World's First Synthetic Cell with Complete Life Cycle Built from Scratch

Synthetic cell built from scratch grows and divides for first time Researchers at the University of Minnesota created SpudCell, a synthetic cell with 36 genes that can replicate its DNA, grow, and divide through a complete cell cycle, though it requires external support and cannot divide indefinitely. The achievement is the strongest proof yet that life-like functions can emerge from non-living chemical components. 123

US startup converts fusion plasma directly into electricity for first time Realta Fusion, in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, demonstrated direct energy conversion from its WHAM experimental reactor, drawing several amps at ~100 volts to power light bulbs. The milestone bypasses traditional steam turbines, potentially enabling over 90% efficiency in future fusion plants. 45

Dual-target CAR-T therapy eradicates glioblastoma in preclinical models A new immunotherapy strategy engineered CAR-T cells to simultaneously target both glioblastoma cancer cells and the tumor-supporting macrophages that shield them. In multiple preclinical models, including those grown from patient tumors, the therapy eliminated detectable malignancies and achieved long-term disease-free survival. 67

JWST reveals atmosphere of planet that survived its star's death Using JWST, astronomers obtained the first spectrum of the atmosphere of WD 1856b, a giant planet orbiting a white dwarf—the remnant of a dead star. The planet is far hotter than expected, offering clues about how planets might survive the Sun's eventual death and the fate of our Solar System. 89

Quantum entanglement detected in a centimeter-sized crystal Physicists at TU Wien used quantum Fisher information to directly measure strong quantum entanglement in a strange metal crystal large enough to hold in your hand. The result bridges solid-state physics and quantum information theory, showing that macroscopic objects can exhibit collective quantum behavior. 10