Today's Science & Education News [354]

News you can use right now in your anatomy & physiology course!

Sep 29, 2025

Scientists Create “Boba-Like” Microbeads That Trap Fats

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Researchers have developed edible microbeads made from green tea extract and alginate (a seaweed compound) that bind dietary fats in the intestine. These beads act like tiny sponges, preventing fat absorption. The approach could offer a safer, less invasive weight-loss option compared to current drugs or surgery.

Electric currents reshape corneas—without surgery

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A new electromechanical reshaping (EMR) technique uses mild electrical pulses, delivered via a platinum contact-lens mold, to change the curvature of the cornea (tested ex vivo on rabbit eyes). Vision “correction” happens in about a minute—with no cuts, no lasers, and preserved transparency.

Gut neurons “taste” fats vs. sugars vs. proteins

A digitally stitched image of nutrient-sensing neurons (cyan) in the mouse gut, highlighting a subset of inhibitory nerve cells (yellow). — By peering into live mouse intestines, scientists uncover specialized nerve cells that sense different nutrients. Shown here are nutrient-sensing neurons (cyan) in the mouse gut, highlighting a subset of inhibitory nerve cells (yellow). **Image credit:** Candice Fung

Enteric neurons in the small intestine fire uniquely in response to different nutrients—sugars, fats, or amino acids—suggesting a neural “nutrient code” that can influence digestion and satiety before absorption even begins.

Sleep triggered by mitochondrial stress in brain neurons

File:Mitochondria, mammalian lung - TEM.jpg — Transmission electron microscope image of a thin section cut through an area of mammalian lung tissue. The high magnification image shows two mitochondria. Image: Louise Howard

Sleep may function as a metabolic reset: overload in neuronal mitochondria sends a signal triggering sleep. The new research reframes sleep as a repair response to metabolic stress, not just a psychological rest.

Ancient woolly mammoth gene spawns new antibiotic

File:Woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) - Mauricio Antón.jpg — Woolly mammoths (*Mammuthus primigenius*) Image: Mauricio Anton

Scientists used AI on frozen woolly mammoth DNA to design a peptide—named “mammuthusin”—that effectively kills drug-resistant bacteria in vitro. A creative intersection of paleogenomics and antimicrobial discovery.

A&P professor becomes social-media influencer

How an Ohio anatomy professor turned short TikTok/Instagram demos into an educational brand bridging technique and accessibility. Anatomy goes viral—for the right reasons.

Hybrid reality anatomy lab transforms dissection

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A new mixed-reality tool overlays 3D anatomical structures onto human models in real time—especially helpful for head/neck anatomy and spatial learning. Students can visualize deeper layers while working on real specimens.

Dual Enrollment in A&P: Murray Jensen on Rigor, Pedagogy, and Community | TAPP 155

Dual enrollment programs in anatomy and physiology are growing rapidly, but how do we balance access, rigor, and pedagogy in this unique setting? In this episode, Murray Jensen shares his experiences coordinating A&P dual enrollment in Minnesota, offering insights into student preparation, faculty collaboration, and what it means for our community of educators. If you’ve ever wondered how dual enrollment fits into the future of A&P teaching, this conversation will give you fresh perspectives and practical takeaways.

To listen to this episode, click on the play button above ⏵ (if present) or this link → theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-155.html

Taps for the TAPP app

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If you listen to The A&P Professor podcast (TAPP radio), then you may know that one option for listening has been the handy TAPP app. That app was a custom, one-purpose app to allow listeners to go directly to the TAPP podcast—and only the TAPP podcast— and listen to an episode or two, read a transcript (or two), and access occasional bonus content. Sadly, our postcast hosting platform, which designed and maintained the app, suddenly pulled the rug out from under all their custom apps. That means that starting now, no one can download the app at their device’s app store. Also, at the end of this month, the app will no longer be supported. I think it may work for a little while after that, but at some point it will not have been updated to some new requirement, and will be rendered inactive.

No worries, though. You can stay connected to new episodes by searching for The A&P Professor wherever you regularly listen to audio and clicking “Follow” after you find it. If you don’t have a regular audio platform you listen to, just go to theAPprofessor.org/listen and you’ll find a selection bof suggested audio providers.

New Blood Pressure Guidelines Could Redefine Hypertension

File:Blood pressure measurement Manila CNE 01.jpg — Image credit: CNEcija12345

The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology have issued stricter blood pressure guidelines, lowering thresholds for stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension. This means millions more Americans may now be diagnosed with high blood pressure, the leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Lifestyle strategies like reducing sodium, moderating alcohol, and following the DASH diet are emphasized.

Do Tattoos Offer Unexpected Protection Against Melanoma?

File:Tattoo Yin Yang.jpg — Image credit: Dj c sar

A surprising study suggests that tattoos may lower melanoma risk, with protection appearing to increase with more tattoos. Researchers hypothesize that pigment particles in tattoo ink may stimulate local immune responses that slow melanoma development. While the study is observational and not yet conclusive, it raises fascinating questions about how skin biology interacts with external modifications.

Hidden Causes of Heart Attacks in Younger Adults—Especially Women

File:Myocardial Infarction-WikipediaChidiebere.jpg — Credit: Chidiebere Ibe CC BY-SA 4.0

A Mayo Clinic study reveals that up to 25% of heart attacks in adults under 55, particularly women, may stem from conditions other than the classic cholesterol-clogged arteries. These include spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), coronary vasospasm, and microvascular dysfunction—often missed with standard diagnostics. Recognizing these hidden causes could reshape both prevention and treatment strategies.

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