In a recent study published in Science China Earth Sciences, researchers from the Research Group of Seismic Anisotropy and Deep Tectoncis, the Institute of Earthquake Forecasting, China Earthquake Administration, present a lithospheric azimuthal anisotropic model in the E margin and SE margin of Tibetan Plateau (model AniCD-L). The model reveals distinct north–south zonation of lithospheric anisotropy and provides evidence that the southwestern boundary of the South China block extends at least to the vicinity of the Red River Fault at the upper mantle scale. The model AniCD-L provides new seismological constraints on intracontinental deformation mechanisms associated with the India–Eurasia collision.

The WHO Global Action Plan for Poliovirus Containment, 4th edition (GAPIV) describes the necessary conditions for the containment of poliovirus material in poliovirus-essential facilities (PEFs). The method used for validation of chemical products for poliovirus decontamination in this study was based on processes outlined in European Standard EN14476, as recommended by the WHO GAPIV guidelines. The disinfectants 5 % Microchem Plus and 1 % Virkon®S were evaluated for efficacy against high titre poliovirus in solutions with and without high organic load using an endpoint dilution assay. A poliovirus Sabin 1 strain was used as the reference virus with the titre 8.33 log10 CCID50 (50 % cell culture infectious dose) in 0.1 ml. Microchem Plus only partially inactivated poliovirus and cannot be relied upon as the sole decontaminant. In contrast, Virkon®S performed well for both high titre poliovirus in solutions with and without high organic load, achieving >4 log10 titre reduction for both, making Virkon®S a suitable disinfectant for poliovirus.

The present study investigated the disease burden and associated productivity losses attributable to T2DM among adults, while also forecasting the disease burden through 2050. The study adopted a quantitative approach and drew upon datasets obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database, the World Bank, the United Nations, and the International Labor Organization. Projections based on the BAPC model indicate that the ASDR will rise to 2243.12 per 100,000 population by 2050. The estimated annual productivity loss attributable to T2DM in the region exceeds 220 billion U.S. dollar (USD). Comprehensive and sustainable interventions, including health policies, educational initiatives, and social protection measures, are needed to reduce disparities associated with T2DM.

We are pleased to present a curated collection of our recent cover articles, featuring breakthroughs ranging from enzyme–chemical interaction prediction, genome-scale modeling and novel biosensor development to metabolic engineering of industrially relevant microbial hosts and next-generation gene-editing tools. These studies highlight the field's rapid evolution from fundamental tool discovery to translational industrial applications.