Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for July 17, 2026


UVA Engineering’s Geoff Geise earns NAMS’ Permeance Prize for Mid-Career Excellence

Geoff Geise's research on non-aqueous redox flow batteries and membrane design has the potential to overcome renewable energy storage challenges. He is recognized for his work on long-lived membranes that increase conductivity while reducing permeability, a breakthrough in addressing global water purification and electrification needs.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJul 17, 2026

An asteroid doomed the dinosaurs. But did it drive tuna evolution?

A new Yale study contradicts the long-held theory that an asteroid strike drove the rapid evolution of tunas and other large predators after the K-Pg extinction. Instead, the research reveals that these animals' body plans evolved over tens of millions of years, with increases in size occurring sporadically throughout their lineage.

SourceYale University·DateJul 17, 2026
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Organic fertilizer compounds help biochar lock cadmium in contaminated soil

Researchers found that combining biochar with selected components from organic fertilizer can convert cadmium into less mobile forms. Larger organic molecules provide stronger protection against cadmium uptake by crops.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalAgricultural Ecology and Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

Turning rice straw into biochar may reduce heavy metal risks in rice

A greenhouse study suggests that converting rice straw into biochar could provide greater environmental and food safety benefits than directly incorporating untreated straw. Biochar treatment reduced copper and lead accumulation, improved soil properties, and produced high grain biomass, while avoiding air pollution from open burning.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalEnvironmental and Biogeochemical Processes·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

Heavy TV watching associated with smaller brain structures, study finds

Research found reduced volume in areas of the brain connected to memory formation, indicating a potential link between TV watching and cognitive decline. Heavy TV viewing was associated with smaller frontal and occipital lobes and more white matter damage, even after controlling for physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

164 schools in 44 states awarded grants to improve student health

The American Heart Association and the National Football League have awarded $350,000 in grants to 164 schools across 44 states to promote physical activity and student well-being. The NFL PLAY 60 initiative encourages children to engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJul 17, 2026

Researchers discover the eye’s hidden cleanup system

Scientists have identified a previously unknown waste drainage system at the back of the eye, called the posterior ocular lymphatic outflow, or POLO pathway. This discovery provides a new framework for understanding leading causes of blindness and opens opportunities for harnessing this system to treat disease.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Study reveals how brain remodeling during adolescence shapes memory

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine identified a biological process that sheds new light on how memory circuits mature during late adolescence. The study found that memories formed earlier in life become temporarily difficult to retrieve before resurfacing later with less precise detail.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

Researchers identify class of 'oddball' meteorite that killed the dinosaurs

Researchers identified a rare CO chondrite meteorite as the probable impactor that struck Earth 66 million years ago, leading to the extinction of 75% of Earth's species. The study used advanced nickel isotope analysis to narrow down the composition of the deadly Cretaceous-Palaeogene meteorite.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Wild snapdragons paint themselves in subtle shades to attract bees

A recent study found that wild snapdragons use subtle shades to attract bees, with four paintbrush genes working together to create a gradient of yellow. The strength of natural selection on each gene was estimated using a hybrid zone where two varieties meet, revealing the intricate mechanisms behind molecular gradients.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

Protective protein reduces tau tangle toxicity linked to dementia

A new study by Sanford Burnham Prebys found that bolstering the SORLA protein can reduce tau tangle toxicity, a common culprit in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. This suggests potential as a therapeutic strategy for treating these conditions.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

Methane-eating bacteria in rivers won’t save us from climate change

Researchers find that methane oxidation in African and European rivers is insufficient to offset the expected rise in methane emissions due to global warming and nitrate pollution. The natural filter, more active in African rivers, remains diminished by human perturbations and invasive species.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 17, 2026

New hybrid positioning system promises reliable tracking where GPS fails

Researchers developed a Joint DAS and GNSS system that blends traditional GPS with Distributed Acoustic Sensing for reliable tracking. In real-world trials, the system outperformed GPS-only tracking and proved resilient on lower-powered devices, supporting widespread smartphone and IoT sensor adoption.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·DateJul 17, 2026
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Q&A: How do federal taxes impact local schools and services?

