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Proteins are complex molecules that are made up of amino acids. They can be found in every cell in the body, and carry out vital processes that keep human beings alive. Mutations in proteins can lead to a multitude of diseases, the most common being cancer.

Mapping the brain’s serotonin switch could lead to better antidepressants

In a discovery that could guide the development of next-generation antidepressants and antipsychotic medications, researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have developed new insights into how a critical brain receptor works at the molecular level and why that matters for mental health treatments.

1 Aug 2025

Key protein found to guide melanoma cells during spread

Researchers have discovered a protein which is critical for steering melanoma cancer cells as they spread throughout the body.

1 Aug 2025

Synthetic torpor moves closer to real-world medical use

Nature is often the best model for science. For nearly a century, scientists have been trying to recreate the ability of some mammals and birds to survive extreme environmental conditions for brief or extended periods by going into torpor, when their body temperature and metabolic rate drop, allowing them to preserve energy and heat.

1 Aug 2025

Bioengineered dressing achieves rapid hemostasis and accelerated wound healing

In a study published in Advanced Materials on July 22, a team led by Dr. ZHONG Chao and Dr. AN Bolin from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, collaborating with Dr. LIU Yan from Ruijin Hospital Aﬃliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, developed an innovative bacterial cellulose (BC)-based hemostatic dressing that enables rapid and sustained bleeding control.

1 Aug 2025

Young human serum requires bone marrow for skin rejuvenation effects

A new research paper featured on the cover of Volume 17, Issue 7 of Aging (Aging-US) was published on July 25, 2025, titled "Systemic factors in young human serum influence in vitro responses of human skin and bone marrow-derived blood cells in a microphysiological co-culture system."

1 Aug 2025

AI-designed protein activates Notch signaling pathway to boost T-cell production

A new paper published today in Cell highlights how researchers have leveraged AI-based computational protein design to create a novel synthetic ligand that activates the Notch signaling pathway, a key driver in T-cell development and function.

1 Aug 2025

Salk Institute's ShortStop revolutionizes genetic search

Proteins sustain life as we know it, serving many important structural and functional roles throughout the body. But these large molecules have cast a long shadow over a smaller subclass of proteins called microproteins.

1 Aug 2025

Researchers uncover PSAT1 gene as key to heart repair post-heart attack

Heart attacks remain a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The permanent loss of heart muscle cells-known as cardiomyocytes-and the heart's limited regenerative capacity often led to chronic heart failure.

1 Aug 2025

Scientists finally define what it means to be flexitarian

Researchers conducted a systematic review to develop a clear, evidence-based definition of the “flexitarian” diet, identifying it as consuming animal products at least once a month but less than once a week. Analysis of 42 countries’ dietary guidelines revealed that while “flexitarian” is not officially recognized, many nations implicitly support plant-forward eating by recommending reduced red meat consumption.

31 Jul 2025

Study sheds light on molecular mechanisms of brain aging

Aging and neurodegeneration are both known to disrupt the production of functional proteins in cells – a process called "proteostasis," or protein homeostasis.

31 Jul 2025

New molecular insights reveal why some bladder cancers resist chemotherapy

About one quarter of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) may be treated and derive a benefit with the current standard chemotherapy.

31 Jul 2025

New research reveals why fiber-rich diets fuel you better than refined foods

This study quantifies how much energy the human body harvests from gut microbial fermentation of dietary fiber, integrating bacterial physiology, diet, and metagenomic data. Results reveal that dietary fiber, not microbiome composition, mainly determines the amount of short-chain fatty acids absorbed, impacting daily energy and metabolic health.

31 Jul 2025

Virtual memory T cells provide nonspecific immunity for infants early in life

Findings from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital demonstrate that virtual memory T cells, a specialized group of immune cells, provide nonspecific immunity for infants early in life.

31 Jul 2025

Selective impairment of translation contributes to brain aging in killifish

Aging selectively impairs the production of crucial DNA- and RNA-binding proteins, which contributes to hallmarks of aging in the brains of killifish, according to a new study.

31 Jul 2025

Rethinking prostate cancer risk in GG1 diagnoses

A new study reveals that some men who are diagnosed with "Grade Group one" (GG1) prostate cancer may actually be at higher risk than biopsy results suggest, according to research led by Weill Cornell Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland and Case Western University.

31 Jul 2025

Zinc from needle shields may contribute to syringe clogging

Employees of the technology transfer centre ANAXAM and researchers from the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI used the unique analytical methods available at PSI to look inside pre-filled syringes.

31 Jul 2025

Gut bacteria produce hormone-like proteins that regulate weight and blood sugar

Our intestines are home to trillions of microorganisms that produce substances capable of regulating all the body's organs via the bloodstream and the gut's nervous system.

31 Jul 2025

Using tongue coating to spot early signs of Parkinson’s disease

Tongue coating analysis reveals potential biomarkers for early Parkinson's disease detection, offering a non-invasive and cost-effective diagnostic approach.

31 Jul 2025

T cell senescence shapes cancer prognosis and immunotherapy response

T cell senescence occurs in the TME, affecting cancer prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy. The TME induces T cell senescence through multiple pathways, including persistent stimulation by tumor-associated antigens, metabolic pathway alterations, activation of chronic inflammatory responses, proliferation of immunosuppressive cells, and T cell damage caused by tumor radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

31 Jul 2025

Metformin lowers blood sugar by acting on brain pathways

Although metformin has been the go-to medication to manage type 2 diabetes for more than 60 years, researchers still do not have a complete picture of how it works.

31 Jul 2025