PubMed Trending Research Digest — August 20, 2026

Automated digest · 100 articles · 16 research areas · August 20, 2026

Overview

Across this week’s set, a dominant thread is immune regulation—both in cancer and in host defense. Multiple studies dissect how specific immune cell states and metabolic or signaling circuits shape outcomes: intratumoral Enterococcus species modulate MR1-dependent MAIT activation during PD-1 blockade; LAG3+ CD8 fate decisions determine exhaustion versus memory; and tumor-infiltrating Tregs use a lactate–α-ketoglutarate metabolic axis to drive NK senescence. Complementing these, several papers focus on innate immune sensing and interferon control (cGAS–STING context dependence, HSV-1 triggering of cytosolic DNA sensing), alongside host-directed antimicrobial concepts such as mitochondrial-encoded peptides and engineered probiotics that target Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

A second major theme is translational and clinical implementation: from guidelines and evidence synthesis (HCT for BPDCN, MS tolerance-centric reviews, ARDS physiology-based management, appendicitis grading consensus, and longer-term ketamine safety) to real-world effectiveness and risk stratification (multi-omics CAD prediction, CHIP-associated neurocognitive risk in atrial fibrillation, ctDNA-MRD feasibility in large B-cell lymphoma, and PCR-enabled containment of Candida auris outbreaks). Cardiometabolic and cardiovascular inflammation also recur, spanning mechanistic thrombosis control via Metrnl–CD36, anti-inflammatory biomarker support with semaglutide, and innate immune/myeloid-driven right ventricular dysfunction in HFpEF.

Finally, the digest highlights organ-level remodeling and system biology: fibrosis and regenerative failure in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, post-MI myocardial fibrosis via NPY1R–JAK2–STAT3, and WISP1-driven intestinal stricturing in Crohn’s disease. Outside human disease, developmental and comparative biology work (insect metamorphosis control, meiotic chromosome architecture, and multi-vertebrate intestinal atlases) and neuroscience studies (KCNQ2 translational regulation in epilepsy, LC integrity as a candidate determinant of anti-amyloid response, and brain–gut circuit mechanisms in Parkinson’s gastrointestinal dysfunction) round out a broad, mechanistic week spanning molecules to policies.

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Cancer immunotherapy & tumor immune microenvironment

Neutrophil-integrated syncytial CAR macrophage for cancer immunotherapy.

This preclinical cancer immunotherapy study developed neutrophil-integrated syncytial CAR macrophages (S-CAR-Ms) by fusing CAR-Ms with neutrophils to improve tumor infiltration and function. It found that S-CAR-Ms migrated into tumors more effectively via chemokine-driven movement and used neutrophil-derived reactive oxygen species and neutrophil extracellular traps to increase phosphatidylserine exposure, enhancing phagocytosis through scFv-antigen and PtdSer–MerTK pathways, with a single dose reducing tumor burden. The scientific significance is that this strategy addresses immune escape and antigen-low tumor limitations that reduce conventional CAR-M efficacy.

Tian T, Zhao S, Tian T et al. · Nature immunology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

A lactate-α-ketoglutarate metabolic circuit in tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells accelerates tumor progression by inducing NK cell senescence.

This Nature Cancer study examined how tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells (Ti-Tregs) use a lactate–α-ketoglutarate metabolic circuit to accelerate tumor progression and induce NK cell senescence. It found that Ti-Tregs upregulate glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (GDH1) to increase α-KG, where lactylation of GDH1 in a lactate-rich microenvironment boosts α-KG production to fuel ALKBH5-mediated Wnt2 expression, promoting NK senescence; GDH1 inhibition or SLC16A1 deletion in Ti-Tregs reduced NK senescence and improved adoptive NK transfer therapy. The significance is that targeting GDH1/α-KG/Wnt2 axis in Ti-Tregs may restore NK function and enhance adoptive NK immunotherapy.

Shi T, Ding Y, Chen Y et al. · Nature cancer · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

WNT-driven immune evasion promotes malignant transformation of BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer.

This study investigated how WNT pathway activation drives immune evasion and malignant transformation in microsatellite-stable (MSS) BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer using genetically engineered mouse models and organoid-based transplantation models. The key finding was that WNT-driven immune evasion promotes tumor progression and malignant transformation in BRAF-mutant CRC, linking WNT pathway alterations to tumor–immune microenvironment changes. Scientifically, it identifies WNT signaling as a mechanistic driver of aggressive behavior and potential therapeutic vulnerability in MSS BRAF-mutant CRC.

Mastel M, Guiseris Martinez A, Pozza U et al. · Gastroenterology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Tumors exploit interclonal Hedgehog-Wnt crosstalk to drive tumor-promoting cell competition.

The study examined how tumors use interclonal Hedgehog (Hh)–Wnt signaling to drive tumor-promoting cell competition, using Drosophila models and validating conservation in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In Drosophila, Pp1-87B–depleted RAS-mutant “loser” cells underwent Hh-mediated apoptosis while secreting Wingless (Wg), which hyperactivated β-catenin in neighboring RAS “winner” clones and reprogrammed them into invasive super-competitors. This mechanism was conserved in human PDAC, suggesting that targeting Hh/Wnt crosstalk could disrupt pro-tumor competitive dynamics within heterogeneous tumors.

Kong D, Lin P, Guo Y et al. · Developmental cell · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Synthetically engineered probiotic suppresses colorectal cancer via inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

The study engineered an E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN)-based synthetic probiotic to detect and treat colorectal cancer (CRC) by targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling, using fecal metabolomics to identify ornithine as a tumor-associated biomarker in CRC mouse models and patients. The probiotic locally released Dickkopf 3 (DKK3), a Wnt signaling antagonist, and the system demonstrated tumor growth retardation alongside ornithine-responsive bioluminescent tumor detection. This provides a proof-of-concept for metabolite-guided engineered bacteria that therapeutically suppress CRC via DKK3-mediated Wnt pathway inhibition.

Sun Y, Zhao Y, Han K et al. · Cell reports. Medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Select intratumoral riboflavin-auxotrophic Enterococcus species enhance cell surface MR1 expression and MAIT TCR activation in lung cancer.

This study analyzed how intratumoral bacteria modulate MR1-dependent MAIT cell activation in human non-small cell lung cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade, using paired single-cell RNA-seq and TCR sequencing of tumor-infiltrating CD3 T cells. Select intratumoral Enterococcus species increased cell-surface MR1 expression and enhanced downstream MAIT TCR activation. These findings suggest that manipulating tumor-associated Enterococcus–MR1 signaling could improve MAIT-cell–mediated immune surveillance during PD-1–based therapy.

Birla P, Yang L, Shan W et al. · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

CD73 inhibition overcomes adaptive immune resistance to PARP inhibiton in models of prostate cancer.

This study tested whether inhibiting CD73 (NT5E) can overcome adaptive immune resistance to PARP inhibition in prostate cancer models, focusing on HRR-proficient MycCaP cells treated with olaparib. Bulk RNA sequencing showed olaparib induced robust CD73 upregulation, and CD73 inhibition countered the immune resistance associated with PARP inhibitor treatment. The work supports a combination strategy of PARP inhibitors (e.g., olaparib) with CD73 blockade to enhance antitumor immunity in HRR-proficient metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Xie P, Ma R, Zhang M et al. · The Journal of clinical investigation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Development of Oncolytic Virus-Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera Conjugates for Tumor Immunotherapy.

This study developed an oncolytic virus–PROTAC conjugate (BPAD) to improve tumor-specific delivery and protein degradation for cancer immunotherapy. By coupling BRD4-targeting PROTACs to oncolytic viruses, BPAD leveraged selective viral infection to enhance cellular uptake and tumor-selective PROTAC delivery, producing substantially improved antitumor immune responses (reported as a 640-fold enhancement in the abstract). The approach provides a proof-of-concept platform for combining oncolytic virotherapy with targeted protein degradation to potentiate antitumor immunity.

Gao Z, Huang H, Zhi Y et al. · ACS nano · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Tumor-reactive LAG3+CD8+ T cells diverge into terminally exhausted cells and long-lived memory T cells.

Using a Lag3 lineage-tracing mouse model (Lag3iCreERT2Rosa26LSL-tdTomato) and tumor-bearing experiments, this study investigated how tumor-reactive LAG3+ CD8+ T cells transition into terminally exhausted cells versus long-lived memory T cells. LAG3+tdTomato+ and LAG3−tdTomato+ tumor-specific CD8+ T cell subsets showed distinct anatomical distributions, functional properties, and transcriptional profiles while sharing TCR clonotypes, indicating a common origin. This mechanistic insight into LAG3-defined fate decisions could inform strategies to improve anti-tumor immunity by targeting exhaustion pathways.

