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.

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.

Published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, a new study presents a novel composite hydrogel combining bacterial cellulose, conductive polypyrrole, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to treat diabetic wounds. The hydrogel mimics the skin’s natural healing cascade, offering antibacterial protection, immune regulation, and enhanced tissue regeneration. In vitro and in vivo results show accelerated wound closure, improved vascularization, and reduced inflammation. The material’s electrical responsiveness allows controlled release of bioactive molecules, making it a promising advanced wound dressing for chronic diabetic ulcers.

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.

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is central to gene regulation, but accurately simulating its folding is a long-standing challenge in computational biology. In a recent study, Associate Professor Tadashi Ando from Tokyo University of Science rigorously evaluated state-of-the-art molecular dynamics simulation tools. By testing 26 diverse RNA stem loops, he achieved highly accurate folding predictions and outlined areas for improvement, marking a major step toward RNA-based drug discovery and design.