The correlation between Arctic wildfires and abnormal snow cover under global warming is of growing concern. A comprehensive quantitative assessment by researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has shown that increasingly frequent seasonal wildland fires across the Arctic in recent years have delayed snow cover formation by at least five days and could lead to a future 18-day reduction of snow cover duration, with implications for global ecosystems. Against the backdrop of the United Nation’s “Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences”, this study not only underscores the urgency of addressing climate change, but also provides critical scientific evidence to inform global climate adaptation strategies.

Scientists discover why some Central Pacific El Niños die quickly while others linger for years

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.

This comprehensive review explores the scientific potential of polyherbal formulations as advanced, multi-targeted solutions for anti-aging skincare. It delves into the intricate mechanisms of skin aging, driven by both intrinsic factors like oxidative stress and extrinsic factors such as UV radiation, which lead to collagen degradation and inflammation. The article highlights seven key medicinal plants—including Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Withania somnifera—and their potent phytoconstituents like curcumin and withanolides. These compounds work synergistically to combat aging by enhancing skin hydration, boosting collagen synthesis, inhibiting destructive enzymes (MMPs), and modulating oxidative stress. A significant focus is placed on modern delivery systems—such as liposomes, ethosomes, and emulgels—which are crucial for enhancing the stability, skin penetration, and bioavailability of these herbal actives. By bridging traditional ethnobotanical knowledge with contemporary cosmeceutical science and technology, the review positions polyherbal formulations as sustainable, effective, and therapeutically viable alternatives to conventional synthetic anti-aging products, offering a holistic approach to skin rejuvenation.

Researchers have summarized the morphological characteristics of skin pigmented spots, along with factors driving their development. These information support that pigmented spots develop due to the interplay of both endogenous and exogenous regulatory factors and must be studied systematically and addressed comprehensively from an integrated perspective.

Head-and-face DFSP shows a strong predilection for the cheek—where patients are older and fibrosarcomatous variants are rarer—suggesting this distinct distribution pattern can aid earlier, more accurate diagnosis and guide reconstructive planning in this anatomically complex region.

A comprehensive review highlights significant advancements in the microbial biosynthesis of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), the vital sugars in breast milk that shape infant gut health and immunity. While key HMOs like 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) are now commercially available, researchers are overcoming technical hurdles to produce more complex HMOs at scale, including 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL) and sialyllactoses (SLs). These developments promise to enhance infant formula and open new doors for functional foods and potential therapeutic applications targeting gut health and immune disorders.