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Same plant species, different chemistry

Researchers at Bielefeld University propose a precise and unambiguous way to define chemotypes within a plant species, highlighting genetic and environmental factors influencing chemical composition. This systematic approach aims to improve understanding and practical applications of chemotypes in medicinal plants and agriculture.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalTrends in Plant Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 29, 2026

A molecular interlayer boosts MoOₓ-based silicon solar cell efficiency

Researchers developed an ultrathin phosphomolybdic acid interlayer that improves defect passivation, energy-level alignment, and charge transport in MoOₓ-based silicon solar cells. The device achieved a champion efficiency of 24.9% with enhanced open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and minority-carrier lifetime.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateSep 24, 2026

Turning scar-forming cells into neurons helps restore movement after spinal cord injury

Researchers developed a gene-delivery system that converts reactive astrocytes into functional neurons, improving motor recovery in mice and rats. The system, TRANsCre-DIONE, selectively targets scar-forming cells and reprograms them into neurons, which generate nerve impulses and receive signals from other neurons.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalExperimental & Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2026

New brain imaging measure reveals how closely blood flow matches brain cells’ energy needs

Researchers developed a new brain imaging measure, CCSI, to study how blood flow and cellular organization align across the brain. CCSI revealed patterns of blood flow and cellular density that correlated with mitochondrial activity and energy demands, offering new insights into brain function and potential treatments for diseases.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2026

Human-Relevant Ptpn6 mutation reveals complex links between immunity, metabolism and liver aging

A new study published in Aging reveals that a mutation affecting the immune and metabolic regulator SHP-1 reshapes liver function during aging, showing improved glucose metabolism can coexist with immune-cell accumulation and liver fibrosis. The findings separate liver inflammation and fibrosis from insulin resistance, obesity and lipi...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeNews article·DateSep 16, 2026

Beyond plastic: A new culture membrane mimics the native intestinal environment

Researchers developed a new culture membrane that recreates the biochemical composition and soft physical environment of native intestinal tissue, enhancing intestinal cell growth and behavior. The membrane, combined with human colon organoid-derived epithelial cells, exhibited increased characteristics associated with intestinal stem ...

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateSep 14, 2026

Microproteins provide new playbook for Alzheimer’s research

Scientists at Salk Institute create first microprotein atlas of human frontal cortex with and without Alzheimer's disease, identifying 1,067 new microproteins and a potential link to immune cell dysfunction in Alzheimer's. The atlas provides a system for investigating microproteins in aging and neurodegeneration, bringing scientists cl...

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Aging·DateSep 14, 2026

New uOttawa study suggests gene linked to Parkinson's disease holds clues to battling deadly bacterial infections

Researchers have discovered a gene linked to Parkinson's disease may also strengthen the body's ability to fight dangerous infections. The study found that a well-studied mutation in the LRRK2 gene increases the production of reactive oxygen species, making immune cells more effective at eliminating intracellular bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCellular and Molecular Immunology·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 19, 2026

Immune cells may hold the key to fighting obesity-induced muscle dysfunction

A study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle reveals that deleting transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) from macrophages enhances muscle regeneration and mitochondrial function. The research found that this approach protected against obesity-related muscle wasting and improved exercise performance.

SourceUniversity of Toyama·JournalJournal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2026

Scientists uncover how muscles preserve their repair cells

Scientists have discovered that TRF2, a protein previously known for protecting chromosome ends, plays a crucial role in preserving the identity of muscle stem cells and enabling their regenerative abilities. This new understanding may lead to the development of therapeutic strategies for muscular dystrophy and cancer research.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2026

Pancancer pro-angiogenic atlas unravels tumor-educated pericyte-augmented anti-angiogenic resistance

Researchers have discovered that tumor-educated pericytes drive alternative angiogenic pathways, bypassing VEGF inhibition and making them a major contributor to drug resistance. A novel therapeutic strategy targeting both endothelial cells and pericytes has shown superior anti-angiogenic effects in multiple cancer models.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2026

MIT engineers find a precise way to grow artificial blood vessels

Researchers at MIT have created a precise way to engineer artificial blood vessels by mechanically stretching and pulling a "blood vessel on a chip". The new method, reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, enables controlled sprouting of new vessels and programming of their growth patterns.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 2026

Kansas City University review highlights astrocytes as key drivers of chronic traumatic encephalopathy

A scoping review suggests astrocytic dysfunction may precede neuronal degeneration in CTE. Astrocytes' dysregulation contributes to the development of CTE's characteristic features through mechanisms including astrogliosis, disrupted waste clearance pathways, and chronic neuroinflammation.

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 15, 2026

New cell imaging method shines a light on blind spots

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a new imaging method that allows scientists to see previously hidden enzyme activities in small regions across the whole cell. The technique, dubbed Fluctuation Increase Negated by Intra-Chain (FINICI), flips the optical readout of negative biosensors into positive, reada...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2026

Researchers uncover the inside story on plant organ growth

A study by John Innes Centre researchers reveals that inner tissues play a crucial role in shaping plant organs, contradicting the widespread assumption that external layers control growth. By analyzing cell division orientation and gene editing techniques, they discovered genes affecting stem thickness in Arabidopsis.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2026

Beyond oxidative damage: Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are essential for ordered plant development—ROS-producing enzymes coordinate cell proliferation, tissue integrity, and differentiation

Researchers found that ROS-producing enzymes coordinate cell proliferation, tissue integrity, and differentiation in plants. The study used a liverwort model to examine the role of RBOHs in plant development, revealing their importance in maintaining normal cell shape and tissue organization.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2026

New trial aims to extend immune system lifespan

A new trial aims to restore the function of worn-out T cells, a type of white blood cell that helps coordinate the body's immune response. The Phase 1 trial will focus on exhausted or senescent T cells, which accumulate with age and in chronic disease, and may help improve immune resilience and support healthier ageing.

SourceUniversity College London·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 17, 2026

Finding cell subgroups could spur retinal cell transplant success

By identifying three distinct developmental stages of photoreceptor cells, researchers aim to determine which cell population is most capable of forming neuronal connections in the eye. This may lead to improved treatment outcomes for late-stage blinding conditions through cell-based therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2026

University of Ottawa-led study uncovers hidden network fueling brain cancer's aggressive growth; discovery could help dismantle treatment resistance

A University of Ottawa-led study has discovered a hidden network driving glioblastoma's aggressive growth, highlighting a promising target for next-generation therapies. The research reveals that a protein called OSMR plays a critical role in tumor progression and supports the survival of brain tumour stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

How do plants survive constant DNA damage?

Researchers found a unique protein called YAF9B that helps plants protect their stem cells from DNA damage. This discovery sheds light on how plants coordinate DNA repair processes, which could improve future crops by guiding more precise genome editing.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2026

Snap-loading cells into uniform microcapsules

The new method allows for scalable production of cell-containing capsules, maintaining cell viability and enabling studies on dynamic interactions. Researchers can customize capsule size and properties, making the technique useful for drug screening, regenerative medicine, and basic cell biology research.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2026