Domestication has changed the chemicals that squash flowers use to attract bees

Domestication alters the floral scent profiles of squash, resulting in lower overall levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) except for 1,4-dimethoxybenzene, which remains prevalent and attracts bees. Specialist squash bees detect and respond differently to VOCs from wild versus domesticated flowers, indicating that domestication changes plant–pollinator interactions.

Avehi Singh et al, Domestication Reduces Floral Volatile Richness in Squash (Cucurbitaceae: Cucurbita) But Conserves Key Compounds Critical for Pollinator Attraction, Journal of Chemical Ecology (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s10886-025-01664-5

Delayed stroke care linked to increased disability risk

Prolonged door-in-door-out (DIDO) times for transferring acute ischemic stroke patients to thrombectomy-capable centers significantly reduce the likelihood of receiving endovascular therapy and increase the risk of post-stroke disability. Only 26% of transfers met the recommended 90-minute window, with longer delays linked to worse functional outcomes and higher complication rates. Systemic improvements are needed to minimize transfer times and optimize patient recovery.

Door-in-door-out times and outcomes in patients with acute ischaemic stroke transferred for endovascular therapy in the U.S.: a retrospective cohort study, The Lancet Neurology (2026). DOI: 10.1016/S1474-4422(25)00478-8

Exhaled breath may carry clues to gut microbiome health

Exhaled breath contains volatile organic compounds produced by gut microbes, allowing noninvasive detection of gut microbiome composition. Breath analysis accurately reflected gut bacteria in both children and mice and predicted the presence of asthma-associated Eubacterium siraeum. This approach may enable rapid, noninvasive monitoring and diagnosis of gut health issues.

The gut microbiota shapes the human and murine breath volatilome, Cell Metabolism (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2025.12.013. www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/f … 1550-4131(25)00544-3

Phages evolve differently in microgravity

Viruses that infect bacteria, called phages, evolve different strategies to infect their targets on the International Space Station than they do on the ground. Researchers found that the phages took longer to infect E. coli in microgravity, and that the viruses developed microgravity-specific mutations, some of which helped them to better cling onto bacterial receptors. Understanding how phages adapt to different conditions could help researchers to optimize them for use against antibiotic-resistant bacteria on Earth.

https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pb...

https://www.livescience.com/health/viruses-infections-disease/virus...

Chronic wound bacterium prevents healing

The bacterium Enterococcus faecalis produces damaging molecules that can prevent chronic wounds such as diabetic foot sores from healing. These reactive molecules, such as hydrogen peroxide, trigger a stress response in keratinocytes, the skin cells responsible for wound healing, which effectively paralyzes them. Researchers found that treating skin cells with the antioxidant enzyme catalase can de-stress keratinocytes, which restores their healing capabilities. The team suggests that dressings infused with antioxidants could be a more effective way to treat chronic wounds than trying to kill E. faecalis with antibiotics.

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aeb5297

https://www.genengnews.com/topics/infectious-diseases/disarming-ant...

Barnacle-inspired E. coli could treat IBD
Escherichia coli engineered to produce biological ‘glue’ could help to heal damage in the guts of people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Researchers engineered E. coli to produce ‘cement proteins’ — similar to those that barnacles use to stick onto rocks — when they come into contact with blood, and a protein that boosts wound healing. In mouse models of IBD, the team found that the bacteria could stick onto internal wounds for ten days, and after that time the mice’s guts resembled those of healthy mice.

New Scientist 
 Nature Biotechnology paper

Sugar Without The Insulin Spike

A natural, low-calorie sugar that doesn’t cause a spike in insulin sounds too good to be true. But it really does exist!

It’s called tagatose, and it comes in very small amounts in a few fruits and dairy products.

Now, scientists have figured out how to manufacture the rare sugar at larger scales.
The product is 92 percent as sweet as sucrose, and yet it doesn’t spike insulin levels.

Tagatose is mostly fermented in the gut, so only a small portion of it is actually absorbed into the bloodstream.

Unlike high-intensity artificial sweeteners, it can even be used in baked goods.

https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-physical-science/fulltext/S2666-3864(25)00592-2?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2666386425005922%3Fshowall%3Dtrue

Scientists observe a 300-million-year-old brain rhythm in several animal species

Sleep is a universal biological state that allows all animals, from mammals to amphibians, fish and even insects, to restore their energy and consolidate knowledge that can contribute to their survival. Neuroscientists and zoologists have been investigating the biological underpinnings of sleep and its vital functions for centuries, more recently by measuring the brain activity of animals or people while they are asleep.

Recorded electrical signals that nerve cells produce while they are communicating with each other, also known as brain rhythms, have provided valuable insight into what happens during sleep. One of these rhythms, the so-called infraslow rhythm, had so far been primarily observed in mammals and was linked to a stage of sleep known as non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.

Researchers recently recorded the brain activity of a wider range of animals and found that this ancient rhythm is common across several species, including reptiles, birds, rodents and humans. Their most recent paper, published in Nature Neuroscience, reports the observation of the infraslow brain rhythm in seven different lizard species.

In addition to brain activity, they also recorded physiological signals such as eye movements, heart rate, breathing rate, and muscle tone.

The large dataset compiled by the researchers over the past decade or so led to an important and interesting discovery. Specifically, the team found that reptiles, mammals, and birds share a common brain rhythm, the so-called infraslow rhythm. This finding suggests the presence of an ancestral mechanism that dates back at least to 300 million years ago, when the earliest known ancestor of the species examined lived.

