A new Stanford-led analysis found that companies undercount emissions from their supply chains by billions of tons due to the use of single-region U.S. models. This can lead to missed opportunities to reduce emissions and associated costs by sourcing goods from countries with cleaner grids.
The US nuclear power renaissance faces a blind spot in uranium fuel supplies, which are tight, vulnerable to geopolitics, and expensive. New fuel forms for advanced reactors offer promise, but scaling them affordably could squeeze conventional fuel markets.
Researchers at Stanford University have created a flexible material that can change color and texture like an octopus in a matter of seconds, with patterns finer than a human hair. The material uses electron-beam patterning to control topography and visual properties at the nanoscale, opening up opportunities for dynamic camouflage, we...
A new study found that deep underwater earthquakes can spur massive phytoplankton blooms at the ocean surface. Phytoplankton are microscopic, plant-like organisms that float in upper ocean layers and serve as the foundation of the oceanic food chain.
Rising hydrogen emissions since 1990 have indirectly intensified climate change by consuming natural detergents that destroy methane. Hydrogen's presence in the atmosphere also produces greenhouse gases like ozone and stratospheric water vapor, affecting cloud formation.
Stanford engineers develop an AI framework called MetaChat, which rapidly accelerates metasurface design using computational tools and self-reflective AI assistants. This enables rapid solving of optics-related problems, such as designing metal lenses that can focus different wavelengths of light.
Researchers at Stanford University have successfully used machine-learning-based control to operate a robot on the International Space Station, allowing for faster and more efficient navigation while maintaining safety. The system, which includes a warm start feature, enables robots like Astrobee to move through complex environments wi...
A new device from Stanford University aims to improve mindfulness by amplifying and channeling sounds of hand interactions, drawing users into the present moment. The auditory approach fosters greater awareness and clarity, encouraging users to perceive their environment with renewed curiosity.
Researchers introduce a new nanoscale optical device made of molybdenum diselenide that entangles the spin of photons and electrons, enabling quantum communication. The technology has the potential to create low-cost, low-energy quantum components for secure data transmission.
A Stanford University-led study found that gas stoves emit significant amounts of nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant linked to health issues such as asthma and lung cancer. Replacing gas stoves with electric ones reduces nitrogen dioxide exposure by over a quarter on average across the US.
A recent study published in Nature Health found that higher park accessibility is associated with increased daily physical activity. The researchers analyzed wearable step-counter data from 7,013 anonymous users in 53 U.S. metropolitan areas and found a strong link between park accessibility and movement.
A new tool reorders content to downrank posts containing antidemocratic attitudes and partisan animosity, reducing polarization. Users who had such content downranked showed more positive views of the opposing party, with a noticeable impact on their emotional responses.
A new study finds that past heat waves in Europe could become far deadlier in today's warmer climate, with weekly deaths potentially reaching up to 32,000. Researchers used AI and statistical techniques to estimate the death toll based on historical data and global average temperatures.
Research reveals that medications can reshape the trillions of microbes in the gut by competing for nutrients, leading to predictable changes in the microbiome. The study provides a framework for predicting how a person's microbial community might change with a given drug, potentially helping scientists find ways to prevent side effects.
Global rice yields have suffered significantly due to severe flooding, with losses of approximately 4.3% per year between 1980 and 2015. The study highlights the need for adoption of flood-resistant rice varieties in vulnerable regions to avert future losses.
A study by Stanford University researchers reveals that regions relying more on land-sourced moisture, such as the US Midwest and southern Africa, face greater drought risk and crop yield losses when rainfall falters. The study identifies a critical threshold beyond which crops become far more likely to suffer water stress.
Researchers have discovered a way to increase the energy state of iron in materials, enabling the creation of higher-voltage batteries. The breakthrough could also aid the development of superconductors and magnetism applications.
Research found that sharks with specialized physiologies and ecological roles are most threatened with extinction. Losing these species would diminish trait diversity, leading to a more boring world with less diversity of forms. The study suggests that overfishing is the single biggest driver of shark population decline.
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals how virtual reality can close the distance between people and climate change-driven damages in faraway places. Participants who experienced VR experiences developed stronger feelings of attachment and concern for the places they visited, leading to increased motivation for constructiv...
Researchers at Stanford University have identified a common crystal that can efficiently convert low-energy photons into high-quality entangled photon pairs. The discovery has significant implications for the development of highly sensitive and stable quantum sensors.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new observation method that improves the outlook for lithium metal batteries without introducing chemical reactions. The technique, called cryo-XPS, allows scientists to study the critical protective layer of lithium anodes without altering it.
Researchers at Stanford University have solved the famous Poisson model for heterogenous materials, enabling the design of stronger, cheaper materials. The new approach uses a statistical method to predict material properties based on random point knowledge.
A new study found that snow leopards have very low genetic diversity, making them vulnerable to extinction. The research suggests that the snow leopard's low genetic diversity is due to its persistently small population size over time.
A Stanford University study reveals a roadmap for California to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, requiring significant advancements in renewable energy generation, energy storage, and low-carbon transportation. The model forecasts the need for 170 gigawatts of new generation and 54 gigawatts of storage by 2045.
A new study estimates that US wildfires could cause up to 70,000 deaths annually by 2050 due to increased smoke pollution. The researchers also found that no community is safe from smoke exposure and estimated economic damages could reach $608 billion annually.
Researchers at Stanford University created an algorithm that efficiently manufactures products with a team of robots, directing them to work alone or in teams and laying out the assembly floor to prevent collisions. The ability to generate assembly plans quickly could provide flexibility in manufacturing, allowing factories to pivot mo...
