A research paper just published in Science China Life Sciences reports that pectin lyase secreted by Phytophthora sojae and its degradation products, pectin oligosaccharides, exhibit dual immune activation via different types of immune receptors. This finding offers a novel functional perspective on the role of pectin lyase in host-pathogen interactions.

In a paper published in SCIENCE CHINA Chemistry, the review comprehensively introduces strategies for regulating water activity through electrolyte engineering to achieve side reaction-suppressed Zinc-based aqueous batteries (ZABs), including the latest research on aqueous zinc-metal batteries, the origin of critical zinc-related problems, and the development of technological and electrolyte additives. Lastly, various strategies were summarized from different perspectives to improve the performance of zinc metal anodes.

Near-infrared II (NIR-II) photoacoustic imaging (PAI) technology is an emerging biomedical imaging modality characterized by high spatial resolution, deep tissue penetration, and high signal-to-noise ratio. NIR-II PAI enables highly clear real-time monitoring of various physiological and pathological processes and visualizes different biological entities, making it crucial for advancements in life sciences and medicine. NIR-II PAI technology holds significant application potential in disease diagnosis and treatment, particularly in early diagnosis, precise localization, boundary delineation, and monitoring of treatment response for tumors and other conditions. By combining with multimodal or diagnostic-therapeutic integrated molecular probes, this technology enables accurate disease localization and guided treatment, which is crucial for early diagnosis and therapy. This review provides a detailed overview of research progress on NIR-II PAI probes, discussing the emergence and latest developments of various NIR-II PAI probes and their applications in early diagnosis and treatment of tumors, cerebrovascular systems, inflammation, and other tissues. Additionally, it summarizes the development status of these probes and outlines future prospects and challenges.

Malignant tumors remain a serious threat to human health and life and are a major public health problem globally. Herein, we designed and synthesized a novel nucleic acid nanomedicine AS1411-siRNA-LNPs (As@LNPs). Bmi-1 siRNA was coated with cationic liposomes, and a nucleic acid aptamer AS1411 with tumor cell-targeting ability was attached to the outermost layer of the liposomes. The average particle size of As@LNPs was 183 nm, and the polydispersion coefficient was 0.187. The encapsulation rate and drug loading of As@LNPs were 85% and 4.6%, respectively. The average electron mobility of the drug was 2.64 (μ/s)/(V/cm), and the zeta potential of As@LNPs was 33.79 ± 0.78 mV. The microstructure of the nanomedicine was evaluated via transmission electron microscopy. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that As@LNPs significantly inhibited tumor growth and promoted tumor cell apoptosis. As@LNPs showed favorable biosafety with major tissues and organs, except glomerulus and renal epithelial cells.

A groundbreaking study led by Prof. Omar S. Magaña-Loaiza and his team at the Quantum Photonics Laboratory from LSU has unveiled a remarkable breakthrough in understanding the quantum and classical worlds. Published in PhotoniX, the study demonstrates the isolation of quantum many-body systems from classical light fields, revealing quantum behaviors in a seemingly classical domain.

Vector winds forecast by numerical weather prediction models still in need of optimization.

A new study has uncovered the complex genetic interaction between root-knot nematodes and tomato plants, revealing how these microscopic parasites manipulate plant genomes to induce gall formation.

A recent study sheds light on the essential role of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in preventing postharvest chilling injury (PCI) in fruits, a widespread issue that compromises fruit quality and shortens shelf life.

Research often draws inspiration from life itself. Individuals with diverse backgrounds enrich innovation. Dr Zhang Caicai, Associate Professor of the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, interwines her neurolinguistic expertise with her experiences as a mother, delving into the intricate world of child language development and disorders.

A recent perspective unveils the potential of using virus-based biotechnologies to improve the performance and diversity of Solanaceae crops, which are essential to global food security.