This rhythm involves not only brain activity but also physiological processes and peripheral vascularization, indicating that it is a global, organism-wide rhythm.

The infraslow rhythm closely resembles a rhythm previously described in mammals during non-REM (NREM) sleep. In mammals, this rhythm has been proposed to play a role in brain 'cleaning' processes by facilitating the elimination of metabolic waste through cerebrospinal fluid flow. Additionally, because this rhythm is associated with fluctuations in vigilance, it may also represent an adaptive mechanism that allows periodic monitoring of the environment during sleep, potentially reducing the risk of predation.

Antoine Bergel et al, Sleep-dependent infraslow rhythms are evolutionarily conserved across reptiles and mammals, Nature Neuroscience (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41593-025-02159-y.

Ultra-thin wireless retinal implant offers hope for safely restoring vision signals

An ultra-thin, wireless retinal implant using a zinc oxide nanowire and silver–bismuth–sulfide nanocrystal assembly enables safe, precise electrical stimulation of retinal neurons via near-infrared light at low intensities. The device shows strong biocompatibility, stability, and negligible heating, making it promising for vision restoration and broader neuromodulation applications.

Tarik S. Kaya et al, Photovoltaic nanoassembly of nanowire arrays sensitized with colloidal nanocrystals for near-infrared retina photostimulation, Science Advances (2026). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aea7001

Halley's Comet wrongly named: 11th-century English monk predates British astronomer
Evidence indicates that the 11th-century monk Eilmer of Malmesbury recognized the periodicity of Halley's Comet centuries before Edmond Halley. Eilmer linked two appearances of the comet, as described in medieval chronicles, suggesting the comet’s cycle was understood earlier than previously thought. This challenges the appropriateness of the comet’s current name.

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/news/2026/01/halleys-comet-wro....

Beyond the fear: Scientists test the health impacts of 5G
From street-level measurements to long-term health studies, researchers are building a clearer picture of the impact of everyday exposure to 5G signals on human health.

Measurements across multiple European countries indicate that everyday exposure to 5G radiofrequency electromagnetic fields remains well below international safety limits. Short-term laboratory studies found no measurable effects on heart function, stress, skin temperature, or brain activity in healthy adults exposed to 3.5 GHz 5G signals. Ongoing research is examining long-term health and behavioural impacts.
More than 800 measurements were taken across urban and rural locations in eight EU countries, plus Switzerland and the UK. The team looked at scenarios from phones in flight mode to data-intensive activities, such as sharing attachments or watching livestreamed video.

The results show that exposure to RF-EMF in everyday environments remains well below international safety limits in all settings measured.

These limits, set by independent scientific bodies, define the maximum exposure levels considered safe for the general public and include large safety margins.

To investigate whether 5G signals have any immediate effects on the body, researchers in France have carried out the first coordinated human laboratory studies focusing on a key 5G frequency band: 3.5 gigahertz.

At INERIS, the French National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks near Paris, 31 healthy volunteers were exposed to 5G signals for 26 minutes under controlled conditions designed to reflect real-world environmental exposure.
They observed no measurable impact on heart function, stress levels, skin temperature or brain activity in healthy young adults.
However, the researchers stress that the phone doesn't only bring radio frequency electromagnetic fields exposure. It also brings screen light exposure, mental arousal or device dependency.

Source:

https://projectgoliat.eu/

https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101057262

Can certain foods prevent stomach cancer?

Dietary choices can influence stomach cancer risk. Consuming more fruits, vegetables, and whole foods while reducing processed foods, sugar, salt, and inflammatory foods may lower risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and excess alcohol, and appropriate cancer screening further support prevention. Genetics remain a major risk factor.
Eating fewer processed and preserved foods, which are generally high in sugar and salt and potential nitrites or nitrates is one advice all teh experts give.
Aim to eat more fruits and vegetables. The antioxidant compounds in produce can provide extra protection against diseases like stomach cancer. When meal planning, try to ensure that half your plate is filled with vegetables.
When possible, follow a Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes whole, plant-based foods and healthy fats. Choose high-quality proteins like lean meat, fish and legumes. Avoid foods known to cause inflammation and eat fewer starches, including potatoes and pasta.
Eating smaller meal portions throughout the day—such as four to six smaller meals throughout the day—rather than sticking to three large meals. Compared to eating a big meal, eating smaller meals causes less stomach stretching and stress on your body and allows for smaller insulin responses.
Exercise has a positive effect on reducing cancer risk.
Obesity—especially excess fat around the midsection—can increase the risk of cancer. This type of fat, called visceral fat, can secrete hormones that increase your risk of cancer.
In addition to weight gain, pay attention to unexplained weight loss. Unexplained weight loss can be the first sign of cancer.
Other things to avoid include smoking and alcohol—particularly beer, which has been shown to increase stomach cancer risk.

Stones Along Railway Tracks

Why Does Dust Build Up Even in Closed Spaces?

Are llamas big pharma's secret weapon to find new drugs?

Llama-derived nanobodies, small and easily engineered antibody fragments, are being explored as therapeutic agents for diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and nerve pain. These nanobodies can access targets inaccessible to conventional antibodies and may cross the blood-brain barrier. While some drugs have reached the market, broader clinical success and commercial impact remain under development.

