Scientists discover why some Central Pacific El Niños die quickly while others linger for years
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Updates every hour. Last Updated: 22-Jan-2026 09:11 ET (22-Jan-2026 14:11 GMT/UTC)
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis are marked by the buildup of misfolded proteins that slowly destroy brain cells, yet treatments that address this root cause are still lacking. Interestingly, researchers provide a comprehensive review of the role of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) molecular chaperones in several neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, Hsp70 exert neuroprotective effects and mitigate the occurrence of pathological protein aggregates.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), characterized by high aggressiveness and recurrence, poses a significant global health challenge. The interplay between the tumour microenvironment and exogenous exposures disrupts homeostasis, and tumour biological behaviours, then accelerating tumour progression. Sorafenib, a first-line targeted therapy, often faces resistance due to tumour heterogeneity and microenvironmental changes. Understanding the link between adverse exposures and drug resistance, identifying key molecules, and developing precise interventions are crucial for improving the management of advanced/drug-resistant HCC.
A new opinion paper argues that proprioception should be redefined beyond a fixed biological feedback loop. The authors propose that proprioception should be better understood as a dynamic, interpretable interface that can be edited, augmented, and potentially surpassed through engineered signals—an idea that could reshape rehabilitation strategies and open new directions for performance enhancement in elite athletes.
A research team led by Prof. LI Bing from the Institute of Metal Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, together with collaborators, has overcome a longstanding bottleneck in refrigeration technology. Their findings, published in Nature on January 22, introduce a novel cooling method based on the "dissolution barocaloric effect," which offers a promising zero-carbon alternative to traditional refrigeration.
Petal size is a defining trait of ornamental flowers, directly shaping visual appeal and commercial value.
Triterpenoid saponins are key bioactive compounds responsible for the medicinal value of many plants, yet how plants regulate the balance between saponin production and sterol biosynthesis has remained unclear.