Sep 16, 2026 · 4 min listen · Last updated September 16, 2026
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Daily Science Brief · September 16th
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A new mechanism for reading extra-long genes in neurons
Neurons in humans and other mammals express many exceptionally long genes, ranging from more than 100 kbp to more than 2 Mbp, that are important for forming synapses and neural circuits. In general, genetic information is read from DNA into RNA. This process is called transcription. The longer a gene is, the more time it takes to read from beginning to end. In addition, gene expression must be regulated at several steps. Neurons are therefore thought to require special mechanisms to read long genes accurately and stably, but the details of these mechanisms have remained unclear.
Imaging the Meissner effect in lanthanum hydride using diamond quantum sensors
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 123, Issue 37, September 2026. SignificanceNear-room-temperature superconductivity in hydrogen-rich materials has attracted considerable interest in recent years. However, its characterization is often hindered by the requirement for ultrahigh pressure conditions. This study extends ...
Harmonizing amplification and cleavage kinetics through crRNA scaffold mutation enables robust one-pot CRISPR–Cas12 diagnostics
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 123, Issue 37, September 2026. SignificanceRapid and accurate pathogen detection is essential for public health response. Current one-pot CRISPR diagnostics, however, often sacrifice sensitivity because uncontrolled Cas enzyme activity interferes with upstream amplification. We ...
Integrative modeling of the genome structure and dynamics in fission yeast
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 123, Issue 37, September 2026. SignificanceBuilding quantitative models that connect genome structure to chromatin dynamics is essential for predicting chromosome motion and genome function in living cells. Using genome-wide live-cell imaging and Hi-C data-constrained polymer modeling ...
In vivo genome-wide CRISPR screens identify FOXR1 as a suppressor of CD8+ T cell antitumor immunity
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 123, Issue 37, September 2026. SignificanceT cell dysfunction compromises T cell antitumor functions and limits the efficacy of CAR T therapy. In this study, we performed an in vivo genome-wide CRISPR screen and identified the transcription factor Forkhead Box R1 (FOXR1) as a key ...
Size-tailored nanoparticle–antibody conjugates overcome hepatic sequestration in Alzheimer’s disease treatment
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 123, Issue 37, September 2026. SignificanceThe clinical efficacy of anti–amyloid-β (Aβ) immunotherapy is constrained by rapid hepatic sequestration, immune-related adverse events, and limited long-term safety, particularly among patients with impaired hepatic function. We demonstrate ...
Quantum-enhanced coherent Raman spectroscopy with broadband squeezed-light detection
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 123, Issue 37, September 2026. SignificanceCoherent Raman spectroscopy enables label-free chemical imaging and the study of ultrafast molecular dynamics, but its performance is fundamentally limited by nonresonant backgrounds that can obscure weak vibrational signals. Quantum ...
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 123, Issue 37, September 2026. SignificanceIn multiple sclerosis (MS), spontaneous remyelination occurs early in disease, but becomes inefficient over time leading to neurodegeneration and clinical decline. Global TNFR2 deletion in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, the mouse ...
Decoupling proton reactivity from Zn2+ interfacial electrochemistry through solvent isotope substitution
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 123, Issue 37, September 2026. SignificanceTo meet the global energy demand, new chemistries are required to access grid-level energy storage devices. Aqueous metal batteries, including those made of zinc, are rising as promising candidates owing to their intrinsic safety, high ...
A structure–function neuronal network model of the rat nervous system
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 123, Issue 37, September 2026. SignificanceA systems science approach clarified the basic architecture of the neuronal network of the rat nervous system, revealing a projected 81,582 axonal connections between 924 region nodes, equating to a connection density of 9.6%. Cluster analysis ...