Cotton genome editing, especially in elite varieties, has proven difficult. Now, in a study published in The Crop Journal, researchers from China have successfully demonstrated CRISPR/Cas genome editing in nonregenerative cotton via sexual hybridization. This work opens up a novel technical avenue for the genetic improvement of elite cotton varieties that are recalcitrant to tissue culture, advancing agriculture and biotechnology.

A study of over 3,100 middle-aged and older adults in China found that long-term exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM2.5-10) significantly increases the risk of heart disease. The risk is highest for those with advanced cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome. Accelerated biological aging explained about 9% of this effect, highlighting the need for targeted protections.

Researchers have developed a family of carbonyl rich carbon spheres with surface wrinkle structure for the efficient electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide. This unique wrinkled design significantly expands the accessible active area and utilizes carbonyl moieties to deliver exceptional H₂O₂ selectivity (>97.5%). The study provides a valuable surface modulation strategy for designing advanced heteroatom-doped carbon electrocatalysts.