New Biology papers
498 new Biology papers appeared in the last 3 days. Pipette read every one, and these are the 60 with the broadest interest, a real step forward and careful claims. Each shows the sentence of its abstract that states the main result, exactly as its authors wrote it.
The best of the last 3 days
Mammals produce cyclo -octasulfur to suppress lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis
Together, these findings reveal an endogenous pool of S 8 in mammals that may protect cells from oxidative membrane damage by modulating cellular sensitivity to ferroptosis.
Peer-reviewed journalClaims a big stepReal-world useThe gene-regulatory evolution of the human skeleton
These atlases reveal an extensive rewiring of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including a marked suppression of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) biosynthesis, leading to an approximately three-to-fourfold reduction in joint GAG content in humans compared with non-human apes.
Peer-reviewed journalClaims a big stepA near-complete chromosome from a bacterial pathogen integrated into the genome of its arthropod vector
In addition to numerous NUMTs and diverse families of transposable elements, an almost-complete chromosome of R. africae origin was identified in the cell line genome, localised to the putative sex chromosome.
PreprintClaims a big stepReal-world useAn in-body networking system for communication between wearable and implantable therapeutics
In vivo in rats, we demonstrate coordinated, full-body networks of sensors and neural interfaces that enable wireless dual-limb motor control.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyClaims a big stepReal-world useSocial Physiology: Human homeostasis is more efficient in social proximity
These findings demonstrate Social Physiology, a cross-domain principle whereby physiological homeostasis is more efficient in social proximity.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyBroad interestA global mitochondrial genomic atlas illuminates freshwater microeukaryote diversity
Here we establish a global mitogenome-based framework that converts shotgun metagenomes into species‑resolved, phylogeny‑anchored inventories.
Peer-reviewed journalClaims a big stepA bacterial-killing type IV secretion system as a hidden antifungal device
This study reveals a paradigm-shifting role for bacterial type IV secretion system (T4SS) by demonstrating that a specialized bacterial-killing T4SS (T4SS BK ) in Lysobacter enzymogenes serves as a universal cross-kingdom antifungal weapon.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyClaims a big stepReal-world useAncient introgression drives wild boar expansion and phenotypic diversification of domestic pigs
Here, using 745 genomes representing populations across Eurasia, we demonstrate that wild boar expanded from South Asia during the Middle Pleistocene.
Peer-reviewed journalLifespan single-cell transcriptomic atlas of the human prefrontal cortex
Here, using a single-nucleus transcriptomic atlas spanning the human lifespan, we show that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex exhibits non-linear, cell-type-specific transcriptional trajectories characterized by dynamic remodelling during development, relative stability in midlife and selective molecular reactivation in late adulthood.
Peer-reviewed journalClaims a big stepSingle-nucleus atlas of cell-type specific genetic regulation in the human brain
Here we present a comprehensive, single-nucleus multi-ancestry atlas of genetic regulation of gene expression in the human prefrontal cortex, comprising 5.6 million nuclei from 1,384 donors of diverse ancestries.
Peer-reviewed journalClaims a big stepControlling membrane tension by dynamic DNA nanorings
To bridge this technological gap, we present reconfigurable DNA origami rings for dynamically controlling membrane tension of sub-100 nm liposomes.
PreprintReal-world useAtlas of cell types and regulatory elements underlying human facial diversity
Here we created a multimodal facial atlas across embryonic weeks 6-11, providing single-cell transcriptomics, chromatin accessibility and spatial transcriptomics, all at single-cell resolution.
Peer-reviewed journalGenome assembly of Eucalyptus recurva provides insights into inbreeding and conservation priorities in Australia's rarest Eucalyptus
Here we report the first genome assembly of E. recurva: a haplotype-resolved, gapless, telomere-to-telomere (T2T) assembly produced from Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) long-read sequencing.
PreprintReal-world useSperm AluY Epimutations in Male Partners of Couples with Unexplained Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
AluY epimutation represents a previously unrecognized, predominant signature of paternal epigenetic perturbation in uRPL, establishing repetitive elements as a new axis of sperm epigenetic risk.
PreprintClaims a big stepStructural basis of step II spliced leader RNA trans-splicing in trypanosomatid parasites
These structures reveal the molecular mechanism of SL exon ligation and uncover lineage-specific adaptations that remodel the trypanosomatid trans-spliceosome for SL trans-splicing while preserving fundamental spliceosomal chemistry.
