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.
Researchers at Penn State develop an hourly forecasting model that predicts flood risk using AI techniques similar to image generators. The model improves flood risk prediction by capturing the severity of rapid weather swings, reducing uncertainty with real-time data assimilation.
Dr. Derek Janssens' lab will develop and apply new techniques for studying epigenetics, a relationship with vast implications for health. They will analyze blood samples from people with myelodysplastic syndrome and lupus to understand epigenetic changes that drive disease-related changes in the body.
Young infants (4-6 months) use saliva-sharing interactions to infer social intimacy, similar to older babies and toddlers. They can distinguish between 'thick' and 'thin' relationships based on saliva sharing, such as kissing or sharing food.
A new neuroimaging study found associations between childhood abuse and altered brain structure, with more severe abuse linked to larger brain regions and distinct effects in women. The study, led by UCLA psychologists, measured brain dimensions in 1,389 patients with PTSD and MDD, along with 2,322 healthy controls.
UCLA scientist Tara TeSlaa is developing a new approach to record nutrient use in specific cell types, aiming to build maps of cellular metabolism across tissues and conditions. Her lab will use stable isotope tracing to create a molecular record of nutrient use, allowing for more accurate interpretations of nutrition research.
Ochsner Children's has been recognized as a National Pancreas Foundation Center of Excellence for its comprehensive care of children with pancreatitis. The institution's pediatric gastroenterology program offers multidisciplinary care, advanced endoscopy, and coordinated management to improve outcomes and quality of life.
Neeraj Lal, a Monell investigator, has been awarded the NIH Director's New Innovator Award for his research on Arctic ground squirrels. His team aims to understand how these animals survive extreme conditions and develop novel treatments for chronic diseases such as diabetes and muscle wasting disorders.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from 16 adult patients with sickle cell disease and found differences in proteins related to neurodegeneration, energy production, and other bodily functions. The study suggests the existence of previously unknown drivers of disease symptoms like pain.
Researchers have developed wave-shaped wall and roof designs that significantly reduce wind loads on low-rise buildings by up to 60%. The designs disrupt wind flow by creating a series of rounded hills and valleys, breaking up pressure zones and redirecting wind away from the building envelope.
A recent study found that wealthier ZIP codes tend to secure more competitive national park permits, highlighting a bias in the reservation system. The study, conducted by CU Boulder economist Jonathan Hughes, analyzed 11 reservation systems covering over 5 million reservations at seven national parks.
A scientist at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has been awarded the NIH Director's Pioneer Award for developing a novel cancer therapy that can evolve with a tumor. The therapy, known as a neoplasm emergent oncolytic virus, has shown proof of concept and could potentially treat deadly cancers like pancreatic cancer.
A clinical trial will test a caregiver wellness program for families after traumatic brain injury, aiming to reduce psychological distress and improve coping. The trial will enroll up to 354 patient-caregiver pairs and evaluate the intervention's feasibility, acceptability, and cost.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that long-term opioid use does not improve chronic pain, but rather alters brain activity and function. The study identified new molecular markers, including serotonin receptors, that could lead to new treatments for pain and opioid dependence.
Two linked studies provide effective recommendations for publishers, funders, institutions, and manufacturers to address the widespread failure to validate research antibodies. The studies estimate that millions of animal and human tissue samples have been wasted globally without adequate validation. The consensus reached by an interna...
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network hosted a summit on cancer prevention and screening, focusing on policy solutions and equity, innovation, and access. Key findings include the need to address barriers to access, the potential of new screening technologies to transform cancer detection, and the importance of value-based care mod...
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine identified RGS4 as a key player in chronic pain conditions. Blocking RGS4 activity returned the nervous system to a calm state in experimental models, suggesting potential for new pain management therapies.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine discovered that blocking protein PIK3C3/VPS34 raises levels of GD2 on the surface of tumor cells, making them easier to detect and more vulnerable to treatment. This increase also creates a hostile environment for cancer growth.
The MARVEL microreactor project has completed key milestones, including the arrival of its primary coolant system, which has received federal safety approval. The system will now be integrated with other reactor systems before achieving criticality, expected to occur in December.
Dr. Samie Jaffrey's team will study metabolite-RNA interactions to comprehensively map and characterize their role in regulating messenger RNA levels. Their findings could lead to new therapeutic opportunities for diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a distinct type of prostate cell concentrated in the transition zone of the prostate, where benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) commonly develops. The WIF1-positive basal cells may contribute to prostate enlargement and establish the unique biological environment of the transition zone.
