Physicists Tom Hoekstra and Jorik van de Groep have realized an actively tunable metasurface using a novel quantum material, enabling the creation of a nanoscale mirror that can be turned on and off. The device harnesses excitons in 2D materials to control light with record efficiency.
Researchers developed a gas-phase method to grow compact capping layers on halide perovskite single crystals, resulting in ultra-sensitive X-ray detectors with record-breaking performance. The new detectors boast improved signal stability, faster response times and lower dark currents.
Researchers have optimized the thermoelectric performance of SnSe using liquid phase sintering, introducing excess metallic tin to fill intrinsic vacancies and reduce electron trapping. This process results in a lattice thermal conductivity as low as 0.21 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ at 793 K, achieving an exceptional ZT value of approximately 1.9.
Microbial cell factories have matured into powerful platforms for producing L-tryptophan and its derivatives. Advances in synthetic biology and data-driven design are crucial for overcoming challenges such as precursor abundance and product toxicity.
Researchers develop ultralight biomass conductive elastomer that self-foams at room temperature, heals in 5 hours, and recycles five times without property loss. The 'micro-spring' lattice offers a gauge factor of 4.8 under 1% strain, making it suitable for wearable, foldable, and reusable soft electronics.
Scientists at CU Boulder have solved a pressing mystery about the universe's gravitational wave background by revealing the role of smaller galaxies in galaxy evolution. The new study suggests that when a smaller supermassive black hole merges with a larger one, the smaller black hole gains mass, producing larger gravitational waves.
Researchers unraveled the active phase evolution and driving mechanisms of VPO catalysts under formaldehyde-acetic acid condensation conditions. The study revealed that VPO catalysts rich in V4+ phases show higher selectivity for acrylic acid.
The conference aims to promote research on global financial risk management with an emphasis on modern risks, under the theme “AI in an Uncertain World”. The annual MRS conference welcomes submissions from scholars worldwide on all aspects of risks and capital markets.
Scientists have created a system that harnesses the energy in chloride-rich brines to produce chlorine without needing external power. The innovative approach integrates hydrochloric acid recovery with chlorine and hydrogen generation, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional methods.
A new study reveals a deep sequence of archaeological deposits at Leang Bulu Bettue cave in Sulawesi, Indonesia, dating back to at least 8 meters below the current ground surface. This finds suggest that an archaic human species and Homo sapiens may have overlapped in time on the island.
A new study maps breast cancer vulnerabilities, identifying two major classes of weaknesses: gene addiction and synthetic lethality. The analysis highlights key metabolic and signaling dependencies that distinguish different subtypes, revealing actionable targets for precision treatment strategies.
The Chinese hwamei, an invasive alien bird species, has expanded into Japan's mountainous regions, including alpine zones. The study found that it breeds in these areas during the summer and migrates to lower elevations in winter.
A study of 198 male rugby players found that injuries caused by indirect contact had a high incidence and burden, while tackle direction was associated with injury severity. The insights gained can guide targeted prevention programs for knee injuries in rugby.
Researchers aim to understand why some children develop chronic UTIs by exploring immune system evasion or genetic predisposition. The new database may help remove the assumption that UTIs only affect adult women who are sexually active.
A study by the University of Washington School of Medicine found that US adolescents spend more than an hour per day using their cellphones during school hours. Social media apps account for the largest share of use. The study's lead author notes that objective smartphone data provides a clearer picture of actual use.
A University of Cambridge-led study reveals that more than two years of war in Gaza has left Palestinian children too weak to learn or play, with some living on as little as a bowl of lentils a day. The report warns of a 'lost' generation emerging in Gaza due to the war's educational, physical and psychological impacts.
A new study reveals the emotional challenges faced by siblings of people with Prader-Willi syndrome, including feelings of stress, loneliness, and sadness. Siblings often take on extra responsibilities at home and struggle to cope with their brother or sister's behavior and hunger.
Researchers found that young people who caught up on sleep on weekends had a 41% lower risk for symptoms of depression than those who didn't. Getting eight to 10 hours of sleep each night is still ideal, but weekend sleep catch-up may be protective.
