The tiny robot arm can perform large, reversible bending movements controlled by light, allowing for simple tasks such as grasping and manipulating small objects. Its light-controlled bending could also be incorporated into blinds or agricultural devices that change their shape or orientation in response to light.
A groundbreaking immunotherapy treatment for rectal cancer has received FDA approval, offering patients with locally advanced rectal cancer the possibility of eliminating their cancer without chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. The treatment, developed through pioneering research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, has shown a ...
The new guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a long-term autoimmune liver disease. The guideline suggests a personalized approach to PBC care, considering each patient's risk of disease progression and disease characteristics.
Researchers propose novel therapies to rebalance GPCR signaling, potentially extending healthy years of life and delaying multiple age-related diseases. This network-level approach could give rise to personalized treatments and complement emerging longevity strategies.
A new study from the University of Southern California finds that using unfamiliar terms like
Researchers found high levels of 6PPD-quinone in stormwater runoff, exceeding fatal levels for juvenile salmon in critical habitats. Treating stormwater and developing non-toxic tire materials could mitigate the issue.
Scientists develop method to recycle colored polyester by redistributing existing dyes using supercritical CO₂, creating predictable new shades. The approach demonstrates potential for sustainable polyester recycling, but further research is needed to test real textile waste and complex dye combinations.
A new AI tool, circMAC, predicts microRNA binding sites on circular RNAs at nucleotide resolution, providing more focused candidate regions for experimental validation. The tool outperforms existing RNA language models and demonstrates its potential in supporting precise studies of RNA-mediated regulation.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen used brain scans to show that music activates brain regions involved in processing taste, constructing flavour through integration of multiple senses. This finding has potential to improve wellbeing and eating experiences in various settings.
A study published in Hospital Pediatrics found that targeted education on common medical devices can strengthen aspects of physician-family communication. Pediatric residents who received hands-on training with medical devices showed significant improvements in communication skills, including explaining care plans and encouraging quest...
A new study suggests using iris patterns to identify individual Amazonian treefrogs, providing a humane alternative to toe-clipping. The method was tested on 392 captures and showed a high degree of accuracy, with 56-80% of frogs recaptured and reliably re-identified within a single season.
The Graz University of Technology has developed an autonomous on-demand shuttle service that integrates vehicle and infrastructure sensors to enable safe, efficient, and sustainable mobility. The service can be requested on an on-demand basis and operates flexibly within a wider route network.
Maynooth University research reveals that bariatric surgery can reverse immune cell defects caused by obesity, improving the body's ability to respond to threats. The study highlights the importance of treating obesity through surgery to restore the body's defences against infections and cancer.
Baby manta rays stay in safe coastal areas with abundant food and hiding spots until they're large enough to face ocean dangers, while adults migrate long distances to avoid threats. The study tracked manta rays using acoustic and satellite telemetry, finding that coastal refuges serve as critical refuges for young mantas.
The 2026 Stress in America survey reveals US adults are withdrawing from activities due to stress, with nearly half relying on AI for support. Many view stress as an unavoidable part of daily life, affecting outlooks, relationships, and plans for the future.
Exogenous carbon addition to desert Chlorella sp. GTD4C-2 reshaped sugar metabolism and polysaccharide properties, leading to increased growth rates and antioxidant activity in glucose-supplemented cultures. Photoautotrophic conditions yielded polysaccharides with enhanced radical scavenging capacity.
China's experts have published a new consensus to tackle the resurgence of pertussis, driven by waning immunity and macrolide-resistant strains. The guidelines recommend a multi-faceted approach, including early identification, antimicrobial treatment, and life-course immunization strategies.
Photothermal superhydrophobic textiles overcome passive water repellency limitations by combining sunlight-driven heating with exceptional water repellency, enabling multifunctional materials for intelligent clothing and infrastructure protection. These textiles demonstrate exceptional performance, with reported examples achieving sola...
A comprehensive review reveals mechanical forces play a critical role in tumor metastasis, from intravasation to extravasation. Mechanical cues regulate cancer cell behavior, influencing survival, migration, and immune interactions.
The FullStaQD project has developed a reference architecture for quantum software that integrates applications and hardware, breaking down quantum software into three layers: applications, system functions, and hardware. This blueprint provides a foundation for the joint development of larger software systems by multiple teams.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology created and tested over 15,000 genetically altered versions of bacterial Rubisco to enhance photosynthesis efficiency. The study identified promising variants with reduced oxygenation rates, paving the way for designing better enzymes and improving computer models.
