Cancer cells mount an instant, energy‑rich response to being physically squeezed, according to a study published in the journal Nature Communications. The surge of energy is the first reported instance of a defensive mechanism which helps the cells repair DNA damage and survive the crowded environments of the human body. The findings help explain how cancer cells survive complex mechanical gauntlets like crawling through a tumour microenvironment, sliding into porous blood vessels or enduring the battering of the bloodstream. The discovery of the mechanism can lead to new strategies which pin cancer cells down before they spread.

The study investigates the interaction between the human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2) and amygdalin, a compound found in peaches, almonds, and apples. To assess the potential of amygdalin, the interaction between HER2 and amygdalin was explored using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Binding energies were evaluated for both the crystal and equilibrated HER2 structures. The effects of water on binding were also assessed. Molecular dynamics simulations analyzed structural changes in HER2, including interdomain distances, hydrogen bond fluctuations, dihedral angle shifts, and residue-residue distances at the dimerization arm. The free energy landscape was constructed to evaluate stability. Binding energies of −33.472 ​kJ/mol and −36.651 ± 0.867 ​kJ/mol were observed for the crystal and equilibrated HER2 structures, respectively, with water further enhancing binding to −41.212,4 ​± ​1.272,7 and −53.513 ± 1.452,3 ​kJ/mol. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed significant conformational changes in HER2, including a reduction in interdomain distance, fluctuations in hydrogen bond lengths, and a shift in dihedral angles from 60° to −30°. The residue-residue distance at the dimerization arm decreased, indicating conformational changes upon binding. The free energy landscape showed a deeper and more defined minimum in the bound state, reflecting enhanced stability. These findings highlight amygdalin’s potential as a therapeutic agent targeting HER2.

- DGIST research team led by Yoonhee Lee and Gyogwon Koo enhances lung cancer diagnostic accuracy by combining exosome physical properties with AI. - The research also proposes the potential for rapid and precise liquid biopsy-based lung cancer diagnosis without fluorescent labeling.

Researchers from The University of Osaka have used a miniature heater positioned over a nano-sized opening to gently unzip DNA’s double helix into a single strand for quick, efficient analysis. The device enables detection of longer DNA strands than before while using less power and improving accuracy. The technology could be used in handheld medical devices, helping doctors to diagnose disease and tailor treatments based on patients’ genes.

Lydia Kavraki, a pioneering researcher in robotics, computational biomedicine and artificial intelligence (AI) at Rice University, has been elected to the European Academy of Sciences. This prestigious organization recognizes excellence in scientific advancement and innovation.