Researchers have combined molecular imprinting technology with biochar to create materials that can selectively target specific molecules, achieving high adsorption capacity and selectivity. These smart sorbents show promise for efficient pollution control in complex mixtures and at low concentrations.
Generative AI is increasingly used in classrooms, raising concerns about its impact on student learning. Researcher Gerd Kortemeyer explores the benefits and drawbacks of AI in physics education, suggesting that it can be a helpful tool when integrated into teaching methods that focus on critical thinking and collaboration.
A new multi-omics framework proposes a proactive, predictive, and integrative approach to invasive species management. The framework uses advanced technologies to detect, track, and manage invasive species with unprecedented precision.
A recent study reveals that the specific genetic identity of rice plants determines which microbes they host and how those microbes function. The research found that differences among rice genotypes strongly shape microbial communities in both soil and on leaf surfaces, influencing nutrient cycling, plant health, and soil carbon storage.
The journal Biological Diversity is seeking experts in various disciplines to address the global biodiversity crisis. The editorial board will comprise senior scholars, while the youth editorial board will include early-career researchers. The dual structure aims to combine strategic wisdom and innovative energy.
A comprehensive review reveals the therapeutic effects of Borago officinalis, a plant with diverse compounds targeting inflammation and metabolic pathways. The study highlights its potential in treating cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
A research team at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute has discovered a genetic mechanism that allows certain parasites to infect multiple hosts, but at the cost of long-term survival. The study sheds light on how parasitic infections emerge and spread, with potential implications for public health surveillance and treatment strategies.
Researchers at the University of Michigan analyzed nearly 200,000 Twitter posts between 2012 and 2022 to understand why people perceive pollen seasons as getting worse. They found a partisan gap in how liberals and conservatives attribute pollen season changes to climate change.
Evidence suggests Sagittarius A* flared dramatically within the past few hundred to 1,000 years, according to X-ray emissions observed by XRISM. The findings unveil new details of supermassive black hole evolution and provide lessons about our cosmic home.
The use of generative AI in software development can lead to increased productivity, but also creates technical debt and hasty coding if not managed properly. Companies must prioritize fixing technical debt, develop clear guidelines for AI-assisted coding, and train developers on the hazards of AI coding.
Certain microbes can act as community protectors by breaking down antibiotics and stabilizing entire microbial ecosystems. Antibiotic degraders create safer microenvironments, allowing sensitive microbes to survive.
A UTEP study has discovered a significant increase in parasitic infection rates among kissing bugs in the Borderlands, raising concerns about local transmission of Chagas disease. The research suggests that the disease is becoming an increasingly public health issue for the Southwest, affecting approximately 6 million people worldwide.
A new Junior Research Group at the University of Oldenburg aims to create fully biodegradable plastics from organic waste. The team will investigate various processes, including fermentation and downstreaming, to produce polybutylene succinate (PBS) based on polybutylene succinate.
A new study found that popular AI tools for predicting river flow often misinterpret how heat and evaporation affect water, raising concerns for flood and drought planning. The researchers developed a hydrology-specific 'explainable AI' framework to uncover these issues.
A new study reveals that farmers in the Northeast are facing a growing threat of tick-borne diseases, which can be devastating to their livelihoods. The research found that farmers often experience multiple tick bites per month, with some contracting serious illnesses like Lyme carditis.
A new survey of over 2,000 K dwarfs, close to the Sun, has identified promising locations for life. These 'K dwarf' stars offer a long-term, stable environment for planetary companions, making them ideal candidates for supporting life.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have developed an AI-powered ECG analysis tool that shows promise in detecting Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) early. The model achieved high accuracy rates across diverse populations, including a subgroup with irregular heartbeat and smoking exposure.
A new study found that higher levels of PFAS in the blood are linked to an increased risk of early onset of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in adolescents. MASLD affects up to 40% of children with obesity and increases long-term risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and liver cancer.
