Engineers can precisely control thread length and add segments with positive and negative electrical charges. This arrangement determines how the material interacts with living cells. In cell culture studies, the dynamic structures enhanced the growth and maturation of neurons, increased synapse formation and dramatically boosted neuronal activity.

A rapidly evolving antibacterial therapy is a group of viruses called bacteriophages (phages), which attack and kill dangerous bacteria while leaving human cells unharmed. New research has revealed how bacteria detect and defend against viruses, paving the way for development of better phage therapies that can evade the bacterial immune system.

New research shows that X and Y chromosomes drive risk of diseases, including cancer, independent of hormones. Understanding these mechanisms could drive sex-aware medicine.         

A new study by scientists at City of Hope and TGen found surprisingly large differences in the number of mutations present in organs of healthy individuals. Some study participants had a similar number of mutations as is typically found in cancer patients. These results provide an explanation for why some individuals ultimately end up with cancer, opening the door to improved approaches for cancer risk assessment and prevention.