Core Viewpoint - The article discusses recent research that uncovers the biosynthesis pathway of salicylic acid in plants, which is crucial for their defense mechanisms and has implications for developing disease-resistant crop varieties [4][14][20]. Group 1: Research Findings - A team from Sichuan University published a study in Nature revealing a three-step biosynthesis pathway of salicylic acid from benzoyl-CoA in plants [4][5]. - The study identified three key enzymes involved in this pathway: BEBT, BBO, and BSH, which are conserved across various plant species [13][14]. - The research provides a molecular basis for understanding the differences in disease resistance among different plant groups, particularly major food crops [6][14]. Group 2: Comparative Studies - Concurrently, two other studies from Zhejiang University and Zhejiang Normal University also published in Nature focused on the biosynthesis of salicylic acid from phenylalanine, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of this process [16][18][20]. - These studies collectively address the long-standing gaps in knowledge regarding salicylic acid biosynthesis pathways in plants [20].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a groundbreaking study that constructs a comprehensive human proteome aging map across a 50-year lifespan, revealing critical insights into the molecular mechanisms of aging and potential intervention targets [3][4][19]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study integrates ultra-sensitive mass spectrometry and machine learning to create a dynamic landscape of protein aging across seven physiological systems and 13 key tissues [4]. - It identifies protein information disruption as a core feature of organ aging, highlighting the role of mRNA-protein decoupling and pathological amyloid deposition in the systemic collapse of proteostasis networks [7]. - The vascular system is established as a "pioneer organ" in the aging process, significantly deviating from homeostatic trajectories early in life [7]. Group 2: Molecular Characterization of Aging - The research confirms that aging is accompanied by systemic proteostasis imbalance, characterized by a breakdown of the central dogma information flow, leading to impaired conversion of genetic information into functional proteins [9]. - Key findings include widespread accumulation of pathological proteins, forming an inflammatory aging network, which serves as a molecular basis for inflammaging [9][10]. Group 3: Aging Milestones and Mechanisms - The study identifies around 30 years of age as a critical inflection point for aging trajectories, with adrenal tissues showing early aging characteristics [12]. - A significant biological transition occurs between 45-55 years, where most organ proteomes experience a "molecular cascade storm," marking a key window for systemic aging acceleration [12][21]. Group 4: Vascular Aging Mechanisms - The research validates the "vascular aging hub" hypothesis, demonstrating that specific senescence-associated secretory factors, such as GAS6, drive endothelial and smooth muscle cell aging [15][16]. - Evidence supports the theory of "aging diffusion," where local aging tissues influence distant organs through specific secretory factors [16]. Group 5: Implications for Aging Research and Interventions - The study proposes a new framework for systemic aging research, moving beyond single-tissue models to a multi-organ interaction network [19]. - It introduces a novel tool for precise aging assessment through the development of organ-specific "proteome aging clocks," enabling non-invasive evaluation of biological age [20]. - Key intervention targets are identified, including factors mediating inter-organ signaling and common biomarkers, with the 45-55 age range highlighted as a critical intervention window [21]. - The findings pave the way for proactive aging disease prevention strategies, shifting from reactive treatment to early intervention based on molecular aging clocks [23]. Group 6: Methodological Innovations - The research successfully combines ultra-sensitive mass spectrometry, AI modeling, and multi-scale omics analysis to create a comprehensive framework for studying aging [24]. - This methodological advancement enhances the understanding of human aging and accelerates the translation of life sciences technologies into clinical applications [24].

Core Findings - The study reveals a "same-sex clustering" phenomenon in families with multiple children, challenging the traditional view that each child's gender is an independent event with a 50% probability for boys and girls [3][4][5][7] - For families with three or more children, the likelihood of having all boys or all girls is higher than having both genders [7] - The probability of a woman having another boy after already having one boy is 57%, and this probability increases to 61% after having three boys. Similarly, the probability of having another girl after having one girl is 53%, increasing to 58% after three girls [4][5] Maternal Age Influence - The research indicates that a mother's age at the time of her first childbirth significantly affects the gender of her children. Women who give birth after the age of 29 have a 13% higher probability of having only boys or only girls compared to those who give birth before age 23 [9][10] - This suggests that the maternal environment, which changes with age, may influence the success of sperm carrying X or Y chromosomes [10] Genetic Factors - The study identifies specific genes associated with a tendency to give birth to boys or girls. A particular SNP (rs58090855) on chromosome 10 is linked to a higher likelihood of having girls, while another SNP (rs1506275) near the TSHZ1 gene on chromosome 18 is associated with a higher likelihood of having boys [12][13] - This indicates that some women may have a genetic predisposition that affects the gender ratio of their offspring, providing a new perspective on family gender patterns [13] Conclusion - Overall, the research demonstrates that the gender of newborns is not entirely random, with maternal age and specific genetic mutations playing significant roles in determining offspring gender [14][15] - The findings open new avenues for exploring the complex biological mechanisms influencing gender determination, while emphasizing that the study's purpose is to reveal natural patterns rather than to facilitate gender selection [15][16]