Researchers at Texas A&M University are building highly sensitive detectors to explore dark matter and energy. The team's work builds on previous breakthroughs in detecting low-mass particles, and they aim to find ways to amplify signals that were previously buried in noise.
Researchers identified nine objects with characteristics of stars and galaxies, sparking new questions about the cosmos. These 'platypus galaxies' have narrow emission lines indicative of active star formation, defying expectations.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that a high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is significantly associated with increased risk of depressive disorder and suicide risk. The study suggests that NLR may be a cost-effective tool to inform risk stratification and tailored treatment strategies in psychiatric care.
The SSA will hold its annual meeting in Pasadena, California, featuring 53 technical sessions on topics such as earthquake early warning, seismic swarms, and nuclear explosion forensics. Working journalists can register to attend at no charge, gaining full access to presentations, poster sessions, and plenary talks.
Researchers combined Dynamic Optical Contrast Imaging (DOCI) with machine learning to identify thyroid cancer during surgery. The AI analysis framework accurately classified samples across three categories and generated tumor probability maps for precise location identification.
A team of researchers developed a novel end-effector for tomato picking, achieving 88% success rate and reducing picking time by 40%. The system uses a collaborative 'adhesion-clamping' operation mode to avoid fruit damage and improve efficiency.
Researchers at North Carolina State University propose a 'compounded resilience' strategy to help local governments prepare for and adapt to climate change. By incorporating policies that improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance infrastructure, communities can become more resilient and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
A recent study published in Political Psychology explored the willingness of people to engage in discussions with others who hold different opinions. The researchers developed a measuring tool called WEDO to assess this willingness and found that open-minded individuals tend to think analytically and are more willing to engage in dialo...
A recent study published in Gut journal revealed that Streptococcus anginosus produces methionine metabolites, which significantly contribute to the development of gastric cancer. The research opens new paths for microbiota-targeted prevention strategies.
A massive US-wide project is cataloging the soil microbiome, discovering over 1,000 new bacterial strains and unlocking secrets of ecological functions and antimicrobial resistance. The BioDiversity and Informatics for Genomics Scholars consortium spans 40+ sites across the country, leveraging long-read sequencing technology.
The new clinical standards for antimicrobial stewardship in tuberculosis care aim to integrate TB into existing AMS frameworks, strengthening surveillance and resistance monitoring. The standards prioritize effectiveness, safety, and resistance prevention, promoting structured expert consultation services and targeted testing.
Early recognition of cast nephropathy through novel biomarkers can guide timely treatment, while tailored extracorporeal therapies show promise in preventing irreversible kidney damage. The review emphasizes the need for standardized biomarker-guided pathways and multicenter trials to advance personalized kidney support.
A team of researchers has developed a method for preparing supramolecular prodrug assemblies to enhance chemodynamic therapy efficacy by consuming glutathione (GSH) and inhibiting its synthesis. The approach allows for the simultaneous release of dual functional molecules from self-assemblies, amplifying cellular oxidative stress.
A new study by Di Yuan of Auburn University and co-authors found that equal treatment policies may boost ad platform revenues while improving fairness outcomes. In contrast, an Equal Exposure with Equal Treatment policy can increase competition among advertisers, leading to increased total advertising revenue.
A Rice University-led team has unveiled the molecular structures on industrial catalysts that behave during vinyl acetate monomer production. The work points to catalyst designs that could reduce energy use, carbon emissions, and make global VAM production cleaner and more reliable.
A recent study reveals that the Circum-global Teleconnection Pattern (CGT) weakens under global warming, leading to changes in regional heatwave duration. The research found a significant increase in heatwave duration over Eastern Europe, Tibetan Plateau, and North America, while a decrease was observed over the Middle East.
Researchers found that Cornell prime dots can reprogram the tumor microenvironment, transforming melanoma and other aggressive solid tumors into responsive ones. The particles stimulate innate immune responses, halt cancer cell proliferation, reduce immune suppression, and repurpose key immune cells to attack cancer more effectively.
Researchers at GIMM discovered lab-grown heart cells are stuck in an immature stage, failing to replicate human heart characteristics. A new reference map provides a benchmark for assessing cell development, enabling more accurate disease models and effective treatments.
