All Asia & Oceania articles
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NewsScientists trace the evolution of the H5N1 virus
Researchers have discovered that the currently circulating 2.3.4.4b clade of H5N1 has specific mutations in its genome that increase its human adaptive potential.
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News4,000-year-old sheep reveals that livestock played a role in prehistoric plague infections
An ancient Yersinia pestis genome recovered from sheep sheds new light on a mysterious infectious disease that plagued prehistoric Eurasia for over 2000 years.
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NewsNatural shield: Licorice extract keeps ready-to-eat chicken safer and longer
Scientists who combined microbiological assays with mathematical growth models revealed that licorice extract demonstrates strong antimicrobial properties against one of the most resilient spoilage organisms in meat.
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NewsFrom east to west: How microbes orchestrate sausage flavor
A new review compares the microbial communities and fermentation strategies in Eastern and Western sausage styles, revealing how microbial succession—from lactic acid bacteria to yeasts and molds—plays a pivotal role in shaping characteristic flavors and textures.
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NewsNew hydrogel-based treatment accelerates infected wound healing and balances skin microbiota
A novel ε-poly-L-lysine-loaded sodium-alginate/gelatin hydrogel (PSG15) has shown exceptional promise in accelerating the healing of infected wounds. The injectable hydrogel delivers antibacterial properties while regulating macrophage polarization and stabilizing the skin microbiota.
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NewsInvestigating regional-specific gut microbial distribution: an uncharted territory in disease therapeutics
A new perspective highlights the critical role of region-specific gut microbial distribution across intestinal segments (e.g., duodenum, colon) in regulating host metabolism and immunity, challenging traditional fecal-centric approaches.
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NewsRevealed: New vaccine target to block malaria transmission
Researchers have visualised a key protein complex in malaria parasites for the first time, uncovering a new target for next-generation vaccines that could help stop the disease from spreading.
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NewsRNA immunity: A silent defender against viruses in mammals
Researchers propose that small RNA molecules play a direct and specific role in fighting viral infections in mammals. RNA immunity relies on the base-pairing precision of small RNA fragments, such as microRNAs, to recognize and suppress viral genetic material.
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NewsResearch probes the gut microbiome and its metabolite short-chain fatty acids in postmenopausal osteoporosis
Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is framed as a systemic bone disease driven by estrogen withdrawal, but a new review positions gut dysbiosis and its fermentation products—short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)—as equally influential regulators of skeletal fate.
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NewsAP2-domain transcription factor WRI5a-regulated MtABCB1 promotes arbuscule development in mycorrhizal symbiosis
A new study of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis suggests that the MtABCB1 gene likely influences arbuscule development by modulating the distribution and homeostasis of auxin within symbiotic cells.
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NewsDancing against the current: Microbial survival strategy
In scalding hot water rushing through narrow channels, some bacteria have evolved a surprising survival technique: they cling to surfaces, stand upright, and sway rhythmically—like tiny street dancers fighting the flow.
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NewsAnti-neuroinflammatory natural products from isopod-related fungus now accessible via chemical synthesis
Herpotrichone is valued for its ability to suppress inflammation in the brain and protect nerve cells, but could only be obtained in minute quantities from fungi that are symbiotic with isopods. Researchers have succeeded in chemically synthesizing this rare natural product.
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NewsGreat Barrier Reef more volatile with sharp declines in coral cover
Hard coral cover across the Great Barrier Reef has declined substantially from the high levels of recent years back to near long-term average levels, underscoring a new level of volatility.
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NewsSmall protein, big impact: Insights into how bacteria stabilize a key outer membrane complex
Researchers reveal that a remarkably small protein is essential for the maturation of a component of the lipopolysaccharide transport system.
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NewsAUN bacteria herald an immune-independent breakthrough
A joint research team has developed a groundbreaking immune-independent bacterial cancer therapy using a novel microbial consortium called AUN (阿吽), composed of two naturally occurring bacteria: a tumor-resident microbe and photosynthetic bacterium.
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NewsSmart wound monitor poised to improve chronic infection care
Researchers have developed a wearable wound monitoring device with integrated sensors that could reduce infection risks by minimising the need for frequent physical contact.
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NewsScientists discover how leukemia virus stays hidden in the body
A research team has discovered how the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) silently persists in the body. Their findings identify a previously unknown genetic “silencer” element that keeps the virus in a dormant, undetectable state.
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NewsHelping me, inhibiting you: Analysis of interactions between intestinal microbiota
Researchers have analyzed the interactions between two bacteria that make up intestinal microbiota. While Faecalibacterium prausnitzii inhibits the growth of Fusobacterium varium, F. varium promotes the growth of F. prausnitzii.
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NewsSkin test reagent proves effective and safe for TB diagnosis in children
A new class of skin test reagents based on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)-specific antigens has been developed. A phase III clinical trial suggests that C-TST is an effective and safe option for diagnosing pediatric TBI.
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NewsResearchers develop bacterial cellulose-based dressing for advanced burn wound care
Scientists have developed an innovative bacterial cellulose (BC)-based hemostatic dressing that enables rapid and sustained bleeding control.