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 yeast enzyme, Sc URA, has been found to sustain nucleotide synthesis independently of mitochondrial respiration in human cells. This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating mitochondrial diseases with no cure, and could provide a valuable experimental tool for understanding rare diseases and cancer.
A new study estimates that each hectare of tropical forest generates 2.4 million litres of rain annually, enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool. This process is known as evapotranspiration, where the sun's energy is used to transfer moisture from the leaves into the atmosphere.
A new method allows for precise visualization of modern polymer binders in negative lithium-ion battery electrodes. The study found that small changes in binder distribution can significantly affect charging efficiency and battery lifespan.
Researchers discovered a 5,000-year-old bacterial strain in an underground ice cave that shows resistance to multiple modern antibiotics. The Psychrobacter SC65A.3 strain has over 100 resistance-related genes and can inhibit the growth of several major antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
Hospital admissions for child maltreatment declined by 31% during the initial lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic but rebounded to pre-pandemic levels after restrictions were lifted. However, rates of admission to intensive care units (ICUs) increased by 80% after the 16-week period of restricted healthcare access.
Kobe University scientists have engineered bacteria to produce a group of compounds with promising pharmacological activities. The breakthrough uses a rational design strategy to create a platform for industrial production of drug candidates.
Researchers from The University of Osaka developed a novel device to harness wave power, achieving high energy absorption efficiency across broadband frequencies. By tuning gyroscopic parameters, the device can maximize performance, providing a roadmap for developing adaptable and efficient wave energy converters.
A new study from King's College London and the University of Exeter found that ketamine's therapeutic benefits for people with alcohol use disorder may not be linked to its psychoactive effects. Instead, other factors such as brain network alterations and neural connections may play a role in the treatment's success.
A cross-sectional analysis found that nearly half of mental health visits and 29 million non-mental health telehealth visits occurred annually. The study suggests that telehealth has become an essential component of care for older and medically vulnerable adults, raising concerns about rolling back telehealth flexibilities.
New research from the University of Oregon finds that risk maps for radon can increase testing intentions in medium- to high-risk areas, but have no effect on people living in low-risk zones. The study suggests that maps may be used to target specific areas depending on their risk level.
Research finds a specific link between hearing loss and cognitive decline in presbycusis, a neurodegenerative disorder. The Functional-Structural Ratio (FSR) identifies reduced connections between brain areas involved in sound processing and memory, associated with worse hearing thresholds and poorer performance on memory and executive...
Researchers developed an AI-based tool called BIOPREVENT to identify patients at higher risk for chronic GVHD and dying from transplant-related causes. The tool combines immune biomarkers, clinical data, and machine learning to create a personalized risk estimate over time.
A population-based study reveals that rotator cuff abnormalities are common after age 40 and often represent normal age-related changes. The findings challenge the clinical value of routine imaging for atraumatic shoulder pain, questioning the need for regular scans in this demographic.
A new study shows that pancreatic cancer cells' ability to detect the extracellular matrix determines their growth rate and response to chemotherapy. The researchers found that cells detecting ECM have low autophagy levels and high growth rates, while those farther away from ECM have high autophagy levels and can survive chemotherapy.
Nearly 2/3 of US adults reported using medication in the past 7 days, with similar prevalence of over-the-counter and prescription medications. This study emphasizes the reliance on these therapies and underscores the need for increased accessibility to address health disparities.
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute reveals that one in five US households reported a child needing mental health treatment, yet nearly a quarter didn't receive it. The study also found disparities among families with single parents, multi-child households, homeschooling families, and uninsured households.
A nationally representative study found that 1 in 5 US households have a parent-perceived mental health treatment need for their children. The study also revealed significant difficulties in accessing care, with 21.8% citing it as the reason for unmet needs.
Researchers at PolyU have discovered that combining music and empathetic speech in robots can foster a stronger bond between humans and machines. Music enhances the emotional resonance of on-screen robots, making interactions feel more real, but its impact diminishes over time.
The study investigated the bioactive polyphenolic compounds and their anti-degenerative properties in foliar tissues of Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. The results showed germplasm-specific variations in pharmacological potential, with some accessions exhibiting promising anti-degenerative properties.
This review examines cancer-inflammation interplay, translational advances, and clinical strategies. Emerging technologies promise to refine precision therapy, while integrating inflammation-targeting approaches with immunotherapy offers a path to personalized cancer care.
