DNA methylation is a key epigenome component that helps dictate how genes are expressed, contributing to normal cell and tissue differentiation during development, as well as the process of biological aging. However, aberrant DNA methylation is involved in many different diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and autoimmune disease. In this article, explore what DNA methylation…
This webinar will be hosted live and available on-demand Wednesday, October 14th, 202511:00 AM – 12:30 PM Drug discovery requires experimental systems that more accurately capture the complexity of human tissues. However, animal models and conventional cell culture approaches often lack the physiological relevance needed for drug screening and translational success. New approach methodologies (NAMs)…
There are many hypotheses for why animals need sleep, but scientists struggled to find solid evidence—until now. Image credit:© Istock, Alones Creative Scientists have long struggled to pinpoint a reason for why animals need sleep. They’ve put forward many hypotheses, including the need for metabolic repair, memory consolidation, and immune system boosting, but these largely…
Researchers recently found that sucralose could negatively impact cancer patients’ response to immunotherapy and that the gut microbiome likely mediates this relationship. Image credit:© Istock, magnesium2 In 1976, researchers Leslie Hough and Shakshikant Phadnis from Queen Elizabeth College in London were studying the chemical derivatives of sucrose. Phadnis tasted one of these compounds, having misheard…
By modifying a protein in the cell’s normal elimination pathway, researchers targeted specific cells for destruction. Image credit:Mindy Takamiya/Kyoto University iCeMS When cells die or the body no longer needs them, phagocytic cells arrive to engulf them. This process relies upon the cells destined for destruction to express a protein that serves as an “eat…
Estrogen’s role in kidney health reveals why women have a lower risk of chronic kidney disease. Shown here are AI-labeled filtering units in a mouse kidney. Image credit:Tale c et al. Science2025 Chronic kidney disease is an increasing global health problem that affects approximately 700 million people worldwide.1 It is a progressive condition wherein the…
Stem cells that spent about a month in space showed signs of accelerated aging and accumulated cancer-linked mutations. Image credit:© Istock, dima_zel According to Einstein’s theory of relativity, time passes more slowly in space. As a result, astronauts would experience a delay in aging. However, scientists found that space travel may have the opposite effect…
Caffeine wakes people up by acting on neurons across the brain. Image credit:©iStock.com, Aleksandr Bondar For many people, morning is impossible to navigate without at least one cup of coffee. Amidst its many compounds that give this brew its unique taste, coffee contains caffeine, which helps push away the morning grogginess and perk a person…
