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Why does the immune system sometimes help tumors grow?

Salk Institute researchers have discovered a novel pathway that links chronic interferon II exposure to mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to immunosuppression and enhanced tumor growth. By blocking prostaglandin E2, they found a viable target to restore immune system function and combat immunotherapy resistance.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateSep 10, 2026

How can stressed mitochondria actually protect your heart?

A new study found that inducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) during embryonic development protects the adult heart from chemotherapy toxicity in mice. The study discovered that stressed mitochondria release citrate, leading to long-term epigenetic changes that promote beneficial mitohormetic adaptations. These findings s...

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 4, 2026

Helping cells find their perfect match

By coating extracellular vesicles with metal ions, cells can recognize and capture their own vesicles more strongly, improving liquid biopsies and aiding in drug delivery, rejuvenation, and more. This technique amplifies signals indicating cancer cells by a factor of 10,000, making single cells detectable even in large samples.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2026

Neutral lipids enable precision control over supramolecular polymerization

Scientists have successfully created programmable supramolecular polymers in neutral lipid environments, such as triolein-rich lipid droplets. This breakthrough provides a new method for regulating cellular functions and has potential applications in treating diseases involving lipid droplets.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2026

Hepatic IFRD1 suppresses metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis via GLUD1/α-KG axis

This study defines IFRD1's disease-protective function and elucidates its molecular regulatory mechanism, which suppresses de novo hepatic lipogenesis by boosting α-KG production. Clinical correlations and translational potential are also established for therapeutic interventions targeting the GLUD1/α-KG axis.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026

Extreme adaptation helps Dead Sea single-celled organisms to swim

Researchers discovered a structural adaptation supporting the survival and mobility of a Dead Sea single-celled organism in harsh environments. The archaeal filament, powered by a membrane-anchored protein motor, is stiffened and strengthened with a unique outer sheath structure to facilitate movement in viscous conditions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 3, 2026

Scientists reverse brain aging, with a nasal spray

Researchers developed a nasal spray that reversibly reduces brain inflammation, restores cellular power plants, and improves memory. The treatment bypasses the brain's protective shield through intranasal delivery, suppressing chronic inflammation and promoting successful brain aging.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateApr 14, 2026

How does mitochondrial DNA affect your health?

Salk Institute researchers have developed a new biological platform for studying mitochondrial DNA in human physiology, adaptation, and therapeutic development. The platform allows scientists to investigate mitochondrial DNA variation in health and disease, enabling therapeutic innovation for mitochondrial disorders.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2026

Discovery of the most intron-rich eukaryotic genome

Researchers used long-read sequencing to analyze the nuclear genome of Amorphochlora amoebiformis, revealing an extremely high proportion of introns (74%) compared to other eukaryotic genomes. The study provides important insights into the evolutionary dynamics and potential functional roles of introns in eukaryotic genomes.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalDNA Research·DateDec 22, 2025

Mitochondria migrate toward the cell membrane in response to high glucose levels

Research shows that high glucose levels cause mitochondria to move towards the periphery of pancreatic beta cells. This movement is linked to insulin secretion and may play a role in regulating blood sugar levels. The study found that inhibiting microtubules disrupted this process, suggesting a key role for these structures in mitochon...

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

Beyond classic stress signalling: how mitochondrial stress softens the cell nucleus and alters cellular identity

Researchers discovered that mitochondrial dysfunction triggers a sophisticated metabolic response in brown fat cells, rewiring key enzymes to produce D-2HG. This metabolite modifies the cell nucleus, changing gene expression and nuclear structure, promoting adaptation and altering cellular identity.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2025

Pair of malaria parasite proteins could lead to targeted therapies

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding malaria parasite proteins that could lead to targeted therapies. Two key proteins, PfRAP03 and PfRAP08, regulate gene expression in the apicoplast, a unique organelle found in P. falciparum. The loss of either protein led to parasite death, confirming their essential roles.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2025

Vesicle cycle model reveals inner workings of brain synapse

Researchers have successfully modeled the synaptic vesicle cycle with unprecedented detail, shedding new light on how our brains function. The model predicts parameters of synaptic function that could not be tested experimentally, opening new avenues for neuroscience investigations.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 28, 2025

How an organelle evolves

A team of biologists has found that the endosymbionts of Strigomonadinae have lost virtually all genes required for division, instead relying on a nucleus-encoded protein to control their movement. This discovery provides insights into the evolution of organelles from bacteria and could lead to the development of synthetic symbiosis.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 19, 2025

Extracellular vesicles may be the key to developing safer and more effective therapies for inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers have reviewed the therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells in treating inflammatory bowel disease. The study highlights the immunomodulatory, pro-regenerative, and anti-apoptotic properties of these vesicles, which may offer a safer alternative to conventional therapies.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 20, 2024

Cellular liquid droplets can cut membranes

Scientists have found that biomolecular condensates can cross membranes without specialized cutting proteins, a process called wetting, which is essential for plant survival. The study shows that these liquid droplets can exert large capillary forces on membranes, cutting them in two and enabling material exchange between cell parts.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2024

KAIST presents strategies for Holotomography in advanced bio research

Holotomography offers a promising approach to biomedical research, providing high-resolution images of live cells and tissues at the organelle level. The KAIST research team has developed core technologies and demonstrated its applications in various fields, including regenerative medicine and cancer research.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Reviews Methods Primers·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 27, 2024

The hidden architect

Researchers discovered that nuclei pack strongly, ordering cells into crystalline arrays, and control tissue stiffness. The study challenges the status quo, revealing a new role for nuclei in organ formation.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Materials·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 12, 2024

What makes some brown algae shimmer and others not?

Kobe University researchers have discovered that the shimmering effect in some brown algae is due to the presence of tiny, uniform-sized spheres within cells called iridescent bodies. These microspheres reflect green light more than other colors, resulting in the alga's characteristic shine.

SourceKobe University·JournalEuropean Journal of Phycology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2024

A tidy cell seems to keep aging at bay

A study published in PNAS reveals that HKDC1 protein plays a crucial role in maintaining mitochondrial and lysosomal function, thereby preventing cellular senescence. The researchers found that HKDC1 helps regulate the removal of damaged mitochondria through mitophagy and facilitates lysosomal repair.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 1, 2024

Microautophagy is essential for preventing aging

A study published in EMBO Reports reveals that microautophagy is crucial for repairing damaged lysosomes, which helps prevent cellular aging. The researchers identified key regulators of this process, including STK38 and GABARAPs, and found that their depletion increases the rate of senescent cells and shortens lifespan in C. elegans.

SourceOsaka University·JournalEMBO Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2023

Quantitative analysis of cell organelles with artificial intelligence

Researchers developed a convolutional neural network to identify structures in cryo-X-Ray-microscopy data, achieving high accuracy within minutes. The AI-based analysis method enables faster evaluation of 3D X-ray data sets and has potential applications in studying cell responses to environmental influences.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2023

Finding ‘vault’: Unravelling the mysteries of p62-bodies and the cellular recycling pathway

Researchers discovered a novel technique to identify p62-body constituents, revealing a major subunit of the supramolecular protein complex vault. Vault-phagy, the degradation of vault through selective autophagy, regulates homeostatic vault levels and may be associated with liver cancer.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023