Aggarwal V, Sun Y, Liu C et al. · The Journal of experimental medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Spatial immune niches in gastric cancer immunotherapy resistance: mechanisms and translational implications.

This narrative review analyzed mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance in gastric cancer using the framework of spatial immune niches, integrating how tissue compartmentalization affects effector-cell access and immune organization. It highlights that conventional biomarkers (e.g., PD-L1 CPS, MSI/dMMR, TMB, EBV status, HER2, CLDN18.2) do not fully explain lesion-to-lesion variability in response. The translational implication is that mapping spatial immune niches could improve biomarker development and guide combination strategies to overcome resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Ling Z, Tang R, Yuan B et al. · Frontiers in immunology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Innate immune sensing & interferon signaling (cGAS–STING, IFN)

Expulsion of nuclear DNA to the cytoplasm after viral entry: A mechanism for activation of the cGAS pathway.

This work investigated how herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) activates the cytosolic cGAS–STING pathway by tracking early intracellular events in normal human fibroblasts and keratinocytes. HSV-1 triggered blebbing of nuclear DNA into the cytoplasm, leading to cGAS recruitment to cytoplasmic DNA, IRF3 activation, and induction of type I interferon. The mechanism links viral entry to cGAS sensing and clarifies a route to innate immune activation that could be targeted to modulate antiviral inflammation.

Romero N, Oh HS, Mertens ME et al. · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

A genome-wide map of the genetic network in monocytes that regulates type I interferon induction by the cGAS-STING pathway.

This study mapped the genetic network controlling type I interferon induction by the cGAS–STING pathway using genome-wide CRISPR screens in THP-1 monocytes under unprimed conditions and IFN-α–primed conditions. Distinct gene sets regulated IFNB1 induction in the unprimed versus primed states, revealing context-dependent control of cGAS–STING signaling. The results provide candidate regulators for tuning interferon responses to balance antiviral defense with inflammatory tissue homeostasis.

Thomsen EA, Zhao J, Narita R et al. · Science signaling · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Microbiome, host defense peptides & infection biology

Oral Butyrate Reduces Progression of Kidney Damage in an L-NAME-Induced Diabetic Kidney Disease Mouse Model.

This preclinical study tested whether oral butyrate supplementation reduces progression of kidney damage in an L-NAME-induced diabetic kidney disease mouse model. It found that diabetic BKS db/db mice treated with the eNOS inhibitor N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) to accelerate DKD progression were used to evaluate the renal effects of adding 5% butyrate to low-fat chow (vs controls). The significance is that restoring gut-derived short-chain fatty acid (butyrate) signaling could represent a therapeutic approach to slow DKD progression.

Nicese MN, Koudijs A, Lalai R et al. · Diabetes, obesity & metabolism · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Exercise-driven microbiome changes regulate host immunity.

This review synthesized evidence on how exercise-driven changes to the gut microbiome regulate host immunity across contexts including inflammation, antitumor CD8 T-cell responses, autoimmunity, and metabolic disease. It highlights that exercise-associated microbial compositional and metabolic adaptations—particularly short-chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids, and the one-carbon metabolite formate—can modulate systemic immune pathways. The review emphasizes that identifying causal taxa, microbial metabolic pathways, and host-sensing mechanisms could enable microbiome-informed approaches to disease prevention and therapy.

Phelps CM, Meisel M · Trends in immunology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Targeting Microbial Bile Salt Hydrolase Reprograms Bile Acid Metabolism and Ameliorates Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis in Mice.

This study evaluated the non-absorbable microbial bile salt hydrolase (BSH) inhibitor GR-7 in a diet-induced mouse model of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) using early versus late intervention and different dosing regimens. GR-7 produced stage- and dose-dependent benefits, with early low-dose treatment robustly suppressing hepatic fibrosis and late high-dose treatment markedly reducing hepatic steatosis. Scientifically and therapeutically, targeting microbial BSH with GR-7 may reprogram bile acid metabolism to ameliorate MASH progression and fibrosis.

Wei W, Graf R, Wang Y et al. · Molecular metabolism · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Comparison of VPM1002 with BCG in the prevention of tuberculosis in newborn infants: a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, phase 3, non-inferiority trial.

This multicentre, double-blind, randomized phase 3 non-inferiority trial compared the recombinant BCG-derived vaccine VPM1002 versus standard BCG for prevention of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in newborn infants in sub-Saharan Africa. The study’s key finding (as reported in the abstracted trial description) is that VPM1002 was evaluated as an alternative to BCG with manageable toxicity/immunogenicity background from earlier phases and was tested for non-inferiority in this infant population. Clinically, if non-inferiority is confirmed, VPM1002 could become a next-generation TB vaccine strategy aimed at improving protection against TB infection in early life.

Nduba V, Mathebula M, Nankabirwa V et al. · The Lancet. Infectious diseases · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Mutually beneficial interactions between bacteria and Arabidopsis promote phosphorus nutrition and growth.

The study investigated how Arabidopsis thaliana recruits root-associated bacteria to improve phosphorus (P) nutrition under P deficiency, focusing on interactions with Acinetobacter. During P deprivation, malate secreted by P-deprived roots acted as a “call-for-help” signal that recruited bacteria to the rhizoplane, where Acinetobacter adopted a mutualistic lifestyle and mobilized otherwise inaccessible P. These findings clarify a mechanistic plant–microbe mutualism that could be leveraged to enhance crop growth under low-phosphate conditions.

Wang Y, Gao C, Liu F et al. · Cell · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-encoded interferon-linked host defense peptide.

This study identified and characterized MOTS-c, a mitochondrial-encoded interferon-linked host defense peptide, using human mitochondrial biology and functional assays. MOTS-c is an amphipathic, cationic peptide with direct antibacterial and immunomodulatory activity, consistent with host defense peptide chemistry, and it targets bacterial species (as reported in the abstract). The discovery expands the concept of mitochondrial genomes as sources of active immune effectors and suggests new avenues for host-directed antimicrobial and immunomodulatory therapies.

Rice MC, Imun M, Jung SW et al. · eLife · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Viral/bacterial pathogenesis & host–pathogen interactions

Containment of a Candidozyma auris Outbreak in an Acute Care Hospital using a Comprehensive Screening and Surveillance Program.

This study investigated containment of a Candidozyma auris outbreak in a 500-bed urban public acute-care hospital using a comprehensive screening and surveillance program that transitioned from chromogenic culture to open-access low-throughput PCR and house-wide high-throughput PCR via electronic admission order sets. The key finding was that PCR-based admission screening and ongoing surveillance enabled outbreak containment by detecting colonization more effectively than culture and supporting infection prevention and control actions during a multi-hospital unit outbreak. Clinically, the results support PCR-enabled, system-wide screening as a practical strategy to reduce silent C. auris transmission and downstream invasive candidiasis risk in healthcare settings.

Bryson-Cahn C, Helm EW, Makarewicz VA et al. · Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Protective monoclonal antibody targeting mycobacterial HBHA blocks the interaction with the novel attachment co-receptor NRP1 to inhibit Mycobacterium bovis entry.

This study investigated protective monoclonal antibodies against Mycobacterium bovis cell wall antigens, focusing on an antibody targeting HBHA, and tested how it blocks M. bovis entry by interfering with the attachment co-receptor NRP1. The key finding was that the HBHA-targeting monoclonal antibody inhibited the HBHA–NRP1 interaction, thereby reducing M. bovis entry into host cells. This mechanistic insight is significant for developing antibody-based TB prevention strategies that enhance BCG-like protection by targeting host-pathogen attachment pathways.

Qu M, Zhou X, Zhang X et al. · Journal of advanced research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Transferrin receptor 1 is required for efficient hepatitis E virus production.

This study investigated host factors required for hepatitis E virus (HEV) production by identifying proteins that interact with the HEV ORF3 protein using immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry and validating interactions by co-immunoprecipitation. Transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) was required for efficient HEV production, indicating that iron uptake machinery supports the viral life cycle. Targeting TfR1–dependent pathways could represent a host-directed strategy to limit HEV replication.

Da Silva N, Pollán A, Truscello L et al. · PLoS pathogens · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum Vps15 is a Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase interactor important for host-cell cytosol delivery to the food vacuole and apicoplast and mitochondrion dynamics.

This study characterized the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum Vps15 as a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase interactor important for host-cell cytosol delivery to the food vacuole and for apicoplast/mitochondrion dynamics. Vps15 was implicated in PI3P-dependent trafficking processes that support parasite survival within host erythrocytes. Defining Vps15’s role in these organelle and trafficking pathways highlights potential parasite-specific targets for antimalarial development.

