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Astrocytes help sustain brain activity and blood flow during prolonged sensory stimulation

A research team identified a signaling pathway involving AQP4, TRPA1, BEST1, and D-serine that helps maintain neuronal activity and cerebral blood-volume responses during prolonged sensory stimulation. Astrocytes release D-serine, which supports neuronal activity and contributes to dilation of brain blood vessels.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2026

No neuralyzer needed. Identifying the molecular pathways and the circuit that triggers forgetting in C. elegans

Researchers from Kyushu University have found the molecular and neural pathways that cause C. elegans to actively forget a specific odor it previously remembered. A peptide called NLP-47 triggers this process, which is highly specific and targets a specific memory, suggesting a potential mechanism for understanding conditions and patho...

SourceKyushu University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2026

Understanding how eggs keep their chromosomes intact over decades

Researchers at Chiba University have identified a protein called OMC1 that maintains chromosome cohesion in eggs from fetal development to adulthood, potentially mitigating age-related decline in egg quality. This discovery has significant implications for reproductive health in societies where childbirth is increasingly delayed.

SourceChiba University·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2026

To fuse, cells block their repair system

Researchers at UNIGE have discovered how cells prevent their repair system from rebuilding the cell wall during cell fusion, leading to an irreversible process. This mechanism, involving the enzyme Pak2, could lead to new antifungal strategies by disrupting cell wall formation and repair.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeNews article·DateOct 19, 2026

Stowers Institute scientists discover cell division does more than make new cells. It helps reshape tissues.

Researchers at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have discovered that cell division plays a crucial role in reshaping tissues, allowing them to maintain their structure despite constant cell growth. By studying epithelial tissues, including the intestinal lining, the team found that cell division triggers a coordinated series ...

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2026

Chemists develop blueprint for designing powerful fluorescent materials for better disease detection

Researchers at the University of Bath have discovered a blueprint for designing powerful fluorescent materials, paving the way for better disease detection. The team developed a molecule that was five times brighter than the original azulene molecule, providing a promising candidate for future sensing and imaging applications.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalOrganic Chemistry Frontiers·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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