30-Oct-2025 DNA cross-link repair deficiency enhances human cell sensitivity to colibactin-induced genotoxicity Osaka Metropolitan University An Osaka Metropolitan University-led research team studied DNA interstrand crosslinks formation and its associated repair pathways to investigate whether colibactin-induced interstrand crosslinks play a crucial role in genotoxicity. Journal Genes and Environment
27-Oct-2025 Microplastics are everywhere – and raising urgent health questions, new study finds Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University Microplastics, tiny bits of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size, are now found in our air, food, water, and even inside the human body, according to new research led by scientists from China and the United States. The study, published in Carbon Research, urges scientists and policymakers to take immediate steps to understand and address potential health risks linked to widespread plastic pollution. Journal Carbon Research
23-Oct-2025 New genetic trio uncovered behind lilac flower color fading Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science A research team has unveiled the molecular mechanism behind the fading of lilac (Syringa oblata) flowers, a long-standing mystery in ornamental plant biology. Journal Horticulture Research
23-Oct-2025 How does glial organization compare across brain regions and species? Salk Institute Salk neuroscientist Terrence Sejnowski and colleagues show that glial organization is not uniform across the brain but rather region-specific, and these features are conserved across mammalian species, suggesting glia may play a larger role in shaping neural circuit function than was previously appreciated. Journal PNAS Nexus
22-Oct-2025 Proper processing is key to pathogen control in recycled manure solids bedding on dairy farms Elsevier Bedding choice is a crucial factor in both cow comfort and udder health, and dairy farms in the Midwest are increasingly turning to recycled manure solids (RMS) as a cost-effective and readily available option. But because RMS originates from manure, questions remain about whether it can harbor mastitis-causing bacteria or other pathogens. A new cross-sectional study in JDS Communications, published by Elsevier, explores how different processing methods affect pathogen levels, giving producers clearer insight into the benefits and limitations of RMS bedding. Journal JDS Communications
18-Oct-2025 Evolution-assisted engineering boosts succinic acid production in E. coli Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science A research team has successfully combined adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) with metabolic engineering to create a strain of Escherichia coli that produces succinic acid (SA) from glycerol at significantly higher yields. Journal BioDesign Research
18-Oct-2025 Boosting production of pharmacologically relevant diterpenoids through engineered miltiradiene synthase Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science A team of researchers has uncovered how subtle structural changes in terpene synthases can dramatically improve the biosynthesis of miltiradiene, a critical intermediate in the production of pharmacologically valuable compounds such as tanshinone IIA, triptolide, and carnosic acid. Journal BioDesign Research
15-Oct-2025 Synthetic biology reprograms plant–microbe partnerships for resilient agriculture Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science A research team has outlined how synthetic biology can accelerate discoveries in plant–microbe interactions, offering strategies to enhance disease resistance, engineer synthetic symbioses, and manipulate root microbiomes. Journal BioDesign Research
15-Oct-2025 Unlocking photosynthesis potential: Replacing RuBisCO with PEPC to boost crop efficiency Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science A research team has proposed a new approach to improve photosynthesis by replacing the enzyme ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxidase (RuBisCO) with phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC). Journal BioDesign Research
