Patients with advanced prostate cancer may need periodic imaging scans to catch tumor growth even with stable levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein in the blood that doctors routinely monitor for cancer progression, according to an analysis led by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and Duke University. In some cases, cancer progression was detected on scans even when PSA levels were undetectable.

What do bee venom, frog skin secretions, and the body's own antimicrobial molecules have in common? According to a new review published in the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines, they all contain naturally derived oncolytic peptides, small proteins that are emerging as promising tools in the fight against cancer. Unlike many conventional therapies that target specific molecular pathways, these peptides primarily attack the outer membranes of cancer cells, allowing them to destroy tumors through a fundamentally different mechanism. Many can also stimulate immune responses against cancer, raising interest in their use alongside modern immunotherapies. The review summarizes recent advances in peptide discovery, molecular engineering, drug delivery, and clinical development, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges involved in translating these natural molecules into future cancer treatments.

Chronic wounds and drug-resistant infections are becoming increasingly difficult to manage, creating an urgent need for new treatment options. Plant essential oils, such as tea tree oil, clove oil, and thyme oil, are known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but their medical use has been limited because they evaporate easily and are difficult for the body to absorb effectively. A review published in the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines explores how nano-emulsions, tiny droplets that improve the delivery of active ingredients, may help overcome these challenges. By enhancing stability, penetration, and bioavailability, nano-emulsions could strengthen the antimicrobial and wound-healing effects of essential oils. The review summarizes recent advances in this rapidly developing field and discusses how these formulations may help transform traditional plant-derived compounds into practical tools for infection control and wound management.

PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are a growing global concern because they persist in water, are difficult to remove, and have been linked to health risks, including certain cancers. A new review by researchers from Hanyang University shows that the length of a PFAS molecule’s fluorinated carbon chain is a key predictor of its environmental behavior and treatment response. The study found that short-chain PFAS are generally more mobile and harder to remove, providing a practical framework for improving water treatment and contamination cleanup.