A University of Iowa-led research team has documented in humans that physical exercise sparks an increase in brain waves called ripples connecting areas in the brain linked to learning and memory. The researchers noted that a single exercise session spawns a spike in ripples and learning-memory connections. Results published in the journal Brain Communications.

The NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK), a molecule pivotal for immune system development and function, shows significant yet complex potential as a therapeutic target. The comprehensive review, published by Professor Shao-Cong Sun’s team, systematically details the expanding understanding of NIK. This article summarizes its canonical roles, its newly discovered functions independent of NF-κB, and its pathological contributions to autoimmunity, framing both the opportunities and challenges in targeting this critical immune regulator.

Rotator cuff tears often heal with stiff, dysfunctional scar tissue, limiting recovery. A new study reveals why tendon regeneration fails after injury. Using single-cell profiling of tens of thousands of cells from patient tendon samples, the study maps the first atlas of human tendon scarring and identifies pro-fibrotic stem cells, senescent tendon cells, scar-forming macrophages, and transitioning endothelial cells. Targeting key fibrotic signals reduced scarring in animal models, suggesting new therapeutic strategies.