Researchers at Chiba University have identified a key molecule, CCL5, that plays a dual role in chronic kidney disease (CKD). While it protects specific kidney cells, it simultaneously worsens overall damage by promoting harmful inflammation. By developing treatments that precisely target the damaging effects of CCL5 without blocking its protective functions, scientists believe they could create smarter therapies to slow CKD progression and reduce the need for dialysis.

A novel study on the natural coordination of tooth development in time and space, led by Dr. Han-Sung Jung at the Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Korea, has discovered that “lingual” cells on the side of the tongue form the tooth, whereas those toward the cheek, called “buccal cells,” form the bones and gums, guided by signaling molecules like WNT and BMP. These insights could shape future modalities for tooth regeneration, replacement, and repair.

Nursing education plays a crucial role in shaping compassionate healthcare professionals, yet many universities in Japan rely heavily on standardized curricula, leaving little room for distinctive approaches. In a recent study, scientists examined Catholic universities’ nursing faculties to identify their unique characteristics. They found four core values—love for all people, wholeness in relation to God, resilience through suffering, and professional responsibility—demonstrating how Catholic social doctrine enriches nursing education.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and Waters Corporation have revealed that lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) — the delivery vehicles for RNA therapies — come in a surprising range of shapes and structures. Reported in Nature Biotechnology, the study shows that these structural differences directly influence how well LNPs deliver their therapeutic cargo, offering a blueprint for tailoring nanoparticles to specific diseases. The findings open the door to a new era of precision design for RNA medicines, moving beyond today’s trial-and-error approach.