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 study found that horse owners' psychological characteristics, including attachment styles and personality traits, shape how frequently they ride, train, and spend quality time with their horses. Owners who spent more time with their horses tended to be more emotionally connected, while those with higher avoidant attachment styles...
A large meta-analysis has consistently shown that social inequality, such as poverty and racism, accelerates biological aging measured by epigenetic clocks. Newer biological aging measures are most sensitive to social conditions, with second- and third-generation clocks showing stronger associations with socioeconomic conditions.
An international team published a white paper on embryonic models based on stem cells, proposing guidelines for research and regulation. These models can mimic early human development stages, potentially aiding in understanding infertility conditions.
A novel operator learning framework tackles the ill-posedness in inverse thermal problems by employing two synergistic deep learning components. The framework accurately estimates spatial material properties and filters high-frequency noise to project the final-state thermal field back to its initial distribution.
The study focuses on the Lamm-Riviere system, a fourth-order geometric elliptic system including both extrinsic and intrinsic biharmonic maps into manifolds. Researchers investigated the inhomogeneous Lamm-Rivireè system and proved the angular energy identity for this system.
Researchers have developed a new theory that enables the description and simulation of non-reciprocal interactions, which are essential for studying complex systems like flocks and swarms. By introducing auxiliary degrees of freedom, physicists can now accurately model these systems using established methods.
The ASCEND project aims to develop next-generation catalysts using AI, simulations, and nanotechnology. The five-year initiative accelerates scientific experimentation and enables more sustainable chemical processes.
The book 'Human Identities in the Archaeological Record' reconstructs past identities from evidence like skeletons, belongings, and material culture. Researchers investigate how people ate, grew up, and were affected by disease and inequality.
The Journal of Research on Research aims to support evidence-informed change in research systems through a unique dual role as both a publisher and researcher. It will occupy a dual role: publish and conduct research on research, providing access to data on publishing processes across its portfolio.
A University of Birmingham scientist creates a 'mini universe' with ultracold atoms to test ideas in quantum cosmology and gravity. The experiment demonstrates that time can emerge from changes within a quantum system, revealing a version of time known as 'entropic time', which flows consistently and orders events.
Researchers reconstructed millipede evolution history, tracing origins to nearly 460 million years ago. They also discovered that one group of millipedes may have developed chemical defenses 260 million years ago.
Research finds that advanced maternal age reduces autophagy in embryos from aged female mice, leading to impaired embryonic development. Supplementation with Rapamycin improves early embryonic development by regulating metabolic pathways.
A new model developed by KAIST reveals that a shortage of agricultural workforce can limit farmland utilization in most regions, posing a significant risk to future food security. The study's findings suggest that sustainable development models and migration policies are crucial to addressing this issue.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have identified 10 biomarkers in saliva that can detect acute sleep deprivation. The study uses machine-learning methods to analyze metabolic changes in saliva, providing a new milestone for forensic research.
A population-based study found that radical nephroureterectomy was associated with better overall and cancer-specific survival compared to kidney-sparing surgery. Tumor stage, size, lymph node dissection status, and patient-specific factors play a crucial role in individualized surgical planning.
A cross-sectional study found that colorectal cancer screening participation increased after an organized population screening program, but socioeconomic disparities remained. Younger age groups, single households, and lower-income individuals still lag behind in screening uptake.
A research team led by Prof. Yongtaek Hong developed a high-performance transparent organic light-emitting diode (OLED) incorporating highly conductive transparent metal mesh top electrodes fabricated using a selective metal deposition technique. The electrodes achieved high optical transparency of 93-99% and low sheet resistance, maki...
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open followed 264 mother-infant pairs to assess the anatomy of the upper lip frenulum and its relation to breastfeeding difficulties. The research found no association between the anatomical characteristics of the upper lip frenulum and breastfeeding problems.
The new section in JMIR Neurotechnology focuses on the responsible and ethical use of neurotechnology. Submissions welcome for original research, case series, theoretical viewpoints, and data-driven analyses on ethics and policy in neurotechnology.
A new study reveals that written exposure therapy can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, comparable to intensive treatments. The narrative writing process allows patients to confront memories, fostering a sense of control over their experiences.
JMIR Publications has partnered with MetaROR to advance open science, elevate peer review quality, and recognize reviewers' contributions. The partnership integrates MetaROR's publish-review-curate platform with JMIRx overlay journals.
