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.
A new analysis from the University of Illinois suggests that tree cavities can stay cooler than the outside air, providing crucial thermal protection for animals. The study finds that tree cavities can buffer animals from temperature extremes, including hot and cold days, and offers insights into forest management decisions worldwide.
Researchers detected significant risk associations for vascular and Alzheimer's dementias among American Indians for limited education, hypertension, social isolation, and depression. These findings suggest a complex and unique pattern of contributing factors that increase risk of dementia among American Indian populations.
A team led by Jacob Covey has developed a new design for high-powered, stable quantum computers using helium-3, an isotope with fermionic quantum properties. This design offers a major advance over previous lithium-based designs, with faster tunneling rates and controllable motional qubits.
A team of researchers found that carceral wastewater and environmental surveillance lacks full human subjects protections and traditional public health guidelines, leading to a fragmented regulatory landscape. The practice has enabled heightened monitoring and punitive restriction without necessary safeguards, posing concerns for incar...
Industry leaders gathered at M2IND to discuss manufacturing challenges and technologies for US industry, focusing on alternatives to traditional methods. Key findings include a need for resilient supply chains, expanded critical material options, and faster qualification processes.
Lindsay Smith, a Research Associate at George Mason University, has received $4,936 to develop and support the SUSTAIN eLearning platform. The funding, awarded by Solano County, California, will support technical assistance and online onboarding training for new staff.
George Mason University has selected three companies for its 2026 Global Scale-Up Campus 'Incheon Univ. X' initiative. Massimiliano Albanese will provide advisory services for the program, supporting U.S. activities. Funding for Albanese's services was provided by Mason Korea IUCF and will last from August 2026 to November 2026.
Dennis Overbye, a longtime cosmic affairs correspondent at the New York Times, has been awarded the 2026 Andrew Gemant Award for his outstanding contributions to science journalism. He is celebrated for his lyrical and tightly tethered storytelling, which brings the science and human endeavor to life for audiences worldwide.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a working prototype that combines sensing, memory and information processing in a single system, reducing energy consumption. The neuromorphic vision innovation can dramatically reduce data and energy required for complex visual tasks.
SourceRMIT University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study
The Military and Veteran Community Rehearsed Reading (MVCRR) program at George Mason University supports military-connected community members through collaborative storytelling and rehearsed readings. The six-week series fosters well-being, communication skills, and camaraderie, culminating in public performances.
A national trial found that treating young children with an oral bacterial extract did not reduce the risk of severe wheezing and respiratory illnesses that can precede asthma. The ORBEX trial, led by the University of Arizona, tested the preventive potential of OM-85, a treatment that had shown promise in earlier, smaller studies.
USC researchers will lead a $20M NSF effort to develop AI-powered optimization tools for power grids and supply chains. The project aims to improve decision-making in these complex systems and expand AI education for high school students.
Researchers found that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels need to be 10 times lower than most physicians generally target for the best patient outcomes. The study also showed that adding drugs called androgen receptor pathway inhibitors to hormone therapy can help patients reach optimal PSA levels. Additionally, a new tool called t...
A study of nearly 400,000 women found menopause is inconsistently documented in electronic health records, with only 7% of women having it recorded. The study highlights the need for routine capture of reproductive health information to improve understanding of menopause and its impact on disease risk and health outcomes.
A European consortium, led by Universitat Jaume I, aims to develop genetically modified citrus lines with greater resilience to climate change, pests, and diseases. The project, CitrusAld, will focus on sweet orange and mandarin, and explore biofortification to enhance nutritional properties.
A new study using ancient DNA from seeds in southeastern China reveals that melons likely originated in South Asia, rather than being developed from wild Chinese plants. The study also found that these ancient melons had light-green flesh and yellow peel, and were likely consumed as vegetables or mildly sweet fruit.
UCLA scientists develop a stem cell-based platform to produce uniform T cells that target solid tumors in a unique way, avoiding a common side effect. The therapy, called AlloESO-T cells, keeps tumors in check and extends survival in mouse models of ovarian, melanoma, and prostate cancers.
The integration of psychology into primary care in Canada has the potential to improve access to care, support physicians, and save billions of dollars. Studies have shown that integrated primary care reduces wait times, patient engagement, and improves outcomes for mental health conditions.
A new satellite-mapping framework provides 10-meter maps of wetlands across 43 global cities, distinguishing 18 wetland classes and tracking changes from 2016 to 2024. The dataset supports evaluation of conservation, restoration, and urban development, and could strengthen Ramsar accreditation reviews.
A new study identifies astrocytes in the brain's fear center as a key player in stress response and anxiety. The research found that restoring the antenna-like structure on these cells can ease stress behaviors, and a potential treatment target has been identified.
