Health

Innovative Water-Activated Face Mask Enhances Skincare with Built-in Power

Fig. 1. Structural design and working mechanism of the self-powered iontophoresis mask. (A) Schematic of the self-powered iontophoresis mask. (B) Enhancement of drug penetration with mask use. (C) Comparison of drug penetration areas before and after mask application. (D) Gelation process of superabsorbent fibers (SAFs). Zn-SF: zinc-modified silver fiber anode; MnO₂-Ti: manganese dioxide–modified titanium wire cathode.

A self-powered face mask that activates with just a splash of water could transform at-home skincare by significantly improving how treatments penetrate the skin. Researchers at Qingdao University have developed a wearable iontophoresis mask that creates its own gentle microcurrent to drive skincare ingredients deeper into the skin, potentially doubling treatment effectiveness without requiring batteries … Read more

Bacteria Use Ancient War Trick Against Viral Invaders

How a modified DNA building block helps bacteria fight viruses (Left) In the Kongming defense system used by some bacteria, two proteins—KomA and a viral enzyme—work together to produce a special molecule called dITP. This molecule sends a signal that turns on another protein complex, KomBC, which helps stop the virus by draining the cell’s supply of NAD+, a molecule essential for life. (Right) This bacterial defense shares similarities with immune systems in other organisms like plants and animals. Many of them also use small, ring-shaped or modified nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA and RNA) as signaling molecules to activate their defenses. These include variants like cADPR, ATP, and dADP, and are often linked to enzymes or receptors like TIR and RNases, which help destroy viruses or infected cells.

Imagine tricking your enemy into giving you their weapons, then using those same weapons to defeat them. That’s exactly what some bacteria do to fight off viral infections, according to groundbreaking research from scientists at the University of Copenhagen and Huazhong Agricultural University. The newly discovered bacterial defense system, named “Kongming” after an ancient Chinese … Read more

Common Drug Reverses Devastating Gum Disease

model of teeth on a pedestal

Scientists have discovered that a medication already approved for treating multiple sclerosis and psoriasis shows remarkable promise in combating periodontitis, one of the leading causes of tooth loss worldwide. Researchers from Wenzhou Medical University found that dimethyl fumarate (DMF) significantly reduced bone loss and inflammation in experimental models of gum disease by improving cellular “cleanup” … Read more

Scientists Unlock Key to Fighting Monkeypox

Colorized transmission electron micrograph of monkeypox particles (teal) found within an infected cell (brown), cultured in the laboratory.

A new study has revealed the molecular mechanisms behind a crucial enzyme that monkeypox virus needs to replicate, offering new hope for treatments against this emerging global health threat. Researchers from a multinational team led by scientists in China have, for the first time, successfully mapped the three-dimensional structure of the monkeypox “core protease” – … Read more

Even Small Gains in Teen Sleep Boost Brain Power

Sleeping teen girl

Quarter-hour sleep differences linked to measurable changes in adolescent brain structure and cognitive performance, researchers discover. The age-old battle between teenagers and parents over bedtime may have gained powerful scientific backing. A groundbreaking study from researchers at the University of Cambridge and Fudan University has revealed that adolescents who sleep longer – even by just … Read more