Insilico Medicine is revolutionizing preclinical drug development through its AI and automation platform, reaching PCC nomination in just 12-18 months. The company has nominated 31 PCCs since 2021, with 13 receiving IND approval or clearance.
Researchers found that disruptions in specialized extracellular structures surrounding cerebellar neurons alter neuronal activity across brain circuits involved in social behavior. Mice without these structures showed clear impairments in social interaction and decreased interest in unfamiliar mice. The study suggests a previously unkn...
A study identified molecular anchors on gut phages that enable them to attach to human cells and remain intact. The findings suggest that these proteins are evolutionarily advantageous strategies driven by modular phage surface proteins.
Researchers developed a metal-free carbon monoxide prodrug that significantly reduced metastatic tumor growth in pancreatic and triple-negative breast cancer models without signs of toxicity. The prodrug, CO-116, works by disrupting a signaling pathway that promotes cancer cell migration and metastasis.
Rockefeller University Press has partnered with Cashmere to enable safe and transparent AI inference use of its journals, protecting authors' work while providing visibility and revenue transparency. The partnership uses Cashmere's infrastructure suite to manage AI-powered research applications.
A study by Okayama University researchers revealed that SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels can assess infection history, symptom severity, and cognitive complications in long COVID. The findings suggest that declining S-antibody levels may indicate a greater risk of neurological complications.
The study synthesizes recent advances in single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to identify tumor-enriched cell subsets closely related to prognosis and treatment response. The review introduces the
A study found that regularly assessing gastric residual volume in critically ill children being enterally fed significantly improved nutritional achievement at 72 hours. Not routine assessments every 6 hours had similar results, demonstrating noninferiority.
Researchers have developed a catalyst material that harnesses the energy of a single photon to reduce carbon dioxide and oxidize organic waste simultaneously. The process achieves high efficiencies of approximately 93% for CO2-to-formate conversion and around 95% for biomass oxidation, showcasing efficient utilization of photon energy.
A new study offers a framework for transdisciplinary urban science by combining particularising and generalising perspectives to inform policy decisions. The research emphasizes the need for constant interaction between researchers, publics, and policymakers to chart sustainable pathways for cities.
Researchers discover recurrent COPA mutations driving intestinal tumorigenesis through an independent route. These mutations activate the Wnt pathway in a way that bypasses essential amplifiers, leading to cancer progression.
Researchers create a hydrogel-based oral formulation that coats the esophageal lining and releases antibodies like infliximab to treat inflammatory conditions. The formulation reduces side effects by temporarily loosening cell-cell junctions, allowing larger molecules to pass through.
The system uses two AI agents to comb through publicly available data and conduct life cycle assessments, achieving an average error rate of 5%-19% similar to expert-led LCAs. The team also developed a new method to bypass detailed data collection and estimate carbon footprints for unknown devices using 'nearest-neighbors' approach.
Researchers found Escherichia albertii bacteria in 77% of water samples and 56% of wild raccoons, suggesting a pathway for transmission from wildlife to humans. The study's findings emphasize the need for a 'One Health' approach to address zoonotic diseases.
A joint study by HKU and LSE reveals global migration has risen sharply from 13 million people per year in 2000 to 35 million in 2023. The dataset, built using deep learning, provides a more detailed and dynamic picture of global movement.
Professor Geim's talk revealed how curiosity-driven research led to the discovery of stable, single-atom-thin sheets of carbon, a breakthrough that earned him the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics. His current work focuses on expanding this atomic toolkit to create new materials with unique properties.
A new study reveals that Antarctic glaciers are speeding up and moving towards the ocean due to meltwater draining from their surface to their base. This process, known as hydrofracturing, reduces friction and accelerates glacier movement.
The University of Hong Kong study found that effective use of hearing aids is associated with a lower risk of probable dementia among older adults with hearing loss. The association appeared stronger in middle-income countries where hearing aid adoption was lower.
Researchers analyzed high-speed camera footage of skilled soccer players performing the scissors feint, revealing distinct movement characteristics that differ from less-skilled players. These include active distance regulation, strategic modulation of relative speed and efficient feint execution.
A study of 90 Japanese esports players found 43.3% had poor subjective sleep quality, with later bedtimes and shorter sleep times common among pros. Early-morning gaming was linked to poor sleep quality, highlighting the need for sleep support tailored to competitive status.
