Rocket launch costs have decreased by 21.2% for every doubling of cumulative payload sent to orbit, driven by technological learning. By 2040, costs could reach $300 per kilogram, with SpaceX's Starship potentially pushing costs below $1,000.
Researchers have developed a detector that delivers high sensitivity while operating at ordinary room temperature, using carbon nanotubes and a pyroelectric lithium niobate crystal. The device surpasses earlier graphene-based detectors by several orders of magnitude and offers a broad spectral range without cryogenic cooling.
A study published in PLOS One reveals fluctuations in exclusionary nationalism in prewar Japan through changes in foreign place name writing. Notable turning points coincided with key political events, such as the appointment of a pro-international cooperation Foreign Minister and military coups.
A team of surgeons used robot-assisted stereotactic surgery to treat a patient with multiple deep brain abscesses, achieving complete resolution and rapid neurological recovery. The minimally invasive strategy reduced surgical trauma and accelerated healing.
Researchers mapped the habitat of army cutworm moths to protect grizzly foraging sites from growing backcountry recreation. The moths congregate in high-altitude talus fields that are difficult to access, providing a crucial food source for grizzlies.
A new cancer drug has shown promising results in a mesothelioma trial, controlling disease progression in 67% of patients. The drug targets the cancer's energy system by inhibiting a specific enzyme, causing oxidative stress that kills tumor cells.
Researchers at Terasaki Institute develop a wireless dual-compartment biochemical monitoring platform for real-time tracking of key biomarkers in perfusion fluid and bile during normothermic machine perfusion. The study shows improved interpretation of post-transplant outcomes with combined bile and perfusate data.
A team of astronomers used the James Webb Space Telescope to observe gaseous filaments connecting a galaxy's hot atmosphere to its central supermassive black hole. The observations showed that gas flowed along these filaments and poured into a spinning disk, which feeds the SMBH.
A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge and UC Santa Barbara developed 'adversarial' mathematical systems to map out where AI prediction breaks down. They identified two main reasons why machine learning fails: algorithmic limitations and hidden patterns in complex systems.
Researchers propose using the glucose ketone index (GKI) to track metabolic health in non-communicable diseases, which cause three in four deaths worldwide. The GKI measures blood glucose and ketones and may indicate metabolic state, assess long-term nutritional adherence, and support mitochondrial function improvement.
A European energy system model determines that a uniform benchmark for vehicle charging infrastructure is not optimal, as the cost-optimal level varies by country. Customized targets for EU member states can unlock benefits through smart charging technologies like V1G and V2G.
A novel, two-sided dressing made from sustainable polymers has been developed to deliver antibiotics directly to wounds during critical early stages of infection. The dressing reduces bacterial growth and biofilm formation by over 90%, promoting healing and reducing the risk of treatment failure.
A novel oral vaccine platform using genetically engineered Bifidobacterium could enhance anti-tumor immunity. The results point to potential biomarkers that may help identify patients most likely to benefit from this approach.
The KIMS research team developed a technology that precisely controls the dispersion of PTFE nanoparticles, enabling simultaneous enhancement of hardness, low-friction performance, and wear resistance in silver coatings. This results in a coating that is simultaneously harder, smoother, and more resistant to wear.
A recent clinical trial found that a combination of THC and CBD significantly reduced agitation in people with late-stage dementia. The study, which enrolled 120 participants, showed a 6.27-point reduction in mean agitation scores after 2 weeks and a sustained reduction at 12 weeks.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a digital manufacturing platform to create patient-specific contact lenses in under 20 minutes. The innovative technology uses custom lens design software and advanced 3D printing combined with a new hydrophilic silicone material, providing precise fit and optical clarity.
Researchers developed a deep Q-network framework to train traffic signals to protect network resilience. The method achieved significant reductions in relative area index (RAI) across various disruption scenarios, indicating improved recovery rates and reduced congestion costs.
The L²-CPI system extends optical microscopy capabilities by capturing data 'on the fly' and retrieving phase information with high precision. This allows for non-destructive inspection of large-scale nanometrology samples, such as wafer defect arrays, with sub-wavelength defect detection.
Researchers analyzed UK Biobank data and found that night-active individuals had higher risks of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders compared to daytime-active individuals. An early-morning-active phenotype was associated with lower MDD risk, while higher physical activity at certain times was linked to adverse outcomes.
Research reveals that drought stress stimulates primary root elongation in plants, allowing them to adapt and survive. The plant hormone abscisic acid plays a crucial role in this process by integrating with other hormonal signals to promote primary root growth.
