News from CAS Headquarters

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 28-Jan-2026 01:11 ET (28-Jan-2026 06:11 GMT/UTC)

9-Dec-2025

Researchers reveal genomic mechanisms for aquatic adaptation in vascular plants

Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A research team from the Wuhan Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with China Pharmaceutical University, integrated whole-genome assemblies of 122 vascular plant species with morphological analyses (including analyses of stomata, vascular bundles, and aerenchyma), waterlogging experiments, and transcriptome sequencing.

Journal

Current Biology

5-Dec-2025

Physicists provide key mass data for determining X-ray burst reaction rate

Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A research team from the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has directly measured the masses of two highly unstable atomic nuclei, phosphorus-26 and sulfur-27. These precise measurements provide crucial information for determining the nuclear reaction rate during X-ray bursts, advancing our understanding of how elements are synthesized under such extreme conditions.

Journal

The Astrophysical Journal

3-Dec-2025

High-resolution GlyT2 structures point to non-opioid analgesic options

Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers led by Prof. ZHAO Yan from the Institute of Biophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences reported high-resolution cryo-EM structures of GlyT2 in three major conformational states. These structures illuminate the transporter's molecular mechanisms and provide critical insights into how analgesic compounds are recognized.

Journal

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

2-Dec-2025

Researchers unveil first high-resolution maps of China's forest diversity patterns

Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A research team led by the South China Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with multiple domestic and international research institutions, has made progress in investigating forest diversity patterns across China.

Journal

Nature Ecology & Evolution

28-Nov-2025

New study quantifies warming response of soil gaseous nitrogen losses in temperate forest

Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers from the Institute of Applied Ecology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of California, Riverside, have investigated how the loss of forest soil gaseous nitrogen (NO, N₂O, and N₂) is affected by climate warming, highlighting the critical role of these gases in regulating forest nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning.

Journal

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

27-Nov-2025

Eyes keep the beat: unconscious blinking synchronizes with musical rhythm

Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study led by Dr. DU Yi from the Institute of Psychology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Dr. TENG Xiangbin from the Chinese University of Hong Kong reveals an even subtler form of synchronization: Our eyes blink in time with musical rhythms, entirely without conscious effort.

Journal

PLOS Biology

26-Nov-2025

New DNA study unlocks origins, social structure of Neolithic Shimao civilization

Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study published in Nature on November 26 has shed light on the origins, population structures, and kinship systems of the people of Shimao—one of China's most significant late Neolithic settlements. Analyses of ancient DNA from individuals who inhabited the site reveal genetic links to southern settlements, while also providing evidence of male mass burials associated with human sacrifice.

Journal

Nature

24-Nov-2025

Scientists identify strongly cohesive behavior of Chang'e-6's far-side lunar samples

Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A research team led by Prof. QI Shengwen from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IGGCAS) conducted fixed-funnel and rotating-drum experiments to measure the angle of repose, a key parameter reflecting the flowability of granular materials. The results showed that Chang'e-6 soil has a substantially higher angle of repose than near-side samples, exhibiting flow behavior characteristic of cohesive soils.

Journal

Nature Astronomy

23-Nov-2025

Chemerin receptor structures disclose new mechanism of lipid metabolism

Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A team led by WU Beili from the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with collaborators, determined the structures of GPR1 bound to chemerin and β-arrestin 1 or β-arrestin 2, as well as the structure of GPR1–β-arrestin 1 complex in the absence of chemerin. They elucidated a picture of arrestin-mediated modulation of GPR1, deepening our understanding of non-canonical GPCR signaling.

Journal

Science

20-Nov-2025

JUNO experiment delivers first physics results two months after completion

Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters
Reports and Proceedings

After more than a decade of design, construction, and international collaboration, the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory has become the world's first next-generation, large-scale, high-precision neutrino detector to begin operation. The detector's key performance indicators fully meet or surpass design expectations, confirming that JUNO is ready to deliver frontier measurements in neutrino physics.

Journal

Chinese Physics C