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.
A seven-year study of Barred Owls in California shows a significant decline in exposure to the most lethal class of rodenticides, attributed to the state's policy restrictions. The study also detects a new contaminant, cholecalciferol, in nearly one in five owls, suggesting product substitution as older compounds become harder to access.
A new study published in Cell Reports found that the visual cortex establishes targeted, region-specific neural connections early in postnatal development, challenging the exuberant growth model. The research team mapped the connections of thousands of neurons using advanced viral and molecular tracing techniques, revealing a refined w...
Rutgers engineers have developed a smart shoe that automatically analyzes how a person walks, tracking movement and calories burned with 95.4% accuracy. The prototype powers the analysis with energy generated from the wearer's footsteps, offering a potential solution to the 'energy-intelligence bottleneck' in existing health wearables.
Researchers found implanting collagen tiles during brain surgery to deliver targeted radiation therapy improves tumor control, lowers recurrence risk, and increases overall survival. Patients treated with tile-based radiation therapy had a 1.3% rate of recurrence at the surgical site compared to 15.4% in the control group.
The Sneakers to Scrubs program, founded by Black medical students and former athletes, engages over 2,000 Black male youths through sports-centered mentorship and educational events. The program boosts participants' awareness of medical careers, connects them to mentors and role models, and drives their enrollment in established medica...
A new study from UMSOM shows that an immersive training program can improve healthcare provider confidence in using ketogenic dietary treatment plans for patients with mental health conditions. The program, which combines guided education and firsthand experience, increased confidence in explaining benefits and risks to patients.
A new study developed a nanoparticle-based compound that absorbs deadly nerve agent toxins, providing potential protective clothing for soldiers and farmers. The compound, mixed with water, deactivates toxic chemicals, limiting their impact and preventing damage.
Researchers develop standardized measures to evaluate mobile crisis programs' impact on police response, revealing higher diversion rates than previously estimated. The framework provides communities with a consistent way to measure their own programs' effectiveness.
A randomized clinical trial found that supervised physical therapy after ACL surgery yielded greater improvements in pain, function, and muscle strength compared to a self-directed exercise program. Researchers concluded that supervised exercise therapy combined with education offers meaningful short-term benefits for young adults with...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that medetomidine withdrawal cases have quadrupled in recent years due to its increased potency in the illicit opioid supply. Patients experiencing withdrawal symptoms, including tachycardia and organ damage, require specialized treatment, including dexmedetomidine ...
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have redated a meteor impact site in Oklahoma, shifting its age from 467.5 million years ago to 370 million years ago. This discovery has significant implications for understanding ancient life and mass extinctions.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys discovered that blocking an energy transfer enzyme shifts mammalian hearts into a regenerative state, promoting regeneration and improving recovery after a heart attack. By modulating heart cell metabolism, scientists can potentially awaken the heart's dormant regenerative abilities.
A new study by an international team provides the first systematic cross-cultural comparison of children's helping behaviour. Across six cultures, children consistently helped peers, with younger children providing practical assistance and older children offering information to solve problems. Cultural differences emerged, with some gr...
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new material that uses light to produce hydrogen from water, offering a cleaner alternative to current methods and potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This breakthrough could simplify the production of fuel cells and chemicals, while also providing a more sustainable en...
California's decision to add microplastics to its Candidate Chemicals List marks a significant step towards regulating plastic pollution. The move is part of the state's decade-long regulatory approach, which has also included banning plastic microbeads in cosmetics.
A study by VCU medical students found that nearly 1 in 5 GLP-1 users spent at least 10% of their household income on the medications, while 7% of patients spent an average of 7% of their household income annually. The researchers emphasize the need for solutions to make GLP-1 medications more affordable, particularly among uninsured an...
The National Commercialization and Translation Institute (NCTI) aims to accelerate commercialization of promising technologies by studying late-stage federally funded companies. UCF Professor Ivan Garibay will lead the institute, building on existing federal research translation and commercialization programs.
A multicenter study found that fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery reduced brain metastases recurrence and improved survival rates compared to single treatment. The approach delivered higher total doses and allowed healthy tissue to recover between treatments, while tumor cells couldn't repair.
Zhen Xu, U-M Engineering professor, wins Golden Goose Award for development of histotripsy, a noninvasive cancer treatment. The technology has been used to treat over 5,000 patients worldwide and has the potential to treat various diseases, including brain diseases and cardiovascular diseases.
