A new study published in Big Earth Data proposes GeoJSON agents, a novel multi-agent large language model (LLM) framework for geospatial analysis that transforms natural language instructions into structured GeoJSON operations through function calling and code generation. Experiments on a hierarchical benchmark of 70 spatial tasks show that the code generation–based agent achieved 97.14% accuracy and the function calling–based agent achieved 85.71%, both significantly outperforming general-purpose models, while highlighting the trade-off between flexibility and execution stability in GeoAI applications. The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in figshare at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.29921492.

Hearing loss is a common cause of disability worldwide, with anywhere between 30-60% of cases being caused by genetic factors. LOXHD1 is a gene integral to essential protein interactions responsible for maintaining normal hair cell function. Certain variants in this gene can cause progressive or non-progressive congenital hearing impairments, called “pathogenic variants” in individuals. Researchers went deeper into this gene to learn more about the genetic causes of hearing loss in the Chinese population, and they uncovered novel variants within this gene to further explore these causes, in addition to what early intervention and potential medicinal therapies might look like for those who are predisposed to hearing loss.

Carbide- and boride-based UHTCs are promising for high-speed vehicles but suffer from oxidation and high density. Guided by the Ellingham diagram, a lightweight HfO₂-SiBOC ceramic was designed with an amorphous SiBOC matrix and nano-HfO₂ reinforcement. The thermodynamic oxidation sequence (Hf→Si→B→C) enables preferential Hf oxidation to form a stable HfO₂ barrier, while Si and B generate viscous oxides for defect healing. A novel amber SiHfBOC precursor was synthesized via sol-gel and solvothermal methods. Hot-pressed bulk ceramics exhibited near-nonablative behavior under 2000°C oxyacetylene flame ablation for 300 s, offering a new strategy for lightweight polymer-derived ceramics in ultra-high temperature applications.

Leaf functional traits are stronger predictors of herbivory than climatic factors or insect richness across Chinese forests, according to a study led by researchers from the South China Botanical Garden (SCBG), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Contrary to the classic resource availability hypothesis, the team found that some carbon-based defense traits may actually backfire.

A study by researchers from the Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University, and Medical School of Nanjing University suggests that antibiotic residue-related exposure may impair spermatogenesis by disturbing mitochondrial function. The researchers further found that DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, may help protect spermatocytes by restoring ER–mitochondria communication and reducing oxidative stress.

Not all lung cancers with the same common genetic driver respond equally to powerful targeted drugs. Researchers have now discovered why: subtle differences in the 3D shape of the mutated protein. By classifying these shapes, they identified a subtype that poorly binds to latest-generation drugs, explaining worse outcomes. The good news? Starting with a drug-chemo combo likely overcomes this resistance, offering a clear path to personalize first-line treatment.