Biology

A surgeon can excise breast cancer from the body, but even the most skilled scalpel may not be able to remove every cell — especially when the cells have spread from the original disease site elsewhere in the body. This proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells involves many still unknown molecular means, but researchers at Hiroshima University have elucidated at least one mechanism, involving protein receptors that bind to one another. With the discovery, they may have also uncovered how short chains of protein building blocks could serve as a novel anticancer drug.

Near the eastern coast of Luzon, Philippines is the Benham Bank, an underwater seamount taller than the country's highest peak, Mt. Apo. Researchers from the University of the Philippines' Marine Science Institute discovered that it is a thriving ecosystem full of unique, untouched biodiversity.

The stem cell-based embryo model and actual human embryos share many characteristics but are distinctly different. However, internationally, not everyone agrees on the definitions and what we should and should not do in using this research model.

Suppression of de novo fatty acid synthesis with ethyl p-methoxycinnamate found to inhibit tumor cell growth

An international research team led by Professor Maestre-Reyna from National Taiwan University filmed a high-resolution, 3D molecular movie of a cryptochrome in action.

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, track and control levels of key flavor compounds in cultured beef

Researchers at the RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute (PRI) / RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) have successfully used insects as mini molecule-making factories.

Continuous 24-hour observations clarify time these fish engage in courtship, spawning

The Ateneo de Manila University Biodiversity Research Laboratory #SalaguGang does it again.

Mutant protein protects against mildew, but leaves turn yellow and age sooner

Cosmic hide-and-seek, Controlling quantum light, Thinking face robot, Live DNA folding & Menopause-dementia link. Plus latest SciCom Coffee talk. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

Jellyfish cyborgs may sound like something straight out of science fiction. But harnessing jellyfishes’ natural locomotion provides an efficient and environmentally-friendly means to monitor coral reefs, track oil spills or observe climate change. Now, a team from Tohoku University’s Department of Robotics has successfully modulated the swimming behavior of jellyfish using gentle electric pulses and generated a means of measuring it via AI. In doing so, they have created a gentle way to harness the powerful swimming mechanisms of jellyfish.

Prof. Chii-Shen Yang’s team at National Taiwan University resolved the molecular structure and discovered that HwMR, a light-sensing protein in H. walsbyi, transports magnesium ions using key residues, helping microbes survive extreme conditions.

Plants require phosphorus to grow and survive. In environments with low levels of available soil phosphorus, plants need to adjust to stay alive.

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, detail how clusters of cells detach from primary tumors and penetrate blood-vessel walls to enter the bloodstream, enabling them to establish distal metastases

Scientists have identified a brain molecule called NEAT1 that appears to play a central role in triggering light sensitivity (photophobia), a common and debilitating symptom of migraines

- A DGIST research team led by Professors Ko Jaewon and Um Ji Won has identified an interaction mechanism involving proteins that regulate NMDA receptor function - The discovery is expected to provide key clues for the management of mental diseases such as autism and schizophrenia

- A DGIST research team led by Prof. Jiwon Um has revealed that brain inflammation affects nerve cells and synapses, causing repetitive behaviors. - The research is expected to provide new clues for the treatment of brain disorders, including autism spectrum disorder.

Identification of plant species at high risk of extinction in climate-sensitive alpine ecosystems.

Using a new fluorescent mouse model with advanced imaging techniques, researchers have successfully visualized how musculoskeletal components are integrated into the functional locomotor system during embryonic development.

Scientists at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University have captured real-time footage showing how a key hormone receptor activates genes, offering a clearer view into one of the most fundamental Kaprocesses in biology.

How does obesity affect insulin production? Researchers at Tohoku University are shining light on new stages of the ERK pathway.

Researchers from The University of Osaka discover that specific white blood cells and the amount of an inflammation protein in the blood can predict relapse of an autoimmune blood vessel disease.

- DGIST Prof. Yea Kyungmoo and team significantly improve fatty liver, inflammation, and fibrosis in cellular and animal disease models using exosome surface/internal engineering - Therapy displays high biocompatibility, maximizing treatment efficiency as liver-specific drug delivery - Research results are published in the internationally acclaimed journal Biomaterials

- A joint research team from DGIST and Kyungpook National University has developed a tailored protein adapter technology for the surface modification of extracellular vesicles (exosomes) - Recognized for its precision drug delivery platform capable of attaching diverse therapeutics, the study was published as a supplementary cover article in ACS Nano

Raccoons considered to be a source of zoonotic pathogens were monitored

New light-powered DNA detection enables more accessible, affordable genetic analysis

Scientists at the Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University and colleagues have developed a promising new approach to cancer treatment. By using tiny, naturally occurring particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs), they have created a way to boost the body’s immune system to fight tumors more effectively. This breakthrough could lead to more targeted cancer therapies with fewer side effects.

Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, demonstrates a novel approach for nanoscopic profiling of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) using high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) videography. This pioneering method provides an unprecedented level of detail in characterizing sEV subpopulations, offering new insights into their biological roles and potential applications in disease diagnostics.

Researchers at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, report in "Nature Communications" how the targeted suppression of lysosome function may lead to brain cancer therapy.