A paper published in National Science Review brings together evidence on how plastics are produced, released, transported and transformed, and how they affect ecosystems, human health and Earth-system processes. It argues that lasting solutions must address the full plastics life cycle, with upstream prevention and safer design supported by reuse, recycling, pollution control, monitoring, and coordinated global governance.

A team led by researchers at Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute reports that combining targeted KRAS inhibition with CTLA-4 immune checkpoint blockade overcomes the immunosuppressive microenvironment that renders KRAS-mutant gastric adenocarcinoma resistant to PD-1 immunotherapy. In a genetically faithful, immunocompetent mouse model of KRAS^G12D-driven gastric cancer, the combination suppressed TGF-beta signaling, impaired regulatory T cell function and elicited effective anti-tumor immunity. The study, published in Science China Life Sciences, provides a preclinical rationale for CTLA-4-based combination immunotherapy in this molecularly defined subset of patients.

Researchers are exploring a new frontier in nanomedicine by combining photobiomodulation, a low-intensity light-based therapeutic approach, with nanoparticles used for diagnosis and treatment. This review highlights how PBM may regulate nanoparticle interactions with cells and enhance intracellular delivery pathways. The study identifies key challenges and future directions for developing next-generation targeted nanotherapeutic strategies.

Tony Hunter receives the 2026 Albany Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research in recognition of his tyrosine phosphorylation discovery in 1979, which paved the way for 100+ cancer drugs. The award celebrates scientists whose research has led to treatments that significantly improve patients’ lives and comes with a $500,000 prize.

Patients who received free weekly packages of plant-based groceries through the Mass General Brigham Revere Community Health Center’s Food Pantry for up to three years showed dose-dependent improvements in blood pressure, weight and BMI. 

LSTM announces new £4.5m partnership to tackle neglected tropical diseases

 

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) has announced a new partnership to develop innovative, acceptable and feasible tools to accelerate progress towards eliminating two neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

A team of UTHealth Houston researchers has been awarded a five-year, $4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to identify genetic markers that may contribute to weight gain after stopping GLP-1 medications.