It’s possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way (K.Marx, Letter to F.Engels on the Indian Mutiny)
Chagas disease is often called a silent killer because many people don’t realize they have it until complications from the infection kill them.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are exploring ways to interrupt the lifecycle of the parasite behind the illness, offering hope of developing a cure.
The disease is spread by parasites found in kissing bugs, which suck the blood of people when they are sleeping. The bugs typically bite victims around their faces, which gives them their ironically sweet-sounding name. The bugs transmit the internal parasites in their poop, which infects the bloodstream of human hosts through the bite wounds.
Chagas disease is found across North and South America. Between 6 and 8 million people are believed to be infected, including 300,000 people living in the United States. But many only realize they are infected when they develop symptoms decades later.
“The main issue with Chagas disease as a public health problem is that most people don’t know they’re infected until symptoms appear and it’s too late to treat them,” UC Assistant Professor Noelia Lander said.
In her molecular parasitology lab, Lander and her students are studying the complex lifecycle of the parasite to find vulnerabilities to exploit.
The parasite is a tiny single-celled organism that undergoes four lifecycle changes to survive and reproduce on its odyssey from the digestive system of an insect to the bloodstream of a human and back. Along the way, it must be able to withstand dramatic differences in its environment such as acidity, temperature and the availability of nutrients.
The parasite has been living on Earth for millions of years — long before people.
“I know the parasite is the enemy. But I’m impressed by the mechanisms the parasite has to survive during its lifecycle,” Lander said. “The goal is to find its weaknesses to fight the disease.”
UC graduate Joshua Carlson was lead author of the paper. Co-author and UC doctoral student Milad Ahmed said the parasite hides within the cells it infects in human tissues, helping it to evade both the immune system and medications. Once the disease becomes chronic, treatments become significantly less effective, he said.
Researchers used gene-editing tools to manipulate the genes of the parasite. The aim was to identify the location and function of one of the proteins that helps the tiny parasite adapt, study co-author and UC Assistant Professor Miguel Chiurillo said.
Lander said interrupting the parasite’s lifecycle is a promising target for future medical treatments.
“If the parasite can’t transform during its lifecycle, it won’t survive,” she said.
TcCARP3 modulates compartmentalized cAMP signals involved in osmoregulation, infection of mammalian cells, and colonization of the triatomine vector in the human pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi
University of Cincinnati graduate Joshua Carlson was lead author of a study examining targets to disrupt the lifecycle of a parasite responsible for Chagas disease.
University of Cincinnati graduate Joshua Carlson holds a container of uninfected kissing bugs, the insects responsible for transmitting the parasite responsible for Chagas disease. He was lead author of a study examining targets to disrupt the lifecycle the parasite.
University of Cincinnati Assistant Professor Noelia Lander works in her molecular parasitology lab.
CrediT
Andrew Higley
Real-time 3D visualization reveals potent antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against superbacteria
From screening to efficacy assessment via real-time 3D-holotomography imaging
Experimental design and workflow of AMP prediction using in silico tools and 3D HT-HTS. Hirunipin 2 as a selected AMP candidate was evaluated on antibacterial, antibiofilm, antiinflammatory activiry and efficacy for antibiotic adjuvant.
A research group in Korea has discovered a novel natural antimicrobial peptide, ‘Hirunipin-2,’ from the salivary glands of the medicinal leech (Hirudo nipponia) using cutting-edge imaging technology, demonstrating that the material has high potential as a new therapeutic effective against superbacteria. This discovery underscores the significant potential of combining natural resources with advanced imaging technologies to address the global challenge of antibiotic-resistant infections.
Dr. Lee Seongsoo’s research group at the Honam Regional Center of the Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI) successfully observed and quantitatively analyzed the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR-bacteria or superbacteria) in real time using three-dimensional holotomography (3D HT*) technology. Through this technology, the researchers were able to confirm through real-time imaging the process in which the growth of superbacteria was inhibited by the antibiotic material and the biofilm was effectively destroyed.
*three-dimensional holotomography (3D HT) is a technique of optical diffraction tomography (ODT) to measure the 3D refractive index (RI) tomogram of a microscopic sample such as biological cells and tissues.
