Computer model mimics human audiovisual perception
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 23-Dec-2025 05:11 ET (23-Dec-2025 10:11 GMT/UTC)
Temperature is a key physiological factor that determines the speed of immune reactions. While this may seem obvious, it has remained largely unexplored at the single-cell level—until now. Stefan Wieser from the Institute of Zoology at the University of Innsbruck and his colleagues report in Developmental Cell that the motor protein Myosin II regulates the temperature sensitivity of immune cells and drives the acceleration of immune responses at elevated body temperature.
Researchers discovered that different genetic drivers of leukemia use the same compartments inside the cell nucleus to keep cancer growing. The finding points to a shared physical target that could inspire new kinds of treatments.
New research from Virginia Tech shows that controlling pond water levels and removing invasive hybrids may be key to protecting the endangered California tiger salamander.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects approximately 29 million people in the U.S. and is the fourth leading cause of death. Mucus plugging (mucus that accumulates in the lungs and reduces airflow) and chronic bronchitis are both related to dysfunctional airway mucus, which is common in people with COPD. Sometimes mucus plugging and chronic bronchitis co-occur, but it is quite common to have one or the other but not both conditions. Given the limited availability of disease-modifying treatments for COPD, understanding the underlying biology of mucus pathology is critical to identifying new therapeutic targets.
In a new study, researchers at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine have found that mucus plugs in the lungs alter the pattern of gene activity in a way that is similar to chronic bronchitis, suggesting that there may be similar underlying causes to both conditions. It is believed these researchers are the first group to study gene activity differences associated with mucus plugging.
The Allen Institute’s 2025 Next Generation Leaders (NGL) cohort features eight talented researchers exploring the frontiers of bioscience and pursuing insights into biology with the potential to advance human health. This year, researchers bring critical expertise in theory, immunology, and cell biology, which aligns with the Allen Institute’s vision of collaborative, cross disciplinary science aimed at advancing human health and our understanding foundational principles in biology.