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 study of high school students found that total abortion bans in states were associated with increased suicidal ideation among females, with similar but less precise estimates for suicide attempts. The findings suggest that these policies may adversely impact female adolescents' mental health.
Researchers have extracted and analyzed ancient proteins from Homo naledi fossils, revealing a potential all-female burial site. The study suggests that the adult fossils found in South Africa's Rising Star Cave system lack physical variations typically expected between males and females.
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered a previously unknown mechanism that contributes to high blood cholesterol by depleting LDL receptors. A CTSA inhibitor has already shown safety in humans and may be effective in treating high cholesterol, offering a new treatment option for patients.
Researchers have identified a consistent microbial signature of colorectal cancer by reanalyzing nearly 6,800 gut microbiome profiles. The study found that microbes detected in stool samples reflect microbes found directly within colorectal tumours.
A nickel-catalyzed approach yields chiral benzylic amines with broad substrate scope and excellent enantioselectivity. The method bypasses common challenges in asymmetric imine functionalization.
A new species of wormlion fly has been discovered in the Himalayas, characterized by its large size and pitfall-feeding strategy. The species, Vermitigris tsangyanggyatso, is distinct from its closest relatives due to its unique physical traits.
A new genetic study provides the most detailed picture to date of late Neandertal diversity in North-Western Europe. The researchers found that these Neandertals were part of a larger and more well-connected regional population, unlike previously seen in Siberia.
A recent study found that self-directed cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain (CBT-CP) resulted in modest improvements in pain interference, sustained over 12 months. Additionally, self-directed CBT showed higher session-completion rates compared to clinician-delivered CBT-CP.
A new study suggests that functional brain imaging can help guide accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for depression, leading to improved symptoms and response rates. The approach uses resting-state functional connectivity analysis to identify individualized treatment targets.
A new study has unveiled a high-resolution global map of seagrass, revealing areas of loss and recovery, and providing valuable insights for conservation efforts. The map shows that seagrass ecosystems store approximately 640 trillion grams of carbon, equivalent to the yearly emissions of 500 million cars.
Astronomers have successfully observed the previously elusive 'event horizon' of a black hole at the moment of collision, allowing for new insights into quantum physics and general relativity. This breakthrough enables astrophysicists to study extreme gravity and phenomena like frame dragging near the event horizon.
Scientists have identified three powerful, drug-like molecules that directly target beta-arrestins, the first clear way to control these proteins with pharmacological precision. The compounds block beta-arrestin interaction with GPCRs and carry out their normal functions, allowing signaling through G proteins to persist.
A pilot study found that immunotherapy can stimulate egg maturation in women with autoimmune POI, leading to healthy births in three out of ten cases. The treatment involves rituximab, an approved drug for autoimmune conditions and cancers, which suppresses the autoimmune process and activates the remaining egg reserve.
A cross-sectional study found that GLP-1 receptor agonists are misused by people with eating disorders to maintain rapid restriction and weight loss. The prevalence of lifetime use was higher among those with eating disorders than the general adult population, highlighting a need for safe prescribing practices.
Researchers discovered that bilingual brains store concepts in a mental map spanning both languages, allowing for smooth language switching while keeping them distinct. The brain organizes individual words within each language and connects equivalent meanings across languages using a semantic map.
A review of research on repeated weight loss and regain suggests that yo-yo dieting is not necessarily as harmful as often portrayed. The benefits of weight loss can outweigh the potential risks of later weight regain, with several large studies showing that obesity itself is a primary driver of metabolic disease risk.
A new study by UCL researchers found that electric vehicles' carbon-reduction benefits vary across Chinese cities due to unequal distribution of electricity generation. The study suggests that richer cities can transfer their emissions to less developed cities, increasing pollution and costs.
A decade of canine research suggests that genetically engineered Beagles could be a complementary and welfare-conscious model for autism treatments. The study gathers findings on the behavior and traits of these dogs in relation to human autism, including signs of treatment with oxytocin and psychedelics.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have successfully demonstrated a scalable approach to solar-powered plastic recycling, converting plastic waste into clean hydrogen fuel and valuable industrial chemicals in outdoor conditions. The technology uses a simple spray-coating method to produce photocatalyst materials and reactors ...
Researchers developed zebrafish model that reproduces key features of CADASIL, a hereditary disease causing brain damage and recurrent strokes. The study found progressive decline in cerebral blood flow and impaired learning ability, similar to human patients.
