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Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on January 29, 2026 at 12:12pm

No more jet lag! Scientists discover oral compound that helps 'reset' the body clock forward

A  research team has discovered a new compound that can advance the body's internal clock—offering hope for faster recovery from jet lag and better adaptation to night-shift work. The compound, called Mic-628, specifically activates the transcription of a clock gene named Period1 (Per1). When given orally to mice, it advanced their body clocks and activity rhythms, regardless of dosing time.

Mathematical modeling revealed that the compound's stable and unidirectional phase-advancing effect is mediated by a negative auto-regulatory feedback of the PER1 protein itself.

Adapting to eastward travel, such as west-to-east transmeridian flights, or to night-shift work requires advancing the internal clock, a process that normally takes longer and is physiologically harder than delaying it.

Existing methods, such as light therapy or melatonin, are heavily constrained by timing and often yield inconsistent results. Mic-628's consistent phase-advance effect, regardless of when it is administered, represents a new pharmacological strategy for resetting the circadian clock.

The findings, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggest a new approach to controlling circadian rhythms through drug action rather than light exposure.

The researchers plan to investigate the safety and efficacy of Mic-628 in further animal and human studies. Because it reproducibly advances the body clock through a well-defined molecular mechanism, Mic-628 may serve as a prototype "smart drug" for managing jet lag, shift work-related sleep problems, and other circadian misalignment disorders.

Yoshifumi Takahata et al, A Period1 inducer specifically advances circadian clock in mice, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2026). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2509943123

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on January 29, 2026 at 12:04pm

Scientists grow specialized nerve cells that degenerate in ALS and are damaged in spinal cord injury
A method has been developed to direct cortical progenitor cells, specifically SOX6+/NG2+ cells, to differentiate into corticospinal-like neurons in vitro. These lab-grown neurons exhibit key molecular and functional features of native corticospinal neurons, which are affected in ALS and spinal cord injury, providing a foundation for future disease modelling and regenerative research.

Directed differentiation of functional corticospinal-like neurons from endogenous SOX6+/NG2+ cortical progenitors, eLife (2026). DOI: 10.7554/eLife.100340.3

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on January 29, 2026 at 11:38am

Fast-growing trees are taking over the forests of the future and putting biodiversity, climate resilience under pressure
Forests are increasingly dominated by fast-growing tree species, while slow-growing, specialized species face heightened risk of extinction, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. This shift leads to reduced biodiversity, ecosystem homogenization, and diminished climate resilience, as fast-growing trees are less stable and store less carbon long-term. Human activities are the main drivers of these changes.

Guo, WY., et al. Global functional shifts in trees driven by alien naturalization and native extinction, Nature Plants (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41477-025-02207-2

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on January 29, 2026 at 11:19am

Environmental trade-offs of biodegradable plastics revealed
Replacing conventional plastics with biodegradable alternatives could reduce ecotoxicity by up to 34% and global waste accumulation by up to 65% by 2050, provided proper waste management systems like industrial composting are in place. Without such infrastructure, greenhouse gas emissions could double. Biodegradable plastics also increase water use, highlighting the need for improved disposal systems and labeling.

Zhengyin Piao et al, The role of biodegradable plastics in the global plastic future, Nature Reviews Clean Technology (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s44359-025-00142-1

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on January 29, 2026 at 11:16am

Which countries are paying the highest price for particulate air pollution?

Polluted air causes an estimated 7 million deaths worldwide each year, according to the World Health Organization. Much of the mortality comes from PM_2.5, particulate pollution smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that can enter the lungs and bloodstream and cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems. In addition to particles emitted directly into the atmosphere, ammonia (NH₃), nitrogen oxides (NO_X), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂), which are emitted by factories, ships, cars, and power plants, are all precursors that can contribute to the formation of PM_2.5. The effects of particulate pollution are not evenly distributed, however.

The largest mortality reductions came from China and India, where cutting emissions would save 184,000 and 124,000 lives, respectively, each year. The largest cost savings were found in China, followed by Europe and North America. Health benefits also varied by type of emissions and sector. NH₃ causes more issues in China, whereas NO_X is relatively more harmful in Europe than in other places.