Research found that night owls consume more energy, carbohydrates, and fats late at night, leading to increased body fat percentage, belly fat, and higher blood sugar. This eating pattern was associated with poorer lipid profiles and less favourable indicators of glucose regulation.
A major international study led by Curtin University found diabetes risk is linked to both excess body fat and poor muscle health, with nearly 15% of people with sarcopenic obesity developing type 2 diabetes within 10 years. Maintaining muscle strength and mass may be as important as managing body weight in assessing diabetes risk.
The study found that dolphins visit two coastal communities along the Sea of Japan, with detection rates occurring once every ten days. The researchers recorded unique whistle characteristics in each bay, suggesting differences in sound environments or animal behavior.
Researchers from KAIST and MIT create a transmissive mid-infrared spatial light modulator that can perform various sensor functions using electrical signals alone. The device has demonstrated stable performance after over 16,700 switching cycles and is expected to enable software-defined sensors with reconfigurable optical hardware.
A recent study has found that vaping and smoking can lead to reduced blood vessel functionality, breathing efficiency, and exercise capacity in young adults. The research, conducted on 75 people aged 18-30, revealed a 15% reduction in fitness compared to those who have never smoked or vaped.
Researchers directly observed four white dwarf stars orbiting double star systems in our cosmic backyard. The new results revealed that each system had a red dwarf companion, which was hiding the white dwarf's light. This discovery allows researchers to update the local white dwarf census within 20 parsecs of Earth.
A KAIST research team analyzed key challenges in commercializing biomanufacturing and proposed an AI-based strategy to address them. The study suggests a phased approach to simplify production processes and expand into high-value markets first.
Pedestrian deaths in New York State show that nearly half involved substance use, leading researchers to call for more public health messaging on walking while under the influence. Substance use is particularly concerning when combined with alcohol, increasing cognitive impairment and neurocognitive deficits.
Researchers have developed an innovative combination treatment strategy that uses cells' waste removal functions to effectively dismantle multiple myeloma. The experimental targeted protein degrader enhances the destruction of a specific cancer cell survival protein and works in tandem with existing drugs, while showing limited toxicity.
Giant kelp forests in Southern California are controlled by how much kelp survives disturbance, rather than its growth rate. Winter storms significantly shape their productivity, with disturbances removing biomass and changing forest recovery abilities.
A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease estimates that dementia-related costs across 30 high-income European countries total €221 billion annually. Family caregivers carry a significant portion of this burden, providing an estimated €128 billion in unpaid care.
A UH Mānoa study reveals the Hawaiian mantle plume has gotten hotter, producing two of the largest volcanoes in the Main Hawaiian Island chain. The research found a strong correlation between mantle temperatures and volcano size, with heat surges occurring at 14-20 million years ago and 0-6 million years ago.
Researchers used experimental models to forecast 2025 Texas floods, which killed over 120 people. Models also project increased U.S. thunderstorm threat and severe weather season starts earlier in a warmer climate.
Researchers found that chitosan-functionalized biochar reduced plant-available arsenic by 21.1% and lowered arsenic concentrations in rice grains by 43.1%. The modified biochar continued to reduce arsenic accumulation after six months of natural aging, supporting healthier root development.
A new study identifies five audience 'classes' based on people's perceptions of scientists' credibility, including enthusiasts, optimists, moderates, skeptics, and estranged. Researchers found that public estimates of scientific credibility differ depending on the topic and audience class.
New research reveals biochar's reactive chemistry can slow soil organic carbon decomposition by suppressing enzymes, particularly in acidic soils. The protective effect varies among different soils, with some biochars increasing carbon dioxide emissions.
Researchers from Rutgers University analyzed US insurance claims data to compare the risk of ischemic optic neuropathy among initiators of GLP-1 RAs versus SGLT-2is or DPP-4is. A small increase in risk was observed, but absolute risk remained very low.
A global analysis of 932 observations shows that biochar delivers stronger carbon gains in nitrogen-poor soils and follows different carbon storage pathways depending on soil fertility. Biochar effectiveness varies greatly from one field to another, with the amount of nitrogen already present in soil controlling how much carbon it stores.
A team of wildlife health experts and surgeons from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and UC San Diego Health performed a groundbreaking mastoidectomy on Mizani, a 12-year-old western lowland gorilla. The procedure successfully treated an infection that had spread into portions of his skull, allowing him to make a full recovery.