Professor Yao's research on two-dimensional materials and their heterostructures has opened up an important direction for future optoelectronic devices. He received the Certificate of Merit at the Fourth National Award for Excellence in Innovation, recognizing his academic influence in this frontier field.
Researchers create programmable neuromorphic hardware platform that mimics biological neurons at extremely low temperatures. This technology enhances quantum error correction and real-time control, paving the way for complex data processing in space.
Researchers at The University of Hong Kong have developed a way to design polymers with precise molecular structures, allowing them to control material properties such as stiffness, strength, and elasticity. By introducing copper ions, the team can dynamically alter the rigidity of these materials.
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the National Innovation Center for Excellence (NICE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic framework for collaboration in technology innovation, commercialization, applied research, and talent development. The partnership aims to foster technological innovation an...
The HSBC/HKU Asia Pacific Business Case Challenge 2026 brought together 24 teams from 20 markets to tackle real-world business cases and demonstrate problem-solving skills. The event, now in its 19th year, aims to bridge classroom learning with industry realities.
The University of Hong Kong won 19 awards, including the prestigious Outstanding Organisation Award, for its innovative projects in biomedical advancements, AI-enabled precision medicine, sustainable construction engineering, and intelligent healthcare technologies. The winning projects showcased significant social impact.
The P/Ce-NC catalyst accelerates Li+ desolvation, unlocking rapid sulfur redox kinetics and unprecedented cycling stability. The dual electronic modulation mechanism enhances interaction between Ce and solvent molecules, weakening the Li+-solvent coordination and reducing the desolvation energy barrier.
Professor Kathryn Cheah has been elected as a Foreign Member of Academia Europaea for her lifelong dedication to biomedical sciences and transformative research on developmental genetics. Her work focuses on genetic and molecular mechanisms driving skeletal disorders, advancing diagnosis and treatment.
The University of Hong Kong has developed RNA Segment Editing (RSE), a 'cut-and-patch' tool for RNA that can precisely remove or replace faulty segments without permanently changing DNA. This innovation offers targeted therapies for neurodegenerative conditions like Huntington's disease.
Researchers created a modified version of fentanyl with reduced side effects, then used it as a vaccine component to train the immune system. The resulting antibodies showed pan specificity against multiple fentanyl designer drugs, including carfentanil and furanylfentanyl.
A new study found that a low-cost, simple intervention using a self-help workbook paired with brief phone support significantly improves the mental health of displaced refugees. The program reduced psychological distress, PTSD symptoms, and improved wellbeing and daily functioning among participants.
A new combination therapy called QUIZOM significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival in patients with FLT3 gene mutations. The study found a composite complete remission rate of about 83% while reducing the risk of relapse, providing an effective and feasible treatment option for high-risk blood cancers.
A new strategy enhances oxygen reduction in zinc-air batteries by fine-tuning an efficient catalyst. The Fe2O3/Sm2O3 heterointerface accelerates ORR kinetics by inducing charge redistribution and orbital hybridization.
Researchers at UTMB have developed a single-dose vaccine against the Andes hantavirus that provides full protection in animal testing. The vaccine's powerful immune response creates protective antibodies in as little as 14 days, making it a potential emergency tool for high-risk contacts during outbreaks.
Researchers at HKU have discovered a significant piezoelectric effect in ultrathin and ultra-flexible polycrystalline diamond membranes. The finding challenges the long-held assumption that diamonds are non-piezoelectric, opening up new possibilities for medical and energy applications.
The JUNO Collaboration has made the high-precision measurement of two key oscillation parameters, reducing associated uncertainties by a factor of 1.6 compared to past decades. This result validates detector performance and analysis methodology, establishing JUNO as a key player in precision neutrino oscillation physics.
A clinical trial found that low-dose atropine eye drops are safe and effective in reducing myopia progression in UK children. The treatment led to a small decrease in refractive error and eye growth compared to placebo.
Scientists mapped the genetic history of ancient grapevines from Tuscany's Cetamura del Chianti settlement, discovering a single, identical variety passed down for centuries. The study found that white grapes were dominant in ancient Chianti, contradicting the region's modern reputation for red wines.
A study published in The Lancet found that Chile's comprehensive food policies, including labelling and advertising bans, have a real-world impact on reducing child obesity. After implementing the Food Labelling and Advertising Law in 2016, children who had been at school for 18 months showed a lower risk of overweight or obesity compa...