Scientists have discovered the potential of the animals' antibodies to thwart multiple diseases, and now drug developers are collectively plowing billions of dollars into a field that may yield a fresh generation of life-changing medicines. The targets include some hard-to-treat conditions like cancer, nerve pain and a chronic skin ailment.

The immune system of all mammals produces antibodies to thwart viral and bacterial attacks. Those made by llamas and other members of the camelid family can squeeze into tighter spots and better penetrate tissue than human ones, because they're smaller and simpler. Some have been reported to cross the blood-brain barrier, eliciting hope for neurological diseases.

Source: News agencies

https://phys.org/news/2026-01-llamas-big-pharma-secret-weapon.html?...

Why are icy surfaces slippery?

Why do we lose our grip in icy conditions?

It's the molecular "deal" ice strikes with everything it touches. Unlike most solids, ice refuses to act like a rigid crystal. Instead, it behaves as a self-made lubricant—especially as temperatures hover near freezing.

Ice has an unusual property: it can melt when you apply pressure to it, whereas most materials behave the other way around—pressure usually makes liquids become solid. For a long time, people thought pressure caused slipperiness. But pressure-induced melting only happens in a very narrow temperature range, while ice remains slippery well outside those limits.

Others suggest friction from sliding—think rubbing your hands in the cold to stay warm or a shoe making contact with ice—heated the ice enough to create a melt layer. But that's sort of a chicken-and-egg problem: generating enough heat requires some extended sliding with high friction—ice is slippery without having to slide hardly at all.

Eventually, researchers realized that ice has another funny property: its surface can pre-melt, meaning it naturally has a thin layer of water on top of it, well below the melting temperature. The layer gets thicker as the temperature gets closer to the melting temperature.

However, this idea—based on ice being self-lubricated—doesn't explain why some materials have lower friction against ice than others; if the water layer is always there, everything should be equally slippery. It's an oversimplification, but that's the basic argument.
Recently, researchers in Germany used simulations to show that when something touches ice, the water molecules at the surface rearrange from an ordered crystal into a disordered, amorphous structure. This isn't caused by pressure or friction, but by microscopic electrical charges.

Water molecules have positive and negative ends, and when they touch another surface, they react to the atoms in that material. They believe this electrical "push and pull" disrupts the ice's rigid structure, creating that slippery, disordered layer, which would explain why ice is slippery across different temperatures and why some materials slide on it better than others.

But in short, we don't yet know for sure. As many have observed, despite the commonality of water and ice, their physical properties are remarkably unique.

https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/penn-engineering-why-are-icy-surfa...

World not ready for rise in extreme heat, scientists say

By 2050, nearly 3.8 billion people could be exposed to extreme heat, with the greatest impacts in tropical and developing regions lacking adequate cooling infrastructure. Even moderate temperature increases will significantly affect cooler countries unaccustomed to heat. Rising demand for cooling will strain energy systems, highlighting an urgent need for adaptation measures.

Global gridded dataset of heating and cooling degree days under climate change scenarios, Nature Sustainability (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41893-025-01754-y , www.nature.com/articles/s41893-025-01754-y

How gut bacteria control immune responses

Bacteria in the human gut can directly deliver proteins into human cells, actively shaping immune responses.
Gut bacteria can inject proteins directly into human cells using type III secretion systems, previously thought unique to pathogens. These proteins interact with human immune and metabolic pathways, modulating immune responses such as NF-κB and cytokine signaling. Genes for these effectors are more common in Crohn’s disease, linking this mechanism to chronic intestinal inflammation.

Researchers  have discovered this previously unknown mechanism of communication between gut bacteria and human cells. The findings reveal a new way in which the gut microbiome can influence the human body and may help explain how changes in gut bacteria contribute to inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease.

Although the human gut microbiome has long been linked to immune, metabolic, and inflammatory disorders, most evidence is correlative, and the molecular mechanisms behind these connections remain largely unexplored.

The new  study shows that many harmless, everyday gut bacteria possess type III secretion systems—microscopic, syringe-like structures that can inject bacterial proteins directly into human cells. Until now, these systems were thought to exist only in pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella.

It shows that these non-pathogenic bacteria are not just passive residents but can actively manipulate human cells by injecting their proteins into our cells

To understand what these bacterial proteins do in human cells, the researchers mapped more than a thousand interactions between bacterial effector proteins and human proteins, creating a large-scale interaction network. Their analyses showed that bacterial proteins preferentially target human pathways involved in immune regulation and metabolism.

Further laboratory experiments confirmed that these proteins can modulate key immune signaling pathways, including NF-κB and cytokine responses. Cytokines are signaling molecules that help coordinate the immune system and prevent excessive reactions that can lead to autoimmune diseases. For example, inhibiting the activity of the cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a widely used treatment for Crohn's disease, an autoimmune disease of the gut.

The researchers also found that genes encoding these bacterial effector proteins are enriched in the gut microbiomes of patients with Crohn's disease. This suggests that direct protein delivery from gut bacteria to human cells may contribute to chronic intestinal inflammation, providing a potential mechanistic explanation for previously observed microbiome–disease links.

