Heterochromatin is a tightly packed form of DNA essential for maintaining genome stability, regulating gene expression, and ensuring proper chromosome segregation during cell division. Despite its importance, the molecular mechanisms underlying heterochromatin formation remain incompletely understood. In eukaryotic cells, heterochromatin is marked by specific histone modifications, such as methyla...

The ShanghaiTech Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summit (techIES) is a pitch conference and competition that brings together innovative minds from the ShanghaiTech campus and beyond. This event facilitates meaningful connections between visionary entrepreneurs and a diverse array of stakeholders, including angel investors, mentors, industry leaders, government representatives, and scientists. The ...

On the morning of March 28, a ceremony marking the donation and archiving of books from Yang Xiong, along with the opening of the dedicated section, took place in the University Library. The event was attended by Yang Xiong’s family member Ms. Shen Peiqi, Chair of the University Governing Board Jiang Mianheng, and other university leaders. The ceremony was presided over by Executive Vice Presiden...

Recently, researchers from the Center for Transformative Science (CTS) at ShanghaiTech University achieved an exciting advancement: they used an ultrafast X-ray pulse to capture the internal structure of a two-dimensional (2D) crystal made of gold nanoparticles in a single shot, like taking an instant photo. Published in IUCrJ with title “Single-shot X-ray imaging of two-dimensional str...

Mitochondria, the “powerhouses” of cells, play a vital role in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Mitochondria possess their own independent DNA, termed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which encodes genes essential for mitochondrial function. Compared to nuclear DNA, mtDNA is more prone to mutations due to reactive oxygen species generated during oxidative phosphorylation. Most mtDNA mutations ...

The development of programmable, site-specific gene editing tools has provided methods and strategies for correcting pathogenic mutations, such as emerging RNA editing technologies. Unlike DNA editing, RNA editing transiently modifies RNA transcripts, thereby avoiding the long-term safety risks associated with DNA off-target effects.Two adenosine deaminase ADAR (adenosine deaminase acting on RNA)-...

As global demand for clean energy and high-energy batteries surges, scientists are racing to develop more efficient and eco-friendly energy storage solutions. Compared to widely used lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries stand out due to their abundant sodium resources and lower costs. A crucial factor in enhancing their performance lies in identifying high-performance cathode materials. Sci...

A new study published in Cell has uncovered how a molecule called LAG3 functions as a brake to suppress the immune system. This discovery helps explain how cancer avoids immune attacks and may guide doctors to better treatment options. Led by Associate Professor Wang Haopeng from the School of Life Science and Technology (SLST) at ShanghaiTech University, this research offers a fres...

At ShanghaiTech, encouraging undergraduates to step into labs and dive into research isn’t just a slogan—it’s a tradition that’s been around since day one. Recently, Wang Yuhan, a Class of 2023 undergraduate from the School of Information Science and Technology (SIST) and now a PhD student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, made waves with two research achievements from his undergraduate y...

A recent paper published in Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences introduces a novel approach called “mathematized phenomenology,” proposed by Assistant Professor Robert Prentner from the Institute of Humanities at ShanghaiTech University. This method seeks to directly study subjective experience using mathematical tools, challenging traditional approaches to consciousness scie...

Recently, the Chinese Chemical Society announced the recipients of the “2024 Chinese Chemical Society Young Chemist Award.” Assistant Professor Gao Dewei from the School of Physical Science and Technology at ShanghaiTech University has been awarded this prestigious honor.Prof. Gao graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Northeast Forestry University in 2011 and earned his PhD at the Shangh...

Recently, a team led by Assistant Professor Huang Huan-Ming from the School of Physical Science and Technology at ShanghaiTech University published a groundbreaking achievement in the top-tier journal Nature Communications. They developed a new method that uses an organophotocatalyst and a chromium catalyst to transform three simple ingredients into complex “chiral” molecules in a sing...

Natural gas, a clean and abundant fossil fuel, is primarily methane, sourced from conventional reservoirs and unconventional deposits like coal beds, tight formations, shale, and marine sediments. These diverse sources collectively underpin the global natural gas supply. Yet, methane’s high chemical stability—stemming from its symmetry, strong C-H bonds, and low polarizability—limits its use as a...

Aromatic hydrocarbons are essential raw materials in chemical production, finding widespread application in the synthesis of plastics, dyes, fragrances, pharmaceuticals, and synthetic rubber. Technologies that convert non-petroleum carbon sources, such as syngas and methanol, into aromatics within molecular sieves have garnered significant interest for their potential to reduce reliance on petrole...