The ancient vomeronasal receptor type-1 (ancV1R) is highly conserved across species and plays a key role in pheromone detection. Investigation of its role in the sexual and social behavior of mice by researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan, provides novel insights for future research on pheromone sensing and animal behaviors. The study found that the absence of ancV1R in female mice was linked to a poor mating response and increased stress levels.

Houston Methodist researchers have discovered that certain components of so-called “good” cholesterol -- high-density lipoproteins (HDL) – may be associated with an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease. The research team describe their findings in a paper titled “HDL-Free Cholesterol Influx into Macrophages and Transfer to LDL Correlate with HDL-Free Cholesterol Content” in the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology’s Journal of Lipid Research.

In spite of intensive research, glioblastoma remains one of the most lethal types of brain cancer. Temozolomide (TMZ) is used as the front-line medicine in its treatment. While TMZ effectively penetrates the brain and targets tumors, its success depends on the tumor cells attempting to repair the DNA damage caused by the drug. Unfortunately, glioblastomas often evade treatment by inactivating the various DNA repair pathways, making them resistant to TMZ and limiting its effectiveness. In these drug-resistant cancer cells, DNA becomes mutated but does not lead to cell death.

The researchers at the Center for Genomic Integrity within the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) in Ulsan, South Korea, in conjunction with the bioinformatics team from the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), have uncovered critical insights into the mechanisms behind TMZ resistance. Their work could pave the way for more effective therapies against this devastating cancer.

A new QUT-led, international study reveals that while both surgeons and scientists agree on the importance of developing new biomaterials to treat bone defects, their uptake in clinical settings has been slow, with some advancements yet to be passed on to patients.

A research team from the Southern University of Science and Technology has developed an electrochemically stable and ultrathin polymer-based solid electrolytes. Enhancing interfacial contact with lithium metal anode and constructing lithium-ion pathways, this innovative approach exhibits over 2100 hours of stable battery cycling in Li-symmetric cells. The study may offer a new approach for fabricating ultrathin solid electrolytes and provide insights into the mechanisms of dendrite-free formation, guiding the development of high-performance solid electrolytes.

Combining the adsorption properties of solids with the dissolution capabilities of liquids, researchers at Nagoya University in Japan have created a versatile and efficient material for improving oxygen separation in gases. In addition to increasing the supply of affordable oxygen, they are developing their material to separate a variety of gases, increasing its use in industry and potentially controlling greenhouse gases.