Small step to yield a big coastal protection win
A global study found that safeguarding 7.3% more mangrove areas can increase their resilience by 13.3%, with climate-smart conservation being achievable and affordable
Latest Science News
Brightsurf delivers daily science news discoveries, articles, and the latest scientific breakthroughs. Your trusted source for science news today, covering nature news, science & technology, and scientific discoveries from leading research institutions worldwide.
03.04.26
Biophysical Society announces Undergraduate Poster Award Competition winners
Seventy-one undergraduate students presented their research at the annual poster competition, with 10 winners recognized for outstanding presentations. The winners were selected by judges from every career level and represented various fields of biophysics.
Biophysical Society selects Student Research Achievement Award winners
The 70th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting Awards Ceremony recognized 35 student research achievement award winners for their exceptional poster presentations. The winners were selected by judges from the Society's Subgroups, with students from over 30 countries participating in the competition.
How much sleep do teens get? Six-seven hours.
Teens are getting significantly less sleep, with over 50% reporting less than 5 hours per night, a rise from 2007 when it was around 30%. This short sleep is linked to emotional regulation issues, poor academic performance, and increased risks for obesity and diabetes.
GLP-1 diabetes drugs linked to reduced risk of addiction and substance-related death
A large US study published in The BMJ found that GLP-1 receptor agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity may also help lower the risk of addiction to various substances. The study associated GLP-1 receptor agonists with reduced risks of adverse outcomes such as overdoses and drug-related emergency department visits and deaths...
Global trauma study highlights shared learning as interest in whole blood resurges
The GOAL-Trauma study found significant variation in blood transfusion strategies for patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery following trauma, with higher-resource settings using component therapy and lower-resource settings relying on whole blood transfusions.
Almost a third of Gen Z men agree a wife should obey her husband
A global study of 23,000 people found that Gen Z men are more likely to agree that a wife should obey her husband and have traditional views on decision-making within a marriage. Meanwhile, Gen Z women showed less agreement with these statements compared to Baby Boomer women.
GLP-1 medications get at the heart of addiction: study
Researchers found that GLP-1 medications are effective at reducing the risk of developing substance use disorders across all major addictive substances, including a 14% reduced risk for developing any substance use disorder. The study also showed significant reductions in severe harm, including overdose and death, among patients with p...
Patients regain weight rapidly after stopping weight loss drugs – but still keep off a quarter of weight lost
Patients who stop taking weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy experience rapid weight regain of up to 60% within a year, but sustain around 25% of lost weight. Researchers found that individuals may maintain healthier eating habits even after treatment ends.
Liquid origami: Scientists create microscopic six-pointed stars from tiny droplets
Researchers have discovered that microscopic oil droplets can fold themselves into precise six-pointed star shapes while remaining liquid inside. The team identified the physical mechanism responsible for this unusual geometry, revealing a fundamentally new route for shape change in elastic interfacial crystals.
Councils face industry legal threats for campaigns warning against wood burning stoves
In England, over a third of councils face industry legal threats for clean air campaigns; the stove industry lobbied local authorities to ignore public health risks. Key findings include wood burning's significant contribution to fine particle air pollution and its link to various health conditions.
Life-changing drug identified for children with rare epilepsy
A new medication called zorevunersen has been found to reduce seizures in children with Dravet syndrome by up to 91%, improving their quality of life and behavior. The study, led by University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital, also showed the potential to reduce the impact of the condition on mental processes.
New review highlights the future of tubular solid oxide fuel cells for clean energy systems
Recent advances in tubular solid oxide fuel cells provide a comprehensive overview of innovative geometric designs and real-world applications. These cells offer a promising technology for addressing global energy challenges with higher energy conversion efficiency and fuel flexibility.
Pig farm ammonia pollution may indirectly accelerate climate warming, new study finds
A new study reveals that ammonia released from intensive livestock farms can stimulate soil microbial processes that generate nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. The research highlights an overlooked pathway linking livestock pollution to global warming.
First gene regulation clinical trials for epilepsy show promising results
Phase 1/2a clinical trials demonstrate significant seizure reduction and improvement in symptoms of Dravet syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting cognitive function, motor skills, and behavior. The treatment, zorevunersen, targets the underlying cause of the disease by enhancing the normal SCN1A gene.