Bourgeois A, Martin LD, Kaur H et al. · PLoS pathogens · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Cancer genomics, epigenetics & lineage plasticity

Immunotherapeutic targeting of calreticulin mutant myeloproliferative neoplasms.

This study investigated immunotherapeutic targeting strategies for calreticulin (CALR) mutant myeloproliferative neoplasms, focusing on CALR frameshift mutations that drive JAK2/MPL-wild-type essential thrombocythemia and myelofibrosis. The key finding was that CALR mutations create a shared oncogenic C-terminus that aberrantly traffics to the cell surface, activates MPL and constitutive JAK/STAT signaling, and promotes megakaryocytic proliferation and hematopoietic stem cell fitness. This is clinically significant because it identifies CALR-mutant–specific biology as a rationale for targeted immunotherapies in a genetically defined MPN subset.

Hertz C, Spyrou N, Hoffman R et al. · Leukemia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Therapeutic targeting of RAS-mediated resistance in oncogene-driven lung cancer.

This study assessed therapeutic resistance mechanisms in oncogene-driven lung cancer by analyzing tissue and liquid biopsies from 590 patients treated with first-line osimertinib (EGFR-mutant) or ALK-, MET-, ROS1-, and RET inhibitors, and then modeling resistance using patient-derived approaches. The key finding was that RAS-mediated resistance can be therapeutically targeted, with RAS inhibitors showing potential to overcome resistance mechanisms that emerge during targeted therapy. Clinically, the work supports combining or sequencing RAS-targeted strategies to delay or overcome relapse in oncogene-driven lung cancers.

Facchinetti F, Friboulet L, Liao L et al. · Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Polycomb Scaffolding Subunit EED Supports the SCLC Neuroendocrine Identity and EGFR-Mutant LUAD to SCLC Transformation.

This study used CRISPR-based autochthonous immunocompetent GEMMs to test whether the Polycomb scaffolding subunit EED (PRC2) controls neuroendocrine identity and LUAD-to-SCLC transformation in EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma with RB1/TP53 inactivation. Inactivation of EED impaired SCLC tumorigenesis and promoted retention of LUAD identity via a NEUROD1-positive intermediate state. These results implicate PRC2/EED as a functional driver of lineage plasticity during targeted-therapy resistance, suggesting PRC2 targeting as a potential therapeutic approach.

Li Y, Laimon YN, Cho H et al. · The Journal of clinical investigation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Hematologic malignancies, transplant & clonal hematopoiesis

Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.

This review studied the molecular and clinical evolution of classic myeloproliferative neoplasms (essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, and primary myelofibrosis) driven by clonal hematopoiesis in patients. It found that gain-of-function mutations in JAK2, CALR, or MPL activate cytokine signaling and that additional comutations plus inflammation shape clonal dominance, promoting progression to myelofibrosis and thrombotic complications. These insights are clinically significant because they frame why early molecular events can precede disease and why targeting inflammatory and signaling pathways may improve risk prediction and therapy.

Plo I, Vainchenker W · The New England journal of medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Multiple Myeloma: 2026 Update on Diagnosis, Risk-Stratification and Management.

This 2026 update reviewed diagnostic criteria and risk stratification for multiple myeloma in clinical practice, focusing on multiple myeloma–defining events (MDE) and cytogenetic/molecular markers. It found that diagnosis requires ≥10% clonal bone marrow plasma cells or biopsy-proven plasmacytoma plus MDE such as CRAB features, ≥60% marrow clonal plasmacytosis, serum involved/uninvolved free light chain ratio ≥100, or >1 focal lesion on MRI, and that high-risk disease is defined by del(17p), p53 mutation, bi-allelic del(1p), or specific translocations (e.g., t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14;20)). This is significant because it standardizes how clinicians use bone marrow, serum free light chains, and MRI alongside genetics to guide prognosis and management.

Rajkumar SV · American journal of hematology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Hematopoietic cell transplantation for blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm: clinical practice guidelines from the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy.

This article provides American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy clinical practice guidelines on hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for patients with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN). It recommends allogeneic HCT as a consolidation strategy for eligible patients because durable long-term disease control is generally not achievable with current therapies alone, including targeted agents such as the anti-CD123 antibody drug conjugates tagraxofusp and pivekimab sunirine and the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax. These guidance statements aim to standardize contemporary transplant decision-making to improve outcomes in this aggressive, multi-organ malignancy.

Kharfan-Dabaja MA, Kumar A, Pemmaraju N et al. · Transplantation and cellular therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Sapablursen for Erythrocytosis Control in Patients with Polycythemia Vera.

This phase 2a randomized, open-label study evaluated sapablursen, an antisense oligonucleotide that suppresses TMPRSS6 to increase hepcidin and reduce iron availability, for erythrocytosis control in patients with polycythemia vera. Patients received sapablursen subcutaneously every 4 weeks in multiple cohorts, with the primary endpoint being reduction in phlebotomy frequency from baseline. The trial tests whether TMPRSS6 inhibition can reduce the need for phlebotomy and improve disease control in a high-thrombosis-risk population.

Palmer JM, How J, Bose P et al. · Blood · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Eltrombopag plus cyclosporine A for moderate aplastic anemia (EMAA): a placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase 3 trial.

This phase 3, placebo-controlled, double-blind multicenter trial studied first-line eltrombopag plus cyclosporine A (CSA) versus placebo plus CSA in patients with moderate aplastic anemia (MAA) with clinically significant cytopenia. At week 24 among evaluable patients, eltrombopag+CSA produced a higher overall response rate than placebo+CSA (including partial responses), indicating improved hematologic response. The results support eltrombopag as an effective addition to CSA for treating MAA, potentially expanding standard-of-care options beyond severe aplastic anemia.

Höchsmann B, Schafhausen P, Beier F et al. · Blood · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Treatment sequence with gilteritinib and allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in relapsed/refractory FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3)-mutated acute myeloid leukaemia patients: A multicentre real-world study.

This multicenter real-world study analyzed treatment sequences involving gilteritinib followed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) in relapsed/refractory FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (r/r AML) patients. The cohort included consecutive patients with FLT3-internal tandem duplication and/or FLT3-tyrosine kinase domain mutations receiving gilteritinib, with outcomes evaluating efficacy and safety in the context of subsequent alloHSCT. These findings are important for guiding real-world sequencing decisions for FLT3-targeted therapy and transplant timing in poor-prognosis r/r AML.

Kunadt D, Zukunft S, Röllig C et al. · British journal of haematology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Salvage treatment patterns in multiple myeloma patients progressing after lenalidomide maintenance: A real-life study from European Myeloma Network (EMN) Italy.

This real-life European Myeloma Network (EMN) Italy study evaluated salvage treatment patterns and outcomes in 306 multiple myeloma patients who relapsed during lenalidomide (Len) maintenance after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) and were lenalidomide-exposed or refractory (Len-R). Most patients received isatuximab–carfilzomib–dexamethasone (Isa-KD) as the licensed regimen in Italy, with effectiveness assessed across the different post-Len salvage approaches. These findings help define practical, post-AHSCT treatment options for Len-R first-relapse patients and support evidence generation for regimen selection in this increasingly common clinical subgroup.

Barilà G, Grassi A, Ruocco V et al. · British journal of haematology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Post-treatment circulating tumor DNA in large B-cell lymphoma with an immunoglobulin-based assay: real-world outcomes.

This multicenter retrospective real-world study assessed post-treatment measurable residual disease (MRD) using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) with an immunoglobulin rearrangement-targeted assay (clonoSEQM) in large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) patients treated with immunochemotherapy or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy. The key finding was that ctDNA-MRD results were generated rapidly (median 9 days) and were used to evaluate post-treatment MRD feasibility and performance in routine practice. This supports the clinical practicality of immunoglobulin-based ctDNA-MRD for response assessment in LBCL outside controlled trials.

Gould P, Coskey D, Ma X et al. · Haematologica · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Improved progression free survival after axicabtagene ciloleucel compared to tisagenlecleucel, in patients aged >70 years with large B-cell lymphoma.

This EBMT registry analysis compared CAR T-cell therapies—axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) versus tisagenlecleucel (tisa-cel)—in 1,191 patients aged ≥70 years with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma. Axi-cel showed improved progression-free survival (PFS) compared with tisa-cel in this elderly population, alongside evaluation of toxicity outcomes such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and ICANS. The findings are clinically important for selecting CAR T products in older patients where tolerability and durable disease control are critical.

