HAO CHEN, MD. PHD

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This study examined a new treatment for hemophilia B called BE-101, which uses engineered B cells to create a stable supply of a protein needed for blood clotting called factor IX (FIX). The researchers found that after giving BE-101 to mice, the levels of FIX-Padua were significantly detectable within one day and remained high for more than 184 days, with the ability to produce even more FIX with additional doses. This matters because it offers a more reliable and long-lasting option for patients with hemophilia B, addressing a major gap in current treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with hemophilia B by providing a more effective treatment option.

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This study looked at how well machine learning can predict the risk of death in hospitalized patients who have had a heart attack and undergone a specific procedure called primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Out of nearly 2000 patients studied, 17.68% experienced in-hospital mortality. The best machine learning model, called Random Forest, accurately identified at-risk patients with a high detection rate, scoring an impressive 0.976 on a performance scale. Who this helps: This helps doctors and nurses identify high-risk heart attack patients to provide better care and potentially reduce deaths in the hospital.

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This study looked at the number of older people in China who do not have any teeth (edentulous) and how many of them get dentures (rehabilitated). It found that about 26% of older adults are edentulous, and of those, approximately 64% have received dentures. Older adults, especially those over 80, are less likely to get dentures compared to younger seniors, while those with more education and urban backgrounds tend to have better access to dental care. Who this helps: This information helps patients, particularly older adults in rural areas and with lower education levels, as well as healthcare providers looking to improve care.

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This study looked at how herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, affects the risk of heart attacks (myocardial infarctions) and whether taking antiviral medication for shingles changes that risk. Researchers analyzed data from over 4,200 patients and found that the risk of heart attacks was 1.53 times higher in the month after a herpes zoster diagnosis compared to a reference period before diagnosis. This increased risk was present for both those who took antiviral medications and those who did not, indicating that the medication does not reduce the heart attack risk associated with shingles. Who this helps: This helps patients who have had shingles and their doctors understand the increased heart attack risk after the infection.

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This study examined new materials for the anodes of sodium-ion batteries, which are used in energy storage. Researchers modified cobalt-based compounds to improve their performance, and found that the treated material, called CoFe/Se/NC, delivered a strong capacity of 782.1 mAh/g during the first charge cycle and maintained good performance even after 100 cycles. These improvements are significant because they could lead to more efficient and long-lasting batteries for everyday use. Who this helps: This helps battery manufacturers and consumers looking for better energy storage solutions.

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This study looked at a tool called the "Define vessel" module, which helps doctors measure the lengths of grafts needed for heart bypass surgery using special imaging. Researchers analyzed data from 74 patients and found that the tool accurately predicted graft lengths, with good consistency between preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative measurements. This is important because it helps ensure surgeons use the right length of grafts, ultimately leading to safer and more effective surgeries, as reflected in low rates of graft blockages, particularly with certain graft types. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, as well as their surgeons.

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This study looked at a new type of gel that can conduct electricity and stay flexible at very low temperatures, which is important for wearable health devices. Researchers created a gel that performs well even at -20°C without needing toxic additives. The new gel can stretch significantly and sensitively detect movements, which could improve how we monitor things like joint movements and speech. Who this helps: This benefits patients who rely on wearable health monitoring devices.

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This study focused on creating new chemical compounds to block specific enzymes called glycosidases, which play a role in sugar processing in the body. Researchers synthesized different versions of compounds similar to a natural product known as cyclophellitol, but found that some of their new creations did not effectively inactivate the targeted enzyme, specifically one that converts A type blood to O type. However, they discovered that other variants did successfully inhibit several beta-glycosidases, which could help in future drug development efforts. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and researchers looking to develop new treatments for blood type conversion and related medical conditions.

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This study looked at a new imaging technique using a substance called F-FAPI to see if it could predict health outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). They found that higher levels of F-FAPI in the heart and lung arteries were associated with worse health over a follow-up period of about 17 months; specifically, 47.8% of patients had worsening conditions during that time. The research shows that measuring F-FAPI levels can help doctors identify which PAH patients are at higher risk of experiencing serious health issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and their doctors in monitoring disease progression.

