Scientists have discovered marsupial forelimbs (arms) develop before birth much earlier than previously thought, providing new insights into evolutionary innovation and biology.  

MIT engineers found a way to engineer and control the growth of blood vessels by mechanically stretching them. The technology could advance efforts to replace a patient’s damaged or diseased tissue with a healthy, artificially grown version.

Finding names for new species is a pleasant challenge for all researchers doing this type of research. This particular one was named Semicentenialea rex to pay tribute to King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden when he celebrated 50 years on the throne in 2023.

“During his reign, the King has worked tirelessly for biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of our natural resources. What could be better than to have a previously undescribed fungus named after you,” says Anna Rosling, who in connection with the official celebration of the King’s golden jubilee presented a picture and a description of the species to him.

A major challenge in cuproptosis-based cancer therapy is achieving tumor-selective activation without relying on external copper administration. Published in Biomedical Analysis, a new study from Guizhou Medical University introduces an iRGD-modified PLGA-PEG nanoparticle system that delivers the copper-chelating agent TPEN directly to tumor cells. By exploiting the high copper levels already present in cancer cells, this approach triggers copper-dependent cell death while reducing potential systemic toxicity associated with metal delivery.

What if the plants growing in a field could one day produce the same proteins that give milk its nutrition, texture, and cheese-making properties? A new study brings that possibility a step closer by revealing an unexpected way plant seeds can manufacture and store one of milk's most important proteins. The discovery could help overcome a major hurdle in producing real dairy proteins without cows, paving the way for more sustainable dairy ingredients and alternative food production.