Biology

What appears to be silver-blue pigment is actually structural coloration—an optical phenomenon that Encephalartos horridus creates through light-scattering wax crystals sculpted from a lipid compound that may date back to the dawn of land plants.

Environmental conditions affect reproduction times in model fish

Prognosis indicators may be detectable in canine test results

Bacteria in the digestive system may work to maintain balance directly and indirectly

- DGIST research team led by Yoonhee Lee and Gyogwon Koo enhances lung cancer diagnostic accuracy by combining exosome physical properties with AI. - The research also proposes the potential for rapid and precise liquid biopsy-based lung cancer diagnosis without fluorescent labeling.

A group of researchers led by The University of Osaka have identified a novel genetic mutation in Streptococcus pyogenes, a common bacterium which causes strep throat, significantly associated with severe invasive infections. A single mutation in the bacterial ferric ion transporter enhances bacterial growth in human blood. This mutation, unique to Japanese isolates, indicates a novel pathogenic mechanism. This world-first discovery offers a potential new target for treatments and preventive measures.

Researchers from The University of Osaka have used a miniature heater positioned over a nano-sized opening to gently unzip DNA’s double helix into a single strand for quick, efficient analysis. The device enables detection of longer DNA strands than before while using less power and improving accuracy. The technology could be used in handheld medical devices, helping doctors to diagnose disease and tailor treatments based on patients’ genes.

A research team from National Taiwan University, Academia Sinica, and National Taiwan University Hospital has uncovered a critical connection between a unique RNA molecule and human aging, including early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers are one step closer to finding a common target for treating ALS - a fatal neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive muscle weakness.

Singapore-led study shows specialised support cells in the gut form direct, neuron-like connections to deliver precise instructions to stem cells; Overturns long-held beliefs about how gut cells communicate; Opens new paths for treating colon cancer and IBD

Echoes of grief, Unexpected mineral, Insulin on edge, Fingerprinting bacteria, Beefing up taste & Power of glass. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice

A team from The University of Osaka found that the intestinal flora works together with the OTUD3 and STING genes to aggravate ulcerative colitis, a disease with no cure that causes major intestinal pain and bloody diarrhea. When the OTUD3 gene is mutated, microbes in the intestinal flora trigger STING signalingOTUD, leading to inflammation in the colon. The intestinal flora and STING signaling may be important new targets for ulcerative colitis treatment.

When fermented with plant-derived bacteria, stevia leaf extract is toxic to pancreatic cancer cells but not to healthy kidney cells

Identification and characterization of a novel tRNA modification enzyme in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis

Protein aggregation inhibitor shows lower levels of cell death and paralysis in mice with acute strokes

By just sprinkling it on top and waiting 10 seconds, researchers can use this new fluorescent probe to clearly show synapses, the connection points between brain cells.

Researchers from The University of Osaka found that a one-time genome editing treatment introducing a gene encoding the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist Exendin-4, marketed as the weight-loss drug Exenatide, results in sustained secretion of the drug, reduced food intake, and enhanced weight loss in mice. This in vivo genome editing approach provides a potential strategy for treating complex diseases without defined genetic causes, such as heart disease and autoimmune disorders, without the need for frequent medication.

Dietary prebiotics may induce an increase in brain GABA levels through the regulation of gut microbiota, which can be a major point for reducing or even treating these occurrences of certain neurological diseases in individuals.

Ateneo biologists confirm invasive tinfoil barb in Laguna de Bay, warning it could disrupt native fish and harm local ecosystems.

The high recurrence rate of bladder cancer is often attributed to inadequate tumor visualization and localization. To address this limitation, the Hotliposome group at National Taiwan University has developed a mucoadhesive nanoplatform, HMSN(E)-SH, which selectively targets tumor tissue and enhances imaging precision, supporting the advancement of non-invasive diagnostic strategies.

Chinese and Australian scientists have reported the discovery of twenty new bat viruses in research published this week.

After nearly a decade of laboratory work, the research team has confirmed three new forest mice species. This raises the number of endemic mammals on Mindoro to twelve, cementing the island as the smallest known island where mammal speciation has taken place.

Stress-responsive gene pushes pancreatic insulin-producing cells toward dysfunction, fueling diabetes

Cyborg jellyfish, 3D collagen, Light, light go away, AI electronic nose, FLASHing cancer, Hydrogen storage in nanoscales & Can I drink this? Read all in the latest Editor's Choice

Using iPS cells, veterinary medicine has made a step forward in creating a stable MSC supply

A research team from The University of Osaka and Institute of Science Tokyo has developed a groundbreaking class of mRNA medicines that can sense changes in the body and autonomously adjust their therapeutic effect. This innovation paves the way for precision treatments that are not only more effective, but also safer—by producing just the right amount of medicine based on real-time biological signals.

Researchers at the Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University observe and model how the enzyme ADAR1 interacts with double-stranded RNA, which may be useful for future cancer treatment strategies.

Researchers from The University of Osaka found that EGR1-expressing CD14+ monocytes and CD8+ T cells with a type II interferon signature are associated with scleroderma renal crisis and interstitial lung disease, respectively, in patients with systemic sclerosis. Understanding the specific immune cell abnormalities underlying different clinical manifestations of the disease could help predict and prevent serious complications.

Improved production of compounds from methanol and Komagataella phaffii yeast achieved through DNA alteration

Deep-brain imaging in awake mice reveals how light resets the circadian clock by activating complex SCN neuron networks.