Modified biochar helps compost retain nitrogen and build richer soil organic matter
Researchers designed modified biochars with phosphorus and magnesium to improve compost quality by retaining nitrogen and accelerating humification. The study found that these materials reduced ammonia emissions and promoted microbial activity, resulting in higher nitrogen retention and improved soil fertility.
Trapping light on thermal photodetectors shatters speed records
Electrical engineers at Duke University have developed the fastest pyroelectric photodetector, capable of capturing light from the entire electromagnetic spectrum. The device requires no external power and operates at room temperature, making it suitable for on-chip applications and multispectral cameras.
Mayo Clinic researchers discover hidden brain map that may improve epilepsy care
Mayo Clinic researchers have identified a hidden 'movement map' deep within the brain, which could help surgeons reduce side effects from epilepsy procedures and guide future treatments for speech and movement disorders. The discovery was made using advanced brain-recording technology to create individualized maps of patients' brains.
Resuscitation science, training and technology leaders launch new self-guided resuscitation learning model nationwide
The American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical have launched Self-Guided Learning, a flexible resuscitation training delivery model, to provide equitable access to high-quality training. The model allows learners to complete HeartCode Complete courses on their own schedule, using advanced simulation technology to verify skills.
Study: Football associated with nearly one in five brain injuries in youth sports
Youth football is associated with nearly 1 in 5 traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in children and young adults. Football players are also more likely to experience repeat TBIs, with 37% of cases occurring in athletes who participated in the sport.
Machine-learning immune-system analysis study may hold clues to personalized medicine
A York University-led study used machine-learning models to analyze 64 immune biomarkers in people with and without HIV who received COVID-19 vaccines. The researchers found clear vaccine-initiated immune response biomarkers between the two groups, but also identified outliers that provide insights into the complex nature of the immune...
In MS, wearable sensors may help identify people at risk of worsening disability
A study found that people with changes in their activity patterns were more likely to have worsening disability and loss of brain volume than those whose patterns did not change. Wearable sensors measure physical activity, time spent sitting or inactive, and circadian rhythms.
Microwave frying can help lower oil content for healthier French fries
Researchers propose a hybrid approach of combining conventional and microwave frying to achieve lower oil content without compromising flavor and texture. The study found that microwave frying resulted in faster moisture loss, shorter cooking time, and lower oil intake, suggesting an economically feasible option for industrial production.
New study reveals for the first time how hygienic honey bees show unique advantages in fighting infectious pathogens in adult bees
Research reveals hygienic honey bees have enhanced innate immune responses and increased survival when infected with Nosema ceranae, a widespread adult bee pathogen. This discovery offers a promising avenue for strengthening bee health through selective breeding.
NYCST announces Round 2 Awards for space technology projects
NYCST has selected projects for Round 2 funding, focusing on groundbreaking space-related technology development and supply-chain resilience. The consortium aims to address workforce shortages and mature critical technologies through partnerships between industry and top-tier research institutions.
Husker researchers collaborate to explore fear of spiders
Researchers mapped participants' eye movements to identify patterns when viewing spider images, revealing attention is drawn to spider-specific features like webs and eggs. The study aims to better understand the mechanisms underlying arachnophobia, paving the way for more effective mental health treatments.
How the Dobbs decision and abortion restrictions changed where medical students apply to residency programs
A study by the University of Washington found that medical student applications to residency programs in states with new abortion restrictions decreased sharply following the Dobbs decision. Applications to specialties related to reproductive health dropped notably, indicating a potential impact on future physician workforce.
Ludwig scientists are co-recipients of prestigious Cancer Grand Challenges award
A team led by Paul Bastard aims to discover antibodies that open new avenues for early detection, prevention and treatment of cancer. Ludwig Institute scientists will employ novel protein profiling technologies to capture telltale patterns linking antibody repertoires and disease states.
A promising potential therapeutic strategy for Rett syndrome
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a potential therapeutic strategy for Rett syndrome by guiding brain cells to produce more functional MeCP2 protein. The approach, which involves deleting a specific ingredient from the gene that produces the protein, has shown promise in mice and cells derived from patients with...
AI-based liquid biopsy may detect liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and chronic disease signals
Researchers developed an AI-based liquid biopsy test that detects early liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, and reveals signals of broader chronic disease burden. The test uses genome-wide cell-free DNA fragmentation patterns and repeat landscapes to identify disease-specific signatures.
How long does it take to get last liquid drops from kitchen containers? These physicists know the answer
Researchers found that low-viscosity liquids like milk take around 30 seconds to drain 90% of a thin film, while more viscous fluids like olive oil require over nine minutes. The study provides insight into everyday physics and its applications in the kitchen.