Ochsner Health has expanded its pediatric and women’s healthcare services at The Grove, adding eight new physicians and upgraded clinical areas to serve more families across the Capital Region. Families can now access a wider array of specialized care for both adults and pediatric patients under one roof, with expanded appointment avai...
The NRG Oncology trial found that proton therapy did not improve overall survival or progression-free survival for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. However, fewer grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events were observed with proton therapy compared to photon therapy.
A University of Maryland study predicts that repealing Florida's measles vaccine mandate could spark the largest measles epidemic in the US in nearly 500 years. The study shows that even without mandate removal, Florida's vaccine-induced herd immunity threshold is below the level needed to protect against sustained transmission.
A Phase III trial found stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) improved overall survival in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) brain metastases without significant difference in neurocognitive outcomes compared to hippocampal-avoidant whole brain radiotherapy (HA-WBRT).
A UH study of 1,400 Maui adults found substantially elevated concentrations of metals in urine, associated with abnormal lung function. The study revealed complex exposure pathways, including those introduced by the wildfire and existing environmental factors.
Researchers developed an experimental mRNA therapy that reduces liver injury in mice, even when given at a much later point in time than the currently available antidote. The therapy harnesses a newly identified protective mechanism that helps liver cells survive acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress.
Researchers at Ohio State University are testing psilocybin-assisted therapy to reduce depression and emotional distress in patients with advanced lung cancer. The trial aims to determine whether this approach can address the unique psychological challenges faced by lung cancer patients.
Researchers have successfully reprogrammed a tiny optical device using light, allowing for flexible and energy-efficient processing in optical computing. The device uses liquid crystals and a metasurface to control the properties of light, enabling the manipulation of optical components in real-time.
A new study reveals species-specific chemical sensitivity in mammals by integrating genetic sequence analysis, machine learning, and in vitro assays. The research identifies key ecological and ERα structural factors that dictate species-specific chemical sensitivities.
The review proposes a psycho-cardiovascular interaction network framework that links psychological and psychiatric factors with cardiovascular health and disease. It highlights six system-level mechanisms and five molecular pathways that influence the brain-heart axis.
Researchers developed a soft exosuit to assist hip extension, allowing older adults to stand up and walk more efficiently. The suit provides real-time support, enabling users to complete sit-to-stand cycles more frequently and with reduced fatigue.
This book explores the role of biosensors in modern medicine, from nanoscale design to real-world applications in cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, and viral outbreaks. It provides a comprehensive roadmap for those working at the intersection of biosensing, nanotechnology, and precision medicine.
The RELATE4NATURE project aims to recognize the intrinsic and relational values of nature, supporting people, communities, and wellbeing. The project will co-develop and evaluate new socio-economic models in four areas, establishing eight local pilot alliances to test alternative valuation methods and policy innovations.
Researchers from CityUHK have developed a sequencing-free approach for spatial omics analysis, enabling routine clinical use. The method, Spectrum-FISH, preserves spatial information in freshly prepared tissue samples and offers advantages in affordability and scalability.
A new review highlights the need for integrated health systems to monitor biological, ecological, and institutional conditions to prevent global health risks. The review proposes an 'interface-resilience' model that brings together spillover pressure, microbial community stability, and governance connectivity to identify high-risk areas.
Researchers identified fundamental limits on quantum batteries' reliability, balancing power and stable energy delivery. Intermediate-range interactions charging scheme can provide a useful compromise between high power and stable operation.
Researchers have identified HERC4 as a crucial component of the TNF-induced cell death pathway, linking survival and death signalling. The protein's ubiquitination of RIPK1 initiates the formation of Complex II, triggering cell death through apoptosis or necroptosis.
Researchers developed a computer method to quantify myelin patterns in the brain, revealing signs of injury in damaged tissues. The approach uses convolutional autoencoders to compress information into numbers, producing unsupervised maps that separate tissue regions with distinct properties.
A new non-invasive technique that stimulates nerves through the ear has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated for patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure. The study found that the treatment reduced blood pressure in patients with more severe hypertension, suggesting further investigation is needed to determine its effectiveness.
A Danish research team has developed a technology that identifies and measures the concentration of pharmaceuticals in the blood in under 10 minutes, reducing critical waiting times in stroke treatment. The faster turn-around time can provide a significantly better outcome for patients.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a tiny sensor that responds to touch in a similar way to our sensory cells. The sensor, made from a soft, silicone-like material, can convert touch into an electric potential and potentially stimulate nerves directly, allowing for prosthetic limbs with a sense of touch.