The National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), in collaboration with Seikei University, has successfully enhanced the power output of lithium-air batteries, which are attracting attention as next-generation batteries. By developing a highly porous electrode made of carbon nanotubes, the team achieved a tenfold increase in output current. The lithium-air battery developed in this study not only has extremely high energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries but also significantly improved power performance. As a result, it is now able to supply the power required for hovering small drones, making significant improvements in flight duration feasible. These results were published online in the Journal of Power Sources on February 9, 2025.

Looking for ways to make construction greener? A new study explores how recycled concrete and carbonation technology can reduce CO₂ emissions. Discover the smart strategies to boost the eco-friendly benefits of recycled aggregate concrete and make buildings more sustainable.

Looking to build stronger, more durable structures? A new review in Engineering explores how to fine-tune the flow properties of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) for applications like 3D printing and self-consolidating mixes. Discover the science behind making UHPC work better!

A small-molecule compound named TAC has been identified that reawakens the catalytic subunit of telomerase (TERT) in somatic cells and, in doing so, stalls multiple hallmarks of natural aging without provoking cancer. Administered intraperitoneally to middle-aged mice, the 400 Da lipophilic agent crosses the blood–brain barrier, elevates TERT transcription within brain, heart and skeletal muscle, and lengthens telomeres while suppressing DNA damage foci. Over a six-month regimen it improved hippocampal neurogenesis, reversed neuromuscular decline and enhanced cognition; mechanistically, these gains trace to a MEK/ERK/FOS/AP-1 signalling cascade that drives TERT expression and, in turn, epigenetically silences p16^INK4a^ via DNMT3b-mediated promoter hypermethylation. Concomitantly, the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (IL-1β, IL-6, MMP-3, VEGF) is down-regulated, systemic low-grade inflammation subsides and no neoplastic lesions appear.

This study investigates the susceptibility of African spiny mice (Acomys dimidiatus) to carcinogenesis induced by DMBA/TPA, a common two-stage chemical carcinogenesis model. The research reveals that despite their high regenerative capacity, Acomys exhibits resistance to skin carcinogenesis, showing delayed tumor formation and a distinct benign tumor profile compared to C57BL/6 mice. The study highlights the role of enhanced immune response, higher apoptosis, and inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in conferring this resistance.

EZH2, the catalytic core of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), silences gene expression through H3K27me3 modification and is emerging as a master epigenetic regulator beyond cancer. The review “EZH2 in Non-Cancerous Diseases: Expanding Horizons” by Prof. Lixiang Xue's team, published in Protein & Cell, systematically uncovers EZH2’s multifaceted roles in autoimmune, fibrotic, metabolic, and neurological diseases. The authors propose a CDE3 therapeutic model to advance targeted epigenetic therapy in chronic diseases.

Triterpenes, a diverse family of plant-derived molecules, are increasingly recognized for their potential in medicine, food, and sustainable industry.

Flowering in woody bamboos has long been considered one of botany's great mysteries, due to its rarity, unpredictability, and the eventual death of clumps after blooming. 

Salk Institute scientists developed an improved workflow for characterizing capsids (genome-containing protein cones) in HIV-1 (the most common form of HIV). This novel workflow incorporates advanced technology that will allow scientists to better understand how capsid morphology changes in response to distinct pressures and to pinpoint new, more effective ways to target capsids and treat HIV-1. Importantly, the workflow can also be used to study structural changes in other, non-HIV viruses.