Core Insights - A research team led by the University of Copenhagen and the University of Cambridge has successfully extracted ancient DNA from 214 known human pathogens across Eurasia, creating a comprehensive map of human infectious diseases spanning thousands of years [1] - This study represents the largest-scale research on the history of infectious diseases to date, providing significant new insights into how interactions between humans and animals have profoundly altered human health patterns [1] - The findings, published in the journal Nature, reveal the long-standing historical struggle between humans and pathogens, offering important references for future public health strategies and vaccine design [1]

Core Viewpoint - The research indicates that sleep is essential for preventing the disruption of the brain phosphoproteome, which is crucial for survival [2][3]. Group 1: Importance of Sleep - Sleep is an indispensable behavior preserved across all animal species, and long-term sleep deprivation (Pr-SD) can lead to mortality in various species [1]. - The core molecular basis linking sleep deprivation-induced lethality and sleep homeostasis in mammals remains unclear [8]. Group 2: Mechanisms and Functions of Sleep - Numerous factors affecting sleep duration or quality have been reported, including biological clock genes, neural circuits, specific kinase signaling pathways, and neurotransmitters [6]. - Research has identified several functions related to sleep, such as cognition, metabolic waste clearance, metabolism, and immune function [6]. Group 3: Research Methodology - The Disk-over-water (DOW) method is utilized to study sleep deprivation by placing animals on a disk above water, forcing them to stay awake [10]. - The study observed an "irreversible point" (PONE) state in rats during DOW experiments, characterized by irreversible mortality even after sleep deprivation is terminated [11]. Group 4: Findings on PONE State - Analysis of the PONE state revealed that the balance of the brain phosphoproteome is critical for sleep regulation and the mortality caused by Pr-SD [12]. - Mice in the PONE state were unable to enter natural sleep, and their brain phosphoproteome exhibited significant disruption, closely related to the PONE state rather than the duration of sleep deprivation [13]. Group 5: Implications for Sleep and Health - Dysfunction in brain kinases or phosphatases affects the development of the PONE state and leads to corresponding sleep abnormalities [14]. - Restorative sleep of 80 minutes daily can significantly delay cognitive decline and restore the brain phosphoproteome [14]. - The findings suggest that sleep is vital for maintaining the homeostasis of the brain phosphoproteome, and its disruption may influence lethality caused by long-term sleep deprivation [14].

Core Viewpoint - The research reveals the mechanism of how certain sea slugs, specifically Sacoglossan, integrate chloroplasts from algae into their cells, allowing them to perform photosynthesis, a process previously thought to be exclusive to plants [5][11]. Group 1 - The study published in the journal Cell discusses the integration of stolen chloroplasts in sea slugs for animal photosynthesis [5]. - Sacoglossan sea slugs can selectively retain chloroplasts from ingested algae, maintaining their photosynthetic capabilities for up to a year [7]. - The newly discovered organelle, named "kleptosome," encapsulates the chloroplasts, providing an environment conducive to photosynthesis [8]. Group 2 - The kleptosome utilizes ATP-sensitive ion channels to create an internal environment that supports chloroplast longevity and function [10]. - When the sea slugs are deprived of food, they change color from green to orange, indicating the digestion of stored chloroplasts for nutrients [10]. - The findings highlight the evolutionary adaptability of animal cells under pressure, showcasing convergent evolution in other photosynthetic animals like corals and sea anemones [11]. Group 3 - The research emphasizes the long-term acquisition and evolutionary integration of symbiotic organelles into complex cellular structures [13]. - The initial interest in the study stemmed from a misconception about sea slugs consuming corals, leading to the discovery of their unique photosynthetic abilities [13].

