Poor oral health may increase dementia risk through both biological and social pathways, as reported by researchers from Science Tokyo. Drawing on recent epidemiologic research, the team highlights how eating and speaking difficulties might act as overlooked social mechanisms that may amplify risk by contributing to social isolation. Moreover, in a longitudinal study, they also found that poor oral health is a strong predictor of weight loss in older adults.

Energy-efficient buildings are promising for sustainable development and energy consumption as per environmental, social, and economic criteria. Recently, researchers from Hanbat National University, and Kongju National University, Republic of Korea, have proposed polymer-dispersed liquid crystal-impregnated switchable thermochromic transparent woods that demonstrate excellent ultraviolet blocking performance for smart windows, promoting indoor illumination, privacy, and human health. The novel innovation can help pave the way for next-generation energy-efficient buildings.

Mechanical cues are key regulators of cardiac development, yet their role in organoid maturation remains underexplored. In a new study, researchers introduce a magnetic torque stimulation (MTS) system that delivers precisely controlled rotational forces to stem cell-derived cardiac organoids via surface-bound magnetic particles. Application of MTS significantly improves cardiac organoid maturation and vascularization by activating mechanotransduction pathways, offering a powerful platform for studying cardiac diseases and testing drug safety.

The FXYD proteins (FXYD domain-containing ion transport regulators) are a family of seven distinct proteins that play crucial roles in regulating Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) activity. Each of these proteins is characterized by a conserved 35-amino-acid FXYD domain, essential for their functions, and exhibits tissue-specific expression, contributing to diverse roles in various tissues.

Research over the years has highlighted the role of the FXYD proteins in regulating numerous physiological processes, including ion transport, neuronal activity, cell adhesion, and migration; conversely, their altered expression has been implicated in the progression of various diseases, such as cancer, neurological, cardiovascular, and renal diseases, and others. Understanding the FXYD proteins and their underlying regulatory mechanisms may therefore aid in identifying novel therapeutic targets.