The joint research team, also including Professor Shin Song Yub’s group from the School of Medicine of Chosun University and Professor Cho Sung-Jin’s group from the Department of Biology of Chungbuk National University, explored the transcriptome database of the salivary gland tissue of the medicinal leech using AI-based bioinformatic analytical techniques to evaluate the structural stability of the substances and their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory functions, thereby deriving 19 new peptide candidates. Thereafter, the joint research team introduced a 3D HT screening technology (a high-throughput screening using 3D HT; 3D HT-HTS or ODT-HTS), which was developed to simultaneously evaluate a large number of candidate substances, and performed an antibacterial mechanism analysis and rapid antibacterial substance screening at the same time. Through this, the researchers finally discovered Hirunipin-2, a novel natural substance-derived antibacterial peptide.
MDR-bacteria, referring to bacteria that do not respond to existing antibiotics, are identified as a major factor in making infection treatment difficult and increasing mortality rates. The World Health Organization (WHO) also warns that antibiotic resistance is a serious threat to human health, and the development of novel antibacterial substances has emerged as an urgent task to address the issue. In particular, antibacterial peptides derived from natural products are drawing much attention as next-generation antibiotic candidates because they have a low possibility of developing resistance and exhibit low toxicity. To effectively respond to superbacteria, it is necessary to develop technologies that enable precise analysis of antibacterial mechanisms in addition to rapid discovery candidate substances.
3D HT imaging is a new analytical technique for observing bacteria in real time and acquiring various quantitative information within cells without preprocessing such as staining, and it has recently attracted attention in the development of therapeutics against superbacteria. In 2023, Dr. Lee Seongsoo’s research group demonstrated the multitarget mechanism of action of antimicrobial agents through real-time visualization at the single bacterial cell level using 3D HT technology. However, at the time, it was mainly limited to single cell or single substance analysis, and there were technical limitations in simultaneously assessing a large number of antimicrobial candidates or comprehensively analyzing the bulk bacterial response within a bacterial population [Kim et. al., “Real-time monitoring of multi-target antimicrobial mechanisms of peptoids using label-free imaging with optical diffraction tomography,” Advanced Science 10, 2302483 (2023)].
This study, however, was conducted by introducing 3D HT-HTS technology, so that the researchers performed a real-time quantitative analysis of a large number of antimicrobial peptide candidates, and simultaneously observed the formation and disruption process of biofilms produced by MDR bacteria in a label-free manner. In particular, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy of Hirunipin-2, which was newly discovered through this study, was assessed with high reliability, and combined use of the substance with existing antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and rifampicin showed a synergistic effect of enhancing antimicrobial activity, suggesting its potential use as an antibiotic adjuvant.
In the present study, the KBSI research group developed a 3D HT-HTS analysis technology in the process of discovering antibacterial substances and evaluating their efficacy and focused on the final selection of antibacterial agents and verification of their efficacy using the technology. The research groups from Chosun University and Chungbuk National University predicted new peptide candidates through AI-based bioinformatic analysis and conducted antibacterial and antibiofilm activity evaluations.
Dr. Lee Seongsoo, a principal investigator at KBSI, emphasized the significance of this study, saying, “We are the first research team that presented an innovative antimicrobial peptide development strategy that can contribute to overcoming the antibiotic resistance problem by combining Korea’s indigenous natural product database and 3D HT-HTS: the cutting-edge imaging technology.” Dr. Lee added, “We expect that our strategy can be widely employed in the development of new drugs for treating superbacterial infections and in future research on antibiotic resistance.”
a) Experimental design of real-time 3D HT imaging of biofilm formation and color map of RI. b,c) Representative 3D HT images of MDRAB biofilms untreated as (b) control or treated with (c) hirunipin 2 over 12 h. Images for each time are shown in isometric view at the top and Y-axis view at the bottom. d,e) Segmented 3D HT images of MDRAB biofilm for (d) control or (e) hirunipin 2 for insets of Figure 4b,c. Images are shown in specific RI range (top, RI = 1.340-1.350; bottom, RI = 1.351-1.380).
Credit
Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI)
The image features that the antimicrobial peptide hirunipin 2, secreted from the salivary glands of the leech (Hirudo nipponia), kills multidrug-resistant bacteria by attacking their cell membranes and rupturing the cell membranes, as well as destroying mature biofilms already formed by the multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Credit
Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI)
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The Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), a government-funded research institution established in 1988, conducts research and development, research support and joint research related to high-tech research equipment as well as advanced analytical science technology. With the aid of cutting-edge research equipment and outstanding human resources infrastructure, KBSI aims to provide a global platform for domestic and international researchers to achieve creative and harmonious research outcomes.