Researchers developed a locally active memristive oscillator using vanadium oxide that exhibits rich dynamic behaviors and exceptional frequency-domain information processing capabilities. The device operates at the edge of chaos, amplifying small fluctuations to generate self-oscillations and producing complex responses.
The CDC recommends shared clinical decision-making for some childhood vaccinations, allowing parents to choose or skip certain vaccines. However, a survey found that many Americans are unclear about what this means and who can be included as health care providers in the discussion.
A new study suggests that Europa's seafloor is geologically inactive, with no signs of tectonic motion or warm hydrothermal vents that could support life. The team calculated the gravitational forces from Jupiter and concluded that the tidal heating on Europa is not strong enough to drive significant geologic activity.
Researchers at Nagoya University and Tokyo Electron Miyagi Ltd. have developed a new semiconductor etching method that significantly reduces processing time and enhances energy efficiency. The process employs plasma etching with hydrogen fluoride at very low temperatures, eliminating the need for fluorocarbon gases.
Researchers found that postgraduate students selectively engage with GenAI tools when revising critical reading reports, focusing on key analytical dimensions. This strategic engagement is driven by academic goals, supervisor demands, and career aspirations.
Researchers found that male fish exposed to vitamin C and potassium perchlorate showed improved fertility and less damage to their testes compared to those exposed only to the chemical. The study suggests a potential safeguard for individuals regularly exposed to these chemicals, including military personnel.
A new nanodrug called Nano-273 could offer improved survival for patients with pancreatic and lung cancers by activating the immune system and blocking tumor growth. The drug, developed by University of Houston researcher Wei Gao, has shown promising results in early studies.
A population-based cohort study found that U.S.-born individuals had significantly higher odds of infant mortality, particularly among full-term births. Sudden unexpected infant death was a major contributor to these disparities, highlighting the need for investigation into underlying factors contributing to these disparities.
A new study from Aarhus University finds that about 30% of 'mediocre' books are rated as literary important or of high quality according to other criteria. The researchers argue that average Goodreads ratings do not automatically mean a book is unimportant, but rather hide strong and opposing reading experiences.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that propofol, a common anesthetic agent, can improve cognitive function after surgery in older individuals. Additionally, intranasal insulin was found to mitigate age-related memory impairment by modulating neuroinflammatory mechanisms.
A team from Huazhong University of Science and Technology has developed a novel material that significantly improves piezoelectric responsiveness and mass-producesibility. The new polymer, created using a simple process, overcomes the challenges of achieving highly responsive materials for wearable health trackers and energy harvesters.
Researchers developed MolUNet++ to explicitly learn molecular representations at multiple scales, extracting substructures while preserving global context. The model achieved significant performance gains across various tasks, including drug target interaction prediction, by providing clearer structural explanations.
Researchers at NIH and Emory School of Medicine have successfully performed a minimally invasive coronary artery bypass without cutting the chest wall. The new technique, called ventriculo-coronary transcatheter outward navigation and re-entry (VECTOR), creates a new route for blood flow that is safe from potential blockages.
Researchers created an AI model to design peptides targeted by proteases, which are overactive in cancer cells. The peptides can be detected in urine, revealing specific types of cancer. This technology could lead to at-home tests for various cancers.
Researchers have engineered grasses to produce a purple pigment in response to specific chemical cues, allowing for non-destructive detection of chemical exposure. This breakthrough enables plants to act as sentinels in the field, reporting adverse conditions that may impact crop and human health.
A Bar-Ilan University study uncovers the origin of sleep in jellyfish and sea anemones, demonstrating that protecting neurons from DNA damage is a basic function of sleep. The research shows that both species accumulate DNA damage during wakefulness and reduce it during sleep, with increased damage triggering recovery sleep.
Researchers from McGill University found no long-term increase in local crime at supervised consumption sites. Crime reports remained stable or declined in neighborhoods where sites opened over a decade. The study challenges assumptions that harm reduction services have a negative impact on neighborhood safety.