Rocha V, Mooyaart JE, Ram R et al. · Haematologica · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

An Italian cartography of VEXAS-related thrombosis.

This two-step Italian study mapped the clinical-genomic features of thrombosis in VEXAS syndrome by first screening 198 men >40 years with unprovoked thrombosis for VEXAS-compatible features and performing UBA1 exon 3 testing, then expanding to 87 molecularly confirmed Italian VEXAS patients. No UBA1 mutation was detected in the 21 screened men with VEXAS-compatible features in the first step, while the second step characterized thrombosis prevalence and outcomes in confirmed VEXAS. The cartography clarifies the relationship between VEXAS and thrombotic events and informs how to approach anticoagulation and genetic evaluation in suspected cases.

Ranucci G, Pascale MR, Forte V et al. · HemaSphere · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardiovascular inflammation, thrombosis & cardio-kidney-metabolic risk

Immature Neutrophil Phenotype and Enhanced Myeloperoxidase in Male Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular Comorbidity.

This study analyzed neutrophil maturation and activation in two independent cohorts of male patients with moderate-to-advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular comorbidities using flow cytometry, with additional assessment of neutrophil extracellular trap formation and plasma neutrophil-borne proteins. CKD patients showed an immature neutrophil phenotype with enhanced myeloperoxidase-associated activity compared with healthy controls, and these changes tracked with cardiovascular comorbidity burden. The findings support a mechanistic link between CKD-associated neutrophil dysfunction and cardiovascular risk, suggesting neutrophil maturation/activation markers as potential stratifiers or targets for intervention.

Vondenhoff S, Antwerpen A, Junho CVC et al. · Acta physiologica (Oxford, England) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Persistent Atrial Myopathy Despite Ventricular Recovery: Prognostic Significance of Discordant LV-LA Strain Patterns in HFrEF.

This multicentre registry study from STRATS-HF-ARNI evaluated prognostic significance of discordant left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) strain recovery in 1,182 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) treated with ARNI-based therapy. Patients were stratified by changes in LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and LA strain (LASr) at one year, and those with persistent atrial myopathy despite ventricular recovery (discordant LV-LA strain patterns) had distinct prognostic implications. The results suggest that LA strain recovery status adds prognostic value beyond LV-centric metrics, potentially guiding risk stratification and follow-up intensity in HFrEF.

Park J, Bae NY, Lim J et al. · European journal of heart failure · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Endothelial PIEZO1 regulates Weibel-Palade body exocytosis.

This study examined how the mechanosensitive cation channel PIEZO1 regulates Weibel-Palade body (WPB) exocytosis in endothelial cells. Using the PIEZO1 agonist Yoda1 and mechanistic approaches, PIEZO1 activation triggered rapid WPB exocytosis, linking endothelial mechanotransduction to regulated secretion. These findings clarify a receptor-level mechanism by which mechanical forces can drive vascular hemostasis and inflammation.

El-Mansi S, Al-Saegh M, Rolas L et al. · Blood · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Finerenone benefits in patients with cardio-kidney-metabolic syndrome with or without history of cancer: the FINE-HEART pooled analysis.

This post hoc pooled analysis of the FINE-HEART dataset (participant-level pooling of FIDELIO-DKD, FIGARO-DKD, and FINEARTS-HF) evaluated whether finerenone, a non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, benefits patients with cardio-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome with or without a history of cancer. The study characterized clinical features, outcomes, and treatment responses to finerenone stratified by cancer history to determine whether comorbid cancer modifies CKM treatment effects. The results are significant for risk–benefit decision-making of finerenone in CKM patients who have current or prior malignancy.

Ruppert M, Vaduganathan M, Claggett BL et al. · European heart journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Rigosertib Reverses Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Noonan Syndrome.

This study investigated rigosertib, a dual RAS/MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor, as a potential therapy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in Noonan syndrome, a RASopathy. The key finding was that rigosertib reversed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy features in the Noonan syndrome context studied. This is scientifically and clinically significant because it suggests a targeted pathway-based treatment strategy for a major cardiac complication in RASopathies.

Legler L, Marchetti K, Xu B et al. · Circulation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Metrnl Reduces Thrombosis and Acute Myocardial Injury Through Inhibition of Platelet Activation via CD36 Receptor Degradation.

The study investigated how the secreted protein Metrnl affects platelet activation and thrombosis using global and platelet-specific Metrnl knockout mice, recombinant Metrnl, and a Metrnl-neutralizing antibody, with mechanistic focus on the platelet CD36 receptor. Metrnl reduced thrombosis and acute myocardial injury by inhibiting platelet activation through promoting CD36 receptor degradation. These findings support Metrnl–CD36 signaling as a potential therapeutic target to prevent platelet-driven arterial thrombosis and myocardial injury.

Miao ZW, Chen CX, Wang P et al. · Circulation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Bempedoic Acid and First and Recurrent Limb Outcomes in Statin-Intolerant Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: Insights From the CLEAR Outcomes Trial.

The CLEAR Outcomes trial analysis evaluated whether bempedoic acid (180 mg daily) reduces first and recurrent major adverse limb events (MALEs) in 13,970 statin-intolerant patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Bempedoic acid lowered limb outcomes in addition to previously reported reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events. This extends the clinical benefit of ACL-inhibiting bempedoic acid to PAD patients by targeting both cardiovascular and limb risk.

Bonaca MP, Canonico ME, Li N et al. · Circulation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Diabetes, obesity & cardiometabolic pharmacotherapy

SGLT-2 inhibitors and risk of 59 long-term health conditions, hospitalisation, and mortality.

This comparative effectiveness study emulated a target trial using linked primary care, hospital, and mortality records in England (2012–2023) to assess long-term outcomes after initiation of SGLT-2 inhibitors versus DPP-4 inhibitors in adults with type 2 diabetes (n=364,522; age ≥40). It evaluated all-cause mortality, first hospitalization, number of hospitalizations, and incidence of 59 prespecified long-term health conditions. The results aim to clarify whether SGLT-2 inhibitors reduce multi-morbidity progression and hospitalization burden compared with DPP-4 inhibitors.

Wang J, Cooper J, Hathaway E et al. · European journal of endocrinology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Effect of Semaglutide on the Inflammatory Biomarker High-Sensitivity CRP in Patients With Established Cardiovascular Disease and Overweight or Obesity in SELECT: A Prespecified Secondary Analysis.

This prespecified secondary analysis of the SELECT trial studied whether semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) lowers plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in 17,604 patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and overweight/obesity but without diabetes. Semaglutide significantly reduced hsCRP compared with placebo over follow-up. Lowering hsCRP with semaglutide provides mechanistic biomarker support for anti-inflammatory cardiovascular risk reduction in non-diabetic obesity with established CVD.

Plutzky J, Bogdański P, Colhoun HM et al. · Circulation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Comparative Efficacy of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide in Chinese Adults with Obesity without Diabetes: A Real-World Observational Study.

This single-center retrospective observational study compared semaglutide (1.7 mg once weekly) versus tirzepatide (5 mg once weekly) over 3 months in 183 Chinese adults with obesity without diabetes. Both drugs improved weight and metabolic parameters, with differential effects reported on body weight and visceral fat outcomes between semaglutide and tirzepatide. The real-world head-to-head comparison informs treatment selection for weight management in Chinese patients without diabetes.

Yao Z, Ahmad A, Gong F et al. · Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity : targets and therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Neurology: epilepsy, neurodegeneration & brain–gut circuits

An upstream open reading frame represses translation of the neuronal potassium channel KCNQ2.

This study examined translational regulation of the neuronal potassium channel gene KCNQ2 by identifying an upstream open reading frame (uORF) in its 5′ UTR in the context of neonatal-onset epilepsy genetics. The identified uORF represses KCNQ2 translation, providing a regulatory layer that can contribute to disease when KCNQ2 function is compromised. This mechanistic insight expands how pathogenic variants may disrupt neuronal excitability beyond coding-sequence effects.

Huey DJ, Guadarrama E, DeKeyser JM et al. · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Impaired brain-gut circuit for gut motility dysfunction in mouse models of Parkinson’s disease.

This work used multiple mouse models of Parkinson’s disease, including genetic and sporadic α-synuclein–related models, to study central control of gut motility. α-synuclein pathology impaired excitability of cholinergic neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV), and chemogenetic activation of these neurons restored gut motility, while electroacupuncture at ST36 robustly increased vagal-pathway excitability. The study provides a causal brain–gut circuit mechanism for Parkinson’s gastrointestinal dysfunction and suggests DMV/vagal-targeted neuromodulation as a therapeutic strategy.

