Welcome to Breakthrough News, a site providing short digests of latest news on breakthroughs in science, technology, health and society. Instead of spending hours wading through social media, get quick synopses of the information you are looking for. 

~Edwin Basye, Editor

Share

Recent Articles

  • ecDNA surrounding chromosomes

    Recent studies highlight groundbreaking discoveries in cancer research that may offer new pathways to potential cures. Two major findings focus on extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA), a unique form of DNA found outside chromosomes, which has a significant role in cancer growth and resistance to treatment.

    Read More: view
  • positive senior

    How Positive Attitude Affects Aging in Seniors

    A recent study, titled Just as Expected? Older Adults' Aging Expectations are Associated with Subjective Cognition, explores the relationship between positive expectations about aging and cognitive health in older adults. 

    Read More: view
  • kagome lattice structure

    Scientists have recently made a significant discovery in the field of quantum physics, focusing on a material called FeSn, which has a unique structure known as a kagome lattice. This lattice resembles a traditional Japanese basket-weaving pattern and is known for its intriguing electronic properties. This discovery may have promising implications for research in quantum computing.

    Read More: view
  • Ceres, the dwarf planet

    Recent studies have revealed that Ceres, the largest object in the asteroid belt, is more than a rocky celestial body; it’s actually a frozen ice world. Scientists analyzing data from NASA’s Dawn spacecraft discovered that Ceres contains a significant amount of water ice beneath its crust, particularly at mid-to-high latitudes. This has led to the conclusion that Ceres could hold vast ice deposits, potentially mixed with salts and clays.

    Read More: view
  • quiescent stem cell

    Recent research has opened up promising possibilities for reversing brain aging and repairing damage, by reactivating neural stem cells (NSCs). A study published in Nature Communications revealed the key role of SUMOylation, a process where proteins are modified by small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMO), in controlling NSC reactivation. By regulating the Hippo pathway, which controls NSC quiescence (inactivity), SUMOylation activates NSCs and promotes brain repair.

    Read More: view
  • NIP-2 Peptide

    A major breakthrough has been made in preserving mRNA stability, a discovery that could revolutionize cancer treatments and anti-aging therapies. Traditionally, mRNA (messenger RNA) is quickly broken down in cells through a process called deadenylation, which involves the removal of the poly(A) tail, a protective structure that helps mRNA survive long enough to carry out its function. This degradation process is largely controlled by a protein complex known as CCR4-NOT.

    Read More: view
  • Oxidative stress-responsive serine-rich protein 1

    New Study Finds FOXO-Regulated OSER1 May Reduce Oxidative Stress and Promote Longevity

    A recent study published in Nature Communications highlights how a protein called OSER1, regulated by FOXO transcription factors, could help protect cells from oxidative stress and potentially extend lifespan. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS), damaging cells and leading to aging-related diseases like cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.

    Read More: view
  • fly infected with fungus

    The Fungus That Turns Healthy Flies into Zombie Flies

    In the world of insects, a terrifying phenomenon is caused by a type of fungus that takes control of flies and turns them into "zombies." This fungus, from the Entomophthora genus, infects the flies, manipulating their behavior before eventually killing them. The way this fungus works is both fascinating and gruesome, showcasing the strange power of nature. Scientists have been studying this fungus, analyzing its DNA, which is much larger than most other fungi.

    Read More: view
  • nanotube chips systolic array

    The world of artificial intelligence (AI) is constantly evolving, with new technologies pushing the boundaries of what's possible. One of the latest breakthroughs is the development of a tensor chip based on carbon nanotubes. This cutting-edge technology holds the potential to revolutionize AI processing by making it more efficient and faster than ever before.

    Read More: view
  • cat destroying a couch with scratching

    Scratching is a common behavior in cats that can lead to significant issues when it targets furniture or other household items. A recent study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science delves into controlling cat scratching, offering insights into why cats scratch and how to manage this behavior effectively.

    Read More: view