News on early, curiosity-driven science that opens new directions. Covers materials discovery, AI-guided research, pediatric research standards, and energy science.
Sage has acquired Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., expanding its portfolio of peer-reviewed journals in biotechnology and life sciences. The acquisition enhances reach and impact, ensuring high-quality science continues to make a difference.
Humpback whales' reproductive success is linked to maternal characteristics and energy balance. Researchers found fetal growth rates increased with maternal length and energy demands peaked in the final third of pregnancy, coinciding with fasting and migration. This study highlights a vulnerable period for pregnant humpback whales and ...
A new technique for detecting long wave infrared photons of different wavelengths has been developed by UCF researchers. This method, based on a nanopatterned graphene, offers dynamic spectral tunability and ultrafast response times, surpassing existing cooled and uncooled detectors.
A research team led by USC aims to create comprehensive maps of retinal nerve connections to understand and combat retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive eye disease affecting 2 million people globally.
A team of international researchers successfully controlled the quantum states of matter at ultrafast time scales and its chemical properties with extreme precision using light in the extreme ultraviolet. The technique was demonstrated on helium atoms, enabling the enhancement of selected quantum processes while suppressing others.
The discovery of ferroptosis has renewed interest in non-apoptotic cell death mechanisms. While initially studied in cancer, ferroptosis is increasingly implicated in various diseases, including liver injury. However, the liver's robust antioxidant defenses question its widespread applicability.
A new study reveals insights into leveraging allele dosages in sweetpotato breeding practices to improve key agricultural traits. Researchers found that differences in allele dosage significantly impact root weight, plant architecture, and flesh color.
A recent study found that diverse research teams in allergy and immunology programs exhibit increased research output due to enhanced creativity and innovation. The study also highlights the importance of depth of expertise and balance within the team.
Stephen D. Nimer, MD, has been awarded the American Society of Hematology's (ASH) Mentor Award for 2024 for his impact on over 100 hematology trainees who have gone on to have thriving careers. He is recognized for creating a collaborative environment that drives scientific discovery and quality patient care.
Two University of Michigan faculty members, Robert Bartlett and Zhen Xu, have been elected to the National Academy of Inventors for their innovative research and groundbreaking technologies. Bartlett developed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, a technology providing cardiac and respiratory support, while Xu invented histotripsy, a t...
Five Texas researchers have been honored with the 2025 Edith and Peter O'Donnell Awards for their innovative breakthroughs in small cell lung cancer, lithium-ion battery technology, and galaxy discovery. Lauren Averett Byers is being recognized for her work on novel therapeutic strategies for SCLC, while Caitlin M. Casey is exploring p...
A new class of magnetism called altermagnetism has been imaged for the first time, offering potential to increase operation speeds of up to a thousand times in digital devices. Altermagnets combine favorable properties of ferromagnets and antiferromagnets into a single material.
Scientists at Insilico Medicine developed a novel gut-restricted PHD inhibitor using generative chemistry engine Chemistry42, promising to repair intestinal mucosal barriers and regulate immune responses in IBD. The compound, ISM5411, demonstrated significant anti-colitis activity without systemic side effects.
Researchers at Chung-Ang University have identified a crucial role for specific tRNA fragments in cancer progression, revealing their ability to regulate gene expression and influence tumor growth. The study suggests that these fragments could serve as biomarkers for early-stage cancer detection and targets for therapeutic interventions.
A study by University of Essex researchers found that women who notice and attend to internal bodily signals, such as heartbeats and sensual touch sensations, experience more frequent orgasms. The research suggests that focusing on the body rather than the mind can lead to increased orgasm satisfaction.
A new noninvasive imaging method developed by MIT researchers can penetrate deeper into living tissue than previous techniques, producing richer and more detailed images. This breakthrough enhances biological research capabilities, enabling scientists to study immune responses and develop new medicines with greater accuracy.
Researchers discovered a species of damselfish actively eating gnathiid isopods, which are common reef parasites, to protect their young. This unique 'great fish parenting' behavior increased the survival rate of juvenile fish by three times.
Lauren Averett Byers, a professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center, has received the 2025 Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award in Medicine from Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Technology (TAMEST) for her fundamental discoveries in small cell lung cancer. Her work has led to personalized treatments and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers found significantly higher levels of p16INK4a in young people with sickle cell disease, indicating accelerated cellular aging. This discovery may lead to new treatments targeting cell aging and improved quality of life for SCD patients.
