A new ancient DNA study has uncovered the 5,000-year population history of Xinjiang, China, revealing a complex mix of local northern Asian and western Steppe ancestry in Bronze Age populations. The study found that these early populations were broadly mixed with unique ancestral components from southern Siberia and Central Asia.
Researchers have discovered a large sample of compact galaxies, including the rare 'Green Pea', 'Blueberry' and 'Purple Grape' types. These galaxies are found to have high star formation rates and low metallicity, providing new insights into galaxy formation and evolution.
A research team has discovered a genetic sensor of blue light that regulates oil synthesis in industrial microalga, leading to double the microalgal productivity of oils. This finding has major implications for microalgae-based conversion of carbon dioxide to biofuels.
A fossilized owl skeleton has been discovered in China's Tibetan Plateau, showcasing an extinct species that was active during the day. The study reveals that this ancient owl, Miosurnia diurna, was part of a group of owls that evolved to be diurnal.
A recent study revealed the importance of Cav3.1-driven burst firing in the ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei in controlling anxiety-like behavior and energy expenditure following chronic stress. Enhanced burst firing was correlated with increased anxiety-like behavior, reduced food intake, and decreased energy expenditure.
Researchers analyzed polarized properties of five repeating FRB sources using FAST and GBT, revealing systematic frequency evolution and rotation measure scattering. This unified description indicates complex environments around bursting sources, including supernova remnants or plasma near massive blackholes.
A recent study reveals that tropical terrestrial methane emissions account for over 80% of the observed changes in global atmospheric methane growth rate between 2010 and 2019. This finding underscores the significant impact of methane on climate change, with methane concentrations more than doubling since the pre-industrial era.
A study published in Cell Reports Medicine reveals the oncometabolite role of progesterone in advanced prostate cancer and strategies to eliminate its oncogenic effect. Biochanin-A, an isoflavone found in soy, inhibits the enzyme 3βHSD1, which generates progesterone.
Scientists have identified three active compounds in sex pheromones of the world's largest hornet, Vespa mandarinia, to attract males and control its reproduction. The discovery could aid in monitoring and controlling the invasive species' spread in North America.
A study published in Nature Metabolism found that body temperature has a greater impact on lifespan than metabolic rate, contrary to the traditional 'live fast, die young' phrase. The researchers used an unusual experiment where high temperatures increased lifespan by lowering metabolism and reducing body temperature.
A new Ramanome-based technique can detect metabolically active microbes in teeth, even when they appear to have stopped growing. This allows for more targeted disinfection and reduced use of antimicrobial drugs, potentially lowering the risk of side effects.
A new study by Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers identifies follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) as the major pathogenic factor driving Alzheimer's disease in women. FSH increases during menopause and activates a critical pathway, leading to AD pathology.
Researchers from China, Germany, France and Spain uncovered the lifestyle of humans living in East Asia 40,000 years ago. The study found evidence of ochre processing, miniature stone tools and bone tools, demonstrating technological innovations and cultural diversification.
A new chemoenzymatic cascade reaction has been proposed for sustainable and cost-effective membrane cleaning. The reaction, which combines glucose oxidase and Fe3O4 catalysis, shows improved degradation efficiency compared to traditional Fenton reactions.
Chronic liver injury triggers bone loss through the liver-bone axis, characterized by an imbalance of PP2Ac® and LCAT. This study reveals the molecular mechanisms behind HOD disease progression.
Researchers discovered calcification and silicification of insects in Kachin amber, preserving complete compound eyes, cuticle structures, and skin sensillae. The study sheds light on the role of mineralization in preserving fossils and challenges existing views on amber taphonomy.
Research found that an earlier start to the growing season enhances tree growth in cold, humid regions but not in dry areas. The study analyzed annual tree-ring width data and found distinct spatial patterns of tree growth in response to an earlier onset of cambial activity.
A research team has proposed a new approach to achieve background-suppressed tumor-targeted photoacoustic imaging, enabling deep-tissue tumor-specific imaging in vivo. The approach uses genetically engineered bacteria to deliver a photoswitchable chromoprotein to the tumor site, eliminating interference from blood background signals.
A recent study using satellite laser altimetry found that about 54% of lakes showed a significant trend in water-level change from 2003 to 2020, with 80% showing an upward trend. The total water volume of observed lakes increased at a rate of 10.88 ±16.45 Gt/yr during this period.
A new study reveals that global warming has suppressed shrub recruitment in the Arctic and Tibetan Plateau, indicating a tipping point for cold biomes. The research found that optimal climate conditions for shrub growth have already passed in these regions.
Researchers discovered a bZIP23-PER1A module that regulates rice seed vigor, improving crop quality. They found two cultivars with huge phenotypic differences, Kasalath and Jigeng88, and identified a novel detoxification pathway to enhance seed vigor.
A study published in Nature Geoscience found that consumption-related sulphate aerosols from developed and developing countries have comparable climate impacts, regardless of region. The research clarifies the significance of consumption activities on global temperature and precipitation.
A new varanid fossil from China reveals key features shared with the modern Varanus genus, suggesting a transition from ancient Varaniformes to Varanidae in Asia. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of Varanidae and supports their Asian origin.
Researchers have updated the lunar chronology model using radiometric ages of new Chang'E-5 samples and crater counting data from the landing area. The new model provides a more accurate timescale, essential for understanding lunar and planetary history.
Scientists have identified a novel chemical defense mechanism in tobacco plants that provides permanent resistance to Empoasca leafhopper pests. The study revealed a new volatile compound called caffeoylputrescine-green-leaf-volatile compound (CPH) responsible for this resistance.
