Excessive bite force does not cause alveolar bone loss but significantly worsens it when combined with periodontitis, report researchers in a new study. While traumatic occlusion has long been suspected to exacerbate periodontitis, the molecular mechanisms behind this link were poorly understood. Now, using mouse models of both conditions separately and combined, the researchers conducted comprehensive gene expression analysis across multiple periodontal tissues, identifying key inflammatory pathways upregulated in bone when both conditions were present.

Conical intersections are crucial molecular switching points in light-driven reactions, but accurately predicting them usually requires computations. A researcher from Shibaura Institute of Technology has developed a new low-cost quantum chemistry method that can simultaneously describe ground and excited molecular states while efficiently locating these elusive structures. The approach reproduces benchmark geometries with strong accuracy and enables practical simulations of photochemical processes, making it promising for applications in photocatalysis, solar cells, and biological light-response studies.

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and intrapancreatic fat deposition (IPFD) are disorders associated with dysfunctional lipid metabolism and obesity.  In a recent study, researchers have reviewed and compared the definition, causes, diagnostic methods, and emerging treatments of MASLD and IPFD that could help improve patients’ outcomes. In addition, they shed light on recent advances in artificial intelligence applications and presented personalized therapy integrated with the liver‐pancreas axis, providing novel insights for disease management.

AI-generated images are widespread on social media. Starting in August 2026, platforms will be required under the EU AI Act to label certain types of such content. A study by CISPA researcher Sandra Höltervennhoff investigates how users perceive these so-called AI labels and how they influence the credibility of information. The paper, “That’s another doom I haven’t thought about”: A User Study on AI Labels as a Safeguard Against Image-Based Misinformation, was presented at the Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI 2026) and received an Honorable Mention.

Plastics, medicines, cosmetics – there are very few everyday products that do not rely on using fossil resources. A European research team led by Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin is now aiming to revolutionize this cornerstone of the chemical industry: as part of the CarboNcare project, scientists are developing bacteria that can produce important chemical base materials from sustainable methanol – thereby replacing fossil resources. The project is funded by a €3.1 million Pathfinder Grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC), which specifically supports groundbreaking innovations with high market potential.