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This study looked at how different factors, like the amount of training data and technical settings, affect the ability of an automated system to accurately identify coronary arteries in CT scans. Researchers tested 1,000 CT scans and found that using at least 100 training cases significantly improved the accuracy of artery segmentation, particularly with a 3D model that achieved an accuracy score of 0.83. This is important because better segmentation can lead to more accurate assessments of heart health, ultimately improving patient care. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing heart assessments and doctors interpreting their scans.

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This study looked at how using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during a herpes zoster (shingles) infection affects the risk of having a stroke. The researchers found that people with both a herpes zoster infection and who used NSAIDs had more than double the risk of having a stroke (2.05 times higher) compared to those who didn't have either. This is particularly important for people aged 65 and older, who faced an even higher risk, as well as those with existing health issues such as weakened immune systems or kidney disease. Who this helps: This information benefits patients, especially older adults and those with chronic health conditions.

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This study looked at how heating recycled concrete fines (materials left over after recycling concrete) at different temperatures affects their use in making cement. The researchers found that heating the materials to 600 degrees Celsius made them much more effective, leading to better strength and workability in the final cement product. This is significant because it shows a way to improve recycled materials while also reducing carbon emissions in construction, which helps promote sustainability. Who this helps: This benefits construction companies and environmental advocates aiming for greener building practices.

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This study looked at the relationship between smoking and a type of gut bacteria infection, called community-acquired colonization (CdC), in adults over 40 in Tainan City, Taiwan. Researchers found that 11.6% of the 250 adults tested had CdC, and smoking significantly increased the risk of this condition by 2.35 times. Understanding the connection between smoking and gut bacteria can help in preventing infections and improving health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially smokers and adults over 40.

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This study examined the SCP gene family in hard clams, which are vital for regulating calcium in their bodies. Researchers found that a specific gene called MmerSCP14 was highly active during the clam's drifting behavior, meaning it plays a key role in helping these clams move quickly and adapt to their environment. This research highlights how gene expansions can lead to new functions that support important behaviors necessary for survival. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying marine biology and the adaptive behaviors of invertebrates.

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This study looked at how to make single-atom catalysts (SACs) work better by using a special type of material called halide perovskites, which is flexible and can change in response to light. Researchers found that by controlling light exposure, they could maintain the catalyst's effectiveness in producing hydrogen from hydrogen halides, achieving a sustained performance over several cycles. Specifically, this method helps keep the catalyst active and prevents it from breaking down, showing potential for more efficient hydrogen production. Who this helps: This benefits energy researchers and industries focused on clean energy solutions.

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This study looked at whether an app-based training tool could help doctors in China follow guidelines for prescribing ceftriaxone to treat gonorrhea. Despite using the app for six months, adherence to treatment guidelines increased only slightly from 53.6% to 54.8% among doctors who used the app, while it actually dropped in the control group from 43.9% to 42.5%. This matters because treating gonorrhea correctly is crucial for public health, and the app did not significantly improve adherence, partly due to doctors being unsure if the recommended dose was enough. Who this helps: This helps patients who rely on effective treatments for gonorrhea.

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This study focused on improving the performance of a type of solar cell called perovskite solar cells by using a new method of heating them in humid conditions. The researchers found that when these solar cells were treated in a very humid environment, they achieved a power conversion efficiency of up to 21.3%, which is better than those made under normal air conditions. This is important because it could lower production costs and simplify the manufacturing process for solar cells, making them more accessible and effective for generating clean energy. Who this helps: This helps manufacturers of solar technology and consumers looking for efficient energy solutions.

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This study focused on a protein called Regulator of Calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) and its role in kidney damage related to diabetes. Researchers found that higher levels of RCAN1 in kidney cells from diabetic mice were linked to increased cell damage and complications, such as mitochondrial injury and fibrosis. Specifically, they observed that excessive RCAN1 worsened kidney issues by interfering with a protective signaling pathway, which could be targeted for new treatments to slow down diabetic kidney disease progression. Who this helps: This benefits patients with diabetes and kidney disease, as well as their doctors looking for new treatment options.

