Researchers discovered that removing the Aokap9 gene in the fungus Aspergillus oryzae doubles the production of kojic acid, a valuable chemical used in skin-whitening cosmetics and food preservation. By combining the Aokap9 gene removal with modifications to other genes (kojR and AozfA), they achieved even higher production levels. This research provides a practical pathway for creating high-yield strains that can produce kojic acid more efficiently for commercial applications.