Peer-reviewed journalClaims a big stepLate-Stage Posttranslational Assembly of Fosfazinomycins
In this work, we provide the final missing steps in fosfazinomycin biosynthesis by revealing an unexpected engagement of biosynthetic machinery that is typically involved in ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs).
PreprintClaims a big stepRedox activation of ATG5 licenses autophagy upon nutrient restriction
The autophagic response to nutrient restriction is thus gated by oxidation of a single cysteine.
PreprintProtein hunger-driven nitrogen flow from phospholipids to amino acids inDrosophila
Using Drosophila, we reveal a previously undocumented nitrogen flow from phospholipids to amino acids, a process enhanced by protein deprivation.
PreprintPhysiological Group Synchrony Captures Individual Perceptions of Trust and Cohesion and Collective Performance through Multi-Channel Network Analysis
Together, these findings show that the social meaning of physiological group synchrony lies not only in how much individuals align, but in how physiological alignment is distributed across people, relationships, and biological systems.
PreprintLow-dose radiopharmaceutical therapy enhances the efficacy of B7-H3 CAR T cells in murine metastatic neuroblastoma
Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that low-dose RPT can potentiate the anti-tumor efficacy of CAR T cells in metastatic neuroblastoma.
PreprintHopeaphenol targets histidine kinase signaling across kingdoms to suppress bacterial virulence and potentiate plant immunity
Here we show that hopeaphenol (HP), a resveratrol tetramer from stilbene producing plants, acts on histidine kinase (HK) signaling on both sides of the Arabidopsis-Pseudomonas interaction.
PreprintIn-cell structures visualize human pre-ribosome assembly in the nucleolus
Here, we used cryogenic correlative light and electron tomography to visualize molecular landscapes within HeLa cell nucleoli and obtained in-cell structural snapshots of both ribosomal subunit precursors, the SSU processome and the pre-60S.
Peer-reviewed journalClaims a big stepA Community-Driven Single-Cell PBMC Reference Integrating Landmark Datasets Spanning Health and Disease
Here, we present HARP (Human Cell Atlas Reference for PBMCs), an integrated atlas of ~9 million PBMCs from >2,600 donors across 15 studies spanning four continents, encompassing diverse populations, neonates to 97 years, across health and diverse immune-related diseases.
PreprintShield strike shatter in DNA topology and nuclease interactions
Together, these findings establish a nanoscale structural and kinetic framework for how DNA is either degraded or protected under enzymatic stress, with implications for chromatin biology, innate immunity, autoimmune disease, and the design of nuclease-resistant gene delivery systems.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useThe biogeography of giant viruses and interactions with Eukaryotes across European lakes
Our results highlight that Nucleocytoviricota are ecologically relevant in lakes and that understanding their roles will be essential for predicting aquatic food webs under environmental change.
Peer-reviewed journalMultiplatform single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal sex-specific malignant states and architecture in male breast cancer
These findings define an MBC-associated malignant state and its immune-metabolic spatial context.
Peer-reviewed journalAI-Guided Multi-Objective Engineering of Glucoamylase Enables Acidification-Free Starch Saccharification
Here, we developed an artificial intelligence-guided strategy to simultaneously improve the thermostability, pH tolerance, and catalytic activity of glucoamylase from Penicillium oxalicum (PoGA).
PreprintReal-world useSpatial Transcriptomics Identifies Muscle Inflammation Susceptibility as a Distinct Periarticular Skeletal Muscle Phenotype in End-Stage Knee Osteoarthritis
Our findings provide the first spatial transcriptomic analysis of periarticular skeletal muscle in end-stage KOA and identify MuIS as a distinct local transcriptional phenotype in diseased muscle.
PreprintClaims a big stepTransposable Element insertions Repurpose Immune Endonucleases as Drivers of Reproductive Isolation in Mice
Here we resolve the DDK syndrome, a long-standing model of hybrid incompatibility in mice, by showing that two independent retrotransposon insertions rewire immune Schlafen endoribonuclease genes expression, causing hybrid embryo death.
PreprintEngineering plant tandem kinase immune receptors expands effector recognition profiles
These results establish integrated HMA domains as programmable modules within TKPs for designing new specificities in plant immunity for diseases relevant to global agriculture.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useChronic stress activates a hypothalamic vagal circuit to promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression in male mice
These findings identify a neural and immune mechanism linking chronic stress to hepatocellular carcinoma progression in male mice.
