Based on a 20-year field nitrogen addition experiment, this study demonstrates that long-term high nitrogen deposition does not reduce belowground carbon allocation in tropical forest plants; rather, it induces a physiological adaptation—upregulation of root exudation—to actively mobilize soil phosphorus, thereby sustaining productivity and offering a key mechanistic explanation for the persistence of tropical forest carbon sinks under chronic nitrogen enrichment.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects millions worldwide, yet effective treatments remain limited. A new review outlines how stem cell-based therapies can promote brain repair by reducing inflammation, supporting neural regeneration, and restoring neural function. It also highlights emerging strategies such as exosome-based therapies and biomaterial scaffolds. While early clinical trials and preclinical findings are encouraging, translating these advances into reliable clinical treatments remains a critical next step.

Nitrous acid (HONO) is a key precursor to atmospheric hydroxyl radicals that drive formation of secondary pollutants such as ozone, secondary organic aerosols (SOA), and peroxyacetyl nitrates (PAN). A new study uses WRF-Chem modeling and field observations across China to assess how HONO sources influence pollution. Results show that aerosol-related sources, especially nitrate photolysis, have a disproportionately strong effect on SOA and PAN formation despite smaller surface HONO contributions, highlighting critical role in haze chemistry.

Optical skyrmions are poised to revolutionize data transmission as robust information carriers, but their use has been hindered by narrow-band generation limits. Now, an international team in China and Singapore has unveiled an on-chip platform based on ferroelectric spherulites. This breakthrough device generates stable optical skyrmions across the entire visible spectrum, shattering previous bandwidth barriers. The advance paves the way for ultra-high-capacity optical communications and next-generation topological quantum light sources.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how biomedical materials are discovered and designed. In a new review published in Science Bulletin, researchers summarize how machine learning and generative AI are helping scientists predict material behaviors such as drug release, biocompatibility, and catalytic activity, and even propose entirely new inorganic materials for biomedical applications. The review highlights emerging applications in drug delivery, cancer therapy, anti-inflammatory treatment, and tissue engineering, while also discussing the challenges that still limit clinical translation.

A research team led by Professor Gao Zexia from Huazhong Agricultural University in China has successfully cultivated grass carp completely lacking intermuscular bones (IBs)—small, sharp skeletal structures that not only pose consumption risks to consumers but also limit processing efficiency. By runx2b gene editing, the team obtained genetically stable F₂ populations of grass carp without IBs. Comprehensive phenotypic analysis revealed no significant differences between IBs-free and the wild-type grass carp in overall skeletal development, bone mineral density, muscle composition or nutritional content. Multi-omics data further demonstrated adaptive remodeling in Calcium Signaling and Muscle Contraction Pathways, indicating normal physiological compensation. This study provides a feasible strategy for improving the fish efficiency of aquaculture breeding and enhancing the supply of high quality fish protein.

Researchers from Capital Normal University and Peking University have revealed how light triggers seed germination at the molecular level. This research demonstrates that the HECT E3 ligase UPL3 targets the core repressor PIF1 for degradation upon light exposure, offering theoretical support and promising genetic targets for improving crop seed vigor and germination uniformity.