Researchers study blind Mexican cavefish to understand how evolution rewires the brain and shapes behavior. They found that cavefish become more active in light, a response believed to help them avoid predators.
A new robot mimics the movement of an inchworm using a soft muscle-like material, allowing it to navigate challenging environments. The robot can be used to inspect sewer pipes or explore the planet Mars without multiple actuators.
A genetic difference in nearly one in three people may increase the risk of severe COVID-19 and lung fibrosis by disrupting a previously unknown protein. The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights the importance of understanding hidden biological pathways to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Professor David Engblom of Linköping University has won the Onkel Adam Prize for his groundbreaking research on how inflammation affects brain function and behavior. His work aims to alleviate human suffering by improving treatment and care.
Researchers developed a tandem neural network that rapidly infers key semiconductor material properties from simple transistor measurements, outperforming conventional approaches. The system produces results in under one millisecond with near-perfect accuracy.
A study of 87,577 adults found that average daytime light exposure above 1,000 lux reduced dementia risk by 16%. Longer exposure to bright light was associated with an even greater reduction in risk. Daytime light exposure was stronger predictor of dementia than established risk factors.
Researchers aim to create a physics-based forecasting tool that predicts degradation and durability of TiFe-based metal hydride vessels through a chemical and thermo-mechanical framework. The tool will enable accurate lifecycle assessments of solid-state hydrogen storage systems.
A global analysis of fish biodiversity in rivers reveals that warmer climates and larger catchment sizes are associated with increased biodiversity. However, human activity weakens this relationship, particularly in smaller river catchments. The study demonstrates the potential of environmental DNA as a tool for rapid, large-scale biod...
Researchers analyzed over 380,000 songs released between 1960 and 2023, finding a significant shift towards language linked to harm, cheating, and degradation. Moral virtues like care and decency became less common over time.
A new study compared menopause symptoms in women at the average age of 51 years and those with premature ovarian insufficiency, finding similar symptom burden in psychological and urogenital domains. Urogenital symptoms, including sexual problems and bladder issues, were the most commonly reported in both groups.
The STOC-T technology resolves optical noise in eye imaging by fundamentally changing the way imaging data is collected, resulting in sharper images and improved diagnostic accuracy. This new approach addresses the problem earlier, before image construction, rather than relying on post-processing algorithms.
JMIR Publications and Jisc have expanded their Flat-Fee Unlimited Open Access Partnership, making APCs free for researchers affiliated with participating institutions. The agreement allows researchers to prioritize open access publishing without financial burdens.
A study reveals that a cellular interaction between immune cells and fibroblasts drives the progression of Sjögren's disease by promoting chronic inflammation. The CD153+ CD4+ T cell-CD30+ fibroblast axis is identified as a key trigger, and targeting this axis may provide new therapeutic opportunities.
Scientists at the Simons Foundation's Flatiron Institute developed a new method that enables faster simulations of molecular behavior without sacrificing accuracy. The breakthrough could significantly reduce time and energy demands for simulations, impacting fields such as material design and drug interactions.
Researchers found that even morphologically similar pollinators can differ markedly in the diversity and heterospecificity of pollen they transport. This variation has important implications for understanding how different pollinators influence plant reproduction and evolution.
A newly developed open-source tool called Talos is highly effective at detecting new rare disease diagnoses. The tool automates the reanalysis process of stored DNA data, integrating monthly updates of new knowledge about genes and variants to identify potential new diagnoses.
Scientists discovered a natural microbial compound that protects the gut and supports future treatments for inflammatory bowel disease. UroA activates a protective pathway in intestinal epithelial cells, triggering the release of molecules associated with maintaining normal intestinal function and repairing the gut lining.
A recent study found that people with active TB have a specific inflammatory response in their airways, dominated by neutrophils that can lead to disease progression. In contrast, those who control the infection have a different immune cell balance, suggesting a way to predict and prevent TB through early intervention.
A new study finds that Alzheimer's disease and related dementias will cost the US $818 billion this year, driven by costs associated with care and loss of productivity. The study's comprehensive model accounts for often-overlooked factors like diminished quality of life and unpaid care provided by family members.
The AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report 2026 highlights the progress being made against cancer disparities while also raising awareness of the disproportionate toll that cancer continues to exact on certain populations. The report calls for continued federal support for cancer disparities research to ensure that advances against ca...
