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 at Nagoya University have developed a new method called SMART that accelerates enzyme evolution and reduces costs by accelerating the selection period from weeks to days. The system uses mRNA display, next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatics to identify superior enzyme variants.
A new handbook produced jointly by Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg aims to improve decision-making and preparedness for future pandemics. The handbook provides practical guidance on how mathematical models can be used to inform decision-making, particularly in times of crisis.
A new report by the UN University finds that critical minerals extraction is causing severe environmental and health crises in vulnerable communities, while benefits accumulate mainly in wealthy nations. The investigation highlights intense water requirements, contaminated water, lost livelihoods and serious health consequences.
A new survey found that nearly half of women incorrectly believe annual mammograms should start at age 50. Experts recommend yearly mammograms starting at age 40 for average-risk women. This delay can lead to cancers being found at a later stage, when treatment can be more complex.
A KERI research team developed a nano-tin interlayer control technology to address interfacial instability between the lithium metal anode and solid electrolyte. The technology achieved high performance under low pressure, exceeding that of conventional lithium-ion batteries.
A new study reveals that ESBL-producing E. coli can persist on farmland and transfer to irrigation water, contaminating lettuce with measurable health implications. Household washing and extended manure management intervals can substantially reduce human exposure and associated health risks.
A new review calls for prevention strategies focused on specific human-animal interfaces, incorporating behavior-centered risk communication. China's experience with major outbreaks demonstrates the country's capacity for rapid communication and community engagement.
Researchers identified ten previously unknown symptoms strongly associated with eclampsia, including twitching and impaired speech. These symptoms were rare among women without seizures but frequently occurred before an episode, increasing the risk of seizures.
A new study found that young men who viewed idealized fitness or supplement videos on TikTok reported lower fitness satisfaction and stronger intentions to use creatine, a popular muscle-building supplement. The researchers highlight the need for targeted media literacy education and responsible social media practices.
A research team at SKKU has developed specialized 'One-body' materials for dry processes, maximizing battery performance and productivity. The breakthrough technology eliminates toxic liquid solvents, reducing costs and environmental impact.
The Center for Cellular Language Intelligence will decipher the complex communications that govern tumor ecosystems, revealing principles of cellular organization and biological programs influencing cancer initiation and response. Led by Linghua Wang, the center aims to accelerate discovery and deliver new therapeutic targets, predicti...
Researchers at UCSF discovered that single-celled organism Stentor learns through modifying existing proteins with calcium signaling, which is similar to the mechanism used by animal neurons. This finding suggests that learning may be a fundamental feature of life and could have evolved before the emergence of brains.
Researchers at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History analyzed 18 scorpion species and found striking patterns in metal concentration and distribution among their pincers and stingers. The study reveals that zinc plays a role beyond hardness, possibly enhancing durability, and provides insight into how organisms adapt to pr...
Cancer cases are on the rise among younger adults in England, with a significant increase in bowel and ovarian cancer rates. The study found that excess weight is a key contributor, but it's unlikely to fully explain this trend, as trends in risk factors such as smoking and diet have been stable or improving over the past decade.
An AI model called REDMOD can pick up the very early subtle tissue changes of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which conventional imaging and the human eye find difficult to detect. The model detected 'invisible' signature of pre-clinical pancreatic cancer an average of 475 days before clinical diagnosis.
A study by King's College London found that babies exposed to high levels of air pollution in the womb show slower signs of development at 18 months compared to those exposed to lower levels. This is particularly true for premature babies, who experience poorer motor and language skills.
A UCLA-led international collaboration has unveiled a new technology that enables scientists to directly compare how different molecules compete for the same binding site on a protein, all in a single experiment. The results show promising interactions between two cancer drugs and reveal previously unknown interactions.
The US Department of Energy has selected four companies to participate in its Nuclear Energy Launch Pad initiative, which aims to support the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. The selected companies will receive technical, regulatory, and deployment support from the National Reactor Innovation Center.
Researchers at UTHealth Houston have been awarded a three-year, $7.8 million grant to better understand how Parkinson’s disease occurs in the brain. The project aims to identify proteins and cellular pathways involved in brain damage, with the goal of developing novel strategies for intervention.
Researchers found striking, decades-long cycles in US suicide rates, influenced by broad social forces. Suicide risk has been rising steadily for over half a century among young people, affecting each new generation earlier in life.
