Scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles, have discovered that when a certain parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, infects a human cell, it hijacks the cell's mitochondria, the structures usually known as the cell's powerhouses. Instead of just producing energy, these mitochondria react by shedding their outer layers to create entirely new compartments called structures positive for outer mitochondrial membrane (SPOTs). These new structures actually help the parasite grow. While it is not yet fully understood how, researchers believe the parasite might be "feeding" off the waste material that these new compartments digest, effectively turning the cell's own machinery against itself to fuel the infection.

Plants exhibit broad-spectrum and persistent resistance induced by non-host pathogens. Previous studies have found that syringolin A secreted by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae can activate the expression of defense-related gene Pir7b in non-host rice, but the underlying mechanism remains ambiguous. In this study, we found that OsNAC78, a transcription factor upstream of Pir7b, is possible to participate in the immune pathway.

Researchers from China Agricultural University and the Agricultural College of Yanbian University have developed and examined two recombinant turkey herpesvirus (rHVT) vaccine candidates designed to protect poultry against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and H9N2 avian influenza. The study explores a potential single-dose vaccine strategy that could simplify current poultry vaccination programs.