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.
Baby manta rays stay in safe coastal areas with abundant food and hiding spots until they're large enough to face ocean dangers, while adults migrate long distances to avoid threats. The study tracked manta rays using acoustic and satellite telemetry, finding that coastal refuges serve as critical refuges for young mantas.
The 2026 Stress in America survey reveals US adults are withdrawing from activities due to stress, with nearly half relying on AI for support. Many view stress as an unavoidable part of daily life, affecting outlooks, relationships, and plans for the future.
A research team developed a medical adhesive patch that attaches securely but can be removed with markedly reduced force when needed. The patch uses a shape memory polymer material that recovers its original geometry when heated, reducing the effective contact area at the skin-adhesive interface and allowing for gentle detachment.
Researchers found that estuarine fish species with broad thermal tolerance may thrive in warmer conditions, but narrower-tolerance species are more vulnerable to climate change. The study provides hope for fisheries, but also highlights the need to manage estuaries to sustain resilient species.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded five scientists the 2026 Outstanding Achievement Prizes for their innovative research advancing mental health treatment. The prizewinners include Lieber Prize winner Dr. Joseph A. Gogos for schizophrenia research and Dr. Sheena Josselyn for cognitive neuroscience research.
Engineering students at the University of Cincinnati are developing an autonomous drone system that uses virtual reality for warehouse inventory management. The system, which uses photorealistic models and LIDAR technology, increases accuracy and efficiency in inventory tracking and leak detection.
The collaboration aims to evaluate phased retrofit pathways to improve energy performance, occupant comfort, and address practical challenges of upgrading older structures. ORNL researchers estimate that comprehensive retrofit pathways could reduce energy consumption by more than 40 percent.
Orangutans prefer rewards hidden under materials they dug through when listening to laughter, suggesting a positive mood enhances learning and memory. The study, led by Indiana University researchers, found that laughter has a contagious effect on ape emotions, impacting mood and reward valuation.
The review outlines strategies to prevent infection, preserve vascular access, and improve care for patients with long-term intravenous therapy. It emphasizes individualized care based on patient condition, infecting organism, and alternative access site availability.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have created a type of killer cell that can recall how to fight off respiratory diseases, offering a potential new approach to protecting against flu, colds, and RSV. This innovative technique aims to enhance the body's natural defense system, providing long-lasting protection against viruses.
Researchers found two divergent population trajectories for the Erect-crested penguin, one stable for 25 years and the other declining by 40% in 30 years. The study highlights the importance of reassessing the species' conservation status and protecting its last stronghold.
The article highlights the urgent need for accurate data on greenhouse gas emissions during armed conflict to hold militaries and governments accountable for their environmental impact. Greenhouse gas emissions from conflicts have been found to be significant, with some estimates suggesting that the first 14 days of the Iran war produc...
A ringfenced share of green transition revenues can be spent on improving health systems in low and middle-income countries. Reducing fossil fuel subsidies and introducing carbon taxes can generate substantial resources for domestic public health programmes.
A KAIST research team developed a technique to predict OLED lifetime by analyzing small changes in brightness caused by a magnetic field. The method is expected to reduce development time and cost by identifying the most likely to last longer, supporting the development of high-efficiency, long-lifetime OLEDs.
Attacks on water systems are attacks on health, warn experts, as damaged infrastructure leads to health crises and exacerbates existing conflicts. The authors outline priorities for health leaders, including tracking water quality and antimicrobial resistance, to prepare for and mitigate the impact of water loss.
Climate change is a major threat multiplier, not a reason to increase military spending, experts argue. Reducing military emissions requires reducing overall military size and transitioning to lower-emitting doctrines, according to Neta Crawford. Increasing defence expenditure diverts funds from health, education, and climate efforts, ...
Researchers at the University of East Anglia found that tiny changes in pupil size and blinking patterns can reveal an individual's mental workload during virtual reality tasks. This could lead to wearable systems that automatically adapt therapy in real-time, offering personalized pain relief for millions living with chronic pain.
Conflict and climate change are driving global food shortages, with 60%-70% of the world's most undernourished people living in conflict-affected areas. Strengthening agri-food systems and reducing global emissions through plant-based diets and cutting food loss and waste are key to building more resilient food systems.
A new study found that UK exam boards' compulsory learning material for science subjects almost entirely omits women scientists, despite their significant contributions to scientific breakthroughs. The researchers recommend incorporating these achievements into teaching frameworks to inspire more girls to continue with STEM subjects.
