Phys.org
A new kind of CRISPR could treat viral infection and cancer by shredding sick cells' DNA
A next-generation CRISPR system that shreds DNA to destroy diseased cells — rather than editing genes — has demonstrated the ability to selectively kill sick cells while sparing healthy ones. Unlike conventional CRISPR, this approach targets cell elimination entirely, opening a potential new front against viral infections and cancer. The technology remains largely lab-based, but successful application in living organisms could make it a transformative therapeutic tool.
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Colon cancer breakthrough keeps patients cancer-free for nearly 3 years
A UK-led clinical trial found that nine weeks of pre-surgery pembrolizumab kept colorectal cancer patients cancer-free for nearly three years, far outpacing traditional treatment timelines. The results challenge the long-standing standard of care, which typically involves surgery followed by prolonged chemotherapy. For patients with this specific cancer subtype, a short immunotherapy window before the operating table may prove more effective than months of toxic post-surgical treatment.
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Scientists map genetic switches on mosquito reproductive genes, advancing tools to fight disease
Scientists at Keele University have produced the first detailed map of genetic switches governing reproduction in *Anopheles gambiae*, the mosquito species most responsible for malaria transmission. The breakthrough reveals how reproductive genes are turned on and off, giving researchers precise targets for genetic control strategies. This could significantly sharpen efforts to suppress or modify mosquito populations at scale, offering a more effective weapon against one of the world's deadliest diseases.
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Space junk falls to Earth faster when sunspots peak, reshaping satellite collision forecasts
Solar activity dramatically accelerates the descent of orbital debris, with new research revealing that space junk begins falling significantly faster once the sun reaches roughly 67% of its peak activity cycle. The finding, drawn from 36 years of historical measurements, ties the timing of debris decay directly to sunspot cycles — a variable previously underweighted in collision risk models. Mission planners can now better anticipate dangerous windows of orbital crowding and design more precise avoidance strategies for active satellites.
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Webb space telescope reveals a scorching “super-Earth” that looks like Mercury
The James Webb Space Telescope has confirmed that LHS 3844 b, a tidally locked super-Earth 48 light-years away, is a dark, airless rock with surface temperatures high enough to melt metal. Its low reflectivity suggests a Mercury-like composition, potentially covered in dark volcanic material. The finding marks a significant step in scientists' ability to characterize the geology of rocky exoplanets beyond our solar system.
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