EurekAlert! News by Subject: Biology - News by Subject: Biology

Biology

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 19-Jun-2025 06:10 ET (19-Jun-2025 10:10 GMT/UTC)

Scientists discover new enzyme families that break down rare bacterial carbohydrates

Tokyo University of Science
Peer-Reviewed Publication

β-1,2-glucans are rare bacterial carbohydrates involved in key biological processes, but their structural complexity has limited research progress. Now, a study led by researchers from Japan reports the discovery of new enzyme families that break down these molecules and proposes a new enzyme group called the “SGL clan.” These findings shed light on the molecular evolution of carbohydrate-degrading enzymes and open doors to engineering synthetic enzymes for producing novel carbohydrates.

Journal: Protein Science
Funder: JSPS KAKENHI, JST SPRING

Chinese Medical Journal article decodes the role of neurotransmitter receptors in cancer progression

Chinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.
Peer-Reviewed Publication

As cancer neuroscience continues to evolve, this review delves into the pivotal role of neurotransmitter receptors at the intersection of neurobiology and tumor biology. By analyzing involvement in key signaling pathways such as β-adrenergic and GABAergic, the study uncovers how these receptors drive cancer progression, modulate immune responses, and contribute to therapy resistance. Highlighting emerging NR-targeted therapies, the review sets the stage for more personalized, precision-based cancer treatments and marks a promising direction for future research.

Journal: Chinese Medical Journal

First named Pterosaur from Japan sheds light on ancient flying reptiles

Kumamoto University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A team of researchers from Japan, China, and Brazil has announced the discovery of a new species of pterosaur from the Late Cretaceous of Japan, marking the first time a pterosaur has been named based on body fossils found in the country.

Journal: Cretaceous Research
Funder: FAPESP, Willi Hennig Society

Excitation–inhibition balance controls synchronization in a simple model of coupled phase oscillators

Osaka Metropolitan University

Osaka Metropolitan University researchers provide valuable insights into the role of excitation–inhibition balance in synchronizing coupled oscillators and neurons.

Journal: Neural Computation

Menstrual tracking app data is a ‘gold mine’ for advertisers that risks women’s safety – report

University of Cambridge
Reports and Proceedings

Cambridge researchers urge public health bodies like the NHS to provide trustworthy, research-driven alternatives to platforms driven by profit.

100 new ribbon worm species and counting

Florida Museum of Natural History
Peer-Reviewed Publication

There are about 1,350 known ribbon worm species, but scientists estimate this is only about 10% of what's really out there. A new study emphasizes this point emphasized with the discovery of over 100 ribbon worm species off the coast of Oman, most of which are new to science.

Journal: PeerJ
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation

ISSCR working group recommends enhanced oversight of stem cell-based embryo models in response to rapid technological advances

International Society for Stem Cell Research
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) Embryo Models Working Group has released updated recommendations for the oversight and regulation of stem cell-based embryo models (SCBEM), aiming to address rapid advancements and ensure responsible scientific progress. The proposed recommendations are detailed in a new paper published today in Stem Cell Reports.

Journal: Stem Cell Reports

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