A University of Texas at Arlington researcher is leading a new study that investigates cardio-sarcopenia—the combined loss of heart and muscle health in aging adults.

A study reported in the Cell Press journal Current Biology on April 20 shows how physical disabilities in the animal world can be overcome through behavioral innovation. The report features an endangered kea parrot in captivity at New Zealand’s Willowbank Wildlife Reserve named Bruce who is missing his entire upper beak.  While earlier reports had described his unique use of pebbles as self-care tools, the new findings show how he uses a novel beak jousting technique to turn his disability into social dominance.

A migratory bird brain, the Eurasian blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), has been mapped for the first time using high-resolution light microscopy. The open-source software tools and detailed processes form a foundation for new brain atlases to be built for any species, providing a valuable resource for neuroscience worldwide.

Researchers have developed a thin plastic film that tears apart viruses on contact, offering a promising new way to keep high‑touch surfaces such as smartphones and hospital equipment from spreading disease.

Chemokines, acting as "traffic controllers" in the tumor microenvironment, regulate immune cell infiltration and local immunity. This review summarizes the chemokine expression profiles in tumors, their diverse roles in pro- and anti-tumor immunity, current targeting strategies (inhibition, delivery, engineering), and synergistic potential ability with other immunotherapies. Despite challenges, targeting the chemokine receptor axis holds great promise for reprogramming the tumor microenvironment and advancing precision cancer therapy.