A Penn State research team found that wealthy taxpayers who take the standard deduction have become less likely to vote for local spending, including repairing or building infrastructure or community services. The study used over 1,500 school district referendum results in California between 2008 and 2022 and found a decline in approva...

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Review of Economics and Statistics·DateJul 17, 2026

No link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes, study finds

A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found no association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and preterm birth, birth weight, or small-for-gestational-age size. However, it did find an association with lower odds of large-for-gestational-age birth when birth weight was accounted for.

SourceUNC Gillings School of Global Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 17, 2026

Which genes make people more susceptible to depression and other psychiatric disorders?

A University of Barcelona study has identified the RBFOX1 gene as a central hub regulating nearly 20 genes linked to depression, anxiety, irritability, and neuroticism. This genetic overlap could help explain why these disorders often appear together in the same person.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalProgress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

DNA blood test improves patient selection for radiopharmaceutical therapy in prostate cancer

A noninvasive DNA blood test can identify patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer most likely to benefit from <sup> 223 </sup> Ra radiopharmaceutical therapy and monitor their progress. The test showed associations between ctDNA profiles and clinical outcomes, including biomarker response and overall survival.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 17, 2026
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Antivaccine legislation is rising rapidly in US states, driven primarily by GOP push

A new study reveals that Republican lawmakers sponsored 86% of antivaccine bills introduced in state legislatures after the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers supported provaccine bills, highlighting partisan polarization's impact on vaccine access and public health.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2026

Study finds no statistical link between use of semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs and risk of degenerative eye disease in adults with type 2 diabetes

A large retrospective study found that semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs did not increase or decrease the risk of developing a blinding eye condition in adults with type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed data from over 200,000 patients and found no significant difference in the risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalOphthalmology·DateJul 17, 2026

Data may reveal the hidden communication of pathogenic fungi

The CLEVER project aims to create a comprehensive fungal EV atlas, investigating the role of extracellular vesicles in communication between pathogenic fungi and the human body. The research may lead to more accurate diagnosis and improved treatment of fungal infections.

SourceHUN-REN Szegedi Biológiai Kutatóközpont·DateJul 17, 2026

The Journal of Nuclear Medicine ahead-of-print tip sheet: July 17, 2026

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in targeted radiation therapy for pancreatic cancer, PARP inhibitor treatment, and Alzheimer's disease detection. New PET-based scores may predict prostate cancer outcomes, while blood cell mutations are associated with side effects in advanced prostate cancer patients.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 17, 2026
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

New study defines conditions for successful long-term biodiversity net gain

A new study identifies the ecological conditions necessary for biodiversity offsetting to achieve conservation goals. The research highlights the importance of large-scale restoration areas and protected landscapes in achieving long-term biodiversity outcomes. Successful compensation requires policies aligned with ecological reality, p...

SourceSwansea University·JournalConservation Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 17, 2026

Study shows where women live can shape heart health for decades

A long-term study of 1,200 women in eastern Massachusetts found that those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods faced faster declines in heart health and worse cardiovascular risk before menopause. The research highlights the importance of addressing socioeconomic factors in preventing heart disease.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalCirculation·DateJul 17, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

New USF study identifies promising strategy to protect the heart in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Researchers at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine have identified a promising strategy to protect cardiac function in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The study found that the experimental drug Setanaxib preserved cardiac function and reduced scarring, suggesting NOX4 as a potential therapeutic target for future treatments.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

Multisite test strip boosts mosquito-borne virus detection

A new enzyme-free test strip detects mosquito-borne viruses with high sensitivity, promising rapid field testing and infection control in resource-limited regions. The multisite bridging-mediated lateral flow immunoassay outperforms conventional methods, offering a promising diagnostic platform for outbreak surveillance.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalTargetome·DateJul 17, 2026

