Scientists at the University of Osaka have developed a method to recreate human B cells with germinal center features using three immune signals, which closely match those found in human tonsils. This breakthrough could help improve vaccine-induced antibody responses and identify targets for autoimmune disease.
Fossils discovered in southern Africa have confirmed the first appearance of Homo erectus, which is believed to be directly ancestral to modern humans. The findings also reveal micro-evolutionary changes in P. robustus, a species that lived in the same landscape as Homo erectus.
Researchers use a drug to activate AMPK, a protein governing energy levels, to extend lifespan in yeast, worms, and flies by up to 25%. The study provides strong evidence for the potential of AMPK activators to improve health and extend lifespan in mammals and humans.
Researchers at NUS CDE have developed a soft-robot motion control system using a single artificial muscle, which can produce controlled bends without the need for separate actuators. This approach can help compact robots reach inside machinery for inspection or assembly, or collect samples in places people cannot easily or safely access.
Researchers have developed biodegradable films from engineered honeybee silk, which can be programmed to respond to wound conditions. The material is safe, well-tolerated, and doesn't impede healing, making it a promising solution for preventing infections in chronic wounds.
A new framework, PhysMat AI, integrates physical knowledge into AI for materials discovery, enabling more interpretable and testable predictions. This approach helps move materials discovery beyond correlation-based prediction toward reasoning based on physical principles.
A 12-month exercise intervention improved attention and memory in breast cancer survivors, while a companion study found exercise slowed epigenetic aging. These findings suggest exercise may help buffer against cognitive effects associated with accelerated epigenetic aging.
Researchers discovered intricate magnetic structures above quiet-Sun regions using the balloon-borne solar observatory Sunrise-III. The study reveals thin, elongated, thread-like magnetic structures embedded within the magnetic canopy above a quiet-Sun region.
Researchers developed a label-free platform combining microfluidic cell sorting with AI to enrich and identify rare CTCs. The integrated strategy uses inertial microfluidic enrichment and YOLOv8-based deep learning for bright-field image recognition, achieving 96.0% accuracy in distinguishing tumor cells.
A team of scientists at SKKU created a new material that can stretch like rubber while generating electricity. The device mimics a dolphin's ability to detect underwater ultrasound, allowing it to navigate and locate prey in dark waters.
A Chinese study reveals how service learning bridges the theory–practice divide in teacher education by integrating practice and reflection. The study shows that pre-service teachers engage in mutually transformative practice and reflection when guided by mentors and peers.
KAIST researchers created a single soft material that combines sensing and actuation, holding its deformed shape for over 10 minutes after light is turned off. The material detects charged objects and is actuated by UV light, with potential for reducing components and wiring in soft robots.
Optica has elected three new board members, Peter J. Delfyett, Sterling Backus and Frédérique Vanholsbeeck, who will bring their expertise and leadership to the organization. Delfyett, a renowned ultrafast optics expert, will serve as 2027 Optica Vice President.
Research suggests that isometric exercise training, even with less frequent training, can help maintain significant blood pressure reductions. The study found that those who exercised once or twice a week maintained improvements in blood pressure and other cardiac measures.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 29, 2026
Research found that people with evening chronotypes have a 1.7 fold elevated risk of needing to retire early and take a disability pension compared to morning chronotypes. This association was present for both men and women, and was linked to poorer health choices and disrupted internal body clocks.
Research finds that people with more severe glaucoma are more susceptible to increased fluid pressure in their eyes, particularly with colder air temperatures. A study of 77 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma found a significant association between air temperature and intraocular pressure.
A team of researchers has demonstrated a novel nanomedicine approach to diagnose and treat ectopic pregnancy, showing promise in improving outcomes for women with this life-threatening condition. The new treatment uses magnetic nanoparticles to detect and disrupt ectopic pregnancies, reducing the risk of complications and mortality.
Researchers at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience have identified a single neuron type that enables learning of motor timing. They found that blocking the rewiring machinery in specific neurons, called pyramidal tract neurons, stopped learning entirely, while blocking it in another type of neuron played a complementary r...
A recent study analyzed 38 viral Korean skincare and 'glass skin' TikTok videos and found that 95% of them contained at least one misleading claim, while basic safety information was largely absent. The study emphasizes the importance of individualized guidance and warns consumers of potential risks associated with following viral skin...
A new study reveals that climate change is associated with a 42.6% increase in skin disease globally, with significant differences according to income level. Lower-income countries are disproportionately affected, with over half reporting climate-related changes in skin disease.