Peer-reviewed journalHydrogen sulfide engages catalytic zinc in HDAC6 to modulate an alternative deacetylation pathway
Here we show that H₂S-derived sulfur species engage the catalytic Zn²⁺ center of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) and enhance deacetylase activity under defined conditions.
Peer-reviewed journalIsoleucine absence from adult human hemoglobin is mirrored in mosquito proteomes and limits malaria parasite growth
Here we show a proteome-wide shift to lower isoleucine usage in blood-feeding mosquitoes, mirroring the known isoleucine deficiency of adult human hemoglobin.
PreprintBold claims, read criticallyChemical Synthesis of Thrombostasin: An Anticoagulant Protein Produced by the Horn Fly Haematobia irritans
Here, we report the first chemical synthesis of native thrombostasin and a hepta-glutamate analogue, together with assessment of their thrombin inhibitory and anticoagulant activity.
PreprintA Neutrophil Defensin-VDAC1 Axis Drives Steatotic Liver Disease
These findings link neutrophil innate immunity to hepatocyte mitochondrial dysfunction, recast host-protective HNPs as pathogenic effectors when hepatocyte mitochondria are lipid-burdened, and establish the HNP-VDAC1 axis as a therapeutic target in MASLD.
PreprintReal-world useAn integrated platform for genome-wide functional analysis in Aspergillus niger through Ac/Ds insertion profiling and metabolic modeling
Here, we establish a unified experimental and computational platform in Aspergillus niger ATCC1015 by combining curated metabolic reconstruction, Ac/Ds transposon mutagenesis and machine-learning-based essentiality prediction.
PreprintIn situ structure of the flagellar export apparatus reveals membrane remodeling and lipid-mediated coupling between FlhA and the export gate
Together, these findings establish a mechanistic framework for export apparatus assembly and energy transduction, providing broader insights into type III secretion.
Peer-reviewed journalA global S-palmitoylation map of Trypanosoma cruzi identifies ABCA10 as a key component of a redundant heme-acquisition system
Together, these findings reveal a redundant heme-scavenging strategy and expose a druggable vulnerability in a neglected pathogen.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useGenetic diversity and phylogeography of swine influenza A virus in 2013-2022 in Europe using a harmonized genotyping nomenclature
Application of this tool to European sequence data revealed unprecedented genetic diversity, successfully identifying 150 swIAV genotypes mixing segments of both swine and human origin.
PreprintReal-world useHistotripsy-induced vascular remodeling in the tumor microenvironment enhances local and off-target intratumoral drug delivery
These findings suggest that histotripsy not only creates a more favorable microenvironment for immunotherapy, but also optimizes drug delivery into solid tumors.
PreprintReal-world useDisrupting aberrant EGFR catalytic trimers reverses T790M gefitinib resistance
Genetically disrupting these pathological trimers into dimers via a single-point mutation rewires downstream signaling, decelerates tumor progression, and reverses gefitinib resistance in vivo.
PreprintReal-world useARSA: an autonomous research scientist for target nomination in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
To address this challenge, we present ARSA, an autonomous research scientist that transforms natural-language research interests and molecular data into prioritized, evidence-grounded target shortlists.
PreprintReal-world useLoss of restriction-modification methyltransferases drives persistence to fluoroquinolones in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Deletion of HsdM selectively increases the levels of persisters that survive treatment with fluoroquinolones by displaying enhanced SOS response but without acquiring resistance.
PreprintTargeting ZMYND8 unleashes IL-2 signalling to override T cell exhaustion
Here, using in vivo single-cell CRISPR screens of epigenetic factors and IL-2 signalling regulators, we reveal that the chromatin reader ZMYND8 antagonizes IL-2R–STAT5 signals to restrain effector-like states while promoting terminal exhaustion.
Peer-reviewed journalReal-world useLive-cell imaging and ultrastructure expansion microscopy reveal the dynamic intracellular life cycle of Encephalitozoon intestinalis
Here we develop a live-cell imaging technique, "silhouette microscopy", that does not rely on genetic manipulation of microsporidia, and enables us to study the live cell dynamics of E. intestinalis replication in host cells, from entry to exit.
PreprintKLHL40 gene replacement therapy in severe nemaline myopathy improves survival and skeletal muscle function in a preclinical mouse model
A single systemic administration of an AAV9 vector encoding human KLHL40 during early disease produced durable rescue of survival, skeletal muscle pathology, motor performance, and contractile function in KLHL40-deficient mice.
PreprintReal-world useLsp2 links early-life diet to adult translation and lifespan in Drosophila
These findings identify Lsp2 as a molecular carrier of nutritional history across developmental transitions, linking juvenile nutritional status to adult translational capacity and lifespan.
