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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

New center for cell research

The new center combines large-scale equipment and methods to study individual cells in detail, detecting molecular differences and analyzing reactions to biochemical or genetic changes. This enables new perspectives for medical diagnostics and research, including personalized medicine.

New AI tool accelerates hearing research with unprecedented 3D views of sensory cells

Researchers have developed a new AI tool called VASCilia that provides unprecedented 3D views of cochlear hair cells. The tool accelerates the imaging process by 50-fold, allowing scientists to analyze cells with greater precision and accuracy. This advancement offers new insights into hearing loss caused by damaged inner ear hair cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 28, 2026

NTU Singapore scientists find new way to disarm antibiotic-resistant bacteria and restore healing in chronic wounds

Researchers at NTU Singapore have found that a common bacterium produces reactive oxygen species that impairs wound healing. Neutralizing this process with an antioxidant enzyme restores skin cells' ability to migrate and heal, offering a potential solution to tackle antibiotic-resistant strains.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2026

The “broker” family helps tidy up the cell

A research team at Goethe University Frankfurt has compiled a catalog of human E3 ligases and mapped their relationships, revealing family-specific functions. The study identifies 40 additional E3 ligases suitable for PROTAC development, expanding the range of tissues and diseases targeted by degradation therapies.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2026

Stem cell engineering breakthrough paves way for next-generation living drugs

Researchers at University of British Columbia have successfully grown specialized immune cells called helper T cells from stem cells in a controlled laboratory setting. This breakthrough could lead to more accessible and effective off-the-shelf treatments for various conditions, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious di...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2026

Lipids have their own VIP drivers

Researchers from Université de Genève have identified the transporters responsible for each lipid, revealing the complex mechanisms behind their cellular targeting. This study provides valuable insights into lipid biology and its link to various diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2026

A new way to map how cells choose their fate

Researchers develop ddHodge, a geometry-preserving method that accurately reconstructs cell state dynamics. The technique reveals repeating processes like the cell cycle and identifies critical biological moments in embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and cancer progression.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 29, 2025

New PET imaging breakthrough expands possibilities

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new method for attaching fluorine-18 to trifluoromethyl groups, enabling the tagging of previously inaccessible targets in PET scans. This breakthrough expands the range of molecules that can be imaged, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and more targeted treatments for diseases.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience·DateDec 18, 2025

Customized cells to fight brain cancer

Researchers at UNIGE and HUG have developed CAR-T cells capable of destroying glioblastoma cells by targeting specific proteins present in the tumour environment. The new approach has shown promising results in animal models, paving the way for clinical trials in humans.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeNews article·DateNov 20, 2025

Discovery of plant reproductive success provides insights into human fertility

Scientists have discovered a protein called SCEP3 that ensures even chromosome segregation in plants, preventing infertility and genetic diseases. This finding has implications for plant breeding and understanding human fertility, with the equivalent gene SIX6OS1 potentially playing a role in promoting correct chromosome segregation.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2025

How a fish knows when to blend in

Researchers have identified the cells and connections underlying a fish's ability to dynamically change color to match its surroundings. The study found that specialized skin cells called melanophores control the color change, which helps the zebrafish evade predators by lightening its skin over tens of minutes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 16, 2025

NAD⁺ restores memory in Alzheimer’s’ disease models by correcting RNA errors

A new study reveals that increasing NAD⁺ levels corrects RNA splicing mistakes, improving brain function and restoring memory in animal models of Alzheimer's disease. The researchers discovered a previously unidentified pathway involving the protein EVA1C, which plays a crucial role in correcting tau-related neuronal damage.