Ninety percent of cancer deaths are due to the spread of cancer, not complications from the original tumor. Thus, for over 50 years now, scientists have been on a quest to identify which malignant mutations within the tumor allow rogue cells to break away from the primary tumor and travel through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to metastasize throughout the body. But new research suggests an alternative mechanism has been overlooked—elusive mutations driving metastasis may not be developing within the…

New discovery finds simple metabolites combine to form a powerful antioxidant. Dubbed “Conan the Bacterium” for its extraordinary ability to tolerate the harshest of conditions, Deinococcus radiodurans can withstand radiation doses thousands of times higher than what would kill a human — and every other organism for that matter. The secret behind this impressive resistance is the presence of a collection of simple metabolites, which combine with manganese to form a powerful antioxidant. Now, chemists at Northwestern University and the Uniformed Services…

Diversity and metabolic potential of globally distributed endosymbionts. Scientists from Bremen, Germany, find peculiar mitochondria-like symbionts all over the world, and unveil their surprising metabolic capacities. Their results are now published in Nature Communications. In 2021, scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen, Germany, reported an astonishing new form of symbiosis: They found a unique bacterium that lives inside a ciliate – a unicellular eukaryote – and provides it with energy. The symbiont’s role is thus strongly reminiscent…

… new targeted drug gives them an offer they can’t refuse. A group of scientists at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center has revealed a new genetic code that recruits and deploys tumor cells to invade healthy organs and overpower normal cells. A group of scientists at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center has revealed a new genetic code that acts like a cancer ringleader, recruiting and deploying a gang of tumor cells to incite a biological turf war by invading healthy…

Broadly effective innovative vaccine design. Globally, approximately 58 million people are chronically infected with HCV, resulting in 290,000 annual deaths due to complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Although modern antiviral treatments achieve high cure rates, the global elimination of HCV remains a difficult goal due to inadequate early detection and limited treatment options. Indeed, HCV has been identified as one of the globally prioritized endemic pathogens for vaccine research and development in the World Health Organization’s “Immunization…

MHH gastroenterologist Dr Bernd Heinrich is investigating how bacteria and immune cells exchange information in the tumour environment. The Else Kröner Fresenius Foundation has honoured him with a Memorial Fellowship worth 250,000 euros for his work. Bile duct cancer is a rare but serious disease that is usually fatal. Known technically as cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), it can affect the bile ducts inside and outside the liver. The frequency of cases is increasing worldwide and the chances of recovery are considered poor….

Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago’s milestone achievement tracks protein levels in real time, enabling monitoring of inflammation at the cellular level. Proteins are the building blocks of life, and changes in protein levels can indicate improving health or impending illness, including signs of inflammation. While protein levels can be measured in periodic blood or urine tests, it has been an uphill challenge to figure out how to continuously monitor protein levels in the human body in real time. Now, a team…

MHH physician Dr Stephan Traidl is investigating the effects of systemic therapies for atopic dermatitis. The Else Kröner Fresenius Foundation honours him with the Memorial Scholarship worth 250,000 euros. Unbearable itching and dry, flaky skin are among the typical signs of atopic dermatitis. It is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases. In Germany, up to 2.5 million people are affected every year, of which around 1.3 million are children and adolescents. The disease usually begins in infancy…

Circadian clocks control physiological processes and behavior in virtually all living organisms. Now an international research team led by researchers from the University of Würzburg has created a detailed map of the internal clock in the brain of the fruit fly. All animals including humans are subject to daily rhythms in their activity and sleep, hunger, metabolism, and reproduction. The system that regulates these biological rhythms is known as the circadian clock. It controls all processes in the body within…

Microbial communities, such as those found in the gut microbiome or other body regions, are crucial for the health and development of hosts. However, understanding how these microbes interact with each other – whether they compete, cooperate, or influence each other indirectly – has been difficult to decipher. A new method now sheds more light on this issue: an innovative stochastic approach that allows for more precise analysis of interactions between microbes. Traditional models for analyzing microbial communities often rely…

A Path to Innovative Vaccines and Therapies. A research team led by Prof. Julia Esser-von Bieren from the Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM) at Helmholtz Munich and the Technical University of Munich, as well as the University of Lausanne (UNIL) has uncovered a molecular strategy employed by worm parasites (helminths) to evade host immune defenses. This discovery opens new avenues for the development of innovative vaccines and therapies. Published in Science Immunology, the study offers promising solutions for addressing…

New research has revealed that fish embryos actively control their hatching timing through a neurohormone, Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH), which triggers the release of enzymes that dissolve the egg wall. This groundbreaking discovery uncovers a previously unknown neural mechanism that governs a critical life-stage transition, showing that embryos are not passive but instead actively make life-or-death decisions. The finding has significant evolutionary implications, offering new insights into neurobiology, survival strategies, and environmental adaptation in vertebrates. Dr. Matan Golan of the Hebrew…

– a promising target for treating pain. Cellular studies reveal neuropilin-1 is required for signaling pain and may offer a new approach for developing or repurposing therapies to address chronic pain. Researchers at the NYU Pain Research Center have found a new receptor for nerve growth factor that plays an important role in pain signaling, even though it does not signal on its own, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. The findings hold promise for…

Liquid water molecules are inherently asymmetric. Icebergs float on liquid water, 4°C cold water sinks to the bottom: With its anomalies, water still poses a number of scientific puzzles. Researchers led by Johannes Hunger at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research have investigated the bonds between a water molecule and its neighbors in the liquid phase. They have discovered that the distances to neighboring molecules are not just randomly distributed: The two hydrogen atoms of a water molecule form…

Kumamoto University scientists have unveiled a novel compound, HPH-15, with dual effects of reducing blood glucose levels and combating fat accumulation, marking a significant leap in diabetes treatment innovation. Type 2 diabetes, a condition affecting millions worldwide, is often accompanied by complications like fatty liver and insulin resistance, which challenge current treatment methods. The research team, led by Visiting Associate Professor Hiroshi Tateishi and Professor Eiichi Araki, has identified HPH-15 as a promising alternative to existing medications like metformin. The…

Speed and precision unlocked… A novel computational technique offers a faster, more accurate approach for measuring bioactive carotenoids, reducing error rates and analysis time. Carotenoids, the pigments responsible for the vibrant hues of tomatoes, carrots, and some seafood, are well-regarded for their antioxidant effects and health benefits. A few examples of commercially significant carotenoids are lycopene, β-carotene, and astaxanthin. These compounds are frequently used in functional foods, skincare products, and dietary supplements. However, the bioactivity of these carotenoids depends heavily…