The 2025 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prizes were awarded to four female and six male researchers, with two working in the humanities and social sciences, four in life sciences, three in natural sciences, and one in engineering sciences. The winners received €2.5 million each to fund their research for up to seven years.
Researchers Sergei Kalinin and Chuck Melcher have been named NAI fellows for their groundbreaking work in materials science, radiation detection, and medical imaging. Their inventions have led to significant improvements in oil production, cancer diagnosis, and nuclear security, benefiting public welfare.
A new study suggests that a person's biological age can predict their risk of developing colon polyps and early colorectal cancer. Accelerated aging, which is higher than chronological age, may be linked to a greater risk of developing the disease, highlighting the importance of early screening.
Researchers at Chungnam National University have developed copper-zinc electrodes that can stabilize over time through recycling, preserving their catalytic effectiveness and selectivity for valuable hydrocarbons. This innovation has significant implications for the conversion of CO₂ into sustainable fuels or chemicals.
Virginia Tech researchers successfully tagged a young Mediterranean shortfin mako shark, gathering valuable data on its movements and habitat usage. The shark traveled over 750 miles in 54 days, suggesting that protecting nursery areas may not be enough to prevent its decline.
Researchers have developed an AI framework called XLuminA that autonomously discovers new experimental designs in microscopy. The framework performs optimizations 10,000 times faster than well-established methods, opening the path for exploring completely new territories in microscopy.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has funded eight teams of researchers to conduct interdisciplinary biomedical research projects. These partnerships aim to advance scientific discovery and improve human health by combining expertise in cell biology, immunology, neuroscience, and genetics.
The American Heart Association has released its list of top cardiovascular research for 2024, focusing on prevention, treatment and the benefits of anti-obesity medications. The research highlights improvements in assessing cardiovascular risk, identifying early prevention opportunities and treating heart failure.
A study reveals that lower-income and minority mothers face disproportionate challenges in postpartum health due to inadequate social support systems. The research emphasizes the need for targeted policy interventions to improve maternal health equity, strengthen postpartum care, and reduce health disparities.
A 35,000-year-old ritual complex in the Manot Cave offers insight into the spiritual practices of Paleolithic hunter-gatherer groups. The discovery reveals evidence of human-made engravings, ash remains from fire, and acoustic tests that suggest a unique auditory experience for communal activities.
The collaboration aims to evaluate the potential of AMB-066 as a first-in-class treatment option for patients with colorectal cancer and minimal residual disease. MD Anderson researchers have identified a potential opportunity for AMB-066 to effectively treat MRD-positive CRC, based on robust preclinical data.
Insilico Medicine has nominated ISM8969, an orally available NLRP3 inhibitor, as a potential treatment for various inflammatory diseases. The compound has shown promising results in preclinical evaluation studies, including balanced druggability and efficacy against inflammation.
Researchers discovered a new pathway to pain management by modulating pain signals with solvent molecules, offering an alternative to traditional pain medications. The study showed that deuterated water suppressed pain signal transmission and achieved effective analgesia.
Dr. Edo Ronald de Kloet shares insights on cortisol's dual role in protecting and damaging the brain through mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR). His discovery has transformed our understanding of stress-related mental disorders and led to novel therapeutic pathways.
A new review published in Blood Cancer Discovery outlines how research supported a recent FDA committee decision to allow minimal residual disease as an endpoint for accelerated approval in multiple myeloma. This decision could cut a decade off the drug development process, enabling faster innovation in cancer treatment.
A new detection method has been used to identify over 100 small asteroids in the main asteroid belt, ranging from bus-sized to stadium-wide. This breakthrough could aid in tracking potential asteroid impactors and provide insights into meteorite origins.
A new research paper published in Oncotarget introduces an innovative AI tool combining CT scans and body composition data to predict severe liver problems in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) patients. The model achieved impressive results, correctly identifying at-risk patients with 97% accuracy.
Researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and partners uncover a fast-swimming predatory amphipod species at depths of up to 8,000 meters. The newly discovered species highlights the importance of continued deep-ocean exploration and biodiversity discoveries in the Atacama Trench.
Southwest Research Institute has launched a joint industry project to develop technologies for hydrogen-powered heavy-duty refueling operations. The four-year program aims to strengthen existing refueling station equipment and procedures, exploring alternatives to address supply chain issues and technical challenges.
