Peer-Reviewed Publication

Lung cancer (LC) remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, characterized by high mortality rates and limited treatment options. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of gene expression and play significant roles in the development of LC. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of oncogenic miRNAs involved in LC, focusing on their dysregulation, functional roles, and potential implications for diagnosis and therapy. In this review, we collected data from published literature, specifically selecting English articles closely related to the topic. We conducted a thorough review of studies published between 2013 and 2023, utilizing prominent academic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to gather relevant data. Our investigation highlights several oncogenic miRNAs that have been shown to play critical roles in lung cancer biology, including miR-9-5p, miR-21, and miR-31. These miRNAs are known to facilitate various key processes, such as tumor cell proliferation, enhanced migratory capabilities, and the development of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Additionally, miRNAs present significant diagnostic and therapeutic potential. In conclusion, the unique roles and regulatory networks of miRNAs in LC warrant extensive further research. Further research is essential to uncover the complex networks of miRNAs and to develop innovative miRNA-based therapies for lung cancer.

A collaborative study by researchers from Toyohashi University of Technology and California Institute of Technology (Caltech) introduces a groundbreaking algorithm that maps individual brain activity in a multi-dimensional space. This “neural fingerprint” reveals stable, long-term neural traits that interplay with transient brain states during social interactions. The study demonstrates that individuals whose neural fingerprints are more aligned tend to more readily enter a shared state of deep focus—commonly known as team flow—which has profound implications for enhancing teamwork and performance across various high-stakes environments.

A study published in Forest Ecosystems reveals Douglas-fir introduction have limited biodiversity impacts, showing no significant effect in 78.6% of cases, with only 9.4% negative outcomes. While canopy spiders benefit from its dense structure, arthropod diversity is reduced due to the distinct bark structure. Based on the limited studies retrieved by the review, it is reported that Douglas-fir inclusion has non-significant or neutral effects. Key knowledge gaps remain regarding bat populations and long-term soil impacts. The findings position this North American species as a viable climate-resilient option for European forestry, pending further research to establish safe implementation thresholds.

Ferroptosis plays an essential role in chronic liver diseases, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) affects liver fibrosis through multiple mechanisms. However, research on COX-2 regulation of ferroptosis in chronic liver injury remains limited. This study aimed to investigate whether and how COX-2 regulates ferroptosis in chronic liver injury.

Oxidative stress could be a key process in acyclovir (ACV)-induced nephrotoxicity. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a water-soluble antioxidant with anti-inflammatory activity. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of NAC on ACV-induced nephrotoxicity in adult Wistar rats.

This research revealed that glassware used in manipulation and cultivation of fertilized eggs in the fields of assisted reproductive technology, livestock farming, and basic research leach toxic substances that interfere with development of fertilized eggs (embryos). There have been cases where the embryo development rates have dropped despite the right conditions. A Japanese research team investigated the reason for this and found that zinc eluted from the glassware used for culturing might be one of the causing factors. It is expected that this discovery will lead to the development of safer and more effective in vitro fertilization (IVF) methods.

The increasing contamination of soils by heavy metals, such as copper and lead, poses significant ecological risks.

Translation, or the synthesis of proteins, is a complex process orchestrated by the ribosome. However, translation may be stalled by the interaction of the ribosome with ‘ribosome arrest peptides’ (RAPs). While translation arrest helps regulate downstream gene expression, precise mechanisms underlying RAP activity remain poorly understood. Researchers from Japan have now characterized RAPs from Escherichia coli and uncovered a novel mini-hairpin-shaped nascent peptide that induces translation arrest through a unique mechanism.

A team at EPFL’s Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronic Interfaces has developed a soft, thin-film ABI. The device uses micrometer-scale platinum electrodes embedded in silicone, forming a pliable array just a fraction of a millimeter thick. This novel approach, published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, enables better tissue contact, potentially preventing off-target nerve activation and reducing side effects.