Researchers at CNIC developed a technique to analyze proteins in individual cardiomyocytes, uncovering new clues about cardiac regeneration. The study found that the transcription factor Myc alters protein expression differently in each cell, generating regenerative potential in a subpopulation of cardiomyocytes.
Researchers found that intestinal mucus provides a niche for Klebsiella pneumoniae colonization and supports bacterial growth. Mucus exposure also increases sensitivity to certain antibiotics, suggesting a new target for improving therapy.
The National Herbarium of Ukraine is a global archive of biodiversity containing over 2.3 million plant specimens, including priceless material gathered by renowned botanical explorers. Digitisation and international collaboration are crucial to preserving this irreplaceable scientific resource.
Research compares three hemp fiber preparation methods, finding TEMPO-oxidized nanocellulose ideal for high-stability applications and hydrolysed SCNC suitable for composites and packaging. The study demonstrates sustainable production of high-performance bio-based materials from abundant agricultural resources.
Human fetal tissue research in Japan faces challenges related to burden on women undergoing induced abortion and male partner involvement. The study highlights the need for adapted governance frameworks that balance internationally shared standards with national legal systems and social contexts.
A new study highlights the dual threat of extreme humid heat and catastrophic rainfall during the Indian monsoon, while also revealing a powerful new tool to predict the monsoon up to two years in advance. The research paints a sobering picture of climate change's impact on the region.
A new review compares conventional and microwave-assisted pyrolysis, showing how microwave heating can tailor biochar for removing metals, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics. Microwave-derived biochars often show higher surface area, stronger mesoporosity, and greater retention of oxygen-containing functional groups.
A new study uses biochar-doped hydrogel to turn sunlight into vapor more efficiently, improving water transport and reducing heat loss. The hybrid material achieved a surface temperature of 41.1 °C and an evaporation rate 1.87 times higher than that of the control hydrogel.
Researchers from Curtin University and the Geological Survey of Western Australia have precisely dated the oldest known asteroid impact on Earth to around 3 billion years ago. This discovery pushes the Earth's impact record deeper into geological time, offering a rare glimpse of the violent processes that shaped the early Earth.
A new study by UCL researchers found that mothers with care proceedings in England are 21 times more likely to die within 10 years compared to other mothers. The study analyzed data from NHS hospitals and family court records, revealing a starkly higher risk of maternal mortality among mothers who experienced care proceedings.
Researchers have developed a novel treatment technique using sugar-coated nanoparticles to target and destroy glioblastoma cells. The method overcomes two major obstacles in glioblastoma treatment: delivering therapeutic agents through the blood-brain barrier and targeting tumors preferentially.
The UN has launched an initiative calling on AI companies to publicly disclose their environmental impacts, including carbon, water and land footprint. The move comes after a report highlighted the massive electricity demand and environmental impacts of AI systems.
Researchers developed a wearable, enzyme-free glucose monitor built from glucose-responsive hydrogel microneedles, which can sustain stable glucose sensing for up to 56 days. The ARMPatch uses conventional ultrasound imaging and has been shown to be strongly correlated with commercial glucometers in animal models.
A new study reveals that species with larger brains produce fewer but larger offspring, leading to the evolution of larger eggs. The research analyzed data from mammals, birds, and reptiles, suggesting that brain evolution drove changes in reproduction across dinosaurs and birds.
A new wearable monitoring system called OMEGA aims to replace outdated fetal heart rate monitoring technology with a unified real-time assessment of fetal oxygen delivery and adaptive capacity. The system could potentially reduce C-section rates and improve maternal and fetal health outcomes, saving millions in healthcare costs.
Researchers identified a severe outbreak of bivalve transmissible cancer in soft-shell clams in Puget Sound, with prevalence exceeding 75% by 2024. The disease was recently introduced from Atlantic Coast populations and was tracked using a new environmental DNA assay.
Researchers captured cultural evolution of new dialects in sperm whales living in eastern Mediterranean. Whales developed a new form of vocal dialect used by western basin animals, showing progressive occupation from west to east.
A large long-term study found that children who consume sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juice have a higher risk of hypertension later in life. Replacing these beverages with whole fruits or water was associated with lower risk of hypertension.
New research reveals that many 'green' claims are difficult to verify, often masking the full truth. Consumers may pick up products thinking they're doing the right thing, but the label only refers to one part of the product's journey.
Researchers found that both free water and bound water slowed the intensity of pyrolysis reactions and increased biochar yield. A biomass water content of around 30% may offer a practical balance for pyrolysis, balancing biochar yield and energy demand.