Researchers have developed a soft, thread-like implantable biosensor/stimulator called NeuroString that can host hundreds to thousands of independent electronic channels. This breakthrough enables the tracking of various biological events, such as intestinal contractions, neuron activity, and biochemical secretion.
Researchers at Stanford University tracked the evolution of fruit fly populations in response to pesticide exposure, finding that resistance alleles persist through a mechanism known as 'dominance reversal.' This process allows alleles to function as either dominant or recessive depending on environmental conditions, maintaining geneti...
Researchers discovered that Arctic diatoms can move and glide through ice at temperatures as low as -15 C, using a unique mucilage rope mechanism. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of adaptation to a changing polar environment and potential roles in the food chain.
A new study by researchers at Stanford University finds that warmer temperatures are driving a surge in dengue fever cases, with potential increases of up to 76% by 2050. The analysis analyzed over 1.4 million observations and found that higher temperatures were responsible for an average 18% of dengue incidence across 21 countries.
A new study reveals that corporations disclose little about their ocean-specific impacts, especially on biodiversity and ecosystems. The research highlights crucial gaps in current reporting frameworks and provides an important baseline for future comparisons.
A new study reveals that increased scrutiny of domestic fishing fleets at ports could help deter illegal fishing. The Port State Measures Agreement, which requires foreign vessels to undergo inspections when landing their fish in a country, has led to more vessels traveling longer distances to reach ports within countries that have rat...
A new study found that as more countries adopted the internationally binding Port State Measures Agreement, foreign fishing vessels needed to travel twice as far to reach a non-PSMA country. Meanwhile, domestic vessels' share of port visits globally rose from 31% in 2016 to 46% in 2021.
A study published in Nature Communications found that rising global temperatures may increase migration rates by up to a quarter among older and less educated adults, while decreasing them by as much as a third among the youngest and least educated groups. The research analyzed over 125,000 cases of cross-border migration and found tha...
Researchers used AI to identify four times more earthquakes than earlier tools and pinpoint previously unknown faults in the region. The study expands seismicity recorded by monitoring stations from 2022 to 2025, revealing two faults converging under the town of Pozzuoli west of Naples.
Scientists have developed a method to make a juvenile mouse's scalp transparent, allowing them to image the developing connections in a living mouse's brain. This breakthrough enables researchers to study neurodevelopmental disorders and potentially lead to new interventions.
A Stanford-led study suggests that adopting a positive perspective on catastrophic experiences, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can lead to reduced depression and lower levels of inflammation. The intervention group showed lower levels of depression and C-reactive protein compared to the control group.
A new Stanford study suggests that unvegetated meandering rivers can leave sedimentary deposits similar to those of braided rivers, rewriting the story of plants and rivers' relationship with Earth. This finding has implications for understanding Earth's ancient and future climate, including carbon storage in floodplains.
Researchers at Stanford University developed a new delivery platform that allows drugs to be stored and delivered in much higher concentrations, enabling quicker and smoother injections. The new formulation method has been tested on three different proteins and reached concentrations exceeding 500 mg/mL.
A newly developed system recovers a valuable fertilizer from urine using solar energy, providing essential sanitation and reducing the need for expensive imported fertilizers. The prototype shows promise for powering irrigation in resource-limited regions and could be scaled to help farmers around the world.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that traditional Himalayan crops like black peas are more ecologically resilient and have higher protein levels compared to commercial crops like green peas. The research highlights the nutritional profile of black peas, which are rich in protein, minerals, and fiber.
A new Stanford-led study maps beaver dams and ponds using high-resolution aerial imagery, aiding managers in prioritizing areas for restoring wetlands and reintroducing beavers. The research reveals key factors influencing beaver dam length and pond area, providing a practical tool for managing habitats and waterways.
A recent study found that urban forests and small green spaces have significant benefits for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Young adults experience greater benefits than the general population, and spending non-active time in greenspaces can be more effective than active time in nature.
A new Stanford University study finds that most US households (60%) can reduce their electricity costs by 15% and weather local or regional blackouts with solar-battery systems. The systems would meet about half of the household's electricity needs on average, allowing them to save money or see no rise in costs.
A new study by Stanford researchers reveals that declining proteostasis in the brain leads to increased protein aggregation, which is linked to neurodegenerative diseases. The findings were made using the turquoise killifish model, and shed light on the fundamental molecular principles of aging.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a novel nanodevice that manipulates light using sound waves, enabling precise control over color and intensity. This breakthrough has significant implications for various fields, including computer displays, virtual reality, and optical communications.
Researchers at Stanford University have made a breakthrough in developing lighter, sleeker mixed reality glasses that use holography technology. The new display achieves large field of view and eyebox, providing a crisp 3D image that fills the user's field of view for an immersive experience.
The US relies heavily on Chinese graphite for battery production, with prices twice as high as importing it from China. To address this, the STEER initiative proposes lowering costs through financing, technological innovation, and domestic recycling, but faces challenges including lengthy qualification timelines.
The Sustainability Accelerator at Stanford University has selected 41 new projects spanning biology, agriculture, electricity, industry, and water, addressing key climate vulnerabilities. The projects aim to drive implementation of sustainability challenges and create an ecosystem for impact.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed new technology to image brain waves, revealing three new types of brain activity. The ultra-sensitive optical instruments can detect signals of genetically engineered proteins and show neural activity across the majority of the mouse neocortex.