Veronika Young et al, Effector–host interactome map links type III secretion systems in healthy gut microbiomes to immune modulation, Nature Microbiology (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41564-025-02241-y. www.nature.com/articles/s41564-025-02241-y

Cancer tumors may protect against Alzheimer's by cleaning out protein clumps

Tumor-secreted Cystatin-C (Cyst-C) crosses the blood-brain barrier, binds amyloid-beta oligomers and the TREM2 receptor on microglia, and activates microglial clearance of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's mouse models. This process reduces plaque burden and improves cognitive performance, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease by targeting existing plaques.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-01-cancer-tumors-alzheimer-prot...

Previously unknown bacterial component in kidney stone formation discovered

In an unexpected finding, a research team has discovered that bacteria are present inside the most common type of kidney stone, revealing a previously unrecognized component involved in their formation.
Bacteria have been identified within calcium oxalate kidney stones, indicating a previously unrecognized microbial role in their formation. This challenges the view that these stones arise solely from chemical and physical processes and suggests that targeting bacterial biofilms could offer new prevention and treatment strategies for kidney stone disease.

The findings, to be published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, point to a possible therapeutic target that could be used for prevention and treatment for the millions of people who are affected by the frequently painful condition.

This breakthrough challenges the long-held assumption that these stones develop solely through chemical and physical processes, and instead shows that bacteria can reside inside stones and may actively contribute to their formation.

Kidney stones are composed of clumps of small crystals. Their prevalence has risen globally in recent years, so that today about 1 in 11 people will get them in their lifetime. Risk factors include family history, metabolic syndrome, and low fluid intake. The stones start forming when crystals grow in urine and become large enough that they can't be washed out with normal urine flow.

There are several subsets of kidney stones and while one rare stone type is known to contain bacteria, by far the most common stone is calcium oxalate (CaOx), comprising almost 80% of kidney stone cases, which have not been previously known to contain bacteria. While examining data from electron and fluorescence microscopy, the researchers unexpectedly detected live bacteria as well as layers, or biofilms, of bacteria integrated into the crystals.

Researchers found a new mechanism of stone formation that may help to explain why these stones are so common.

These results may also help to explain the connections between recurrent urinary tract infections and recurrent kidney stone formation, and provide insights on potential future treatment for these conditions. The findings suggest that bacteria could also be involved in other kidney stone types.

The study focused on calcium-based stones. How other less common stones form is still in question. More studies are needed to fully understand how bacteria and calcium-based kidney stones interact, the researchers conclude.

Wong, Gerard C. L. et al, Intercalated bacterial biofilms are intrinsic internal components of calcium-based kidney stones, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2026). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2517066123. doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2517066123

Inflammation gives mutated blood stem cells an edge in cancer development

Inflammation promotes the expansion of blood stem cells with TP53 mutations, increasing the risk of blood cancers such as leukemia in older individuals. Activation of the NLRP1 inflammasome and persistent inflammatory signaling give mutant cells a survival advantage. Blocking inflammatory signals like IL-1B may reduce this risk and offer a potential preventive strategy.

Sisi Chen et al, Mutant p53 promotes clonal hematopoiesis through generating a chronic inflammatory microenvironment, Journal of Clinical Investigation (2025). DOI: 10.1172/jci184285

New strategies help slow myopia progression in children and teens

Myopia is increasingly recognized as a disease with serious complications, not just a correctable refractive error. Environmental factors such as outdoor time, screen use, and healthy lifestyle choices significantly influence its progression in children. Modern treatments—including orthokeratology, multifocal lenses, and low-dose atropine—can slow myopia, but must be tailored to each patient. Red laser therapies pose safety risks and are not recommended.

While genetics determines about 30% of the risk of developing myopia, environmental factors are also critical. Small changes in one's environment can make a big difference for the health of your eye.

Multiple studies have shown that spending at least two hours a day outdoors helps protect children against myopia. Natural light stimulates retinal dopamine, a molecule that limits eye elongation, while exposing children to a richer visual environment. Delaying the onset of myopia by even a few months significantly reduces the risk of severe myopia in adulthood.

Managing screen time is another important factor. "Parents shouldn't use tablets to soothe a baby in a stroller. They should aim for zero screen time before age two. The screen itself isn't so harmful; the problem is the viewing distance."

Between ages two and 10, studies recommend limiting recreational screen time to about an hour per day, excluding time spent on homework. Ideally, children should take a two- to three-minute break every 30 minutes and stay at least 35 to 40 centimeters away from the screen. Phones are particularly problematic because they are often held much closer.

A third preventive recommendation is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity, adequate sleep and a low-sugar, low-salt diet help reduce inflammation and insulin resistance, two factors linked to faster progression of myopia. Preventing childhood obesity, another well-documented aggravating factor, is also important.

Myopia treatment was revolutionized by the discovery that the peripheral retina, rather than central vision, plays the dominant role in the growth of the eye.

Modern treatments must therefore correct central vision while inducing a therapeutic blur on the periphery. Conventional single-vision glasses and contact lenses are not recommended, as they "send the wrong signals to the retina, causing the eye to continue elongating

Part 1

Many tools are now available to slow the progression of myopia. Orthokeratology uses night-wear lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea and create a defocusing effect that is beneficial for the periphery of the retina. The latest designs use a smaller central zone to increase this effect and strengthen control of eye elongation, which is responsible for the progression of myopia. Orthokeratology is considered safe and effective when proper hygiene and care are observed.

Multifocal soft lenses are designed to provide higher convex power at the periphery, whereas peripheral defocus glasses create a significant degree of peripheral blur.

