BEIJING, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) — The following is a summary of published science and technology news in China.

ANTI-SARS-COV-2 NANOMATERIAL

Chinese researchers have recently developed a nanomaterial that targets the spike protein of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Delta and Omicron, and promotes viral elimination.

The research published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology revealed an ultrathin two-dimensional compound nanosheet made of Cuprum, Indium, Phosphorus and Sulfur (CIPS) as a new agent combating SARS-CoV-2 infection.

NEW GENE

Chinese scientists have identified a new gene, the deficiency of which may lead to a rare, life-threatening blood disease called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).

The illness typically occurs in early childhood, with stem cell transplantation being the only definitive curative therapy. Previous studies have found 12 risk genes, but they can explain only a small proportion of the HLH cases.

Now a new study, the findings of which were published in the Journal of Hematology & Oncology, may help doctors to screen the high-risk populations of the genetic disease and raise the early diagnosis and treatment rate.

NEW NANOMATERIAL

Chinese scientists have recently found a new nanomaterial that enables the extraction of lipids from the cell membrane of anaerobic microbes, then it efficiently kills the anaerobic microbes.

Corrosion caused by microbes in marine environment poses a serious challenge for economy and safety. Marine corrosion in China is estimated to have caused the losses of more than 700 billion yuan (about 102 billion U.S. dollars) per year. For many, anaerobic bacteria widely distributed in anoxic environments is to blame for the corrosion of metal materials.