This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), the Commercialization Promotion Agency for R&D Outcomes (COMPA), and the Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI). The results of this study were published on March 13, 2025 in the online edition of Advanced Science (IF=14.3), a globally renowned journal.
Novel Leech Antimicrobial Peptides, Hirunipins: Real-Time 3D Monitoring of Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Mechanisms Using Optical Diffraction Tomography
The heaviest proton emitter: A new type of atomic nucleus discovered in the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä
University of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto
For the first time in more than thirty years, the heaviest nucleus decaying via proton emission has been measured. The previous similar breakthrough was achieved in 1996.
The radioactive decay of atomic nuclei has been one of the keystones of nuclear physics since the beginning of nuclear research. Now the heaviest nucleus decaying via proton emission has been measured in the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä, Finland.
“Proton emission is a rare form of radioactive decay, in which the nucleus emits a proton to take a step towards stability,” says Doctoral Researcher Henna Kokkonen from the University of Jyväskylä.
Studying exotic nuclei is difficult, but not impossible
The new nucleus is so far the lightest known isotope of astatine, 188At, consisting of 85 protons and 103 neutrons. Exotic nuclei of this kind are extremely challenging to study due to their short lifetimes and low production cross sections, so precise techniques are needed.
“The nucleus was produced in a fusion-evaporation reaction by irradiating natural silver target with 84Sr ion beam,” says Academy Research Fellow Kalle Auranen from the University of Jyväskylä. “The new isotope was identified using the detector setup of the RITU recoil separator.”
Study reveals new findings on heavy nuclei
In addition to the experimental results, the study expanded a theoretical model to interpret the measured data. Through the model, the nucleus can be interpreted as strongly prolate, i.e. “watermelon shaped”.
“The properties of the nucleus suggests a trend change in the binding energy of the valence proton,” says Kokkonen. “This is possibly explained by an interaction unprecedented in heavy nuclei.”
The study is a follow-up to the master’s thesis
The study is part of Kokkonen’s doctoral thesis and a direct scientific follow-up to her master’s thesis, in which she discovered a new type of atomic nucleus, the 190-astatatine. The thesis article was published in the Physical Review C journal in 2023.
“Isotope discoveries are rare worldwide, and this is the second time I have had the opportunity to be part of making history,” Kokkonen rejoices. “Every experiment is challenging, and it feels great to do research that improves understanding of the limits of matter and the structure of atomic nuclei.”
The research article was written as part of an international research collaboration involving experts in theoretical nuclear physics. The study was published in the renowned Nature Communications on 29 May 2025.
New proton emitter 188At implies an interaction unprecedented in heavy nuclei
New Horizon Europe project will support the green transition through innovative methods for climate change and biodiversity loss
The GREEN TALENT project aims to address and combat crises of climate change and biodiversity loss by boosting skills and competences in research and innovation (R&I)
Officially started on 1 June 2025, the newly-funded Horizon Europe project GREEN TALENT is to run for 4 years with the overall objectives to unite 17 academic, public and private sector partner institutions from 9 European countries, and the United States. The project’s goal is to develop the capacity of organisations and pathways to combat climate change and biodiversity loss, and support secondments across these countries, fostering international collaboration in research and innovation (R&I), as well as public and private decision-making.
Grounded in the EU’s comprehensive ERA Policy Agenda, the GREEN TALENT initiative has ambitious plans to enhance professional development in the field, providing Green talents with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through group mentoring activities, job shadowing, and networking events. During its implementation, the project has planned to establish 4 demonstration hubs in Malta, Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria, which will host 45 secondments, acting as collaborative spaces between representatives of academic and non-academic sectors.
“GREEN TALENT is about empowering a new generation of innovators, practitioners, and communities to respond to the urgent and interconnected challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
To succeed, we need innovation in its broadest sense - embracing not only new technologies, but also collaboration, knowledge exchange, behavioural change, and new financing mechanisms. By strengthening capacity and excellence across academia, business, and practice, we are building the partnerships and platforms needed to scale impactful solutions.
GREEN TALENT establishes four national hubs - in Malta, Cyprus, Greece, and Bulgaria - that will build on recent regional successes to foster cross-sector collaboration addressing climate change and biodiversity loss through nature-based solutions. These hubs will foster collaboration among stakeholders at local and national levels, while engaging with European and international partners to enable mutual learning, inform best practices, and scale successful interventions beyond national contexts.
