Cell division is an essential process for all life on earth, yet the exact mechanisms by which cells divide during early embryonic development have remained elusive – particularly for egg-laying species. Scientists from the Brugués group at the Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life (PoL) at TUD Dresden University of Technology have revealed a novel mechanism that explains how early embryonic cells may divide without forming a complete contractile ring, traditionally seen as essential for this process. The findings, published in Nature, challenge the long-standing textbook view of cell division, revealing how parts of the cytoskeleton, and material properties of the cell interior (or cytoplasm) cooperate to drive division through a ‘ratchet’ mechanism.

Stanford researchers have developed a flexible material that can quickly change its surface texture and colors, offering potential applications in camouflage, art, robotics, and even nanoscale bioengineering.

Terahertz (THz) radiation underpins many next-generation technologies and advances in materials science, but current THz spectroscopy methods cannot deliver both high spectral and spatial resolution simultaneously. Now, researchers have addressed this challenge by developing a novel methodology called spatially resolved asynchronous-sampling THz spectroscopy (SPRATS). Their system combines two existing THz measurement techniques to achieve micrometer-level near-field imaging and ultra-high spectral resolution, enabling the characterization of advanced THz resonant structures. SPRATS represents a transformative advancement in terahertz spectroscopy, bridging critical gaps between far-field and near-field methodologies while establishing new benchmarks for resolution and accuracy. This technology opens possibilities across multiple disciplines, including materials science, biomedical sensing, integrated photonics, and fundamental physics research.

Using ribosome engineering (RE), researchers from Shinshu University introduced mutations affecting the protein synthesis mechanism of probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). These mutant LGGs exhibit altered surface protein expression, including increased presentation of so-called “moonlighting proteins.” These mutants adhere more strongly to intestinal cells and induce enhanced activation of immune cells, making them “super-probiotics.” This study demonstrates the utility of RE—an inexpensive, low-risk, and rapid technique—for the enhancement of probiotic lactic acid bacteria.

In the journal ‘Nature,’ Utah State University biochemists and colleagues report newly discovered details about Cas12a3 immune system that precisely targets transfer RNA in invading pathogens, without destroying host cells.

Researchers built an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) that converts low-energy light into higher-energy versions without high-energy input or special materials.

Neuromorphic computers, inspired by the architecture of the human brain, are proving surprisingly adept at solving complex mathematical problems that underpin scientific and engineering challenges.

The City University of New York Graduate Center (CUNY Graduate Center) has received a grant totaling more than $1 million from Google.org to support the work of Empire AI, a statewide consortium of 11 public and private academic institutions focused on advancing the effective integration of artificial intelligence into higher education. The award—which is the second such source of funding that the CUNY Graduate Center has received from Google.org to support AI literacy in higher education—will further the reach of a comprehensive, multi-institution assessment of how best to prepare students across all degree levels and disciplines for an AI-driven workforce.