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.
Researchers developed a novel magnetorheological fluid-based soft robot with reversible t robot with reversible for precise targeting of gastrointestinal tract diseases. The robot demonstrated stable flip, steering, and folding motions, as well as reliable movement performance under load, and successfully attached to the drug release p...
Bone char produced from animal bones can transform a large global waste stream into a valuable agricultural resource, recycling phosphorus and improving soil health. Laboratory and field studies show that bone char can enhance soil fertility by gradually releasing phosphorus over time, reducing nutrient losses and promoting plant growth.
Experts will address critical issues in voluntary assisted dying and dementia, including community attitudes, Indigenous perspectives, and organ donation. The conference, open to the media and public, features over 130 presentations on VAD and its intersection with dementia.
The Sylvester Cancer Tip Sheet for March 2026 highlights the importance of genetic testing for cancer risk assessment. Researchers have made significant progress in developing new treatments, including mRNA-based immunotherapy for colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Additionally, the Dolphins Cancer Challenge has surpassed $100 million ...
Researchers at Nagoya University present six advances in gallium oxide thin-film growth, including a world-first result growing the material on low-cost silicon substrates. The new High-Density Oxygen Radical Source doubles atomic oxygen density, promoting chemical reaction and film growth.
A new imaging test, PSMA PET/CT scan, has been shown to safely reduce the number of biopsies needed for suspected prostate cancer, with no harm to patients. The PRIMARY2 trial found that the scan could identify low-risk patients who did not need a biopsy, while targeting suspicious areas for those who did.
A new study suggests that using virtual reality (VR) to explain medical procedures can help patients better understand their treatment and reduce anxiety. The research tested VR as part of the consent process for a procedure to treat kidney stones, with patients reporting improved understanding and reduced anxiety after the experience.
A report calls for stricter regulation of AI toys to ensure 'psychological safety' in young children. The study found that AI toys often misread emotions, struggle with developmentally important play types, and pose concerns for social and pretend play.
Researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience identified 7 distinct types of hyperarousal, a key factor in various mental disorders. The study suggests that a new, concise questionnaire can help better understand and treat these conditions, leading to more targeted treatment plans.
Researchers developed a solvent-free method to transform biochar into a hydrophobic material that repels water and absorbs oil. The material, created through mechanochemical functionalization, was applied to hemp fibers, providing strong water repellent properties while allowing oil absorption.
Autistic pupils in specialist resource centres exhibit improved academic progress and sense of belonging compared to mainstream schools. However, teacher and peer support are the strongest predictors of positive outcomes, including reduced internalising symptoms and increased flourishing.
A new study challenges the assumption that only small pores in biochar capture carbon dioxide, finding that larger pores significantly increase carbon capture at higher temperatures. The research suggests optimizing the full pore hierarchy of biochar could improve its performance as a carbon capture material.
Researchers directly measured lithium dendrites' mechanical strength, finding they exhibit unexpectedly high strength and brittle behavior under stress. The study provides insights into how dendrites respond to physical stresses within a battery cell, shedding light on the challenge of scale and access that hindered previous research.
Researchers deploy electrical resistivity tomography to characterize subsurface groundwater under the playa, revealing a complex patchwork of fresh and salty aquifers. The study aims to understand the groundwater's volume and flux, advancing knowledge of terminal lakes and their ecological importance.
Researchers are using a revolutionary radar system to transform understanding of lightning and electrification, helping to improve storm warnings and assess damage risk. The system, named Horus, can capture rapid scans of storms, allowing for clearer pictures of lightning plasma and its distinctive polarimetric indicators.
Researchers at MIT developed a new method that coaxes AI models to achieve better accuracy and clearer explanations in safety-critical applications. The approach extracts concepts the model has learned while training for a specific task and forces it to use those, producing better explanations than standard concept bottleneck models.
A new medical technology development initiative, DBS Lead Lock, aims to refine deep brain stimulation lead fixation for improved precision and efficiency. The project, in collaboration with the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, is currently in prototype development.
The Stanley Family Foundation has renewed its $1 billion commitment to psychiatric research at Broad Institute, transforming the field of psychiatric genetics and schizophrenia/bipolar disorder research. Human genetics data from the Stanley Center has provided unprecedented clues to the brain biology underlying these conditions.
A new manufacturing strategy for semiconductor quantum dots has been developed, offering advantages for light-based technologies. The method produces single and entangled photon emitters with low surface density, high symmetry, and wavelengths suitable for integrated photonics.
A 12-month cost analysis of a falls prevention clinic in Canada found that every dollar invested yielded substantial financial and health returns, preventing falls by 36% and providing significant cost savings. The clinic's goal is to keep older adults independent, maintaining their health and quality of life.
