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 create electrochemical process that converts lignin into aromatics and cyclohexene-based compounds without external hydrogen, upgrading it into useful chemical precursors. The study demonstrates high selectivity and efficiency in the conversion of recalcitrant ether bonds in lignin.
A new zebrafish study sheds light on why haploid fish embryos often fail to survive normal development. Researchers identified 13 key genes associated with abnormal development, highlighting disruptions in FGF and Wnt signaling pathways, mitochondrial translation, ion transport, and cell-cycle regulation.
A study published in PNAS found that the human brain's resilience process doesn't peak immediately after a stressful event; instead, it manifests in a distinct 'resilience window' about an hour later. This delayed neural shift distinguishes resilient individuals and offers a new time-target for interventions.
The American Heart Association has awarded 32 financial grants to promote CPR training and education in 20 states. These grants will help create safer school environments and empower students to learn lifesaving skills. The long-term goal is to ensure anyone can perform CPR in the face of a cardiac emergency.
Global maternal deaths fell to 240,000 in 2023, but progress has slowed in recent years and remains uneven across countries. Improvements in access to quality care could substantially reduce mortality, particularly in high-burden regions.
The University of Chicago and IDefine are partnering to develop a potential therapeutic strategy for Kleefstra syndrome, a rare disorder caused by EHMT1 gene haploinsufficiency. The project aims to restore essential protein levels in the brain using programmable RNA therapy.
A new analysis of existing studies found that nicotine e-cigarettes consistently help adults quit smoking, with quit rates approximately 20-40% higher than traditional nicotine replacement therapies. However, the effectiveness of e-cigarettes may be linked to sensory cues beyond just nicotine delivery.
A new study reveals that excess weight can physically enlarge organs, creating more opportunities for cancer to take hold. The study found that organs grew larger as body weight increased, with the liver growing by 12%, kidneys by 9%, and pancreas by 7% for every 5-point increase in BMI.
A new overview of systematic reviews found that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are more effective for smoking cessation than other interventions. The review also identified gaps in current evidence, including the need for high-quality studies on cytisine and bupropion.
A study found that tumor DNA in patients' blood can predict whether breast cancer will return, especially after neoadjuvant treatment. Patients with detectable DNA at the end of treatment were 3.5 times more likely to relapse during follow-up.
The US Nature Assessment Report documents human impact on nature, including resource extraction and habitat loss, but also shows restoration and Indigenous stewardship approaches can help turn things around. The report highlights the importance of farmer involvement in protecting ecosystems and preserving biodiversity.
Wild grey squirrels show a preference for almonds over pumpkin seeds, even when they require a longer climb to reach. This suggests that animals may benefit from waiting or working harder for a better outcome in natural decision-making scenarios.
A new study reveals that freeze-thaw cycles can dramatically improve biochar's ability to trap toxic arsenic in contaminated soils. The research found that freezing and thawing fundamentally reshapes how biochar interacts with soil at microscopic scales, creating stronger connections between biochar particles and soil minerals.
Researchers have reported early, reassuring results from the LORD trial on active surveillance for low-risk DCIS. The study found that patients with active surveillance did not experience worse early outcomes compared to those who underwent immediate surgery, and that many chose active surveillance over surgery.
The Critical Path Institute has launched a global, multi-stakeholder initiative to enable scalable development of advanced therapies for small patient populations. The 'One to Millions' program advances regulatory frameworks and leverages data platforms to support evidence generation and development pathways.
Researchers at UC Irvine have identified LENG8 as a crucial regulator of RNA quality control, enabling cells to retain or degrade specific RNAs. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms underlying cellular processes such as gene expression and translation.
A new field study reveals that biochar can significantly restore soil health and nitrogen availability in forests affected by acid rain. Biochar triggers major biological changes in the soil, enhancing microbial biomass and increasing nitrogen use efficiency.
Researchers have developed experimental compounds that block flu viruses by locking onto their surface enzyme, potentially improving treatments and pandemic preparedness. The new approach shows promise in stopping common types of flu virus, including H3N2 and bird flu strains.
Six Weill Cornell Medicine researchers have been awarded Young Investigator Awards by the Prostate Cancer Foundation to investigate prostate cancer at a molecular level and develop new therapies. Drs. Bashir Al Hussein Al Awamlh, Cheuk Man Cherie Au, Lise Brault, Xuanrong Chen, Kevin Kensler, and Silvia Rodrigues will focus on improvin...
Gerald Shadel and Tatyana Sharpee, two renowned Salk scientists, have been elected as American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 2025 Fellows. Their research contributions have advanced our understanding of brain function and mitochondrial dynamics.
