Researchers in China comprehensively identified 54 AhPR10 genes in cultivated peanut, phylogenetically classified into eight distinct subgroups with supported gene structure and motif conservation. Segmental duplication was identified as the primary driver for the expansion of the AhPR10 gene family, as revealed by chromosomal distribution and synteny analysis. The recombinant AhPR10-33 protein demonstrated significant antifungal activity by inhibiting Aspergillus flavus mycelial growth in vitro, highlighting its potential role in pathogen resistance.

A global study published in Frontiers of Biogeography reveals that zoantharians (marine hexacorals) are defying long-held views of marine biogeography. Despite the vast distance between the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific, research shows surprisingly narrow genetic and morphological divergence between zoantharians in these two oceans. As climate change impacts traditional stony corals, zoantharians are increasingly filling these ecological niches. A key highlight of this international research is the establishment of a global atlas for zoantharians to help us understand the future of marine ecosystems amid environmental change.

Researchers have discovered that natural “sunscreen” compounds found in algae and cyanobacteria may also support skin and heart health. By comparing two mycosporine-like amino acids, the team showed for the first time that these molecules can block a key enzyme involved in blood pressure control in laboratory tests, while also offering antioxidant and anti-aging effects. The findings open new possibilities for cosmetics and functional foods based on nature-derived ingredients.

A comprehensive new review paper reveals the staggering loss of biodiversity among island land snails globally. The authors note that ‘devastation’ is not a hyperbolic term, pointing out that extinction rates on high volcanic islands commonly range from 30% to as high as 80%.

The highly abundant marine bacterial clade SAR11 has evolved to thrive with limited nutrient resources. However, when nutrient levels increase, SAR11 is often unable to cope. It continues to replicate DNA as it normally would when it divides, but the the cells never divide, causing them to enlarge and die.

The lower hinge of immunoglobulin G (IgG), an overlooked part of the antibody, acts as a structural and functional control hub, according to a study by researchers at Science Tokyo. Deleting a single amino acid in this region transforms a full-length antibody into a stable half-IgG1 molecule with altered immune activity. The findings provide a blueprint for engineering next-generation antibody therapies with precisely tailored immune effects for treating diseases such as cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Tracing the emergence of termites back to cockroaches, scientists have found that termites didn’t become more socially complex by gaining new genes, but by losing them. The findings shed new light on the long-standing question of whether monogamy is essential for the evolution of complex insect societies.