Core Viewpoint - The research on the human sweet taste receptor reveals its unique asymmetric dimer structure and ligand recognition mechanism, providing a molecular basis for the design of new artificial sweeteners and drug development strategies targeting sweet receptors [4][9]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study published in Nature characterizes the high-resolution three-dimensional structure of the human sweet taste receptor in both apo and sucralose-bound states [4][6]. - The research team identified that sucralose binds specifically to the Venus flytrap domain of TAS1R2, highlighting the receptor's asymmetric dimer structure [7][9]. - The study utilized mutagenesis and molecular dynamics simulations to depict the recognition pattern of sweeteners within TAS1R2, revealing conformational changes and unique activation mechanisms upon ligand binding [7][9]. Group 2: Research Team and Contributions - The research was conducted by a team from ShanghaiTech University, with key contributors including researchers Huatian and Zhijie Liu, along with several doctoral and postdoctoral researchers [9]. - This study marks another breakthrough in the field of chemical sensing molecular mechanisms, following previous reports on bitter taste receptors [9].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant findings of a research study on long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), specifically the structure of natural RNA nanocages formed by the ROOL RNA, which may have implications for research and therapeutic applications [2][3][11]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study identified two types of natural RNA nanocages formed by the long non-coding RNA ROOL found in bacterial and phage genomes [5]. - The cryo-EM structure revealed that the ROOL RNA forms an octameric nanocage with a diameter of 28 nanometers and an axial length of 20 nanometers, featuring a disordered region in its internal cavity [7]. - The assembly of the nanocage involves a chain exchange mechanism, leading to the formation of a quaternary kissing loop [7]. Group 2: Structural Characteristics - The octameric structure is stabilized by numerous tertiary and quaternary interactions, including the proposed "A-minor staple" [7]. - The isolated ROOL monomer structure was observed at a resolution of approximately 3.2 Å, indicating the complexity of the nanocage assembly [7]. Group 3: Potential Applications - The research suggests that ROOL RNA, when fused with RNA aptamers, tRNA, or microRNA, can maintain its structure and form a nanocage capable of radially displaying cargo [9]. - These findings may lead to the design of novel RNA nanocages for use as RNA carriers in research and therapeutic applications [11].

Core Insights - A new study from the United States reveals that the Plasmodium falciparum can evade the human immune system for extended periods by shutting down key genes, providing new insights into chronic asymptomatic malaria infections [1][2] Group 1: Malaria and Its Challenges - Malaria is a severe infectious disease caused by Plasmodium, transmitted to humans through mosquito bites [1] - The difficulty in eradicating malaria is partly due to the ability of Plasmodium falciparum to remain asymptomatic in infected individuals, allowing it to be transmitted by mosquitoes [1] Group 2: Mechanism of Immune Evasion - Plasmodium falciparum relies on a gene family called var, consisting of approximately 60 genes, to avoid detection by the immune system [1] - When a var gene is activated, the resulting protein allows infected red blood cells to adhere to blood vessel walls, evading filtration by the spleen [1] - The immune system produces antibodies against the activated protein within about a week, prompting the parasite to switch to another var gene to prolong the infection [1][2] Group 3: Research Findings - The study utilized single-cell sequencing technology to analyze how individual Plasmodium falciparum regulate var gene expression [2] - While most parasites activate only one var gene at a time, some can activate two or three simultaneously, and others may not express any var genes at all [2] - Understanding these mechanisms may lead to new strategies for addressing chronic malaria infections [2]

Core Viewpoint - The research published by the team from Southern University of Science and Technology reveals a novel anti-phage immune strategy mediated by bacterial reverse transcriptase DRT9 and non-coding RNA, which synthesizes long poly-A-rich cDNA to defend against phage infection [2][4][5]. Group 1: Mechanism of DRT9 Immune System - DRT9 forms a hexameric complex with upstream non-coding RNA (ncRNA) to mediate anti-phage defense by inducing cell growth arrest during phage infection [4]. - During phage infection, the phage-encoded ribonucleotide reductase NrdAB complex increases intracellular dATP levels, activating DRT9 to synthesize long poly-A-rich single-stranded cDNA, which may capture essential single-stranded DNA binding proteins (SSB proteins) of the phage and inhibit its proliferation [4]. - The research team determined the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the DRT9-ncRNA hexameric complex, providing insights into its cDNA synthesis mechanism [4]. Group 2: Implications of the Findings - These findings highlight the diversity of reverse transcriptase-based antiviral defense mechanisms, expanding the understanding of the biological functions of reverse transcriptases [5]. - The research lays a theoretical foundation for developing novel biotechnological tools based on DRT9 [5].