Biological motors, which aid microorganism movement in fluids, are composed of two components—the rotor and stators. Despite much research, the exact molecular mechanism underlying stator function is yet unclear. In a new study, researchers from Nagoya Institute of Technology analyzed the flagellar motor in Vibrio alginolyticus using cryo-electron microscopy and described how sodium ion flow through stators underlies stator function. Understanding biological motors better could lead to the development of efficient microscopic machines.

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have linked genetic variants to neuropsychiatric disorders, but their regulatory roles in non-coding regions remain largely unclear. Using the LUHMES neuronal cell model, researchers identified and characterized thousands of enhancers active during neuronal differentiation, linked them to target genes, and validated key interactions. This study demonstrates a significant enrichment of GWAS variants associated with Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia within these enhancers, providing a valuable resource for understanding neuronal development.

A multi-institutional research team led by Osaka University found that tricaprin, a natural supplement, improved long-term survival rates in patients with triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy, a new type of heart disease characterized by impaired triglyceride breakdown in heart and smooth muscle cells. Tricaprin improved clinical symptoms and long-term survival. Studying the effects of tricaprin on patients of different ethnicities would be an ideal next step to gather more evidence in favor of the drug.

DNA hydrogels are biocompatible drug delivery systems for targeted therapeutic interventions. Conventional DNA hydrogels, formed with many DNA nanostructure units, lead to increased preparation costs and design complexities. To address this, researchers from Japan constructed a Takumi-shaped DNA nanostructure with minimal DNA units and optimized its structure for improved in vivo retention abilities and sustained drug release. This study presents a promising DNA-based drug delivery system, which can potentially improve patient outcomes.

Researchers in Japan found that excessively activated neurons over time, rather than decreased neuronal activity, cause aging-related decline in brain function in nematodes.

A research team from Osaka University and Diponegoro University, Indonesia has developed two new autonomous navigation systems for cyborg insects to better navigate unknown, complex environments. The algorithms utilized only simple circuits that leveraged natural insect behaviors, like wall-following and climbing, to navigate challenging terrain, such as sandy, rock-strewn surfaces. For all difficulties of terrain tested, the cyborg insects were able to reach their target destination, demonstrating the potential of cyborg insects for surveillance, disaster-site exploration, and more.

A biohybrid hand which can move objects and do a scissor gesture has been built by a team at the University of Tokyo and Waseda University in Japan. The researchers used thin strings of lab-grown muscle tissue bundled into sushilike rolls to give the fingers enough strength to contract. These multiple muscle tissue actuators (MuMuTAs), created by the researchers, are a major development towards building larger biohybrid limbs. While currently limited to the lab environment, MuMuTAs have the potential to advance future biohybrid prosthetics, aid drug testing on muscle tissue and broaden the potential of biohybrid robotics to mimic real-life forms.

An Osaka Metropolitan University-led research team finds wild medaka engage in surprisingly active nocturnal behavior in their natural river environment.