The University of Stuttgart's SCALAR and COBRAS projects aim to increase productivity and sustainability in the construction industry with autonomous robotics. The projects will use a 'co-design' approach, integrating architecture, engineering, robotics, and computer science to create collaborative robotic systems on construction sites.
An international team of astronomers has captured the most detailed view yet of Pa 30, a supernova remnant in the Milky Way, revealing striking new features. The remnant is composed of chains of gas knots, each wide enough to fit the solar system multiple times, and a surviving 'zombie star' at its core. The discovery provides valuable...
A recent study by the HZI research team found that dietary fiber does not act alone in the gut microbiome, but rather interacts with existing bacteria to influence their growth. The presence of certain bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, can support the growth of other dominant bacteria, like Segatella copri, in the gut.
Researchers developed a novel sorbent, DPE6, to recover critical metals from organic effluents. The sorbent demonstrated high sorption performance and high maximum sorption capacity in various organic solvents. It successfully removed over 99% of lead from effluents using methanol, showcasing its potential for efficient metal recovery.
Sorghum production is expected to increase in Europe due to climate change, with potential yields of 3.4-3.8 tonnes/ha by 2050-2100. The crop's robustness in high temperatures and low water availability makes it a climate-resilient alternative to maize.
A yearlong study found that early depression and anxiety predicted later economic hardship, while financial strain went on to predict worsening depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Economic hardship was consistently associated with a higher likelihood of clinically significant depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms.
Binghamton University's Innovative Simulation and Practice Center has been named a SUNY Nursing Simulation Center of Excellence, receiving a $10 million investment to expand simulation space and experiences. The center will focus on faculty training and professional development in simulation-based education, addressing gaps in clinical...
A new study shows that hospitals still have far to go in implementing strategies to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), despite 20 years of effort. The study found that only 49% of general hospitals and 32% of VA hospitals have a system in place to remind doctors of a patient's catheter status, and that highe...
A Concordia University study demonstrates the use of simulated moon soil and recyclable thermoplastics to 3D print components for future lunar missions. The composite material, created by combining regolith with recycled poly(ether ketone ketone), showed thermal stability and improved performance.
An international study found that variants in the IDUA gene, associated with mucopolysaccharidosis type I, can cause inherited retinal disease without broader health problems. The study highlights the importance of understanding how genetic variants affect the body, potentially leading to earlier recognition and treatment opportunities.
Dr. Dennis Slamon, a pioneer in breast cancer research, has been awarded the 2026 Albany Prize for his groundbreaking work on targeted cancer treatments. His discovery of the HER2 protein and the development of Herceptin have transformed the understanding and treatment of breast cancer, saving millions of lives worldwide.
The European Cardiovascular Health Data and AI Network (CHAIN) aims to improve cardiovascular care through AI adoption. The initiative will build a federated ecosystem for the safe and effective adoption of AI and health data, enabling earlier disease detection and more consistent care.
Brenda Betancourt is evaluating record linkage uncertainty's impact on analysis reliability and evidentiary confidence in real-world data. She received $286,130 from the FDA to study regulatory frameworks for assessing record linkage uncertainty in real-world evidence.
George Mason University's Daniel Rothbart and Karina Korostelina are studying justice in Sudan amidst the civil war. The researchers have secured $96,600 in funding from the UNDP to explore ways to promote justice for the country.
Researchers Daniel Tong and Siqi Ma investigated long-term trends in windblown dust activity in Texas and three upwind states. They analyzed environmental drivers of dust trends and improved a dust emission model, quantifying contributions from in-state and out-of-state dust sources to PM2.5 and PM10.
Researchers developed an AI model that accurately flags heart transplant rejection by combining electrocardiogram readings with blood test results, potentially sparing patients from invasive biopsies. The model correctly identified 94% of patients without rejection and incorrectly flagged 19 patients with blood test results.
ICFO researchers have increased the power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells by restricting light emission angles, narrowing Boltzmann losses. This innovation enables solar cells to approach efficiencies near 43%, overcoming the Shockley-Queisser limit.
Researchers developed mouse models to study hypophosphatasia, a rare inherited condition that weakens bones and teeth. The models showed that teeth and supporting tissues can be affected even with mild skeletal changes, highlighting the need for tailored dental care.
Researchers created an electrochemical biosensor that detects subtle differences in sugars attached to protein surfaces, converting them into electrical signals for accurate diagnosis. The sensor accurately detected CSF leaks at low concentrations and reduced analysis time to 95 minutes.
Advanced wastewater treatments can intensify endocrine-disrupting effects, despite removing parent pollutants. UV irradiation and ozonation increased androgen receptor-antagonistic activity beyond a risk threshold. Integrated, effect-based assessments are needed to ensure ecological safety.