Mitochondria are critical for cellular homeostasis, regulating bioenergetics, redox balance, Ca²⁺ signaling, and cell death. Mitochondrial Ca²⁺ (Ca²⁺_mito) plays a dual role in physiological processes like ATP production and pathophysiological events, including cell death and cancer. The balance of Ca²⁺ uptake and efflux, mediated by mitochondrial transporters and mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contact sites (MERCS), is essential for maintaining Ca²⁺_mito homeostasis. This review summarizes current insights into mitochondrial Ca²⁺ regulation, its roles in physiology and neurodegenerative diseases, and explores therapeutic strategies targeting Ca²⁺ homeostasis, including innovative drug delivery systems and calcium-modulating agents.

Researchers from Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, reveal how manipulating the microscopic life living on seaweed could revolutionize seaweed farming and boost its potential for fighting climate change. This innovative approach could transform seaweed cultivation from a regional industry into a powerful tool for carbon capture and sustainable resource production.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis, and understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying its progression is crucial for developing effective therapies. A recent study has uncovered a critical role of the BOLA3 gene and its exon 3 inclusion, which is promoted by the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (HNRNPC), in accelerating ESCC progression. This discovery provides new insights into the molecular pathology of ESCC and may have implications for the development of targeted therapies.

Researchers from Hohai University, Northwestern University, and Politecnico di Milano have introduced a pioneering mesoscale mechanical discrete model, LDPM-MicroF, to simulate the fracture behavior of micro fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC), as reported in Engineering.