Single-nucleus RNA-seq atlas of equine skeletal muscle reveals donkey and horse distinct cell types, with species-specific age-related shifts in muscle fiber composition. The conserved upregulation pattern of LDHA reveals the critical role of propanoate metabolism in energy supply for equine locomotion. Cross-species transcriptomic comparison delineates a highly conserved atlas of skeletal muscle cell types.

This review highlights spider silk as a next-generation eco-smart biomaterial with broad potential across dermatology, cosmetics, aerospace, textiles, and electronics. Owing to its exceptional strength, elasticity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and low immunogenicity, spider silk is increasingly explored for wound healing, tissue regeneration, drug delivery, scar repair, and smart dermatologic theranostics. In cosmetics, its amino acid-rich structure supports skin hydration, elasticity, and barrier repair. Beyond healthcare, its lightweight strength, thermal stability, optical clarity, and flexibility enable applications in advanced composites, biodegradable sensors, and wearable devices, making spider silk a promising sustainable material for future industries.

A University of Arkansas undergraduate researcher showed that 3D metal printing may work in an atmosphere of carbon dioxide, removing a key obstacle to manufacturing on Mars.

McGill University researchers have discovered a new way to fold flat sheets into smooth, curved shells that can switch from floppy and flexible to stiff and load-bearing on demand. By designing a special origami pattern and threading cable-like elements through it, they can control the material’s final three-dimensional shape and how rigid it becomes. The result, a “doubly curved lens box,” could advance the technology of such objects as temporary emergency tents, morphing robots and smart fabrics, the researchers said.

A global survey of 44,711 endangered Puya raimondii plants reveals topography and poor seed dispersal will erase nearly all habitat by 2100 under +5°C warming, requiring assisted colonization.

As pets become part of everyday family life, scientists are asking a new question: could the hair shed by cats and dogs help reveal the chemical pollutants circulating inside our homes?

Microplastics are now found across oceans, soils, food chains, and even human biological samples. Yet scientists still face a major challenge: these tiny particles are difficult to detect, track, and link to health risks using traditional laboratory methods alone. A new perspective article argues that artificial intelligence could help change that.

As more than two billion people worldwide still lack access to safely managed drinking water, new research from the La Follette School of Public Affairs at UW–Madison investigates the effects of early-life exposure to citywide water filtration on longevity in the early 20^th-century.