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Heat lingers on in our cells

New research reveals that cells slow down heat dissipation due to unique biomolecules, changing our understanding of heat conduction. This phenomenon could affect treatments for conditions linked to body temperature changes.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2026

Understanding the mechanisms of collective cell movement

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has discovered that the protein ZO-1 plays a crucial role in collective cell migration by riding ERK activation waves to podosomes on the basal cell surface. This movement enhances force generation, extracellular matrix degradation, and invasive cell migration.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMay 22, 2026

Garvan scientists capture ‘housekeeping’ immune cells attacking live melanoma

Scientists at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research captured 'housekeeping' immune cells actively attacking and engulfing live melanoma cells. These macrophages patrol the edges of melanoma tumours, steadily engulfing cancer cells and slowing tumour growth. The discovery has big implications for immunotherapy.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026

Cell movement in the embryo

Researchers at ISTA uncovered why keratin plays an essential part in embryonic cell movement and organization. Without keratin, the process slows dramatically, leading to tissue collapse and loss of cellular alignment. Keratin helps maintain the structural integrity and cohesion of cells during early development.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026

The hidden force of growth

Researchers found that self-propelled particles can spontaneously form clusters when navigating a dense colony of dividing cells. The growing medium creates an environment that transforms the particles' behavior, making them behave like active Brownian particles and attracting them to each other without explicit interaction.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateMay 14, 2026

Blocking TGF-β signaling may strengthen efficacy of osteoporosis therapy

Researchers identify TGF-β signaling pathway as key regulator of osteoblast quiescence, suggesting its inhibition can aid in reactivation of dormant osteoblasts. Combining TGF-β-blocking antibodies with anti-sclerostin treatment shows promising therapeutic potential for osteoporosis treatment.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2026

Tomato-derived lycopene shields gut cells from fungal toxins

A recent study found that lycopene protects porcine intestinal epithelial cells from DON-induced damage by inhibiting PGAM5-mediated mitophagy-dependent ferroptosis. Lycopene increases tight junction proteins, reduces ROS levels, and stabilizes mitochondrial function, restoring barrier integrity.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2026

Inspired by the brain, researchers build smarter, more efficient computer hardware

University of Missouri researchers develop organic transistors that process information like biological neural networks, boosting brain-like computing and potentially leading to more energy-efficient artificial intelligence. The approach could lead to significant improvements in tasks such as pattern recognition and decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalACS Applied Electronic Materials·DateMay 7, 2026

Study identifies a key mechanism in the degeneration of motor neurons in ALS

A team of researchers has identified a key mechanism in the degeneration of motor neurons in ALS, revealing that chaperone-mediated autophagy is significantly reduced in patients. This finding suggests that this cellular system may be a potential therapeutic target to slow disease progression.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2026

Tiny flexible lasers enable force sensing inside living cells

Researchers developed tiny flexible lasers that can measure forces inside living cells, enabling insights into biological processes such as early development and tumor progression. The micro-lasers exhibit mechanical stiffness similar to living cells and can measure forces up to 50 nanonewtons.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateApr 29, 2026

Wild flatworms heal wounds

Researchers from Lund University successfully harnessed the regenerative capacity of Scandinavian flatworms to accelerate wound healing in human skin models. The study found that signalling molecules from flatworm exosomes increased skin thickness and improved wound healing rates, including accelerated blood vessel regeneration.

SourceLund University·JournalACS Omega·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

New experimental drug may restore movement after stroke

Researchers discovered that strokes cause a chain reaction within the brain, leading to neuronal cell death. They found that blocking collagen production can prevent this damage and even restore motor function in paralyzed monkeys. The new drug KDS12025 reduces hydrogen peroxide levels and prevents the entire process from being triggered.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

Beyond cell death: The hidden drivers of stem cell aging

A recent study reveals that MLKL activation causes direct damage to mitochondria, impairing energy production and leading to functional decline in hematopoietic stem cells. In contrast, deletion or inhibition of MLKL significantly alleviates these defects, suggesting a post-transcriptional mechanism driving HSC aging.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2026

Proteins cluster in cells for faster performance

Researchers at the University of Groningen discovered that protein clustering in cells leads to reduced movement and improved efficiency in amino acid production. This finding has practical implications for designing efficient cell factories and increasing substance production inside cells.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Characteristics of CD4+T-cell reduction and pulmonary infections in critically ill immunocompromised patients

A retrospective study of 40 immunocompromised ICU patients found associations between low CD4+T-cell counts and specific lung pathogens. Patients with severe CD4 depletion had higher proportions of fungal infections, while moderate immunosuppression was linked to Streptococcus pneumoniae.

