Conventional mulch films are often plastic-based or made from non-renewable and toxic materials. In a recent Research article, a team from China introduced a novel biodegradable liquid mulch film derived from bamboo residues. This film shows high potential for selenium-enriched crop cultivation, as evidenced by the enhanced rhizome growth of pak choi seedlings. The innovation is poised to significantly advance sustainable agricultural practices.

This comprehensive review maps natural nitrite reductases and synthetic mimics that enable on-demand nitric oxide generation for cardiovascular and antibacterial therapies, high-sensitivity nitrite sensing for diagnostics, and sustainable green ammonia production.

A randomized, placebo-controlled multi-omics study finds acupuncture can safely reduce methadone doses by at least 20% in 84% of opioid use disorder patients while restoring antiviral immune responses and rebalancing gut microbiota and metabolism.

Autoimmune diseases, like multiple sclerosis result when the body’s immune system starts to attack its own cells. Regulatory T cells, a subtype of T cells play a critical role in suppressing these attacks. Now, a study published in Research (SPJ) sheds light on the potential role of the Egr-1 gene in promoting these protective cells through the activation of the Foxp3 protein. This finding unlocks promising avenues for managing autoimmune conditions via Egr-1 activation.

Team from the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University and Southern Medical University, have developed an innovative CTP scanning protocol and a deep learning model that can generate the vital blood flow maps needed to assess stroke patients. This work has proofed the proposed low radiation dose imaging program can slash radiation exposure by over 80% compared to current methods. This innovation promised to make stroke diagnosis safer and more accessible, particularly for vulnerable patients.