News from China
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 28-Dec-2025 11:11 ET (28-Dec-2025 16:11 GMT/UTC)
From seed to spice: Scientists map the genetic life of chili peppers
Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science- Journal
- Horticulture Research
Seeing urea in color: a new way to detect disease at a glance
Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of SciencesPeer-Reviewed Publication
A team of researchers has developed a new biosensor that turns the invisible signals into visible color changes to detect urea levels in a simple way.
- Journal
- Microsystems & Nanoengineering
How a single gene controls tomato side branching and auxin flow
Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science- Journal
- Horticulture Research
Biomimetic tongues: how cultured organoids are changing flavor detection
Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of SciencesPeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- Microsystems & Nanoengineering
Smaller, tougher, smarter: graphene accelerometers break new ground
Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of SciencesPeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- Microsystems & Nanoengineering
Mucosal adenovirus vaccine Ad5-XBB.1.5 boosting elicits nasal IgA and transiently prevents JN.1 wave infection for less than 6 months in real-world settings
Tsinghua University PressPeer-Reviewed Publication
A recent study highlights both the promise and limitations of the inhaled COVID-19 vaccine Ad5-XBB.1.5. Researchers found that the vaccine effectively induced strong immunoglobulin A (IgA) responses in the nasal mucosa and bloodstream, with nasal IgA showing a stronger correlation with virus-neutralizing activity than immunoglobulin G (IgG). The vaccine also boosted antigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses and slightly increased antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP). However, the study revealed that nasal IgA levels declined significantly by six months post-vaccination, and the majority of participants experienced breakthrough infections during the recent JN.1 wave. Additionally, individuals with high levels of pre-existing antibodies against adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) showed reduced neutralizing responses, indicating that vector immunity may limit the vaccine’s effectiveness. These findings underscore the challenges of achieving long-lasting mucosal immunity through current inhaled vaccine strategies. The researchers call for the development of next-generation mucosal vaccines, that can sustain strong and durable IgA responses in the nasal mucosa, offering better protection against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and reducing community transmission.
- Journal
- hLife
Silence, speed, and smarts: the MRI innovations shaping child brain health
Zhejiang UniversityPeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- World Journal of Pediatrics
New hope for cataract patients: scientists disrupt fibrosis pathway
Chongqing Medical UniversityPeer-Reviewed Publication
Cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss worldwide, and fibrosis-related complications after surgery often limit full recovery.
- Journal
- Genes & Diseases
Unraveling NEMO: how a single gene shapes immune resilience and rare disease
Chongqing Medical University- Journal
- Genes & Diseases