SourceJournal of Intensive Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 2, 2026

How bacteria outsmart the immune system: Two-pronged strategy revealed

Researchers have discovered how a disease-causing bacterium uses a single protein to interfere with the body's defenses in multiple ways, offering a clearer picture of how infections take hold at the cellular level. This discovery highlights the importance of targeting specific interactions between bacterial proteins and human cells in...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2026

Scalable platform sheds light on how cancer spreads

A new platform called ATLAS enables researchers to generate large quantities of cancer cell clusters that accurately model metastasis. Using ATLAS, the Rice team gained insights into the mechanisms that enable cancer clusters to survive in the bloodstream during the metastatic process.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2026

The brain’s ability to grasp the “gist” of a visual scene begins earlier than expected

A research team led by LEE Doyun and KIM Yee-Joon found that the primary visual cortex encodes motion summaries and variability before higher brain regions transform them into category signals. This process, known as ensemble perception, allows the brain to capture the overall structure of a scene at a glance.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2026

Quantum sensors on the move

Researchers at IISc created a method to precisely steer quantum sensors through living cells, overcame challenges like viscous drag and brownian motion. This breakthrough enables real-time measurement of parameters such as local viscosity and temperature inside cells.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 24, 2026

Successful use of high-pressure freezing for cell cryopreservation

Researchers from the University of Tokyo successfully developed a high-pressure freezing method that reduces CPA concentration to 20-30% and improves cell viability and metabolic activity. The method holds promise for cryopreservation in regenerative medicine research, with potential applications in drug testing and cell transplantation.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

Massey researchers lead international collaboration of first-ever, multi-platform digital atlas of oral tissues

The study provides a breakthrough understanding of the immunoregulatory nature of human tissues, revealing that fibroblasts serve as core regulators of structural immunity in the mouth. The findings lay the groundwork for targeted modulation of fibroblast activity to improve health outcomes in fibrosis, cancer, and autoimmunity.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalCell Press Blue·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 23, 2026

Deep learning model predicts how individual cells influence disease outcomes

A computational method called scSurv links individual cells to patient outcomes using bulk RNA sequencing data, identifying cell populations associated with survival across several cancers. The model estimates the contributions of over 10,000 individual cells to disease risk and prognosis, providing a foundation for precision medicine.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalBioinformatics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2026

Stanford researchers develop novel "scaffold-free" approach for treating damaged muscles

Stanford researchers have developed a novel 'scaffold-free' approach for treating damaged muscles, enabling the delivery of more healing cells to the traumatized area. The approach uses a custom molding technology to create dense muscle tissue in customizable geometric shapes and sizes, allowing for more effective muscle regeneration.

Engineered lipid nanoparticles reprogram immune metabolism for better mRNA vaccines

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed lipid nanoparticles that modify immune metabolism to strengthen mRNA vaccines and reduce common side effects. The new lipid boosts the metabolism of immune cells, providing energy for the body's defenses while dialing down inflammatory signals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

SMART develops rapid iron measurement to improve cartilage repair through cell therapy

Researchers developed a rapid and non-destructive method to monitor iron flux in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) using micromagnetic resonance relaxometry (µMRR). This breakthrough enables real-time insights into MSC's ability to form quality cartilage tissue, paving the way for more consistent manufacturing of MSC-based therapy.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2026

Smarter tissue and organ repair thanks to made in Ottawa next-gen hydrogel

Researchers from the University of Ottawa have developed a groundbreaking biomaterial that combines strength, adaptability, and biological compatibility for soft tissue repair. The hydrogel is made from synthetic peptides and can be precisely tailored through chemical design, making it an attractive alternative to existing biomaterials.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2026

Ribosomes in pairs

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research discovered that stressed animal cells, including neurons, assemble inactive ribosomes into tightly linked pairs, known as disomes. This novel mechanism relies on a specific piece of ribosomal RNA called an expansion segment to form a precise RNA-RNA interaction.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateFeb 23, 2026