The Gravity from Entropy theory offers new clues for reconciling gravity with the second law of thermodynamics

A new study by Queen Mary University mathematician Professor Ginestra Bianconi proposes a perspective on the deep question of how the Universe can become increasingly structured while obeying the second law of thermodynamics. The Gravity from Entropy theory suggests that gravity and spacetime may have an intrinsic thermodynamic and inf...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPhysical Review·DateJul 17, 2026

World’s first gene edited Culicoides biting midges

Researchers successfully edited the genome of Culicoides biting midges using CRISPR-based technique, enabling new research on disease transmission and control. The method provides a practical approach for genetic manipulation in these insects.

SourceThe Pirbright Institute·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

Agri-environmental policies improve cropland around the world

A University of Bonn study finds that government regulations and financial incentives can significantly improve land quality and mitigate soil degradation. Effective policies also rely on strong government institutions and sufficient funding to monitor compliance and enforce regulations.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Food·DateJul 17, 2026
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Long-term assessment of restoration effects under China’s Shan-Shui Initiative

A new study assesses the long-term effects of China's Shan-Shui Initiative, finding that vegetation greenness increased significantly in 14 project areas. The integrated remote-sensing index revealed more nuanced regional responses, with forests and grasslands playing distinct roles across different ecological contexts.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2026

Media tip sheet: Wildlife ecology at ESA’s 2026 Annual Meeting

The ESA's 2026 Annual Meeting will present new findings on wildlife ecology, focusing on the ecological relationships between animals, habitats, and human activities. Researchers will examine topics such as predator recovery, species declines, and rewilding, highlighting how wildlife ecology informs conservation strategies.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateJul 17, 2026

Drug-resistant gonorrhea on the rise in Europe, ECDC warns

A growing number of European countries are detecting gonococcal strains resistant to ceftriaxone, posing a significant challenge for treatment options. Early detections are associated with importation from South-East Asia, and strengthening prevention is essential.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·DateJul 17, 2026
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

When work and family collide, job flexibility helps shape who adjusts

Research reveals that job characteristics, including schedule flexibility and indispensability, influence how couples balance work and family responsibilities. The study found that women were more likely to make adjustments to support family needs, but this effect was attributed to differences in job characteristics rather than gender.

SourceRice University·JournalPersonnel Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2026

Chinese PLA General Hospital study shows smarter brain surgery improves survival

A new study published in Chinese Neurosurgical Journal found that real-time MRI and brain function monitoring during neurosurgery can improve the removal of tumors affecting the corpus callosum more effectively and safely. This multimodal approach gave patients about 30 extra months after treatment before the tumor grew back or worsene...

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2026
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Rapid reactivation of gene expression after thermal stress

Researchers from the University of Osaka have found a way for cells to quickly reactivate gene expression after being stressed by heat. They discovered that the CLK1 protein is regulated by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, which controls its localization to nuclear stress bodies.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

New solutions to the PFAS problem

Scientists at HZDR have developed two new processes to degrade PFAS: one uses hydrodynamic cavitation and the other employs cold atmospheric plasma. These methods show promise for reducing PFAS release into water bodies, a significant step towards securing Germany's drinking water supply.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

SNU–University of Seoul joint research team develops programmable photonic integrated circuit that slows light on demand

A joint research team from SNU and University of Seoul developed a programmable photonic integrated circuit that can slow light on demand. This innovation enables the storage, delay, and control of light within a single photonic chip, overcoming limitations in optical computing technologies.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 17, 2026

HKUST improves solar cell performance and durability through molecular interface engineering

Researchers from HKUST have developed a molecular interface engineering approach to improve the efficiency and durability of perovskite tandem solar cells. The new strategy enables precise control over crystallization, reduces energy loss, and promotes charge transport, leading to higher power conversion efficiencies.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Peking University researchers review satellite radar advances in monitoring glacier movement

Researchers from Peking University have reviewed the role of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging geodesy in monitoring glacier velocity, which helps assess how glaciers respond to climate change. SAR offers a non-contact alternative to field-based approaches, providing high-resolution measurements over large and difficult-to-access ...

