Virginia Tech researchers have discovered a clever new way to detect an invasive pest — by letting ants lead the way.

Researchers are pioneering a new approach to treating glioblastoma by targeting the gene MBLAC1 for the first time. This gene regulates copper levels and influences mitochondrial function—both essential to cancer cell survival. Disrupting MBLAC1 could impair tumor growth and open a new path for therapy. The study breaks new ground by revealing a molecular pathway that drives cancer through a gene tied to copper regulation and glioblastoma risk. Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive brain cancer with one of the highest mortality rates.

A recent study involving researchers from the University of Basel reveals that slowing down the intracellular transport of RNA-based drugs can significantly enhance their effectiveness. These promising therapeutics are currently used to treat rare genetic diseases.

Senescent cells, which are damaged and inflammatory, contribute significantly to ageing. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing have found that worms can enter a senescent-like state, similar to that observed in mammals. This discovery provides a simple yet powerful model to study senescence at the whole organism level, enabling the identification of new ways to prevent or reverse senescence. These findings hold promise for developing therapies targeting age-related conditions and cancer dormancy.