MIT scientists engineer starfish cells to shape-shift in response to light

The research may enable the design of synthetic, light-activated cells for wound healing or drug delivery.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News • mit
March 24, 2025 ~8 min

New tech could speed drug development and use fewer mice

New work should not only speed up the research and development pipeline for new drugs, but also hugely cut the number of lab animals needed.

U. Zurich • futurity
March 18, 2025 ~6 min


How nature organizes itself, from brain cells to ecosystems

McGovern Institute researchers develop a mathematical model to help define how modularity occurs in the brain — and across nature.

McGovern Institute for Brain Research • mit
March 10, 2025 ~5 min

‘Pac-Man with a ponytail’ proteins regulate everything from night vision to heartbeats – studying what GRKs look like could improve an array of drugs

Master switches of cell communication, G protein-coupled receptor kinases are the target of many drugs across a range of diseases.

Priyanka Naik, Ph.D. Candidate in Structural Biology, Purdue University • conversation
March 7, 2025 ~7 min

Eco-friendly tool could bring down drug costs

Researchers have developed a method that could lower medicine costs and contribute to cleaner energy and sustainability.

Eric Stann-Missouri • futurity
March 4, 2025 ~4 min

p53 is both your genome’s guardian and weakness against cancer – scientists are trying to repair or replace it when it goes awry

The gene that codes for p53 is the most frequently mutated in cancer. Researchers are targeting different parts of its complex pathway to restore its ability to stop cancer.

Prosper Obed Chukwuemeka, Ph.D. Candidate in Integrative Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
Feb. 20, 2025 ~7 min

Parents can soon use QR codes to reveal heavy metal content in baby food

A quick scan with a smartphone or an online search can identify foods with lower levels of these toxic substances.

C. Michael White, Distinguished Professor of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut • conversation
Feb. 14, 2025 ~10 min

Why bats need tunnels

Developers could save time and money by planning for nature at the outset.

Eleanor Harrison, Lecturer in Ecology, Keele University • conversation
Jan. 31, 2025 ~8 min


Toward video generative models of the molecular world

Starting with a single frame in a simulation, a new system uses generative AI to emulate the dynamics of molecules, connecting static molecular structures and developing blurry pictures into videos.

Alex Shipps | MIT CSAIL • mit
Jan. 23, 2025 ~8 min

Property developers installing as few as half of promised ecological features – new report

A new report highlights the extent that housing developers fail to deliver on their ecological commitments.

Malcolm Tait, Professor of Planning, School of Geography, University of Sheffield • conversation
Jan. 14, 2025 ~9 min

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