Low-dose atropine is the only pharmacological treatment considered effective for managing myopia. A 0.05% dose appears to be optimal, balancing clinical efficacy with minimal side effects. A 0.01% dose can stabilize refraction but not axial length.
All these treatments work, but none is suitable for every patient. The right choice depends on various factors, including age, rate of progression, axial length, ethnicity, patient preferences, ability to handle lenses and family budget.

Langis Michaud et al, A look at literature on myopia over the past 25 years: a personal review, Clinical and Experimental Optometry (2025). DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2025.2579173

Part 2

Eye-surgery laser could be adapted for other organs, say scientists

Deep-ultraviolet, ultrashort-pulsed lasers, similar to those used in eye surgery, can remove soft tissue with axial precision of about 10 micrometers and minimal collateral damage. This technique could enable far greater accuracy than current neurosurgical tools, potentially transforming tumor removal and other delicate procedures in soft organs.

Tatiana K. Malikova et al, Deep ultraviolet ultrashort laser pulses for precise ablation of soft biological tissue, Biomedical Optics Express (2025). DOI: 10.1364/boe.578629

Fish allergy risk varies by fish size and which part is eaten, research reveals

Fish allergies vary by region and may affect up to 3% of the population.

A new study reveals allergy risks from fish depend not just on species but also on the size of the fish and which part you eat.

With increasing frequency, the consumption of fish or fish products triggers severe allergic reactions. This form of allergy is associated with a higher probability of life-threatening anaphylactic shock than many other food allergies. Even skin contact with fish or accidentally inhaling fish fumes can trigger an allergic reaction.

If you have an allergy, your immune system overreacts by producing allergen-specific IgE antibodies in your blood. Those antibodies sit on certain cells, which when exposed to fish proteins release substances, causing an allergic reaction.

He said while more than 1,000 different fish species are consumed globally, knowledge about species–specific and fish-specific allergenicity remains limited. 

Research Results showed protein profiles varied markedly by fish size and muscle region, but not between farmed or wild-caught fish. Smaller fish contained higher amounts of the major allergens parvalbumin and creatine kinase, while larger specimens had elevated levels of heat-labile allergens.

Allergen distribution also differed across body regions, suggesting that various cuts of the same fish may pose different risks for allergic consumers. For example, the head region contained more than twice the amount of the major fish allergen compared to the tail.

However, differences linked to production origin—e.g., whether the fish were wild-caught or farmed—were minimal, affecting only two of the 11 registered fish allergens.

 Fish allergy is highly complex and many people allergic to fish react to multiple allergens, so the scientists could not recommend eating smaller or larger fish as a safer option.

Thimo Ruethers et al, Fish size matters – Variable food allergen profiles in farmed and wild Malabar red snapper (Lutjanus malabaricus), Food Chemistry (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.147950

People are swayed by AI-generated videos even when they know they're fake!

Generative deep learning models are artificial intelligence (AI) systems that can create texts, images, audio files, and videos for specific purposes, following instructions provided by human users. Over the past few years, the content generated by these models has become increasingly realistic and is often difficult to distinguish from real content.

Many of the videos and images circulating on social media platforms today are created by generative deep learning models.

 Some computer scientists have proposed strategies to mitigate the possible adverse effects of fake content diffusion, such as clearly labelling these videos as AI-generated.

Researchers recently carried out a new study set out to better understand the influence of deepfake videos on viewers, while also assessing user perceptions when AI-generated videos are labeled as "fake." Their findings, published in Communications Psychology, suggest that knowing that a video was created with AI does not always make it less "persuasive" for viewers.

Some past psychological studies suggest that people can be influenced by information they are presented with even if they know it to be false, unreliable, or irrelevant. The researchers wondered whether this pattern also applies to the deep fake videos that people watch online.

What happens when people encounter a deepfake video that has already been identified and clearly flagged as fake?

To assess people's perceptions of "flagged" deepfake videos, the researchers carried out three online experiments involving 175, 275, and 223 participants, respectively. The participants were asked to watch short videos that showed a person admitting that they had committed a crime or a moral transgression.

Crucially, in some conditions, participants were shown a warning before watching the video, stating that it had been identified and flagged as a deepfake, while other participants saw no warning, or a generic warning about the existence of deepfakes. They also added a control condition, in which participants watched a version of the video with all relevant information obscured by background sounds.

After watching each of the videos, participants were asked a series of simple questions. They were asked whether they thought the video was fake and if they believed the person was guilty of a crime or moral transgression.

When they analyzed the participants' responses, the researchers found that most participants were still influenced by the content of a video, even if they were warned that it was fake and generated with AI. Interestingly, many participants acknowledged that a video was fake but still judged the person in the video as guilty of the crime or transgression that they confessed to.

Warnings do reduce the effect, but they do not eliminate it, even among participants who say they believe the warning and know the video is a deepfake.

They also showed that different types of warnings have different effects. Specific warnings referring to a particular video are more effective at convincing people that a video is fake, whereas generic warnings do not reliably do so. At the same time, generic warnings can still alter how people interpret a video's content, which has implications for how such warnings are used.

Part 1

In their analyses, the researchers looked at both yes/no responses and more detailed explanations provided by participants. This allowed them to gain insight into how people reasoned about deepfake videos that are "flagged" as AI-generated.

