Kangaroo Island in South Australia is home to a large, mostly disease-free koala population which, at first glance, looks like a conservation success story.

 

However, new research from Flinders University shows that because the population started small, it carries a genetic legacy that may make it harder to survive future threats.

A recent scientific study co-authored by an Estonian researcher Indrek Koppel (Tallinn University of Technology) showed how genomic DNA repeat sequences that were previously considered useless play an important role in repairing nerve damage. The discovered mechanism may contribute to future treatment strategies for brain and spinal cord injury, as well as other nervous system disorders.

Scientists have achieved a major breakthrough by 3D bioprinting miniature placentas, providing a new way to study pregnancy complications.

Fibroblasts, cells that repair heart damage, might end up causing a vicious cycle of stiffening and scarring in certain heart conditions. Mechanical cues might be driving the problem. As the heart weakens and expands, the fibroblasts might be trying to prevent overexpansion. Researcher found that shutting down a signaling pathway in the rogue fibroblasts restored heart functioning in laboratory animal models. The finding could have therapeutic implications for developing new treatments.