Researchers in China uncover the genetic and epigenetic basis of a unique super-early flowering phenomenon in soybean transformants, where the very phenotype is active in hemizygotes and silenced in homozygotes.

Seeking to develop soybean varieties adapted to diverse climates and growing seasons, researchers are exploring precise controlling of the flowering time. Now, scientists report that a super-early flowering phenotype driven by the key gene GmFT2a is expressed in hemizygous soybeans and becomes epigenetically silenced in homozygotes. This hemizygote-dependent dominance is caused by a two distinct rounds of DNA methylation triggered by different small RNAs (siRNAs). This finding opens new possibilities for designing flexible and reversible systems for manipulating target traits in future breeding program.

In the harsh environment of space—where microgravity, cosmic radiation, and isolation pose unprecedented health risks—flexible wearable devices have emerged as critical tools. These "smart skins" continuously monitor astronauts' vital signs, revolutionizing space medicine.

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with pulmonary metastasis (PM) has a poor prognosis, and optimal treatment strategies remain controversial. This study compared pulmonary metastasectomy and combination immunotherapy with targeted molecular therapies for advanced HCC with pulmonary metastasis, indicating that pulmonary metastasectomy provided longer survival than immunotherapy combined with targeted molecular therapies and has the potential to become the optimal treatment for highly selected HCC patients with resectable PM.

A research paper by scientists at Beijing Institute of Technology and City University of Hong Kong presented a versatile electrodynamics simulation model designed to analyze the driving forces of partially filled electrodes to optimize the structural parameters of Digital microfluidic chips.

A groundbreaking study from East China Normal University has leveraged AI to analyze classroom teaching patterns across China, revealing that teacher-centered instruction still dominates. This research utilizes a sophisticated AI-powered classroom intelligent analysis system to assess 1,008 recorded Chinese language classes spanning nine grade levels. Usage of AI enables effective systematic analysis of large volumes of classroom data, reducing time and human intervention.

The increasing prevalence of myopia is a global health concern, with high myopia increasing the risk of vision damage. This necessitates the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for early diagnosis, prevention, and management of myopia.  Now, a Pediatric Investigation review sheds light on potential applications of AI in the early identification, risk assessment, and prevention of myopia. It further highlights the challenges and current development status of AI technology in the field of myopia.

The team led by Academician Chen Xiaoping from Tongji Hospital, affiliated with the Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, in collaboration with several major medical centers, including the Hunan Provincial People's Hospital and the Henan Provincial People's Hospital, conducted a multicenter retrospective study on the controversial issue of whether the caudate lobe of the liver should be routinely resected for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The results were published in Science China Life Sciences.