Two Chinese researchers, Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, were federally charged with smuggling the crop-destroying fungus Fusarium graminearum into the U.S. Liu allegedly concealed the fungus in his backpack. The fungus, causing Fusarium head blight, inflicts billions in annual crop losses. While the fungus exists in the U.S., the researchers failed to obtain necessary permits. Jian was arrested; Liu remains in China. The charges come amidst heightened U.S.-China tensions.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.