady-state spermatogenesis in mice. Importantly, they identify PRRC2B as an intimate Nat10 partner that potentially assists the deposition or reading of the ac⁴C mark in mRNAs. Collectively, this study reinforces the importance of gene expression regulation at the epitranscriptomic level in both the germline and soma cells.

A simpler method of analysing blood samples for Alzheimer’s disease has been tested in a large multicentre study, led by Lund University in Sweden.

“This is a major step in bringing simple blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease into the healthcare system globally,” say the researchers behind the study.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine have discovered a new way that neurons act in neurodegeneration by using human neural organoids – also known as “mini-brain” models – from patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Understanding this new pathway could help researchers find better treatments for FTLD and Alzheimer’s, the two most common forms of dementia that lead to cognitive decline.

As global crises and inequalities escalate, UN University identifies five deep, fundamental changes needed to address several of the world’s most pressing problems at their roots -- societal structures and mindsets -- to achieve effective, lasting solutions. Throughout the report, authors highlight successful sustainability initiatives worldwide.

Researchers have reviewed metamaterials to emulate Schrödinger dynamics, bridging classical wave physics and quantum phenomena. Such analog enables robust wave manipulation and explores quantum behaviors beyond electronic systems, promising breakthroughs in imaging, sensing, and energy technologies.

In a paper published in Science Bulletin, an international team of physicists from Singapore and China demonstrates how quasi-bound states in the continuum (QBICs) can induce abrupt lateral beam shifts in the terahertz regime. By applying Brillouin zone folding to a compound grating waveguide, the researchers created a QBIC band that enables sudden and significant beam shifts, offering new insights into real-space QBIC properties and potential applications in sensing and wavelength multiplexing.

In recent years, chemotherapy-induced cardiovascular disease has emerged as a significant cause of mortality among cancer survivors. Anthracyclines, pivotal in treating cancers like breast cancer and leukemia, are indispensable in cancer therapy, yet their severe cardiotoxicity presents a formidable challenge. A recent review in Medicine Plus offers profound insights into anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC), exploring its mechanisms and therapeutic strategies, contributing to safer oncological treatments in the future.

The formation of a strong coordination structure, [Zn(H₂O)₆]²⁺ often increases direct contact between the solvated H₂O and Zn anodes on the inner Helmholtz layer, which exacerbates undesirable side reactions and dendrite growth, hindering the practical application of aqueous Zn metal batteries. Researchers identify that the solvated H₂O can be effectively minimized by an artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) consisting of highly nitrogen-doped amorphous carbon (NC) and perfluorosulfonic acid polymer (Nafion). Theoretical and experimental analyses reveal that NC raises the Fermi level of the composite SEI and activates the non-coordinating charge transfer from the SEI to [Zn(H₂O)₆]²⁺, which leads to ultrafast desolvation of hydrated Zn-ions in the outer Helmholtz layer; while the Nafion framework ensures selective transport channels for Zn ions. Remarkably, the derived NC-Nafion@Zn symmetric cell exhibits a long lifespan (3400 h, 1 mA cm^-2; 2000 h, 5 mA cm^-2); moreover, the NC-Nafion@Zn//Mn₄O₃-carbon nanotubes full battery delivers ultralong cycling stability of 9300 cycles at 2 A g^-1 with a high retention of 91.3%.