Biology Weekly Brief: June 24ā30, 2025
This week brought some interesting updates in cancer and Alzheimerās research, a new look at how tiny ocean creatures impact our climate, and a fascinating peek into ant behavior. We also have a new AI tool that could change how we approach scientific discovery.
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ATOMIC Trial: Atezolizumab Improves DFS in dMMR Colon Cancer
The ATOMIC trial recently showed that adding atezolizumab to standard chemotherapy significantly improved disease-free survival in patients with resected stage III colon cancer that has deficient mismatch repair (dMMR). This combination therapy led to a 3-year disease-free survival rate of 86.4% compared to 76.6% with chemotherapy alone. These results suggest a new approach for tailoring adjuvant therapy based on a tumorās specific biology.
Published: June 30, 2025
ATOMIC Trial: Atezolizumab Improves DFS in dMMR Colon Cancer -
XProā¢ Trial Shows Promise in Subgroup of Early Alzheimerās Patients
INmune Bio recently shared findings from their Phase 2 MINDFuL trial for XProā¢ in early Alzheimerās Disease. While the overall study population didnāt meet the primary cognitive endpoint, a specific group of patients with amyloid-positive early AD and signs of inflammation did show cognitive and biological benefits. This suggests that targeting neuroinflammation with XProā¢ could be a viable strategy for certain Alzheimerās patients, especially those with specific inflammatory biomarkers.
Published: June 30, 2025
INmune Bio Reports Key Findings from Phase 2 MINDFuL Trial of XProā¢ in Early Alzheimerās Disease - BioSpace -
Zooplanktonās Surprising Role in Global Carbon Storage
New research has revealed that tiny zooplankton, like copepods, play a much larger role in carbon sequestration than previously thought. By performing daily deep dives into the ocean each winter, these microscopic creatures are estimated to stash away an impressive 65 million tonnes of carbon annually far below the surface. This finding highlights the significant, often overlooked, contributions of small marine organisms to the planetās carbon cycle.
Published: June 27, 2025
Tiny creatures, massive impact: How zooplankton store 65 million tonnes of carbon annually | ScienceDaily -
Scientists Reprogram Ant Behavior Using Brain Molecules
Researchers have found a way to change the behavior of leafcutter ants by manipulating just two specific neuropeptides in their brains. These ants live in highly organized colonies where each individual has a defined job, and this study showed itās possible to āflip those jobs like a switchā. This work offers a fascinating look into the neural mechanisms that govern complex social behaviors within insect colonies.
Published: June 25, 2025
Scientists reprogram ant behavior using brain molecules | ScienceDaily -
UNC Seed Grant Funds Foundational Cell Biology Research
The University of North Carolina recently awarded seed grants to eleven diverse research projects, including one focused on cytoskeleton-membrane coupling. This project aims to unravel long-standing questions in cell biology, specifically how the cellās internal scaffolding interacts with its outer membrane. The insights gained from this foundational work are expected to open new pathways for diagnosing and treating significant diseases like cancer and infertility.
Published: June 27, 2025
11 research projects receive Collegeās first seed grants | UNC-Chapel Hill
Tools & Tips
- FutureHouse AI Agents for Scientific Discovery
FutureHouse, a philanthropically funded research lab, has recently launched an AI platform designed to automate key steps in scientific research. Their suite of AI agents, which is accessible to anyone, includes tools like āCrowā for summarizing scientific literature and āFinchā for automating data-driven discovery specifically in biology. This platform aims to accelerate research by streamlining tasks such as information retrieval and experiment planning, potentially changing how scientists approach their work.
https://platform.futurehouse.org/
Fun Fact
Did you know that the very first gene maps were created through linkage analysis of fruit flies? These pioneering experiments were conducted by Thomas Hunt Morganās research group, and the first genetic map was published in 1913. This historical detail highlights the foundational role of model organisms in biological research, laying the groundwork for todayās complex genomic mapping techniques.
Weād love to hear from you!
Have you participated in any Biology events or utilized new Biology tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with usāweāre featuring selected community voices in next weekās edition.