Many participants continued to engage with the video itself rather than simply deferring to the warning, which helps explain why transparency reduces influence without fully neutralizing it. This has clear implications for regulation, where disclosure is often treated as a sufficient safeguard.

Simon Clark et al, The continued influence of AI-generated deepfake videos despite transparency warnings, Communications Psychology (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s44271-025-00381-9

Part 2

 Brain scans reveal the cerebellum's crucial role in human language

Even though the cerebellum makes up only about 10% of the brain's size, it carries an outsized load, containing nearly 80% of all the brain's neurons.

For a long time, its function was mainly linked to movement and coordination, but years of research has made it evident that the little brain isn't a one-trick pony. It plays an important role in human thinking, including language, and may have even helped make abilities like language possible over the course of evolution.

The cerebellum, often called the little brain, plays a much bigger role in language processing than once thought. Located at the base of the brain, the cerebellum has long been thought to be mainly responsible for motor response, balance, and basic coordination.

A recent large-scale study analyzing brain scans from over 900 participants revealed a surprising new specialization within this region.

Four specific regions in the cerebellum are closely connected to the brain's main language network, constantly communicating with it to help process human language. What was especially surprising is that one of these regions, called LangCereb3, appears to be a true language specialist, responding almost exclusively to language processing rather than to other kinds of mental tasks.

The researchers think that since  LangCereb3  works closely with the brain's main language center, it can be used as the target when treating patients with loss of ability to understand or express speech due to stroke or language disorders like aphasia.

Colton Casto et al, The cerebellar components of the human language network, Neuron (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2025.12.030

AI unlocks hundreds of cosmic anomalies in Hubble archive

An AI-based tool analyzed nearly 100 million Hubble Space Telescope images, identifying over 1,300 rare cosmic anomalies, including galaxy mergers, gravitational lenses, and previously unclassified objects. More than 800 of these had not been documented before. This approach demonstrates AI's effectiveness in rapidly detecting unusual phenomena within vast astronomical datasets.

David O'Ryan et al, Identifying astrophysical anomalies in 99.6 million source cutouts from the Hubble legacy archive using AnomalyMatch, Astronomy & Astrophysics (2025). DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202555512

Milky Way is embedded in a 'large-scale sheet' of dark matter, which explains motions of nearby galaxies
Simulations indicate that the Milky Way and Andromeda are embedded in a large-scale, flat sheet of dark matter, with voids above and below. This structure explains the observed motions and distribution of nearby galaxies, aligning with the Hubble-Lemaître law and resolving longstanding discrepancies in local galactic dynamics.

Ewoud Wempe et al, The mass distribution in and around the Local Group, Nature Astronomy (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-025-02770-w. www.nature.com/articles/s41550-025-02770-w

The many faces of monster galaxies

Observations of three early universe "monster galaxies" reveal diverse growth mechanisms, including major mergers, internal gravitational instabilities, and minor interactions. High-resolution data from ALMA and JWST show that rapid star formation in these galaxies does not follow a single pathway, indicating multiple evolutionary routes for the ancestors of today’s giant ellipticals.

Ryota Ikeda et al, Formation of Substructure in Luminous Submillimeter Galaxies (FOSSILS): Evidence of Multiple Pathways to Trigger Starbursts in Luminous Submillimeter Galaxies, The Astrophysical Journal (2026). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ae157e

Unseen world: Cuttlefish use polarized light to create a dramatic mating display invisible to humans

Many organisms leverage showy colors for attracting mates. Because color is a property of light (determined by its wavelength), it is easy for humans to see how these colors are used in animal courting rituals. Less obvious to humans is the polarization of light—a property of light related to the direction the wave is oriented in. Humans can't perceive polarization, which may be why we weren't aware of the interesting way cuttlefish use it to attract mates.

A new study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, takes a closer look at the way male cuttlefish put on a show by polarizing light waves with their arms during courtship.

Unlike humans, cephalopods, like cuttlefish, have the ability to perceive the polarization of light. If some light waves are oriented vertically and others are oriented horizontally, cuttlefish differentiate these in a similar way that humans might differentiate blue and red light. On the other hand, cuttlefish don't have the ability to perceive color. Instead, cephalopods can use their polarization vision to aid in functions such as navigation, target detection, or visual noise reduction.

Prior studies have also found that the bodies of some species can reflect strongly polarized light, which could potentially be used as a signal or means of communication. This idea made some researchers curious about the role of polarization in sexual signaling among those species lacking color vision.

The study focuses on the Andrea cuttlefish (Doratosepion andreanum). When trying to attract a mate, the male Andrea cuttlefish extends its two sexually dimorphic arms (SDAs), which are around three times longer than the equivalent arms of female Andrea cuttlefish. He also extends his body and turns a pale color. However, observing this ritual with a specialized camera for analyzing polarization patterns, revealed that there was more to this dance than what humans could see.

The camera showed that male cuttlefish also displayed a unique courtship signal using vertically and horizontally polarized light on their specialized arms. When the team observed the cuttlefish outside of the courtship ritual, only horizontally polarized light was seen, matching the pattern on female cuttlefish. Further analysis showed that these horizontally and vertically polarized light patterns would appear highly conspicuous to cuttlefish polarization vision, maximizing contrast for potential mates.

