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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.

07.08.26

SUTD study shows why comfort at home is more than a temperature issue

A SUTD study reveals that factors beyond temperature affect comfort at home. Residents who spent more time outdoors reported greater comfort without air-conditioning, while closed windows and blocked airflow contributed to warmer rooms. Practical advice is needed to help households understand these influences and make informed decisions.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalUrban Climate

A cleaner strategy for negative thermal expansion materials

Researchers develop a new strategy for producing negative thermal expansion (NTE) materials, enabling safer and more efficient synthesis. The approach combines reverse coprecipitation with oxidation in a single step, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals and reducing environmental impact.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study

Optimizing RNA design with AI and an Ising machine: Encoding matters

A new study explores an FMQA-based optimization framework for RNA design, revealing that encoding matters in achieving optimal results. The approach identifies high-quality RNA sequence candidates with relatively few evaluations, outperforming competing methods.

SourceKeio University Global Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

CDI Lab publishes two companion papers explaining immune ‘exhaustion’ - and how we might prevent it

Scientists at Hackensack Meridian Health's CDI Lab published two companion papers explaining the 'exhaustion' of key immune cells. The first paper identified Id proteins as determinants of exhausted CD8+ T cell fate, while the second paper revealed CTCF's role in dynamic enhancer activation and invariant barriers.

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study

Chikungunya fever: Etiology, pathogenesis, and management, with a particular focus on evidence-based application of traditional Chinese medicine

Chikungunya fever is caused by the Chikungunya virus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Traditional Chinese medicine offers promising integrative treatments, particularly for acute symptoms and chronic polyarthralgia. A holistic response to CHIKV requires combining standard care with evidence-based TCM.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalFuture Integrative Medicine

Rice and Neal Cancer Center award seed grants for translational cancer research

Two research teams from Rice University and Houston Methodist are awarded grants to study protective effects of metal nanoclusters against radiation-induced skin injuries and explore the role of m6A in leukemia cell growth. The collaboration aims to improve cancer care and outcomes through innovative, interdisciplinary proposals.

SourceRice University

The use of robots increases productivity in SMEs, but does not boost exports

Researchers from Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that robot adoption increases productivity in Spanish SMEs, especially smaller firms with fewer workers and less innovation. However, introducing robots does not directly translate into increased international business activity, as regional specialization plays a key role.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalJournal of the Knowledge Economy

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.

Large language model guides discovery of catalysts for clean energy tech

Researchers developed an AI assistant called ChatHEA to guide the discovery of new catalysts for clean energy technologies. The team screened and evaluated 100 five-element high-entropy alloy catalysts, finding that FeCoCuPtIr showed excellent oxygen reduction activity and durability.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalNational Science Review

HKU Dentistry leads international study to expose hidden distribution of Noma disease

A collaborative research team led by HKU Dentistry has mapped noma incidence risk across 296 local government areas in Nigeria, revealing previously unrecognised high-risk areas. The study provides a comprehensive small-area assessment of noma risk in Nigeria and offers implications for public health.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeMeta-analysis

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.

Two distinct regional drivers of the intensification of concurrent hot and dry extremes over China

A new study reveals that summer concurrent hot and dry events in China intensify due to different physical driving mechanisms in western and east-central regions. Western China's trends are driven by anthropogenic warming, while east-central China's hazards stem from coupled monsoon decline, drought amplification, and heat feedback.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters

MIT engineers whip up a more breathable hydrogel

Researchers developed an aerated hydrogel that allows air to pass through while maintaining its water content. This breakthrough enables longer-lasting products, such as breathable bandages, implants, and wearable sensors, with improved skin comfort and reduced sweat buildup.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature

Researchers uncover the inside story on plant organ growth

A study by John Innes Centre researchers reveals that inner tissues play a crucial role in shaping plant organs, contradicting the widespread assumption that external layers control growth. By analyzing cell division orientation and gene editing techniques, they discovered genes affecting stem thickness in Arabidopsis.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study

Birth weight percentiles and infant and child growth dynamics

This cohort study of 38,535 singletons found that birth weight decile was associated with early-life growth patterns. The use of birth weight decile group may help identify high-risk children missed by conventional thresholds.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open

A black hole theory comes to life in the lab

Scientists at CUNY ASRC successfully amplify electromagnetic waves by simulating ultrafast rotation, recreating Penrose-Zel'dovich process. This breakthrough enables experimental studies of extreme rotational dynamics and opens new avenues for wireless communications and optics applications.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

‘Parent’ blood cells act as a buffer against the effects of aging

A new study by researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, reveals that multipotent progenitors, 'parent' blood cells, protect blood cell production and function from aging effects. The findings confirm the safety of bone marrow transplants from older donors.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalStem Cell Reports

