Glycerol

Scientists have developed a self-repairing textile made from living Cordyceps militaris fungi, which can be programmed with properties like color, water repellency, and UV protection using microbial components. The material, created by Ke Li and colleagues at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, uses fungal hyphae to form a flexible, durable sheet that regrows when damaged.

Scientists at McGill University discovered a hidden molecular switch that activates a powerful calorie-burning system in brown fat, which could strengthen bones and aid in weight control. The breakthrough involves glycerol, a molecule released when fat is broken down in cold temperatures. This discovery may lead to new treatments for related health issues.

Glycerol acts as an allosteric activator for tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), linking it to thermogenesis and mineralization processes. This activation drives the futile creatine cycle, a metabolic mechanism with potential implications in energy regulation.