With heart disease as the leading cause of death worldwide, there is growing recognition that recovery is not only physical but also emotional and social. A new study shows that strong and supportive relationships can indeed improve heart health for individuals with cardiovascular disease. The work is described in an article in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, published by Elsevier, which calls for intimate partners to be included in cardiac rehabilitation programs to support long-term heart health and quality of life for both members of the couple.

A team of researchers from YOKOHAMA National University, Japan, have discovered a previously unknown species of marine fungus that can kill harmful, bloom-forming algae.

The new species, Algophthora mediterranea, is a form of microscopic chytrid fungus that can occupy a broad range of hosts, suggesting that chytrid fungi – a diverse group of aquatic fungi – may play a greater role in marine ecosystems than previously thought.

Critically, the fungus was identified as a destructive parasite in a species of algae, Ostreopsis cf. ovata, known to cause toxic blooms that have adverse health effects on humans. The findings are published online in Mycologia on December 15, 2025.

Recently, a research team led by Professor Xie Huiqi at Sichuan University conducted a systematic review of dual-function biomaterials that combine anti-tumor and bone regeneration capabilities for postoperative osteosarcoma treatment. The article categorizes existing research findings into three design strategies: conventional dual-function strategies, enhanced anti-tumor strategies, and temporally regulated strategies. It further explores their design principles, therapeutic efficacy, and potential for clinical translation. This review aims to provide insights for establishing an integrated "anti-tumor and bone regeneration" treatment model and offers perspectives on future research directions in the field. The related work, entitled "Dual-Function Biomaterials for Postoperative Osteosarcoma: Tumor Suppression and Bone Regeneration," has been published in Research.

Despite the limited performance, the project remains a proof of concept that pig skin can absorb medication delivered through a dissolvable microneedle patch. The research team also found that the patches work better on the neck than the ear. No adverse responses were observed at application sites, highlighting the safety and tolerability of the patches. Additionally, a new approach is being developed using the microneedle patch technology as a way to incorporate tattoos for animal tagging.