Hongfang Ren

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This research focused on understanding how adding nitrogen late in the growth stages of cereal crops like wheat and rice can improve the quality of the grains without reducing the overall yield. The study found that applying nitrogen at this time can enhance the grains' nutritional content by optimizing starch and protein levels, ultimately improving quality while maintaining yield stability. This is important because cereal crops supply over 60% of the world's dietary energy, and better grain quality can lead to healthier food options. Who this helps: This benefits farmers and consumers seeking higher quality grains for better nutrition.

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This study explored a new type of sensor that can measure force and twisting in a compact size, specifically 15 mm by 15 mm. It found that by using a special patterned color surface along with multiple color sensors, the sensor can effectively detect and analyze forces from different directions. This innovation allows robotic systems to grip objects more securely and adjust their grip strength as needed, making it ideal for use in small robots or wearable technology. Who this helps: This helps engineers and developers of robots and wearable devices.

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This research paper looks at a technology called machine perfusion, which helps keep and repair liver organs outside the body before they are transplanted. The study found that different machine perfusion methods—like hypothermic, subnormothermic, and normothermic—can improve liver function and reduce damage during the preservation process. This is important because it could increase the number of healthy livers available for transplant and improve liver treatments overall. Who this helps: Patients needing liver transplants.

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This study looked at how young people respond when they see their peers being bullied, focusing on different ways they help these victims. Researchers followed 1,259 Chinese kids over time and found four types of helpers: aggressive defenders, non-aggressive defenders, average defenders, and infrequent defenders. Kids who consistently helped in a non-aggressive way or who shifted towards that approach showed better emotional health, while those who helped aggressively were at a higher social risk. Who this helps: This benefits young people facing bullying and those looking to support them.

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This study looked at the prevalence and risk factors for a specific infection in patients with digestive issues in Qinghai Province from 2019 to 2025. Researchers found that about 49.6% of the nearly 19,344 patients tested positive for this infection, with the highest rate at 55.1% in 2021, showing a reduction to 42% by 2025. Factors like age, gender, ethnicity, and living at high altitudes impacted the risk of infection, indicating improvements in health awareness and socioeconomic conditions over time. Who this helps: This information helps patients and healthcare providers in Qinghai by guiding prevention and screening strategies.

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This study created a tool called a nomogram that helps predict how well children's livers will function two years after surgery for a condition called biliary atresia. Researchers analyzed data from 134 children and found important factors that affect liver survival, such as age at surgery and liver health measurements. The nomogram showed strong accuracy, with a 90.7% chance of correctly identifying children who would need help and was validated to work well even in different patient groups. Who this helps: This benefits doctors making treatment plans for young patients with biliary atresia.

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This study explored a condition called villitis of unknown etiology (VUE), which is a chronic inflammation in the placenta that can harm pregnancy outcomes. Researchers analyzed 970 cases of VUE and found that it occurred in 5.8% of pregnancies, and was notably linked to hypertension in pregnancy, with women having a 67% higher chance of developing VUE. High-grade VUE was associated with low birth weight and increased admissions to neonatal intensive care, highlighting its serious impact on newborn health. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant women at risk of hypertension and their babies.

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This study looked at how reconnecting nerve pathways can help regain fine motor control in hands that have been paralyzed due to brain injuries, like strokes. They found that after a specific surgery (CC7), monkeys and humans showed improvements in their ability to use their fingers, achieving movements that were almost as coordinated as a healthy hand. This research is important because it shows that creating new pathways in the brain can effectively restore fine motor skills after paralysis. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from strokes and related injuries.

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This study focused on a new treatment approach for pancreatic cancer, specifically targeting drug resistance caused by certain genetic mutations. Researchers created a special delivery system using cobalt and two cancer drugs, ONC201 and Palbociclib, which worked together to effectively kill cancer cells through three different methods. They found that this combined treatment can significantly enhance the effectiveness of existing drugs, helping to overcome the challenges posed by drug resistance. Who this helps: This helps patients with KRAS-mutant pancreatic cancer who struggle with treatment resistance.

