A Swansea University researcher whose work could help create more inclusive icons and symbols for neurodivergent people has been awarded a prestigious scholarship to present her findings at a leading international psychology conference.

Glycomics, the comprehensive study of glycans and glycoconjugates, has emerged as a powerful tool for disease biomarker discovery. Changes in glycosylation patterns accompany many pathological processes, reflecting alterations in cellular metabolism and function. This review presents insights from cohort studies that have linked specific glycan signatures to disease risk, progression, and outcomes. We discuss the potential of glycomics for precision medicine and early disease detection. The integration of glycomics with other omics approaches promises to enhance our understanding of disease mechanisms and improve diagnostic capabilities.

Chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) represent significant global health burdens. Genetic factors contribute substantially to ESRD susceptibility, yet much of the heritability remains unexplained. This X chromosome-wide association study (XWAS) identified novel loci on the X chromosome associated with ESRD risk. Our findings expand the genetic architecture of kidney disease and may inform future therapeutic targets. The study highlights the importance of including the X chromosome in genetic association studies, as it harbors variants that may contribute to disease susceptibility.

Researchers found that eye-level neighborhood characteristics and residents’ perceptions of their surrounding environment are associated with sleep health among working adults in Tokyo. Streetscapes with a greater sense of enclosure and perceived safety were linked to longer sleep duration, while greenery may support sleep indirectly by enhancing feelings of safety. 

Safflower has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over two thousand years to promote blood circulation, yet the genetic machinery behind its most valuable medicinal compounds has remained largely mysterious. 

Researchers developed a battery-free hydrogel bioelectronic patch that wirelessly monitors periodontal inflammation and releases miRNA therapy in response to disease-related enzyme activity. The device links local inflammation sensing with immune modulation, offering a new approach for integrated monitoring and treatment of periodontitis.