A new study sheds light on the genetic mechanisms controlling free amino acids (FAAs) in tea, with a focus on theanine—the compound responsible for the signature umami taste.

In magnetic research, making magnetic domains visible is a significant breakthrough. The magneto-optical Kerr microscope leverages the magneto-optical Kerr effect combined with high-resolution optical microscopy, allowing us to observe the distribution and dynamic changes of magnetic domains on a microscopic scale. With the continuous improvement of hardware capabilities, the integrated functions of the magneto-optical Kerr microscope are becoming increasingly rich, making it an important instrument for studying the properties of magnetic materials and spintronic devices. The flexible configuration of the magneto-optical Kerr microscope, along with its high compatibility with magnetic field, electrical testing, and low-temperature conditions, supports research in areas such as magnetic domain morphology and dynamics. This review summarizes some classical experimental methods based on Kerr microscopy developed in recent years and their applications on material studies or spintronics device development, including the qualitative and quantitative study of defects in magnetic material, the measurement of magnetic parameters including saturation magnetization, the Heisenberg exchange stiffness, and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions, the analysis of the spin-transfer torque or spin-orbit torque induced magnetic dynamic in spintronic devices.

This research explores the connotation and typical characteristics of immersive technologies, analyze their application scenarios in primary and secondary education, identify key issues in their implementation, and propose strategies for their widespread adoption. 

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 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.

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.

A recent study has unlocked the genetic secrets of Houttuynia cordata, an Asian herb renowned for its distinctive aroma and medicinal properties.