Comment

As biomedical research prioritizes human models and translational promise, classic model organisms are increasingly dismissed. Here we argue that they have a lasting value, both in enabling discovery and in cultivating scientific thinking, by training researchers in systems reasoning, integrative thinking and independent inquiry.

We hypothesize that stress-induced RNA structural changes, stabilized by RNA-binding proteins in biomolecular condensates, propagate via conformational catalysis in a prion-like manner across generations. Our model suggests that RNA structure encodes heritable memory, and its roles should be explored in epigenetic inheritance, evolutionary adaptation and disease.

Recent literature has explored the contributions of oligodendrocytes and myelin dysfunction to Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we discuss emerging evidence that oligodendrocytes may directly contribute to disease pathology and progression.

Creating clear and engaging scientific figures is crucial to communicate complex data. In this Comment, I condense principles from design, visual perception and data visualization research in a checklist that can help researchers to improve their data visualization, by focusing on clarity, accessibility and design best practices.

Autophagy has long been presumed to decline with age, underpinning its designation as a hallmark of ageing. However, emerging evidence challenges this notion, showing tissue-specific variability and, in some cases, age-related increases in autophagic activity. Understanding these dynamics is vital for targeted therapeutic strategies.

Lysosomal dysfunction is emerging as a common pathogenic mechanism underlying normal ageing and many age-related diseases. Lysohormesis, the triggering of beneficial adaptations by mild lysosomal stress leading to increased lysosomal function and cellular stress resilience, could provide a common solution to many age-related issues.

Scientific questions are universal but the scientific workforce remains skewed, with women and gender minorities still underrepresented. Initiatives such as the Women in Autophagy network promote the careers of these underrepresented groups with a range of free, year-round scientific, mentoring and networking activities for all scientists.

Rapid advances in stem cell and bioengineering technologies have sparked a revolution in developmental biology, with stem cell-based embryo models emerging as crucial tools to uncover the intricacies of human embryogenesis. However, making progress relies on precisely posing our questions and selecting our models.

Cell behaviour changes temporally in response to environmental and metabolic cues. This also applies to membrane contact sites (MCSs), where organelles come into close proximity to perform specific functions, such as lipid transfer or calcium signalling. Here, we discuss how MCSs change over time and whether MCSs exhibit circadian rhythmicity.

Pluripotent stem cells are being used to generate models of early embryogenesis that are promising for discovery and translational research. To be useful, these models require critical consideration of their level of efficiency and fidelity to natural embryos. Here we propose criteria with which to raise the standards of stem-cell-based embryo models of human embryogenesis.

Volume electron microscopy (vEM) generates large 3D volumes of cells or tissues at nanoscale resolutions, enabling analyses of organelles in their cellular environment. Here, we provide examples of vEM in cell biology and discuss community efforts to develop standards in sample preparation and image acquisition for enhanced reproducibility and data reuse.

Despite the constant renewal of their components, cellular actin networks maintain their overall appearance, through a subtle balance of filament assembly and disassembly. This balance is key to the remodelling of cellular architecture. We discuss the significance of in vitro reconstitutions in deciphering the complexity of actin regulation.

Women and gender minorities make defining contributions to science. Despite increased representation of women across the scientific career ladder, institutions routinely fail to support their career advancement or value their input. For an equitable and intersectional future faculty, definitions of excellence must evolve to better value women’s contributions.

With biomedical sciences quickly outgrowing many other application areas in terms of data generation, there is a unique opportunity for life sciences to become one of the greatest beneficiaries of research in machine learning and AI, and also inspire foundational developments in it.

Advances in technology dramatically accelerate biology research, with computation being a standout example. Typically, adapting a new technology follows stages from method creation, via proof-of-concept application to biology, to the development of usable tools. Creating user-friendly software to bridge computer science and biology is a crucial step, yielding high returns on investment and driving biological discoveries. However, we need dedicated resources and a shift in the academic reward system to harness the full potential of computer science in biology.

Intellectual freedom for scientists, unconstrained by commercial interests and direct application, fuels unexpected discoveries. Curiosity-driven, basic science has yielded a deeper understanding of how life forms develop and function in their environment and has had wide implications for health and our planet. Investing in this is vital for scientific progress and is worth protecting in a democracy.

Cell death is an important biological process whose experimental detection and measurement can be difficult, especially when examining many conditions in parallel. The interpretation of cell death data is complicated by the diversity of measurement techniques and lack of standardized methods in the field. Here, we offer tips to help interpret cell death experiments.

Human embryology is flourishing thanks to an impetus provided by embryo models formed from stem cells. These scientific advances require meticulous experimental work and a refined ethical framework, but also sensible public communication. Securing public support is essential to achieve societal impact.

Conferences are often held at different venues and feature innovative scientific programs; however, their design rarely changes, and barriers that exclude marginalized scientists persist. We discuss why this is a problem and offer suggestions for people and organizations seeking to create more inclusive and sustainable scientific meetings.

Reliable ways to identify senescent cells represent a bottleneck for understanding the roles of senescence in physiology and disease. This Comment examines the challenges of identifying senescent cells, revises existing recommendations for how to best assess senescence and discusses how emerging technologies can address these issues.