The impact of obesity on brain ageing and the risk of dementia has long been a concern in the medical community. In clinical practice, body mass index (BMI) is commonly used as an assessment indicator, but it does not accurately reflect differences in fat accumulation across various body regions. A recent study by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has revealed that fat distribution in specific body regions is significantly and distinctly associated with brain structure and cognitive function. In particular, visceral fat was found to accelerate brain ageing and lead to cognitive decline, having more detrimental impact on brain health than any other type of fat.

A research team led by Dr. Seo, Jae hwa at Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) Advanced Semiconductor Research Center, working with Professor Yoon, Young jun’s team at Gyeongkuk National University, has achieved Korea’s first demonstration of a silicon carbide (SiC)-based betavoltaic cell designed to generate electricity for more than 50 years without recharging or replacement even in extreme environments such as space and the polar regions. The findings have drawn international attention, having been published in the International Journal of Energy Research, a leading global journal in the energy field ranked in the top 3.6% by JCR and second in its subject category.

Nitrilases are critical industrial biocatalysts for converting nitriles into high-value carboxylic acids, yet their application is often hindered by the formation of insoluble inclusion bodies during heterologous expression. A new study introduces a robust engineering strategy utilizing superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) fusion to screen for solubility-enhancing mutations. By targeting surface hydrophobic residues, researchers successfully developed a triple mutant, PD1Mut3, which exhibits significantly improved soluble yield, thermostability, and catalytic efficiency, offering a generalizable platform for optimizing enzyme production.

Apple Valsa canker, caused by the fungus Valsa mali, ranks among the most destructive diseases threatening global apple production. 

This study explores an ethanol/ammonium sulfate aqueous two-phase system as a greener extraction strategy for a four-herb mixture designed for acne-prone skin. The ATPS method effectively enriched phenolic and flavonoid compounds and enhanced antioxidant activity, with the N12 fraction showing the strongest chemical performance. However, zebrafish assays indicated that the crude extract had a better safety profile and stronger biological suitability. Based on these findings, the crude extract was incorporated into prototype cleanser and spot gel serum formulations, among which the cleanser showed promising antibacterial and antibiofilm effects against acne-related microorganisms.

This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in bioactive peptide development for cosmetic applications. It summarizes peptide classification, biological mechanisms, production strategies, stabilization technologies, and emerging discovery platforms. By integrating synthetic biology, high-throughput screening, and artificial intelligence-driven design, this work highlights new opportunities for developing multifunctional, efficient, and next-generation peptide-based cosmetic ingredients.

Announcing a new publication from Opto-Electronic Advances; DOI  10.29026/oea.2026.250281.

Announcing a new publication from Opto-Electronic Advances; DOI  10.29026/oea.2026.250299.

Plants can distinguish between closely related beneficial bacterial strains and respond differently depending on the dose they receive.