Brightsurf delivers daily science news discoveries, articles, and the latest scientific breakthroughs. Your trusted source for science news today, covering nature news, science & technology, and scientific discoveries from leading research institutions worldwide.
An Aston University study has found that the public lacks a clear understanding of what constitutes 'social media', with varying opinions on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. The research highlights the importance of precise definitions to avoid ineffective regulation and protect vulnerable groups.
Researchers have discovered that bacteria can convert soluble uranium in water into a stable compound when fed glycerol, reducing its toxicity. The stable compound, FeU(V)O4, is formed with iron and oxygen and remains stable even under atmospheric oxygen.
The Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) will participate in the ALIVE program, a six-year European grant focusing on the physics of living matter. The project aims to understand how tissues behave by measuring and modeling information flows.
A study from Technical University of Munich found that people perceive AI hiring decisions as unfair when the avatar resembles them in terms of gender or skin color. After receiving a rejection, trust in AI is shaken if the avatar's appearance differs from their own.
Researchers have uncovered tens of thousands of previously hidden structural variations influencing yield, nutritional quality and insect resistance in mung bean. The graph-based pan-genome captures over 75,000 gene families and identifies key agronomic traits for accelerating crop improvement.
A new study by University College London researchers found that social prescribing improved behavior, relationships, and resilience among adolescents waiting for specialist mental health services. Young people who received social prescribing reported enhanced connections with others, increased confidence, and higher self-esteem.
A study found that measles-containing vaccines were administered to only 15% of children in this age group between 2015 and 2025. This proportion remained stable over time, but disparities in vaccine uptake existed among minoritized racial and ethnic groups.
Researchers reviewed NASICON cathodes' anion chemistry to achieve high-performance and stability in sodium-ion batteries. NVPF and NVOPF materials were found to have distinct crystal structures, sodium storage mechanisms, and electronic conductivity, with NVOPF exhibiting enhanced conductivity and stability.
Deep learning models accelerate drug design, predict chemical interactions, and engineer stable candidates. AI-powered simulations optimize dosimetry, predicting biodistribution and generating patient-specific digital twins for individualized treatment planning.
The study found that patient engagement with open notes increased to 55% within two months of implementation, but significant sociodemographic disparities remained. Language barriers may also contribute to the digital divide in open note adoption.
A PolyU project has developed an intelligent portable traffic light system to address bottlenecks during roadworks on narrow streets in Hong Kong. The system uses advanced sensing technologies and adaptive algorithms to dynamically adjust signal timings, reducing traffic queues and preventing gridlock.
Researchers uncover the role of DNA hypomethylation in driving glioma progression from slow-growing to aggressive tumors. The study's findings offer new insights into the biology of IDH gliomas, which can inform future treatments and prognostic measures for patients.
Researchers used LuTan-1 to test hybrid-polarimetric radar's effectiveness for various land covers, finding it performs well for many natural and agricultural surfaces but struggles with sloped or directionally organized targets. The study provides practical guidance for future Earth-observation missions.
A new catalog centralizes publicly available soil moisture content datasets, streamlining data discovery and comparison. The UB-SMDC portal provides a unified platform for researchers to efficiently access and analyze global soil moisture data.
The study argues that stool data should be used to match system behavior and evaluate functional responses rather than targeting specific microbes. This approach prioritizes stability over persistence and functional outcomes over taxonomic change.
Next-generation BET inhibitors targeting BD2, PROTAC degraders, and rational combinations offer renewed hope for treating solid tumors. Clinical trials have shown modest responses, especially in NUT carcinoma and castration-resistant prostate cancer.
The novel bionic cooling skin bridges the gap between comfort and functionality by combining a hierarchical Janus nanofiber structure with visible light-responsive metal–organic frameworks. It achieves passive thermal management, on-demand antibacterial action, and skin-like mechanical compatibility, resulting in 97.1% antibacterial ef...
New research presents a tailored stem cell approach to overcome long-standing barriers of chronic paralysis, building on the success of a world-first clinical study. The upcoming clinical trial aims to develop a safe, standardized therapy capable of restoring voluntary movement and autonomic function for chronic patients.
Insilico Medicine will deliver a keynote speech and participate in a panel discussion on the future of drug discovery with generative AI. The company showcases its innovative approach to accelerating drug development, compressing timelines and enabling sustainable growth.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science found that accounting for the time scale of a target system improves ESN hyperparameter settings, leading to better prediction accuracy. The study provides guidelines for designing optimal ESN settings based on the time scale.
A novel therapy targeting the bone marrow microenvironment is shown to accelerate recovery and promote hematopoietic regeneration after injury. Pharmacological activation of YAP/TAZ improves BM niche recovery, enhancing engraftment and white blood cell recovery following HSCT.
Researchers developed a machine learning framework to account for water quality differences, enabling accurate MC-LR measurements without repeated calibration. The model achieved a Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.89 and improved analytical efficiency while reducing time, labor, and sensor consumption.
A new multi-country study found that sustained exposure to extreme heat is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for mental and behavioural disorders. The study highlighted the vulnerability of older adults and residents in low-population-density areas, emphasizing the need for targeted preparedness during severe heatwaves.
Researchers have successfully mapped the cells and genes that regulate bone formation and loss, revealing blood vessel cells play a critical role in bone health. The discovery has the potential to enable the development of new therapies to reverse bone loss and improve treatments for osteoporosis and other skeletal conditions.
Researchers found ultrafine particulate matter from cruise ships increases inflammatory signals and weakens cells' defense against viruses like COVID-19. The study suggests exposure to vanadium may facilitate viral replication, with potential implications for infection severity and spread.
A team of researchers from Kyushu University and Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics have detected ambipolar diffusion in a prestellar core, weakening magnetic support and leading to gravitational collapse. This finding provides insight into early star formation and the creation of stellar systems like our own.
A recent study found that protecting primates in China's Yunnan province can also protect other animals and plants, highlighting the importance of umbrella species conservation. The research showed that large-bodied vertebrates need vast areas to support populations, which are habitats for many other species.
A research team has developed a new strategy to regulate quantum states in layered materials by precisely tuning atomic layer movement. This approach enables the design of superlattices and regulation of electronic properties through structural engineering.
Researchers developed a thermal catalyst with high CO oxidation activity under low-temperature conditions. By introducing dithiolate bridging ligands, the team reinforced the nanocluster's outer framework while allowing weaker ligands to be removed more easily.
The study reveals the detailed structure of an RNA–DNA hybrid G-quadruplex, showing unique arrangement and unusual structural state. The findings suggest that RDQs may participate in regulating interactions between RNA and DNA in cells, protecting telomeres and maintaining genome stability.
A new membrane-based approach for treating high-salinity brines has been developed, utilizing thermoresponsive ionic liquids as recoverable draw solutes. The system achieves stable operation under high-salinity conditions and can be regenerated using low-grade heat.
Researchers have developed a new anticancer immunotherapy technology that selectively eliminates key substances released by cancer cells and boosts the patient's immune response. This 'nanoswitch' technology uses laser therapy to reactivate beneficial extracellular vesicles that induce anticancer immunity.
A flavonoid-based fluorescent dye combined with whey protein creates a supramolecular probe that rapidly detects phoxim pesticide concentrations in solution. The system shows good selectivity and response, making it suitable for on-site screening in food safety and environmental monitoring.
Researchers found that high fever can activate the Heat Shock Response in malaria parasites, making them non-infectious. This protective mechanism may help prevent disease transmission from humans to mosquitoes.
A modular reporter phage platform has been developed to rapidly detect multiple Klebsiella pneumoniae capsule types. The platform uses a NanoLuc luciferase reporter gene and demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity, with the ability to distinguish between live and dead bacteria.
A team at Taiyuan University of Technology has developed a multi-responsive MXene-based actuator with programmable deformation and sensitivity to humidity, light, and magnetic fields. The actuator combines the benefits of MXene's high electrical conductivity and thermal expansion capability.
A groundbreaking study reveals the 1789 smallpox outbreak had a devastating demographic impact on Indigenous Australians, with estimates suggesting up to 220,000 deaths. The model confirms the epidemic originated in Sydney Harbour with the First Fleet, highlighting the catastrophic consequences of colonial invasion.
Researchers developed FeCo magnetoelectric composite nanocages with enhanced magnetic loss and wideband electromagnetic wave absorption. The nanostructures exhibit excellent EM wave absorption performance, including a minimum reflection loss of -47.4 dB and a broad effective absorption bandwidth of 7.10 GHz.
A new report reveals that 42% of people in the UK deliberately limit their AI use, primarily driven by worries about data protection. Despite the benefits, many individuals are ambivalent towards AI due to growing security and privacy concerns.
A new book identifies nine types of procrastinators, from worriers to thrill seekers, and offers strategies for overcoming the problem. Procrastination causes serious harm to finances, health, relationships, and careers, but can be overcome with the right approach.
A KAIST study found that immigration-related legislation can lead to increased toxic chemical releases from manufacturing facilities in the US. The research team analyzed data from 14,390 facilities and found a significant increase in pollution when political attention shifted to immigration.
Researchers developed a silk-based sticker that tracks temperature, pH, sodium, and glucose levels in newborns without needles or wires. The wearable patch uses AI to analyze color changes, providing accurate readings above 91% for critical vital signs.
Researchers discovered that damaged myelin generates abnormal rhythms in the sleeping brain, linked to disruptions in brain circuit stability. This finding may help design non-invasive approaches to repair myelin during sleep, improving sleep quality in patients with MS and Alzheimer's disease.
Research found that krill can clog the baleen of filter-feeding whales, slowing water ejection rates to 0.02m/s. To maintain optimal feeding speeds, whales must prevent krill accumulation on their baleen or keep it suspended in their mouths.
Japanese researchers have developed a catalyst that selectively degrades polyurethane in mixed plastic waste, allowing for the separation and chemical recycling of complex materials. The breakthrough opens up new possibilities for waste management, particularly in industries such as end-of-life vehicle recycling and mattress disposal.
A randomized clinical trial found that acupuncture to the ear (auriculotherapy) reduced migraine pain and improved its impact on daily life. The treatment showed a statistically significant improvement in oxygenation levels in the brain, but not a difference between the auriculotherapy and sham groups.
A new study suggests that a gradual approach to tapering opioid doses, putting the patient in control, can help them reduce their opioid use long-term without increasing pain. After 12 months, about half of patients achieved a successful response, defined as cutting their opioid dose by at least 50%.
A new preclinical study has identified a gut bacterium, Akkermansia muciniphila, that helps prime intestinal stem cells for faster recovery after radiation treatment. Fasting increases the population of this bacterium, which produces a small molecule that changes histone tags to allow gene expression in intestinal cells.
A new Stanford-led study confirms the primary cause of the Permian–Triassic extinction event, which wiped out 96% of marine species and 70% of land animals. The research reveals that organisms with slower metabolisms and more vulnerable conditions were disproportionately affected by warming oceans and decreased oxygen availability.
A new study published in Biochar shows that combining green manure with biochar can improve soil quality, support maize yield, and reduce dependence on nitrogen fertilizer. The research found that soil microbial diversity emerged as a central driver of improved soil quality.
Andean leaf-eared mice have evolved to survive extreme elevations with low oxygen and freezing temperatures. They can generate higher heat through shivering and process plant-derived dietary toxins.
Researchers at Tufts University developed tiny tattoo-like sensors that track temperature, humidity, and stem growth in plants. These sensors provide an early warning system for farmers, allowing them to respond before visible signs of plant stress appear.
The COCOON Lab provides a coordinated suite of microscopes that work together to connect macro-scale observations to findings at the nanoscale. This allows researchers to study biological and industrial materials in unprecedented detail, from the macroscale down to the molecular scale.
A two-year field study shows that biochar-derived from rice straw improves soil health and crop resilience to saline-sodic stress. Biochar enhances nitrogen metabolism, increases yield, and reduces oxidative stress, making it a promising strategy for sustainable rice production in salt-affected regions.
Researchers have developed a biochar adsorbent that combines physical and chemical interactions to capture tetracycline molecules. The material showed high tetracycline adsorption capacity and good resistance to coexisting ions, suggesting potential for repeated operation.
A team of researchers developed a method to control powering down catalysts, improving carbon dioxide conversion without loss of performance. The approach reduces costs by about 25% and enables reliable operation with intermittent renewable electricity.
Researchers have discovered that relativistic effects play a crucial role in the bonding of heavy elements like bismuth. The traditional picture of triple-bonded molecules does not hold true for these elements. Instead, the bonds are more complex and involve hybrid sigma-pi bonds.
A new study published in Prevention Science suggests that current prevention efforts may not be reaching enough people or providing a worthwhile return on investment. The researchers propose a more scalable approach embedded directly into systems people already interact with daily.
Researchers have developed a novel quantum material that can naturally enable the study of non-Hermitian dynamics, a phenomenon where systems exhibit unusual behaviors. The material, a magnetic topological insulator, allows for the creation of electronic networks with direction-dependent connections, enabling the accumulation of states...
Physicists at UC Irvine have developed an AI system called Autonomous Model Builder that can autonomously design theoretical physics models, helping identify promising new explanations for the behavior of neutrinos. The system uses reinforcement learning and is designed to assist human physicists in narrowing down vast theory spaces.