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Researchers developed a new method to control the arrangement of bacteria using tiny protein boxes printed on the tips of optical fibers. They found that these boxes can hold and position different bacterial colonies precisely, allowing for better study of how bacteria interact with each other and their environment. This technology can help scientists understand bacterial behavior more clearly, which is important for fields like infection control and antibiotic development. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying bacterial interactions and diseases.

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This study looked at the relationships between siblings in Chinese families with multiple children. Researchers found five different types of sibling interactions among 1,553 adolescents: positive, conflicting, average, moderately negative, and highly negative. They discovered that those who felt their mothers treated their siblings unfairly were more likely to have highly negative sibling relationships, while fathers' treatment did not seem to have an effect. Understanding these dynamics is important because it can help improve the family environment for children in multi-child households. Who this helps: This helps parents and family therapists understand how to improve sibling relationships in families with multiple children.

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Researchers studied a group of 182 patients with Behçet syndrome (BS) to understand how certain immune cells, called CD161Treg cells, play a role in the disease. They found that patients with BS had higher levels of these cells compared to healthy individuals and patients with other autoimmune diseases, suggesting these cells may be linked to the severity of the disease and related neurological issues. Importantly, after treatment, the levels of CD161Treg cells decreased, indicating they might be useful in tracking disease activity. Who this helps: This helps patients with Behçet syndrome by providing insights that could improve their treatment and monitoring.

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This study looked at how a specific receptor called NKG2D interacts with other molecules in the lungs to drive a serious lung disease called pulmonary fibrosis. The researchers found that when NKG2D is activated, it leads to increased fibrosis (thickening and scarring of lung tissue) by boosting the levels of fibrotic markers like collagen-I and fibronectin. They also discovered that blocking NKG2D with antibodies could reduce this scarring and slow disease progression, suggesting a new approach to treat pulmonary fibrosis. Who this helps: This research can benefit patients with pulmonary fibrosis by offering new treatment strategies.

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Researchers improved a crucial enzyme called DpnI, which is used to help modify DNA by removing unwanted parental strands. They created a new version of this enzyme, named Q235K, which works four times better than the original, achieving a specific activity of 640,000 units per milligram and increasing the success rate of genetic changes from 82.7% to 92.3%. This advancement makes genetic engineering more efficient and precise, which is important for various applications in biotechnology and medicine. Who this helps: This benefits scientists and researchers working on genetic modifications and treatments.

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This study examined low-grade gliomas, a type of brain tumor, and how certain genes related to lactate metabolism can predict patient outcomes. Researchers identified two distinct groups of patients based on a three-gene model (VAV3, TNFRSF12A, PLA2G2A), which allowed them to accurately classify patients into high-risk and low-risk categories. High-risk patients had worse survival rates and showed specific responses to certain cancer treatments, highlighting the importance of these genes in understanding and treating this type of tumor. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers in developing targeted treatment strategies for patients with low-grade gliomas.

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This study focused on developing a new biosensor that can detect two harmful toxins, aflatoxin B (AFB) and ochratoxin A (OTA), found in food. The researchers created a system that can accurately identify these toxins with sensitivity levels of 56.3 picograms per milliliter for AFB and 176.3 picograms per milliliter for OTA, using practical tests on corn samples. This matters because it offers a reliable way to find these dangerous contaminants in food, helping ensure food safety. Who this helps: This benefits food safety regulators and consumers.

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This study looked at how L-arginine, an important amino acid, affects fat buildup in the livers of grass carp. Researchers found that when grass carp were given enough L-arginine, it helped reduce fat droplets and improve fat metabolism, increasing the breakdown of fatty acids while reducing factors that promote fat storage. Specifically, adding L-arginine led to a decrease in certain harmful proteins and an increase in protective ones, ultimately improving liver function. Who this helps: This benefits fish farmers and researchers working on fish health and nutrition.

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This study focused on developing a powerful new drug that blocks a specific protein called ATR, which helps cancer cells survive, particularly in a type of blood cancer known as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that has a certain mutation called FLT3. The researchers found that this new ATR inhibitor was more effective in slowing the growth of FLT3-mutated AML cells compared to other treatments, showing stronger results in stopping cell growth and triggering cell death. This combination with existing FLT3 inhibitors could offer a new, more effective way to treat patients with this specific type of leukemia. Who this helps: Patients with FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia.