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This study explored a new way to create organic materials that can detect radiation more effectively. Researchers combined special chemicals to make a type of glass that can change colors and improved its performance, resulting in a 51% increase in strength and a 41% increase in brightness when exposed to X-rays. These enhancements not only improve the detection of X-rays but also allow for clearer imaging without lingering aftereffects, which is important for medical imaging and research. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers who rely on accurate X-ray imaging for diagnosing and studying diseases.

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Scientists screened about 24,000 compounds to find a drug that blocks galectin-3, a protein that drives harmful inflammation in the brain, and that can also cross from the bloodstream into the brain. Berbamine hydrochloride, a natural compound, met both criteria and worked through a novel binding mechanism. In mice with a Huntington's disease model, the drug improved motor function, reduced toxic protein clumps in neurons, and corrected disease-associated gene networks.

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Researchers showed that adding a small amount of a chemical called anthraquinone-2-sulfonate (AQS) to wastewater bacteria accelerates the transfer of electrons during nitrogen and phosphorus removal by more than threefold, dramatically improving removal rates. AQS works by shuttling electrons between different bacterial species that cooperate to process nitrogen and phosphorus, enabling near-complete removal of both nutrients simultaneously. This approach offers a practical way to improve nutrient removal in low-carbon wastewater treatment plants, reducing the pollution that causes algal blooms in waterways.

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Using nationally representative mental health survey data from nearly 28,000 Chinese adults, researchers estimated that about 1.5% of the population meets criteria for intermittent explosive disorder (IED) — characterized by recurrent, disproportionate outbursts of aggression — and that 62% of those individuals have at least one other psychiatric condition, most commonly a mood disorder. Despite the disorder's severity and high comorbidity, fewer than 5% had ever sought medical help for their anger episodes. The findings point to a major treatment gap and the need for greater public awareness and culturally adapted care.

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Scientists developed a genetic screen to identify proteins that regulate microglial survival and found that deleting the gene Ptpn6 enhances microglia survival and reduces damage around amyloid plaques in an Alzheimer's mouse model. However, complete deletion also disrupted normal brain white matter and worsened neurodegeneration, while partial deletion preserved the protective effect without the harm. The results reveal that Ptpn6 acts as a fine-tuning switch in microglia, and that careful dosing of any therapy targeting this gene will be critical.

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Researchers used two specialized MRI techniques to measure brain iron levels and blood flow in 37 obese patients compared to 45 healthy controls. Obese patients had excess iron in specific brain regions — particularly the red nuclei — and abnormal blood flow in several other areas; iron accumulation in the red nuclei correlated directly with worse cognitive test scores. These imaging findings suggest that brain iron overload may be a key mechanism linking obesity to cognitive decline.

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Researchers tested whether the dietary supplement selenomethionine can protect zebrafish from the reproductive damage caused by arsenic exposure in water. Arsenic-exposed fish spawned less, had lower sperm counts, and showed disrupted hormone gene activity; adding selenomethionine to the diet partially restored spawning behavior, sperm counts, and hormone levels. The findings support selenium supplementation as a partial protective strategy against arsenic-induced reproductive harm, relevant to human populations with high arsenic exposure.

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A small randomized trial tested whether starting physical rehabilitation within 48 hours of a clot-removal procedure for stroke — rather than waiting up to a week — improved recovery. Early mobilization did not improve overall functional disability scores at three months, but it was safe and produced significantly better arm and leg motor recovery by both one and three months. Getting stroke patients out of bed sooner after treatment appears to help the motor system recover more fully, even if it does not broadly change overall disability levels.

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A meta-analysis of 20 randomized trials involving 1,255 stroke patients found that rehabilitation robot training significantly improved general cognitive function and the ability to perform complex tasks compared to standard care. However, the benefit for attention specifically and for broader independence in daily activities was less clear and needs further study. Rehabilitation robots appear to be a valuable addition to stroke recovery programs, particularly for restoring thinking and executive skills.

