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Lost starfish arms could bolster regenerative medicine: Similar neurohormones in starfish and humans could help scientists better understand the molecular processes behind the animal’s ability to regenerate limbs and lead to advances in regenerative medicine, researchers write in a Current Biology paper based on study of the species Asterias rubens, the common sea star. In humans and starfish, cholecystokinin-type neurohormones set off changes in target cells by binding to specific receptor proteins on the cell surface, which causes gallbladder contractions in humans and muscle contractions in starfish that allow them to detach their arms, then close the wound.

Drug that shrinks children’s heart tumors might work for dogs: Propranolol is used to treat hypertension, atrial fibrillation and pediatric vascular tumors, and now researchers at Atlantic Veterinary College are running a study to see if the drug can shrink heart tumors in dogs. Canine heart tumors are not rare; however, many dogs do not show signs of illness until the tumors are advanced, so finding enough dogs for the study may be a challenge, says veterinarian Abigail Martin, the Co-Lead Investigator and a second-year cardiology resident.

Studies with rodents advance our understanding of how memories form: A new study in Science Advances builds on previous research with rats by demonstrating that the interaction between protein kinase Mzeta and the targeting molecule KIBRA is essential for memory formation, with tests showing that disrupting this interaction disrupts memory in mice. Senior Author Todd Sacktor recognizes the therapeutic potential of this research and envisions the possibility of memory rejuvenation through gene therapy.

: Legislation aims to increase clinical trial participation: Participation in clinical trials is essential for advancing medical treatments but is hindered by financial barriers, and legislative proposals like the Clinical Trial Modernization Act aim to increase clinical trial participation by allowing Sponsors to pay participants up to $2,000 tax-free while ensuring these costs do not affect Medicaid eligibility. A 2023 Greenphire analysis found that clinical trial participants received an average of $487.80, and most of those earning over $600 had to pay taxes on the payments.

Smart mask monitors health via breath biomarkers: Researchers have developed a smart mask that continuously monitors health by analyzing biomarkers in a user’s breath, by transforming exhaled breath into a condensate that is easier to analyze, according to a study in Science. The smart mask successfully identified nitrites in patients with conditions like asthma that cause inflamed airways, and it could be used to measure ketones in the breath of diabetic patients to help monitor glucose levels.

PET scan shows proteins linked to Alzheimer’s pathology: A study in Nature Neuroscience that used PET imaging and proteomic analysis identified 127 proteins differentially abundant across Alzheimer’s Disease stages, showing distinct pathways involved in amyloid and tau pathology. “These findings highlight some of the protein signatures of the different pathologies of Alzheimer’s Disease and provide potential targets for novel therapeutic strategies,” researchers said.

The president-elect’s prosed 60% tariffs could cause a less favorable environment with increased costs, supply chain disruptions, and possible retaliatory tariffs from affected countries.

Venture capital interest in maternity care grows: Investments in the early maternal health care sector last year totaled $306.5 million, compared with $38.1 million in 2018, according to research by Pitchbook. “There have been some great exits in clinical care recently,” said Alice Zheng, a Partner at venture capital firm RH Capital, which invested in the Millie Clinic.

Foundation’s focus on pregnancy loss is personal for founders: A culture of silence and shame around miscarriage in the United States is due in part to a lack of research into the causes and effects, both emotional and financial. Megan Hanson, who experienced six (6) consecutive miscarriages, is setting out to change the paradigm and, with her husband, founded the Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Association to fund research with the goal of preventing recurrent pregnancy loss.

Scientist develops biologic architect bots: Synthetic biologist Gizem Gumuskaya is also an architecture aficionado who sees the parallels between designed environments and biology, and she has combined her interests to create living robots derived from adult human tracheal cells. Gumuskaya found that her anthrobots formed structures akin to ant bridges between damaged human neurons and collectively aided in healing. “Anthrobots are just one example of what we can accomplish by thinking about nature as a design medium,” Gumuskaya said.