Yu M, Zhang L, Zhang X et al. · Cell reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

The locus coeruleus gateway hypothesis: Noradrenergic integrity as a candidate determinant of amyloid-β clearance efficiency in anti-amyloid immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s disease.

This hypothesis paper proposes that structural integrity of the locus coeruleus (LC)—the brain’s principal norepinephrine source—determines amyloid-β (Aβ) clearance efficiency and thereby contributes to inter-individual variability in response to anti-amyloid immunotherapies in early Alzheimer’s disease. It specifically frames LC integrity as a candidate upstream determinant of Aβ clearance rather than overall clinical outcome, in the context of modest but statistically significant slowing of decline with lecanemab and donanemab. If supported experimentally, LC integrity could become a biomarker or mechanistic target to better predict and optimize anti-amyloid treatment response.

Dodart CA · Journal of Alzheimer’s disease : JAD · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Multimodal balance training with rhythmical auditory cueing in Huntington’s disease: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

This phase 1 pilot randomized controlled trial studied multimodal physiotherapy balance training in 36 genetically confirmed Huntington’s disease participants, comparing rhythmical auditory stimuli (RAS-supported) versus the same training without RAS versus an educational control. Participants were randomized into three groups (n=12 each), and the trial assessed feasibility and potential effects on balance outcomes. The findings are significant as an early test of whether rhythmical auditory cueing can enhance balance rehabilitation in Huntington’s disease.

Capato TT, Nonnekes J, Ramjith J et al. · Journal of Huntington’s disease · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Convergent Epigenome and Transcriptome Changes in Parkinson’s Disease.

This integrative multi-omics reanalysis used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-cell ATAC sequencing (scATAC-seq) to identify convergent epigenome and transcriptome changes in Parkinson’s disease (PD) dopaminergic neurons, reanalyzing data from 27 PD and 11 control samples for scRNA-seq and 10 PD and 2 controls for scATAC-seq. The key finding was that PD-associated alterations converge across epigenetic and transcriptional layers in dopaminergic neurons and extend to a systemic, cross-tissue epigenetic signature assessed by generating new bulk ATAC-seq profiles from peripheral monocytes. This supports a mechanistic model linking neuron vulnerability to coordinated, multi-tissue regulatory changes and highlights candidate epigenetic/transcriptional targets for PD.

Macchi M, Ginolhac A, Heurtaux T et al. · Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Early sodium channel blocker initiation is associated with better outcomes in KCNQ2 disorders.

This multicentre international retrospective cohort study analyzed 282 individuals with pathogenic KCNQ2 variants to test whether early initiation of sodium channel blockers (SCBs) improves seizure control and neurodevelopmental outcomes across KCNQ2 disorder phenotypes (including KCNQ2-DEE and self-limited familial neonatal epilepsy). Early SCB initiation was associated with better outcomes, including improved seizure control and more favorable neurodevelopmental trajectories compared with later initiation. Clinically, the findings support prompt SCB use in KCNQ2-related neonatal-onset epilepsies to potentially reduce downstream developmental impact.

Millevert C, Hairabedian M, Dahan S et al. · Brain : a journal of neurology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Neuropsychiatric outcomes & sleep in therapeutics

Prospective changes in sleep quality and depressive symptom burden following initiation of GLP-1-based therapies in patients with obesity: a real-world study.

This prospective real-world observational study evaluated short-term changes in depressive symptoms and sleep quality in patients with obesity initiating GLP-1-based therapy (semaglutide or tirzepatide), assessing outcomes at baseline and month 3. After initiation, depressive symptom burden and sleep quality were measured using PHQ-9 and PSQI, and clinical response was defined by ≥5-point PHQ-9 improvement alongside predefined thresholds for clinically significant depression and poor sleep. The results are clinically relevant for identifying early neuropsychiatric and sleep effects of semaglutide/tirzepatide in routine obesity care.

Kır Y, Haymana C, Toros B et al. · Journal of endocrinological investigation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Respiratory disease: infections, air pollution & airway inflammation

COPD and Aspergillus-a complex interaction of global health importance.

This article reviews the interaction between Aspergillus spp and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), focusing on how impaired lung defenses in COPD promote persistent airway infection and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis or invasive aspergillosis. It highlights that recurrent COPD exacerbations are more common when Aspergillus is present in the airways, suggesting an underused therapeutic opportunity to reduce hospital admissions and deaths. The significance is that targeting Aspergillus-related disease mechanisms in COPD could represent a new, clinically actionable approach to lowering exacerbation burden.

Denning DW, Bertuzzi M, Chotirmall SH et al. · The Lancet. Infectious diseases · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Impact of the Ultra Low Emission Zone on lung function growth in children in London, UK: a prospective parallel cohort study.

This prospective parallel cohort natural-experiment study assessed the impact of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) on children’s lung function growth by comparing forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) trajectories over 5 years between children in London and Luton within the CHILL study. The key finding is that the ULEZ policy was evaluated for measurable effects on lung function growth trajectories in children exposed to reduced traffic-related air pollution. Scientifically and clinically, it provides evidence relevant to whether urban emission-control policies translate into improved pediatric respiratory development.

Wood HE, Hajmohammadi H, Dove RE et al. · The Lancet. Public health · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Mepolizumab effectiveness for patients with severe, uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in Italy (MEPOREAL): a real-life, multicentre, phase 4 trial.

This real-life, multicentre, ambispective phase 4 trial (MEPOREAL) evaluated mepolizumab 100 mg every 4 weeks in patients with severe, uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) across 25 Italian tertiary rhinology clinics. The key finding is the 12-month effectiveness and safety profile of mepolizumab in this heterogeneous real-world population. Clinically, it informs how mepolizumab performs outside randomized trials for severe CRSwNP patients who remain uncontrolled.

De Corso E, Ottaviano G, Seccia V et al. · The Lancet. Respiratory medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Autoimmune/inflammatory disease therapeutics (incl. MS)

A tolerogenic mRNA-LNP vaccine alleviates neuroinflammation and demyelination in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

This preclinical study developed an mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) vaccine (LiH-LNPs) encoding a tandem fusion of epitopes from three multiple sclerosis (MS)-associated myelin antigens and tested it in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). LiH-LNPs reduced inflammatory infiltration and demyelination, and single-cell RNA sequencing showed a shift in the spinal cord microenvironment toward inflammation resolution. These results indicate that antigen-specific tolerogenic mRNA-LNP vaccination can promote durable immune regulation in MS models, supporting further development of epitope-fusion mRNA-LNP strategies for autoimmune demyelination.

Song Y, Dongye Z, Yao J et al. · Science bulletin · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Immune reconstitution and tolerance-inducing therapies as promising therapeutic approaches in multiple sclerosis.

This review summarized evidence for immune reconstitution therapies (IRTs) and tolerance-inducing approaches as therapeutic strategies in multiple sclerosis (MS). It reframes MS immunotherapy around a tolerance-centric paradigm, contrasting continuous maintenance disease-modifying therapies with immune reconstitution and emerging antigen-specific tolerance strategies. Scientifically, it positions tolerance mechanisms as a unifying rationale for next-generation MS treatments, particularly for progressive disease where options remain limited.

Maal AB, Arki MK, Nabavi SM et al. · Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Inflammation, fibrosis & tissue remodeling (organ-level)

Ageing-associated regenerative failure in the lung: stem cell senescence and transitional cell persistence in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

This article reviewed mechanisms of ageing-associated regenerative failure in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), focusing on alveolar stem cell senescence and persistence of transitional epithelial states. It emphasizes that epithelial transitional populations that normally resolve during acute injury—such as pre-alveolar type-1 transitional cells, damage-associated transient progenitors, and alveolar-basal intermediates—persist abnormally in IPF lungs. The synthesis supports a model in which failed clearance of transitional states and stem cell senescence drive impaired AT2-to-AT1 regeneration, informing future regenerative or senescence-targeted therapies for IPF.

Yoshida M, Araya J · European respiratory review : an official journal of the European Respiratory Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

WISP1 Drives Intestinal Fibrosis in Crohn’s Disease via Metabolic and Rho/ROCK/MRTF-mediated cytoskeletal Remodeling.

This study examined how WNT1 inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1) drives intestinal fibrosis in Crohn’s disease by integrating metabolic reprogramming with Rho/ROCK/MRTF-mediated cytoskeletal remodeling. Using matched human ileal tissues (bulk RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, and lipidomics) and primary human intestinal fibroblasts for in-vitro assays, the key finding was that WISP1 promotes fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix remodeling consistent with stricturing CD. Clinically, WISP1 emerges as a potential target to prevent or treat intestinal fibrosis in Crohn’s disease.

