A perspective published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts examines the emerging role of silk fibroin (SF)/polylactic acid (PLA) composite scaffolds in bone and related tissue regeneration. The review brings together evidence on material chemistry, scaffold architecture, interfacial bonding, degradation, mechanotransduction, osteogenesis, angiogenesis and immunomodulation. Rather than treating fabrication methods or biological responses separately, the authors discuss how these factors interact to determine scaffold performance. The review also assesses evidence across in vitro, animal and translational studies, concluding that substantial work remains before SF/PLA scaffolds can move toward human clinical applications.

A Med Research study using Global Burden of Disease 2023 estimates found that chronic respiratory diseases caused 22.0 million incident cases, 155.9 million prevalent cases, 1.4 million deaths and 29.9 million DALYs in the WHO Western Pacific Region in 2023. Although age-standardized mortality and DALY rates declined from 1990 to 2023, the absolute burden increased, largely reflecting population growth and aging. COPD accounted for most DALYs, while tobacco smoking and air pollution were the leading selected modifiable contributors.

Vaccination not only prevents disease caused by acute infection but also protects against long-term immune-related sequelae that can follow an acute viral infection. This is the main conclusion of a study led by the Infection Biology Laboratory at Pompeu Fabra University. The study, carried out in mice, shows how after recovering from an acute viral infection, animals experienced a long period of impaired immune responsiveness which compromised their immune system's ability to effectively respond to future challenges. Prior vaccination prevented these detrimental consequences, preserving immune function, thus broadening our understanding of the benefits of vaccination.  

Colorado State University researchers have developed an air quality monitoring device that can be paired with systems that track wildlife location and physiological data to learn how smoke impacts wildlife health and behavior.

To help beat jetlag, Flinders University sleep experts have applied their knowledge of the human body clock and sleep science into a convenient travel app.

Flinders sleep and circadian scientists Professor Sean Cain and Professor Andrew Phillips have designed The Jetlag Fix, an app for mobile devices developed with Circadian Health Innovations for both iOS and Android platforms.

No matter how much young athletes love their sport, they remain vulnerable to mental health and wellbeing problems if they don’t balance the demands of training with education, work, leisure and rest.

New research led by Flinders University exposes risks during the ‘vulnerable transition window’ for young athletes (17-24 years old) who face heavy dual-career demands, with 84.6% holding outside employment and 61.5% studying alongside intense training schedules.