7-Aug-2025 Computer-based design for custom proteins Graz University of Technology In the ERC project HelixMold, a team from Graz University of Technology developed a method for the computer-based design of artificial proteins, with a focus on custom biocatalysts for pharmaceutical applications or the degradation of biopolymers. Funder European Research Council
7-Aug-2025 Researchers identify promising new compound to treat tuberculosis Texas A&M AgriLife Communications Scientists have developed a new compound that could offer a breakthrough in the global fight against tuberculosis, history’s deadliest infectious disease. A study recently published in Nature describes the treatment potential of the novel compound known as CMX410. The drug uniquely targets a crucial enzyme in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis. Importantly, this compound even proved effective against drug-resistant infections, which are common globally and pose a significant challenge for controlling the disease’s spread and progression.
6-Aug-2025 Interview with Dr. Christopher R. Moore, University of South Carolina, U.S. PLOS Interview with Dr. Christopher R. Moore, University of South Carolina, U.S. Author of PLOS One paper: Moore CR, Tselmovich VA, LeCompte MA, West A, Culver SJ, Mallinson DJ, et al. (2025) A 12,800-year-old layer with cometary dust, microspherules, and platinum anomaly recorded in multiple cores from Baffin Bay. PLoS One 20(8): e0328347. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0328347 Journal PLOS One
6-Aug-2025 NewBridge on the Charles and Orchard Cove residents fund 40 educational scholarships for staff Hebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research Residents at NewBridge on the Charles in Dedham, MA, and Orchard Cove in Canton, MA, two Hebrew SeniorLife living communities, have funded and awarded nearly $198,425 in educational scholarships to 40 staff members this year. Hebrew SeniorLife, New England’s largest nonprofit provider of senior health care and a Harvard Medical School affiliate with eight communities around Greater Boston, is recognized among Boston’s Top Places to Work.
6-Aug-2025 UNM scientists test experimental psychedelic drug to alleviate the emotional toll of a life-threatening diagnosis University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center University of New Mexico researchers are joining a multi-site clinical trial of RE104, an experimental psychedelic drug intended to alleviate the mental suffering many patients experience when they receive a life-altering disease diagnosis.
6-Aug-2025 Toward multitasking drug carriers that do more than just deliver Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Drug delivery systems (DDSs) like nanoparticles, hydrogels, micelles, or liposomes improve drug availability while minimizing off-target distribution and side effects. Nanoparticle-based DDSs further enhance functionality owing to their larger surface area, leading to better stability, targeted delivery, and controlled drug release. But their low drug-loading capacity hinders desired therapeutic effect. Now, however, Professor Motoichi Kurisawa from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology addresses this challenge with a green tea nanoparticle-based DDSs.
6-Aug-2025 Bridging the emotional gap in human-AI communication Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Professor Shogo Okada leads the Social Signal and Multimodal Interaction Laboratory at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST). His lab focuses on developing computational models of multimodal social signals – speech, voice tone, body language – to understand their impact on social skills. His lab develops emotionally sensitive AI systems by combining multimodal sensing technology, AI, and cognitive science. Prof. Okada aims to build a harmonious future where technological advances and humane abilities go hand-in-hand.
6-Aug-2025 Unfolding patterns: The computer science behind origami, puzzles, and games Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Origami, or the art of paper folding, finds its roots in Japanese tradition, where it is widely practiced even today. Drawing inspiration from this traditional art form, an emerging field of theoretical computer science, known as Computational Origami, has taken shape. Building on this idea, Professor Ryuhei Uehara from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Japan, is working towards building algorithms for finding effective solutions to complex puzzles and patterns.
6-Aug-2025 Accelerating materials design with high-throughput experiments and data science Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology At Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), Professor Toshiaki Taniike’s lab – Laboratory of Materials Informatics, is pioneering a new era of materials discovery by combining automation, custom-built instruments, and data-driven methods. Their cutting-edge approach is accelerating the search for entirely new reactions, paving the way for carbon-neutral technologies, energy innovation, and a more sustainable future. His efforts are focused on developing a smarter, faster, and more sustainable approach to materials design.
6-Aug-2025 Ph.D. researcher harnesses AI to transform skin cancer diagnosis in remote areas Heriot-Watt University A researcher at Heriot-Watt University is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to give patients living in remote parts access to timely and potentially lifesaving medical diagnosis. Funder Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