Researchers identify ‘neuroimmune signature’ that can predict hepatitis complications
A network of genes connected to the nervous and immune systems can predict liver cancer risk, fatigue, and depression from viral hepatitis infection. The neuroimmunoma biomarker may monitor disease progression and indicate possible psychiatric complications.
How cocaine rewires the brain to drive relapse
Research at Michigan State University reveals how cocaine addiction is notoriously difficult to treat due to its impact on brain function. The study found that chronic cocaine use changes brain activity, particularly in the hippocampus and reward centers, leading to compulsive behavior.
New study reveals asynchronous land–ocean responses to ancient ocean anoxia
A recent study has precisely dated the end of a geomagnetic field reversal, revealing asynchronous land–ocean responses to ancient ocean anoxia. The findings provide new insights into Early Cretaceous geodynamics and the evolution of marine and terrestrial carbon cycles.
How microbes protect against allergies
Researchers found that exposure to microbes induces a lasting immune memory in fibroblasts, protecting lungs from allergic reactions for months. This discovery opens up new possibilities for developing preventive strategies for respiratory allergies.
Ongoing problems with kids’ heart transplant waitlists found in Stanford Medicine-led studies
A Stanford Medicine-led study reveals that the US method for ranking children on heart transplant waitlists does not consistently prioritize the sickest patients. The current system fails to capture medical urgency, leading to higher waitlist mortality rates and potential unfair treatment of some patients.
Ctenophore research points to earlier origins of brain-like structures
New 3D reconstructions of a key sensory organ in ctenophores show unexpected structural and functional complexity. The findings suggest that an elementary brain may have already appeared in our most ancient relatives, challenging the current understanding of nervous system evolution in animals.
Natural dye produced by Amazonian fungus can be used in cosmetics
The study found that the extract reduced cell damage compounds by over 75% and preserved skin health with over 60% of cells remaining alive. The researchers developed a natural dye, produced by Talaromyces amestolkiae fungus, which can be used in cosmetic formulations while maintaining safety and functionality.
Photocatalytic material class: High expectations reinforced
Researchers from CASUS at HZDR developed a reliable computational framework to study polyheptazine imides' electronic and optical properties. This work confirms the potential of these materials for photocatalytic reactions, including water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction.
Functional photoacoustic microscopy reaches super-resolution by tracking red blood cells
Researchers developed a high-speed photoacoustic microscope to track red blood cells in the mouse brain, allowing for single-cell resolution imaging of microvascular structures. This enables study of cerebral small vessel disease, cognitive impairment and dementia.
Moffitt study identifies distinct tumor-immune ecologies that predict immunotherapy response in lung cancer
Researchers identified distinct spatial tumor-immune ecologies that differentiate stable disease from progressive disease in non-small cell lung cancer patients. Tumors that progressed were characterized by immune suppression before treatment began, while stable disease tumors showed stronger colocalization of immune cells. Machine lea...
Tibet ASγ experiment sheds new light on cosmic rays acceleration and propagation in Milky Way
The Tibet ASγ Experiment has measured magnetohydrodynamic turbulence on scales below one parsec within the gamma-ray halo surrounding the Geminga pulsar wind nebula. The study found that particle diffusion is strongly suppressed near Geminga and the turbulent properties follow a Kolmogorov-type scaling law.
Health informatics class gets an AI makeover to better prepare nursing students
A study at George Mason University found that nursing students in an AI-enhanced health informatics course showed statistically significant learning gains compared to traditional students. The course used AI-generated videos and clinically contextualized assignments to improve student engagement and outcomes.
As a whole, LGB+ workers in the NHS do not experience pay gaps compared to their heterosexual colleagues
A study published in PLOS found that LGB+ workers in the NHS do not experience pay gaps compared to their heterosexual colleagues. However, those who have disclosed their sexual identity tend to receive higher pay, while those who have not disclosed are at risk of a pay penalty.
Hope for Rett syndrome: New research may unlock treatment pathway for rare disorder with no cure
Researchers have found that increasing mutant MeCP2 protein levels can improve symptoms in mice and cells from patients with Rett syndrome. The approach, which guides brain cells to skip a specific ingredient, has shown promise in treating the rare neurodevelopmental disorder.
