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.
The World Beneath Our Feet wins the British Ecological Society Book of the Year 2026 for its engaging and accessible exploration of soil biodiversity. The book takes readers on a journey through the subsoil, introducing them to strange and fascinating organisms that play critical roles in nutrient cycling, agriculture, and carbon storage.
Researchers found that frogs' natural skin bacteria can help them fight disease and improve survival chances. The study identified disease-inhibiting bacteria that helped certain frogs survive infection.
Piezocatalysis, a process that converts mechanical energy into chemical driving forces, can break down biomass's complex lignocellulosic structure under mild conditions. The review highlights the potential of piezocatalysis to drive cleaner biomass conversion, with promising applications in fuels, resins, and biodegradable polymers.
A large Danish study found that current use of oral menopausal hormone therapy is associated with an increased risk of blood clots in legs/lungs, with no general increased risk seen with transdermal hormone therapy. Stroke and heart attack risks were limited to prolonged high-dose oral hormone therapy.
Solidec's autonomous chemical generators produce essential chemicals using air, water, and electricity, giving businesses control over chemical supply chains while reducing waste and carbon emissions. The prize supports solutions with potential impact, and the winner will help deploy the technology with early customers to produce low-c...
African water conflicts are driven by uncertainty over water availability under extreme climate conditions, rather than an absolute lack of water. Advanced water modeling can provide a shared foundation for managing transboundary water resources and resolving disputes.
A new global study found that delays in accessing surgical assessment for suspected appendicitis are associated with a significantly higher risk of life-threatening complications, including perforation. The study, led by University of Birmingham researchers, analysed data from over 45,000 patients across 112 countries, revealing major ...
A new study suggests that semaglutide reduces heart disease risk beyond just weight loss, but the exact mechanism is unclear. The study analyzed data from a clinical trial of semaglutide, which found that patients taking the drug had a 20% lower risk of heart disease, but only half of this reduction could be explained by changes in kno...
Researchers analyzed data from 1.4 million adults in England and found that nearly two-thirds of those with high blood pressure were unaware of their condition. The study highlights the need for more proactive approaches to detecting and treating hypertension, particularly among younger adults.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has selected Mississippi State University to host its new Cooperative Institute in the Northern Gulf of America, advancing environmental research, forecasting, and sustainable resource management. The institute will generate discoveries that benefit coastal communities and strengthen ...
A competition among biologists has identified 20 crayfish species with sizes larger than the rest, with the largest measuring 86.6mm. The findings suggest North American crayfish may be limited by their physiology, rather than environmental factors, sparking further research into their body size.
A University of Arizona study found that one in three residents who drank contaminated water still report symptoms of post-traumatic stress. The researchers surveyed 363 people and found that 34% reported symptoms, including worry about contamination and sleeping badly.
The Goldilocks Program aims to reduce the timeline for new health technologies from 12-18 months to 90 days through continuous feedback and testing. Key findings include the potential to move critical care toward a predictive, precision-based field that identifies and corrects dangerous immune system dysregulation.
Researchers found that hyper-local conditions shape eastern grey squirrel coat colors in Montreal, with factors like forest canopy cover and river presence influencing population traits.
Researchers developed an AI framework that can represent complex three-dimensional hydraulic conductivity fields more efficiently and use monitoring data to improve predictions of PFOA movement in groundwater. The framework, VA-LSGAN, compressed complex fields into a smaller set of variables while preserving important spatial patterns.
Researchers found that frailty is associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment in men with mild to moderate CKD, but not in women. Men with frailty had more than twice the risk of developing cognitive impairment compared to non-frail men.
The Optica Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2026 Prizes & Fellowships, recognizing individuals who are making meaningful contributions to the field of optics and photonics. The award winners include researchers and innovators who are working on ultrafast lasers, quantum optics, and biomedical optics, among other areas.
A new study reveals that young adults recall memorable health messages from strangers and influencers on social media, often for extended periods. These online health messages can be both empowering and problematic, promoting universal health prescriptions and autonomy in health.
A new study found that exercise can significantly reduce acute and chronic pain across various conditions, with shorter-duration programs delivering greater pain reductions. Exercise was associated with substantial reductions in pain, regardless of the type, intensity, or duration of exercise.
New research reveals that estuaries on the Petermann Ice Shelf weakened the glacier, contributing to its recent calving event. The study used satellite imagery to measure the river's incision rate, showing that the estuary formed, disappeared, and reformed repeatedly, leading to instability and increased risk of calving.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that Black and Hispanic patients are less likely to adhere to their diabetes medications compared to White patients. The study, which analyzed national health data from 2019, showed that extra assistance programs significantly reduced treatment gaps, particularly for high-cost treatments.