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This study looked at a potential treatment to prevent kidney damage caused by contrast dyes used in medical imaging. Researchers found that a drug called CDCA helped protect mice from kidney injury by boosting a protein called KLF11, which in turn reduced harmful inflammation and cell death; specifically, it improved kidney function and lessened tissue damage. Understanding how CDCA works gives insights into preventing this kidney injury and supports developing better treatments for patients undergoing procedures that use contrast dyes. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures that require contrast dye.

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This study looked at how dissolved organic matter from microplastics and natural sources behaves in water, especially when exposed to light, and how it interacts with pollutants like copper and tetracycline. Researchers found that dissolved organic matter from microplastics breaks down differently than that from natural sources, leading to weaker binding with pollutants. For instance, while natural compounds showed a strong ability to bind copper (with values ranging from 4.46 to 5.69), microplastic-derived matter had a lower binding strength (3.95 to 4.69), which could allow more tetracycline to remain free in the water and increase antibiotic resistance. Who this helps: This information is valuable for environmental scientists and policymakers working to address plastic pollution and its effects on water quality and public health.

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This study looked at diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a major cause of kidney failure, focusing on inflammation in kidney tissues. Researchers identified a gene called ALOX5 that is highly active in DKD, which is linked to worse kidney function and increased harmful immune cell presence. They found that targeting ALOX5 with a natural compound called honokiol could help reduce inflammation, paving the way for new treatments in DKD. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetic kidney disease.

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This study looked at breaking down lignin, a complex natural material often found in plants, to make it easier to use as a renewable resource. Researchers used a specialized setup with online high-resolution mass spectrometry to analyze how effectively lignin could be broken down using heat and catalysts, finding that the process led to smaller and simpler molecules with significant changes in structure. They noted that the breakdown process reduced the complexity of the lignin molecules and found that certain chemical bonds were preserved, which can help in making the use of lignin more practical in the future. Who this helps: This helps researchers and industries looking to use lignin for biofuels and other renewable materials.

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This study looked at how a new material made from nano zero-valent iron supported by attapulgite can clean up contaminated mining soil that contains heavy metals like lead and cadmium. The researchers found that when they used this new material in a specific mixture, it significantly reduced the amounts of these metals in the soil and limited their absorption by maize plants, showing a reduction in metal levels by an optimal ratio of 1:3. This is important because it could help make contaminated land safer for growing crops and protect human health. Who this helps: This helps farmers, land managers, and communities near mining sites.

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This study developed a new tool, called H@U-C mPS biosensor, to quickly and accurately detect harmful antibiotics and bacteria in food. The biosensor can identify very low levels of chloramphenicol, a common antibiotic, in just 20 minutes and is 26 times more sensitive than traditional tests. For bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, it can detect them at concentrations as low as 6.97 cells per milliliter, which is much more precise than current methods. Who this helps: This benefits food safety experts and healthcare providers who want to ensure safer food and prevent infections.

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This study developed a new device that helps quickly and accurately separate harmful tumor cells and their clusters from blood samples, which is important for diagnosing cancer. The device achieved a recovery rate of 81.7% for single tumor cells and maintained a high purity of 68% for these cells after processing 50 mL of fluid in just 6.5 minutes. This research is significant because it could lead to faster and more precise cancer diagnoses, helping doctors better evaluate how aggressive a cancer might be. Who this helps: Patients diagnosed with cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at the mental health of 897 pregnant women in China, focusing on issues like anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD. The results showed that 13.9% experienced significant anxiety, 28.4% had insomnia, and 24.1% suffered from PTSD, with a history of problems during previous pregnancies making these issues worse. The findings highlight the need for targeted support and interventions to help expectant mothers, particularly those with challenging pregnancy histories. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women facing mental health challenges and healthcare providers supporting them.

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This study examined how adding folic acid to the diets of grass carp affects their liver and pancreas health, particularly in terms of fat and sugar metabolism. Researchers found that the right amount of folic acid helped improve sugar processing, reduced fat buildup, and promoted important cellular processes in the liver and pancreas. Specifically, the best dietary level increased healthy protein markers and reduced fat storage, which can lead to better overall fish health. Who this helps: This benefits fish farmers and aquaculture professionals looking to enhance fish health and growth.