A new study led by Concordia researchers found that federally funded Indigenous-led conservation programs can deliver highly effective climate and biodiversity outcomes. These programs, known as Indigenous-led Nature-based Solutions (NbS), can match or surpass conventional national and provincial parks in terms of carbon storage and bi...
Researchers developed a bio-inspired neuron platform that processes and learns information using light and electronics integrated on a single platform. The chip achieves 92% image recognition accuracy and demonstrates key synaptic behaviors found in biological learning.
A recent study found that back pain can predict sleep problems years later in men over 65, leading to a 12% to 25% increase in sleep issues. Men with back pain are more likely to experience poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness.
The study found that organic materials in sediments decompose under supercritical conditions, releasing hydrogen molecules. This process is a more significant source of dissolved hydrogen in the ocean than previously believed.
Researchers have developed a new 3D printing method to create vertically stacked perovskite nanostructures, which can be used to make high-efficiency nanolasers. The technology achieves single-crystalline alignment and minimizes light loss, enabling commercialization in optical computing and quantum security applications.
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville has received a $251,650 DOE award to establish an in-situ scanning electron microscopy platform for irradiated materials. The high-resolution microscope will enhance the university's research capabilities in extreme environments.
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo have developed a method to manipulate material chirality using electricity, enabling reversible and tunable chiral electronic states. This approach opens new possibilities for advanced spintronic devices and the emerging field of 'chiral iontronics'.
This cohort study found that exposure to Migrant Protection Protocols was associated with higher rates of trauma during migration among asylum seekers. The Migrant Protection Protocols may have potential downstream implications for U.S. public health and security, including adverse health outcomes for asylum seekers.
A new signaling cascade has been discovered in plants to cope with nitrate deficiency, involving ROS and transcription factors WRKY42/WRKY58. This finding provides a conceptual framework for engineering nitrogen-efficient crops.
The researchers created tiny, microorganism-inspired particles that can change their shape and self-propel in response to electrical fields. These particles could be used as microrobots to deliver medications or build dynamic materials that are responsive and self-healing.
KAIST researchers have developed a biomicrofluidic system that can recreate the process by which drug-induced muscle damage leads to kidney injury. The system allows for precise reproduction of inter-organ reactions, enabling the early prediction of drug side effects and identification of causes of acute kidney injury.
The MAAD database provides a standardized platform for rational antibody engineering, structure-based vaccine design, and AI-driven antibody discovery. Analysis reveals conserved and pathogen-specific germline gene biases, with potential immune escape hotspots identified through entropy analysis of interface residues.
Researchers developed SPARK-seq to map aptamer-target interactions in native cellular contexts, identifying binders for low-abundance targets. The platform preferentially enriches slow-dissociating aptamers, vital for diagnostics and therapy.
A recent study found that residual plastic film in cotton fields accumulates over time, transforming into microplastics. The amount of microplastics increases with the amount of residual film, but exceeds a threshold of 160-200 kg·ha−1, triggering an acceleration phase.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a new technique to improve mass spectrometry, enabling better drug target discovery and tumor analysis. The innovation increases sensitivity by breaking down scans into smaller bins, allowing for more accurate measurement of differences in concentration.
Southwest Research Institute has upgraded its nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) laboratory to provide robust chemical analysis of organic compounds used in drug discovery and development. The new facility enables rapid and cost-effective analysis using qNMR, which can be more efficient than HPLC for certain applications.
Research from Washington State University found that decentralized platforms encourage stronger emotions and less self-censorship, leading to more candid and emotionally rich reactions. This can have implications for companies and marketers looking to understand consumer concerns and make informed decisions.
Researchers used genetic data from house sparrows to develop a statistical model that can predict traits in other species. The study found that making predictions across different populations works less well than within populations, but provided new insights for improving the technique.
The American Pediatric Society has reinstated the APS Howland Visiting Professor Program at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, enabling renowned pediatric leader Bonnie W. Ramsey, MD, to share her expertise and engage with academic professionals.