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGeodesy and Geodynamics·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 17, 2026

Helical opto-thermoviscous flow-driven microrotation enables multiview 3D microscopy

Researchers introduced an opto-thermoviscous strategy to generate stable 3D helical thermoviscous flows, allowing robust out-of-plane rotation and manipulation of various micro-objects. This method enables multiview 3D microscopy by leveraging kinematic nature of thermoviscous manipulation.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Science & Applications·DateJul 17, 2026

Herbularyo card game blends Filipino folklore and organic chemistry

The Herbularyo card game combines Filipino folk healing traditions with organic chemistry, teaching students about medicinal plants and their therapeutic properties. The game has been shown to be an effective learning tool, increasing student engagement and understanding of the subject.

SourceAteneo de Manila University·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·DateJul 17, 2026
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Copper isotope ratios and metallomic profiling in serum: new clues for child health

Researchers have identified a sensitive isotopic biomarker for early anemia detection using copper stable isotope ratios (δ⁶⁵Cu) in pediatric serum. The study also uncovered distinct serum metallomic patterns linked to body mass index (BMI), including a strong positive association between serum lead levels and increasing BMI.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEnvironmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology·TypeCase study·DateJul 17, 2026

Y-added FeCoNiSiB multi-principal element amorphous alloys

Researchers developed a class of senary Fe–Co–Ni–Si–B–Y MPEAAs with high saturation magnetization, exceptional thermal stability, enhanced microhardness, and acceptable corrosion resistance. These materials have potential applications in soft magnetic alloys for offshore wind power systems.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Materials Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

SNU researchers develop AI-driven inverse design to extend quantum-dot LED lifetime 40-fold

A technology has been developed that allows artificial intelligence to inversely determine process conditions for quantum-dot light-emitting diode devices. The technology roughly doubled efficiency and extended operational lifetime more than 40-fold when applied to actual devices.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalReports on Progress in Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

A source of extremely high-energy particles in the Milky Way identified

A team of researchers has identified an accelerator of extremely high-energy cosmic-ray protons, called a proton PeVatron, in the Milky Way galaxy. The discovery was made possible by combining data from multiple experiments, including Tibet AS gamma, LHAASO, Fermi-LAT, and Chandra X-ray Observatory.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2026

Controllable assembly of BaCrO4@B core shell energetic microspheres based on micro-scale multiphase flow

Researchers developed a controllable assembly strategy to create BaCrO4@B core-shell energetic microspheres with precisely engineered spatial structures. The new method achieved uniform elemental distribution, preserved crystal structure, and continuous shell coverage, resulting in enhanced combustion stability and energy output.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEnergetic Materials Frontiers·DateJul 17, 2026

Professor Tae-Woo Lee’s research team achieves world-leading efficiency in vapor-deposited perovskite LEDs

The research team developed a novel X-type quasi-two-dimensional perovskite emitter that enables thermodynamically controlled crystal growth and precise crystallization control in vacuum deposition. This enabled the creation of highly uniform, high-efficiency, and high-color purity PeLEDs.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

Connecting the dots behind Southeast Asia's catastrophic fires

Researchers traced fire origins using network analysis of satellite observations, finding large fires often started from multiple locations. The study highlights the role of environmental conditions in determining where fires originate, which may challenge previous understanding of tropical forests' resilience.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 17, 2026
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Securing IoT via DMCGuard: fine-grained multi-channel control

Researchers developed DMCGuard to address inconsistent security policies across various IoT management channels. The framework provides a robust solution for preventing unauthorized access in smart environments without modifying underlying protocols.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

Tiny spatial shifts reshape coastal zooplankton communities in the Baltic Sea

A new study reveals critical fine-scale spatial heterogeneity of mesozooplankton across three brackish bays of the Central and Eastern Baltic Sea. Salinity and temperature drive distinct zooplankton assemblages, with clear inter-bay community separation emerging.

