Shortly after transcription initiation, RNA polymerase II (Pol II) pauses near gene promoters before entering productive elongation, representing a key regulatory step in gene expression. In the recent study published in Science Bulletin, researchers from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, combined acute protein degradation with genome-wide analyses to capture the immediate functions of the transcription factor GABPA in mouse embryonic stem cells. They discovered that, independently of its canonical partner GABPB, GABPA recruits the Integrator complex to promoter regions, thereby promoting productive transcription elongation. The study uncovers an unexpected role for a classical transcription factor and reveals how the Integrator complex is selectively recruited to specific genes.

A new study shows that plants communicate defensive warnings more effectively with species sharing similar volatile profiles, not necessarily close evolutionary relatives. Researchers exposed nine plant species to volatiles from invasive Phytolacca americana and found that defense priming was the dominant response. The strength of this response was better predicted by volatile similarity than by phylogenetic distance. The findings offer new insights into mechanisms of plant–plant communication.

Researchers developed a battery-free hydrogel bioelectronic patch that wirelessly monitors periodontal inflammation and releases miRNA therapy in response to disease-related enzyme activity. The device links local inflammation sensing with immune modulation, offering a new approach for integrated monitoring and treatment of periodontitis.

A recent study published in National Science Review has revealed a hidden population of high-frequency magnetohydrodynamic waves in the Sun’s polar corona. Using high-resolution Solar Orbiter observations, researchers found that these waves carry substantial energy, offering new clues to coronal heating and the acceleration of the fast solar wind.