Category Health/Medical

How a key protein helps drive healthy longevity by maintaining a precise balance

One foot on the gas and one on the brake: How a key protein helps drive healthy longevity
Illustration of the one-carbon metabolic pathway. Sirt6-dependent differentially acetylated proteins are highlighted by red circles. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2514084122

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have discovered how the longevity-associated protein Sirt6 orchestrates a delicate molecular balancing act that protects the body from age-related decline and disease. The new findings, just published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveal how Sirt6 preserves health during aging and may pave the way for therapies that promote a longer, healthier life.

Sirt6, often described as a master regulator of aging, is known for its powerful protective effects against age-related diseases such as cancer, diabete...

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Artificial neuron can mimic different parts of the brain—a major step toward human-like robotics

Scientists' artificial neuron can mimic different parts of the brain – a major step towards human-like robotics
An electronic chip used to create an artificial transneuron – a tiny electronic circuit that replicates how brain cells pass signals between one another by generating small electrical pulses. Credit: Loughborough University

Robots that can sense and respond to the world like humans may soon be a reality as scientists have created an artificial neuron capable of mimicking different parts of the brain.

Artificial neurons—tiny electronic circuits that replicate the way brain cells communicate—lie at the heart of neuromorphic computing, a field aiming to bring human-like intelligence to machines.

Despite rapid progress, today’s artificial neurons can only perform fixed tasks, each serving a narrow role...

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Signpost of cancer linked to wound-healing properties

Graphic illustration of a person's upper torso, as seen from the back, with red color and white dots and lines centered on an area to indicate pain.
ASU researchers Jordan Yaron and Kaushal Rege have found that the previously mysterious protein SerpinB3 plays a vital role in the body’s natural wound-healing process. Their findings could lead to better treatments for hard-to-heal wounds and open new avenues for tackling cancer and other diseases. Graphic by Jason Drees/ASU

SerpinB3 turns out to be both a healing powerhouse and a cancer accomplice—revealing new possibilities for medicine. Researchers have uncovered that SerpinB3, typically linked to severe cancers, is also a key player in natural wound healing. The protein drives skin cell movement and tissue rebuilding, especially when paired with next-generation biomaterial dressings...

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Hidden household toxin triples liver disease risk, study finds

Household Toxin Triples Liver Disease Risk
Exposure to PCE can significantly raise the risk of liver fibrosis, regardless of traditional liver disease factors. Scientists warn that environmental toxins like PCE may explain unexplained cases of liver damage. Credit: Shutterstock

PCE, a dry-cleaning chemical found in many everyday products, has been linked to tripled risk of serious liver damage. Scientists have uncovered a new environmental culprit behind liver disease: tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a chemical used in dry cleaning and household products. The study found that people with PCE exposure were three times more likely to develop severe liver scarring, even when traditional risk factors like alcohol or obesity were absent...

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