Zebrafish have the rare ability to regenerate their heart muscle after major damage, unlike humans. Researchers have now discovered the gene circuit that accomplishes this — an embryonic circuit that zebrafish are able to reactivate as adults. By identifying the gene or genes that trigger this reactivation, the scientists hope to be able to revive the dormant heart-repair circuit in other animals, such as humans, and perhaps reactivate dormant repair circuits in other tissues.

For the first time, a fluorescent-guided nerve imaging agent shows promise for use in humans, according to a paper published in Nature Communications. The study sought to evaluate the safety of bevonescein, a synthetic peptide-dye conjugate thought to be applicable for intraoperative nerve-specific fluorescence imaging.

A new study from the University of Pittsburgh shows for the first time how exercise improves cancer outcomes and enhances response to immunotherapy in mice by reshaping the gut microbiome.