Researchers at UCLA and California NanoSystems Institute create a material that exhibits quantum properties at room temperature, thanks to the addition of an amino acid called arginine. The discovery opens up new possibilities for advanced materials and technologies, including energy-efficient computer memory.
A global team of researchers has launched the largest-ever study of brain function across eight mental illnesses, analyzing over 94,000 brain scans from 27 countries using a shared method. The study aims to identify brain signatures specific to each illness, drive discovery, and inform treatment response.
Camille Bilodeau, a UVA assistant professor, has been recognized for her contributions to chemical engineering. Her lab develops computational tools to predict molecular behavior, addressing challenges in targeted drug delivery, tissue engineering, and water purification.
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that New York City's tenant right-to-counsel program was associated with lower rates of all-cause emergency department visits among low-income residents at high risk of eviction. However, the program was linked to an increase in ED visits related to mental health and s...
A team led by Professor Mo Khalil is creating small protein-based tools called nanobodies to alter protein activity and study disease mechanisms. These nanobodies will enable large-scale experiments to understand how protein changes lead to different disease states.
Researchers propose using aging rate indicators to detect interventions that slow aging pace. The study aims to accelerate anti-aging breakthroughs, but regulatory barriers and equitable access are discussed.
A review highlights how altered fatty acid metabolism fuels glioma growth, reshapes immune responses, and influences treatment sensitivity. Fatty acid metabolism-based treatments, such as an FASN inhibitor, have shown promise in improving progression-free survival rates.
Researchers developed a biomimetic mineralization-immobilized whole-cell biocatalyst for efficient nicotinic acid production. The biocatalyst achieved 14 reuse cycles, producing 603.56 g/L nicotinic acid with a total molar conversion of 90.2%, significantly outperforming free cells.
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University found statistical evidence that some supermassive black holes are ejected from their galaxy centers after forming. Quasars containing faster-moving black holes are, on average, redder, indicating more dust obscures them.
Gustave Roussy physicians and researchers showcase promising studies on immunotherapy and digital health at the ESMO 2026 Congress, aiming to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients. The institution's UNLOCK programme and other initiatives are highlighted as key contributors to these advancements.
Research reveals that family heirlooms are not simply discarded, but rather, heirs consider how to pass them down to new owners and preserve their legacy. Descendants often opt to keep heritage goods together as a set to maintain the family history and integrity of the item.
A new study reveals that LSD speeds up brain rhythms, increasing frequency and making brain activity more fractal, unlike other psychedelics. The accelerated brain activity is unique to LSD and is associated with altered perception and introspection.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a hybrid chemical sensing system combining an insect's natural sensing abilities with nanomaterials. The system, which adds a ultralight nanomaterial coating to locust antennae, improves odor-detection performance across a wide range of chemicals, including TNT.
Mississippi State University has been awarded $90,000 by the US Department of State to lead a trilateral initiative on innovative energy research collaboration with Bahrain and the UK. The SPARK project will strengthen research partnerships, expand technical exchange, and advance practical solutions in emerging energy technologies.
To limit global warming to 1.5°C, global greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 18% by 2030, 45% by 2035, and 69% by 2040. The report finds that even achieving additional net-zero targets will only limit warming to 2.1°C.
The Office of Naval Research has selected 180 CNR Fellows from 70 institutions, providing technical insight and new research opportunities. The program aims to strengthen connections between the DON and academic community, supporting Sailor and Marine technological edge.
A new study by NYU Tandon School of Engineering found that 86% of AI-generated advice fell short on accuracy, completeness, or safety, and 60% omitted critical safety warnings. Researchers tested four AI systems, including IPV-specific chatbots, and found that most responses were rated unsafe or incomplete.
Researchers at USC Rossier and the University of San Francisco document how state officials use extra-legal tactics to silence local education leaders, threatening their jobs and reputations. The study highlights the personal and professional toll of these pressures, including threats, therapy, and social media avoidance.
A new study challenges the long-held hypothesis that early land animals evolved flexible necks for turning their heads. Using fossil anatomy and biomechanical studies of a modern fish, researchers found that early tetrapod necks were stiff and did not allow much mobility.
Engineers at the University of Cincinnati developed a system to detect damaged drones using sound recordings. The system can alert operators before takeoff, preventing crashes and ensuring public safety. The technology aims to enable fully autonomous drones that can detect damage and return to base before catastrophic failure.
The study found that coastal bears have reduced genetic diversity and elevated inbreeding, while mountain bears have two distinct, genetically healthy groups. The researchers hope that the genomic data will aid wildlife managers in sustaining a healthy bear population and improving population resilience.