GREEN TALENT strengthens Europe's ability to lead the green transition by investing in people, fostering inclusive innovation, and delivering measurable progress toward climate resilience and biodiversity recovery,” - says the project coordinator, Mario Balzan, Ecostack Innovations.
Designed to support the green transition, GREEN TALENT will implement ongoing follow-up and assessment measures to ensure the long-term impact of its training activities. These efforts will enable participants to continuously refine their skills and effectively apply newly acquired competences within their home institutions.
All training materials will be openly accessible via a newly developed GREEN TALENT Capacity-Building Platform. In addition to comprehensive learning resources, the platform will showcase case studies, support peer learning, and host an Exchange Forum to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue and cross-sector collaboration.
By equipping research and innovation talents with practical skills and fostering international cooperation, GREEN TALENT aims to drive meaningful progress toward climate resilience and biodiversity preservation.
Funded by the European Union under grant agreement No. 101217375, GREEN TALENT (Building Capacity and Partnerships for Systemic Solutions to the Climate and Biodiversity Crises).
Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the EU nor the REA can be held responsible for them.
Permanently frozen palsa mires can be lost by the end of the century
Credit: Photo: Oona Leppiniemi / University of Oulu
A new study investigates the environmental factors affecting the occurrence and state of palsa mires, as well as the degradation of palsas. The study covers the entire Northern Hemisphere. The new results are part of a doctoral dissertation to be examined at the University of Oulu, Finland on 6 June 2025.
Palsa mires are permafrost mires that are characterized by peat mounds, called palsas, that remain frozen even in summer. Palsa mires occur in areas characterised by low precipitation, strong winds, thin snow cover, and an average annual temperature below -1 °C.
Using three different climate change scenarios, the key finding of the new study is that environments suitable for palsas will disappear almost entirely from the northern permafrost region by the end of the century if climate change is not mitigated. Even in the most optimistic scenario, up to 75 per cent of the environmental conditions suitable for palsas would be at risk of disappearing, and in the worst case, 98 per cent would disappear.
Based on the results of the doctoral thesis, the occurrence of palsas in the Northern Hemisphere is best explained by soil moisture and climatic factors such as air temperature and precipitation. Palsa mires still remain in northern Canada, Alaska, Iceland, northern Finland, Sweden, Norway, and western Siberia. The thesis utilised statistical modelling and remote sensing data, and the occurrence of palsas was examined using satellite and aerial images of northern regions.
The layer of peat on top of the frozen cores of palsas is essential, as the peat acts as an insulator and prevents the permafrost, which is necessary for the existence of palsas, from thawing. "The effects of climate change on palsas are complex. For example, increased snowfall would not help palsas to persist, but could even promote their degradation. Although snow protects palsas from solar radiation in spring, it is also a good insulator in winter and prevents deep freezing of the ground, which maintains permafrost and palsas," explains Doctoral Researcher Oona Leppiniemi. "In addition, the more snow there is, the more meltwater is produced. Abundant meltwater keeps the peat on top of the palsas wet longer in the spring. Wet peat conducts heat well, allowing solar radiation to thaw the palsas effectively. If there is little snow and meltwater, the peat dries out more quickly, and dry peat acts as an insulator, protecting the palsas from thawing."
If the future is windier, the snow will be swept away from open areas. However, the wind can also erode the peat layer on top of the palsas, leaving them unprotected in summer and allowing the permafrost to thaw more efficiently.
When palsas formed by the permafrost disappear, the topography of the mire becomes more uniform, and the landscape changes. These changes in the abiotic nature may also have an impact on the biodiversity of the northern environments, as the diverse habitats created by the palsas disappear and organisms lose important areas for growth, feeding, and reproduction. In addition, the degradation of permafrost releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane from peat, which may further accelerate global climate change.
"Sometimes, only a small pond remains after the degradation of palsas. However, often the thawed palsa mire starts to resemble an aapa mire. When palsas degrade, species that thrive in drier growing conditions disappear, and the vegetation of the mire becomes less diverse," Leppiniemi explains.
In Finland, previous surveys in 2023 found that one third of the palsas in Northern Lapland have disappeared compared to the situation in the 1990s. In the new thesis, less than a third of Finland's current palsas were found to be in good state, and the surface area of palsas has decreased by up to 76 per cent since the 1960s.
The results obtained in the dissertation improve our understanding of the environmental factors and changes that affect the occurrence and state of palsas in the future. The results can be used to assess the effects of climate change on global greenhouse gas emissions and to prepare nature conservation strategies for maintaining biodiversity in the north.
