Zhejiang University

BEIJING, Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mango, a tropical fruit rich in nutrients, has a vital position in Myanmar's agriculture. Myanmar researcher Nann Miky Moh Moh worked with Chinese scientists at Zhejiang University in east China on genetically improving the flavor and variety of the fruit. Continue Reading Myanmar researcher Nann Miky Moh Moh is working in a lab. (Courtesy photo) Although the regulatory roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been widely studied in many plants, mango research in this field remained unexplored. "This is the first study to provide information on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) of mango," Moh Moh told Science and Technology Daily. During her time at Zhejiang University, she worked with Professor Chen Ming's bioinformatics research group at the College of Life Sciences. Their research aimed to identify the genetic factors affecting mango flavor and heat resistance. "For mango flavor development, some major genes play a role in its resistance mechanisms," Chen said. "We studied the processes related to temperature regulation and identified the specific genes or targets involved." Using advanced computational tools and through experiments, Moh Moh identified over 100 miRNAs and more than 60 cold-responsive lncRNAs interact with key gene family in Mango. These discoveries have provided new insights into genetic mechanisms that could inform breeding strategies for improving mango varieties. "The results of our research could potentially be integrated with local institutions to transform genetic findings into improved mango cultivars," Chen said. A journey of discovery For Moh Moh, conducting research in China has been a transformative experience. Driven by a deep interest in biological systems, she initially pursued biotechnology, later switching to bioinformatics due to its potential to analyze large datasets using advanced computational tools. "As Myanmar researchers, we often have ideas but lack the facilities to pursue them fully," Moh Moh explained. In contrast, China's cutting-edge research infrastructure and collaborative opportunities attracted her. She joined Zhejiang University through a program funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, working with a high-level research team. "Zhejiang University is one of China's leading institutions, highly regarded globally. Its strong reputation in life sciences made it my top choice," she said. Her dedication did not go unnoticed by her team. "She's serious and devoted to research," Chen said. Before arriving in China, Moh Moh had conducted molecular analysis on mangoes but lacked expertise in computational analysis using advanced bioinformatics tools. At Zhejiang University, she started learning advanced bioinformatics techniques and tools from scratch and worked closely with her team to bridge the knowledge gap. "Whenever I think about my time at Zhejiang University, I feel happy," she said. "The lab members were kind, talented and hardworking. They inspired me both professionally and personally." Strengthening Myanmar-China collaboration Currently working in a private company in Thailand, Moh Moh remembers her time at Zhejiang University fondly and hopes to return to China for further research. "Living and working in China broadened my understanding of Chinese culture, history and philosophy," she said. China has significantly increased investments in research, development and renewable energy, fostering international collaborations. Myanmar and China share a long-standing "pauk-phaw" (fraternal) friendship, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2025. In recent years, the two nations have deepened cooperation in science, technology and innovation. In December 2023, China's Ministry of Commerce and the Mekong River nations, including Myanmar, adopted the Five-Year Development Plan for Cross-Border Economic Cooperation (2023 — 2027). The plan includes a framework for collaboration in science, technology and innovation across the Mekong-Lancang region. In November 2023, China and Myanmar signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperative technology and innovation initiatives. A future rooted in science China also plans to implement the Lancang-Mekong Space Cooperation Plan, which includes launching the "Fudan-1 Lancang-Mekong Future Star" project and establishing the Lancang-Mekong youth astronomical science research center. These initiatives will strengthen scientific collaboration and innovation in the region. As China and Myanmar continue to identify priorities for joint research, the success of projects like Moh Moh's mango study highlights the transformative power of international cooperation. By leveraging advanced technology and fostering cross-border partnerships, Myanmar's mango industry — and its broader agricultural sector — could see significant advancements in the years to come. This article is written in cooperation with the China Science and Technology Exchange Center (CSTEC). SOURCE Science and Technology Daily WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

THURSDAY, Nov. 7, 2024 -- An experimental portable device might be able to detect lung cancer from a person’s exhaled breath, researchers report. The device contains “nanoflake” sensors that can detect small changes in the gases exhaled by a person with lung cancer . The sensors specifically look for minute changes in isoprene. Declines in isoprene can indicate the presence of lung cancer, researchers said. Using the device, researchers tested the breath of eight healthy people against that from five people with lung cancer, according to results published Nov. 6 in the journal ACS Sensors . “Exhaled isoprene concentrations in lung cancer patients consistently fell below 40 parts per billion [ppb], in stark contrast to levels exceeding 60 ppb in healthy individuals,” wrote the research team led by senior researcher Qingyue Wang , an adjunct research professor of chemical engineering with Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China. The findings validate the device’s potential “for rapid and cost-effective lung cancer diagnosis,” the researchers concluded. People breathe out many gases -- mainly water vapor and carbon dioxide, but a range of other airborne chemicals as well. The sensors contain a blend of platinum, indium and nickel, researchers said. They were capable of detecting isoprene levels as low as 2 parts per billion, a sensitivity that far surpassed earlier versions of the sensors, results show. The sensors also responded to isoprene more than other chemicals commonly found in breath, and performed consistently in simulations, researchers said. However, more research is needed to fully understand the link between isoprene and lung cancer, researchers said. “Continuous research on the relationship between breath isoprene levels and lung cancer, as well as on the various influencing factors [e.g., age, health status], can help refine and further commercialize the technology,” the researchers said. Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.

An interdisciplinary team of researchers from various Chinese universities have developed a miniature-sized continuous glucose monitoring system that works as effectively as market-leading systems. WHAT IT'S ABOUT The CGM sensor is made of an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT), which better amplifies signal-to-noise ratio than conventional sensors. It also features a minimally invasive microneedle array and a viscoelastic and diffusive hydrogel which stabilises the skin-device interface. WHY IT MATTERS In a study published in the peer-reviewed Science Advances journal, the OECT showed comparable sensitivity to the Dexcom G6, which was used as a reference device. "This fully integrated, wearable device promises enhanced antinoise ability, reliability, and wearability compared to traditional CGMs," claimed Shiming Zhang, study lead and a professor from The University of Hong Kong (HKU). Researchers noted that OECTs, based on organic mixed ion-electron conductors, "can operate in aqueous environments at low voltage with low power consumption while maintaining stable performance over months." This makes it "ideal" for detecting weak biosignals in living beings, they claimed. Until late, its practical application in wearable CGMs was unexplored. The research team, comprising professors from HKU, Zhejiang University, and Guangzhou Medical University, is now moving forward with the clinical application of their CGM system. MARKET SNAPSHOT In China, SiBionics and Zhejiang POCTech are known developers of globally accepted CGM systems. The world's leading CGM brand, Dexcom, has released the latest iteration of its device, which is progressively being made available across Asia-Pacific. It was recently announced that Dexcom G7 is set to provide direct Bluetooth connectivity to the Apple Watch. The device received the United States Food and Drug Administration clearance two years ago. Meanwhile, the latest innovation in wearable health technology in Singapore, a hydrogel-based sensor, utilises skin biomarkers to potentially monitor diabetes and heart conditions.