A new study from Dartmouth College finds that social information can significantly impact how people experience negative events, including physical pain and mentally demanding tasks. When others describe an experience as painful, individuals tend to feel it that way, even when the actual experience is low in intensity.
A Cleveland Clinic analysis of nearly 8,000 patients found that discontinuing semaglutide and tirzepatide does not lead to significant weight regain in clinical practice. Many patients successfully stabilized their weight after one year through alternative treatments and therapeutic lifestyle interventions.
The American Meteorological Society strongly opposes the dismantling of NCAR, highlighting its central role in atmospheric sciences and its impact on the nation's economy. The AMS recommends that NSF engage in a rigorous process to develop a strategy for enhancing scientific innovation in the weather enterprise.
A preclinical study reveals a new topical cream that activates the skin's immune defenses and suppresses tumor growth in two models of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The cream works by blocking LSD1, an enzyme that suppresses immune-activating pathways in the skin, prompting immune cells to attack tumors.
Researchers used diffusion MRI to study the brains of seals, sea lions, and coyotes, finding a 'brain bypass' that allows for vocal flexibility. This discovery may hold the key to understanding the evolution of human language.
A phase 3 clinical trial by Mass General Brigham reveals romiplostim's ability to prevent chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, allowing full-dose chemotherapy delivery. The medication boosts bone marrow's resistance to chemotherapy, reducing the risk of life-threatening bleeding and improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Researchers at USC identified differences in early Alzheimer's disease-related brain changes across racial and ethnic groups, with Black and Hispanic participants showing higher levels of tau in key memory-related regions. The study highlights the need for more inclusive approaches to studying and diagnosing Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers from the University of Twente are studying the optical properties of human milk to understand the causes of lactation insufficiency. The combined findings from two studies aid the development of light scattering based methods for human milk analysis, providing a powerful tool for research into lactation insufficiency.
The ISSCR has launched a new continuing education course on stem cell therapies for Parkinson’s disease, addressing the need for clinicians to provide accurate information on emerging treatments. The course features expert faculty and patient perspectives, and is available through a free and paid pathway.
Researchers have uncovered the regulatory blueprint of plants, revealing a 300 million-year-old conserved regulatory code that guides plant development and shapes their diversity. This discovery opens new avenues for precision breeding and synthetic biology, and has significant implications for agriculture.
A new study from the University of Minnesota Medical School has identified certain naturally occurring polyunsaturated lipids that selectively induce death in senescent cells, which are old and damaged cells that accumulate with age. These lipids trigger a process called ferroptosis, which can be used as a potential treatment for age-r...
Rice bioengineer Omid Veiseh has been awarded a $2.2 million grant to develop implantable cell factory platforms that can deliver therapeutic antibodies over extended periods. The platform aims to reduce dosing frequency and improve access to biologic therapies in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers found that a small region of the PRC2 complex, called the SBD, is crucial for its function and can be targeted by cancer inhibitors. The SBD's absence halts the growth of aggressive lymphomas and normalizes gene expression, mimicking the effects of powerful clinical cancer inhibitors.
Researchers identified structural variants as a key driver of childhood cancer, with RAG-mediated recombination found in nearly all subtypes of acute lymphoblastic leukemias. The analysis highlights the importance of structural variants in pediatric blood cancers and provides new insights into the mechanisms driving these diseases.
A new study finds that widowed men experience poorer physical and mental health, while widowed women show resilience and improved well-being after losing their spouse. The study highlights the need for gender-specific strategies to support recovery after spousal loss.
A new study in 15- to 25-year-olds finds that ADHD treatment improves outcomes for young people with ADHD and substance use disorder, including a 30% decrease in mortality. Despite being diagnosed with both conditions, young people are less likely to receive ADHD medication.
A new study has created a large single-cell atlas that maps the diverse cell types in head and neck tumors, showing how specific cell mixtures and interactions relate to tumor behavior. The atlas highlights candidate targets for improving immunotherapy responses and for overcoming chemotherapy resistance.
A new study from Emory University finds that live bacteria from an imbalanced gut microbiome can enter the brain via the vagus nerve, potentially initiating neurological conditions. The study used mouse models and found that high-fat diets increased intestinal barrier permeability, allowing bacteria to reach the brain.
A new study identifies a previously unknown brainstem pathway controlling hand and arm movements, revealing a multi-stage pathway integrating signals from the cortex, brainstem, and spinal networks. This finding may lead to new therapies for stroke rehabilitation, providing additional targets for neuromodulation treatments.