Petrelintide, an amylin-based obesity drug, shows significant weight loss of over 10% in a phase 2 trial, with fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to GLP-1 drugs. The study also reveals improvements in key cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure and lipid parameters.
A real-world study of 8,391 patients found that autonomous AI could free up enough clinical capacity to provide over 8,500 additional face-to-face dermatology appointments across two UK hospitals over 16 months. The technology identifies patients with benign lesions, enabling safe management without specialist review.
Women are more likely to experience weight loss and improved blood sugar control with GLP-1 RAs, but face higher rates of side effects and unequal access to treatment worldwide. Extensive research is needed to address these disparities and optimize treatment for women in various domains.
A systematic review of 43,000 women with diabetes exposed to GLP-1 RAs found no significant associations with preterm birth, stillbirth, or neonatal death, but evidence gaps remain for early pregnancy loss and postpartum use. Further research is needed to address these gaps and provide clearer evidence for women with diabetes
Retatrutide demonstrates substantial weight loss and improved blood sugar control in adults with overweight and type 2 diabetes, with 47% of participants losing at least 20% of their starting weight. The treatment also improves cardiometabolic risk factors and reduces inflammation.
The Synoptic Ferry Observation Network (SYNFONY) project monitored marine megafauna in the Mediterranean, recording 707 sightings of 10 species, including fin whales and sperm whales. Distribution patterns changed in just a few weeks, with fin whales showing considerable changes and sea turtles experiencing variability.
Sara Zapico, NJIT's forensic scientist, has been awarded the National Higher Education Forensic Science Educator of the Year award for her contributions to forensic science education. She is recognized for her innovative approaches to teaching and mentoring students in forensic science, who go on to work in various fields, including la...
A new study reveals metabolic-associated kidney disease among young girls and women, and those without heat exposure in Nicaragua. The research found a greater prevalence of poor kidney health among young girls and women than previously known, and risk factors for kidney disease are present at younger ages.
Researchers have identified genetic regions associated with environmental conditions like temperature and precipitation in wild crabapples. The study's findings could help breeders develop apple varieties more resilient to climate change.
A new AI platform, Precision AI for Survivorship and Supportive Care, aims to personalize evidence-based support for cancer survivors navigating persistent side effects and other challenges after treatment. The platform uses machine-learning models to identify patterns associated with symptom burden and unplanned healthcare utilization...
A new study found that personalized support and navigation services significantly increased genetic testing of hereditary cancers among immediate family members, with 73% uptake among at-risk relatives. The study revealed that with navigation support, genetic testing uptake for BRCA increased from 51% to 73% among family members in six...
The OS10 programme aims to develop open science infrastructure in accordance with UNESCO's Recommendation on Open Science. The collaboration between National Science Library, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and PLOS will explore cooperation in sharing scientific research and open science resources.
Researchers have identified a promising new therapeutic target, MAP4K4, and developed an experimental compound, GPPD, that reduces fat buildup, inflammation, and scarring in preclinical models. The therapy has shown encouraging safety and efficacy in preclinical testing, offering a potential new treatment option for patients with metab...
A University of Washington study suggests the north pole of Mars contains less dust than previously estimated, with layers of cleaner ice stacked between dustier ice. This discovery could provide key details about Mars' climate thousands of years ago, and potentially shed light on the planet's habitability.
Researchers aim to identify biological mechanisms behind insulin resistance and develop therapeutic strategies. The study focuses on skeletal muscle tissue from lean and obese individuals, exploring protein modifications that distinguish insulin-sensitive from insulin-resistant muscle.
A study by McGill researchers found that certain diets associated with obesity improve cancer treatment responses, suggesting a complex relationship between diet, gut microbiome, and the immune system. The findings aim to improve cancer treatment success by understanding the synergistic effect of diet and gut bacteria.
The NRG-HN009 trial found that weekly cisplatin induced a similar overall burden of serious acute treatment-related toxicity compared to the standard every-three-week schedule in patients with p16-negative locally advanced head and neck cancer. The two treatment approaches resulted in different profiles of side effects.
A study published in the journal Psychedelics found that 18 of 19 tips from an obscure 1967 guide for LSD use were agreed upon by survey participants, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal trust, personal responsibility, and psychological preparation for safe and meaningful psychedelic experiences. The study highlights the releva...
Physicists at University of Toronto have identified 'octupolar' magnetism, a complex form of magnetism with eight poles, using light to probe atomic vibrations. This discovery opens up new avenues for quantum technology development, including controllable memory elements and computing devices.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to understand how the tumor microenvironment affects cancer therapy. The model suggests strategies to
A $3 million gift from Randy Kendrick establishes the Kelly Tarantello Chair in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery at USC, supporting research into genetically engineered pig hearts as a potential bridge to heart transplant. The gift aims to save the lives and improve the health of infants with severe congenital heart disease.
