The size of a tomato fruit begins with its flower. Scientists have revealed that the gene SlKNUCKLES (SlKNU), which encodes a zinc finger protein, plays a decisive role in determining tomato fruit size by regulating the activity of floral meristems—the tissue that gives rise to reproductive organs. 

The sputtering mode diagram (SMD) can be utilized to precisely control the phase structure as well as the electronic properties of niobium nitride (NbN), thus realizing the precise tuning of device performance. The SNSPDs fabricated in different modes have flexible performance with saturated quantum efficiency and small kinetic inductance, which provide a practical reference for extending the research and application of superconducting devices.

Prof. Zhang Jiangwei's group at Inner Mongolia University: Anderson series of polyoxometalates assembly of mesoporous silica spheres as catalysts for propane dehydrogenation by carbon dioxide oxidation

A team from Shanghai University, Nanjing Medical University, and The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University developed a photothermal-responsive hydrogel (GMHD/TFe@Aca) loaded with Acacetin to enhance bone defect repair. By inhibiting the STING pathway and modulating macrophage polarization, it reduces inflammation and promotes bone regeneration. The hydrogel enables precise drug release under near-infrared light, with strong mechanical properties and adhesion. In mouse cranial defect models, it significantly boosted new bone formation without toxicity. This hydrogel offers a novel immune-modulating and regenerative strategy for bone repair, with potential clinical applications.

A research team led by Dr. Hyejeong Seong at the Brain Convergence Research Division of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST, President Sang-Rok Oh), in collaboration with Prof. Seongjun Park at Seoul National University (President Hong-Lim Ryu), announced the development of a breakthrough coating technology that extends the lifespan of implanted electrodes from 1 month to over 3 months.

In a significant stride towards enhancing the efficiency of hydrogen production, researchers are exploring the role of lignin-derived carbon Co-based composites in overcoming photocorrosion in CdS photocatalysts. The study, titled "Overcoming Photocorrosion in CdS Photocatalysts: The Role of Lignin-Derived Carbon Co-Based Composites in Hydrogen Production," is led by Prof. Xueqing Qiu and Prof. Yanlin Qin from the Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Biorefinery at Guangdong University of Technology in Guangzhou, China, in collaboration with the Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Chemistry and Fine Chemical Engineering Jieyang Center and the Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Ecological Security and Green Development. This research offers critical insights into improving the stability and performance of CdS photocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen production.