September 2025 · 7 Articles · Pages 301–383
September 2025
Open Access7 Articles · Pages 301–383
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping biological research, from protein structure prediction to automated microscopy analysis. This editorial considers both the transformative potential and the ethical pitfalls of AI integration in the life sciences, emphasizing the need for transparency, reproducibility standards, and equitable access to computational resources.
Mitochondrial fission and fusion dynamics play a central role in cellular energy homeostasis, and their dysregulation is increasingly implicated in metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This review examines the molecular machinery governing mitochondrial morphology, summarizes evidence linking aberrant dynamics to disease pathogenesis, and evaluates emerging pharmacological strategies that target mitochondrial dynamics as therapeutic interventions.
Deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems harbor organisms producing bioactive compounds with potent antimicrobial properties. We isolated and characterized seven novel antimicrobial peptides from vent-associated polychaetes and gastropods, demonstrating broad-spectrum activity against multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Structural analysis and minimum inhibitory concentration assays suggest these peptides represent promising leads for next-generation antibiotic development.
Wild potato species represent an invaluable reservoir of genetic diversity for crop improvement. Through whole-genome sequencing of 24 accessions from five wild Solanum species, we identified 14 novel resistance gene analogs associated with late blight and potato virus Y resistance. Functional validation in transgenic lines confirmed the efficacy of three candidate genes, providing new tools for marker-assisted breeding in cultivated potato.
Hippocampal theta and gamma oscillations are thought to coordinate spatial information processing during navigation. Using high-density electrophysiological recordings in freely moving rats navigating complex mazes, we demonstrate that cross-frequency coupling between theta phase and gamma amplitude encodes route-specific information. These findings refine our understanding of the oscillatory mechanisms supporting spatial memory and decision-making.
We describe an optimized protocol for constructing and testing CRISPR-based gene drives in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. Our streamlined approach reduces construct assembly time by 40% compared to existing methods while maintaining high drive efficiency in cage trials. This protocol facilitates rapid iteration of gene drive designs aimed at suppressing malaria vector populations.
We report the first documented occurrence of bioluminescent fungi in cloud forests of northern Vietnam and peninsular Malaysia. Morphological and molecular analyses identify two new species within the genus Mycena exhibiting green luminescence in their basidiomes and mycelium. Spectral characterization and luciferase gene sequencing place these species within the broader context of fungal bioluminescence evolution.