New research indicates reef passes — channels that cut through coral reefs and serve as conduits for ocean water and nutrients — are shaped by island rivers.

Chinese scientists  at the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a breakthrough process that significantly improves the efficiency and environmental friendliness of beta-blocker production—with a focus on the widely used compound propranolol, which plays a vital role in managing cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, arrhythmia, and angina.

A new study published in Engineering offers fresh insights into Alzheimer’s disease, revealing that inhibiting an enzyme called ST6Gal-I can reduce levels of BACE1 and amyloid-β plaques, which are key factors in the disease’s progression. This research underscores the potential of targeting glycosylation pathways as a strategy for developing new treatments for Alzheimer’s.

A key differentiator from early research is that Cassie was developed to be emotionally responsive, using facial recognition to read the user’s expressions and adjust its tone accordingly. 

JMIR Publications, a leading publisher of open access digital health research, is pleased to announce new Journal Impact Factors for its journals, as published in Journal Citation Reports 2025 from Clarivate.