Researchers develop light-induced Asp(D)-to-Ala(A) protein editors (LIDAPEs) which enable site-specific residue editing of endogenous protein in living cells, and lay the foundation for a new class of chemical biology tools.

Harbour porpoises were once found across a much wider area of the Baltic Sea than they are today, including regions where they are now rare or absent. This is shown in a new study that uses centuries-old Swedish newspapers to reconstruct past distribution patterns.

Biologists have long puzzled over why organisms with similar numbers of protein-coding genes can differ so dramatically in nervous system complexity. New research points to a potential link between the expanding diversity of RNA-binding proteins, which shape how genetic instructions are processed, and greater brain sophistication.

Bitter-tasting herbal extracts have traditionally been used to support digestion, yet the molecular basis of their effects has remained largely unclear. The Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich has now gained new insights into this mechanism. Using a cellular model, its researchers demonstrated that herbal extracts can stimulate proton secretion in human gastric cells as key mechanism of gastric acid production, with combinations of extracts showing particularly strong effects. Extracts rich in polyphenols proved especially potent. The study further identified three human bitter taste receptor subtypes as key mediators of this response.

Population aging challenges not only longevity but also maintenance of independence. Muscle power declines earlier and faster than strength and is crucial for daily movements. It can be easily assessed using the 30-second sit-to-stand test and a simple equation. In 1876, older adults, low muscle power was linked to a higher likelihood of previous falls and fractures, and higher risk of hospitalization and mortality. This simple test provides a powerful, accessible biomarker of healthy aging.

Researchers develop an interpretable hybrid feature selection model to overcome the "curse of dimensionality"in genomic selection, pinpointing key genetic markers for global food security.