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HKUST researchers reveal the pathogenesis of a rare respiratory disease through super-resolution microscopy

Researchers at HKUST have discovered that mutations in the RPGR gene can lead to defective cilia structures, resulting in impaired airway clearance and recurrent lung infections. The study provides new insights into the pathogenesis of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and holds potential for targeted therapeutic interventions.

Invisible chemical landscapes shape life

A research team has discovered that complex chemical signals merge in the environment to form dynamic 'chemodiversity landscapes' with emergent properties. These patterns can generate novel ecological effects, shaping entire ecosystems and influencing interactions between organisms.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 16, 2026

Turning over a new leaf in analyses of natural products

Researchers created an automated method to quickly analyze the metabolic effects of natural products, such as kratom, using high-resolution mass spectrometry and molecular network mapping. This breakthrough provides a detailed view of how chemicals are reshaped by human metabolism, marking a major step in natural products research.

SourceEmory University·JournalJournal of Natural Products·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 26, 2026

An enzyme neutralizes pathogens by cleaving a bacterial toxin

Scientists at Leibniz-HKI discovered an enzyme called BurK that cleaves the toxic molecule malleicyprol in human pathogenic bacteria. This mechanism regulates toxin levels and renders it harmless to humans, offering a potential therapeutic approach for antibiotic-resistant infections.

What your sweat can reveal about your health

A new study suggests that sweat can reveal information about a person's health, including hormone levels, medication doses, and early detection of diseases like diabetes and cancer. Wearable sensors using artificial intelligence can detect specific metabolites in sweat, providing personalized health insights.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 1, 2025

'Benzoylation flip' turns kenaf yellowing into whitening, opens new route to weather-proof bio-fibers

Researchers achieved hydroxyl groups esterification and lignin dissolution through a two-hour pyridine-benzoyl chloride bath. The resulting fibers became photobleaching and stable under accelerated weathering, with a 15-unit ΔE* swing and 96% plunge in tensile strength.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2025

A practical tool to support harmonization and quality improvement in vitamin D testing

A new study published in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine has developed a practical tool to support harmonization and quality improvement in vitamin D testing. The multicentre study evaluates the measurement uncertainty of various 25-(OH)D assays and their ability to detect physiologically relevant changes over time.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalClinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM)·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2025

How mitochondrial energy metabolism is controlled

A collaborative study from the University of Cologne has discovered the key role of mitochondrial protein AIFM1 in regulating cellular energy metabolism. The research found that AIFM1 interacts with AK2A to maintain energy homeostasis, and visualized its complex structure using cryo-electron microscopy.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2025

Black, Hispanic, and American Indian adolescents likelier than white adolescents to be tested for drugs, alcohol at pediatric trauma centers

A study by researchers at UCLA found that Black, Hispanic, and American Indian adolescents are more likely to be tested for drugs and alcohol than white adolescents at pediatric trauma centers. The study suggests that clinician biases may contribute to these disparities.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2024

Scientists uncover a multibillion-year epic written into the chemistry of life

Researchers discovered that just eight new biochemical reactions can bridge the gap between simple geochemistry and biochemistry, indicating a limited loss of biochemistry to time. This finding suggests that even extinct reactions can be rediscovered from clues left behind in modern biochemistry.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 28, 2024

Pagan-Christian trade networks supplied horses from overseas for the last horse sacrifices in Europe

Research from Cardiff University reveals that horses were sourced from Scandinavia using extensive trade networks, contrary to previous theories that stallions were locally-sourced. Genetic analysis shows that one in three sacrificed horses were mares, suggesting prestige played a key role in their selection.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2024

Fast folding for synthetic peptides and microproteins

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a new method that enables the efficient production of cysteine-rich peptides and microproteins in their naturally folded 3D structure. The approach uses organic solvents to mimic nature's oxidative folding process, resulting in speeds of over 100,000 times faster than aqueous...

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis articles provide novel insights into previously unknown disease mechanisms

Researchers decode underlying mechanisms of DCM, hippocampal neurotoxicity, and dysbiosis mediated AD progression using mass spectrometry imaging. The studies found metabolic changes in DCM rat hearts and regulation of CYPs in the hippocampus, providing new perspectives on treatment strategies.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Towards a better understanding of endothelial cell transformation in cancer progression

A novel reporter cell experimental system enables the visualization of sequential changes during endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) induced by transforming growth factor-β. Researchers identified CD40 as a potential partial EndoMT marker, which suppresses the transition from partial to full EndoMT.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalCancer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2024

Two-of-a-kind strike oil

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered two novel yeast species with high oil-forming potential, which could be used to produce alternative biofuels and reduce CO2 emissions. The study also explores the relationship between climate and microbial ecology in Shiga Prefecture.

SourceKyoto University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Droplet-array sandwiching technology: Making versatile biochemical tools out of droplets

Researchers at Ritsumeikan University have created a technique to precisely control the concentration of chemicals in droplets using electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD). This allows for accurate drug screening and cell-based analysis, enabling the efficient handling of substances on a smaller scale than traditional pipettes.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalSensors and Actuators B Chemical·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022