Scientists have uncovered a surprising new role for the protein Frazzled in keeping neurons fast and precisely connected. Studying the fruit fly’s Giant Fiber System, which drives its rapid escape reflex, they found that without Frazzled, neurons fail to form proper electrical connections, slowing responses and weakening movement. Remarkably, the protein’s intracellular portion alone could restore normal signaling. By combining genetics, imaging and modeling, the team revealed how Frazzled (known as DCC in mammals) fine-tunes gap junctions, offering fresh insight into how nervous systems – from flies to humans – stay reliably wired.

A research paper by scientists at Southern Medical University presented a novel federated metadata-constrained method with mutual learning for all-in-one CT reconstruction.

The research paper, published on Aug. 27, 2025 in the journal Cyborg and Bionic Systems.

The era of AI requires new educational taxonomies that prepare AI natives for personal and professional success. In a new breakthrough, a researcher from the Educational University of Hong Kong has proposed, in TAO, the novel SCALE taxonomy that integrates scientific literacy, computational thinking, AI literacy, learning to learn/metacognition, and engineering and design thinking. It equips AI natives to engage in meaningful experiences and promotes “authentic learning through creating” in the age of AI.

This study evaluates virtual 3D scanned prosections in gross anatomy education. Twenty-nine medical students were divided into physical or virtual teaching groups. Both groups showed significant post-test score improvements, with no significant difference between them. While students found 3D scans effective for learning and exam preparation, they preferred dissection for lab experience. Results indicate virtual 3D scans are a valuable supplementary tool but not a replacement for traditional dissection in medical education.