Researchers found evidence of successful Neanderthal hunting of a straight-tusked elephant in Germany, with cut marks preserved on the ribs and vertebrae. The find provides crucial insights into the diet and hunting strategies of Neanderthals, who likely hunted a range of animals using wooden weapons.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy after surgery for patients with stage 3 (node-positive) colon cancer reduced cancer recurrence and mortality by 50% compared to chemotherapy alone. The study used an immune checkpoint inhibitor, atezolizumab, to reactivate a person's anti-tumor immunity.
Researchers drilled into magma beneath an active volcano and found that gas escapes within five minutes during drilling. This allows them to reconstruct the original conditions and gain insights into the behavior of magma. The findings can improve the safety of geothermal fields on active volcanoes and pave the way for targeted drilling.
A new study reveals that nano-biochar fertilizers can actively regulate soil processes and help protect rice from harmful metal accumulation. The findings show improved rice growth, enhanced soil biological activity, and reduced cadmium and arsenic uptake in contaminated soils.
The Americas Flyways Atlas charts critical habitats spanning 56 countries, revealing key breeding, stopover, and wintering sites for 89 highly vulnerable migratory bird species. The atlas provides governments with a blueprint to protect these birds from habitat loss, infrastructure, and climate change.
Researchers found that combining targeted radiation therapy with BO-112 and anti-PD-1 therapy before surgery activated the immune system to fight cancer. This approach reshaped the tumor microenvironment to support T-cell activity, resulting in fewer cancer cells and a more effective anti-tumor response.
Researchers discovered a new type of protein modification related to cellular mutation that impairs an enzyme's ability to help drive energy processes. The discovery opens a new route to therapeutic cancer intervention, particularly for IDH mutations common in multiple cancer cells.
Researchers found that mobility device users experience heightened concerns about falling, leading to physical deconditioning and mental performance decline. The newly developed Fall Concerns Scale for People who Use Wheelchairs and Scooters provides a detailed analysis of these concerns.
A Mayo Clinic study found that wearable sleep data can improve the prediction of patient engagement in a 12-week home pulmonary rehabilitation program. By combining baseline sleep data with machine learning and traditional clinical indicators, clinicians can tailor more effective care plans for patients with COPD.
Four UMass Amherst researchers have been elected as American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) fellows for their distinguished contributions to various fields. Om Parkash Dhankher's work in agricultural biotechnology has led to the development of arsenic-free rice and phytoremediation of toxic metals.
Jennifer Morrell-Falvey, a senior staff scientist at ORNL, has been elected as an AAAS fellow for her work on plant-microbe interactions. Her research focuses on understanding the genetic and mechanistic basis of these interactions, with implications for plant health and ecosystem function.
A new study found that consuming more than nine servings of ultraprocessed foods daily increases the risk of major cardiac events by 67%. The study also found that sugary foods carry a higher risk and that Black Americans have nearly double the increased risk compared to other groups.
A new clinician's guide has been published by the International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention, summarizing the latest research on dietary interventions for various diseases. The guide emphasizes the importance of plant-based diets and healthy lifestyle habits in disease prevention and treatment.
Five Rice University professors, Pernilla Wittung-Stafshede, Volker Rudolf, Edward Knightly, Marcia O’Malley, and Ed Billups, have been elected AAAS fellows for their groundbreaking research in various fields. Their work has led to significant breakthroughs in human health, technology, and environmental understanding.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a new theory that suggests the universe's rapid early expansion could emerge naturally from a deeper, more complete theory of quantum gravity. This approach offers a unified picture that connects the earliest moments of the universe to modern cosmology.
Researchers will use human stem cell-based models to uncover molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying autism and schizophrenia. They aim to identify genetic variants that alter brain development and pinpoint common underlying mechanisms for both conditions.
A £43M EU-funded initiative, COMPASS, aims to detect heart-related risks in cancer patients and survivors using innovative medical and digital technologies. The project will develop AI-powered clinical pathways to enhance cardiotoxicity detection, safer treatment, and better long-term cardiovascular outcomes.
A study found that late sleep schedules are linked to unhealthy eating habits, including increased calorie intake and snacking, as well as reduced physical activity, particularly during school hours. The researchers suggest that parents should pay attention to their children's sleep timing during adolescence.
A new study finds that heart failure and atrial fibrillation share similar genetic and molecular mechanisms, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of these two conditions. The research reveals that the pathological response involves multiple cell types communicating with each other, leading to a fundamental shift in how atrial fibril...
The Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute is joining forces with the Chinese Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital to advance blood cancer research. The partnership aims to develop joint translational research programmes and accelerate the development of curative therapies for patients with blood cancers.
A single-cell study reveals how immune memory cells are molecularly programmed to respond faster when encountering a familiar threat. The study found that memory CD4⁺ T cells have their DNA primed to activate key defense genes within hours, providing a head start in responding to known pathogens.
A recent study found that the opening of a trauma center in Chicago's South Side reduced firearm mortality by nearly 4% due to faster and closer emergency treatment. The study analyzed data on over 45,000 firearm-related incidents between 2010 and 2024.
Researchers find that rare stromal cells are responsible for maintaining immune cell organization in healthy lymph nodes. However, in aggressive lymphomas, this process breaks down due to a self-reinforcing inflammatory cycle, leading to tissue collapse and poorer outcomes.
A new platform called ATLAS enables researchers to generate large quantities of cancer cell clusters that accurately model metastasis. Using ATLAS, the Rice team gained insights into the mechanisms that enable cancer clusters to survive in the bloodstream during the metastatic process.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have mapped immune gene variation across multiple global populations, identifying common genetic variants that affect antibody production. The findings may contribute to understanding infection susceptibility and inform vaccine design.
Dr. Emily Lukacz has been named the 2026 President of American Urogynecologic Society, a prestigious position that recognizes her innovative leadership in the complex field of urogynecology. As president, she aims to streamline treatment by educating primary care providers and allied health professionals.
The study found that proteasome assembly proceeds through multiple alternative pathways, with chaperone proteins guiding the process. The research challenges long-standing assumptions and has broad implications for understanding cellular protein quality control, aging, and diseases.
A new study finds that large-scale food fortification programs currently prevent around 7 billion cases of micronutrient inadequacies worldwide each year, costing just 18 cents per person. Improving and expanding these programs could triple their impact to prevent 25 billion cases annually.
Robert Webster, Ph.D., a leading expert in influenza research, has been elected as an AAAS Fellow for his contributions to understanding the reservoir and spread of avian influenza. His work has had a direct impact in protecting immunocompromised children at St. Jude and safeguarding children worldwide from pandemic threats.
Binghamton University Distinguished Professor M. Stanley Whittingham has been elected as an AAAS Fellow for his groundbreaking work on intercalation chemistry and its applications to lithium-ion batteries. This honor recognizes his contributions to advancing science and promoting scientific progress.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a new approach to cancer treatment by eliminating the gene SRC-3 in regulatory T cells. This eliminates the immunosuppressive action of SRC-3, enabling these cells to trigger an anti-cancer response that eradicates tumors without side effects.
A UTEP study reveals that six weeks of boxing training can reduce blood pressure and improve vascular function in young adults with elevated blood pressure or Stage 1 hypertension. The results show significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, comparable to those achieved through medication.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered that crushed oyster shells can capture and remove rare earth elements from polluted water. The shells trigger a chemical reaction that converts dissolved metals into solid mineral crystals, making them an effective tool for environmental cleanup.
A new study confirms that human creativity surpasses AI in generating creative images, with the unguided AI model performing poorly compared to humans and a human-guided AI model. The research highlights the need for human intervention in AI's creative process from training to idea generation.
Technion researchers confirm 50-year-old prediction by measuring the speed of 'dark points' within light waves. The team's achievement reveals universal laws of nature shared by all types of waves, enabling new microscopy techniques to study hidden processes in physics, chemistry, and biology.
Researchers have developed VertINGreen, a web-based platform that transforms vertical green walls into intelligent environmental systems using remote sensing technology and machine learning. This system enables precise planning and real-time monitoring of indoor plants, reducing maintenance costs and increasing the benefits of green wa...
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin and their colleagues are developing a simple, high-accuracy blood test to detect bowel cancer. The CASPDx CRC test aims to transform cancer outcomes by moving screening away from invasive methods.
Researchers analyzed satellite data from the NASA/CNES Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite to study the 2025 Kamchatka earthquake and resulting Pacific-spanning tsunami. The findings reveal that the tsunami was generated within 10 kilometers of the subduction-zone trench, providing new insights into tsunamigenesis.
Researchers identified distinct genetic sequences that propel critical memories into years-long timeframes underpinning chronic disease. The study provides valuable inroads for developing new therapeutic strategies for chronic inflammation.
New research uses SWOT satellite data to detect two-dimensional tsunami wave patterns near the earthquake's source, offering critical insight for coastal risk evaluation. The study found that trailing tsunami waves are linked to an earthquake rupture occurring less than 10 kilometers beneath the trench.