Nitrogen and potassium are fundamental nutrients for plant growth, but imbalances frequently disrupt agricultural systems.

A pivotal study has uncovered a genetic defense mechanism in lily plants against Botrytis cinerea, the fungus behind gray mold disease. Central to this defense is LlHSFA4, a transcription factor that, when activated, initiates a robust response against the pathogen.

Researchers at UC San Diego have examined the critical role of goblet cells in gut immunity and health. GCs create a mucus barrier that protects against pathogens while supporting beneficial bacteria. They also deliver antigens to immune cells, promoting gut tolerance. Disruptions to goblet cell functions can contribute to gastrointestinal diseases like colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, making them a promising therapeutic target for maintaining gut health and combating various gut-related conditions.

Pioneering research has pinpointed key vacuolar transporters in citrus fruits that regulate taste by balancing citric acid and sugar levels. 

A recent study reveals the critical role of sorbitol in driving age-dependent growth shifts in apple plants.

Alfalfa, a globally significant forage crop, is now the focus of multi-omics database of M. sativa (MODMS), a pioneering multi-omics database aimed at accelerating genetic research and unlocking new insights into its agronomic potential.

This review explores the role of lysosomal stress in pancreatic diseases, particularly diabetes mellitus. Lysosomes, crucial for cellular metabolism, help restore homeostasis under stress. Emerging evidence shows their involvement in metabolic diseases affecting organs like the liver and heart. The review discusses lysosomal biology, immune and metabolic functions, and how lysosomal stress contributes to pancreatic disease pathogenesis, with the aim of advancing potential treatments.

This work introduces a novel tandem hydrothermal-calcination synthesis strategy to construct a p-n heterojunction between ultrasmall Te nanoparticles and CN nanosheets. The optimized Te/CN-NH₃ catalyst exhibits outstanding photocatalytic CO₂ reduction activity and stability, achieving nearly 100% CO selectivity and a yield of 92.0 μmol g^-1 h^-1—four times higher than that of pure CN.

A newstudy has introduced a novel method for enhancing somatic embryogenesis (SE) in conifer trees, using small molecules to overcome traditional barriers in asexual propagation.