Humanized mouse models are vital for studying human gene function, but fully replacing mouse genes with complete human sequences has been technically challenging. Researchers developed a streamlined two-step CRISPR method that inserts very large human genomic regions into mouse embryonic stem cells. The resulting mice showed human-like splicing, tissue-specific expression, and normal biological functions. The approach also supports adding disease-related mutations, offering a versatile platform for creating accurate, physiologically relevant humanized models.

Histamine is widely known for its role in allergic reactions but also functions as a key neurotransmitter in the brain, where its activity is tightly regulated by the histamine H₃ receptor (H₃R). In a recent study, researchers from Japan investigated the intricacies of how specific amino acid mutations alter H₃R signaling. Their findings reveal a close link between spontaneous receptor activation and structural destabilization, offering key insights for designing drugs for various brain disorders.

Existing studies have examined the impact of inward foreign direct investment (IFDI) on venture creation mainly at the country level. Now, an international team, including a researcher from Waseda University, has explored the multifaceted effects of IFDI on new venture creation at the industry-regional level, proposing an inverted U-shaped effect driven by learning opportunities and competitive threats. These insights can help local governments calibrate IFDI inflows to maintain a productivity-enhancing balance.

Symptoms of depression are common among people with asthma, but growing evidence suggests they may arise from biological mechanisms different from those underlying major depressive disorder.

A selective protein degradation system known as Golgi membrane-associated degradation (GOMED), which identifies and removes unwanted proteins, has been delineated by researchers at Science Tokyo. This system works by tagging problematic proteins with a “molecular label” called K33-linked ubiquitin and using an adaptor protein, optineurin (OPTN), to guide them to GOMED structures for breakdown. These findings improve our understanding of cellular self-cleanup processes and may help in developing new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to treat and has a poor prognosis, but a new study from Tokyo University of Science highlights a gene that could change this outlook. By analyzing large cancer datasets, researchers found that the gene CTDNEP1 is significantly reduced in pancreatic tumors and associated with early disease progression and poorer survival. The findings suggest that CTDNEP1 may act as a tumor suppressor, offering promising opportunities for early detection and future treatment strategies.

A Perspective by QST outlines a practical roadmap for “quantum life science,” spanning ultra‑sensitive diamond sensors in living cells, high-sensitivity hyperpolarized MRI for real‑time metabolism, and quantum effects that inspire new biotechnologies. The authors describe near‑term medical and industrial impacts—from precision diagnostics and drug discovery to efficient energy technologies—along with steps to scale these tools beyond specialized fields.