Peer-reviewed journalA germline-specific reporter reveals conserved primordial germ cell developmental dynamics between jawless and jawed fish species
Here, we report the development of the first germline-specific reporter (GSR) in the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), Tg(piwil1: egfp-UTRnanos1), a piwil1-based germline reporter that is driven by the sea lamprey piwil1 regulatory region that directs Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) expression in early PGCs.
PreprintBold claims, read criticallyClaims a big stepEscape of the BC200 gene to a human poxvirus reveals its persistent transposition in primates
Thus, BC200 blurs the line between gene and transposon, combining stable function with persistent mobilization, including a recent escape into a human poxvirus.
Peer-reviewed journalBold claims, read criticallyPredictors Recover Most of the Metagenomic Signal for Antibiotic Resistance Gene Occurrence: A Cross-City Test of Geographic Transferability in Urban Wastewater
These findings demonstrate that freely available environmental reanalysis predictors - spanning meteorological, hydrological, radiative, geospatial, and temporal domains - recover 78% of the predictive signal for antibiotic resistance gene occurrence in urban wastewater, allowing scarce sequencing capacity to be directed to the catchments where it changes a decision.
PreprintReal-world useThe chromosome level genome of the Blueberry Stem Gall Wasp, Hemadas nubilipennis (Hymenoptera: Ormyridae) on lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) reveals repeat-driven expansion
Given that (a) the biology has been characterized primarily from natural lowbush-associated populations, (b) the absence of genomic resources limits comparative analyses, and (c) populations on cultivated highbush represent a recent host shift, we generated the first chromosome-level genome from wild lowbush blueberry.
PreprintGhost Neuron preparation unlocks high-resolution structural mapping of intracellular architecture in axons
Here, we introduce the Ghost Neuron technique, a preparation combining brief hypotonic treatment with controlled mechanical rupture immediately before freezing, facilitating high-contrast imaging of neuronal ultrastructure within its neurite topology.
Peer-reviewed journalSystemic iron sequestration restricts the intratumoral CD8+ T cell landscape in pancreas cancer
These findings establish a direct link between hepcidin-mediated iron sequestration and tumoral immunity and nominate systemic iron dysregulation as a therapeutic target to enhance anti-tumoral CD8+ T cell responses.
PreprintReal-world useConvergent evolutionary loss of chemosensory and blood-feeding pathways in non-blood-feeding mosquitoes
Together, these findings identify a compact set of genes, expression patterns, and brain regions associated with blood feeding, offering an evolutionary entry point for functional dissection of how this complex and dangerous trait is built and dismantled.
PreprintSpatiotemporal dynamics and stability of multi-kingdom microbial communities in hospital sinks acting as persistent pathogen reservoirs
Together, these findings identify hospital sink drains as persistent and structured multi-kingdom microbial reservoirs that harbor clinically relevant multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs).
PreprintReal-world useDecoding subtype development and function in human pluripotent stem cell-derived midbrain dopaminergic neurons
Here we establish a strategy to derive substantia nigra (A9) and ventral tegmental area (A10) mDA neurons from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs).
PreprintSurfGraphPro: Integrating Protein Language Models with Geometric Deep Learning On Coarse Protein Surfaces for Binding Site Prediction
To our knowledge, this represents the first approach to integrate protein language model embeddings with coarse geometric surface representations for binding site prediction, demonstrating that learned evolutionary features coupled with geometric transformers can replace traditional feature engineering without sacrificing performance.
PreprintBold claims, read criticallyPolymer Polydispersity and Lipid Composition Control Nanoplastic Disassembly in Membranes
These results identify the molecular-weight distribution as a key determinant of nanoplastic-membrane interactions, and indicate that uniform model particles underestimate the release of polymer chains into biological membranes.
PreprintLymphatic networks enable diversification of B cell responses to vaccines
Thus, lymphatic networks diversify B cell fate, repertoire and affinity selection, and antibody isotype, revealing a programmable axis for tuning humoral immunity through vaccine design.
PreprintReal-world useLactate Receptor Activation Alleviates Senescence and Preserves Homeostasis of Aged Arteries
Together, these findings identify age-associated loss of GPR81 as a driver of vascular metabolic dysfunction and cellular senescence and establish pharmacological GPR81 activation as a promising therapeutic strategy for preserving vascular homeostasis and mitigating age-associated cardiovascular disease.
PreprintReal-world use