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Encoded and non-genetic protein variants expand human functional proteome
Drug firms’ secret data supercharge AI protein models
Fraud sealed the fate of controversial zoologist Paul Kammerer — 100 years on, his ideas deserve revisiting
UK universities are on the brink — what is their greatest source of stress?
The pet trade puts reptiles and amphibians at risk: close legal gaps now
How is climate change affecting conifers and their ability to sequester carbon?
The roots of astrology, the mysterious nature of time and more: Books in brief
Three wild dogs have traveled farther than any African mammal
Record-breaking “odyssey” suggests populations of these highly endangered carnivores are more connected than thought
Scientists find how “zombie” cells fuel inflammation as we age
Scientists discovered that aging cells can use malfunctioning mitochondria to unlock inflammatory genes and keep the immune system stuck in a prolonged state of alert. Blocking one part of this process reduced inflammation and improved healthy aging in mice, suggesting a promising new strategy for fighting age-related decline.
NSF memo implementing Trump’s ‘golden age’ of science unsettles researchers
New document emphasizes support for White House priorities over curiosity-driven ideas
Popular sweetener byproduct damages DNA in human cells
Sucralose, the artificial sweetener used in Splenda, came under scrutiny after a study found that a related chemical damaged DNA and weakened the gut barrier in laboratory experiments. But later findings have complicated that alarming picture.
Scientists find a new layer of Alzheimer’s hidden in the genome
Scientists found that the 3D organization of DNA is disrupted in several types of brain cells affected by Alzheimer’s disease, altering how important genes are switched on and off. The discovery reveals a previously underexplored layer of the disease that could open new paths for understanding and eventually treating Alzheimer’s.
Most men don’t know dairy is linked to prostate cancer risk
Most men may be missing an important dietary clue about prostate cancer. A new survey found that only 20% knew research has linked dairy consumption with increased prostate cancer risk, while 66% said they would consider avoiding dairy after learning about the connection. Studies have also associated plant-based diets with substantially lower risks of prostate cancer, progression, and recurrence.
AI uncovers hidden Ozempic side effects across 400,000 Reddit posts
AI analysis of 400,000 Reddit posts found that users of drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound reported unexpected symptoms including menstrual changes, chills, hot flashes, and fatigue. Researchers cannot say the medications caused these problems, but the patterns may reveal overlooked signals worth studying.
‘Chilling’ warning or overreaction? AI bioweapons report divides experts
Anthropic describes five cases where scientists in unnamed countries tried to use its Claude software for potentially nefarious work on viruses or toxins
TogoPhosTAC as a delivery-ready platform for targeted protein dephosphorylation
Phosphorylation-targeting chimeras (PhosTACs) enable targeted protein dephosphorylation by recruiting phosphatases through induced proximity. However, the direct recruitment of phosphatase subunits or holoenzymes with small molecules remains challenging, as suitable ligands are scarce and often compromise enzymatic activity or cellular function. Here, we present togoPhosTAC, a hybrid modality that integrates a small-molecule PhosTAC, an engineered FKBP12^(F36V)-phosphatase, and a lipid...
The super El Niño is already wreaking havoc: here’s what’s in store
A hidden compound in healthy foods may worsen IBD
A natural compound found in foods such as spinach, almonds, and sweet potatoes may aggravate gut inflammation in people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis because their intestines appear to handle it differently. Researchers say the finding could open the door to lower-oxalate diets or microbiome treatments tailored specifically to people with IBD.
Ozempic and Wegovy may raise hair loss risk in some men
GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound may increase hair-loss risk by 7% in men who are already genetically susceptible to male-pattern baldness. The findings suggest thinning hair may not be caused only by rapid weight loss and could also reflect a biological link between GLP-1 activity and hair follicles.
Scientists discover a hidden switch that shuts down inflammation
Scientists have uncovered a natural braking system that helps the immune system switch off inflammation and prevent harmful immune cells from building up. Boosting this pathway in people reduced inflammation-related immune changes and sped up pain relief, pointing toward potential new treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases.