Catherine Hodges

An illustration of the inner workings of a mouse brain

Research Update

Artificial hibernation reveals secrets of long-term memory

Challenging long-held assumptions on how memory works, scientists uncover the importance of engram architecture to long-term memory retention.

A light switch sits in front of a background composed of two different chemicals, one fluorescent and one not.

Research Update

Light-controlled switches get a glow up

Bistable molecular switches with turn-ON fluorescence and other controllable properties bring exciting possibilities for future molecular electronics, data storage, and more.

A shoal of striped fish swim amongst a coral reef

Research Update

Hidden hormone–habitat relationship revealed in reef fish

Multi-omics study shows biology behind the dramatic differences in fish raised in different habitats

A 3D molecular reconstruction of three subunits within an Mfa filament, shown in grey.

Research Update

Cryo-EM helps identify the mechanisms of dental plaque formation

Near atomic resolution structures give insights into the attachment mechanisms of gum disease-related bacterium P. gingivalis, informing future drug development.

A silicon wafer is printed with intricate circuit designs, and shimmers with iridescent hues of pinks, blues, greens and yellows.

Research Update

New high-NA lithography optical system design aims to revolutionize semiconductor chipmaking

With transformative potential for data center power reduction and next-gen electronic devices, simulations reveal simpler design that could overcome long-standing optical challenges and enable cheaper, more advanced chipmaking.

Salt crystals are exposed along the edge of a large, serene body of water. The water reaches some far-off, cloud-capped mountains in the background.

Research Update

Extreme adaptation helps Dead Sea single-celled organisms to swim

Cryo-electron microscopy unveils the unique sheathed filament structure that supports survival and mobility in salty seas.

A close-up photo of crystals of two different complexes, one shown in yellow and one in orange, on a grey background

Research Update

Capturing an elusive step in molecular sandwich making

First structural characterization of a double ring-slipped intermediate brings new possibilities for stimuli-responsive materials design

A close-up photo of a water droplet, shaped in an elongated oval, pumping out a spray of tiny microdroplets from one end.

Research Update

Explosive evaporation unlocks new possibilities in 3D printing and chemical analysis

144-year-old theory expanded in water droplet evaporation experiments

Illustration of a polymerization reaction

Research Update

Identifying the limits of protein evolution

Large-scale computational study describes limiting factors for protein evolution, highlighting unexplored protein design possibilities and origin of life insights.

pygmy squid (Idiosepius sp.)

Research Update

100 million years ago, an ‘evolutionary fuse’ was lit in the deep ocean, sparking squid diversification

New evolutionary mapping suggests deep sea origins and mass extinction triggered diversification of modern squid and cuttlefish.

A photo of Peter Babiak, John Parker, and Zdenek Lajbner behind the newly developed cephalopod egg incubator, a large black box with wheels.

Research Update

Scalable aquaculture systems can improve survival, reduce labor, and enhance animal welfare

Automated light and flow-guided systems drive productivity in cephalopod, shrimp and fish aquaculture.

Amphiprion frenatus in its natural environment

Research Update

Social pressure forces baby clownfish to lose their bars faster

Researchers investigate how and why fish color patterns form and change, revealing insights into the evolutionary origins of this environmental adaptability

20 February 2026