The University of Texas at Arlington has launched an online Doctor of Social Work program to prepare experienced social work professionals for leadership and educational roles. The three-year, part-time program emphasizes practical relevance and incorporates emerging instructional approaches.
A study by Rutgers researchers found that cardiovascular health during pregnancy was associated with the timing of new hypertensive and metabolic diagnoses after delivery. Women with poorer scores were diagnosed sooner than those with better scores, even without major complications.
A new study found that longer pair bonds in Florida Scrub-Jays independently increase reproductive success, with experienced birds producing more offspring. The research also showed that younger birds paired with older mates have lower survival odds.
A multicenter study found that patients with irregular corneas achieved significant visual acuity improvements after wearing a four-zone scleral lens for three months. The lenses showed encouraging fitting efficiency and patient comfort, with minimal adverse events reported.
A new study at the University of California, Davis found that an adolescent's brain response to a face may predict their social health two years later. High activity in the amygdala when an adolescent looks at a face showing emotions predicts more involvement with peers for girls, but less involvement for boys.
Researchers have developed a novel technique to observe real-time domain wall behavior in ferroelectric materials during 'poling' and 'depoling', providing deeper insights into the mechanisms at play. This breakthrough resolves longstanding debates about AC and DC poling, shedding light on the polarization state of these materials.
Researchers found that myotonia amplifies the disease's effects on muscles, and therapies targeting it could help preserve muscle function. By eliminating myotonia, muscles showed healthier tissue and improved gene expression, suggesting a new treatment approach for myotonic dystrophy
Despite affecting an estimated 2 billion people, menstrual health continues to be overlooked by governments, businesses, and the scientific community. Experts call for comprehensive education, quality healthcare, and policies that enable people to manage menstruation with dignity.
Researchers at Penn State found that adjusting the atomic arrangement of structural metals in molten salt reactors can significantly affect corrosion rates. The study's findings highlight the importance of material stability and chemical interactions between salts, metals, and mechanical stress.
The American Ornithological Society has awarded seven 2026 Kessel Fellowships to support early-career researchers investigating avian ecology, behavior, conservation, genetics, and climate change. The fellowships aim to address the growing gap in understanding Arctic wildlife responses to environmental change.
CCNY-led researchers have outlined an emerging frontier in quantum materials where light, magnetism, and electric charge are strongly intertwined. Excitons, which form when light excites an electron inside a material, interact with magnetic order and spin waves, enabling the readout of magnetic states via changes in light polarization.
Researchers developed an AI model to optimize water usage in agriculture and semiconductor manufacturing. The model identifies cause-and-effect relationships between water availability, crop needs, and industrial expansion, generating recommendations for each state.
Researchers successfully demonstrated remote and autonomous power adjustments to a low-power research reactor using a digital control loop and reinforcement learning model. The demonstration linked three sites operating together in real time, showcasing the potential for autonomous nuclear energy operations.
A new study estimates US data center power capacity will grow fourfold by 2030, with carbon dioxide emissions rising to 404 million metric tons per year. However, carbon capture and storage may offer a practical near-term pathway for providing low-carbon power.
A multicenter study has provided new evidence on the effectiveness of combined exercise and nutrition interventions in critically ill patients. Researchers found that such interventions did not improve outcomes compared to usual ICU care, but generated valuable insights for refining future rehabilitation and nutrition strategies.
The WVU team developed an AI framework that allows satellites to not only detect wildfires but also coordinate with one another and adjust their observation schedules as fires spread. This enables firefighters to respond sooner, taking into account the rapid movement of wildfires, dense vegetation, and hills.
A new statistical test developed by Stanford researchers assesses whether personalizing interventions is worth it. The K-fold personalization test (KPT) provides an estimate of expected benefits and a range for potential gains, helping users understand trade-offs involved in tailoring interventions to individuals. This tool can aid inf...
A six-year study on drought's impact on soil microbial communities found decreased biodiversity and shifted ecological configurations. This decline affects nutrient cycling processes and broader ecosystem health.
Researchers developed an auditing technique to test generative AI models for malicious capabilities, without prompting them for illegal outputs. The new approach identifies model variations that can generate CSAM with 100% accuracy.
Researchers discovered that KRAS inhibitors significantly reduced tumor growth and triggered cancer cell death in advanced preclinical models of appendiceal adenocarcinoma. In a clinical cohort, all evaluable patients experienced a marked reduction in serum tumor markers, indicating effective treatment with these drugs.
A new study from Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana demonstrates safe and effective bariatric surgery outcomes for young patients with severe obesity. The study found significant improvements in weight loss and obesity-related health conditions, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care models.