Researchers found that distinct patterns on lung scans can signal disease severity and predict breathing problems. The study's findings may help doctors tailor treatment approaches for patients with sarcoidosis.
Researchers at UIC developed an anti-cancer therapy using a bacterial protein called aurB, which prevents energy production in tumor cells' mitochondria. The treatment was tested in combination with radiation and showed highly effective results in animal models of prostate cancer, effectively shutting down tumor growth.
Researchers found that fish lineages adapted to scrape algae and shellfish from hard surfaces evolved in more diverse ways than those living in open water. Coral reef fish are thought to have benefited from this adaptation, driving the acceleration of diversification.
A four-decade long study found that even 'stable' carbon in forest soils can break down as temperatures rise, releasing more CO2. Microbial communities play a critical role in soil ecosystems and their changes can speed the loss of carbon from soils.
New study finds anaerobic digestion of hemp hurd-based bioplastic systems delivers the best environmental outcome, generating up to 6.1 kg less CO2 emissions per 1 kg mulch film treated. The production process significantly affects the final carbon footprint of biocomposites.
The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award recognizes the Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan and NORC at the University of Chicago for their work in developing reliable data series on social sciences. The award acknowledges their contributions to objective measurement of public opinion, survey metho...
Research in Amazonas reveals that small amounts of Amazonian dark earth can increase the height and diameter of two tree species by up to 55% and 88%, respectively. The study attributes this growth to the reorganization of beneficial microorganisms around plant roots.
Engineers developed an adhesive gel that can deliver substances into plants' tissues, clearing bacterial infections within 48 hours. The gel sticks to various surfaces, including hairy leaves and stems, and can be removed without damage.
Chronic liver disease in the US costs $41.57 billion, with prescription medication expenditures accounting for nearly half of all-cause healthcare expenditures. Poor adherence to antiviral medications is a key factor in preventing disease progression and treatment, with high out-of-pocket costs increasing non-adherence risk.
A $456,000 grant from Critical Path Institute will support the development of a brain-penetrant therapy for glycosphingolipid storage disorders. The therapy aims to address neurological symptoms in patients with current limited treatment options.
Biofortifying staple crops like rice, wheat, and maize can reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases and improve nutrition. Researchers have developed high-protein rice with elevated essential amino acids, which can also help manage blood sugar levels.
Simulations by a team of scientists show that unrestricted information sharing can lead to less accurate collective beliefs, particularly in socially homogenous settings. This phenomenon is driven by homophily and the amplification of erroneous ideas within groups.
Researchers have developed a perovskite diode that can convert sunlight to electricity and emit light with high efficiency, resolving the challenge of doing both. The device achieves a world-record 26.7% efficiency in converting sunlight to electricity and 31% efficiency in emitting light.
A first-in-human clinical trial found that setidegrasib, a targeted therapy drug, demonstrated early antitumor activity in advanced lung and pancreatic cancers. The therapy shrank tumors and delayed disease progression in some patients, providing a potential new treatment approach for KRAS G12D-driven cancers.
A new study reveals that releasing goldfish into the wild can trigger a regime shift in freshwater ecosystems, leading to degradation and harm to native wildlife. The research calls for stronger public education campaigns and prevention strategies to control invasive goldfish populations.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine developed a new method to analyze brain energy network patterns, revealing insights into Alzheimer's disease progression. The study found that brain networks reorganize as the disease progresses, with memory and language functions showing increased metabolic demand in early stages.
Motif Neurotech has received FDA approval to begin the first clinical trial of its therapeutic BCI device, DOT, for treatment-resistant depression. The study will test the device's effectiveness in delivering electrical stimulation to brain circuits linked to depression.
Researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute found that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) alter genes more in females than males, with a key gene called XIST playing a protective role. Folic acid also shows promise in mitigating harmful effects of PCB exposure, particularly in women.
A new review found that lifestyle behaviors like physical activity and diet can positively modulate the gut microbiome of cancer patients, but these effects are often influenced by non-modifiable variables. The study also highlighted the role of intrinsic patient characteristics in shaping microbial composition.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi developed soft, flexible sensors that measure force in real-time during minimally invasive surgeries. The sensors, made from silicone and liquid metal, can detect a wide range of forces and are easy to integrate with existing tools.
