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Gut bacteria patterns differ in autism and siblings and link to social symptoms

This sibling-controlled East Asian study found that autistic individuals, their unaffected siblings, and typically developing controls differ in gut microbiota diversity and composition, with the clearest separation between autism and typical development. Specific taxa, particularly the butyrate-producing genus Anaerostipes, were modestly associated with social communication and internalising symptoms, supporting a gut–behaviour link without implying causality.

15 Dec 2025

New research reveals the impact of DNA-histone cross-links on genome stability

DNA–protein cross-links (DPCs) represent a severe form of DNA damage that can disrupt essential chromatin-based processes. Among them, DNA–histone cross-links (DHCs) occur frequently within nucleosomes, yet their structural and functional consequences remain poorly understood due to their instability and low natural abundance.

13 Dec 2025

Study explains why mpox cases can appear weeks after exposure

Mpox virus clade Ib shows a longer and more variable incubation period than previously characterized clades, with symptom onset extending well beyond 21 days in a substantial minority of cases. Incubation varies by transmission route, with shorter intervals after sexual exposure and longer periods following nonsexual community transmission, raising implications for surveillance and postexposure guidance.

9 Dec 2025

CRISPR-based Cellgorithm technology ushers in a new era of cell programming

Syntax Bio, a synthetic biology company programming the next generation of cell therapies, today announced the publication of new research in Science Advances detailing the company's CRISPR-based Cellgorithm technology, which lays the groundwork for programmable control of gene activity in human stem cells and offers an alternative to the slow, variable manual processes researchers use today.

5 Dec 2025

Wind-borne mosquitoes carry infectious pathogens for hundreds of miles

High-flying mosquitoes in West Africa are carriers of multiple pathogens, including West Nile virus, highlighting risks in vector-borne disease management.

4 Dec 2025

New rapid PCR method detects Salmonella in food within hours

Researchers develop a molecular testing-based fast-throughput method for the rapid and early detection of Salmonella contamination in various food products.

3 Dec 2025

Expert guidelines for fungal endophthalmitis in the Asia-Pacific region

Fungal eye infections affect millions globally, with an especially high incidence in South and Southeast Asia.

1 Dec 2025

Breakthrough platform reveals the choreography of mammalian transcription

Life's instructions are written in DNA, but it is the enzyme RNA polymerase II (Pol II) that reads the script, transcribing RNA in eukaryotic cells and eventually giving rise to proteins.

27 Nov 2025

Poor lung gas exchange may help explain lingering brain symptoms in Long COVID

This study found that people with Long COVID more than two years after infection showed normal lung tests and brain structure, yet reported significant sleep and cognitive symptoms. Subtle correlations revealed that poorer lung gas exchange was linked with higher brain perfusion, worse sleep, and weaker executive function, suggesting a possible lung–brain connection.

25 Nov 2025

Global Virus Network awards first pandemic preparedness research grants across four continents

The Global Virus Network (GVN) is pleased to announce that, for the first time, it is awarding pandemic preparedness research grants, totaling $160,000, to GVN scientists across four continents.

20 Nov 2025

Expert panel recommends new antibiotic strategies for resistant Bordetella pertussis

Pertussis, or whooping cough, remains a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. Despite inclusion of pertussis vaccines in immunization programs since the 1970s, outbreaks have re-emerged globally due to waning immunity and bacterial evolution.

19 Nov 2025

Breast cancer cells use a molecular switch to survive stress

Cells are regularly faced with environmental stresses that may damage or destroy them. To survive, they quickly adjust their gene expression to protect themselves.

17 Nov 2025

Switching APOE4 to APOE2 in adult mice reduces Alzheimer’s pathology and improves memory

Replacing APOE4 with APOE2 in adult mice rapidly reshapes brain lipids and gene expression, even after development is complete. This switch, especially when targeted to astrocytes, reduces amyloid burden, dampens gliosis, and improves associative memory despite E2-like peripheral lipid risks.

12 Nov 2025

Comprehensive kinase atlas reveals new insights into cell signaling and disease

The enzyme RNA polymerase II transcribes genes into messenger RNA. This process is guided by modifications to the enzyme's "tail" called phosphorylation patterns.

7 Nov 2025

CRISPR therapy shows promise against influenza in human lung chips

The Influenza A virus (IAV) has been the cause of six major flu pandemics, responsible for 50 to 100 million deaths globally.

15 Oct 2025

What happens when microplastics reach the testes? Study shows autophagy and cell loss

Researchers found that microplastics from everyday plastic tableware accumulate in human semen and, although not linked to semen quality in the full cohort, were associated with altered sperm parameters in specific subgroups. Experimental models confirmed that 50 nm polystyrene particles trigger autophagy and apoptosis via the FOXA1/MAP3K1/p38 pathway, impairing sperm structure and function.

15 Oct 2025

Innovative system accurately detects genetic mutations in the brain tumor within 25 minutes

A research team in Japan has developed an innovative system that can accurately detect genetic mutations in the brain tumor within just 25 minutes.

9 Oct 2025

Taste-based flu test that detects infection within minutes

Researchers examine the effectiveness of a novel taste-based sensor for the early detection of influenza infection.

8 Oct 2025

Azelastine nasal spray prevents COVID-19 and rhinovirus infections

Researchers discuss the effects of azelastine nasal spray on the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection as compared to placebo.

6 Oct 2025

Study shows dementia patients exposed to pollution had longer telomeres

Researchers studying a Swedish aging cohort found no overall link between air pollution and telomere shortening, a key marker of biological aging. Intriguingly, dementia patients exposed to higher pollution showed longer telomeres, though results were statistically non-significant.

24 Sep 2025