Surgeons use teleoperated humanoid robots to perform live surgery–a world first

Researchers at UC San Diego successfully performed two surgeries using teleoperated humanoid robots, called Surgie, which have real potential for amplifying access to critical surgeries. The compact robots can be deployed in remote areas and are easier to use than specialized robotic systems.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study

The reinforcement effect of social media likes in depression

Depression is associated with a greater tendency to be reinforced by social rewards on Twitter, contrary to laboratory-based findings of blunted reinforcement learning in depression. This suggests potential mechanisms linking social media use to worse mental health outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry

Deaths caused by law enforcement in the US

Between 2003 and 2024, annual US deaths caused by law enforcement increased significantly, with non-Hispanic Black males experiencing the highest mortality rates. Firearms were responsible for more than 87% of these deaths, highlighting persistent racial disparities in the US.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA

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.

MIT researcher proposes a way to detect nuclear weapons in space

A new paper by MIT Professor Areg Danagoulian describes his idea for a satellite-based sensor system that can detect neutrons generated by high-energy protons colliding with radioactive material. The system could detect nuclear weapons with 99% accuracy, even in low-Earth orbit.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature

Measuring what cupping therapy pulls from the skin

Researchers developed a method to analyze compounds pulled in cupping jars, detecting changes in 13 volatile compounds before and after treatment. These findings suggest that cupping therapy may have measurable physiological effects, which can be studied with modern analytical techniques.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega

New research provides a promising step towards safer, less toxic stem cell transplants

A new strategy makes stem cell transplants safer by replacing chemotherapy-based treatment with targeted antibodies that recognize specific markers on blood-forming stem cells. This approach allows for less toxic treatment and could enable chemotherapy-free or chemotherapy-sparing transplantation approaches.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature

Journalism Science Alliance awards nearly €1 million to 25 new journalist-scientist projects

The Journalism Science Alliance has selected 25 new projects, receiving nearly €1 million in funding, to promote science-based investigative journalism worldwide. The projects, led by journalists and scientists from 24 countries, will benefit from expert mentoring, training, and networking opportunities.

SourceInstituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa ITQB NOVA

Virtual patients, real-world training

Researchers from Penn, NYU, and the Linguistic Data Consortium create virtual patients with adjustable psychiatric symptoms to simulate real-world conversations. The STELLAR platform aims to augment clinician training practices with essential conversation scenarios.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science

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.

New project ORIGIN aims to redefine how society accesses natural ingredients

The ORIGIN project aims to reduce development timelines for sustainable, fermentation-based ingredients from 5-7 years to 2-3 years. By combining AI, biotechnology, and fermentation, the project will address scientific and technological challenges to produce high-value natural ingredients.

SourceInstituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa ITQB NOVA

Study finds NFL players four times more likely to die due to neurodegenerative disease

A cohort study of nearly 20,000 NFL players revealed that players are dying of dementia and Parkinson’s disease at much higher rates than the general population. The study found a fourfold increase in neurodegenerative mortality among NFL players compared to the general population.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis

Emergency departments across Illinois identify gaps in care for children in mental health crises

A survey of Illinois emergency departments found that many hospitals lack pediatric mental health specialists and struggle with timely access to evaluation by a mental health professional. The study proposes practical solutions, such as investing in mental health staffing, therapeutic activities, and real-time bed tracking to improve c...

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJournal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Caddisfly silk gene evolves quickly without losing adhesive power

Scientists have identified the genetics of caddisflies' evolutionary superpower, which involves a gene that produces a main protein in silk. The study found remarkable heterogeneity in those genes among individuals from two nearby wild populations, highlighting how nature modifies this bioadhesive material while preserving its performa...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis

Gut bacteria linked to frailty in older women

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified a clear link between the composition of gut bacteria and frailty in older women. The research found that lower gut bacterial diversity and impaired function are associated with increased vulnerability to disease, falls, functional impairment, and death.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study

What your tears could reveal about your brain

Researchers developed a low-cost electrochemical sensor to detect dopamine levels in artificial human tears. The technology could support the development of new tools for monitoring Parkinson's disease and other conditions linked to atypical dopamine levels.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega

First randomized controlled trial shows promise of a ketogenic diet in psychotic disorders

A first-of-its-kind randomized controlled trial demonstrates rapid metabolic improvements with a ketogenic diet compared to diet-as-usual, leading to correlations between ketone levels and reduced blood glucose and depression symptoms. The study also shows sustained metabolic improvements alongside significant reductions in schizophren...

