Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation play a key role in regulating gene expression. Emerging evidence suggests that intermediates generated during DNA demethylation may have distinct biological roles. However, their detection remains challenging due to their low abundance. Now, researchers from Japan have developed a novel light-sensitive oligonucleotide probe that selectively crosslinks with 5-formylcytosine, an epigenetically important intermediate, enabling its detection in target DNA and complex biological samples.

Next-generation vascular stents can make cardiovascular therapies minimally invasive and vascular treatments safe and less burdensome. In a new advancement, researchers from Japan and China have successfully proposed a novel adaptive 4D-printed vascular stent based on shape-memory polymer composite. The stent exhibits mechanical flexibility, radial strength, biomechanical compliance, and cytocompatibility in in vitro and in vivo experiments, making them promising for future clinical applications.

Scientists have created a new type of material that could enable common electronic devices to work faster and use less energy, a study suggests.