News from China
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 25-Dec-2025 23:11 ET (26-Dec-2025 04:11 GMT/UTC)
Interference is all you need: First photonic transformer chip promises 200x energy savings
Chinese Society for Optical EngineeringPeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- PhotoniX
- Funder
- National Key Research and Development Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Outstanding Youth Science Fund, Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities
Docosahexaenoic acid has therapeutic potential for myocardial infarction
Higher Education PressPeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- Protein & Cell
Structure-based engineering of the midnolin-proteasome pathway for targeted protein degradation
Higher Education PressPeer-Reviewed Publication
This study determined cryo-EM structures of midnolin-proteasome complexes, providing mechanistic insights to midnolin-catalyzed substrate degradation. Based on structural and mechanistic understanding, authors have engineered the midnolin system for targeted degradation of desired substrates, and provide the first proof-of-principle for degrading a non-native therapeutically high-profile target that is otherwise undruggable.
- Journal
- Protein & Cell
Linking lactate metabolism to muscle GDF15 release during mitochondrial stress
Science China PressPeer-Reviewed Publication
Mitochondrial DNA mutations cause muscle cells to struggle with energy production, forcing them to rely more on glycolysis and produce excess lactate. Far from being just a waste product, lactate acts as a signal that changes how genes work. Recently, researchers from Qilu Hospital of Shandong University have found that lactate modifies histones in muscle, turning on the stress-response factor GDF15. This work has been published in Science Bulletin, and the new discovery reveals how lactate helps muscles adapt to mitochondrial stress and points to new directions for treating mitochondrial diseases.
- Journal
- Science Bulletin
Advancements in proteogenomics for preclinical targeted cancer therapy research repair
Higher Education PressAdvancements in molecular characterization technologies have accelerated targeted cancer therapy research at unprecedented resolution and dimensionality. Integrating comprehensive multi-omic molecular profiling of a tumor, proteogenomics, marks a transformative milestone for preclinical cancer research. In this paper, we initially provided an overview of proteogenomics in cancer research, spanning genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. Subsequently, the applications were introduced and examined from different perspectives, including but not limited to genetic alterations, molecular quantifications, single-cell patterns, different post-translational modification levels, subtype signatures, and immune landscape. We also paid attention to the combined multi-omics data analysis and pan-cancer analysis. This paper highlights the crucial role of proteogenomics in preclinical targeted cancer therapy research, including but not limited to elucidating the mechanisms of tumorigenesis, discovering effective therapeutic targets and promising biomarkers, and developing subtype-specific therapies.
- Journal
- Biophysics Reports
Mixing electrochromism at molecular level
Science China PressPeer-Reviewed Publication
The reticular architecture of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) enables not only systematic but also creative tuning of their functionalities. A recent study involving forty structurally related MOFs demonstrated how to precisely integrate and regulate two types of electrochromic cores within the MOF architectures through mild linker modifications and straightforward crystal engineering. The underlying logic is reminiscent of a conventional color palette—yet elevated to molecular-level precision, offering promising prospects for future electronic applications.
- Journal
- National Science Review
New editorial urges clinicians to address sex-based disparities in sepsis treatment
Journal of Intensive MedicinePeer-Reviewed Publication
Sepsis, a leading cause of global mortality, requires prompt and accurate antibiotic administration. Proper dosing ensures therapeutic success while reducing the likelihood of adverse effects. Despite this, standardized treatment approaches frequently disregard sex and gender differences that shape pharmacological responses. This editorial article underscores the significance of these variables and advocates revising clinical guidelines to integrate sex- and gender-specific considerations into antimicrobial therapy and decision-making.
- Journal
- Journal of Intensive Medicine
Global risk factors, epidemiology, and disease burden of type 2 diabetes
Science China PressPeer-Reviewed Publication
The latest publication from Science China Life Science summarized the trends of risk factors, epidemiology and disease burden of type 2 diabetes at global level. The disease has been doubled in the last three decades, now affecting over 530 million people worldwide. By 2045, nearly 800 million may be affected, with the steepest rises in Asia and Africa. The disease shortens lives, fuels heart and kidney disease, and consumes 10% of global health budgets. Yet it is largely preventable: trials in Finland, India, the US, and China show lifestyle programmes cut risk by half, and remission is possible with weight loss. The global challenge is not knowledge but implementation. Bold prevention and equity-focused policies are urgently needed to change the course of this epidemic.
- Journal
- Science China Life Sciences
Single-molecule techniques in studying the molecular mechanisms of DNA synapsis in non-homologous end-joining repair
Higher Education PressDNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are the most severe form of DNA damage, primarily repaired by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway. A critical step in this process is DNA synapsis, where the two broken ends are brought together to facilitate timely repair. Deficiencies in NHEJ synapsis can lead to improper DNA end configurations, potentially resulting in chromosomal translocations. NHEJ synapsis is a highly dynamic, multi-protein mediated assembly process. Recent advances in single-molecule techniques have led to significant progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms driving NHEJ synapsis. In this review, we summarize single-molecule methods developed for studying NHEJ synapsis, with a particular focus on the single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) technique. We discuss the various molecular mechanisms of NHEJ synapsis uncovered through these studies and explore the coupling between synapsis and other steps in NHEJ. Additionally, we highlight the strategies, limitations, and future directions for single-molecule studies of NHEJ synapsis.
- Journal
- Biophysics Reports