Precise intracellular transport is essential for neuronal function, yet the exact mechanism of selective cargo delivery by motor proteins remains unclear. Now, researchers from Japan have reported that distinct kinesin-2 motor protein assemblies have specific cargo preferences. Their report mentions that the KIF3B/B/KAP3 kinesin complex specifically transports TRIM46 to the axon initial segment of a neuron. This discovery reveals the underlying mechanism of transport specificity in neurons and may help understand transport defect-related disorders.

Environmental enrichment (EE), which involves a combination of voluntary exercise and social interaction has been known to improve poststroke functional recovery. However, its effect on chronic inflammation and white matter pathology remains elusive. Now, a new study reveals that EE improves sensorimotor recovery after stroke while weakening correlation of infarct size with chronic inflammation and myelin damage. It also identifies TREM2-positive microglia in white matter as a potential cellular signal associated with improved functional recovery.

Research shows that living with friends may quietly be altering your gut bacteria. Research on a colony of tiny island birds in the Seychelles revealed they share more of their gut bacteria with the birds they spend the most time with. And the team say the same principle almost certainly applies to humans too. Dr Chuen Zhang Lee, from UEA’s School of Biological Sciences, said: “Translated into human terms, this means that cosy nights in, shared washing‑up duties, and even sitting close on the sofa may bring your microbiomes quietly closer together." The new research provides unusually clear evidence of how social closeness itself - not just shared environment - drives the exchange of gut bacteria.

While commercial honeybee hives nationwide are collapsing under attack from deadly parasites, a unique hybrid bee found only in Southern California has demonstrated the ability to survive.

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Hongmei Wang, Ph.D., as an Associate Editor of its journal, Stem Cell Reports. Dr. Wang is a professor of State Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology (IOZ), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

‍An internationally recognized leader in developmental and reproductive biology, Dr. Wang brings deep expertise in early embryo and placental development, and advanced in vitro modeling systems. Her laboratory investigates the mechanisms that govern embryonic and placental development in non-human primates and humans, with the long-term goal of improving understanding of pregnancy health and exploring culture systems that support extra-uterine embryogenesis. Her work advances understanding of developmental diseases and holds potential for improving reproductive health outcomes.