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Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a biologically important type of molecule that consists of a long chain of nucleotide units. Each nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous base, a ribose sugar, and a phosphate.

Cells detect and silence invading transposons through abnormal RNA signals

Transposons, DNA sequences that can self-replicate and move (jump) throughout the genome, are widespread and can affect cell survival if left unchecked. Cells control these "jumping genes" by silencing them, but little was known about how cells recognize and defend themselves from invading transposons.

26 May 2026

Ohio State study unlocks the long-standing mystery of RNA interference

While scientists have known for over two decades that all cells use a strategy called RNA interference to regulate gene expression, a new study is the first to describe how a specific protein manages the step-by-step process of assembling the molecular complex that performs the regulatory job.

26 May 2026

How a tiny H5N1 dose triggers massive virus shedding in cow milk

Experimental infection studies in lactating Holstein cows showed that H5N1 B3.13 can infect the bovine mammary gland at doses as low as 10 TCID50, producing extremely high viral loads in milk. However, the virus did not transmit to sentinel cows through repeated exposure to contaminated milking equipment or through close contact under high-biocontainment conditions, suggesting that real-world dairy-farm spread depends on additional cofactors.

25 May 2026

Novel RNA modification mechanism drives metabolic fatty liver disease progression

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent metabolic disorder with a complex pathogenesis. Although epitranscriptomic modifications such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A) have been implicated in NAFLD, the role of N1-methyladenosine (m1A) and its regulators is largely unexplored.

25 May 2026

Small non-coding RNA molecule precisely controls vital gene expression and cellular balance

A rapidly advancing area of biomedical innovation is shining a spotlight on miR-128-3p, a small yet powerful molecule with the potential to reshape how diseases—especially cancer—are detected, monitored, and treated. This microRNA, part of a broader class of non-coding RNAs, plays a critical role in regulating gene activity and maintaining cellular homeostasis.

25 May 2026

Scientists reveal why common pancreatic precancer lesions rarely turn deadly

Spatial and single-cell analyses of human donor pancreata showed that PanIN epithelial cells gradually acquire cancer-like molecular features, while their surrounding stromal and immune environment remains closer to normal pancreatic tissue. The findings suggest that delayed or incomplete microenvironmental reprogramming may help explain why most PanIN lesions remain indolent rather than progressing to pancreatic cancer.

24 May 2026

RNA regulator RBM15 linked to immunity, metabolism, and cancer progression

A newly published review article brings attention to the expanding role of RBM15, a critical regulator of RNA m6A methylation, in the development and progression of a wide range of diseases, including cancer, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.

24 May 2026

Long non-coding RNAs regulate natural killer cell immune responses

A new review article highlights the powerful influence of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in regulating natural killer (NK) cells, revealing promising opportunities to enhance immune responses and improve treatment strategies across multiple diseases.

24 May 2026

RNA modifications shape gut immunity and intestinal macrophage function

A new perspective on gut immunity is highlighting the powerful role of RNA modifications in shaping how the body maintains balance in the digestive system.

24 May 2026

RNA regulator YTHDF2 plays key role in controlling inflammation

A new review highlights the emerging importance of YTHDF2, a key regulator of RNA activity, in shaping the body's inflammatory responses and influencing a wide range of diseases.

24 May 2026

Targeting a key protein reduces injury in steatotic liver transplantation

Steatotic donor livers are highly susceptible to post-transplant dysfunction; however, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood.

22 May 2026

Researchers discover unexpected cellular triggers for precancerous pancreas lesions

In an unexpected finding, a new study flips on its head researchers' understanding of how precancerous pancreas lesions evolve into pancreatic cancer.

21 May 2026

New vaccine approach targets broad protection against arenavirus infections

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) have discovered that combining key vaccine ingredients could give the body the tools it needs to fight the entire family of arenaviruses with a single vaccine.

21 May 2026

Small T-cell subset drives powerful multiple myeloma immunotherapy responses

Researchers from The University of Osaka find that only a small fraction of T cells may drive the robust anti-cancer response seen in breakthrough multiple myeloma immunotherapy.

21 May 2026

How an AI system learned to write expert-level scientific code

ERA is an AI system that uses large language models and tree search to automatically write, test, and refine scientific software for measurable research tasks. Across bioinformatics, COVID-19 forecasting, time-series analysis, geospatial modeling, neuroscience, and numerical computation, ERA produced expert-level solutions that often surpassed established human-developed methods.

20 May 2026

Restoring ADAR2 enzyme reduces metastatic spread in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer in children, adolescents, and young adults. Although chemotherapy and surgery have improved survival for localized disease, outcomes remain poor when tumors spread to the lungs or return after treatment.

20 May 2026

Engineered nanomaterials optimize delivery barriers in cancer immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy works by mobilizing the body's own immune system to recognize and destroy malignant cells.

20 May 2026

UCLA researchers identify potential drug target for treating Fragile X syndrome

UCLA Health researchers have identified a potential drug target for treating Fragile X syndrome, the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability and autism that affects roughly 1 in 2,000 boys.

18 May 2026

DNA-guided CRISPR system targets RNA and expands Cas12 beyond gene editing

Researchers developed ΨDNA, a DNA-based CRISPR guide that allows Cas12 enzymes to target RNA with high specificity while retaining compatibility with DNA-editing workflows. The platform detected HCV RNA in clinical samples and enabled programmable RNA knockdown, multiplex targeting, and RNA modification in human cells.

18 May 2026