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Single-cell profiling identifies reward behavior-related neurons and alterations in the ventral tegmental area based on Arvcf-knockout mouse model

The study identified glutamate-dopamine co-transmitting neurons as critical for regulating reward behavior, with disruptions in VTA communication leading to impaired nicotine response. This research provides a new perspective on the neural underpinnings of addiction and psychiatric disorders.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateFeb 12, 2026

Researchers rebuild microscopic circadian clock that can control genes

University of California San Diego scientists have solved how the circadian clocks within microscopic bacteria precisely control gene expression during the 24-hour cycle. The researchers identified six proteins needed to rebuild this clock, generating a simplified cyanobacterial system with a clock that only needs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2026

Mathematicians tame cellular “noise” to control life at the single-cell level

Researchers create a novel mathematical framework to control biological noise, enabling precise single-cell control. The 'Noise Robust Perfect Adaptation' technology suppresses stochastic fluctuations while maintaining stable average behavior, with promising applications in cancer therapy and synthetic biology.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 2, 2026

Opposing forces in cells could hold clues to treating disease

Researchers found that two proteins in the CCR4-NOT complex have opposing roles in controlling genetic messages, with one destabilizing and the other steadying mRNA. This balance is critical to gene regulation and understanding cellular differentiation, adaptation to environmental stimuli, and disease mechanisms.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 16, 2025

Chinese scientists reveal how isoflavone 6-hydroxylase mediates soybean resistance to Phytophthora sojae

Researchers discovered the biosynthetic pathway of glycitein, a key soybean isoflavonoid, and its role in plant immunity. They found that GmIF6H1 enzyme catalyzes the production of glycitein, which acts synergistically with glyceollins to defend soybeans against infection by Phytophthora sojae.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2025

New technique maps genetic variants driving neurodegenerative disease risk

A new method developed by Penn State researchers improves the analysis of genetic data, identifying more genes associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS. The technique, BASIC, integrates both bulk tissue samples and single-cell data to uncover shared genetic effects across different cell types.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 2, 2025

Unlocking key insights into gene expression using a novel mouse model

Researchers developed a novel mouse model to visualize RNA Polymerase II during elongation, shedding light on gene expression dynamics. The study revealed dynamic patterns of gene transcription activity in various tissues and developmental states, with implications for understanding development, differentiation, and disease mechanisms.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2025

Researchers unveil a powerful new gene-switch tool

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have developed a powerful new gene-switch tool called Cyclone, which allows scientists to turn on or off target genes with precision. The tool uses a non-toxic molecule acyclovir to suppress gene activity, and has the potential to be adopted throughout biomedical research and gene therapies.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 3, 2025

Human Organ Chip technology sets stage for pan-influenza A CRISPR RNA therapies

A new human lung alveolus chip model enables investigation of viral replication, inflammatory responses, and genetic off-target effects of a novel pan-influenza CRISPR therapy. The study achieved significant reductions in virus load and host inflammatory response after a single administration.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2025

Classic recessive-or-dominant gene dynamics may not be so simple

Researchers at Stanford University tracked the evolution of fruit fly populations in response to pesticide exposure, finding that resistance alleles persist through a mechanism known as 'dominance reversal.' This process allows alleles to function as either dominant or recessive depending on environmental conditions, maintaining geneti...

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 15, 2025

Repurposing a diabetes medication to prime CAR T cancer targets

UCSF researchers develop a new strategy to prime CAR T cell therapy by combining it with diabetes drugs, increasing the efficacy of NECTIN4-CAR T cells in treating urothelial carcinoma. The study shows that using thiazolidinediones enhances NECTIN4 expression, making tumor cells more susceptible to the treatment.

SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2025

A stunning first look at the viruses inside us

Researchers mapped the surface envelope glycoprotein of human endogenous retroviruses, opening doors to new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. The study revealed specific antibodies that target the viral proteins, potentially leading to new cancer immunotherapies and treatments for autoimmune diseases.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2025

New insight in how cells regulate gene activity

Researchers have identified hundreds of RNA regulatory switches in living cells that can be used to develop new treatments for diseases. The discovery, published in Nature Biotechnology, uses a novel method to map the complex structures of RNA molecules and uncover functional switches with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2025