Researchers from Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin developed a unified multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) platform applicable to formalin-fixed liver tissues, organoids, primary liver cells and liver-on-a-chip systems. By combining sequential antibody stripping with an open-source image-processing tool, CytoPrixm, the workflow enables multidimensional spatial phenotyping using standard fluorescence microscopy and commercially available reagents. The study lowers technical and financial barriers to spatial biology research and provides a scalable framework for investigating cellular interactions and disease microenvironments in hepatology.

CT scans of ancient crocodile brains reveal clues to 100 million years of evolution. New study uses digital reconstructions of living and extinct crocodylians to untangle the evolutionary history of long-snouted crocodiles. By digitally reconstructing the internal anatomy of fossil skulls, the researchers identified a series of morphological differences in the braincase and associated sensory structures among long-snouted crocodiles from different geological periods. The findings demonstrate the growing importance of implementing non-destructive imaging techniques in palaeontology.

A 31-year global analysis covering 204 countries shows the absolute burden of viral skin diseases has surged by over one-third since 1990, now affecting 84.7 million people annually. The study identifies children under 15 and older adults as the most vulnerable groups and reveals widening socioeconomic disparities, calling for targeted public health interventions to address inequities.

A 31-year global analysis covering 204 countries shows the absolute burden of viral skin diseases has surged by over one-third since 1990, now affecting 84.7 million people annually. The study identifies children under 15 and older adults as the most vulnerable groups and reveals widening socioeconomic disparities, calling for targeted public health interventions to address inequities.

Cronkhite–Canada syndrome (CCS) is a rare, non-hereditary hamartomatous polyposis syndrome of the gastrointestinal tract accompanied by ectodermal changes. The cause has remained unknown for decades, with no clear germline mutations identified. A new multi-omics study reveals that expanded TNF-α-producing CD4⁺ T cells and IL-1β-secreting macrophages drive excessive mucus secretion and colonic hamartoma formation through a positive feedback loop inducing epithelial prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production, offering potential therapeutic targets for this puzzling disease.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are often linked with oxidative damage. However, they are essential for cell signalling. A new study highlights their crucial role in plant development and morphogenesis. Using the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha, researchers found that disrupting the two genes responsible for producing ROS molecules led to disrupted plant growth and formation of disordered cellular masses. The study reveals a fundamental mechanism connecting cell division, tissue structure, and plant development.

The academic significance of this study has been highly recognized internationally, as evidenced by the simultaneous publication of a highlighted Dispatch article in the same journal by Professor Christine Foyer (University of Edinburgh, UK), a world-leading authority in plant reactive oxygen research.

Plant development: RBOH genes

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982226004641

A recent study identified carbonic anhydrase III (CAR3) as a previously unrecognized protein critical for healthy bone development and regeneration. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, genetically modified mice, and bone repair models, researchers found that CAR3 helps osteoblasts mineralize collagen and strengthen bone tissue by interacting with collagen and bone sialoprotein. Mice lacking CAR3 developed low bone density and impaired bone formation, while CAR3-functionalized scaffolds significantly improved bone healing and regeneration following skeletal injury.

A new study has uncovered a previously unknown antiviral defense mechanism in sea anemones, revealing that animals may have evolved more than one way to fight viral infections. Researchers discovered that a protein resembling a key component of the human immune system actually plays the opposite role, yet remains essential for effective antiviral protection. The findings challenge assumptions about the evolution of immunity and suggest that fundamentally different antiviral strategies have emerged across the animal kingdom.