Researchers at Lund University Diabetes Centre have mapped out differences in the atherosclerotic process in people with type 2 diabetes. The study found that high blood sugar levels can lead to reduced ability to form protective connective tissue in atherosclerotic plaques, increasing cardiovascular risk.
Researchers found that a ketogenic diet's beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) improves tumor control and survival in mice with diffuse-large B-cell lymphoma. A BHB supplement also boosts CAR T cell expansion and activation in laboratory models of human cancer.
Researchers used CT scans to examine giant hailstones formed during a 2022 thunderstorm in Catalonia. The study revealed irregular internal shapes and heterogeneous growth patterns, overturning previous assumptions about hailstone formation.
Three Sanford Burnham Prebys faculty members, David A. Brenner, Randal J. Kaufman, and Tariq M. Rana, are recognized for their significant scientific influence. Their publications have been cited top 1% globally by number of citations.
Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a non-toxic pesticide using neem seed extract and nanotechnology. The new formulation shows improved targeting ability and reduces environmental pollution by up to 80-90% of sprayed pesticides missing their target entirely.
Researchers have identified a key protein that plays a crucial role in energy production in muscle cells, which can be activated by physical exercise. This discovery may lead to the development of treatments for over 200 disorders related to muscle energy production.
Three Texas A&M biologists have received NIH Maximizing Investigators’ Research Awards to support their research on type IV pili, darter fish social behaviors and bacteriophages. Drs Koch, Moran and Ramsey will explore bacterial behavior, genetic mechanisms and neural basis of paternal care in fish.
A team of researchers discovered that a previously ignored microRNA, mir-193, is the actual melanic color switch in butterflies and moths. Disrupting mir-193 eliminated black and dark wing colors in three butterfly species.
A new study has discovered that close spatial proximity serves as an indicator of friendship in feral female buffalo, with individual personalities playing a key role. The research found that buffalo with similar social tension, vigilance, and general dominance traits tended to spend more time together.
Insilico Medicine has successfully integrated cutting-edge generative AI models into its platform, achieving significant increases in accuracy and speed. The company's AI-powered solutions have shown promising results in preclinical candidates and Phase II clinical trials.
A team of scientists, including Binghamton University's Molly Patterson, is drilling into the Ross Ice Shelf to retrieve geological records and gain insights into the ice sheet's response to global warming. The project aims to provide crucial data for adapting to sea-level rise and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
A Virginia Tech researcher has received a collaborative grant to improve cancer therapies by developing 3D liver organoids and employing cutting-edge microscopy technology. The project aims to identify the most effective treatments for cancer, enabling better-targeted treatments.
The open-access journal Seed Biology has been successfully indexed in the Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI) in the Web of Science. This milestone strengthens the journal's academic discourse and impact, making its articles searchable and citable worldwide.
A team of researchers has successfully identified a compound with record-breaking performance in film capacitors, a crucial component in renewable energy technologies. The breakthrough was achieved using a machine-learning technique that screened nearly 50,000 chemical structures to find the optimal material.
The partnership integrates Answer ALS’s Neuromine Data Portal with the AD Data Initiative's AD Workbench, providing a unified platform for data sharing and analysis. This collaboration enables integrative analysis of ALS and Alzheimer’s data, streamlining efforts and enhancing research impact.
A previously unknown population of neurons in the hypothalamus has been discovered to regulate food intake and respond to leptin. This discovery could lead to new targets for obesity drugs and potentially reduce hunger.
The US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) will present its latest advancements in Earth and space sciences at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Conference. NRL researchers will share their work on topics such as atmospheric data assimilation, ocean sciences, and geostationary ocean color.
A USC-led study found that neurogenesis in adults supports verbal learning and memory, enabling people to have conversations. The discovery could lead to new approaches to restore cognitive function in patients with epilepsy and other conditions.
Researchers propose a new model for understanding how information is transmitted in the brain by describing a unique axon morphology that changes size and modulates action potential speed
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have discovered that different mutations of the tumour suppressor p53 affect pancreatic carcinomas differently. The study found that two variants of p53 selectively control distinct metabolic pathways, providing new insights into cancer development.
The study reveals a high degree of technical mastery in the use of animal tendons, reed wood, and birch bark pitch to create bows and arrows. The findings shed new light on Neolithic archery techniques and materials in Europe.
Researchers have discovered a major setback in the use of AZD7648 to promote precise gene editing, which causes massive genetic changes and genome instability. Despite this, scientists remain optimistic about advancing CRISPR-Cas technology to treat diseases.