Biology

A research team led by Hiroshima University and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have proposed a neuroendocrine mechanism in bony fish that signals ovulation from the ovaries to the brain, using the medaka fish as a model; the first step to elucidate the neural circuits for facilitation of sexual receptivity in female teleosts.

Researchers at The University of Osaka used a range of cellular techniques to show that the histone protein CENP-A can be deposited into centromeres by two independent pathways. By identifying that CENP-C can substitute for Mis18C in binding to the chaperone HJURP to prompt CENP-A deposition, they showed that there is redundancy in the process of specifying the location of the centromere on chromosomes, which is essential for mitosis and meiosis.

New research uncovers the mechanics behind the skillful movement of the shelled amoeba Arcella.

- DGIST Professor Jaewon Ko’s research team uncovers the molecular principles behind how specialized proteins precisely regulate synapses in various situations. - New clues to understanding brain disorders like autism and schizophrenia, and for developing precise treatment strategies

A research team led by Tohoku University revealed the details of a calcium-driven mechanism that could provide insight into how to prevent Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

National Taiwan University research team uses single-cell analysis to reveal how exhausted T cells drive immunotherapy resistance and identify a potential new therapeutic strategy.

Netrin-1 blocks HBV entry by inhibiting viral attachment and internalization, offering a new therapeutic avenue for chronic hepatitis B.

A research team at the Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI) and the Faculty of Medicine at Kanazawa University has developed a new class of engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) capable of inducing antigen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs), the immune cells that play a central role in suppressing excessive immune responses. The findings, now published in Drug Delivery, may pave the way for next-generation therapies for autoimmune and allergic diseases, where unwanted immune activation must be precisely controlled.

A new species of pitcher plant found only on Palawan Island is already at risk of extinction due to frequent severe weather conditions and human encroachment.

Researchers have discovered a previously unknown marine fungus that kills toxic algae known to pose a health risk to humans

A new regional assessment shows that Southeast Asia is a major net source of greenhouse gases, with land-use change and rising fossil fuel use overwhelming natural carbon sinks, reservoirs that store carbon-containing chemical compounds for a long period.

Mutated baker’s yeast at the forefront of alternative 2,3-butanediol production methods

A newly discovered promoter element “start” points to a shared regulatory syntax for controlling transcription initiation in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes.

The integration of high-dimensional omics data reveals that xylem differentiation programs have undergone simplification rather than elaboration, establishing a model of “reductive evolution” in seed plants.

Brain atlas, From perfume to plastic, Stable solar power, Plant aging switch, Anti-cancer droplets, Greener gold, Extreme star factory and How research shapes sustainability policy. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

- Developed the world's first multimodal brain signal-based model capable of learning without simultaneous EEG and fNIRS measurements. - Self-learning from data of hundreds of individuals... Introducing a new era of multimodal brain signal analysis AI by achieving high accuracy with minimal labels.

- DGIST team led by professors Jaesok Yu and Jungho Hyun realizes ultrasound super-resolution imaging technology that reduces data by one-third using existing equipment - High-speed, long-duration, and 3D imaging without image degradation… Opening the way for non-invasive cerebral blood flow observation

Elastic fiber component level in human hepatic stellate cells may predict liver damage

Researchers at National Taiwan University have uncovered, for the first time at atomic resolution, how the human proteasome recognizes branched ubiquitin chains. This breakthrough reveals a multivalent decoding mechanism that enhances protein degradation accuracy and speed.

A team of researchers from Academia Sinica and National Taiwan University has identified the Drosophila Cul2 substrate adaptor DmZer1 as a key regulator of protein quality control, acting at the intersection of two major cellular “cleanup systems”: autophagy and the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Interestingly, lowering DmZer1 levels activates the Cnc/Nrf2 stress-response pathway, which in turn strengthens the cell’s ability to defend itself against oxidative stress.

Researchers at the Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, report in ACS Nano the successful creation of artificial synaptic vesicles that can be remotely controlled by near-infrared (NIR) light. By embedding a phthalocyanine dye into lipid bilayers, the team achieved local heating that modulates membrane permeability, enabling precise release of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine. These findings demonstrate that nanoscale heating can control communication between nerve cells. The work opens new avenues for non-genetic modulation of neuronal activity, with potential applications in neuroscience, drug delivery, and bioengineering.

Researchers at the Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, have developed a breakthrough method for quantitative imaging of ATP levels inside living cells. The study, published in Nature Communications, introduces qMaLioffG, a genetically encoded fluorescence lifetime indicator that allows scientists to observe how cells produce and consume energy in real time.

Surface-bound gels may have provided the structure and chemistry for life to take root on Earth, and perhaps beyond

- Professor Ko Jae-won’s research team at DGIST uncovers key role in signal transmission between neurons and memory formation - Establishing the molecular foundation of learning and memory, expected to treat dysfunctional brain disorders, such as autism and dementia

- The DGIST research team, led by Professors Eom Ji-won and Ko Jae-won, identified the cause: a protein abnormality in autistic patients that disrupts brain signal transmission and leads to communication difficulties. - Identifying the ‘Switch inside Brain’ linked to autistic symptoms, expected to provide clues for developing future treatments for mental illness.

Researchers have created a special culture medium that allows dog stem cells to stably differentiate into functional heart muscle cells complete with contractions

Scientists at the Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, have discovered how a gene-regulating protein forms tiny liquid-like droplets inside the cell nucleus (the compartment that stores and manages DNA) to guard against cancer. Their study, published in Nature Communications, shows that these protein droplets act as control centers that keep tumor-suppressor genes switched on.

Untangling cosmic knots, Samurai jellyfish, Controlling rogue antibodies, Search for anti-ulcer vaccine & Metal-recovering yeast. Plus next SciCom coffee talk on experiences in science journalism in the AI era and WHO guide to reporting on non communicable diseases. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

Scientists at The University of Osaka developed a new 3D culture scaffold by integrating the strong cell-adhesive domain of laminin-511 into a clinically used fibrin gel, creating a chimeric protein called Chimera-511. This laminin-functionalized fibrin gel supports efficient 3D expansion of human iPS cells while maintaining pluripotency. As a chemically defined, xeno-free material, it offers a promising alternative to Matrigel and a potential platform for clinically applicable organoids and regenerative therapies.

Lactate, once thought to be just a waste product, is now recognized as an important fuel and signaling molecule in the brain. This study introduces a red fluorescent biosensor that allows scientists to visualize both brain metabolism and neuronal activity at the same time.