Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in the fight against antibiotic resistance and gained new insights into the workings of mitochondria, the cell’s energy-making factories.
A team of scientists has discovered a new antibiotic molecule, lariocidin, which targets a broad range of disease-causing bacteria without being toxic to human cells. The molecule works by attaching to structures called ribosomes in bacteria, disrupting their protein production and slowing down the growth of common bacterial pathogens, including many multidrug-resistant strains.
Meanwhile, scientists have produced the first map of how mitochondria are distributed in the human brain. By dividing a slice of frozen brain into tiny cubes, researchers were able to determine the density of mitochondria in each cube and develop a model to predict their distribution across the entire brain. The study reveals differences in the type and density of mitochondria in different brain regions, with grey matter containing 50% more mitochondria than white matter.
Physicists have also made a groundbreaking discovery that could help explain why matter is so abundant in the universe compared to antimatter. Researchers have observed subtle differences between the decay rates of particles called beauty-lambda baryons and their antimatter counterparts into other products. The findings fit with predicted behaviors by the standard model of particle physics, but provide new avenues for investigating unknown causes of this imbalance.
A survey of 1,600 US scientists found that three-quarters are considering leaving the country due to disruptions prompted by the Trump administration’s policies. Early-career researchers were particularly affected, with many citing Europe and Canada as top choices for relocation.
The study of physiological changes in women after pregnancy has revealed the significant impact childbirth takes on the body. Measurements showed that some markers, such as inflammation and blood health indicators, did not return to pre-conception levels even after 80 weeks post-pregnancy.
Finally, experts are sounding the alarm about the rise of AI tools in peer review, warning that they could undermine the social contract of this critical process. Researchers are concerned that AI tools could be used to write reviews from start to finish, eroding the importance of human feedback and input.
As researchers continue to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge, these breakthroughs demonstrate the importance of continued investment in science research and education, as well as policies that support the well-being and empowerment of scientists.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00988-2