Highlights
•SIDT2 is in endo-lysosomes and interacts with internalized double-stranded RNA
•SIDT2 promotes escape of endosomal dsRNA and cytoplasmic RLR signaling
•During HSV-1 infection, RLR signaling in bystander cells requires SIDT2
•Loss of SIDT2 impairs IFN-β production and survival after HSV-1 and EMCV infection

A discovery by Melbourne researchers has solved a longstanding mystery of how viruses trigger protective immunity within our body. A protein SIDT2 was crucial for cells to detect viral components in their environment, and initiate an immune response to reduce the virus’ spread...

Oleuropein promotes glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in β-cells. The effect is dose-dependent and stimulates the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. We further demonstrated that oleuropein inhibits the cytotoxicity induced by amylin amyloids, a hallmark feature of type 2 diabetes.

A Virginia Tech team discovered that oleuropein from olive leaves helps the body secrete more insulin. The same compound also detoxifies another signaling molecule called amylin that over-produces and forms harmful aggregates in type 2 diabetes. In these two distinct ways, oleuropein helps prevent the onset of disease.

“Our work provides new mechanistic insights into the long-standing question of why olive products can be anti-diabetic,” said Bin Xu, assistant professor of biochemistry in the College of Agric...

This image shows a self-reconfiguring modular robots scheme. Credit: Iridia Lab ULB

Self-reconfiguring modular robots that can merge, split and even self-heal while retaining full sensorimotor control. Researchers at the Université libre de Bruxelles have developed self-reconfiguring modular robots that can merge, split and even self-heal while retaining full sensorimotor control. The work may take us closer to producing robots that can autonomously change their size, shape and function. The study is published in the scientific review Nature Communications.

Many robots are controlled by robotic nervous systems in which sensors and actuators are connected to a central processing unit...

1. (Schematic diagram of mushroom-shaped structure fabrication)
2. SEM image of mushroom-shaped structure
3. Image of superomniphobic property of different types of liquid

Scientists have developed a fabrication technology that can inexpensively produce surfaces capable of repelling liquids, including water and oil. The team used the photofluidization of azobenzene molecule-containing polymers to generate a superomniphobic surface which can be applied for developing stain-free fabrics, non-biofouling medical tubing, and corrosion-free surfaces. Mushroom-shaped surface textures, also called doubly re-entrant structures, are known to be the most effective surface structure that enhances resistance against liquid invasion, thereby exhibiting superior superomniphobic property.

However, the exist...