Researchers found that microscopic folds can act like programmable traffic gates for liquid droplets, stopping, letting pass, or merging them without contact. The folds sense droplets from a distance and adjust their curvature to control droplet size and shape.
Researchers found that strokes among adults ages 20-54 nearly doubled over nearly three decades, even as short-term survival after stroke improved. The increase was driven by ischemic stroke, with rates rising from 23.8 cases per 100,000 person-years in 1993-1994 to 47.3 cases per 100,000 person-years in 2020.
The Gerontological Society of America's 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting will take place in National Harbor, Maryland, from November 4 to 7. The event is expected to feature nearly 600 scientific sessions, making it the country's largest interdisciplinary conference in the field of aging.
A new study has found that having a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. Researchers analyzed 113,081 people with a TIA and found that over seven years, one in five developed dementia, compared to 15% of those without a stroke or TIA.
Researchers found that exercise can modulate changes in the bladder caused by chronic stress, reducing pain and urinary frequency in IC/BPS. Voluntary exercise may offer a non-surgical, non-pharmacologic way to treat stress-linked urinary tract conditions.
Researchers built a custom laboratory device to simulate microgravity, revealing the human genome's robustness to external forces. The study suggests the genome's organization and dynamics remain unaffected by gravity, but may undergo changes in outer space due to DNA damage.
Researchers have mapped the mouse motor cortex into 16 distinct subregions, revealing its precise wiring and organization. This detailed map could help scientists understand and combat diseases like ALS and dementia, which affect the motor cortex.
Hot peppers grown in biochar and animal manure-amended soil exhibit higher heavy metal concentrations, particularly Zn and Cu. Bioaccumulation factors for certain metals exceed 1, indicating potential for remediation.
A three-herb preparation restored immune function in rats exposed to simulated weightlessness and challenged with bacteria, suggesting a nutritional way to help crew health on long-duration missions. The study also highlights the potential for the formula to support individuals on the ground who experience similar immune declines.
A novel research approach, the Law Clinic Study, allows people with dementia to contribute to knowledge, increasing societal understanding and improving future situations. Participants valued being heard and contributing to research, challenging stereotypes that people with dementia are unable to participate.
Researchers have developed radiation-resistant sodalite microspheres for efficient adsorption and in-situ immobilization of radioactive Cs+ and Sr2+ ions. The material's high strength, adsorption capacity, and radiation resistance make it a promising solution for nuclear waste management.
DirectHop, a 1-gram robot, can perform multiple hops in sequence and jump high enough to clear a standard stair step with single centimeter accuracy. The robot uses a tiny electric motor and three folding legs to launch itself to a specified jump height, and can twitch to right itself after landing for another jump.
A new study by OU researcher Sam Moore found that heavier training loads can lead to worse sleep recovery, lower wellness scores, and slower speed performance. The research highlights the importance of considering each athlete's individual needs to maximize success in sports.
Researchers developed a biodegradable sensor using cobalt chloride to detect moisture levels in food packaging, enabling easy monitoring of crispiness and quality. The sensor changes color from blue to pink as moisture levels rise or fall, reflecting actual changes in storage conditions.
A new study found that eating with a companion reduces blood glucose spikes and improves glucose recovery, suggesting that human physiology is inherently social. The researchers call this principle Social Physiology, which states that the human body regulates itself more efficiently in the presence of social partners.
A University of Phoenix study found that GenAI use among online adult learners is associated with higher academic performance and stronger digital confidence. The study, conducted by Jessica Sylvester and Melinda Kulick, surveyed 491 non-traditional undergraduate students and found that GenAI use was linked to better grades and confide...
A new study published in PLOS One finds that cats and dogs prefer kibble containing microbial proteins over standard animal-derived protein in a short-term preference test. The study involved 30 dogs and 30 cats, who were offered two bowls of food simultaneously for four consecutive meals over two days.
A Norwegian survey of 64,193 women found that those who had sex more than four times a week conceived faster than those who had sex less often. The study suggests that higher sexual frequency may be associated with increased fertility in planned natural pregnancies.
Researchers have found that an oral medication called Danegaptide can protect against vision-threatening damage in Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR), a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. The study highlights a new therapeutic approach that could replace or complement frequent, invasive eye injections for mill...