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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

Cancer cells use energy surge to survive physical squeezing

Cancer cells mount an instant, energy‑rich response to being physically squeezed, according to a study published in the journal Nature Communications.

31 Jul 2025

Promega Plasmid Collection, available through Addgene, equips industry and academic researchers with powerful bioluminescent assays that provide deeper insights into endogenous cellular biology

Addgene, a purpose-driven organization helping scientists conduct experiments with greater ease, speed, and reproducibility, today announced a strategic partnership with Promega to expand Addgene’s vast plasmid repository with the launch of the Promega Plasmid Collection.

From Promega Corporation 31 Jul 2025

Respiratory infections can reactivate dormant breast cancer cells

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center (MECCC), and Utrecht University have found the first direct evidence that common respiratory infections, including COVID-19 and influenza, can awaken dormant breast cancer cells that have spread to the lungs, setting the stage for new metastatic tumors.

30 Jul 2025

New insights reveal how Candida albicans settle and persist in the gut

About 80% of people have the fungus Candida albicans in their gut. Although most of the time it persists unnoticed for years causing no health problems, C. albicans can turn into a dangerous microbe that causes serious diseases in many organs, including the urinary tract, lungs and brain.

30 Jul 2025

PD-1 helps guide immune memory cells to the skin early during infection

Weill Cornell Medicine researchers have discovered that PD-1—a molecule best known for putting the brakes on immune cells—also plays a critical role in helping T cells become long-term immune defenders in the skin.

30 Jul 2025