Researchers have reviewed recent advances in self-assembled monolayers as hole-selective contacts in perovskite solar cells, improving efficiency and stability. Molecular engineering optimizes buried interfaces, charge extraction, and supports high-efficiency single-junction devices and scalable photovoltaic modules.
A study published in General Psychiatry reports that early life sugar restriction is associated with lower risks of anxiety and depression later in life. Exposure to sugar rationing during the first 1000 days after conception was linked to a 17% lower risk of anxiety and a 14% lower risk of depression compared to no exposure.
A research team developed a medical adhesive patch that attaches securely but can be removed with markedly reduced force when needed. The patch uses a shape memory polymer material that recovers its original geometry when heated, reducing the effective contact area at the skin-adhesive interface and allowing for gentle detachment.
Researchers found that estuarine fish species with broad thermal tolerance may thrive in warmer conditions, but narrower-tolerance species are more vulnerable to climate change. The study provides hope for fisheries, but also highlights the need to manage estuaries to sustain resilient species.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded five scientists the 2026 Outstanding Achievement Prizes for their innovative research advancing mental health treatment. The prizewinners include Lieber Prize winner Dr. Joseph A. Gogos for schizophrenia research and Dr. Sheena Josselyn for cognitive neuroscience research.
Engineering students at the University of Cincinnati are developing an autonomous drone system that uses virtual reality for warehouse inventory management. The system, which uses photorealistic models and LIDAR technology, increases accuracy and efficiency in inventory tracking and leak detection.
The collaboration aims to evaluate phased retrofit pathways to improve energy performance, occupant comfort, and address practical challenges of upgrading older structures. ORNL researchers estimate that comprehensive retrofit pathways could reduce energy consumption by more than 40 percent.
Orangutans prefer rewards hidden under materials they dug through when listening to laughter, suggesting a positive mood enhances learning and memory. The study, led by Indiana University researchers, found that laughter has a contagious effect on ape emotions, impacting mood and reward valuation.
The review outlines strategies to prevent infection, preserve vascular access, and improve care for patients with long-term intravenous therapy. It emphasizes individualized care based on patient condition, infecting organism, and alternative access site availability.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have created a type of killer cell that can recall how to fight off respiratory diseases, offering a potential new approach to protecting against flu, colds, and RSV. This innovative technique aims to enhance the body's natural defense system, providing long-lasting protection against viruses.
Researchers found two divergent population trajectories for the Erect-crested penguin, one stable for 25 years and the other declining by 40% in 30 years. The study highlights the importance of reassessing the species' conservation status and protecting its last stronghold.
The article highlights the urgent need for accurate data on greenhouse gas emissions during armed conflict to hold militaries and governments accountable for their environmental impact. Greenhouse gas emissions from conflicts have been found to be significant, with some estimates suggesting that the first 14 days of the Iran war produc...
A ringfenced share of green transition revenues can be spent on improving health systems in low and middle-income countries. Reducing fossil fuel subsidies and introducing carbon taxes can generate substantial resources for domestic public health programmes.
A KAIST research team developed a technique to predict OLED lifetime by analyzing small changes in brightness caused by a magnetic field. The method is expected to reduce development time and cost by identifying the most likely to last longer, supporting the development of high-efficiency, long-lifetime OLEDs.
Attacks on water systems are attacks on health, warn experts, as damaged infrastructure leads to health crises and exacerbates existing conflicts. The authors outline priorities for health leaders, including tracking water quality and antimicrobial resistance, to prepare for and mitigate the impact of water loss.
Climate change is a major threat multiplier, not a reason to increase military spending, experts argue. Reducing military emissions requires reducing overall military size and transitioning to lower-emitting doctrines, according to Neta Crawford. Increasing defence expenditure diverts funds from health, education, and climate efforts, ...
Researchers at the University of East Anglia found that tiny changes in pupil size and blinking patterns can reveal an individual's mental workload during virtual reality tasks. This could lead to wearable systems that automatically adapt therapy in real-time, offering personalized pain relief for millions living with chronic pain.
Conflict and climate change are driving global food shortages, with 60%-70% of the world's most undernourished people living in conflict-affected areas. Strengthening agri-food systems and reducing global emissions through plant-based diets and cutting food loss and waste are key to building more resilient food systems.
A new study found that UK exam boards' compulsory learning material for science subjects almost entirely omits women scientists, despite their significant contributions to scientific breakthroughs. The researchers recommend incorporating these achievements into teaching frameworks to inspire more girls to continue with STEM subjects.
