Structural alignment in fibrous tissues like myocardium and tendons is a key biomarker of physiological integrity and pathological remodeling. However, conventional imaging relies on staining. Researchers in Korea developed mid-infrared dichroism-sensitive photoacoustic microscopy, a label-free imaging modality that integrates molecular specificity with polarization sensitivity. It quantitatively maps protein content and extracellular matrix alignment in engineered heart tissues, enabling objective assessment of structural integrity and fibrosis without staining. This technique advances histopathology and regenerative medicine.

Researchers have discovered 195 genomic regions jointly associated with schizophrenia and osteoporosis-related traits, mapping to 1376 protein-coding genes involved in metabolism and anatomical development.

Dr. Noritaka Ichinohe discusses three decades of translational neuroscience in a new Genomic Press Interview. His work links primate models to human autism subtypes. The findings reshape global approaches to precision psychiatry.

A rare genetic variant found in families affected by schizophrenia completely abolishes the function of TAAR1, an emerging drug target for psychiatric disorders. The C182F mutation causes a 40% reduction in receptor surface expression and total loss of response to therapeutic compounds in laboratory studies.

A mini-review in Brain Medicine examines the distinct and often opposing roles of AMPKα1 and AMPKα2 isoforms in Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology. The synthesis reveals that these two variants of the cellular energy sensor AMPK may contribute to cognitive decline through separate molecular pathways, potentially explaining decades of contradictory findings about AMPK's role in neurodegeneration.