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Giant-nucleus cells are key markers for early-stage cancer, study shows

Researchers at Nagoya University have identified giant-nucleus cells as precancerous markers in the kidneys, which emerge in response to iron toxicity and BRCA1 mutations. These cells exhibit cancer-related gene activity and can signal early cancer development in surrounding tissue, with distinct biological profiles in BRCA1-mutant rats.

SourceNagoya University·JournalRedox Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2026

Protein plays unexpected dual role in protecting brain from oxidative stress damage

A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that biliverdin reductase A plays a direct protective role against oxidative stress in neurons, independent of its role producing bilirubin. The enzyme modulates another key protein, NRF2, which regulates the levels of protective proteins and antioxidants in cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2025

Researchers uncover potential biosignatures on Mars

A new study has revealed chemical signatures of ancient Martian microbial life in the Bright Angel formation, a region of Jezero Crater known for its fine-grained mudstones rich in oxidized iron and organic carbon. The findings suggest that early microorganisms may have played a role in shaping these rocks through redox reactions.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature·DateSep 10, 2025

New play in the chemical-reaction playbook uncovered

A team of Penn State researchers has discovered a fundamental reaction in transition metal chemistry that can proceed through a different order of events, achieving the same outcome. This finding raises questions about whether this new pathway has been occurring all along and potentially opens up new avenues for chemical design.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2025

Metal-valence-state modulation of transition metal oxides boosts lithium–sulfur battery performance

Researchers developed a CuO catalyst that enhances lithium–sulfur battery performance by regulating Li-bond chemistries and reducing sulfur conversion kinetics. The study demonstrates exceptional catalytic performance under harsh operating conditions, showcasing the potential of CuO as an earth-abundant alternative to precious metals.

SourceParticuology·JournalParticuology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2025

Unlocking the journey of gold through magmatic fluids

A UNIGE team has demonstrated that sulphur in its bisulphide (HS- ) form plays a critical role in transporting gold in magmatic fluids. The study uses innovative methodology to replicate extreme pressure and temperature conditions, providing new insights into the formation of precious metal ore deposits.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeNews article·DateDec 16, 2024

High-dose IV vitamin C plus chemotherapy doubles survival in advanced pancreatic cancer

A randomized phase 2 clinical trial shows that adding high-dose, intravenous vitamin C to chemotherapy doubles the overall survival of patients with late-stage metastatic pancreatic cancer from eight months to 16 months. Patients also experience improved quality of life with reduced side effects.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalRedox Biology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 18, 2024

Being able to see inside a flow battery

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology, in collaboration with MIT and PSI, developed a new method to visualize the inner workings of redox flow batteries using neutron imaging. The technique provides extraordinary moving images that help understand the battery's performance and durability.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2024

Revolutionizing P2-type layered sodium cathodes: Unveiling the role of transition metal layer vacancies on structure and performance

Researchers design Na0.6[Ni0.3Ru0.3Mn0.4]O2 and vacancy-introduced Na0.7[Ni0.2V0.1Ru0.3Mn0.4]O2 compounds to enhance sodium-ion battery performance. The V-NRM compound exhibits improved capacity and rate performance, with an additional short voltage plateau at 3.9V during charging.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2024

Study helps understand how energy metabolism is regulated at cellular level

Researchers discovered a connection between mitochondrial calcium transport and autophagy, a process where cells break down and reuse components. The study found that NCLX protein plays a crucial role in regulating this link, which has implications for understanding energy metabolism and developing disease treatments.

The first domino falls for redox reactions

Researchers have successfully transmitted a domino effect in redox reactions for the first time. The new mechanism involves a two-part molecule that undergoes structural changes upon oxidation, triggering further oxidation in neighboring groups. This discovery has potential applications in nanoscale computing and energy systems.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024

Towards next-generation nanocatalysts to revolutionize active electron transfer

Researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a copolymer-conjugated nanocatalytic system to enhance active electron transfer for increased photoinduced hydrogen generation. The system leverages the advantages of a stimuli-responsive polymer chain to achieve dynamic electron transfer.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalChemical Communications·DateDec 13, 2023

3D printed reactor core makes solar fuel production more efficient

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel 3D printing methodology to manufacture porous ceramic structures for efficient solar radiation transport, resulting in twice as much fuel production as uniform structures. The technology has the potential to improve sustainable aviation fuels' economic viability.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateOct 27, 2023

Redox-based transistor as a reservoir system for neuromorphic computing

Researchers develop an ionic device utilizing redox reactions to achieve a high number of reservoir states, enabling efficient complex nonlinear operations. The device demonstrated remarkable performance in solving second-order nonlinear dynamic equations and predicting future values with low mean square prediction error.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2023

Don’t wait, desalinate: a new approach to water purification

Researchers at the Beckman Institute developed a new purification system that uses an electrified version of dialysis to separate salt and other unnecessary particles from wastewater. The method saves money and saps 90% less energy than its counterparts, making it a promising solution for global water scarcity.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

New enzyme could mean better drugs

Rice University scientists identified a new Diels-Alderase enzyme, CtdP, which catalyzes the Diels-Alder reaction with precise stereochemistry control. This discovery could lead to improved pharmaceutical synthesis and development of more effective drugs.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2023

Regulating the radical intermediates by conjugated units in covalent organic frameworks for optimized lithium ion storage

Researchers developed a method to modulate molecular orbital energies, charge transport capacities, and spin electron densities of active units in covalent organic frameworks. This approach improves the stability of organic radicals and enhances the redox activity of COFs, leading to optimized lithium ion storage.

Newly developed radio-labeled molecule enables real-time imaging of innate immune activity

Researchers at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center developed a novel PET imaging tool to selectively monitor inflammation and innate immune activity. The new radio-labeled molecule, [18F]4FN, is more specific and robust than existing agents, offering potential for early biomarker detection of immune-related adverse events.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Aye group discovers avenue for precision cancer treatment

A study published in Cell Chemical Biology discovered a novel chemical procedure called T-REX that can selectively target cancer cells with specific mutations, leading to more favorable treatment outcomes. The researchers found that certain enzymes' redox-specific processes could be harnessed for targeted drug design.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateAug 1, 2017