Just like in a huge factory, components must also arrive in the right place at exactly the right time in living cells. A research team headed by Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) has examined how the transport protein Rrm4 acts as a highly precise logistics expert in the fungus Ustilago maydis. Due to its significance, the work has been published as a “breakthrough manuscript” in the renowned scientific journal Nucleic Acids Research (NAR).

Researchers analyzed 17 tire- and rubber-related chemicals in Lake Sihwa sediments and found the highest concentrations in creeks that discharge into the lake. Sediment cores showed that contamination pattern shifted over decades alongside rubber industry growth and later pollution-control measures. The study is the first to provide a historical baseline for tracking tire- and rubber-related contamination in a heavily industrialized coastal ecosystem.

From butterflies to peacocks, bold circular "eyespots" are among nature's most eye-catching patterns. But why do they appear in some animals and not others? A new study of skates and rays finally provides an answer – and it lies in the full range of defences an animal has at its disposal.

The research presented in "Structural basis of human GHRHR conformational plasticity and ligand-dependent signaling" provides a groundbreaking look at the Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Receptor (GHRHR), a Class B1 G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) vital for growth and metabolism. While traditional models have struggled to capture the dynamic nature of such receptors, this study utilizes high-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to map the receptor's structural landscape across multiple functional states.

While the ketogenic diet has emerged as a promising nutritional intervention in cancer therapy, the core signaling pathway through which ketone body signals are sensed remains elusive. Concurrently, the mTORC1 pathway is a well-established central hub for sensing nutrients and energy, and whether and how this pathway senses and responds to ketone body signals had not been clearly defined.

Australian researchers have discovered a never-before-seen mechanism our bodies use to regulate sugar, in findings that rewrite the fundamental rules of biology and open a new frontier in science.

 

Hormones influence almost every process in the body, but public understanding of their role in health and wellbeing is limited. Today, Friday 24 April 2026, the global endocrine community joins forces to mark World Hormone Day and improve awareness of what hormones are, why they matter and the small steps we can all take to promote good hormone health. 

This initiative, led by the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) with a group of over 120 organisations including national and country endocrine societies, specialist societies, patient advocacy groups and other groups active in the field, has many activities taking place around the world today, online and in person, under the banner of #BecauseHormonesMatter. World Hormone Day 2026 builds on the momentum of last year’s campaign, which reached an estimated audience of more than 136 million people, with activities in 40 countries and 25 languages. 

With so much information about hormones available online, World Hormone Day is an opportunity to share clear and credible information with the public. 

Prof Wiebke Arlt, ESE President, said: “Hormones affect almost every aspect of our health, yet many people only think about them when something goes wrong. They might look online for help and feel confused by what they find or uncertain about what to trust. World Hormone Day is an opportunity to improve understanding and, importantly, to share practical, evidence-based steps people can take to support their hormone health throughout life.” 

ESE and the wider endocrine community encourage individuals, patient groups, healthcare professionals and organisations worldwide to take part, share activities and help raise the profile of hormone health.

This year’s campaign is supported by a range of new and updated materials, including social media materials, infographics, posters, videos and how-to guides, designed to support engagement at local, national and international level. The materials are available for anyone to download, adapt and use in their own community.

Join in the conversation online using #BecauseHormonesMatter.