Biology

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.

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.