Researchers found that the Central Tibetan Valley was at a relatively low elevation of 1,700 m between 50–38 mya and rose rapidly to over 4,000 m between 38–29 mya. This rise led to significant climate change, transforming the region from a subtropical ecosystem to an alpine one.
Researchers developed an optogenetic approach to control parathyroid hormone secretion and prevent secondary hyperparathyroidism-associated bone loss. The method partially attenuated SHPT-associated bone loss in animal models, suggesting its potential as a treatment for hyperparathyroidism-induced bone disease.
Researchers found that Earth's inner core is a mixture of solid iron sublattice and liquid-like light elements, known as superionic state. This discovery provides critical clues for understanding the softness and seismic velocities of the inner core.
Researchers develop a new wheat mutant with broad-spectrum powdery mildew resistance, without growth or yield defects. They achieve this through multiplex genome editing, identifying the role of TaTMT3B in alleviating growth penalties associated with MLO disruption.
Researchers have designed six new psychedelic analogues that don't trigger hallucinations, displaying effective antidepressant activity in mice. The findings provide a solid foundation for the development of safe and effective non-hallucinogenic antidepressants.
A new sequencing technique called 2bRAD-M has been developed to accurately identify species-level information from low-biomass and degraded microbiome samples. The method uses restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) to produce high-resolution profiles of bacteria, archaea, and fungi down to the level of species.
Researchers create intelligent material that automatically controls heat transmission, enabling thermal insulation at low temperatures while dissipating excess heat during overheating. The study reveals a promising model for building thermal fields, providing new avenues for designing smart reactors for green chemical industries.
A recent study has investigated the effect of donor selection on transplanted microbiota establishment and long-term stability in aged hosts. Autologous FMT demonstrated better resilience than heterologous FMT in restoring gut microbiota diversity after antibiotic-induced perturbation.
Researchers found that REM sleep has specific properties allowing rapid arousal in response to predatory stimuli. The medial subthalamic nucleus (mSTN) plays a key role in this process, producing a lowered arousal threshold during REM sleep for detecting predator threats.
Researchers have developed a new selective membrane technology that significantly improves the cycling stability of dual-ion batteries. The innovative approach decouples negatively charged anions from solvents, preventing co-intercalation and electrolyte corrosion, leading to enhanced oxidation resistance.
Researchers found that knocking down LCDR in lung cancer cells promotes apoptosis, providing a potential new target for diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, targeting LCDR shows promise as a therapeutic strategy and has diagnostic value for lung adenocarcinoma.
Researchers have discovered the earliest known ant mimics in mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber, extending the geological range of myrmecomorphy by approximately 50 million years. The study found that these ancient organisms closely mimic different hymenopteran models during different stages of development.
Researchers have found the Milky Way to be significantly lighter than previously thought, with a total mass of 500-800 billion solar masses. This new estimate is based on high-precision data from Gaia EDR3 and advanced dynamical modeling methods.
The Chang'E-5 lander has made the first onsite detection of water on the Moon, providing evidence of hydroxyl and/or H2O presence. The discovery was made using reflectance spectral data from the lunar surface acquired by the lander.
The FAST telescope detected accurate magnetic field strength in molecular cloud L1544, suggesting an early transition to supercriticality. The HINSA Zeeman effect revealed a coherent magnetic field structure throughout the interstellar medium.
Scientists created macroscopic living functional materials by adhering bacteria together, demonstrating improved mechanical properties and processability. The material can also self-heal within minutes and degrade organophosphate pesticides.
Scientists studied the Lanzhou Basin sedimentary succession to reconstruct Asian monsoon precipitation patterns during a warm, high-CO2 world. They found prominent short and long eccentricity cycles influencing monsoon variability, which may become increasingly susceptible to global warming.
Researchers found that species-rich forests produce more wood and are less affected by extreme weather conditions. The main reason for this stability is the diversity of functional characteristics among tree species, which helps counterbalance fluctuations in climate.
Scientists developed a novel nanoporous gating system to precisely control and observe dynamic gating processes, inspired by cell performance. The system achieved controlled dynamic gating through conducting polymer polypyrrole at sub-2 nm speed.
A novel InOOH electrocatalyst with frustrated Lewis pairs enables efficient urea synthesis from CO2 and N2 at room temperature. The catalyst achieves a high urea yield rate of 6.85 mmol h-1 g-1, promising a sustainable solution to excessive CO2 emissions during N2 fixation.
A new fossil discovery reveals an extinct early bird that could stick out its tongue, with a bony tongue nearly as long as its head. This finding provides insights into the evolution of feeding mechanisms in birds, highlighting the variation in skull shape and size among ancient species.
Researchers demonstrate an innovative chemical method to engineer diverse layered hydrogels with wet and slippery properties, suitable for tissue-like models, soft robots, and intelligent devices. The UV-SCIRP method enables the efficient construction of complex hydrogel patterns and non-flat arbitrary-shaped objects.
Researchers have proposed a novel bilayer structure composed of NiOx and MoOx films to extract hole carriers from c-Si more efficiently. This structure achieved a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 21.31% in c-Si solar cells.
A bioinspired hierarchical porous membrane, based on intrinsic microporosity polymers, was developed to enhance uranium extraction from seawater. The membrane achieves higher numbers of interconnected multiscale channels, improving adsorption performance.
Researchers have created reconstructable uterus-derived materials (RUMs) to aid in the recovery of damaged uteruses. The materials, which can be formed into different states and shapes, prevent intrauterine adhesion and promote angiogenesis, endometrial regeneration, and muscle collagen rebuilding.