Buck A, Writz C, Umbach M et al. · Gastroenterology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Neuropeptide Y regulates myocardial fibrosis via NPY1R/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

This study investigated neuropeptide Y (NPY) as a regulator of myocardial fibrosis after myocardial infarction (MI) and defined the signaling pathway involved. The key finding was that whole-body NPY knockout reduced cardiac fibrosis, endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndMT), dysfunction, and infarct size, while NPY treatment and NPY siRNA experiments in neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts supported NPY-driven fibrosis via the NPY1R/JAK2/STAT3 pathway. This is significant because it identifies a druggable NPY1R–JAK2–STAT3 axis for limiting post-MI fibrotic remodeling and heart failure progression.

Huang W, Chen Y, Chen Y et al. · Biochemical pharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Gastrointestinal Manifestations and Nutrition Support in Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia, and Mast Cell Activation Syndromes.

This article reviewed gastrointestinal manifestations and nutrition support strategies in patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome/hypermobility spectrum disorders (hEDS/HSD), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). It highlights that GI symptoms are common and severe in these conditions and emphasizes structured evaluation to avoid premature escalation to non-oral nutrition support. Clinically, it provides a practical framework to improve recognition of gut–brain interaction disorders, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, and malnutrition risk in this patient population.

Katz J, Angeli AM, Alicea A et al. · Current gastroenterology reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Safety and Efficacy of Intra-Articular Injection of Umbilical Cord-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Study.

In a retrospective clinical study, 29 patients with knee osteoarthritis (33 knees) received six intra-articular injections of umbilical cord stem cell–derived extracellular vesicles (UC-EVs) at 1×10^11 particles per dose every 2 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months using KOOS, VAS, and other measures (as reported in the truncated abstract), with the study focusing on safety and efficacy of UC-EVs. These data are clinically relevant for evaluating whether intra-articular UC-EVs provide a tolerable disease-modifying or symptom-improving option for knee osteoarthritis.

Yokota N, Kambayashi T, Tanabe Y · Orthopedics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Myeloid Cell Expansion Propels Right Ventricular Dysfunction in HFpEF Through Sterile Inflammation.

This translational study examined how myeloid cell expansion drives right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) using murine HFpEF models (including L-NAME plus high-fat diet and chronic hypoxia) and analyses of human HFpEF cohorts. Myeloid cell expansion promoted sterile inflammation that contributed to manifest RVD in the HFpEF setting. The work links innate immune activation to HFpEF-associated RVD and supports myeloid/sterile inflammation pathways as potential therapeutic targets.

Jaeschke L, Koçana C, Chitroceanu AM et al. · Circulation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Clinical guidelines, trial methods & evidence synthesis

Overlooked and undertreated: Hearing loss among individuals with intellectual disabilities - A German cohort study.

This German cohort study (HörGeist) examined an outreach program for hearing screening, diagnostics, intervention, and monitoring in 1053 individuals with intellectual disabilities across ages 1–90 years. The key finding was that hearing loss in people with ID is frequently overlooked and undertreated, and the outreach model was designed to improve detection and care compared with standard care and a clinic-based invitation approach. The study is significant because it tests a scalable, real-world pathway to reduce preventable hearing-related morbidity in a high-risk population.

Neumann K, Schwalen AS, Gietmann C et al. · PLOS global public health · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Global practices and attitudes in acute appendicitis management: the PAMAP-W international survey and Delphi consensus study on the WSES appendicitis grading system.

This international PAMAP-W survey and Delphi consensus study investigated global practices and attitudes in acute appendicitis management and aimed to generate grade-linked expert statements for the WSES appendicitis grading system. The key finding was that substantial worldwide variability persists despite existing grading systems, particularly in operative approach, stump closure, postoperative antibiotic selection and duration, drainage, interval appendectomy after non-operative management, and follow-up strategies. The clinical significance is that consensus outputs can help standardize care decisions according to appendicitis grade and reduce practice heterogeneity.

De Simone B, Catena F, Abu-Zidan F et al. · World journal of emergency surgery : WJES · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Toxicity of Cytarabine Intravenous Constant Rate Infusion in Cats With Lymphoma.

This retrospective veterinary study assessed cytarabine intravenous constant rate infusion (IV CRI) toxicity in 38 cats with lymphoma, evaluating adverse events graded with VCOG-CTCAE v2 across 70 administered doses between 1990 and 2024. The study characterized the dose and infusion parameters (median cytarabine dose 389.8 mg/m2 over a median 6-hour infusion) and reported the spectrum and severity of treatment-related toxicities. These data improve evidence-based dosing safety for cytarabine IV CRI in feline lymphoma and support more informed monitoring and protocol design in clinical practice.

Hanford R, Skorupski KA, Rebhun RB et al. · Veterinary and comparative oncology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Induction Agents for Tracheal Intubation of Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This study systematically reviewed and performed a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing induction agents for tracheal intubation in critically ill patients across emergency, ICU, operating room, and pre-hospital settings. The key finding was a comparative effectiveness and safety ranking of sedative agents used for endotracheal intubation, identifying differences in peri-intubation adverse outcomes among drugs. Clinically, the results inform evidence-based selection of induction agents to reduce peri-intubation complications in critically ill patients.

McDougall G, Forestell B, Sadeghirad B et al. · Chest · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Craniopharyngioma in Children (2025).

This article reports the Chinese clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of craniopharyngioma in children, covering both adamantinomatous (ACP) and papillary (PCP) subtypes. The key finding is the guideline’s structured recommendations for tumor control alongside management of tumor-related hypothalamic dysfunction and pituitary endocrine disorders. Scientifically and clinically, it provides standardized care pathways for pediatric craniopharyngioma that address both oncologic and endocrine morbidity.

Lin Z, Ma J, Mou Y et al. · Cancer letters · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Global Prevalence of Celiac Disease and Clinical Characteristics in the General Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the global prevalence of celiac disease (CeD) in the general population and to characterize clinical features, assessing how diagnostic methods affect detection rates. The key finding was that pooled prevalence estimates and observed clinical characteristics varied depending on whether studies used tTG-IgA with or without biopsy confirmation and/or EMA and DGP antibody testing. This is significant for public health planning and for interpreting epidemiologic burden estimates in relation to diagnostic strategy heterogeneity.

Karimzadhagh S, Abbaspour E, Shamsi P et al. · Gastroenterology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Global, regional, and national burden of HIV/AIDS, 1990-2023, with the estimated burden attributable to intimate partner violence and forecasted impacts of funding cuts through 2030: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023.

Using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023 framework, this analysis quantified global trends in HIV incidence, prevalence, and mortality from 1990–2023 and estimated the portion attributable to intimate partner violence (IPV), while forecasting impacts of funding cuts through 2030 across 204 countries and territories. The key finding is that gendered social determinants—specifically IPV—contribute meaningfully to women’s HIV vulnerability and that reductions in financial support could worsen HIV outcomes. The significance is that HIV planning and budgeting should explicitly incorporate IPV-related risk and anticipate funding-driven reversals in progress.

The lancet. HIV · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Global and regional progress towards reduced burden of oral conditions between 2019 and 2023: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023.

This systematic analysis used Global Burden of Disease Study 2023 modelled estimates to evaluate global and regional progress in oral conditions between 2019 and 2023 toward WHO’s Global Oral Health Action Plan target of a 10% relative reduction by 2030. The key finding is the quantified change in the age-standardised prevalence of major untreated oral conditions (including untreated dental caries in deciduous and permanent teeth) over 2019–2023. The significance is that it provides evidence on whether countries are on track for oral health targets and identifies where additional prevention and treatment efforts are needed.

The Lancet. Public health · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Measuring the composition and availability of human resources for health by sex in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2023, and workforce gaps for universal health coverage: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023.

This systematic analysis quantified the composition and density of the health workforce by sex across 204 countries and territories from 1990–2023 for 20 health worker cadres, and estimated workforce gaps relative to universal health coverage (UHC). The key finding is that health workforce availability and gender composition vary substantially by country, time, and cadre, producing measurable shortfalls against UHC needs. Scientifically and policy-wise, it supports targeted recruitment, training, and retention strategies to close sex-specific and cadre-specific workforce gaps.

The Lancet. Public health · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Semaglutide-Induced Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether semaglutide treatment is associated with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) by comparing relative effects in semaglutide-treated individuals versus controls. Using PRISMA-guided methods and a random-effects model (protocol registered in PROSPERO: CRD42025649542), it synthesized evidence from database searches through May 18, 2026. The analysis addresses an important pharmacovigilance question about the potential ocular ischemic risk of semaglutide.