A Washington State University study found that NBA teams with pay disparities among core players had lower winning percentages due to reduced coordinated effort. The researchers suggest managers ensure top performers are paid fairly in relation to each other and emphasize teamwork.
Researchers in Brazil developed a plant-based solution to shield hair from heat and environmental damage. The biopolymer film created by tara and red algae improves shine and combability while making hair slightly less elastic.
A new study finds that Antarctica's gravity hole formed as a result of slow rock movements deep under the Earth's surface, which overlapped with major changes in the continent's climate system. The study suggests that future research could reveal how the shifting gravity may have encouraged the growth of ice sheets.
This study developed and evaluated an automatic method for lung nodule detection and classification using a CNN-based architecture on the LIDC-IDRI database. The proposed method achieved high sensitivity and accuracy, with competitive performance compared to recent studies.
A new framework introduces the Water Sustainability Index (WSI), a transparent, quantitative metric designed to strengthen corporate water accountability worldwide. The WSI evaluates corporate water withdrawals, consumption, discharge quality, and reuse while accounting for local water scarcity.
Researchers developed a new method to discover molecular glues through large-scale chemistry and cell-based screening. They identified compounds that selectively degrade ENL in leukemia cells, demonstrating the potential of this approach for targeting previously undruggable proteins.
Researchers developed AI-IR, a machine learning tool that predicts insulin resistance and implies a link to cancers. The model demonstrated strong predictive power in detecting insulin resistance that BMI alone cannot explain.
Researchers at ISTA discover perovskites' unique photovoltaic properties rely on structural defects, enabling long-range charge transport. This finding accelerates the transition of next-gen perovskite solar cells to real-world applications.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a method to overcome challenges in osmotic energy systems, enabling ions to flow through a nanofluidic membrane with unprecedented speed and control. By lubricating nanopores with lipid molecules, they achieved significantly boosted ion transport and overall performance.
A new study uses advanced MRI to accurately diagnose progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD), two underdiagnosed conditions. This breakthrough enables precise clinical trials and transforms treatment options for patients with balance problems, falls, stiffness, or difficulties with speech and movement.
A national poll found that nearly half of parents are aware of the risk of sudden cardiac arrest in teens, but only about half know their school has an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site. Parents support CPR and AED training, with four in 10 already trained to use an AED, and nearly nine in 10 willing to receive free training.
A national US study of tens of thousands of college students found that excessive social media use is linked to higher odds of loneliness. Students who spent 16 hours or more on social media per week were 38% more likely to feel isolated.
A survey by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals that 76% of people don't complete their physical therapy homework. Adding home exercises to routines can help successful recovery and reduce the need for additional medical procedures.
A new strategy primes the immune system before infection occurs, demonstrating a striking protective effect against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and influenza. DDM activates neutrophils, enhancing their phagocytic and bactericidal activities to eliminate invading pathogens.
A new Cochrane review suggests that intermittent fasting may not be an effective strategy for weight loss in overweight or obese adults. The study found no meaningful difference in weight loss between intermittent fasting and traditional dietary advice or doing nothing, highlighting the need for more research into this area.
A recent study published in Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics has identified a link between high sugary drink consumption and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. The research team found consistent associations between energy-dense but nutrient-poor drinks and increased anxiety rates.
China's youth faces a growing mental health crisis, but AI platforms like DeepSeek offer promising solutions to bridge the gap. These platforms leverage natural language processing and generative AI to provide round-the-clock support tailored to Chinese society.
Researchers pinpoint high-risk areas for deadly scorpion species using field observations and computer modeling. The study's findings focus on central Morocco, a global hotspot for scorpion stings, but can be applied globally to prevent deaths and improve treatment.
Growing evidence shows water insecurity is an increasing challenge in the US and other high-income countries. Rural areas face unreliable access to safe and affordable water due to aging infrastructure, lack of maintenance, and extreme weather events.
Researchers Connor Thompson and Samuel Morriss share the US$30,000 prize for proposing innovative experiments on viruses and skin as test subjects for quantum biology. Their essays present novel frameworks for studying 'quantum advantage' and its applications to life's quantum foundations.
Research by ASU professor Anne Stone examines the evolutionary history of infectious disease, tracing tuberculosis from ancient DNA. She identifies recurring patterns in ecological and social conditions that facilitate widespread transmission of pathogens.
