Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis are marked by the buildup of misfolded proteins that slowly destroy brain cells, yet treatments that address this root cause are still lacking. Interestingly, researchers provide a comprehensive review of the role of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) molecular chaperones in several neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, Hsp70 exert neuroprotective effects and mitigate the occurrence of pathological protein aggregates.

A prospective phase I/II clinical trial led by QST Hospital reports that carbon-ion radiotherapy achieved five-year local control and disease-free survival rates of 92%, with no grade ≥2 toxicities, in selected patients with stage I breast cancer who did not undergo surgery. Excellent cosmetic outcomes were maintained. These findings position carbon-ion therapy as a promising alternative for medically inoperable patients or those who decline surgery and support the need for larger, controlled studies.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), characterized by high aggressiveness and recurrence, poses a significant global health challenge. The interplay between the tumour microenvironment and exogenous exposures disrupts homeostasis, and tumour biological behaviours, then accelerating tumour progression. Sorafenib, a first-line targeted therapy, often faces resistance due to tumour heterogeneity and microenvironmental changes. Understanding the link between adverse exposures and drug resistance, identifying key molecules, and developing precise interventions are crucial for improving the management of advanced/drug-resistant HCC.

Climate change and armed conflict rank among the strongest drivers of migration across Africa. A new study by researchers at Chungnam National University analyzes 20 years of data (1995–2015) from African nations, finding that climate adaptation—particularly improvements in agricultural productivity—significantly weakens migration pressures linked to drought and armed conflict. Higher adaptive capacity, including better water access, health systems, and infrastructure, moderates these effects most during overlapping crises.

A new opinion paper argues that proprioception should be redefined beyond a fixed biological feedback loop. The authors propose that proprioception should be better understood as a dynamic, interpretable interface that can be edited, augmented, and potentially surpassed through engineered signals—an idea that could reshape rehabilitation strategies and open new directions for performance enhancement in elite athletes.

Chemotherapy exerts systemic effects that extend beyond direct tumor cell killing, according to a new study led by Tatiana Petrova, professor at the Faculty of Biology and Medicine at the University of Lausanne, and published in Nature Communications.