An international research group successfully measured, with a nanometer resolution, the depth of PN junctions varied in a Si wafer in a non-destructive and non-contact manner by observing the THz waves generated by irradiating a Si wafer with a femtosecond laser. The technique will open new avenues for developing advanced semiconductor devices, such as 3D LSI, and provide a comprehensive measurement solution that enables non-contact testing in semiconductor manufacturing.

Endogenous AICAR (Acadesine) demonstrates significant therapeutic potential as a phase III clinical agent for the treatment of adverse cardiovascular reactions to coronary artery bypass grafting and as a phase I/II clinical agent for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. However, its biosynthetic mechanism remains poorly defined. Previous study demonstrated that AICAR was significantly enriched in the Fusarium solani mutant veA^OE14, which overexpressed the global regulator VeA. In May 2025, the research team led by Professor Jichuan Kang from the Engineering and Research Center for Southwest Biopharmaceutical Resource of National Education Ministry of China, Guizhou University, published a research paper titled “MtfA, a C2H2 transcriptional regulator, negatively regulates PRPS2-mediated biosynthesis of the adenosine analogue Acadesine in Fusarium solani” in the journal Mycology.

This study elucidated, at the molecular level, the regulatory mechanism by which VeA overexpression enhances AICAR production in Fusarium solani. The team established a three-tier regulatory network model (VeA-MtfA-PRPS2) (Figure 1), laying an important foundation for the engineering of filamentous fungal strains for AICAR biosynthesis.

Problems with cranial base growth, which supports the skull’s structure, can lead to several chronic conditions of the face and upper airway. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating this process remain poorly understood. In a recent study, researchers from the United States use a sophisticated mouse model to understand the role of RUNX2, a master regulator protein, in cranial base growth. Their findings offer new insights into craniofacial malformations and may contribute to identifying potential therapeutic targets.

Edible yeast Candida utilis can produce high-quality protein using DHA with 60.1% protein content at rapid growth rates, supporting sustainable feed and food supply.

A novel gas-lift reactor successfully improved the production efficiency of hydrogen oxidizing bacteria single cell protein, providing a new solution for sustainable biomanufacturing.