Over nearly five decades, biomolecular simulation techniques have become indispensable tools for uncovering fundamental principles governing life at molecular scale. These computational approaches enable quantitative characterization of complex biomolecular events including protein folding, conformational dynamics and protein‑protein interactions, and have greatly advanced both fundamental and applied biological research. In recent years, the integration of machine learning, especially deep‑learning algorithms, has sparked substantial innovation within this field.

 

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is secreted by intestinal L cells in response to postprandial glucose, yet how glucose triggers this secretion has remained unclear. Here, the authors show that glucose itself acts as a ligand for glucokinase (GK), independent of its metabolism. Glucose-bound GK directly interacts with and inhibits K_ATP channels, leading to membrane depolarization and GLP-1 release without any increase in intracellular ATP. This mechanism is distinct from the classical ATP-dependent model and is validated by GK mutations found in MODY2 patients. The study also reveals that SGLT1 mediates basal GLP-1 secretion at low glucose, while the GK-K_ATP axis drives the postprandial response at high glucose. These findings redefine glucose as a signaling molecule and GK as its receptor, offering new therapeutic avenues for diabetes and obesity.

 

HBsAg loss is the preferred endpoint for functional cure in chronic hepatitis B (CHB), but remains uncommon with finite treatment. Peg‑IFNα‑2b may increase HBsAg decline in selected patients, but small real‑world cohorts have limited HBsAg loss events. Binary endpoints do not capture on‑treatment qHBsAg dynamics, which are measured irregularly. This study characterised qHBsAg trajectories using LOESS in NA‑experienced patients receiving Peg‑IFNα‑2b add‑on therapy versus NAs alone.

HBV genotype C is common in East Asia and linked to cirrhosis and HCC. It features persistent replication, delayed HBeAg seroconversion, active inflammation, and high HCC risk. Key drivers include BCP A1762T/G1764A, preC G1896A, abnormal HBx, and viral integration. This review summarises the molecular features, pathogenic mechanisms, and clinical implications, and discusses genotype‑informed risk stratification.

With the increasing threat posed by space debris to the safe operation of on-orbit spacecraft, the Whipple shield, as a critical means of defending spacecraft against hypervelocity impacts, has evolved from conventional single-layer configurations to advanced architectures employing high-performance materials such as fiber-reinforced composites. Advanced shields such as carbon fiber–reinforced composite laminates involve additional energy dissipation through failure modes including fiber fracture, delamination, and melting, resulting in shielding mechanisms that differ significantly from those of traditional Whipple shields. However, the currently predominant ballistic limit equations lack accuracy and generalizability for different advanced configurations, making them unsuitable for direct comparison of shielding performance. Hypervelocity impact experiments are costly and cannot be performed for every configuration, while existing numerical studies have mostly focused on the macroscopic morphology of debris clouds, with insufficient quantitative analysis of the hazardous fragments within them. Therefore, how to establish a method capable of quantitatively evaluating and comparing the shielding performance of different advanced Whipple shields has become a critical technical issue urgently to be addressed in the field of spacecraft space debris protection.

The 2026 ESC Guidelines on Cardiac Rehabilitation redefine cardiac rehabilitation as an integral part of cardiovascular treatment and long-term secondary prevention, rather than simply a period of exercise after a heart attack or procedure. Rehabilitation can begin during hospitalization and continue in specialized centers, at home, through telerehabilitation, or in hybrid models.

The guidelines emphasize a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach combining individualized physical training with risk factor management, medication optimization, nutritional counseling, patient education, smoking cessation support and psychosocial care. Programs should be tailored to each patient, including older people and those with frailty or multiple chronic conditions.

Cardiac rehabilitation can improve physical functioning, quality of life and psychological well-being while reducing rehospitalizations and, in selected patient groups, the risk of cardiovascular events. The recommendations now cover a broad range of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary syndromes, heart failure, valvular disease, atrial fibrillation and cardiomyopathies.

A major focus of the guidelines is also improving access to rehabilitation. Home-based programs and telerehabilitation may help reach patients who live far from rehabilitation centers or face other barriers to participation.

The guidelines were published in the European Heart Journal in August 2026. Associate Professor Michał Czapla from Wroclaw Medical University is one of their co-authors.