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Researchers compared tumor sizes measured on preoperative CT scans versus actual pathology measurements in 239 patients with early-stage lung cancer, finding that CT scans overestimate tumor size by an average of about 3 mm. When the overestimate exceeded 3 mm, patients had significantly worse recurrence-free survival after surgery, independent of other known risk factors. Incorporating the gap between CT and pathology measurements into risk models could help doctors identify which early-stage lung cancer patients need closer monitoring after surgery.

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Researchers showed that a small RNA molecule called miR-128-3p increases with aging in human bone and suppresses bone-forming cells; deleting this molecule in mice preserved bone mass and stimulated bone formation by activating a key bone growth signaling pathway called Wnt. Older mice in which miR-128-3p was knocked out in bone-forming cells were protected from age-related bone loss. These findings identify miR-128-3p as a potential diagnostic marker and drug target for age-related osteoporosis.

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Scientists found that the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 causes T cells to die at higher rates than earlier strains, not mainly by infecting the T cells directly but by triggering nearby uninfected lung cells to release a protein called GDF15 that switches on a death signal in T cells. In patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19, blood GDF15 levels correlated with death rates and low lymphocyte counts. Blocking the GDF15-BCL2L13 pathway could be a strategy to limit the immune collapse seen in severe Omicron cases.

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This computational study examined how the natural fracture networks in coal seams affect the speed and energy loss of seismic waves traveling through them in different directions. The results showed that the shape and filling of fractures — more than their orientation — most strongly influence how seismic waves behave, primarily through fluid movement within the cracks. Better understanding of these effects should improve the interpretation of seismic surveys used to locate and extract coalbed methane.

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Researchers found that stress-susceptible mice — but not resilient ones — have lower levels of ATP release in the brain's prefrontal cortex, and traced this deficit to reduced activity of a transporter gene called Slc17a9 in neurons connecting the amygdala to that region. Restoring ATP signaling in the prefrontal cortex reversed the depressive-like behaviors caused by social stress. The findings point to a specific brain circuit and molecular mechanism underlying vulnerability to depression that could be targeted therapeutically.

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Scientists discovered that a transcription factor called ZFP148 acts as a brake on the immune system's killer T cells, preventing them from becoming fully activated cancer-fighting cells during chronic infection or tumor growth. Removing ZFP148 from T cells increased the proportion that became potent killers and, when combined with a checkpoint immunotherapy drug, improved tumor control in mice. Lower levels of the human equivalent gene in tumor-infiltrating T cells were linked to better responses to immunotherapy in cancer patients.

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This review cataloged nearly 90 ion channels and transporters in osteoclasts — the cells responsible for breaking down bone — and organized them by function, disease association, and location within the cell. Channels that move hydrogen, chloride, phosphate, and calcium ions are especially critical for osteoclast activity, and several are already targets of drugs in development. The comprehensive map provides a resource for identifying new drug targets for osteoporosis and other bone diseases.

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Researchers built increasingly large AI models trained on 104 million human single-cell gene expression profiles to understand how model scale affects biological prediction ability, and then tested whether compressing those models (quantization) preserves their accuracy. Quantized models matched full-precision models on biological tasks while using only 15% of the computing time and 34% of the memory. This makes powerful gene expression AI accessible to labs without massive computing infrastructure, broadening the tool's real-world use.

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This phase 3 trial tested gotistobart — a new antibody that selectively removes immune-suppressing cells from tumors — against standard chemotherapy in lung cancer patients whose disease had resisted prior immunotherapy and platinum chemotherapy. After a median follow-up of about 14 months, median survival had not been reached for gotistobart patients versus 10 months for chemotherapy patients, with a 54% reduction in the risk of death. These results offer meaningful hope for a patient population with very few effective treatment options.