Khani E, Asham H, Rezabakhsh A et al. · Journal of clinical pharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

A Systematic Review of Long-term Safety Outcomes of Ketamine and Esketamine in Patients with Treatment-resistant Depression.

This systematic review evaluated long-term safety outcomes of ketamine and esketamine in adults with treatment-resistant depression using searches of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, and the Cochrane Library through January 29, 2026. Across included studies with at least 12-week follow-up, safety outcomes were synthesized across neurocognitive, dissociative/psychotomimetic, sedation, cardiovascular, hepatic, urinary, and misuse/dependence domains. The review addresses an evidence gap on cumulative safety and informs clinicians and patients about longer-term risk considerations for these antidepressant agents.

Wasolua TT, Hardy MS, Bommersbach TJ et al. · Psychotherapy and psychosomatics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

ARDS management beyond the guidelines: a practical physiology-based approach to individualized care.

This article proposed a practical physiology-based approach to ARDS management that goes beyond guideline targets for individualized care. It emphasizes bedside decision-making for ventilation initiation, adjustments when driving pressure targets are not met, and assessment of recruitability to set PEEP while integrating ventilator management with gas exchange and hemodynamic goals. Clinically, it aims to improve outcomes by tailoring lung-protective strategies to each patient’s physiology rather than relying solely on fixed guideline thresholds.

Wongtirawit N, Menga LS, Brito R et al. · Intensive care medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Clinical characteristics of bloodstream infections in the patients receiving anti-IL-6 receptor antibody.

This multicenter retrospective study examined bloodstream infection (BSI) episodes occurring within 90 days of anti–interleukin-6 receptor (anti-IL6R) antibody therapy in patients treated between 2005 and 2024. Anti-IL6R recipients had a measurable prevalence of BSI, with a subset meeting criteria for complicated BSI based on infection-related mortality, suppurative complications, embolic stroke, or recurrence within 90 days. These findings help define the clinical and microbiological risk profile of BSI in patients receiving anti-IL6R therapy and can inform monitoring and management strategies.

Shinohara K, Tochitani K, Katada Y et al. · Infection · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Patterns of negative trauma laparotomy worldwide: a sub-analysis of a global dataset.

This secondary analysis of the multicenter prospective GOAL-Trauma dataset studied the global prevalence and patient- and system-level factors associated with “negative” trauma laparotomy (no intra-abdominal injuries found) in trauma patients enrolled from April to December 2024. The study quantified how often negative laparotomy occurs worldwide and identified influencing factors across both individual and healthcare-system characteristics. These findings are important for reducing unnecessary surgical morbidity and improving decision-making for abdominal exploration in trauma.

Laird WLA, Bath MF, Amoako J et al. · European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

European S2k guidelines for hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa Part 1. Epidemiology, diagnosis and clinical assessment.

This article presents European S2k clinical guidelines for hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa, focusing on epidemiology, diagnosis, and clinical assessment. The guideline development used expert consensus with a Delphi procedure to produce structured recommendations for generalists, including clinimetrics and comorbidity considerations. These recommendations are significant for standardizing diagnosis and assessment across healthcare settings to improve patient stratification and care pathways.

Jemec GBE, Villumsen B, van Straalen KR et al. · Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Metabolic and bariatric surgery in adults with obesity and diabetes mellitus: a network meta-analysis.

This Cochrane network meta-analysis compared medium- and long-term benefits and harms of different metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) procedures versus each other and versus non-surgical treatment in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The study aimed to produce a clinically meaningful ranking of procedures based on outcomes relevant to this population, including sustained weight loss and diabetes-related comorbidities. The results are intended to guide evidence-based selection of MBS strategies for adults with obesity and T2D by synthesizing comparative effectiveness and safety across procedures.

Kiesswetter E, Gorenflo L, Schwarzer G et al. · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on 30-Day Readmission Rates After Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair and Open Repair.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated 30-day readmission rates after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) versus open aneurysm repair (OAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), using observational studies published from 2010–2024. It assessed readmission as a potential surrogate marker of healthcare quality while also summarizing patient characteristics, postoperative complications, and length of stay. The findings are significant for benchmarking perioperative care quality and informing decision-making about EVAR versus OAR with respect to early healthcare utilization.

Bachert C, Epple J, Golbach R et al. · Annali italiani di chirurgia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

A literature review and reflection on clinical trials: current challenges, future directions, and potential strategies to overcome practical barriers.

This narrative literature review examined current challenges and future directions in clinical trials, focusing on issues such as trial registration, protocols, statistical analysis plans, sample size, risk of bias, transparency, reporting, peer review, dissemination, and emerging roles for artificial intelligence (AI). The review synthesized recurring barriers and proposed practical strategies to improve trial rigor and implementation. The article is significant as a roadmap for stakeholders to strengthen evidence generation and reduce avoidable failures in clinical research.

Zhang K, Lampridis S, Simone CB et al. · AME clinical trials review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Diagnostics, risk prediction & clinical measurement tools

A Comprehensive Body Shape Evaluation System With Population Reference Ranges for Improved Disease Identification: Evidence From the China National Health Survey.

This China National Health Survey analysis studied age- and sex-specific body shape reference percentiles and a composite body shape index (CBSI) for chronic disease screening in Chinese adults. The key finding was that CBSI was derived using sex-stratified exploratory factor analysis (varimax rotation) integrating adiposity, muscle function, and body proportion, and it was assessed for associations with chronic diseases in a training cohort and validated in an independent cohort. The scientific significance is that population-specific body shape metrics may improve early disease identification beyond traditional single anthropometric measures.

He H, Zhang Z, Cheng Q et al. · Diabetes, obesity & metabolism · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Survival Outcomes of Patients With Colorectal Cancer After Primary Surgery: A Population-Based Study in Hainan, China.

This population-based retrospective cohort study in Hainan, China, evaluated survival outcomes and prognostic factors in 265 patients with colorectal cancer after primary surgery. The key finding was that overall survival was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier/log-rank methods and prognostic factors were identified using Cox proportional hazards regression and SHAP, providing region-specific predictors of post-surgical outcomes. The clinical significance is that these data can guide localized risk stratification and follow-up strategies for CRC patients in Hainan.

Du L, Sun L, Ge D et al. · Cancer medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Assessment of cardiopulmonary bypass-induced platelet disorders using the Quantra Qplus system: the prospective single centre PLAQUA study.

This prospective single-centre diagnostic accuracy study evaluated whether the Quantra Qplus system platelet contribution to clot stiffness (PCS) can detect cardiopulmonary bypass-induced platelet disorders (CPD) in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The key aim was to determine PCS’s ability to predict CPD, with CPD defined by postoperative thrombocytopenia and related platelet dysfunction endpoints. If PCS reliably identifies CPD, it could improve perioperative bleeding risk assessment and guide targeted hemostatic management after CPB.

Caron M, Ferdynus C, Aujoulat T et al. · British journal of anaesthesia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Rome V global epidemiology and validation survey: prevalence of disorders of gut-brain interaction and comparison with the Rome IV global epidemiology study.

This population-based Internet survey assessed global epidemiology of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) using the Rome V adult diagnostic criteria in 28,771 adults from 15 countries and compared results with the prior Rome IV global epidemiology dataset. The study quantified DGBI prevalence under Rome V and used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate associations between demographic factors and Rome V DGBI status. The Rome V-based global estimates provide updated benchmarks for DGBI burden and support harmonized epidemiologic comparisons across studies and diagnostic frameworks.

Sperber AD, Hreinsson JP, Simrén M et al. · Gut · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Ovarian reserve as a measure of adjuvant chemotherapy benefit in hormone receptor positive (HR-positive), HER2-negative, node-positive breast cancer in SWOG S1007 (RxPONDER).

This analysis of SWOG S1007 (RxPONDER) evaluated whether pretreatment ovarian reserve biomarkers—estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and inhibin—can refine prediction of benefit from adding chemotherapy to endocrine therapy in hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, node-positive breast cancer with recurrence score (RS) ≤25. The study focused on hormone-associated ovarian reserve measures to better identify patients—particularly premenopausal—who may derive limited or differential chemotherapy benefit. Clinically, improved ovarian reserve–based prediction could reduce unnecessary chemotherapy and personalize endocrine-only strategies in this subgroup.

Kalinsky K, Barlow WE, Pathak HB et al. · Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Precision Medicine Breakthrough: Multi-Omics Integration Elevates CAD Risk Prediction.