A study of 100,000 young adults found that those using generative AI for health questions are more likely to screen positive for anxiety and depression, with odds increasing by 52% for anxiety and 46% for depression. The study suggests an association between AI use and mental health but does not establish causation.
Researchers at Rice University have designed a softer porous material that selectively transports lithium ions and can help improve contact with battery electrodes. The material, ZnBTCA, combines efficient ion movement with better mechanical adaptability, offering a new approach to porous solid electrolytes.
The SETI Institute has welcomed three new postdoctoral fellows to study the evolution of viruses and cells, habitability on Mars, and the formation of planetary systems. Their research covers three distinct areas, from the origins of genomic complexity to the conditions that constrain the potential for life.
A new study found that children of mothers with depression have a higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, regardless of antidepressant exposure. The study followed over 167,000 children and found a significant association between maternal depression and special educational needs in children.
A new paper-thin robot powered by muscle cells can swim through a watery maze, offering a way to design small, efficient biohybrid robots. The robot uses a layer of live muscle cells that twitch in response to light, allowing it to control its direction and speed.
Professor John Bower joins the University of Bath as the new Raymond Schinazi and Family Chair of Science, bringing expertise in synthetic and medicinal chemistry to enhance the university's research capabilities. He aims to translate fundamental research into real-world impact, supporting the development of new sustainable processes f...
A Concordia study found that media outlets increasingly linked wildfires to climate change, with 40% of stories mentioning the topic and 30% explicitly connecting it to climate change. The shift in coverage may signal a long-term realignment in the discussion around climate change in the media ecosystem.
A new study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found that kidney-sparing embolization is associated with lower rates of acute kidney injury and in-hospital mortality compared to nephrectomy in patients with high-grade kidney injuries. The study analyzed 849 cases and found that embolization reduced in-hos...
A survey of 561 NYC delivery workers found that over half were injured on the job, with 40% experiencing severe psychological distress. Workers reported long hours, bad weather, and violence, highlighting the need for improved labor protections and worker safety.
A new study by the Boyce Thompson Institute has created a detailed map of the genetic controls behind tomato flavor and traits, allowing breeders to target specific genes for developing tastier and more nutritious tomatoes. The research used hybrid plants to compare gene activity in cultivated tomatoes and three wild relatives, pinpoin...
Scientists at ETH Zurich develop method to disentangle X-ray diffraction patterns from two snapshots captured by a single detector exposure, enabling ultrafast structural changes in nanoscale objects to be observed. This breakthrough opens the door to studying rapid changes in nanoparticles.
A $7.6 million NIH grant will advance understanding of polyaminopathies, a group of rare genetic disorders affecting neurodevelopmental presentations. The grant will help identify new approaches to molecular diagnosis and care, as well as train the next generation of rare disease researchers.
A new textile fabric, Plant Armor, has been developed to cover strawberry plants, increasing yields by up to 3.56 times without negatively impacting plant health. The fabric provides a consistent warming effect, enhances growing degree-days, and reduces insect feeding, leading to significant increases in fruit production.
Researchers will sequence genomes of 250 Antarctic species and 600 ecosystem samples to understand life's resilience to extreme conditions. The project aims to uncover genetic principles governing adaptation and inform biotechnology innovations.
A Baylor College of Medicine-led team developed an AI-powered strategy to discover small molecules called 'molecular glues' to treat disease. They found a new class of molecular glues that can potentially neutralize harmful proteins linked to blood cancers and autoimmune diseases.
A new clinical trial aims to test personalized brain stimulation targeting two pain-related brain networks for patients with severe, treatment-resistant central neuropathic pain. Researchers will use functional MRI to map each participant's brain and adjust stimulation settings based on individual responses.
A study examines how urban heat impacts everyday life, health, and social interactions in Mexico City, revealing a clear threshold beyond which heat becomes a public concern. The research combines satellite observations, social media data, and geographic analysis to understand the human dimension of urban heat.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo found that anti-cancer molecules effective against malaria parasites, eliminating them at both the asexual and gametocyte stages of development. This discovery paves the way for the development of new effective drugs.
Researchers have identified three subclusters of cells driving pancreatic cancer-induced cachexia, a muscle-wasting and fat-loss condition that affects pancreatic cancer patients. The subclusters form a triangular regulatory network that drives the initiation and progression of cachexia.