A class of ultrasmall fluorescent core-shell silica nanoparticles developed at Cornell is showing an unexpected ability to rally the immune system against melanoma and dramatically improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy, according to a new study led by Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell Engineering researchers.

A study of 1,227 U.S. adults ages 65 to 79 found that insufficient dietary lycopene intake was associated with a significantly higher risk of severe periodontitis, with risk patterns differing by race and sex. Researchers reported that older adults with sufficient lycopene intake had about one-third the odds of severe periodontitis compared with those with insufficient intake. Severe disease was more common among men and non-Hispanic Black adults. The study suggests dietary lycopene may be a modifiable factor in preventing severe gum disease in older adults and recommends race- and sex-specific prevention strategies.

Bonn, 7 January – The human brain must be able to link memory content to the circumstances in which it occurs. Researchers in Bonn have now discovered how the human brain uses two different groups of neurons to store content and context separately. These nerve cell groups work together in a coordinated manner to form memories, rather than mixing signals in the activity of individual cells. The study results have now been published in the renowned journal Nature.

The CRISPR “gene scissors” have become an important basis for genome-editing technologies in many fields, ranging from biology and medicine to agriculture and industry. A team from the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) in Würzburg has now demonstrated that these CRISPR-Cas systems are even more versatile than previously thought. In cooperation with the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig and Utah State University (USU) in Logan (USA), the scientists have discovered a novel CRISPR defense mechanism: Unlike known nucleases, Cas12a3 specifically destroys transfer ribonucleic acids (tRNA) that are vital for protein production to shut down infected cells. The team published its findings today in the journal Nature.

Mass General Brigham investigators found an association between negative experiences during pregnancy and risk of mental health problems, such as depression, as children reached their teenage years

A new Nature study suggests chronic nerve pain could be eased by an unexpected source: healthy mitochondria. Duke University School of Medicine researchers found that delivering this fresh energy supply to damaged nerve cells sharply reduced pain, in some cases for up to 48 hours. The approach, tested with human tissue and mouse models, showed promising relief for diabetic neuropathy and nerve damage caused by chemotherapy.

A large national and international study has identified dozens of blood proteins linked to prostate cancer risk, some shared across populations, some unique to specific groups. Published in Nature Communications, the study seeks to improve understanding the various causes of prostate cancer across different populations. The study is led by Dr. Lang Wu, Associate Director of Population Science - LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, highlighting Louisiana’s growing role as a national leader in cutting-edge cancer research. The study can be viewed here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-66250-5.