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Molecular map reveals how Down syndrome alters brain development

Scientists at UCLA have created one of the first cellular-resolution molecular maps detailing how Down syndrome alters human brain development before birth - a resource that resolves longstanding contradictions in the field and could lay the groundwork for future therapeutic strategies.

25 Apr 2026

Pinecone-inspired conduit enables suture-free repair of nerve injuries

As the authors detail, PNI is a prevalent neurological condition that often causes permanent sensory and motor dysfunction, severely impairing patient's quality of life.

21 Apr 2026

Targeting glutamine metabolism enhances CAR-macrophage cancer therapy

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) within the tumor microenvironment (TME) exhibit significant metabolic dysregulation, which impairs their antitumor function.

20 Apr 2026

Fermentation boosts anti-inflammatory power in dairy alternatives

Investigating fermented oat and soy drinks, this study highlights their potential to enhance anti-inflammatory bioactivity through lipid transformation.

20 Apr 2026

As US birth rate falls, feds’ response may make pregnancy more dangerous

The number of babies born in the United States fell again last year.

17 Apr 2026

Circulating exosomal microRNAs offer a non-invasive biomarker for MASLD

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become a global public health challenge with rapidly rising prevalence, especially in China. Despite advances in treatment, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. A new research article published in the Chinese Medical Journal on March 16, 2026, provides critical insights into the role of exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) in MASLD pathogenesis.

17 Apr 2026

Superficial skin exposures pose a higher rabies risk than previously thought

While it was previously thought that keratinocytes (skin cells) were only passive conductors that allow the rabies virus to pass through, novel research reveals that these cells play a much more active role. The findings of a new study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (JID), published by Elsevier, provide direct evidence that keratinocytes can support viral replication and transmit the rabies virus to neurons. The investigators offer a mechanistic explanation for how superficial skin exposures from scratches or minor bites by dogs and bats can lead to neuroinvasion, contributing to the risk of infection.

16 Apr 2026

New model advances study of cardiac fibroblasts and fibrosis

Fibroblasts are an essential component of the heart, as they play key roles in its structure, development and response to cardiac damage.

15 Apr 2026

ProImmune collaborates with The University of Texas Medical Branch to advance infectious disease research

ProImmune, Ltd., a global leader in immunological reagents and services, today announced a collaboration with The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Galveston National Laboratory (GNL), a high-containment, infectious disease research facility, to develop innovative tools for studying high-consequence emerging and endemic infectious diseases.

From ProImmune Ltd. 15 Apr 2026

Common osteoporosis drugs could slow or halt aneurysm progression

Aortic aneurysms are characterized by abnormal enlargement of the aorta, the primary artery responsible for carrying blood from the heart. Rupture often leads to sudden death, and currently, no effective drug therapies are available to halt disease progression.

14 Apr 2026

Microplastics lab studies may fail to reflect real-world exposure

Microplastics pose health risks, but lab studies often fail to reflect real-world exposure, highlighting critical gaps in toxicological research methodologies.

14 Apr 2026

Targeting senescent fat cells provides new hope for ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal malignancy of the female reproductive system. Due to its insidious early symptoms and the absence of specific screening modalities, approximately 70% of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage.

13 Apr 2026

Microneedle nanoparticle platform improves lymphatic imaging with high resolution

The lymphatic system plays a critical role in pathological conditions such as lymphedema and chronic inflammation to tumor metastasis, venous insufficiency, and impaired wound healing, making accurate evaluation of its structure and function increasingly important.

13 Apr 2026

Metformin protects neurons after brain injury by restoring mitochondrial health

TBI remains a major cause of death and long-term neurological disability worldwide, yet effective treatments for secondary injury are still lacking.

13 Apr 2026

Lab study shows cigarette smoke damaged lung cells more than e-cigarette vapor

Researchers found that cigarette smoke extract disrupted the lung cell barrier, increased IL-6 inflammation, and caused DNA damage in Calu-3 cells, while e-cigarette vapor extract showed no significant adverse effects on these measures under the study conditions. The authors caution that these were in vitro findings using liquid extracts and unflavored e-liquid, so they do not directly predict long-term human health outcomes.

12 Apr 2026

Rat hepatitis E virus may be a hidden cause of hepatitis in humans

This Nature Communications review argues that rat hepatitis E virus is an emerging zoonotic cause of hepatitis that is likely underdiagnosed because current tests are limited and awareness remains low. It shows that ratHEV is widespread in urban rodent populations, can infect humans and some other animals, and may spread mainly through indirect environmental exposure rather than direct rodent contact.

12 Apr 2026