Astronomers have discovered the most distant progenitor to a galaxy supercluster, supporting existing theories of how galaxy clusters evolve. The study used data from the ODIN survey to map the 3D distribution of galaxies in the COSMOS-z3.1-A and COSMOS-z3.1-C clusters.
Heatwaves disrupt soil bacteria, temporarily reducing resistance genes, but also causing significant damage to soils and ecosystems. Soils from warm, dry countries remain relatively stable, while cold, wet soils are more susceptible to heat and drought
Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a 3D-printed model of a rock avalanche to study the movement of mixtures of water, ice, and rock. The model, which is 1:577 in scale, was used to test various scenarios and measure parameters such as depth of runoff and impact dynamics.
SourceETH Zurich·TypeComputational simulation/modeling
Seaweed forests globally are experiencing rapid declines due to climate change, with an estimated 25 million hectares lost by 2050. Restoration efforts may not be enough to compensate for these losses, with tens of thousands of projects needed at a significant cost. The study highlights the need to focus on preventing habitat loss as a...
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial
The ICTY established facts about crimes but struggled to uncover the wider historical truth. Researchers must consider the Tribunal's limitations when studying the political causes of the wars, as competing narratives and interpretations persist.
Two studies on the 2026 Bundibugyo virus outbreak highlight new approaches to rapid diagnostics and vaccine preparedness. Diagnostic tests can be evaluated rapidly during an outbreak, and the 2026 virus may offer some cross-protection with existing Ebola vaccines.
The new journal aims to publish research on key topics focused on ecosystems, biodiversity, and policy. Its first issue includes papers on pollution, climate, and biodiversity, and is overseen by a diverse group of academic editors.
SourcePLOS·TypeCommentary/editorial
Researchers at Delft University of Technology have developed a method to decouple properties in meta-biomaterials, allowing for tailored biomedical engineering applications. By separating mechanical and morphometric properties, scientists can systematically investigate how individual material characteristics affect cell behavior and ti...
Daron Acemoglu receives CSIC Extraordinary Medal for his work on institutions, economic development, and technological progress. His research provides insights on how political institutions condition economic prosperity.
Researchers analyzed 300 social media posts tagged #healthylifestyle, #nutrition and #cleaneating, finding widespread messaging on restrictive food rules, moralized views of food and unrealistic dietary ideals. The study highlights the need for healthy eating to be flexible, enjoyable and sustainable.
SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Technology in Behavioral Science·TypeData/statistical analysis
Researchers investigated the softening transition of a NiCoCr-based high-entropy alloy and found that stress-driven grain boundary migration is the primary driving force behind catastrophic softening. The study provides a quantitative framework to deconvolute stress-driven and thermally driven contributions to high-temperature softening.
The Faculty of Dentistry at The University of Hong Kong has partnered with Straumann to improve clinical training and community dental care. The collaboration will support Master students in providing advanced implant treatments and make oral healthcare more affordable for Hong Kong citizens.
The HKU Robocon team, consisting of 40 students, won the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union's Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2026, defeating teams from 15 countries. The team's exceptional collaboration, innovative engineering, and operator training contributed to their victory.
Over 300 students from 30 countries participated in the seven-day programme, engaging with world-class experts and Nobel Laureates. The event showcased HKU's commitment to nurturing young talents and fostering connections across borders.
Researchers at the University of Bath found that straw could provide a sustainable solution to meet the UK's housing targets, reducing emissions and storing carbon. The study suggests that scaling up straw construction could store between 1.8 and 3.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.
Researchers at HKU have developed a new light-driven method for constructing three-dimensional molecular building blocks. This approach broadens the range of starting materials and suppresses unwanted polymerisation, overcoming key limitations of existing synthetic methods. The findings have the potential to improve characteristics of ...
A new study led by HKU reveals that increasing atmospheric dryness suppresses rainfall in tropical cyclones, constraining expected increases in typhoon rainfall. The study proposes a unified framework for understanding tropical cyclone rainfall, accounting for precipitation efficiency and atmospheric dryness.
Researchers develop IrMn-cluster-based artificial metalloenzyme that integrates enzyme-mimetic catalysis, radiosensitization, and immune modulation to overcome cancer therapy limitations. The IMM accelerates ROS and O2 generation, relieving tumor hypoxia and activating systemic immune responses.
Professor Wang joins HKU as Chair Professor, bringing his pioneering research on the prefrontal cortex and computational psychiatry. His work will foster interdisciplinary collaborations and advance computational models for psychiatric care.
The University of Hong Kong's High West Development received Gold and Silver awards for its innovative construction and sustainable design, showcasing the application of Advanced Hybrid Modular Integrated Construction (Advanced Hybrid MiC) technology. The project's smart city solutions and real-time data management enabled efficient co...