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This review synthesized recent evidence on whether probiotics, prebiotics, and related products can slow or prevent Alzheimer's disease by targeting the communication pathway between the gut microbiome and the brain. Studies show these interventions can reduce amyloid and tau protein buildup, lower brain inflammation, and improve cognitive test scores in animal and some clinical studies. The gut-brain axis is emerging as a practical target for Alzheimer's prevention, though the optimal combinations and doses for humans remain to be determined.

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Scientists developed a single laboratory test that simultaneously detects three common intestinal parasites — Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Microsporidia — in dairy goats using fluorescent probes and real-time PCR. The assay can detect as few as 29-39 parasite copies per microliter of sample and correctly distinguished infections that a conventional PCR test missed. A fast, sensitive multiplex test like this enables large-scale disease surveillance in goat herds and reduces the public health risk from zoonotic transmission to humans.

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Researchers tracked a free-ranging group of Tibetan macaques across seasons to understand how social factors shape where the group chooses to sleep — in trees or on the ground. Females consistently led movements to tree-sleeping sites, especially during mating season, and attracted the most followers regardless of season. The findings reveal that female social influence and seasonal ecological pressures jointly shape collective decisions in this primate group, illustrating how matrilineal social structure drives adaptive behavior.

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Two studies — one survey and one experiment — tested how workplace involution (the pressure to put in excessive effort just to keep up with peers, without real gains) affects workers' motivation to take charge of their own career development. Involution consistently reduced proactive career behavior, but employees who thought abstractly about long-term goals were better able to resist this negative effect. Organizations operating in highly competitive environments should help employees maintain a big-picture perspective to protect their career agency.

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Researchers isolated a natural fragment of Pru du 8 — a recognized almond allergen — and confirmed that it binds IgE antibodies from the blood of almond-allergic patients. They also used computational tools to map which specific parts of the protein's surface are most likely recognized by the immune system. A pure, characterized allergen fragment is a valuable tool for developing better allergy tests and potential desensitization therapies for almond allergy.

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Scientists studied how a hormone called adipokinetic hormone (AKH) helps a destructive forest beetle called Dendroctonus armandi manage its energy reserves under stress. Under starvation, blocking AKH production reduced beetle death by slowing energy burn; under heat and cold stress, blocking it increased death by shutting down the metabolism needed to cope. Understanding how AKH controls energy balance in this bark beetle opens new avenues for disrupting the insect's survival strategies as a pest management approach.

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Researchers sequenced the full genomes of 224 Xinjiang Black pigs, a rare Chinese breed at risk of disappearing due to competition from commercial breeds. The analysis revealed close genetic ties to Landrace pigs and significant inbreeding, but also identified hundreds of genomic regions under selection linked to fat deposition, reproduction, and stress tolerance. These findings provide a genetic roadmap to guide conservation and selective breeding programs for this endangered breed.

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This case report describes two infants under six months old living at high altitude (3,650 meters) who developed severe whooping cough, including one case caused by a strain resistant to standard antibiotics. Both needed breathing support; the antibiotic-resistant case required a blood exchange transfusion and was successfully treated with a different antibiotic combination. The report shows that high altitude amplifies the severity of whooping cough in infants by compounding breathing difficulties and blood-clotting risks, calling for earlier and more aggressive intervention in these settings.

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Researchers trained a deep learning model on microscope slide images of head and neck cancers to predict whether the cancer had spread to lymph nodes — a key factor in treatment decisions — without requiring surgery. The model, combined with clinical data in a nomogram, achieved an area under the curve of 0.865 in internal testing and 0.786 in an external cohort. This tool could help clinicians avoid unnecessary lymph node removal in patients at low risk, reducing surgical complications.

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Scientists analyzed pancreatic cancer tissue and found that a protein called RBX1 is overexpressed in the cancer-associated fibroblasts that form the dense tissue surrounding the tumor, and that high RBX1 levels predict worse patient survival. Silencing RBX1 slowed tumor growth both in cell cultures and in mouse models, and this effect worked through a protein called Tenascin C that helps remodel the tissue environment to support tumor spread. RBX1 represents a potential new drug target for pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest cancers.