A new study published in eGastroenterology reveals that gut cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) plays a key role in alcohol binge-induced intestinal permeability, commonly known as "leaky gut." The research demonstrates that inhibiting CB1R can prevent the gut barrier damage caused by alcohol consumption. These findings open new therapeutic possibilities for addressing alcohol-associated digestive disorders.

This Review offers a unified perspective on how intelligent metasurfaces can facilitate wireless communication in three manners: signal relay, signal transmitter, and signal processor. We start by the basic modelling of wireless channel and the evolution of metasurfaces from passive, active to intelligent metasurfaces. Integrated with various deep learning algorithms, intelligent metasurfaces adapt to cater for the ever-changing environments without human intervention. We conclude by identifying key issues in the practical implementations of intelligent metasurfaces.

The Chinese Medical Association has released new guidelines for diagnosing and treating Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children. Addressing challenges like variable symptoms and rising antibiotic resistance (81% for macrolides in China), experts recommend PCR testing for accurate diagnosis, macrolides for mild cases, and tetracyclines for severe infections in older children. Corticosteroids are also advised for severe cases, and judicious antibiotic use is stressed to combat resistance and improve treatment outcomes.

A recent study published in MedComm – Future Medicine by a research team from Fudan University provides an in-depth investigation into the characteristics of cuproptosis in IDH1-mutant gliomas. The team developed a novel molecular classification system and a clinically translatable risk prediction model, offering valuable insights for precision oncology.

A new discovery has unveiled a genetic module, CsTIE1-CsAGL16, that simultaneously regulates lateral branch development and drought tolerance in cucumbers.

In a recent study, scientists have developed a revolutionary chromosome identification system for alfalfa, one of the world's most economically vital forage crops.

A new study published in Mycology highlights the alarming evolutionary rate of Sporothrix, the fungus that causes sporotrichosis, a severe and rapidly spreading infection affecting humans and cats in South America. Researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo analysed the 3-carboxymuconate cyclase gene (encoding the Gp60-70 antigen), a key component of the fungus's cell wall, in Sporothrix and discovered unprecedented genetic diversity. They propose a link between this rapid adaptation and exposure to harmful aromatic pollutants, potentially explaining the increased virulence, particularly of S. brasiliensis. This research is crucial because cat-transmitted sporotrichosis is far more aggressive than typical fungal infections, representing a major public health crisis in Brazil. These findings provide vital insights for developing targeted diagnostics, vaccines, and antifungal treatments to combat the world's largest sporotrichosis epidemic.