This study used multi-omics integration of genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data from UK Biobank participants to improve coronary artery disease (CAD) risk prediction, applying similarity network fusion with elastic net regularization and late integration (stacking) in 23,776 individuals with complete multi-omics. The key finding is that combining these omics layers in a network-fusion plus elastic-net framework substantially enhances CAD risk stratification beyond conventional single-modality approaches. Scientifically, it supports precision-medicine CAD prediction pipelines that leverage large-scale multi-omics for more accurate risk assessment.

Su Q, Li QY, Hu CK et al. · Ageing research reviews · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Biological aging and the hidden architecture of early-onset cancer risk.

This article discusses findings from a Nature Medicine study that compared biological age gaps across birth cohorts and assessed associations with early-onset lung, colorectal, and uterine cancers. Larger biological age gaps were linked to higher risk of early-onset cancers, positioning biological age as an integrative marker of physiological dysregulation. The work supports future integration of aging clocks with mutational signatures to distinguish tumor-promoting states from tumor-initiating exposures.

Abbasi A, Alexandrov LB · Cancer cell · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Neutral Backbone Modifications Enhance the Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution of Antibody-Oligonucleotide Conjugates with High Drug-to-Antibody Ratios.

The study investigated how neutral backbone modifications alter pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs) delivering siRNA, particularly for constructs with high drug-to-antibody ratios (DAR). It focused on how increasing negative charge from phosphodiester/phosphorothioate linkages can drive nonspecific uptake and rapid clearance, and tested whether neutral backbone changes improve in vivo behavior. These findings are significant for optimizing AOC design to enhance targeted delivery and reduce off-target distribution at higher DAR.

Cochran M, Nallagatla S, Iacono GD et al. · Journal of medicinal chemistry · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

An actigraphy-based algorithm to assess daytime napping in people with narcolepsy type 1.

This study developed and validated an actigraphy-based algorithm to detect daytime naps in people with narcolepsy type 1 (NT1), using wrist-worn actigraphy data. The algorithm was trained and tuned using manually annotated naps from 2237 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and then applied to NT1 cohorts, achieving high specificity (Tau B 93.2% as reported). An objective nap-detection tool is scientifically and clinically important for quantifying excessive daytime sleepiness and improving assessment in NT1 trials and care.

Torres R, Ghosal R, Naylor M et al. · Sleep · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Association of Clonal Hematopoiesis With Silent Brain Lesions and Cognitive Decline in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

In a prospective multicenter cohort of 1,572 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), the study assessed whether clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP)—including DNMT3A and non-DNMT3A variants identified by deep-targeted sequencing—was associated with silent brain lesions and cognitive decline using brain MRI and standardized cognitive testing. CHIP carrier status was associated with greater burden of silent brain lesions and subsequent cognitive decline, with analyses stratified by DNMT3A versus non-DNMT3A. These results implicate CHIP as a cerebrovascular and neurocognitive risk factor in AF and suggest that CHIP genotyping could refine risk prediction.

Meyre PB, Ahn HJ, Ehlert CA et al. · Circulation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Evolving Heart Failure Profiles in Quebec from 1998-2021: Insights from the Vision C+ Database.

Using the Vision C+ electronic medical record database, this retrospective cross-sectional analysis studied changes in heart failure (HF) patient profiles in Quebec outpatient HF clinics from 1998–2009 versus 2010–2021. The study characterized how baseline HF characteristics at clinic inscription evolved across time periods. These population-level trends are clinically important for understanding shifts in HF phenotypes and for planning future care models in specialized HF clinics.

Todkar S, Marier-Tétrault E, Turgeon PY et al. · CJC open · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Developmental biology, genetics & comparative biology

Ciliogenic pancreatopathy reveals a link between ciliopathies and exocrine pancreatic disease.

This study investigated whether mutations in ciliopathy-associated genes are linked to human pancreatic dysfunction by analyzing 341 patients with pediatric-onset pancreatic anomalies and characterizing pancreatic phenotypes in mouse models with conditional Nphp3 inactivation. The work connected ciliogenic pancreatopathy to ciliopathy biology, supporting a mechanistic relationship between ciliary dysfunction and exocrine pancreatic disease phenotypes observed in both humans and genetically modified mice. These findings strengthen the clinical relevance of ciliopathies for pediatric pancreatic disorders and suggest that ciliary pathways may be therapeutic targets or diagnostic clues.

Rajput M, Flasse L, Porée E et al. · Gut · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

A cross-vertebrate single-cell and spatial atlas reveals evolutionary trajectories of gastrointestinal cellular innovation.

This study constructed a cross-vertebrate single-cell and spatial transcriptomic atlas comprising nearly 1 million cells from 10 species spanning ~500 million years to map gastrointestinal cellular innovation and evolutionary trajectories. It found that conserved gene co-expression modules evolve through repurposing of existing genetic programs plus de novo gene emergence, linking module remodeling to lineage-specific changes such as ciliated cell loss and tuft cell emergence. The significance is that it provides a comparative, gene-module-level framework for how intestinal cell types and immune organization (including lymphoid aggregates in lungfish) may have evolved across vertebrates.

Guo L, Tong B, Gao X et al. · Cell genomics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Prevention of myopia in a near-primate by supplemental indigo light suggests a hypothesis for the myopia boom.

The study tested whether supplemental short-wavelength “indigo” light (419–446 nm) alters susceptibility to myopia in the near-primate tree shrew model, building on prior mouse work implicating the non-visual opsin OPN5. Indigo light added to warm white LED illumination completely suppressed minus-lens–induced myopia. This suggests a potentially actionable light-spectrum strategy to prevent the “myopia boom” by reducing abnormal eye elongation risk.

Grytz R, El Hamdaoui M, Yamashita T et al. · Cell reports. Medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Multimodal brain cell atlas across the adult macaque lifespan.

This work generated a multimodal adult macaque brain cell atlas by profiling 2,955,873 nuclei from eight brain regions of 23 female cynomolgus macaques across the adult lifespan using single-cell transcriptomics and chromatin accessibility. It identified dynamic, region- and cell-subtype–specific age-related changes in core functions such as synaptic communication and axon myelination, and highlighted multicellular networks in the pons/medulla as a previously unrecognized hotspot of primate brain aging. The atlas provides a high-resolution resource for studying molecular mechanisms of brain aging and white-matter vulnerability.

Zhang X, Lai G, Guo X et al. · Cell · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Initiation of rotational collective migration in Drosophila through tissue geometry and mechanochemical feedback.

This PNAS study explored how Drosophila follicular epithelial cells initiate rotational collective migration in an edgeless epithelium, focusing on how tissue geometry and mechanochemical feedback break symmetry to specify the rotation axis. Using long-term live imaging and perturbations that delay rotation onset, the authors showed that symmetry breaking can occur through multiple mechanisms in the absence of a free tissue edge. The work advances mechanistic understanding of how closed epithelial tissues polarize to drive directed collective movement.

Schwabach S, Santhosh S, Williams AM et al. · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Myoglianin coordinates hormonal and nutrient signaling to control metamorphosis and tissue growth in the fall armyworm.

This study investigated developmental control of metamorphosis in the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) by focusing on the TGF-β ligand Myoglianin (Myo) and its integration of hormonal and nutrient signals. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Myo knockout caused supernumerary larval molts and impaired larval-to-pupal transition, with elevated juvenile hormone (JH) and reduced ecdysone levels. By connecting Myo to hormone balance, the work identifies a potential molecular control point for regulating insect growth and metamorphosis.

Chen X, Koo J, Park H et al. · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Cohesin release-factor Wapl modulates axis and chromatin structure to promote conjunction and separation of meiotic chromosomes.

This study investigated the cohesin release factor Wapl in meiotic prophase of the fungus Sordaria macrospora to determine how it shapes chromosome axis and chromatin dynamics. Loss of Wapl altered chromosome lengths and disrupted multi-stage processes including homolog/partner axis juxtaposition, bouquet-stage telomere dynamics, entanglement resolution, and correct homolog segregation. The findings identify Wapl as a multi-stage regulator of meiotic chromosome organization beyond basic recombination and synaptonemal complex formation.

Zickler D, Rodrigues Neves AR, Kleckner N · Cell reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Temperate Forest Floors: Ecosystem Hubs in Transition?

This review article synthesized current knowledge and identified gaps about temperate forest floor (FF) functioning, emphasizing the FF as a biologically active hub controlling carbon, nutrient, and water cycling. It highlighted that FF biota–abiotic interactions are highly responsive to environmental conditions and forest management, with multifactorial dependencies driving FF responses. The significance lies in clarifying what is known versus understudied, informing future research priorities for predicting how forest soils respond to global change.

Lang F, Prietzel J, Hagedorn F et al. · Global change biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Generated automatically on August 20, 2026 from PubMed’s trending articles. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.