Few questions have captivated humankind more than the origin of life on Earth. How did the first living cells come to exist? How did these early protocells develop the structural membranes necessary for cells to thrive and assemble into complex organisms? New research from UC San Diego has uncovered a plausible explanation involving the reaction between two simple molecules.

Osaka University researchers elucidated the molecular details of how Drosophila larval epidermal cells (LECs) undergo cell death in a controlled manner to regulate epithelial tissue remodeling. Specifically, lower activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway occurs following reduced endocytosis. Decreased EGFR pathway activity allows LECs to switch from undergoing single-cell apoptosis to more widespread cell death in clusters. This supports faster LEC elimination and allows for proper tissue remodeling.

Through lipidomic and proteomic analyses, this study reveals how the Mariana Trench snailfish adapts to extreme deep-sea conditions. Findings highlight the fish’s unique lipid regulation, energy storage, and antioxidant mechanisms that enable survival under high pressure and low temperatures.

Coral larvae reduce their metabolism and increase nitrogen uptake to resist bleaching in high temperatures, according to a study published November 12^th in the open-access journal PLOS Biology by Ariana S. Huffmyer of the University of Washington, US, and colleagues.