Rotator cuff tears often heal with stiff, dysfunctional scar tissue, limiting recovery. A new study reveals why tendon regeneration fails after injury. Using single-cell profiling of tens of thousands of cells from patient tendon samples, the study maps the first atlas of human tendon scarring and identifies pro-fibrotic stem cells, senescent tendon cells, scar-forming macrophages, and transitioning endothelial cells. Targeting key fibrotic signals reduced scarring in animal models, suggesting new therapeutic strategies.

Narrow-ridged finless porpoises were long assumed to be mostly solitary species with little allomaternal interaction. In a new study, researchers from Kindai University found four infant porpoises swimming with non-mother adults. The functions of these interactions are unclear. It is possible that they reduce swimming effort for infants and help young females learn to interact with infants before having their own offspring. These findings are valuable for wildlife conservation and rehabilitation of abandoned infant porpoises.

A new study reveals that astrocytes—star-shaped support cells traditionally viewed as passive partners of neurons—play a previously underappreciated role in the maturation of coordinated movement. A research team led by Director C. Justin LEE and Senior Research Fellow HONG Sungho of the Center for Memory and Glioscience within the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), in collaboration with Professor Erik DE SCHUTTER from the Compational Neuroscience Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Japan, has uncovered how astrocytes regulate inhibitory signaling in the cerebellum during development, enabling the emergence of flexible and precise motor coordination.

A “peculiar” ancient relative of the crocodile which experts believe began life on four legs before, in adulthood, it learnt how to walk on just two has been revealed in a new study.

About 40% of East Asians suffer from alcohol intolerance, known as “Asian Flush Syndrome,” caused by an ALDH2 genetic mutation. Beyond facial flushing, this mutation carries serious cardiovascular risks. Carriers experience more severe heart damage during heart attacks, though the mechanism was unclear. A study led by Professor Yin Huiyong at City University of Hong Kong, published in Circulation, reveals that ALDH2 triggers ferroptosis—a form of cell death—during myocardial infarction. This accelerates cardiac tissue deterioration, explaining the heightened vulnerability. The discovery not only solves a long-standing mystery but also opens new avenues for precision prevention and treatment for millions worldwide.

New modular legged robot comprises multiple smaller autonomous robots. Each athletic module is a complete robot with its own motor, battery and brain. Together, modules form larger machines that can be rapidly assembled, repaired or reshaped on the fly. Study marks first evolved robot to set foot outdoors and first modular robot with agility.