Arata Nakayama et al, Transmission through muscle tissue shapes polarization signals during cuttlefish courtship, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2026). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2517167123

Scientists develop technique to identify malfunctions in our genetic code
An international team of researchers have developed a way to reveal the smallest of malfunctions in the biochemical machinery that makes proteins in our bodies. According to the researchers, these malfunctions, however small, can trigger neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, as well as cancer and developmental disorders.

A new technique enables real-time detection of structural malfunctions in individual tRNA molecules by analyzing them as they pass through nanopores in a silicon membrane. Mutations in tRNA can cause abnormal shapes, disrupting protein synthesis and contributing to diseases such as neurodegeneration and cancer. This approach may facilitate early diagnosis and drug screening targeting tRNA stability.
The technique, which works by squeezing molecules through tiny holes in a silicon-based membrane, helps scientists understand how a mutation in a transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule—tRNA is a molecular messenger essential for building proteins—affects the molecule's real-time structure.

Shankar Dutt et al, Solid-state nanopore sensing reveals conformational changes induced by a mutation in a neuron-specific tRNA^Arg, Nucleic Acids Research (2026). DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaf1411

Red flowers have a 'magic trait' to attract birds and keep bees away

Evolution: UV-absorbing pigments decide between bee or bird pollinators

For flowering plants, reproduction is a question of the birds and the bees. Attracting the right pollinator can be a matter of survival—and new research shows how flowers do it is more intriguing than anyone realized, and might even involve a little bit of magic.

A single genetic trait in some flowering plants reduces UV reflection, making red flowers less visible to bees while enhancing their visibility to birds, which have different color vision. This adaptation helps attract bird pollinators and deter bees, improving pollination efficiency for larger flowers that benefit from bird visits.

https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(25)01550-7?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982225015507%3Fshowall%3Dtrue

How gut bacteria share antibiotic resistance genes and fuel dangerous hospital infections

Researchers have uncovered how a high-risk class of genetic vectors can efficiently spread antibiotic resistance within the gut, enabling even highly virulent bacteria to acquire drug resistance under real-world conditions.

A distinct group of plasmids, PTU-P2, efficiently transfer antibiotic resistance genes between gut bacteria, especially under oxygen-poor conditions typical of the intestine. This enables highly virulent bacteria to acquire resistance, fueling persistent, hard-to-treat infections in hospitals. Standard laboratory conditions may underestimate this risk, highlighting the need for surveillance targeting high-risk plasmids.
Crucially, once these plasmids entered a new bacterial host, they could continue spreading even when the original donor bacteria were no longer present, allowing resistance to persist and amplify within the gut microbial community.
The team discovered that a distinct group of plasmids, known as PTU-P2 plasmids, are particularly well adapted to the oxygen-poor (anaerobic) environment of the gut. These plasmids transferred resistance genes far more efficiently than closely related plasmids under gut-like conditions, mirroring their much higher prevalence in human and clinical bacterial isolates worldwide.

The findings shed new light on how so-called "superbugs," bacteria that are both highly virulent and antibiotic-resistant, can emerge and persist, particularly in health care settings.

Melvin Yong et al, Differential gut transmission of IncP plasmid clades involving hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae reveals plasmid-specific ecological adaptation, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-66413-4

How your life story leaves epigenetic fingerprints on your immune cells

Our immune cells carry a molecular record of both our genes and our life experiences, and those two forces shape the immune system in very different ways

The COVID-19 pandemic gave us tremendous perspective on how wildly symptoms and outcomes can vary between patients experiencing the same infection. How can two people infected by the same pathogen have such different responses? It largely comes down to variability in genetics (the genes you inherit) and life experience (your environmental, infection, and vaccination history).

These two influences are imprinted on our cells through small molecular alterations called epigenetic changes, which shape cell identity and function by controlling whether genes are turned "on" or "off."

Researchers are debuting a new epigenetic catalog that reveals the distinct effects of genetic inheritance and life experience on various types of immune cells. The new cell type-specific database, published in Nature Genetics, helps explain individual differences in immune responses and may serve as the foundation for more effective and personalized therapeutics.

This work shows that infections and environmental exposures leave lasting epigenetic fingerprints that influence how immune cells behave. By resolving these effects cell by cell, we can begin to connect genetic and epigenetic risk factors to the specific immune cells where disease actually begins.

All the cells in your body share the same DNA sequence. And yet, there are many specialized cell types that look and act entirely differently. This diversity is due, in part, to a collection of small molecular tags called epigenetic markers, which decorate the DNA and signal which genes should be turned on or off in each cell. The many epigenetic changes in each cell collectively make up that cell's epigenome.

Unlike the base genetic code, the epigenome is far more flexible—some epigenetic differences are strongly influenced by inherited genetic variation, while others are acquired experientially across a lifetime. Immune cells are no exception to these forces, but it was unclear whether these two types of epigenetic changes—inherited versus experiential—affected immune cells in the same way.

Ultimately, both genetic inheritance and environmental factors impact us.

 By collecting and analyzing blood samples from 110 individuals, the researchers were able to observe the effects of a variety of genetic profiles and life experiences, including flu; HIV-1, MRSA, MSSA, and SARS-CoV-2 infections; anthrax vaccination; and exposure to organophosphate pesticides.

The researchers then compared the epigenetic profiles of four major immune cell types: T and B cells, known for their long-term memory of past infections, and monocytes and natural killer cells, which respond more broadly and rapidly. From these many samples and cells, the team built a catalog of all the epigenetic markers, or differentially methylated regions (DMRs), in each cell type.