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This study looks at how certain bacteria form spores when facing tough conditions, like a lack of nutrients. It found that a specific protein called Spo0A plays a crucial role in this process by acting as a controller, responding to outside signals and guiding the bacteria through multiple steps of spore formation. Understanding this mechanism is important because it can pave the way for new applications in medicine and industry, such as using spores in drug delivery or food preservation. Who this helps: Patients and industries looking for advanced delivery methods or preservation techniques.

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This study looked at bleeding risks in patients with a type of irregular heartbeat called nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who were treated with two procedures: catheter ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion. Among 209 low-risk patients, 10 (4.78%) experienced bleeding, with most events happening soon after the procedures. It was found that older age, a history of heart attacks, and kidney problems increased the risk of bleeding, indicating that current risk assessments might not fully predict who will have bleeding issues. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients by improving understanding of bleeding risks after certain heart procedures.

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This study focused on how organic acids affect the microbial communities and fermentation quality in Huangjiu, a traditional Chinese rice wine. Researchers found that different levels of organic acids changed the types of microbes present; for instance, higher levels of succinic acid were linked to better growth of a yeast called Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which led to increased alcohol production. This matters because understanding how organic acids influence fermentation can help improve the flavor and quality of Huangjiu and similar traditional beverages. Who this helps: This helps producers of Huangjiu and similar beverages looking to refine their fermentation processes.

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This study compared two treatments for leg artery disease in patients on hemodialysis: drug-coated balloons and regular balloon angioplasty. Among 96 patients, those using drug-coated balloons had a wound healing rate of about 60.6%, while the regular balloons had a 50% healing rate. Amputation-free survival rates were similar, with 72.7% for drug-coated balloons and 67.7% for regular balloons, indicating that neither treatment was clearly better overall. Who this helps: This research helps doctors decide on treatment options for hemodialysis patients with leg artery disease.

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Researchers studied a new material called LaHgMnO, which is a type of oxide used in electronics. They found that it can conduct electricity well and has strong magnetic properties at temperatures around -6.1 degrees Fahrenheit, giving it potential advantages over similar materials. This is important because it could lead to better technology in the future, especially in devices that use spintronics, which rely on both electric charge and magnetic states for improved performance. Who this helps: Patients and consumers who benefit from advanced electronic devices.

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This study focused on understanding how certain harmful chemicals can move through the environment, especially regarding their potential to contaminate drinking water. Researchers developed a new predictive model that uses data from 1,987 chemicals and found that between 59% and 68% of a larger set of nearly 130,000 chemicals studied are likely to move easily in the environment. This matters because it helps identify which chemicals could pose a risk to water sources, making it easier to manage and regulate these substances effectively. Who this helps: This benefits environmental regulators and water safety experts.

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This study looked at how exposure to certain environmental pollutants called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) affects cognitive function in healthy older adults aged 60 to 69. Researchers found that exposure to four specific PAHs was linked to cognitive decline, particularly noting that biological aging played a role in this relationship. Notably, changes in certain types of fats in the body, especially in females, were significant factors that contributed to this cognitive decline. Who this helps: This information benefits both patients and doctors by highlighting the risks associated with environmental pollutants and their connection to brain health.

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This study looked at how tiny plastic particles, called microplastics and plastispheres, affect the communities of microbes living in sediment and how these changes influence nitrogen processing, especially when temperatures rise due to global warming. The researchers found that plastispheres reduced the ability of microbes to convert nitrogen gases by about 21.75%, while pristine microplastics boosted this process by roughly 31.42%. Understanding these effects matters because they can affect the ecosystem's health and the nitrogen cycle, which is crucial for water quality and plant growth. Who this helps: This research benefits environmental scientists and policymakers focused on freshwater ecosystem health.

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This study focused on developing a special gel to help heal severe burn wounds that have become infected. The new gel, named AMP@GPQCD, is designed to fight infection, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing. Tests showed that it effectively speeds up healing and improves skin quality, leading to better recovery and less scarring. Who this helps: This benefits patients with deep burn wounds, especially those facing infection and scarring issues.

