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Reference bias is an issue that affects most genomic studies analysing short reads mapped to a reference genome^(1,2). It can be mitigated by mapping to multiple haplotypes represented in a pangenome^(3-5). Here we introduce two new methods to address reference bias: Emblask for pangenome construction and Weaver for mapping to pangenomes at scale. Emblask is a hybrid long- and short-read haplotype-resolved dual assembly pipeline for parent-offspring trio data. Using Emblask, we assembled 698...

Aging is characterized by persistent low-grade inflammation linked to impaired tissue homeostasis, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. The mammalian skin is a clinically relevant site of aging-driven inflammation associated with compromised barrier function, inefficient wound healing, elevated oxidative stress and DNA damage accumulation. Here we show that, in the murine epidermis, aging engages a previously uncharacterized BMAL1-YAP functional cooperation with...

The human brain develops and matures over an exceptionally prolonged period of time that spans nearly two decades of life. Processes that govern species-specific aspects of human postnatal brain development are difficult to study in animal models¹. While human brain organoids offer a promising in vitro model, they have thus far been shown to largely mimic early stages of brain development. Here we develop human brain organoids for 5 years in culture, optimizing growth conditions to extend...

The detrimental impacts of cumulative obesity exposures and their interactions with genetics on biological aging remain poorly understood. We included 687 older adults (median age: 79.6 years) from the Rugao Longitudinal Ageing Study (RLAS), a community-based cohort study conducted in Rugao, Jiangsu, China. The cumulative exposures of body mass index (cBMI) and waist circumference (cWC) were calculated as the excessive exposure of BMI and WC relative to their reference values (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m²; WC...

CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that digital interventions tailored to the sociocultural needs of older adults may play an important role in promoting healthy aging and supporting mental well-being in India. Stakeholder-informed digital modules addressing physical health, sleep, emotional well-being, social connectedness, and self-care practices may enhance engagement, accessibility, and preventive mental healthcare among older adults. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness,...

First public presentation of studies on environmental factors touts rigorous science amid charged political climate

More than 1,000 genetic switches behave differently in male and female immune cells, helping explain why women are much more vulnerable to autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Female immune systems appear genetically tuned for stronger inflammatory responses—a powerful defense against infection that may also make dangerous immune misfires more likely.