Researchers have reported the cryo-EM structure of Remdesivir-bound RNA replicase complex from SARS-CoV-2. The study sheds light on how Remdesivir inhibits virus replication by covalently linking with the viral genome. This discovery provides a basis for designing more powerful and specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.
Researchers have developed a method using phononic crystals to generate tunable, time-variant sound fields that can trap and transport particles and cells in microchannels. This technology has potential applications in display technology, biomedical sensors, and diagnostic tools.
Researchers have engineered a strain of bacteria called Clostridium thermocellum to degrade PET more efficiently than current industry bio-methods. The heat-friendly microbes can break down PET and plant-based fibers in hot, oxygen-free environments, offering a promising solution for plastic waste management.
Researchers have discovered the first pulsar in Globular Cluster M92 using FAST telescope. The pulsar, PSR J1717+4307A, is an eclipsing binary millisecond pulsar in a circular orbit with a companion star. This discovery provides insights into pulsars and their role in probing dense stellar cores.
Chinese scientists developed two novel compounds that inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease and show good anti-viral activity in cell culture. The high-resolution crystal structure of the complexes revealed the mechanism of inhibition, providing a promising strategy for designing specific antiviral leads against SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences developed a pulsed optically pumped (POP) atomic clock with unprecedented frequency stability of 4.7 × 10−15 at 10^4 seconds. The new design overcomes challenges in temperature control and barometric effects, ensuring accuracy for global navigation and communication services.
Researchers have developed Fe <sub>1-x</sub> S-decorated mesoporous carbon spheres as a nanoreactor for lithium-sulfur battery cathodes, showing excellent polysulfide catalytic activity and cyclic stability. The design strategy provides a new protocol for building high-capacity and long-cycle rechargeable batteries.
Researchers found that aerosol-photolysis interaction impacts atmospheric oxidants, leading to decreased secondary aerosol formation. ARI increased near-surface PM2.5, while API suppressed its formation, resulting in a net 4.8% increase.
Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences develop new strontium-substituted bioactive glass bone cement, optimizing strontium concentration to improve bone formation and implant contact. They find optimal osteogenic characteristics with 6 mol% SrO addition, supporting better peri-implant bone regeneration.
A team of Chinese scientists has determined the high-resolution crystal structure of the COVID-19 main protease and identified six compounds that inhibit its activity. The researchers used a combination of structure-based design, virtual screening, and high-throughput screening to identify these potential inhibitors.
Scientists have found that the unique characteristics of interstellar object 'Oumuamua can be explained by tidal forces felt during close encounters with stars. The study suggests that rocky objects like 'Oumuamua could originate from planetary systems, providing a new perspective on their formation and evolution.
A new study has identified a potent Nrf2 inhibitor, triptolide, as a promising therapeutic approach for IDH1-mutated glioma. The research reveals that disrupting the glutathione synthesis pathway establishes synergistic lethality with a neomorphic IDH1 mutation.
Scientists found pressure-induced amorphization and reversible structural transformations in sulfur dioxide under extreme conditions. The researchers discovered a phase transition from molecular to polymeric amorphous forms of SO2, shedding light on a poorly understood phenomenon in condensed matter physics.
Vegetation growth in the Third Pole, driven by CO2 fertilization globally and global warming locally, may slow rapid local warming. This 'greening' phenomenon also has remote impacts on Asian climate.
A study of Middle Triassic lacustrine sediments found that both lake and peat-forming forest ecosystems took up to 10 million years to recover after the EPME. The restoration of complex lacustrine ecosystems coincided with the termination of the coal gap, a period of no coals deposited worldwide.
Scientists have discovered a key mechanism by which plant stem cells maintain their developmental potential, enabling branching and optimizing crop architecture. The study shows that the SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM) gene activates its own expression to keep its lineage active.
A newly discovered sandgrouse fossil from six to nine million-year-old rocks in western China sheds light on the arid habitats near the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. The fossil, named Linxiavis inaquosus, provides key insights into the evolution of sandgrouse and their adaptation to dry environments.
Researchers found that core-shell configuration of a Ni-Au catalyst is lost during reaction and recovered afterwards. The Ni-Au alloy, not the shell, acts as the active surface, explaining high CO selectivity.
A novel imaging marker has been developed to help diagnose and treat schizophrenia, using abnormal striatal function as a promising biomarker. The study, published in Nature Medicine, shows that this biomarker can distinguish between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls, while also predicting treatment response.
Researchers developed a new method using Microbiome Search Engine to analyze health data, identifying disease-associated microbe outliers for quicker diagnoses. The approach outperforms traditional models, providing promising results for microbiome-based big data-based diagnosis.
A recent study found that rates of climatic-niche evolution are similarly slow in both plants and animals, with only slight variations across different clades. This research highlights the importance of understanding climate change impacts on species distribution and evolution.
A research team discovered a novel acid tolerance system in E. coli, enabling growth at pH 4.2 and existing in various pathogenic bacteria. This system confers survival in gastric acid and may be a new target for antimicrobial development.
The study provides detailed molecular maps of interaction patterns between a GPCR and different G protein subtypes, revealing key features that govern G protein specificity. The sixth transmembrane helix adopts a similar outward shift in the two G protein-bound GCGR structures, forming a common binding cavity to accommodate Gs and Gi.
A new study reveals that soil has a significant role in mitigating climate change, with up to 25% of global potential for natural climate solutions. The research highlights the importance of agroforestry and improved agricultural practices in enhancing soil health and carbon sequestration.
Researchers from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology discovered a way to inhibit side reactions in perovskite solutions, leading to improved stability, efficiency, and reproducibility of solar cells. A low-boiling-point stabilizer, triethyl borate, was found to be effective in stopping unwanted reactions.
