Category: Biology
- Kidney-derived mitochondrial vesicles link sepsis to lung injury in experimental models ()
Published October 30, 2026. An injured kidney may help spread damage to the lungs during sepsis by releasing extracellular vesicles rich in mitochondrial material, according to new research in Communications Biology. In septic mice and cultured kidney tubular cells, the researchers linked increased vesicle formation to sorting nexin 9. Blocking this process in kidney tubules […]
- Hydrogel and nanocapsules deliver growth factor to arthritic cartilage in preclinical experiments ()
Published October 30, 2026. A new experimental delivery system combines protein-carrying nanocapsules with an injectable hydrogel that adheres to cartilage. The approach, reported in Nature Communications, aims to keep a growth factor inside arthritic joints long enough to reach damaged cartilage. The system, called hydro/nano-bFGF, responds to enzymes associated with diseased tissue. Its hydrogel releases […]
- Donor mitochondria improve metabolism in cultured MELAS endothelial cells ()
Published October 30, 2026. Healthy donor mitochondria improved metabolism and cellular function in cultured endothelial cells affected by MELAS, a mitochondrial disorder, according to a study published today in Cell Death Discovery. Researchers observed uptake of the transferred mitochondria and expression of donor mitochondrial genes. Benefits appeared at both early and later measured time points; […]
- Paired cord-blood study distinguishes freeze–thaw injury from long-term storage effects ()
Published October 30, 2026. A new cord-blood quality-control study separates damage associated with freezing and thawing from changes potentially caused by storage time. Researchers examined 229 paired measurements from 67 cord-blood units, with storage extending to 13 years and two months. Using aliquots from the same unit helped reduce differences between donors and products. The […]
- CRISPR screen links MYD88–IRAK4 signaling to fungal-toxin damage in pig intestinal cells ()
Published October 30, 2026. A Communications Biology study published October 28 uses a genome-wide CRISPR knockout screen to investigate how deoxynivalenol, a fungal toxin, damages pig intestinal epithelial cells. The screen identified MYD88 and IRAK4 as leading contributors to susceptibility in the cultured-cell system. Exposure activated inflammatory signaling while reducing several antioxidant defenses and increasing […]
- Review examines macrophage lipid metabolism and bone remodeling ()
Published October 30, 2026. A new Bone Research review examines how lipid metabolism in macrophages influences the balance between bone breakdown and formation. The authors discuss fatty-acid oxidation and cholesterol metabolism as regulators of macrophage activation states. These immune-cell states can affect inflammation and the signals that shape bone remodeling. The review also considers emerging […]
- Study links mitochondrial complex IV dysfunction with Alzheimer’s-related damage ()
Published October 30, 2026. A study links mitochondrial complex IV dysfunction with Alzheimer’s-related pathology using human samples and experimental models. Researchers found connections with mitochondrial damage, synaptic loss and amyloid pathology, alongside genetic evidence implicating reduced COX11, a complex IV assembly factor. The findings support further investigation of mitochondrial mechanisms. They do not establish a […]
- Injectable Janus hydrogel supports endoscopic fistula repair in animal models ()
Published October 30, 2026. Researchers have developed an injectable hydrogel intended to seal gastrointestinal fistulas through endoscopic delivery. The Nature Biomedical Engineering study reports testing in rats and miniature pigs. The material combines a temperature-responsive polymer, PNIPAM, with gallium ions. Inspired by slug adhesive chemistry, it forms a gel with asymmetric, or Janus-type, adhesion: attachment […]
- Targeted RNA blockade reduces established atrial fibrosis in mice ()
Published October 30, 2026. Researchers blocked a specific interaction between microRNA-31-5p and calcitonin-receptor messenger RNA. In mice, this restored receptor expression, reduced established interstitial atrial fibrosis and modestly decreased atrial fibrillation burden. Human fibroblast experiments supported the pathway’s relevance. The intervention targeted one RNA interaction rather than broadly suppressing the microRNA. The findings are preclinical: […]
- 4-octyl itaconate promotes tolerogenic dendritic cells in experimental lupus ()
Published October 30, 2026. A new Cell Death Discovery study investigates 4-octyl itaconate, an itaconate derivative, as a way to alter dendritic-cell behavior in experimental lupus. In a chromatin-induced mouse model, treatment delayed disease onset and reduced proteinuria, anti-DNA autoantibodies and kidney injury. Laboratory and animal experiments indicated that the compound encouraged a tolerogenic dendritic-cell […]