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Latest Science News

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.

05.18.26

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

What we now know about how smoking stiffens lungs

Researchers found that smoking substantially stiffens human lung parenchyma, making breathing progressively difficult. The study provides detailed mechanical data for human lungs, which may improve ventilator design and surgical planning tools.

Protein engineering and testing condensed to a single day

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new approach called MIDAS, which enables the creation and testing of proteins in just 24 hours. This eliminates the need for labor-intensive cloning processes, allowing for faster and more cost-effective evaluation of protein variants.

Silver vine or catnip? When cats can choose, silver vine wins

A study by Iwate University and Nagoya University found that domestic cats respond more reliably to silver vine than to catnip when given the choice. Cats exhibited rubbing and rolling behavior towards silver vine in both free-choice outdoor experiments and captive laboratory tests, while responding less consistently to catnip.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Sustainable Mobility Center aims to transform how the world moves

The new center aims to make mobility systems more sustainable and efficient by leveraging AI, autonomy, digital infrastructure, and data-driven decision-making. Stanford faculty members across five schools are affiliated with the center, which will be funded through corporate partnerships.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Prior authorization rules vary widely among major commercial insurers

Researchers found little consistency in prior authorization rules from Aetna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare, highlighting a fragmented system that may contribute to administrative burden. Assembling these rules into a shared database is feasible and could improve transparency for patients and clinicians.

Loneliness increased over 40 years in Japan

A cross-temporal meta-analysis of loneliness studies in Japan found a substantial increase in loneliness over the past 40 years. Loneliness was particularly pronounced among adolescents and women, coinciding with changes in social indicators such as marriage rates and GDP.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Abortion bans lead to worse outcomes for miscarriages

A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that state-level abortion bans in the US are associated with a reduction in evidence-based medical care for miscarriage management. This has led to more women waiting longer for treatment and fewer choices, potentially putting their health and fertility at risk.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Corn diseases cost farmers $13.8 billion from 2020 to 2023

A new study estimates that corn diseases cost US farmers $13.8 billion from 2020 to 2023, resulting in reduced yields of 2.5 billion bushels. The top disease-causing pathogens were tar spot, Fusarium stalk rot, and plant-parasitic nematodes.

Dopamine deficiency found to drive memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease

A new study by Tohoku University researchers has identified dopamine dysfunction as a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease. The discovery may lead to the development of targeted therapies to restore cognitive function and potentially reverse cognitive decline.

Revealing hidden diversity of algae in farmland

A pilot study discovered over 100 different algae species in German farmland, with blue-green and green algae prevalent during summer, and yellow-green algae during spring and autumn. The research highlights the importance of soil algae in maintaining soil health and fertility.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Sweeping up dust to detect emerging viruses

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered that dust can be used to track viral outbreaks in indoor settings. The team identified 54 distinct viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, using a novel sequencing technique. This method has the potential to provide quick and high-resolution insights into what is happening withi...

A revolutionary discovery in cancer treatment independent of organ origin

Davis Joseph's groundbreaking discovery identifies three universal cancer types based on protein and RNA malfunction, paving the way for an organ-agnostic treatment. The research also developed a unified apoptosis network flowsheet, comprising approximately 100 pathways, which can be applied to various cancers.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

New drug target identified for Fragile X syndrome

Scientists have identified a new drug target for treating Fragile X syndrome by blocking the EPAC2 brain protein, which improves abnormal brain activity and behavioral symptoms. The study uses genetically engineered mice to simulate the condition and finds that EPAC2 levels rise gradually as the brain matures.

Establishing a regulatory framework for phage therapy in China

China lacks a dedicated regulatory framework for phage therapy, but recent policy signals encourage development of standards and approval pathways. A three-pillared approach recommends national quality guidelines, phase-appropriate GMP pilot programs, clear product classification, and regional centers with reimbursement mechanisms.

Age does not appear to drive cardiovascular risk in pregnancy

Pregnancy-related cardiovascular complications account for 20-30% of maternal deaths in the US. Researchers analyzed claims data to find that underlying cardiovascular risk drives these events, rather than older age. This may encourage doctors to address cardiovascular health before pregnancy.

Diabetes: a protective gel for a future without insulin injections

Researchers developed an innovative hydrogel called Amniogel to support insulin-producing cells after transplantation, achieving normal blood sugar levels in diabetic mice for at least 100 days. This breakthrough opens the door to developing a bioartificial pancreas that could eliminate the need for insulin injections.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Interactive hydrology makes a splash with students

Researchers from the University of Tokyo developed SplashTune, a gamified rainfall–runoff model that simulates water movement and environmental effects on river flow. The interactive tool improves students' self-reported understanding of complex flood processes, including soil moisture and land use impact.

Study maps how ‘Big AI’ influences AI laws and oversight

Researchers identified 27 established patterns of corporate capture, including narrative capture and elusion of law, in news stories around global AI events. Big AI companies use tactics like deregulation and revolving doors to undermine regulation and enforcement.

Research alert: Poor sleep tied to Alzheimer’s risk in older women

A new study from UC San Diego found that poorer sleep quality is associated with greater memory difficulties and more Alzheimer's-related brain changes in older women with a higher genetic risk. The study suggests that improving sleep could become a target for future Alzheimer's prevention strategies.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

‘Garbage collectors’ of the brain grind to a halt in fatal disease

Researchers analyzed brain tissue from MSA patients and found that the immune cells known as microglia appear to be exhausted or dysfunctional in later stages of the disease. The study suggests that an overactive immune system may contribute to the development of MSA, providing a potential target for future treatment.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

SwRI findings reconsider the existence of Europa’s vapor plumes

A reanalysis of 14 years of Hubble data suggests that Europa's water vapor plumes may not exist as previously thought. The study, led by SwRI scientists, found reduced confidence in the original findings, and improved information on neutral hydrogen atom emissions from Europa's surface.