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Biology

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 20-Jun-2026 11:15 ET (20-Jun-2026 15:15 GMT/UTC)

Scientists identify the gatekeeper of retinal progenitor cell identity

Nara Institute of Science and Technology
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) can differentiate into all major retinal cell types during development, but they permanently lose this capacity as one grows older, leaving the adult retina with no ability to regenerate lost neurons. Recently, researchers from Japan investigated the epigenetic mechanisms underlying this transition, identifying an enzyme called Setd8 as a key regulator of RPC identity. Their findings highlight a potential target for future regenerative therapies aimed at restoring lost vision.

Journal: Stem Cell Reports
Funder: Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, the Nakajima Foundation, Japan Science and Technology Agency, the iPS Academia Japan

Key protein SYFO2 enables 'self-fertilization’ of leguminous plants

University of Freiburg
Peer-Reviewed Publication

An international research team led by Prof. Dr. Thomas Ott, professor at the University of Freiburg and member of the Cluster of Excellence CIBSS – Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, has demonstrated for the first time that the protein SYFO2, found in the roots of leguminous plants, makes it possible for the plants to ‘fertilize themselves’.

Genetic mapping of Baltic Sea herring important for sustainable fishing

Stockholm University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Herring from different parts of the Baltic Sea belong to distinct populations genetically adapted to local differences in salinity and temperature. However, these populations can also mix with each other, according to a new study by researchers from Uppsala University, Stockholm University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. These results have important implications for the management of the Baltic herring. The study is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Funder: Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, Baltic Waters, Vetenskapsrådet, Svenska Forskningsrådet Formas, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management

In the ocean’s marine ‘snow,’ a scientist seeks clues to future climate

Rutgers University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

As any diver knows, oceans can be cloudy places. Even on sunny days, snow-like particles drift through the water column, obscuring the aquatic world below.

Scientists have long known that this “marine snow” carries inorganic calcium carbonate – the building block of shells – but couldn’t explain how the mineral dissolves in the upper part of the ocean.

New research from Rutgers University-New Brunswick points to the culprit: bacteria.“Think of marine particles as the megacities of the ocean,” said Benedict Borer, an assistant professor of marine and coastal sciences at the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and lead author of the study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. “Within these tiny spaces, there are huge amounts of microbial activity. It’s here where calcium carbonate dissolves.”

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Funder: Swiss NSF, Simons Foundation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

“Bugs delivering drugs” – researchers publish new approach to colorectal cancer treatment using common food-borne bacteria

Baylor University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Baylor University researchers have published a novel approach to fight colorectal cancer, using modified food-borne bacteria as a courier to deliver potent cancer-killing proteins into tumor cells. Colorectal cancers accounted for the second-most deaths caused by cancer in 2025, according to the National Cancer Institute, highlighting the importance of new strategies for therapy and treatment. The study is published in the journal Cell Chemical Biology.

Journal: Cell Chemical Biology

Altered brain networks in newborns with congenital heart disease

Society for Neuroscience
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Babies with congenital heart disease have altered brain networks that may serve as a helpful guide for improving treatment interventions or developing treatment strategies.

Journal: JNeurosci
Funder: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), Canadian institute of Health Research

Raccoons solve puzzles for the fun of it, new study finds

University of British Columbia
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A UBC study finds raccoons solve puzzles even without food rewards, suggesting they are driven by curiosity and information-seeking

Journal: Animal Behaviour

Immune cells play key role in regulating eye pressure linked to glaucoma

Duke University Medical Center
Peer-Reviewed Publication

When the eye’s drainage system clogs, pressure builds up and causes damage. The pressure can lead to glaucoma and vision loss. New research, published March 9 in the journal Immunity, reveals that a specialized set of immune cells act as the cleanup crew, pointing to a promising new target for therapies to prevent a major cause of blindness.

Journal: Immunity

Digital media use and child health and development

JAMA Network
Peer-Reviewed Publication

About The Study: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, digital media use was consistently associated with risks to child and adolescent health and development, particularly for social media. These findings highlight the need for targeted, multifaceted policies and interventions to mitigate potential harms from digital media exposure.

Journal: JAMA Pediatrics