Researchers mapped CB1R mRNA expression in male and female mice, revealing distinct patterns in brain regions associated with Parkinson's disease, maternal behaviors, and the estrus cycle. The study provides a foundation for understanding sex differences in physiological and pathological brain functions related to cannabinoids.
Researchers have found that Giant Clam shells from the western Pacific have clear and continuous daily growth bands, allowing them to record past extreme weather events. These ultra-high resolution records can provide valuable information on Paleoweather occurrences in days or even hours and minutes.
Researchers from Chinese Academy of Science develop a more efficient and cost-effective way to accurately synthesize DNA, increasing accuracy by nearly seven-fold. The new error-correction system uses chemical stabilizers to extend the life of key proteins, reducing costs and labor time.
A research team at the Chinese Academy of Sciences has optimized a prime editing system to create desired point mutations, insertions, and deletions in rice and wheat. The system, called PPE, has achieved efficiencies up to 19.2% with various types of mutations.
A new method called consolidated bio-saccharification (CBS) can convert lignocellulose into fermentable sugars, offering a cost-effective and efficient way to produce renewable energy. Researchers believe CBS has tremendous advantages in reducing enzyme production costs and streamlining operational processes.
Scientists propose a new method to produce thermally stable single-atom catalysts (SACs) with high metal loading. The method uses a simple and environmentally friendly approach, achieving kilogram-level production of commercial Fe2O3 supported Ru SACs.
Researchers propose a flexible interface design to reduce alloying stress on silicon anodes, resulting in record-breaking rate performance and cycling stability. The design modulates stress distribution via a soft nylon fabric modified with a conductive Cu-Ni transition layer.
A new genus found in 99-million-year-old Burmese amber reveals the evolutionary origin of scorpionflies' distinctive long mouthparts. The discovery sheds light on the early evolution of pollinators and challenges previous assumptions about the development of fleas.
Genomic analysis confirms two distinct phylogenetic species in red pandas, with different evolutionary histories and geographical distributions. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect this endangered species, including pedigree construction and interbreeding avoidance for captive individuals.
Researchers developed a photocatalytic method to convert biomass-derived polyols and sugars into methanol and syngas, promoting a clean and renewable alternative to fossil fuels. The process uses UV light irradiation at room temperature and produces a mixture of CO, H2, and other gases, with CO selectivity up to 90%.
Conserved epigenetic regulators BAZ2B and EHMT1 identified as novel anti-aging targets in aging research. The study reveals a mechanism for regulating cognitive aging by reducing mitochondrial function.
The study revealed that the subsurface at the Chang'E-4 landing site is made of highly porous granular materials embedding boulders of different sizes. The findings suggest a turbulent early galaxy and frequent meteor impacts on the Moon's surface.
Researchers discovered that nanoprecipitates serve as both dislocation sources and obstacles, leading to a self-hardening deformation mechanism. This sustainable approach enhances ductility and strength in structural materials.
Researchers analyzed high-resolution soot deposition to determine how dry glacial periods affected wildfire events. The results revealed clear glacial-interglacial cycles of wildfire, linked to drier glacial periods and higher dust loads in the atmosphere.
Researchers developed a composite membrane for long-life zinc-based flow batteries, improving cycle life and energy efficiency by regulating zinc deposition morphology. The new membrane can stabilize alkaline zinc-iron flow batteries for 500 charge-discharge cycles with over 80% energy efficiency.
Researchers have developed an efficient method to convert biomass-derived fatty acids into alkanes under mild conditions. The process utilizes photocatalytic decarboxylation with light, generating alkyl radical intermediates and achieving high yields of Cn-1 alkanes.
A smart contact lens has been developed to monitor xerophthalmia and high intraocular pressure disease, providing real-time color changes based on moisture and pressure levels. The device features periodic nanostructures within a biocompatible hydrogel matrix, offering superior biosafety and comfort.
The study reveals the structure-function relationship of the specific and efficient lovastatin hydrolase PcEST, which determines its efficient and specific lovastatin hydrolysis. A variant of PcEST improved solubility and thermostability, suggesting a promising application in industrial processes for green production of monacolin J.
Researchers propose novel temporal-spatial ordering and dynamic smart behavior in hollow multishell structures (HoMS), enabling efficient energy conversion and storage. The unique structure facilitates sequential electromagnetic wave harvesting and cascade catalytic reactions.
A recent study published in PNAS reveals that extracellular matrix protein-1 (ECM1) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. The researchers found that ECM1 is highly expressed in macrophages and regulates their polarization through the GM-CSF/STAT5 signaling pathway.
Researchers discovered that the tiny apex structure in plant leaves controls water drainage, allowing for fast absorption of excess water. This adaptation enables understory plants to survive high precipitation and humidity conditions in rainforests.
A team of scientists has developed a method to rapidly evolve endogenous genes in plants, enabling accelerated breeding via molecular design. The technology, called STEME, uses CRISPR-like enzymes to introduce precise mutations into plant genes, leading to improved agronomic traits.
Researchers have created an ultra-thin ion-conducting membrane with high selectivity and conductivity, which can boost the power of flow batteries. The membrane overcomes the trade-off between ion selectivity and conductivity, resulting in improved flow battery performance.
China's inland surface water quality improved significantly from 2003-2017 due to reduced pollution emissions in industrial, rural, and urban residential sectors. Annual mean concentrations of chemical oxygen demand and ammonium nitrogen declined by 63% and 78%, respectively, at the national level.
Researchers discovered that DHCR7 inhibitors and intermediate cholesterol metabolite 7-DHC promote IFN-I production and an antiviral response by activating AKT3 and IRF3. This may aid in the development of new drugs to treat viral infections.