Exercise can have a positive impact on various aspects of human health. However, we have a limited understanding of the changes that exercise can induce at a molecular level. This is mainly due to the fact that earlier studies have typically involved invasive procedures like muscle biopsies. Now, researchers have introduced two emerging fields–resistomics and enduromics–that use “omics” technologies to change our understanding of exercise-induced alterations in the body. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.