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New cellular target prevents hepatitis E infection
An international team of researchers has identified a promising new approach for treating infections with the Hepatitis E virus (HEV). At the center of the study is the drug Apilimod, which specifically blocks the entry of the virus into human liver cells, thereby preventing infection at an early stage. The compound targets a mechanism of the host cell, reducing the likelihood that the virus will develop resistance.
Apilimod has already been clinically evaluated, which could accelerate its development into a drug against hepatitis E. The study, led by the Department of Molecular and Medical Virology at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, was published in the journal eGastroenterology on March 31, 2026.
Autoantibody map uncovers body-wide immune attacks across Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and MS
Researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil discovered that neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis, are more complex than previously thought. Their analysis of nearly 600 blood samples from patients with and without these diseases revealed that neurodegenerative processes extend beyond the central nervous system, affecting various targets throughout the body.
“We conducted a systemic analysis based on autoantibodies—defense proteins [immunoglobulins] that mistakenly attack the body’s healthy cells, tissues, or organs instead of external pathogens. In this study, we saw that, contrary to what was previously thought, these diseases don’t involve an antibody attacking only a specific region of the connection between neurons [synapse], like a thief breaking in through a door. It’s a systemic attack, like machine-gunning an entire house,” explains Júlia Nakanishi Usuda, first author of the study.
The study, published in the journal iScience, identified more than 9,000 autoantibodies from public databases. Based on the results, the researchers suggest that, rather than focusing on isolated molecular targets, treatment strategies for these diseases should focus on blocking the autoimmune response systemically. While the data science study still needs to be confirmed through in vitro and in vivo testing, it reinforces a new paradigm for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Identifying High-Risk Smoldering Multiple Myeloma for Early Intervention
In a cohort study comparing high-risk definitions for smoldering multiple myeloma (#SMM), the AQUILA trial criteria was assessed against the 2/20/20 risk model.
The AQUILA criteria classified approximately 3 times more individuals as high-risk versus the 2/20/20 model, but included a substantial group with lower progression risk.
The 2/20/20 model more precisely identified a smaller group of individuals with higher risk of progression, supporting its use to target early intervention for those most likely to benefit.
This cohort study compares the AQUILA trial inclusion criteria and the 2/20/20 risk stratification model definitions for identifying individuals with smoldering multiple myeloma at high risk of progression.
Gene-screen strategy separates Parkinson’s promoters from protectors, revealing new drug targets
A novel strategy that combines computational and experimental approaches has allowed researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and the Duncan Neurological Research Institute (Duncan NRI) at Texas Children’s Hospital to distinguish alterations in gene function that contribute to Parkinson’s disease from those that protect from the condition. The study, published in Neurobiology of Disease, revealed novel risk factors and previously unrecognized therapeutic targets, offering hope for a future in which effective therapies will be available to prevent, slow down or stop this devastating disease.
“Parkinson’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder—it affects more than 10 million people worldwide,” said corresponding author Dr. Juan Botas, professor of molecular and human genetics and molecular and cellular biology at Baylor. Botas also is a member of the Duncan NRI and director of the High Throughput Behavioral Screening Core at Texas Children’s.
“People with the condition have tremors, muscle stiffness and balance problems. They move slowly with a shuffling gait; their symptoms often start gradually and worsen over the years. Current therapies only relieve symptoms but do not prevent the gradual loss of brain cells called neurons that cause the disease,” said Dr. Botas.
Chinese scientists discover rare-earth-rich new lunar minerals in Chang’e-5 mission samples
Chinese scientists have identified two previously unknown lunar minerals from the 1,731 grams of moon samples returned by Chang’e-5 mission, marking another major breakthrough in deep-space research. The findings were announced on Friday at the opening ceremony of the 11th China Space Day. The two newly discovered minerals have been officially approved and classified by the International Mineralogical Association. They are named magnesiochangesite-(Y) and changesite-(Ce).
Researchers use statistics and math to understand how the brain works
Nothing rivals the human brain’s complexity. Its 86 billion neurons and 85 billion other cells make an estimated 100 trillion connections. If the brain were a computer, it would perform an exaflop (a billion-billion) mathematical calculations every second and use the equivalent of only 20 watts of power. As impressive as the brain is, neurologists can’t fully explain how neurons work together.
To help find answers, researchers at the Institute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society (INNS) at Georgia Tech are using math, data, and AI to unlock the secrets of thought. Together they are helping turn the brain’s raw electrical “noise” into real insights about how people think, move, and perceive the world.
Fair warning: Prepare your neurons for the complexity of this brain research ahead.