Recent research, including a new study from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology and the University of Turku, challenges traditional assumptions of universal male dominance in mammals. Analysing three decades of data on wild mountain gorillas, which have long been considered to have strictly male-biased hierarchies, this study reveals that most females can overpower at least one adult male, securing wins in conflicts and priority access to resources. These findings emphasise the complexity of power dynamics between the sexes in great apes and indicate that human patriarchy is probably a cultural construct rather than a primate legacy.

- KAIST–Stanford University collaborative study reveals how ethane alters core metabolism in obligate methanotrophs

- Ethane addition suppresses cell growth, reduces methane consumption, and boosts PHB synthesis

- Offers a new understanding of methanotrophic metabolism in mixed-gas environments and its potential for sustainable biopolymer production

KAIST announced that a research team led by Professor Jaewook Myung from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, in collaboration with Stanford University, has identified how ethane (C₂H₆)—a major constituent of natural gas—affects the core metabolic pathways of the obligate methanotroph Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b.

Autophagy is a process in which worn out, toxic or degraded cellular components are swept up and recycled to maintain a healthy living cell. When this process is disrupted or disfunctions, it can lead to diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and heart disease.

A piece of GSI/FAIR’s cutting-edge research is scheduled to be launched into space next year: the Biophysics department will be involved in one of the next scientific missions on the International Space Station (ISS) with a highly innovative research project. The “HippoBox” project was successfully reviewed by the German Space Agency at DLR and recently selected for participation in the CELLBOX-4 mission on the ISS. The aim of the project is to use brain organoids (“mini-brains”) to investigate neuroplastic changes in a specific area of the brain, the hippocampus – a question that is highly relevant for the medical preparation of future long-term missions in space.

Kyoto, Japan -- Northern fur seals are long-distance migrants, moving seasonally between breeding colonies and wintering grounds. After leaving breeding colonies in autumn, they travel south for winter foraging, returning in early spring. This allows them to avoid sea ice and harsh conditions in northern waters while relocating to ice-free areas.

The southward migration of these seals has been relatively well-documented. One of their primary wintering areas is the Sea of Japan, where they can find abundant prey. They have also been reported to damage fishing gear and remove catch directly from nets, potentially competing with local fisheries.

The seals' northbound migration from wintering grounds back to breeding colonies in spring remains poorly understood, however. Factors such as tag loss, limited battery life, and the difficulty of capturing animals at sea pose particular challenges.