There is currently no way to stop calcification of the aortic valve. If all else fails, the valve must be replaced. To better understand the development of this common disease, researchers from Bochum and Bonn have taken a close look at defective valves. They were able to show that endothelial cells that line the tissue play a major role, as is the case with other vascular diseases. In addition, they were able to see that what happens varies greatly depending on whether someone’s aortic valve has three leaflets – as is usually the case – or just two. The team reports its findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association on June 25, 2025.

As we age, our skin naturally becomes thinner and more fragile due to a decline in cell production. Now, researchers have found that vitamin C (VC) can help counteract this aging process. Using a 3D human skin model, they showed that VC boosts epidermal thickness by activating genes linked to cell growth through DNA demethylation. These findings suggests that VC may help prevent age-related skin thinning and support healthier, stronger skin in aging individuals.

Aggressive forms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remain challenging to treat, especially in patients with FLT3-ITD mutations. Researchers from Japan have identified SETD1B as a key epigenetic regulator that promotes leukemia cell growth by promoting MYC activation through H3K4me3 modification. Using laboratory models, they demonstrated that disrupting SETD1B significantly slows cancer cell proliferation. These findings offer promising new avenues for developing therapies against treatment-resistant AML.  

The molecular arrangement of thalidomide in its crystalline form significantly influences its behavior at high temperatures. Comparative analysis of its different crystal forms revealed distinct differences in thermal expansion and molecular motion, driven by symmetry. These findings highlight the critical role of crystal packing in determining solid-state properties and provide a valuable framework for enhancing the stability and performance of pharmaceuticals through targeted crystal engineering strategies.

RMPY-008 delivers a structured digital protocol that combines evidence-based psychological interventions with neuroscience-informed sensory modulation. In a randomized controlled study of 103 participants aged 50-65, RMPY-008:

Reduced depression and anxiety scores and improved resilience and well-being;

Decreased levels of key pro-inflammatory immune mediators: TNF-α, IL-17, IL-23, IL-12, IFN-γ, and MCP-1, indicating a potential coordinated immune response. These immune markers are known to play roles in mood disorders and in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease;

Strengthened resting-state connectivity in the fronto-limbic network, especially the insula and prefrontal cortex-areas central to emotion regulation and immune modulation;

Showed a significant correlation between brain connectivity changes and immune changes - a significant association between increased resting state functional connectivity of the right insula seed and medial prefrontal cortex and reduced IL-23, IL-17 and TNF-α pro-inflammatory cytokine levels;

Showed a significant correlation between brain connectivity changes and psychological improvements - significant association between resting state functional connectivity of the right insula seed and key prefrontal areas (mPFC, ACC, and dlPFC) and improvement in depression, well-being and resilience scores;

Exhibited sustained clinical benefit - the trial also included a three-week follow-up period, during which benefits were sustained with only twice-weekly use;

Achieved high adherence and engagement - participants using the app showed 94% adherence, and more than 90% completed over 80% of daily sessions.