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A 3D virtual model of the PKMYT1–PROTAC–CRBN ternary complex depicting how Insilico Medicine’s bifunctional proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) D16-M1P2 (shown in yellow) inhibits membrane-associated tyrosine-threonine protein kinase 1 (PKMYT1, shown in green), tagging the incapacitated enzyme to ubiquitin E3 ligase cereblon (CRBN, shown in blue), the protein system for targeted cell waste removal. A team of researchers at Insilico Medicine has used the company’s Chemistry42 generative artificial intelligence (AI) platform to design a first-in-class PROTAC designed to fight cancer by degrading and inhibiting PKMYT1, leading to its destruction. [Insilico Medicine] Because of its pivotal role in cell cycle regulation—and its overexpression…

To cut a dragon fruit properly, follow these simple steps: Slice: Place the fruit on a cutting board and cut it in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Scoop: Run a tablespoon between the pink skin and the flesh to scoop the meat out in one piece. Alternatively, peel the skin back with your fingers. Cube: Discard the inedible skin and chop the flesh into cubes or wedges. Serve chilled. Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is arguably the most photogenic fruit in the produce aisle. With its vibrant, bright pink skin, green scales, and speckled flesh, it looks like…

This postdoc’s work aims to clarify how molecular dysfunction shapes neuromuscular conditions.Image credit:Stanford Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, ©iStock.com, koto_fejaQ | Write a brief introduction to yourself including the lab you work in and your research background. My name is Marwa Zafarullah. I am a neuroscientist and postdoctoral researcher in the Neuromuscular Division at Stanford University School of Medicine, mentored by John Day. I study the molecular basis of neuromuscular diseases using advanced approaches, aiming to uncover pathways, identify therapeutic targets, and ultimately help patients and their families.Q | How did you first get interested in science and/or your field of…

Credit: Thomas Faull / iStock / Getty Images Plus Sponsored content brought to you by Lateral flow assays (LFAs) have become indispensable tools in diagnostics valued for their speed, versatility, and accessibility. As developers and end users push for higher sensitivity and quantitative readouts, many challenges emerge that trace back to the quality and integrity of assay reagents. Among these, the properties of antibodies and antigens remain the most influential determinants of assay performance and reliability. Credit: Fortis Life Sciences Challenge 1: Sensitivity and antibody affinity Assay sensitivity is determined largely by the strength and stability of the antibody–antigen interaction.…

Cod liver oil has been a staple in medicine cabinets for centuries. Once, spoonfuls of the strong-tasting liquid were forced upon children to ward off rickets; today, it has evolved into a highly refined supplement favored for its unique nutrient profile. But is it still relevant in the age of modern multivitamins? The short answer is yes. Cod liver oil is a nutrient-dense powerhouse unlike almost any other supplement. It is one of nature’s best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin D—all in one package. Whether you are looking to support heart health, improve skin texture, boost…

San Diego – The results from Arc Institute’s inaugural Virtual Cell Challenge are in. The public competition, sponsored by Nvidia, 10x Genomics, and Ultima Genomics, declared not one, but two grand prizes, worth $100,000 each, to the machine learning models that “best” predicted how cells responded to genetic perturbations. The announcement closed out Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS) conference week.  A newly established Generalist Prize was awarded to Altos Labs, the for-profit biotech company launched in January 2022 with $3 billion funding with the mission of restoring cell health and resilience through cell rejuvenation. First place went to BioMap Research, a company applying foundation models to an array of applications from therapeutic antibodies to industrial enzymes.  Over 5,000 people registered for the competition across 114…

Territorial behavior in academia, or the Gollum effect, affects 44 percent of researchers, a survey found, causing some to shift career trajectories or even behave like Gollum themselves.Image credit:©iStock, KerrickEven those who have not seen The Lord of the Rings are likely familiar with Gollum’s iconic line, “My precious,” which embodies his obsession with the One Ring. Gollum’s extreme territorial behavior rang a bell for Jose Valdez, a postdoctoral researcher at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, as he experienced similar behaviors from fellow researchers as a trainee. Jose Valdez, an ecologist at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity…

A wireless, ontogenetic device that sends information directly to the brain has been developed by a team at Northwestern University. The soft, flexible device sits under the scalp, on top of the skull, where it delivers precise patterns of light through the bone to activate neurons across the cortex. “Our brains are constantly turning electrical activity into experiences, and this technology gives us a way to tap into that process directly,” said Yevgenia Kozorovitskly, PhD, professor of neurobiology at Northwestern University. “This platform lets us create entirely new signals and see how the brain learns to use them. It brings…

2025 saw advances in stem cell biology, neurobiology, and cellular immunology research.Image credit:© iStock.com, jamesbenetAs 2025 comes to a close, the editors at The Scientist asked researchers to reflect on the biggest breakthroughs in cell biology this year. They named advances in everything from embryo models for developmental biology research to converting peripheral cells in the brain into microglia for future therapeutic applications. Read on to see what other discoveries they called the most exciting of 2025.Cedars-Sinai Medical CenterStem Cell Models and Bioinformatics ToolsOphir Klein, developmental biologist, Cedars-Sinai Medical CenterThe development of stem cell-based embryo models and various other iterations…

Credit: xfzsy/Getty Images New research from the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center suggests that a virtual program centered on diet and exercise may help patients better tolerate chemotherapy for lymphoma and remain on schedule with their prescribed regimens. Early results of this form of intervention were derived from the Lifestyle Intervention of Food and Exercise for Lymphoma Survivors (LIFE-L) randomized clinical trial, which is evaluating whether lifestyle support delivered during chemotherapy can reduce the side effects from lymphoma therapies that are known to interfere with ongoing, prescribed treatments. Early findings from LIFE-L will be presented at the American Society of Hematology…