Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections can lead to deadly brain inflammation, yet treatment options remain limited. Japanese researchers have now uncovered how HSV-1 evades the host’s intrinsic immunity by using an enzyme, uracil-DNA glycosylase, to block APOBEC1, a host protein that edits viral DNA to suppress infection. They also developed a promising therapeutic strategy to restore immune defense in the brain, offering new hope for managing HSV-1-induced encephalitis.

Often, physics can be used to make sense of the natural world. Increasingly though, scientists are looking at biological systems to spark new insights in physics. By studying squid skin, researchers have identified the first biological instance of a physical phenomenon called ‘hyperdisorder’, bringing new understanding into how growth can affect physics.

Published in PRX, an interdisciplinary team from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) studied the effect of growth on pattern development within squid skin cells. By combining experimental imaging methods with theoretical modeling, they found new insights into the unusual arrangement of these cells, and created a general model of hyperdisorder applicable to a wide variety of growing systems. 

Researchers from The University of Osaka found that PM_2.5 air pollutants negatively affect mucociliary clearance, a protective mechanism of the respiratory tract. Air pollution led to the formation of lipid peroxide-derived aldehydes, known to damage protective cells in the airway and increase the risk of infections. ALDH1A1 was found to play an important role in protection against aldehydes, making it a potential therapeutic target to diminish the negative effects of air pollution.

Researchers at Science Tokyo have developed a method to dissolve previously insoluble porous aromatic polymers (PAPs) in water by encapsulating them in aromatic micelles. These 100 nm-sized particles, which normally function only in solid form, can now incorporate hydrocarbons and dyes in solution, forming unique multi-component materials. The technique uses a simple grinding and sonication process, and enables particle size control via centrifugation and filtration. Notably, the presence of hydrocarbons enhances the fluorescence of the embedded dyes up to ninefold. This breakthrough introduces a new class of water-soluble, polycavity materials with potential applications in sensing, storage, and catalysis—opening up new possibilities beyond conventional single-cavity molecular systems.

A research team has designed and implemented a group motivational interviewing system using multiple chatbots to support premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a common disorder among women. The system consists of a facilitator bot and two peer bots, and simulates a group counseling environment for PMS management. These findings provide valuable insights into the use of multiple chatbots for addressing mental health issues.