Scientists Uncover

• Researchers led by Professor Silvia von Karstedt discovered that loss of Caspase 8 protein in small cell lung cancer triggers inflammation promoting tumor growth and spread. • The study, published in Nature Communications on March 25, 2026, shows this loss reprograms cancer cells into an aggressive neuron-like state associated with relapse. • Findings from the CECAD Cluster of Excellence explain the cancer's notorious aggressiveness and poor prognosis.

Researchers from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) and global collaborators identified over 2.3 million conserved non-coding sequences (CNSs) across 314 plant genomes from 284 species, using a new computational tool called Conservatory. These ancient 'DNA switches' originated before flowering plants diverged from non-flowering ancestors more than 400 million years ago, with some confirmed essential for developmental functions through genetic editing. The discovery provides a comprehensive atlas for plant biology, aiding crop breeders in addressing drought and food shortages by fine-tuning traits. CSHL's Zachary Lippman described it as 'a new window into the evolution of life across eons.'