In an article published in Science China Earth Sciences, two senior scientists at China University of Geosciences (Beijing) and University of Science and Technology of China present comprehensive arguments for the past and present of intracontinental orogens, developing a holistic model of mountain building from intracontinental reworking of fossil plate margins. The intracontinental orogeny involves dual dynamic mechanisms via either far-field compressional stress transmission from remote plate margins or near-field extensional stress focus from local plate bottom. This provides new insights into the formation and evolution of continental tectonics with respect to inheritance and development in both structure and composition from preceding plate margins.

A research paper by scientists at Beijing Institute of Technology presented a carrier-free tumor-suppressing peptide–daunorubicin–siRNA (PDR) nanoassembly.

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), often causes overlapping symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. Traditional imaging is costly and slow, while EEG offers a cheaper, portable option—but interpreting signals has been difficult. FAU researchers have developed a deep learning model that analyzes EEG brain activity to accurately detect both type and severity of dementia. This AI-driven approach identifies key brainwave patterns, enabling faster, noninvasive, and precise monitoring of disease progression, transforming dementia diagnosis and care.

A research paper by scientists at Chinese Academy of Sciences presented a magnetically actuated soft electrode (MSE) with precise navigation, adaptive attachment, and high-fidelity signal acquisition.

Scientists at Northwestern University have developed the fastest test yet for diagnosing hepatitis C virus (HCV). The highly accurate diagnostic delivers results to patients in just 15 minutes — up to 75% faster than other rapid HCV tests. This speed is crucial for kickstarting patients’ treatment before they leave their appointment, potentially preventing painful, expensive complications and even death.

The research behind the new test will be published Dec. 10 in The Journal of Infectious Diseases.

HCV can lead to a chronic hepatitis C infection, which affects an estimated 50 million people globally and causes approximately 242,000 deaths annually, largely due to resulting cirrhosis and liver cancer. While the infection is curable with an 8- to 12-week course of medication, treatment rates remain low partially due to lack of affordable and easily accessible diagnostic tests. 

Researchers have introduced a statistical method that allows accurate forest monitoring using satellite images with missing data. The hybrid estimator works directly with flawed data, bypassing the need for complex and uncertain data repair processes. This approach achieved over 90% sampling precision, meeting national forest inventory standards, and performed as well as techniques requiring complete satellite imagery. This provides a cost-effective way to leverage decades of archived satellite data for reliable forest and carbon stock assessment, supporting vital climate and conservation efforts.