Researchers from Arizona State University are addressing the challenges of aging, loneliness and cognitive decline through innovative technology-enabled interventions. The university's Edson College is leading a panel discussion on scalable solutions for older adults living alone with cognitive decline.
Researchers found a smooth variation in sensitivity to diapause induction with air temperature and daylight length, suggesting genes regulating circadian rhythm play a key role. The timeless gene was associated with variations in female diapause sensitivity, providing insights into molecular mechanisms behind diapause.
A recent clinical trial found that remote telehealth services increased the uptake of genetic counseling and testing in adult survivors of childhood cancers. The study showed a significant impact on reducing morbidity and mortality by driving earlier detection of subsequent cancer.
A study of over 100 kindergarten-age children suggests that kids tend to view snakes as being distinct from other animals. The research found that exposure to positive information about snakes, such as pictures and stories, can help shape attitudes towards these animals.
A recent paper by Columbia University researchers calls for a re-examination of how famine thresholds are defined, citing stark disparities in how famine mortality is assessed across contexts. The authors argue that widespread starvation may go unrecognized until it is well advanced due to the current classification system.
Researchers at Sylvester Cancer Institute have identified a potential workaround for chemotherapy resistance by blocking a key protein. The study aims to teach lymphoma patients practical tools to manage stress and improve their daily quality of life through the SMART 3RP Lymphoma study. Meanwhile, the institute is expanding cancer dis...
Researchers tracked web-surfing activities of over 1,000 U.S. adults and found that only 6.8% of health-related browsing sites contained low-credibility information. The majority of exposure to such sites occurred among older adults, particularly those with right-leaning political views.
A comprehensive review reveals that biochar improves soil carbon storage, reduces greenhouse gases, and provides practical frameworks to measure its climate benefits. Biochar's dual carbon sequestration effect stores carbon directly while protecting existing soil organic carbon from decomposition.
Researchers have discovered that vesicles generated from cell-surface protrusions can deliver active proteins and genome-editing enzymes far more efficiently than conventional extracellular vesicles. This natural delivery system may enable the development of safer and more precise strategies for genome editing, regenerative medicine, a...
A newly discovered bacterium, Fundidesulfovibrio terrae, converts carbon dioxide into acetate using electrical energy. The discovery expands scientific understanding of sulfate reducing bacteria and holds promise for sustainable energy applications.
A new study reveals that the Erhai Lake Basin in southwest China is releasing far more atmospheric nitrogen pollution than it absorbs, threatening regional air quality and ecosystem health. The imbalance creates a net surplus of over 8,200 metric tons annually, making the basin a major source of atmospheric nitrogen pollution.
A team of researchers from Penn State and The University of Minnesota Medical School found that chemically changing the structure of a naturally occurring peptide can make it more stable and effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The new shape imparted by the modified molecule allows it to physically degrade bacterial cell me...
The Global Exposome Forum is a global initiative that aims to understand the complex interplay between biological, chemical, and environmental exposures and human health. The project has partnered with national governments, scientific institutions, and large membership-led organizations to advance exposomics science.
A new study finds that U.S. tornado activity is shifting southeastward due to the relationship between extratropical cyclones and low-pressure systems. Additionally, global warming has led to a fourfold increase in tropical cyclone rapid slowdown events in coastal areas.
A new pilot study in Long Beach found that heightened federal immigration enforcement is undermining democratic participation, even among U.S. citizens who fear for undocumented family members. The study identified three critical barriers: climate of fear, knowledge gaps, and practical constraints.
Researchers developed a palladium-catalyzed tandem cyclization strategy to construct chiral bridged oxazole bicyclic skeletons with high diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity. The method exhibits excellent substrate universality, providing an efficient route for synthesizing complex three-dimensional structures.
A Brazilian study analyzing 4,280 adolescents and their guardians found that parental attitudes play a significant role in preventing alcohol and drug use among young people. The 'authoritative' parenting style, which combines acceptance and monitoring, is the most effective in mitigating the risk of repeated consumption patterns.
University of Delaware researchers have discovered a novel strain of Bacillus subtilis that helps plants resist soil-borne diseases and retain moisture. The microbe, UD1022, is effective in controlling dollar spot fungus but only when applied directly to leaves, not through soil treatment.
The American Meteorological Society (AMS) expresses deep concern over the repeal of the EPA's 2009 Endangerment Finding, which concluded that greenhouse gas emissions harm human health and well-being. AMS reaffirms key scientific conclusions on climate change, including its impacts on people and nature.