Cracking the code on sulfur-based cathodes
A team of researchers has developed a practical and powerful all-solid-state battery using lithium-sulfur conversion chemistry. By optimizing particle size and material arrangement, they achieved a discharge capacity of 1500 milliampere-hours per gram of sulfur, bringing the technology closer to realizing its theoretical capacity.
A jump to the champions league: CERN-linked Centre of Excellence gives Estonia a fresh boost
The initiative aims to strengthen Estonia's scientific excellence, train new generations of scientists and engineers, and translate frontier technologies into industrial value. The project plans to create a critical mass of top-level scientists in Estonia capable of leading both research and technology development.
Evolution of new physical traits in mollusks has declined and grown more predictable over time
A new study by Geerat Vermeij and Tracy Thomson found that mollusks evolved unique physical traits at a frequency of once every 2 million years in early history, declining to about one trait every 9 million years. The evolution of these traits has become increasingly predictable over the 540-million-year history of mollusks.
Analysis of charred food in pot reveals that prehistoric Europeans had surprisingly complex cuisines
A study of charred food in pots reveals that prehistoric Europeans consumed a wide variety of plants, including grasses, berries, and leaves, alongside fish and seafood. The findings emphasize the importance of plants in early European diets and suggest that ancient cuisines were more complex than previously thought.
How time changes impact public sentiment in the U.S.
A study published in PLOS One found that individuals experience a more negative reaction to the time change from daylight saving time (DST) to standard time (ST) in the fall, compared to the transition from ST to DST in the spring. Social media sentiment analysis revealed a depressive impact in early fall.
Rice-led research to develop first regenerative therapy for lymphedema receives up to $18.2M federal award
A team of researchers led by Rice University bioengineer Omid Veiseh is developing a first-of-its-kind regenerative treatment aimed at restoring damaged lymphatic vessels and potentially curing lymphedema. The therapy, called ELIXIR, uses engineered human retinal pigment epithelial cells to rebuild broken lymphatic vessels.
Mosquito monitoring through sound - implications for AI species recognition
Researchers found that environmental and biological factors significantly impact mosquito sound variability between species and individuals. Controlling for these variations is crucial to improve AI-based acoustic classification accuracy.
UCLA researchers engineer CAR-T cells to target hard-to-treat solid tumors
The novel approach outperforms standard CAR-T cell therapy in preclinical studies using mouse models of glioblastoma and ovarian cancer. Armored CAR-T cells eliminate tumors, reshape the tumor environment, and boost immune-cell activity.
Hawk study shows potential lessons of bird flight
A new study reveals how birds shift their shape in flight to navigate obstacles, offering insights into improved UAV designs. The research, published in Journal of the Royal Society Interface, used motion capture and wind tunnel modeling to analyze a Harris's hawk's flight patterns.
Climate change pushes tropical insects to their heat limit
A recent study reveals that tropical insects have limited ability to adapt to climate change, with many species unable to tolerate high temperatures. The research highlights the threat of far-reaching consequences for entire ecosystems, particularly in regions like the Amazon.
SFU study sheds light on clotting risks for female astronauts
Researchers at Simon Fraser University have found that women's blood clots more slowly and then forms faster and stronger in microgravity, sparking concerns about health monitoring protocols for female astronauts who spend six months or more in orbit. This combination increases the risk of serious medical events, such as pulmonary embo...
Machines spot deepfake pictures better than humans, but people outperform AI in detecting deepfake videos
A recent study found that AI programs are up to 97% accurate at detecting pictures of deepfake faces, but performed at chance levels when it comes to detecting deepfake videos. Humans correctly identified real and fake videos about two-thirds of the time, picking up on subtle inconsistencies in movement and facial expressions. The stud...
Researchers played music to cells – aggressiveness of laryngeal cancer decreased
The study discovered that restoring cellular vibration decreases cancer growth and severity in laryngeal cancer. Researchers exposed cancer cells to sound-wave vibration, leading to a decrease in a protein promoting cancer growth.
UCF med students share pediatric research globally
Three UCF medical students presented their groundbreaking research on improving pediatric care for children with cleft palates and skull deformities. Their studies explored the use of robotic surgery, high-tech imaging, and new surgical approaches to enhance patient outcomes.
Too much or too little? A molecular switch that decides how wounds heal
The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a dynamic role in regulating acute wound healing by synchronizing macrophage behavior and promoting tissue restoration. Temporally modulating NLRP3 activity improved tissue regeneration, reduced scarring, and enhanced healing quality.