In a new study from Kindai University, researchers show that acute systemic inflammation triggered by lipopolysaccharide selectively disrupts metabolism in the cerebrum. Using a high-throughput metabolomics platform, the team discovered significant reductions in N-acetylaspartate and malic/aspartic acids alongside an accumulation of urea—indicating impaired neuronal function and disturbances in the malate–aspartate shuttle and urea cycle. These findings identify potential early biomarkers of neuroinflammation, and may support future advances in detecting inflammation-linked neurodegenerative disease.

Mechanical ventilation is a crucial part of critical care. Many parameters must be carefully monitored to mitigate dangerous disorders like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); however standardized ventilation protocols are often not responsive enough. Researchers from Spain report that artificial intelligence (AI) can bridge this gap. By integrating live pulmonary parameters with historic data on ARDS progression, AI can modulate ventilation to aid recovery and reduce the need for emergency interventions.

Composite copper–lanthanum and copper–yttrium oxides developed by researchers from Japan demonstrate exceptionally high antiviral activity against non-enveloped virus. These oxides are highly stable and achieve over 99.999% viral inactivation in laboratory tests. Using first-principles calculations and experimental analysis, researchers identified how surface charge, protein inactivation, and copper valence states drive the antiviral performance—setting the stage for advanced antiviral material design.