Research Progress

• 
  Researchers Reveal Complex Sequence Basis for Adaptive Convergent Evolution of Protein Functions by Deep Learning

  Convergent evolution refers to the independent emergence of similar shape and functions in different lineages of species, such as the wings of birds and bats. Recently, a research team led by Dr. ZOU Zhengting from the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences proposed a novel approach based on cutting-edge deep learning methods to investigate the complex molecular basis of such phenomenon. The study was published on Sep 23 in PNAS.

  Sep 26, 2025
• 
  How Insects Smell: A New Pathway Turns IP3 Into the Key Signal

  Animals rely on smell to find food, recognize mates, and avoid danger. In mammals, olfactory perception typically depends on G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) pathways.

  Sep 11, 2025
• 
  The Art of Locust Swarming: Balancing Attraction and Repulsion

  In nature, animals need to perceive various signals. Olfactory signals are diverse, and insects recognize and utilize them to locate resources such as mates, food, and oviposition sites.

  Aug 22, 2025
• 
  Integrating Population Genomics and Environmental Data to Predict Adaptation to Climate Change in Post-bottleneck Tibetan Macaques

  The results show that the Tibetan macaque is divided into two genetic groups: eastern China (including the Huangshan population in Anhui, the Wuyishan population in Fujian, and the Mangshan population in Hunan) and western China (including the Sichuan population, the Wumengshan population in Yunnan, and the Fanjing Mountain population in Guizhou).

  Jul 10, 2025
• 
  Nature | Decoding and Manipulating the Biosynthesis of Locust Aggregation Pheromone

  The research team first determined that the synthetic substrate of 4VA is derived from plant phenylalanine. Subsequently, using KEGG combined with the metabolic pathway of phenylalanine, two chemically logical 4VA synthetic pathways were predicted.

  Jul 02, 2025
• 
  Scientists Decode Exercise’s Anti-Aging Secret: Kidney Molecule Mimics Workout Benefits

  BEIJING— In a Cell study, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Xuanwu Hospital discovered that exercise's anti-aging effects are mediated by betaine, a kidney-produced metabolite. This naturally occurring compound effectively mimics exercise by targeting a key inflammation regulator, opening avenues for "exercise-in-a-pill" interventions.

  Jun 25, 2025
• 
  Metformin May Hold Key to Preventing Age-Related Hearing Loss

  As the global population ages, age-related hearing loss has emerged as a significant public health challenge. This irreversible, progressive hearing decline not only severely impairs auditory function but also leads to social isolation, cognitive decline, and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The primary cause of this condition is cochlear aging, yet our understanding of its molecular regulation remains limited. This gap is largely due to two factors: the reliance on rodent models, whose cochlear structures differ significantly from primates, and the scarcity of human cochlear samples, which restricts the clinical relevance of research.

  Jun 24, 2025
• 
  Reviving Youth: Scientists Use Engineered Cells to Combat Aging in Primates

  As we age, our bodies gradually lose their ability to repair and regenerate. Imagine a bustling city where construction workers (stem cells) are constantly fixing and building new structures. But as time goes on, fewer workers show up, and the city starts to crumble. This is what happens in our bodies—our stem cells dwindle, making it harder for tissues to heal and maintain balance.

  Jun 14, 2025
• 
  Scientists reveal the role of Wdr5-mediated H3K4 methylation in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell development

  Mar 21, 2025
• 
  How a "Longevity Protein" Could Turn Back the Clock on Skeletal Muscle Aging

  Beijing, March 14, 2025 — A collaborative research team led by Dr. Liu Guanghui from the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Dr. Wang Si from Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, has made a significant breakthrough in understanding and combating skeletal muscle aging. Their study, published in Nature Metabolism, reveals a novel molecular mechanism and proposes a potential gene therapy strategy to delay age-related skeletal muscle decline.

  Mar 20, 2025