Researchers at UCLA and California NanoSystems Institute create a material that exhibits quantum properties at room temperature, thanks to the addition of an amino acid called arginine. The discovery opens up new possibilities for advanced materials and technologies, including energy-efficient computer memory.
A global team of researchers has launched the largest-ever study of brain function across eight mental illnesses, analyzing over 94,000 brain scans from 27 countries using a shared method. The study aims to identify brain signatures specific to each illness, drive discovery, and inform treatment response.
Camille Bilodeau, a UVA assistant professor, has been recognized for her contributions to chemical engineering. Her lab develops computational tools to predict molecular behavior, addressing challenges in targeted drug delivery, tissue engineering, and water purification.
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that New York City's tenant right-to-counsel program was associated with lower rates of all-cause emergency department visits among low-income residents at high risk of eviction. However, the program was linked to an increase in ED visits related to mental health and s...
A team led by Professor Mo Khalil is creating small protein-based tools called nanobodies to alter protein activity and study disease mechanisms. These nanobodies will enable large-scale experiments to understand how protein changes lead to different disease states.
Researchers propose using aging rate indicators to detect interventions that slow aging pace. The study aims to accelerate anti-aging breakthroughs, but regulatory barriers and equitable access are discussed.
A review highlights how altered fatty acid metabolism fuels glioma growth, reshapes immune responses, and influences treatment sensitivity. Fatty acid metabolism-based treatments, such as an FASN inhibitor, have shown promise in improving progression-free survival rates.
Researchers developed a biomimetic mineralization-immobilized whole-cell biocatalyst for efficient nicotinic acid production. The biocatalyst achieved 14 reuse cycles, producing 603.56 g/L nicotinic acid with a total molar conversion of 90.2%, significantly outperforming free cells.
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University found statistical evidence that some supermassive black holes are ejected from their galaxy centers after forming. Quasars containing faster-moving black holes are, on average, redder, indicating more dust obscures them.
Gustave Roussy physicians and researchers showcase promising studies on immunotherapy and digital health at the ESMO 2026 Congress, aiming to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients. The institution's UNLOCK programme and other initiatives are highlighted as key contributors to these advancements.
Research reveals that family heirlooms are not simply discarded, but rather, heirs consider how to pass them down to new owners and preserve their legacy. Descendants often opt to keep heritage goods together as a set to maintain the family history and integrity of the item.
A new study reveals that LSD speeds up brain rhythms, increasing frequency and making brain activity more fractal, unlike other psychedelics. The accelerated brain activity is unique to LSD and is associated with altered perception and introspection.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a hybrid chemical sensing system combining an insect's natural sensing abilities with nanomaterials. The system, which adds a ultralight nanomaterial coating to locust antennae, improves odor-detection performance across a wide range of chemicals, including TNT.
Mississippi State University has been awarded $90,000 by the US Department of State to lead a trilateral initiative on innovative energy research collaboration with Bahrain and the UK. The SPARK project will strengthen research partnerships, expand technical exchange, and advance practical solutions in emerging energy technologies.
To limit global warming to 1.5°C, global greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 18% by 2030, 45% by 2035, and 69% by 2040. The report finds that even achieving additional net-zero targets will only limit warming to 2.1°C.
The Office of Naval Research has selected 180 CNR Fellows from 70 institutions, providing technical insight and new research opportunities. The program aims to strengthen connections between the DON and academic community, supporting Sailor and Marine technological edge.
A new study by NYU Tandon School of Engineering found that 86% of AI-generated advice fell short on accuracy, completeness, or safety, and 60% omitted critical safety warnings. Researchers tested four AI systems, including IPV-specific chatbots, and found that most responses were rated unsafe or incomplete.
Researchers at USC Rossier and the University of San Francisco document how state officials use extra-legal tactics to silence local education leaders, threatening their jobs and reputations. The study highlights the personal and professional toll of these pressures, including threats, therapy, and social media avoidance.
A new study challenges the long-held hypothesis that early land animals evolved flexible necks for turning their heads. Using fossil anatomy and biomechanical studies of a modern fish, researchers found that early tetrapod necks were stiff and did not allow much mobility.
Engineers at the University of Cincinnati developed a system to detect damaged drones using sound recordings. The system can alert operators before takeoff, preventing crashes and ensuring public safety. The technology aims to enable fully autonomous drones that can detect damage and return to base before catastrophic failure.