They found that disease-associated genetic variants often work by altering DNA methylation in specific immune cell types.

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"By mapping these connections, we can begin to pinpoint which cells and molecular pathways may be affected by disease risk genes, potentially opening new avenues for more targeted therapies."

The findings demonstrate the unique and substantial influence of both nature and nurture on immune cell identity and immune system performance. Furthermore, the catalog offers an exciting jumping-off point for creating new personalized treatment plans.

Wenliang Wang et al, Genetics and environment distinctively shape the human immune cell epigenome, Nature Genetics (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-025-02479-6

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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

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

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.

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.

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

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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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

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

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

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

What causes chronic pain? New study identifies key culprit in the brain

About one in four adults have chronic pain and nearly one in 10 people say chronic pain interferes with their daily life and work.

Those with nerve-related pain often suffer from a condition called allodynia, an extreme sensitivity in which even light touch hurts.

Acute and chronic pain work differently. Acute pain serves as a temporary warning sign, initiated when an injured tissue—like a stubbed toe—sends a signal to the spinal cord and onward to the brain's pain center. Chronic pain is more like a false alarm, in which pain signals persist in the brain for weeks, months or years after the initial tissue injury has healed.

Earlier work suggested that the CGIC—a sugar-cube-sized cluster of cells hidden deep within the folds of a portion of the human brain called the insula—plays an important role in allodynia. Human studies have also shown that chronic pain patients have an overactive CGIC.

A neural circuit hidden in an understudied region of the brain plays a critical role in turning temporary pain into pain that can last months or years, according to new  research.

The animal study, published in The Journal of Neuroscience, found that silencing this pathway, known as the caudal granular insular cortex (CGIC), can prevent or halt chronic pain.

The researchers discovered that while the CGIC plays a minimal role in processing acute pain, it plays a vital role in making pain persist.

According to the study, the CGIC signals the brain's pain processing center, or somatosensory cortex, which in turn tells the spinal cord to keep the pain going.

When the team turned off cells within this pathway immediately after injury, the rat's pain from injury was short-lived. In animals already experiencing chronic allodynia, disabling this pathway made the pain cease.

Now that scientists have access to tools that allow you to manipulate the brain, not based just on a general region but on specific sub-populations of cells, the quest for new treatments is moving much faster.

Jayson B. Ball et al, Caudal Granular Insular Cortex to Somatosensory Cortex I: A critical pathway for the transition of acute to chronic pain, The Journal of Neuroscience (2025). DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1306-25.2025

Genes influence the microbes in our mouths to shape dental health

No matter how much they brush their teeth, some people still get more cavities than others, in part because of differences in genetics and the make-up of the microbes in their mouths. A new study has found human genetic factors that influence the oral microbiome and may increase risk of cavities and tooth loss in some people.

The abundance of many bacterial species in our mouths is strongly influenced by human genetics. We know that the microbial environment in one person's mouth is going to be quite different from another person's mouth due to many factors, but genetics is a pretty strong one.
Human genetic variation significantly influences the composition of the oral microbiome, affecting susceptibility to cavities and tooth loss. Specific genes, such as AMY1 and FUT2, are linked to changes in the abundance of numerous oral bacterial species. These genome-to-genome interactions shape oral health outcomes, with AMY1 copy number correlating with increased risk of tooth decay and denture use.

The study, led by scientists at the Broad Institute and Mass General Brigham, found a surprisingly large effect of human genetics on the abundance of microbes in the mouth. The researchers discovered genome-to-genome interactions between human DNA and the DNA of the oral microbiome. For example, they found that a human gene, AMY1, was strongly linked to the composition of the oral microbial community, and even to denture use, suggesting that the relationship between this gene and the bacteria in the mouth plays a role in oral health.

The paper, published in Nature, is an analysis of the largest collection of oral microbiome profiles to date.

To find human-microbiota associations, the team analyzed whole-genome sequences from saliva-derived DNA from more than 12,500 individuals. Typically, the microbial DNA in human samples is tossed aside, but the team found a new purpose for the bacterial data sequenced together with each human genome. They measured the abundances of 439 common microbial species, and found 11 regions of the human genome associated with differences in the levels of dozens of species of bacteria in the mouth.

They also found that the same 11 human loci influence natural selection on dozens of different bacterial genes, so it seems like there's a lot of interaction between human genetics and the oral microbiome,

Notably, the scientists found the strongest relationship between a genetic variant that breaks the FUT2 gene—which has previously been linked to gut microbiome composition—and the levels of 58 oral bacterial species.

Nolan Kamitaki, Human and bacterial genetic variation shape oral microbiomes and health, Nature (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-10037-7. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-10037-7

The two viruses that can become the next public health threats according to scientists

Influenza D virus and canine coronavirus, both originating from animals, have shown potential to infect humans and may pose future public health threats. Influenza D has been detected in livestock workers and can evolve for human transmission, while canine coronavirus has caused rare human respiratory infections and is circulating internationally. Enhanced surveillance and diagnostics are needed to mitigate outbreak risks.

Gregory C. Gray et al, Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats from Influenza D and Canine Coronavirus HuPn-2018, Emerging Infectious Diseases (2026). DOI: 10.3201/eid3201.251764