SourceSouth China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalBiological Diversity·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering ultrasensitive detection of Pb2+

Researchers developed an ultrasensitive SERS-based method for Pb2+ detection using L-cysteine-functionalized bismuth nanoparticles. The method achieves a low detection limit of 0.005 nmol⸱L−1, outperforming conventional lead ion detection techniques.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Materials Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

Satellite fusion sharpens the global view of soil moisture

Researchers developed an attention-guided Transformer model that learns unique strengths of each satellite mission, preserving differences in constellation design and observation geometry. The approach achieved high correlation coefficients and low RMSE values against references, especially in arid regions.

SourceAerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalSatellite Navigation·DateJul 17, 2026
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Weekly Events | Insilico Medicine executives at CPIC: navigating the dual breakthrough of tech innovation and clinical validation in AI drug discovery

At CPIC 2026, Insilico Medicine's Dr. Alex Zhavoronkov and Dr. Feng Ren presented on their approach to AI-driven life sciences, leveraging the Pharma.AI platform for agile translation and closed-loop validation. The duo emphasized the importance of technological breakthroughs and clinical validation in shaping the future of R&D.

SourceInSilico Medicine·DateJul 17, 2026

A new DNA-based strategy for tackling gum disease

A new DNA-based strategy has been developed to tackle gum disease, which is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases worldwide. The multifunctional nanotherapy effectively targets bacterial infection, suppresses oxidative stress, and promotes bone formation, showing promising results in preclinical studies.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalInternational Journal of Oral Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

Novel layered crystal for high-efficiency thermoelectric energy conversion

A new layered crystal, TlFe1.6Se2, combines high thermoelectric power factor with exceptionally low thermal conductivity, offering a promising strategy for designing next-generation thermoelectric materials. The material's unique electronic properties and Fe-vacancy ordering enhance its performance.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

New perception-based technology brings AR glasses closer to real life

Researchers developed a perception-driven display strategy that balances real-world brightness and virtual image quality. The technology improves real-world visibility while maintaining convincing appearance for virtual content under different lighting conditions.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Brain circuits may help explain cognitive symptoms in PSP

Researchers found that tau buildup in PSP affects brain networks involved in thinking, including the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex. The study suggests that symptoms arise from both local tau-related damage and remote disruption of a broader cognitive network.

SourceThe National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 17, 2026

Repetitive neuronal stimulation triggers nuclear reprogramming to revert mature neurons toward an immature-like state

Researchers found that repetitive neuronal stimulation transforms the identity of mature neurons, inducing cellular dematuration and widespread chromatin accessibility changes. The study suggests an 'intermediate state' of high plasticity, where specific configurations may depend on how strongly and often neuronal activity is applied.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

How an influx of salt may affect microbial ecosystems

Researchers found that as salinity increases in freshwater environments, microbial communities lose diversity due to faster-growing strains taking over, but maintain overall growth rates. This effect is also observed in natural ecosystems across different environments.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 17, 2026

Thin-film electronics that can move and become their own connectors

Kyushu University researchers have developed prototype thin-film electronic modules that can automatically connect and disconnect with each other. The modules use a kinetic electronics approach, integrating actuators and circuits on the same thin-film to create an electromechanical docking mechanism.

SourceKyushu University·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

The Sun contains more silver than previously estimated

Researchers at Uppsala University recalculated the Sun's silver content using a new model that predicts 55% more silver than previous estimates. This resolves a long-standing problem of missing silver in the solar system and improves our understanding of how elements are produced in stars and incorporated into planets.

SourceUppsala University·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 17, 2026

Ancient Egyptian princesses born 4,000 years ago were skilled archers, new study shows

Researchers studied six royal mummies from the Middle Kingdom and found evidence of strong muscle attachments and healed fractures, indicating the princesses were skilled archers. The study provides insight into the daily lives of these royal women, revealing they faced hardships despite their high status.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Archaeology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2026