The authors note that caution is warranted when comparing results across similar studies, in part because the link between pollutant concentrations and health outcomes is not always linear and in part because different regions may have different methodologies when accounting for emissions by sector. Also, their study focuses only on PM_2.5-related mortality and does not consider other pollutants, such as ozone. Overall, they suggest their work offers a meaningful reference for comparing the effects of different pollutant mitigation strategies in the Northern Hemisphere.

Y. B. Oztaner et al, Source Attribution of PM_2.5Health Benefits Over Northern Hemisphere Using Adjoint of Hemispheric CMAQ, GeoHealth (2026). DOI: 10.1029/2025gh001533

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Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on January 29, 2026 at 11:13am

Microplastics found in a third of surveyed fish off the coasts of remote Pacific Islands
Microplastics were detected in about one-third of coastal fish from Pacific Island Countries and Territories, with Fiji showing contamination in nearly 75% of sampled fish—well above the global average. Reef and bottom-dwelling species, especially those feeding on invertebrates, had higher contamination rates. The findings highlight vulnerabilities in remote regions and underscore the need for stronger global plastic regulations.

Dehm J, et al. Considering ecological traits of fishes to understand microplastic ingestion across Pacific coastal fisheries, PLOS One (2026). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0339852

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on January 29, 2026 at 11:05am

Neuron position found less crucial for brain connectivity than once thought

The human brain contains billions of connected neurons that collectively support different mental functions, including the processing of sensory information, the encoding of memories, attention processes, and decision-making. For a long time, neuroscientists have assumed the position of specific neurons in the brain plays a key role in the brain's connectivity and proper functioning.

Researchers recently gathered evidence that contradicts this long-standing assumption, showing misplaced neurons can still retain their "identity," connect with other neurons and support the processing of sensory information.

Their paper, published in Nature Neuroscience, could reshape the present understanding of developmental disorders and other conditions linked to the rearrangement of neurons or cortical malformations.

When they were conducting experiments focusing on brain malformations known as cortical heterotopias, the researchers were surprised to discover that alterations in the brain's structural organization did not appear to alter neurons or prevent them from connecting with other neurons.

This inspired them to widen the scope of their investigation, to determine if the position of neurons contributes to the brain's connectivity and function.

Contrary to their original expectations, the researchers observed that the rearrangement of neurons does not impair the brain's connectivity and functions. This finding could have important implications for the understanding and treatment of developmental disorders linked to brain malformations.

Contrary to their original expectations, the researchers observed that the rearrangement of neurons does not impair the brain's connectivity and functions. This finding could have important implications for the understanding and treatment of developmental disorders linked to brain malformations.

This shows that spatial organization is not critical for neuronal identity acquisition and maturation.

Sergi Roig-Puiggros et al, Position-independent emergence of neocortical neuron molecular identity, connectivity and function, Nature Neuroscience (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41593-025-02142-7.

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on January 28, 2026 at 1:52pm

Scientists once thought the brain couldn't be changed. Now we know different
The adult brain retains the capacity for neuroplasticity, allowing structural and functional changes in response to experience, learning, and injury. This adaptability is shaped by factors such as practice, physical exercise, sleep, and stress, but operates within biological limits. Neuroplasticity is experience-dependent, value-neutral, and persists throughout life, though meaningful change requires sustained effort.

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on January 28, 2026 at 1:13pm

Menopause linked to loss of gray matter in the brain, poorer mental health and sleep disturbance
Menopause is associated with reduced gray matter volume in key brain regions, increased anxiety and depression, and more frequent sleep disturbances. Hormone replacement therapy does not prevent gray matter loss or mental health issues but may slow age-related decline in reaction times. No significant differences in memory performance were observed among groups.

Zühlsdorff, K et al. Emotional and cognitive effects of menopause and hormone replacement therapy, Psychological Medicine (2026). DOI: 10.1017/S0033291725102845

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on January 28, 2026 at 1:10pm

Smoke from wildfires linked to 17,000 strokes in the US alone

Long-term exposure to wildfire smoke, measured by PM2.5 levels, is associated with an increased risk of stroke in older adults, with each 1 µg/m3 rise linked to a 1.3% higher risk. Wildfire smoke may be more harmful than other pollution sources and is estimated to contribute to about 17,000 strokes annually in the US, with no clear safe exposure threshold identified.

Long-term exposure to wildfire smoke particulate matter and incident stroke: a US nationwide study, European Heart Journal (2026). DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf875

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