A study found that prey scarcity is a key factor in jaguar presence in protected areas of the Atlantic Forest, with reduced abundance and biomass due to human hunting. The researchers warn that this situation could lead to the biome losing its top predator population.
A large study found that individuals with difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions experience greater disruption to daily life from pain over time due to increased psychological distress. The study also suggests that addressing emotional processing difficulties may be key to improving long-term outcomes for people with chronic pain.
A new Cornell University study reveals that social media boycotts have less impact on music streams than platform sanctions. In several high-profile controversies, scandal-related attention coincided with short-term increases in streams. However, when platforms reduced visibility of the artists' music, clearest declines appeared.
Researchers have created lab-grown human skin organoids that can form complex microvascular networks similar to those in native human skin. These self-organizing structures function similarly to native skin, responding to inflammatory stimuli and re-growing after injury.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a machine learning model that can predict chick embryo mortality using hyperspectral imagery, reaching accuracy of up to 97%. They also successfully identified male embryos with high accuracy, potentially reducing the culling of male chicks in hatcheries.
Researchers at Texas A&M University created HIPPO, a browser extension that generates unique passwords for each website without storing them. Participants preferred HIPPO over traditional password tools for ease and security, reporting higher satisfaction rates.
A preclinical study found that mice stopped and restarted GLP-1s gained less weight over time, with a significant decrease in muscle mass. The researchers suggest that clinicians help patients preserve muscle mass while on these medications through exercise or nutrition.
A team of scientists at the University of California, Davis, has discovered an inherited form of blindness directly comparable to autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA) in rhesus macaques. The study could lead to a better understanding of ADOA and potentially new treatments.
Researchers discovered a molecular complex linking abscisic acid to sucrose metabolism in grape berries, accelerating sugar accumulation and berry ripening. The VvMYB44-VvERF045 pathway activates the key gene VvSPS4, enabling a clearer understanding of how hormone signaling translates into biochemical changes affecting fruit quality.
A Concordia-led study analyzed 53 green alleys and 23 conventional alleys in Montreal and Trois-Rivières, finding that results depend on alley design and purpose. The study suggests a middle ground between community-led projects and standardized approaches to achieve both biodiversity and social cohesion.
Visitors to a California region with numerous substance use disorder treatment centers experience higher levels of overdose, particularly out-of-state individuals. The study suggests that the industry's lack of oversight and predatory practices contribute to this hotspot.
CPSS cause hyperammonemia, hepatopulmonary syndrome, portopulmonary hypertension, and liver nodules/tumors. Detection relies on Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, and MRI. Treatment depends on shunt type and severity, with endovascular or surgical options available.
A study identifies subtype-specific programs in pediatric ependymoma, linking metabolic patterns to clinical aggressiveness. The research reveals distinct metabolic profiles for each molecular subtype, providing a resource for understanding the biology of pediatric ependymoma and potential therapeutic vulnerabilities.
Researchers developed a fleet of cooperative robots that, like ants, can spontaneously organize to build and dismantle structures without central control. They identified key parameters needed for excavation and building performance using simple local rules.
Micro-gesture recognition is emerging as a key area of research in affective computing, focused on analyzing subtle, involuntary body movements that may reflect hidden emotional states. The field has expanded from RGB video to skeleton, audio, text, and privacy-preserving multimodal settings.
Researchers recorded single-unit activity in bats' inferior colliculus while they were freely vocalizing. The study found that 95% of neurons responded differently to self-generated vocalizations than to playback of the same calls.
A UK-led trial found that a procedure to reopen blocked heart arteries can reduce chest pain and improve quality of life. Patients who received the treatment had more angina-free days and better quality-of-life scores than those in the placebo group.
A new study published in BMC Medicine found that the experimental drug ZED1227 inhibits the activity of the transglutaminase 2 enzyme, reducing immune responses triggered by gluten. The results suggest that the drug has effects beyond the gut, dampening whole-body immunometabolic responses.
Scientists created hybrid macrophages that can simultaneously promote blood vessel and bone growth, potentially improving outcomes for patients with bone fractures. The discovery could lead to new cell-derived therapies that speed up recovery and improve healing.
The Harvard-led team demonstrates a micron-scale photonic device that generates two orders of magnitude more UV light on a chip than previous approaches. By converting red light to UV light through frequency upconversion, the researchers create high-power, low-loss, compact UV sources.