Research Progress

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  MAGIC-seq: Reshaping Framework of Spatial Transcriptomics Technology

  Spatial transcriptomics has emerged as a powerful tool for in situ analysis of gene expression within tissues. However, current technologies still face several challenges, including high costs, limited field of view, and low throughput, significantly hindering their application in large-scale tissue research and the analysis of complex biological processes.

  Sep 12, 2024
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  Deciphering the Pathological Mechanisms of Spermatogenic Impairment in Cryptorchidism

  Cryptorchidism is a common congenital abnormality in male newborns. Studies have found that cryptorchidism is associated with a high prevalence of male infertility, with nearly 10% of men with fertility problems having a history of cryptorchidism. However, the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism that leads to male infertility in adulthood has yet to be fully understood.

  Sep 04, 2024
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  Discovery of new female-determining pathway in turtles

  The signaling pathways leading to female development are not well known in many animal species, probably because development of embryos into females was traditionally considered the default developmental pathway.

  Sep 04, 2024
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  Scientists Reveal Habitat Connectivity Drives Panda Recovery

  In a study published in Current Biology on August 9, a research team led by Prof. WEI Fuwen from Jiangxi Agricultural University and the Institute of Zoology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have revealed the mechanism and process of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) recovery.

  Aug 12, 2024
• Role of Metabolites in Human Placental Health Unveiled

  ​A study, led by Prof Ng Shyh-Chang, Prof Wang Yan-Ling and Prof Wang Hongmei from the Beijing Institute of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine and CAS Institute of Zoology, delved into the intricate workings of placental trophoblast stem cells. Researchers discovered that these cells require a precise amount of glucose for proper regulation. When glucose levels drop, even briefly, the placenta enters a "crisis mode" linked to inflammation and potential pregnancy complications. Remarkably, acetate supplementation, easily obtained from vinegar, could potentially prevent or alleviate these issues, supporting healthy placental development and fetal growth.

  Jul 31, 2024
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  Locusts Locate Mates by Sex Pheromones at Low Density

  Locusts are important agricultural pests that cause severe agricultural disasters and economic losses. In the natural environment, the population density of locusts can vary greatly, ranging from sporadic individuals to high-density swarms.

  Jul 30, 2024
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  Novel Gene Writing Technology Enables All-RNA-mediated Targeted Gene Integration in Human Cells

  In a recent study published in Cell, a research team led by LI Wei and ZHOU Qi from the Institute of Zoology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed an innovative gene-writing technology based on retrotransposons. This achievement enables all-RNA-mediated targeted gene integration in human cells.

  Jul 12, 2024
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  Large-scale Study Reveals Functional Diversity of DNA Transposons and Expands Genome Engineering Toolbox

  In a study published in Cell, a research team led by ZHANG Yong’e and WANG Haoyi from the Institute of Zoology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has characterized the diversity of DNA transposons and expanded the genome engineering toolbox.

  Jun 06, 2024
• The “Encounter” between plant viruses and insect wings

  Genomics of Vector Insect and Virus Lab led by Prof. Feng Cui and Ecological genomics Lab led by Prof. Le Kang from the Institute of Zoology (IOZ) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) successfully decipher the secret of plant viruses regulating insects' wing morphology. The study entitled “A plant virus manipulates the long-winged morph of insect vectors” was published online in PNAS on January 9, 2024.

  Jan 12, 2024
• Researchers decode the spatiotemporal transcriptome atlas of multiple regions of the developing human brain

  As the most complex organ in humans , the brain is anatomically divided into different regions .These different brain regions have special input-output connections and play various important functions .During the development of the human brain , complex cell types are generated through inherent genetic programs .Considering the rapid expansion of human brain volume during development , this poses a huge challenge for exploring the development of the human brain , especially the study of regional specialization in space .

  Dec 21, 2023