SourceStellate Communications·JournalSchizophrenia Bulletin·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial

Quiet, please: Hatchery salmon raised amid noise are less likely to return to spawn

Researchers found that hatchery-raised fall Chinook salmon exposed to noise were less likely to complete the journey to the ocean and back. However, when raised in a quiet environment, they were more likely to return than those raised with ambient or continuous white noise.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNorth American Journal of Fisheries Management·TypeExperimental study

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Globally, youth are not eating enough healthy plant-based foods

A global analysis of childhood diets over nearly 30 years reveals that children worldwide consume low amounts of essential nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. In contrast to many other countries, the US sees a decline in consumption of these foods from infancy to adolescence.

SourceTufts University·JournalBMJ Global Health

Families report positive outcomes from fully virtual, BCBA-delivered, focused autism support program

A new study finds that fully virtual applied behavior analysis (ABA) services delivered by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) are a feasible alternative to traditional in-person therapy. Children with autism who received focused ABA services showed improvements in adaptive skills, behavior outcomes, and family quality of life.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJMIR Pediatrics and Parenting·TypeObservational study

New analysis framework for developing stronger foundations during urban redevelopment

Researchers develop a comprehensive framework to predict drilling instability in backfilled ground, considering strength differences and asymmetry. The proposed design criterion aims to reduce inclined drilling deviations by at least 10 millimeters per meter of depth.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalResults in Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

Brain network disorders study identifies glial targets for brain injury repair

Glial cells play critical roles in determining brain recovery after TBI, and researchers have identified ways to selectively modulate their functions. The study highlights the importance of coordinated cellular behavior and suggests that targeting glial responses could lead to effective therapies.

SourceBrain Network Disorders Editorial Office·JournalBrain Network Disorders·TypeLiterature review

Do breast cancer and irregular heartbeat have common risk factors and rates?

A global analysis found alcohol use and smoking to be common risk factors for both breast cancer and atrial fibrillation/flutter in women ages 55 and older. High-risk zones were predominantly in Western countries with greater exposure to these lifestyle risks.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association

TDP-43: When microglia go off track

A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that the TDP-43 protein plays a crucial role in regulating microglial function. Microglia lacking this protein develop motor impairments and exhibit structural alterations in brain regions, highlighting its importance in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of Lausanne·JournalNature Neuroscience

Social media influencers who match racial, ethnic identity of their audiences have a bigger—and unhealthy—impact

A new study reveals that racial and ethnic minority youth pay more attention to food influencers who share their racial identity, resulting in stronger engagement with unhealthy foods. The researchers found that identity-based social media marketing can be a powerful mechanism in shaping adolescents' eating behavior.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Eye problems after COVID-19 can now be explained

A study from Linköping University finds that mild COVID-19 can lead to long-term eye problems, including abnormal pupil function and strabismus, affecting daily life. Researchers developed a diagnostic model to detect these issues, which may lead to effective treatment.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study

New platform combines precision gene targeting with brain-wide delivery

A new study describes a gene therapy strategy that uses the brain's glymphatic transport system to distribute engineered viral vectors throughout the brain. This approach enables preferential targeting of human glial cells while minimizing exposure to other cell types and organs, addressing two major challenges in neurological medicine.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNature Biotechnology

Hotter, drier weather could double water bills in some cities, Stanford study finds

A Stanford-led study models how climate change and infrastructure investment can compound an affordability crisis, leading to near doubling of median water bills in cities like Santa Cruz. The research warns that even resilient cities may become vulnerable to water affordability issues over time.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Sustainability

Landfill foraging may have long-term health consequences for white storks

Research on landfill-foraging white storks reveals a trade-off between food availability and increased risks from stress and DNA damage. Preliminary results show that young storks foraging on landfills have higher energy stores but also exhibit DNA damage at an early age.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology

Is climate change affecting interactions between owls and their prey?

A new study assesses how climate change affects predator-prey dynamics in a semi-arid ecosystem. Researchers found that during periods of low precipitation, owls shifted to different prey, increasing dietary overlap variability. Temperature was the strongest driver of these changes.

SourceWiley·JournalEcography

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.

Human-safe drug repairs DNA in a mouse model of Alzheimer's

Researchers developed a human-safe drug that repairs DNA breaks and reduces inflammation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The approach targets multiple disease-relevant cellular pathways, providing a broader therapeutic strategy than previous approaches focused on individual disease hallmarks.

SourceKing's College London·JournalFEBS Open Bio·TypeExperimental study

Human-safe drug repairs DNA in a mouse model of Alzheimer's

Scientists at King's College London have developed a human-safe drug that repairs DNA breaks and reduces inflammation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. This approach targets multiple features of the disease simultaneously, providing a broader therapeutic strategy than previous approaches focused on individual disease hallmarks.

SourceKing's College London·JournalFEBS Open Bio·TypeExperimental study