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The study explored a new way to create advanced energetic materials using 3D printing. Researchers developed composites that combine very reactive materials with traditional explosives, resulting in more controlled and effective energy release, where the new materials produced a stronger and quicker energy output. This is important because it could lead to safer and more efficient propulsion and explosive technologies. Who this helps: This benefits engineers and scientists in fields like propulsion, military, and safety technologies.

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This study looked at how effective different doses of rituximab (RTX) are for treating membranous nephropathy (MN), a type of kidney disease, by comparing low, moderate, and standard doses among 100 patients. After a year, about 68% of patients on the low dose, 66% on the moderate dose, and 65% on the standard dose showed improvement, and all doses successfully reduced harmful proteins in urine and increased healthy protein levels in the blood without affecting kidney function. This is important because it shows that lower doses of RTX can be just as effective as higher doses, which could lead to cost savings and minimize side effects. Who this helps: This helps patients with membranous nephropathy by providing effective treatment options with potentially fewer side effects.

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This research studied how patients in Shanghai move between hospitals and the challenges they face due to uneven distribution of healthcare resources. It found that most patients prefer top-tier hospitals, leading to a long average travel distance of 10.24 kilometers to reach them, with 73.54% of that distance driven by barriers like city boundaries rather than personal choice for higher quality care. This matters because it highlights the hidden costs and inefficiencies in the healthcare system that can create access problems for patients. Who this helps: Patients seeking better healthcare access in urban areas.

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This study looked at new rhodium compounds to fight cancer stem cells, which are known to make tumors resistant to treatment. Researchers found that one particular compound was effective against breast cancer and bone cancer stem cells, working at very low doses and outperforming existing treatments like cisplatin and salinomycin. This is important because it could lead to more effective treatments for hard-to-treat cancers. Who this helps: This helps patients with aggressive cancers that are resistant to current therapies.

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This study looked at how children's coping behaviors during stressful situations affect their body's physiological responses and their connection with their parents. Researchers found that children who actively sought support from their parents showed lower levels of physiological stress responses, suggesting they manage stress better. Specifically, kids who engaged in positive coping strategies had more synchronized physiological responses with their parents, indicating a stronger emotional connection during stress. Who this helps: This research benefits parents and child psychologists by providing insights into effective stress coping strategies for children.

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Researchers studied a new treatment method for uveal melanoma (UM), a tough-to-treat eye cancer. They created a special nanoparticle called NP@Fla-Cu that combines copper and a drug to kill cancer cells and improve immune response. In their experiments, NP@Fla-Cu significantly targeted tumors and increased immune cell activity, leading to better chances of fighting the cancer, particularly in models where UM typically resists treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with uveal melanoma by offering a more effective treatment option.

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This study looked at how certain proteins in the blood relate to the risk of ischemic stroke, a condition where blood flow to the brain is blocked. Researchers found that out of 4,907 proteins, 26 were linked to stroke risk, with seven—PPP1R14A, STOML2, LYVE1, WISP1, IL5RA, TFRC, and KLRG2—showing potential as useful indicators for stroke. The researchers also identified apigenin, a compound found in plants, as a possible treatment that targets one of these proteins (TFRC), which could help prevent or treat strokes. Who this helps: Patients at risk for ischemic stroke benefit from these findings.

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This study focused on improving a type of drug called ABZI compounds, which activate the STING pathway to boost the immune system against cancer. Researchers created new versions of these compounds using computer simulations and identified five that worked better than the best existing option, with two showing over a 6.7 kcal/mol improvement in effectiveness. This research is important because it could lead to better treatments for cancer by enhancing immune responses while minimizing side effects. Who this helps: Patients with cancer.

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Researchers showed that a small RNA molecule called miR-128-3p increases with aging in human bone and suppresses bone-forming cells; deleting this molecule in mice preserved bone mass and stimulated bone formation by activating a key bone growth signaling pathway called Wnt. Older mice in which miR-128-3p was knocked out in bone-forming cells were protected from age-related bone loss. These findings identify miR-128-3p as a potential diagnostic marker and drug target for age-related osteoporosis.