The system uses a human-in-the-loop knot planner and three optimization metrics to ensure task reliability. It successfully completed real-world experiments, lifting heavy payloads in unstructured environments with high success rates.
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation survey found that 18% of young adults with IBD work extra hours to afford care, while over 1 in 3 lack confidence in navigating insurance. The study highlights the need for targeted educational resources and policy attention to improve equitable access to care.
Researchers at University of Waterloo discover workaround for 'no cloning' problem in quantum computing by encrypting quantum information as it's copied. This breakthrough enables redundant and encrypted quantum cloud services, a crucial step towards building quantum computing infrastructure.
The study simulates energy production and demand with hourly resolution and includes cross-border electricity transmission through a proposed ASEAN Power Grid. Technologies to create hydrogen gas would have to become much cheaper over time for this pathway to function.
Scientists develop corrosion-resistant alumina-forming ferritic alloys that exhibit outstanding mechanical properties and oxidation resistance, potentially transforming energy systems and nuclear reactors. These materials offer economic feasibility while maintaining high reliability and could accelerate adoption in practical applications.
Researchers found that pheomelanin helps maintain cysteine balance in cells by converting excess into inert pigment. This suggests why genetic variants promoting pheomelanin production persist despite increasing melanoma risk.
A new study maps the impact of stressors during pregnancy on the developing fetal brain, revealing a cell atlas and identifying key immune pathways. The research sheds light on how maternal gut-immune disruptions can shape neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
A new AI model, SleepFM, uses large-scale sleep data to predict over 100 health conditions. The model analyzes various physiological signals and identifies patterns that can forecast disease onset with reasonable accuracy.
Plants deploy a faster communication system, using jasmonate-dependent immune signals to initiate systemic immunity within hours of infection. This discovery opens new possibilities for engineering crops that respond more quickly to infection, limiting disease spread and yield loss.
Scientists at the University of St Andrews have discovered a long-elusive molecular 'reshuffle,' unlocking an 80-year-old chemical puzzle. This breakthrough tackles one of chemistry's most persistent challenges, enabling faster, cleaner, and more selective ways to manufacture complex molecules with a single handedness.
Dr. Noritaka Ichinohe challenges the long-held assumption that averaging away individual differences is necessary in psychiatric research. Instead, biological heterogeneity is seen as a phenomenon demanding explanation. The author's work on primate brain mapping and molecular subtyping has identified convergence points between species ...
A recent genomic study by Dr. Mayana Zatz and colleagues reveals that Brazil's admixed population may hold the key to understanding exceptional aging. The study identifies over 8 million novel genetic variants in the Brazilian population, with potential protective mechanisms against age-related diseases.
Researchers at Flinders University discover a genetic mutation that silences a brain receptor, rendering it unresponsive to both natural trace amines and clinical drug candidates. The C182F variant eliminates receptor signaling and reduces cell surface expression, with profound implications for emerging psychiatric treatments.
A comprehensive review synthesizes emerging evidence on AMPKα isoforms' dual roles in Alzheimer's disease. The analysis proposes that this complexity may explain why pharmacological approaches have yielded mixed results in treating the disease. Isoform-specific targeting is proposed as a novel therapeutic strategy.
A comprehensive genetic investigation by Dr. Feng Liu and collaborators identifies shared genetic loci between schizophrenia and osteoporosis, suggesting overlapping biological pathways. The study found that psychiatric patients face elevated fracture risks due to these molecular connections.
Dr. Maria Margarita Behrens' work deciphers the molecular signatures defining every human brain cell type, shedding light on neural development and psychiatric disorders. Her single-cell epigenomic atlases will enable researchers to target specific cell types with unprecedented precision.
Scientists at ETH Zurich have discovered that electrons in flat layered materials like MXenes respond with a delay to the motion of atomic nuclei. This challenge to the standard Born-Oppenheimer approximation could lead to more precise mathematical models and novel opto-electronic devices.
A new paper proposes a way to calculate the thermodynamic costs of metabolic processes, ranking them according to their biological efficiency. The method estimates the improbability of a network behaving in a certain way, considering maintenance and restriction costs.