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Genomic DNA is organized into chromatin via nucleosomes, regulating its accessibility for critical biological processes such as transcription, replication, and epigenetic modification. The dynamic structure of chromatin fibers directly influences gene expression and cell function. To investigate chromatin architecture, scientists employ a variety of approaches, including advanced genomic sequencing technologies, to map chromatin organization within cells.Bryan Venters, PhDSenior DirectorGenomic TechnologiesEpiCypherIn this Innovation Spotlight, Bryan Venters, the senior director of Genomic Technologies at EpiCypher, discusses the importance of chromatin profiling and highlights both the benefits and limitations of traditional chromatin assessment methods. He further explains the impact of multiomic long-read sequencing…

Yes, ceviche is generally very healthy. It is exceptionally high in lean protein and low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, making it excellent for weight management and heart health. However, because it is prepared with raw fish cured in citrus, it is only healthy and safe if made exclusively with properly handled, sushi-grade seafood to eliminate the risk of parasites and bacteria. Ceviche, the vibrant and refreshing Latin American seafood dish, has become a global culinary darling. Known for its bright, acidic flavor and its preparation using fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices, it represents the epitome of light,…

Few fruits are as ubiquitous, convenient, and universally loved as the banana. Yet, when you start researching the fruit’s role in health, a surprising confusion emerges: is the banana an acidic food that should be avoided by sensitive stomachs, or is it a hero of the alkaline diet? This dual identity stems from a critical misunderstanding of food chemistry. On one hand, bananas possess a quantifiable pH that makes them mildly acidic. On the other hand, their chemical profile transforms dramatically during digestion, making them one of the most beloved and recommended foods for soothing conditions like heartburn and acid…

Yes, burgers can be a very healthy, protein-rich meal, but only when carefully constructed. A healthy burger uses lean meat (like bison, turkey, or 93%+ beef), is cooked via grilling or baking, and uses a whole-grain bun or lettuce wrap. Burgers become unhealthy primarily due to excessive saturated fat, high sodium, and refined carbohydrates found in white buns and sugary sauces common in fast food. The Great Burger Debate The hamburger. For many, it’s the quintessential comfort food—the taste of summer BBQs, classic diners, and quick convenience. But mention a burger in a health-conscious context, and you’ll likely spark a…

Credit: DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images Glioblastoma remains one of the most lethal solid tumors, with median survival measured in months despite surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Immunotherapies that transformed treatment for other cancers have repeatedly fallen short in glioblastoma, largely because the tumor microenvironment suppresses nearly every arm of the immune response. Against this backdrop, researchers have been searching for platforms that can both kill tumor cells and disrupt the immunosuppressive ecosystem that protects glioblastoma from attack. A new preclinical study from Mass General Brigham, published in Nature Cancer, demonstrates that a rationally engineered herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) may provide…

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant forms of breast cancer. It grows quickly, spreads early and lacks the hormone receptors that make other breast cancers treatable with targeted therapies. Even when patients initially respond to treatment, the cancer often returns and is more resistant than before.Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center have now reported on what they suggest is promising strategy to overcome the cancer’s resistance to treatment. The investigators developed an antibody targeting secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2), a protein that acts as a cancer enabler, fueling tumor growth by supporting new blood vessels, blocking…

A new review highlights the promise of microglia replacement, a strategy that made the leap from mouse studies to the first successful human trial in just five years [1]. Repair or replace Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, have been implicated in various diseases, including Alzheimer’s [2]. However, treatments modulating microglial behavior are scarce, partly because they hide behind the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which blocks many potential drugs and makes it hard to target them precisely [3]. Replacing defective microglia is an interesting solution, but until several years ago, it sounded like something out of this world. Surprisingly,…

Credit: wildpixel/Getty Images Researchers at the Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe) in Valencia, Spain, have discovered that analyzing specific patterns of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragmentation in urine could be a new and effective way to diagnose and stage bladder cancer. These findings, published in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, describe how the small fragment of the MYC gene, which is implicated in the development and progression of many types of cancer, could indicate the presence of both non–muscle-invasive and muscle-invasive bladder cancer. “Our most significant finding was that the small fragment of the MYC gene may…

Prostate cancer (PC)—a major global health challenge— presents a wide spectrum of outcomes, from slow-growing tumors to aggressive metastatic disease. Despite advances in screening and treatment, age-related risk, persistent inflammation, and lifestyle factors continue to drive disease burden worldwide. Diet, obesity, and physical inactivity can further shape disease outcomes by altering the gut and genitourinary microbiomes. Emerging research shows these microbial communities actively shape inflammation, hormone metabolism, and also treatment responses. This new IPA blog explores how microbial dysbiosis contributes to prostate cancer risk and how targeted microbiome strategies, such as probiotics, may offer new opportunities to support prostate health…

Stories on lung organoids and autism were some of the most read this week. We kicked things off by digging into recent breakthroughs in both areas, including an automated method for manufacturing iPSC-derived lung organoids and how a combination of supplements reduced autism-linked behaviors in mice. Still on the topic of new research, we discussed how a protein in the extracellular matrix helps muscle stem cells repair aging muscles. In business news, the bidding war between Lundbeck and Alkermes over Avadel Pharmaceuticals has ended. We talk about the possible implications of Lundbeck’s decision to back out and next steps for…