Gene Therapy Rescues Fragile X Syndrome; China Lands Reusable Rocket

FMR1 gene therapy rescues fragile X syndrome traits in mice Researchers used an AAV vector to deliver a functional FMR1 gene into the brains of mice, restoring FMRP production and normalizing synaptic balance. Treated mice showed improved learning, reduced anxiety, and diminished seizure susceptibility, marking a major step toward a genetic cure for fragile X syndrome. 1

China lands reusable rocket first stage at sea, second nation to do so The Long March-10B rocket launched from Hainan and its first stage was recovered using a net-capture system on a sea platform, a milestone for China's space program. The reusable liquid-fueled rocket also deployed a satellite into orbit, potentially reducing launch costs. 2

First rogue planet mass and distance confirmed via microlensing Astronomers measured the mass and distance of rogue planet KMT-2024-BLG-0792 by combining ground-based and Gaia space telescope data, breaking the mass-distance degeneracy. The Saturn-mass world lies 9,800 light-years away, providing a key data point for estimating the population of starless planets in the Milky Way. 3

Nanotechnology switch halts cancer growth and boosts immune attack Researchers engineered EVOTAC, a nanoswitch that selectively suppresses tumor-promoting extracellular vesicles, then uses photodynamic therapy to trigger immunogenic vesicles. In preclinical models of triple-negative breast and colorectal cancer, the approach achieved complete tumor eradication and suppressed recurrence and metastasis. 4

Rapidly growing black hole in nearby galaxy offers window into early universe An international team observed SDSS J110546.07+145202.4, a spiral galaxy 1.8 billion light-years away, where a low-mass supermassive black hole has been accreting material for years, producing a long-lasting radio jet. This is the first observed transition of a lightweight black hole into a sustained radio-bright state. 56

Organic molecules survive supernova explosions, fueling star formation Using ALMA, astronomers detected two hot molecular cores rich in organic chemistry inside the supernova remnant RX J1713.7−3946, the first such discovery. The finding shows that newborn stars can preserve complex molecules even in harsh supernova environments, expanding the potential sites for prebiotic chemistry. 7

Ambipolar diffusion observed for first time in prestellar core Researchers detected a velocity offset between ions and neutrals in the dense core L1544, confirming ambipolar diffusion—the process where neutral gas drifts away from magnetic field lines. This observation, made with the IRAM 30-meter telescope, reveals how magnetic support weakens to allow gravitational collapse and star formation. 8

New method controls quantum states in 2D materials via layer sliding Scientists engineered periodic superlattices in tantalum disulfide by precisely sliding atomic layers, enabling switching between insulating and superconducting states. The approach demonstrates that stacking sequences can act as a structural 'code' for programmable quantum materials. 9

ARPA-H awards $160M to mass-produce gene-editing cures for rare diseases The US health agency launched the THRIVE program, funding seven teams to develop modular gene-editing platforms targeting rare genetic diseases. The goal is to reach first-in-human trials by year three and create a regulatory framework for umbrella investigational new drug applications. 10

RNA replication breakthrough unlocks secrets of early Earth chemistry A study in Nature Chemistry shows that trinucleotides combined with freeze-thaw cycles enable exponential RNA replication without protein enzymes. This solves the 'strand separation problem' and provides a plausible mechanism for RNA self-replication in prebiotic environments like geothermal springs. 11

First human trial tests immune-engineered cell therapy for type 1 diabetes Researchers presented a first-in-human trial of hypoimmune-engineered insulin-producing cells that evade immune attack without immunosuppression. If successful, the approach could provide 'off-the-shelf' cell therapies for diabetes and other diseases requiring transplantation. 12

Brain circuit discovered that controls bone healing in mice A neural pathway between the dentate gyrus and retrosplenial granular cortex was found to regulate fracture repair in male mice. Activation accelerated healing, while inhibition delayed it, revealing a top-down neural control of bone regeneration that could lead to neuromodulation therapies for fractures. 13

Efficient in vivo base editing achieved via virus-like particles Researchers engineered a transformer base editor (tBE) packaged in virus-like particles that achieved up to 64% editing efficiency in mouse liver and 24% in retinal tissue. The approach showed no detectable off-target effects and produced therapeutic benefits in disease models for cholesterol, tyrosinemia, and macular degeneration. 14

Star TOI-5882 ate a planet and is about to devour another The star TOI-5882 shows high lithium levels indicating recent planetary engulfment, likely caused by a nearby brown dwarf disrupting orbits. The brown dwarf itself is on a collision course with the star, providing a rare view of sequential engulfment events. 15

Gene therapy shows durable correction of methylmalonic acidemia Lentiviral gene therapy GENE202 achieved sustained metabolic correction in mouse models of MMA, with gene transfer in over 80% of liver cells. The therapy targets the root genetic cause and is advancing toward clinical trials for this rare, life-limiting metabolic disorder. 16

Super-Jupiter with 180-day orbit discovered by transit method Astronomers confirmed NGTS-38 b, a super-Jupiter about 8% larger than Jupiter and five times as massive, with one of the longest orbital periods found via transit. The discovery required over 200 nights of observation and provides insights into giant planet formation at wider orbits. 17