MIT researchers developed a generative AI-driven approach for planning long-term visual tasks, surpassing existing techniques with a 70% success rate. The system combines vision-language models with formal planners, enabling robots to navigate complex environments and assemble multi-robot teams with high efficiency.
Cells use a previously unknown molecular mechanism to protect host organisms from disease, revealing a 'beautiful' ring structure on the cell membrane that enables targeted cell death. This discovery has implications for biological resilience, immunity, and potential applications in plant resilience and human medicine.
A new study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology shows that dupilumab treatment significantly restores skin barrier function and reduces inflammation in children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The treatment also improves skin health in clinically unaffected areas, highlighting the systemic nature of the disease.
Researchers gave cameras to 25 mothers of preschoolers to photograph local food, revealing a shift in perceptions and questioning of ultra-processed food. The study highlights the potential of participatory methods in evoking grassroots advocacy for change.
A new study has identified ~2.3 million conserved non-coding DNA sequences across 284 plant species, revealing deep principles of plant genome evolution. These ancient regulatory sequences can be maintained despite repeated genome duplications, opening the door to precise engineering of plant traits.
Researchers found that lithium dendrites, which can cause battery explosions, are surprisingly strong and brittle, fracturing at tensile strengths greater than 150 MPa. This discovery provides insights for tailoring solid electrolyte microstructures to mitigate battery failure and improve safety.
Researchers tracked killifish behavior from adolescence to death, mapping aging trajectories and identifying distinct behavioral stages. Long-lived fish displayed more vigorous bursts of movement and less daytime sleep, while short-lived individuals had disrupted activity patterns and increased daytime sleep.
A new study has discovered over 2.3 million conserved non-coding sequences in plants, providing a comprehensive atlas of regulatory conservation across 284 species. These sequences date back to over 400 million years ago, shedding light on the evolution of plant genomes and gene families.
A study published in Science reveals that microglia and the protein RANK are involved in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which controls fertility. The research found that suppressing RANK expression led to distorted reproductive function, including reduced sex hormones and hypogonadism.
Researchers observed how tiny metal dendrites sprout inside lithium-ion batteries, causing short-circuits and gradual loss of battery capacity over time. The study sheds light on the mechanical properties of lithium dendrites as they grow, providing new insights into improving battery safety.
A high-fat diet allows bacteria to move from the gut to the brain in mice, according to a new study. Researchers found that a small number of bacteria translocated to the brain, likely via the vagus nerve, and that these bacteria were also detected in mouse models of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and autism.
A new imaging method reveals the activity of thousands of genes simultaneously throughout the entire zebrafish embryo, enabling the creation of an atlas of early development. The study provides insights into how genes and cells shape the growing embryo, with potential applications in understanding organ formation.
Researchers tracked 69 ravens and 20 wolves across Yellowstone National Park for two and a half years, finding that ravens knew where to go without cues from wolves. Ravens were spotted at nearly half of observed wolf kills within seven days and made beelines to common kill sites.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that power outages in the US are associated with increased emergency hospital visits for older adults, particularly for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The study estimated that 4,246 additional hospitalizations occurred in 2018 among adults over 65 due to power outages.
Researchers tracked scarlet monkeyflower populations in Oregon and California, finding that those that evolved fastest recovered from extreme drought. The study provides the first full documentation of
Researchers tracked daily behaviors of African turquoise killifish for four years, identifying 100 distinct 'behavioral syllables' that predicted lifespan. Fish that lived longer tended to sleep at night, swim with greater vigor, and be more active during daylight hours.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered a new therapeutic target, SRC, present on up to half of all tumors, which can be targeted with antibody drugs. The enzyme, normally hidden inside cells, is exposed on the surface of tumor cells due to an overactive disposal system, making it an easy target for cancer-killing antibodies.
Ravens use spatial memory and navigation to find food scattered over the landscape, visiting areas with a history of frequent wolf kills. They can remember the long-term 'resource landscape' created by wolves, allowing them to locate kills across tens or hundreds of kilometers
Researchers found that ravens rarely trail predators over long distances and instead rely on spatial memory to return to places where kills have occurred before. Ravens treat areas with historically high kill density as predictable foraging sites, indicating that navigation and memory play the dominant role in food source location.
Researchers developed an experimental therapy to target microscopic precancerous lesions in the pancreas, which nearly doubled survival in mouse models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Long-term treatment with the therapy tripled median overall survival time compared to untreated mice.
Researchers have discovered specialized neural circuits in the brains of seals and sea lions that enable complex vocal behavior and learning. These circuits, including strong bilateral connections between the vocal motor cortex and brainstem nucleus ambiguus, are found in species with varying capacities for vocal flexibility and learning.