News from China

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 2-Dec-2025 15:12 ET (2-Dec-2025 20:12 GMT/UTC)

2-Dec-2025

From gene clusters to medicine: researchers decode the full genome of Centella asiatica

Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science

Centella asiatica, also known as gotu kola, is widely valued for its triterpenoid saponins, especially asiaticoside and madecassoside, which are used in pharmaceuticals, skincare, and neurological health supplements. 

Journal

Horticulture Research

2-Dec-2025

Biochar boosts hydrogen and methane yield in next-generation food-waste-to-energy systems

Maximum Academic Press
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A research team demonstrates that adding biochar to two-phase anaerobic digestion (TPAD) systems can significantly increase hydrogen (H₂) and methane (CH₄) production from food waste, while maintaining system stability under high organic loading rates.

2-Dec-2025

A newly identified ethylene–melatonin cascade boosts polyphenol biosynthesis in grape seeds

Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science

Ethylene is known to influence fruit physiology, but its specific role in regulating phenolic metabolism in grape seeds has remained unclear. 

Journal

Horticulture Research

2-Dec-2025

Gap-free genome reveals key genes behind medicinal saponins in balloon flower

Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers have assembled the first telomere-to-telomere (T2T) gap-free genome of Platycodon grandiflorus, a traditional medicinal herb valued for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.

Journal

Horticulture Research

2-Dec-2025

Delayed climate mitigation could trigger a socioeconomic tipping point

Maximum Academic Press
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A research team reveals that delaying global climate mitigation may trigger a dangerous socioeconomic tipping point, where the incentive to cut carbon emissions collapses despite rising climate damages.

2-Dec-2025

Novel regeneration strategy restores high-nickel lithium-ion battery cathodes for enhanced performance and sustainability

Maximum Academic Press
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A research team has developed an innovative strategy to regenerate high-nickel lithium-ion battery cathodes, specifically the widely used NCM811 material.

2-Dec-2025

A newly identified gene boosts wheat regeneration and transformation efficiency

Maximum Academic Press
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A research team identifies a transcription factor, TaDOF4.7-B, as a powerful regulator that enhances wheat’s regeneration efficiency by balancing cytokinin levels and activating regeneration-related genes.

Journal

Seed Biology

2-Dec-2025

New method reveals pollen's UV resistance linked to sporopollenin chemistry

Maximum Academic Press
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A research team has unveiled a novel method for quantifying pollen’s resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, shedding light on the protective role of sporopollenin.

Journal

Seed Biology

2-Dec-2025

Shifting bloom times helps crops beat rising heat

Maximum Academic Press

A research team has uncovered how adjusting the daily rhythm of flowering can help crops survive intensifying heat stress.

Journal

Seed Biology

2-Dec-2025

Peptide-based breakthrough boosts regeneration efficiency in chili peppers

Maximum Academic Press

A research team has developed an optimized regeneration protocol for chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), achieving a significant improvement in tissue culture success rates.

Journal

Seed Biology