The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the National Institutes of Health has awarded a $2.15 million R01 research grant to Dr. Jayanth Ramadoss of the Wayne State University School of Medicine to investigate how maternal electronic cigarette exposure during pregnancy affects fetal brain development and to identify potential strategies to prevent or mitigate these effects.

 

In addition to humans, some species of primates and birds have demonstrated, under experimental conditions, their ability to manipulate quantities in tasks that require combining or separating them, in a manner similar to addition or subtraction. Now, a study by the University of Barcelona, published in the journal Scientific Reports, reveals that some giraffes are also capable of deciding which of two options contains more food after mentally combining two quantities, a process comparable to a simple addition. These results suggest that giraffes possess a cognitive foundation that could support more complex arithmetic skills.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most heterogeneous malignancies, with substantial variability in molecular characteristics, therapeutic response, and clinical outcomes. Among the four consensus molecular subtypes (CMS1–CMS4), each defined by distinct biological and clinical features, CMS4—the mesenchymal subtype—is characterized by the most aggressive disease progression, extensive stromal infiltration, and a markedly poor prognosis. Despite advances in transcriptomic profiling, the clinical implementation of CMS classification remains limited due to the lack of robust and clinically accessible biomarkers capable of accurately distinguishing these subtypes. 

A patient-derived KDF1 mutation was found to impair enamel formation by disrupting cell adhesion and Hippo-YAP signaling in dental epithelial cells. Using genetically engineered mice and cellular models, the scientists showed that the mutation weakened intercellular connections, increased abnormal YAP activity, and blocked proper ameloblast differentiation. Treatment with a YAP-TEAD1 inhibitor partially restored enamel-forming functions. The findings reveal a new disease mechanism underlying amelogenesis imperfecta and suggest potential therapeutic strategies for patients.

Researchers have developed a new way to program human cells to make decisions much like tiny computers. They created a new system that allows cells to process several cellular indications at the same time while using fewer computations than previous methods. This means cells could one day be programmed to recognize specific signs of disease and respond only when needed. For example, they could detect cancer-related signals and release treatments directly where they are needed, reducing harm to healthy tissue. The breakthrough brings scientists closer to creating smart, programmable cell therapies that can automatically diagnose and treat disease inside the body.

Autophagy plays a cell-specific, bidirectional role in neuropathic pain-protective in some contexts but potentially detrimental in others. This review maps the complex regulatory network across neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, and critically evaluates therapeutic strategies targeting this cellular process, offering a roadmap for developing precision treatments.

Researchers from Chongqing Medical University discovered that excessive fibrin deposition drives chronic gum inflammation in diabetes by disrupting immune-epithelial crosstalk. By utilizing an engineered peptide (377P) to block fibrin-macrophage interactions, the team successfully suppressed inflammation, restored the mucosal barrier, and promoted alveolar bone healing in diabetic mice. This study identifies fibrin as a druggable target for diabetic periodontitis and potentially other systemic diabetic complications.