Scientists reveal how human retrotransposon enzyme targets structured DNA to reshape genome
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 21-Oct-2025 12:11 ET (21-Oct-2025 16:11 GMT/UTC)
Fusarium wilt, one of the most devastating diseases of bananas, continues to threaten global production. Researchers have now uncovered how the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) deploys a virulent microRNA-like RNA, Foc-milR87, to suppress the banana immune system. This small RNA infiltrates plant cells and targets MaPTI6L, a gene encoding an AP2 transcription factor that activates defense signaling. By blocking MaPTI6L expression, Foc-milR87 weakens salicylic acid (SA) -related immunity and promotes infection. Importantly, natural single-nucleotide variations in the 3′UTR of MaPTI6L in resistant banana varieties prevent Foc-milR87 binding, suggesting a promising strategy for breeding Fusarium-resistant cultivars through genome editing.
A new study has assembled the first high-quality chromosome-level genome of Acer pentaphyllum, one of the world’s most endangered and ornamental maples. The findings reveal how the species’ genome adapted to the harsh dry-hot valleys of western China through expansions and positive selection of genes related to photosynthesis, plant hormone signaling, and pathogen defense. Population genomic analyses across 28 wild populations uncovered low genetic diversity, high inbreeding, and accumulation of harmful mutations, especially at range edges. These results provide essential genetic insights for guiding conservation planning and genetic rescue of this critically endangered species.
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is revolutionizing antimicrobial drug development. In response to increasingly severe antimicrobial resistance challenges, AI can efficiently predict pathogen evolutionary trends, identify potential drug targets, and accelerate compound design and optimization, thereby significantly shortening the development timeline for antimicrobial agents. This correspondence focuses on the applications of AI in phenotype-driven target identification and validation, rational molecular design, and lead compound optimization for antimicrobial drug development, while highlighting current limitations and providing perspectives on future directions.
A research team from Sichuan University, in collaboration with Southeast University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), has proposed a novel dual three-phase four-level space vector pulse width modulation (DTP-FL SVPWM) strategy to improves the efficiency and precision of high-power motor drives. The proposed strategy is designed for the developed dual three-phase open-winding permanent magnet synchronous motors (DTP-OW-PMSM). This technology achieves high modulation precision and low switching frequency. On this basis, the current harmonics caused by the DC-link voltage deviations are reduced by compensating for the duty ratio.