News from China
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 30-Dec-2025 01:11 ET (30-Dec-2025 06:11 GMT/UTC)
One gene, two gains: New discovery increases sterols and oils in rapeseed
Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of ScienceSterols are beneficial plant metabolites with proven human health effects. In rapeseed (Brassica napus), enhancing sterol content could add significant nutritional value to edible oils.
- Journal
- Horticulture Research
Scutellarin from tomatoes? vacuum method powers synthetic biology in fruit
Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of ScienceResearchers have developed an improved vacuum-infiltration system that overcomes long-standing barriers in tomato genetic engineering.
- Journal
- Horticulture Research
Silane coupling agents boost the efficiency and stability of wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells
Science China PressPeer-Reviewed Publication
A groundbreaking study introduces a silane coupling agent strategy to enhance the performance of wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells (WBG-PSCs). By anchoring trimethoxysilane (TMOS) molecules at the perovskite/hole transport layer interface, researchers achieved a record-high open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.345 V and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.69% in single-junction devices. Extending this approach to all-perovskite tandem solar cells (TSCs), the team reached an impressive 28.45% PCE with exceptional stability, retaining 90% efficiency after 500 hours of operation. The work, published in a leading journal, highlights the transformative potential of interfacial engineering for next-generation photovoltaics.
- Journal
- Science Bulletin
Unlocking safflower’s secrets: Scientists identify key gene in flavonoid glycoside biosynthesis
Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of ScienceSafflower is widely valued for its flavonoid glycosides, particularly for cardiovascular therapeutics and natural dyes.
- Journal
- Horticulture Research
Professor Wen Zhang's team at PUMCH reveals novel mechanism of fibrosis in IgG4-related disease
Science China PressPeer-Reviewed Publication
In a paper published in Science Bulletin, the research team led by Professor Wen Zhang from the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) has made significant progress in understanding the pathogenesis of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). The study, for the first time, demonstrates that the overexpression of early growth response factor-1 (EGR1) in epithelial cells is a core driver promoting the characteristic tissue fibrosis of the disease, laying a scientific foundation for developing potential targeted therapies.
- Journal
- Science Bulletin
Unlocking garlic’s secret to long-term freshness
Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of ScienceGarlic, a globally significant food and medicinal crop, suffers major quality loss during storage due to sprouting and decay.
- Journal
- Horticulture Research
Mapping the future of ginseng: New SNP chip speeds up breeding
Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of ScienceA team of researchers has developed the first high-resolution genetic map and a versatile SNP chip for Panax ginseng, a tetraploid medicinal plant with complex genomic architecture.
- Journal
- Horticulture Research
Why tomato and pepper can’t get along: new study reveals immune battle at graft site
Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of ScienceGrafting between different plant species can offer advantages like disease resistance and structural resilience. However, graft incompatibility remains a biological mystery.
- Journal
- Horticulture Research
Exercise proves powerful in preventing colon cancer
BGI GenomicsRecent research highlights that structured exercise is a powerful tool for reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. Incorporating exercise into daily routines is increasingly recognized as an effective way to strengthen the body's natural defenses and lower the risk of colorectal cancer in the long term. Early detection, however, remains the most effective way to reduce colorectal cancer mortality.