Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology - FASEB

10/19/2026

🔬 What if scientists could program molecules to recognize specific targets in the body?

That’s the potential behind aptamers—short strands of DNA or RNA that fold into shapes that help them recognize and bind to particular targets.

An article in The FASEB Journal reviews how scientists are improving aptamer discovery and design using tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), nanotechnology, and advanced laboratory techniques.

Aptamers are being explored for more than target recognition. With further engineering, they may also help detect biological signals, process information, and control certain molecular responses.

🧪 Why is this important? These developments could open new possibilities for medical testing and treatments. Although more work is needed to translate these technologies into clinical use, they offer researchers new ways to design molecules for specific purposes.

📖 Read more: https://hubs.ly/Q04zN1yr0

10/16/2026

🧴 Did you know that the outer layer of your skin helps keep water in and protect your body from the outside environment?

A study in FASEB BioAdvances explores how scientists strengthened this protective barrier in mice by activating a cell-signaling pathway called G12.

The researchers found that this activation made the epidermis—the skin’s outermost layer—thicker and improved its ability to resist water loss after barrier disruption. The skin also maintained its normal layered structure without substantial inflammatory changes.

The team identified another important clue: a pathway involved in cell growth, called mTORC1, appeared to play a major role in the skin-thickening response.

Why does this matter? Understanding how skin cells build and maintain the protective barrier could help researchers explore new approaches for skin conditions where that barrier is weakened. However, more research is needed to determine whether this approach could benefit people.

🔗 Read the study: https://hubs.ly/Q04zMTmk0

10/15/2026

A new chapter for cancer research begins! FASEB is proud to announce Keiran Smalley, PhD, of Moffitt Cancer Center, as the founding Editor-in-Chief of FASEB Cancer!

Built around the idea of cancer scientists serving the cancer research community, our newest journal will provide a home for high-quality basic and translational research, bringing together discoveries across disciplines to advance cancer science.

📢 Submissions officially open October 19, 2026!

Interested in helping shape the journal? We're also seeking researchers interested in joining the founding Editorial Board. Fill out this form: https://hubs.ly/Q04BgPYr0

Read our full announcement here: https://hubs.ly/Q04BgPXN0

10/12/2026

🌊🐟 How do aquatic animals know when their environment is changing?

From shifts in temperature and salinity to chemicals, light, and physical movement in the water, aquatic organisms experience many different environmental signals at once.
A review in The FASEB Journal looks at TRPA1, a protein that helps cells detect these kinds of changes and send signals inside the body.

Researchers have found that TRPA1 is present across many aquatic species and has a similar basic structure, but small differences between species may affect what signals the protein responds to. The review also highlights evidence that TRPA1 can respond to combinations of environmental signals rather than just one at a time.
These signals may help regulate important processes including stress responses, feeding, reproduction, immunity, and other aspects of physiology.
By comparing TRPA1 across aquatic organisms, researchers can learn more about how animals sense and adapt to complex environments. 🌎

🔗 Read the review: https://hubs.ly/Q04zjdjL0

10/09/2026

🧬 Where did COVID-19 come from—and why does the question still matter?

More than six years after the pandemic began, the origins of SARS-CoV-2 remain debated. A review in FASEB BioAdvances examines the evidence and disagreements surrounding the possible origins of the virus.

The authors discuss challenges with investigating the early outbreak in Wuhan, differing assessments from scientists and government agencies, and evidence they believe supports a possible research-related origin. They also emphasize that the question has become highly polarized, with disagreements extending beyond the scientific community.

Why does this matter? Understanding how a pandemic begins can help inform future infectious disease research policies, safety guidelines, and efforts to prepare for future outbreaks.

The review does not make the question of COVID-19's origin a settled matter; rather, it argues that continued examination of the evidence remains important for public health decision-making.

🔗 Read the article: https://hubs.ly/Q04zh_VF0

The COVID19 pandemic, caused by the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2, now ranks among the world's deadliest plagues, and certainly one of the most significant public health crises in the last 100 years. De...

10/07/2026

🎉 FASEB is excited to welcome the 11 scientists selected as 2026–2027 Howard Garrison Advocacy Fellows! 🎉

Representing 11 FASEB member societies, the fellows bring diverse scientific expertise and career experiences to a shared goal: strengthening the connection between research and public policy.

During the 10-month fellowship, they’ll build skills in science advocacy, policy, communication, and leadership through virtual training, conversations with policy professionals, and participation in FASEB’s Capitol Hill Day.

🔗 Meet the fellows: https://hubs.ly/Q04ztfTD0

10/05/2026

📢 FASEB supports the Energy Sciences Coalition’s call for at least $10 billion for the DOE Office of Science in FY 2028, plus up to $5 billion in supplemental or unobligated funds.

The investment would strengthen foundational research in national laboratory and user-facility infrastructure and advance research in AI, quantum science, fusion, microelectronics, biotechnology, and the STEM workforce.

Read the full statement: https://hubs.ly/Q04zdxgV0

10/05/2026

🫁 Pulmonary fibrosis may be a lung disease, but the story may extend far beyond the lungs.
A review in The FASEB Journal looks at how the lungs communicate with other parts of the body—including the gut, liver, thyroid, brain, kidneys, cardiovascular system, and oral microbiota—and how these connections may influence pulmonary fibrosis.
Pulmonary fibrosis involves repeated injury and abnormal healing in the lungs, leading to scarring and an irreversible loss of lung function. Researchers are increasingly exploring how changes elsewhere in the body may contribute to differences in how the disease progresses.
By looking at these connections as a whole, this review provides a broader framework for understanding the systemic factors involved in pulmonary fibrosis and points toward potential areas for future research and therapeutic strategies.
🔗 Read the article: https://bit.ly/4y4S1EV

10/02/2026

What does the gut have to do with the liver’s ability to heal? More than you might think. 🦠

A recent review in The FASEB Journal examines growing evidence from animal and human studies showing how the community of microbes living in our gut may influence liver regeneration after surgery or injury.

The authors explore how beneficial gut bacteria and the substances they produce may help support the liver’s recovery, while disruptions to the gut microbiome could interfere with regeneration. They also discuss how monitoring the microbiome and targeting it through approaches such as probiotics, diet, and other therapies could potentially help improve recovery after liver surgery and transplantation.

Understanding this gut–liver connection could open new avenues for supporting patients before and after major liver procedures.

🔗 Read the review: https://bit.ly/4rL1uQ7

09/25/2026

Every medical breakthrough starts somewhere. 🔬

A question. An idea. A discovery that could one day lead to a new treatment, vaccine, or cure.

Behind these advances is a research funding process that relies on experts to evaluate scientific merit and the potential impact of proposed research.

FASEB is calling for the protection of rigorous, expert review to help science and medicine continue moving forward.

You can help make your voice heard! Answer a few short questions using FASEB’s advocacy tool to create a personalized letter to your members of Congress. Once you're ready, send it directly through our Legislative Action Center!

➡️ Take action today: https://hubs.ly/Q04yk86K0