// Science
100 briefsBreakthroughs, research, and discovery.
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// Featured
Mosquitoes can learn to associate DEET smell with a blood meal
New research reveals that mosquitoes can overcome DEET's repellent effect by learning to link the scent with a food source.
Hubble Captures Spiral Galaxy M88 Racing Through Virgo Cluster
New Hubble imagery reveals the active spiral galaxy Messier 88 on a hundred-million-year journey toward the center of the Virgo cluster, where it will lose the gas needed to form new stars.
Missing Ice Giant May Explain Solar System's Chaotic Past
A new study suggests a third ice giant once existed in our solar system, potentially triggering a planetary reshuffling that shaped the moons of Jupiter and Uranus.
// Physics
2Study confirms Feynman's solution to 'restaurant dilemma' 50 years on
A new study validates Richard Feynman's mathematical solution to the so-called 'restaurant dilemma', first proposed half a century ago.
Prehistoric Mining, Blue Octopus, Slapstick Acoustics Among May Science Highlights
A roundup of overlooked science stories from May includes evidence of prehistoric mining in the Pyrenees, discovery of a tiny blue octopus species, and research on slapstick acoustics.
// Materials
1// All Briefs
New Ecological Method Could Assess Habitability of Icy Moons
Scientists propose an ecology-based approach to evaluate whether subsurface oceans on moons like Enceladus and Europa could support life.
Strongest Evidence Yet of Magnetic Activity on Hot Jupiter Exoplanets
Astronomers have detected unusual wind patterns on seven hot Jupiters, providing the strongest evidence to date that these worlds may generate magnetic fields.
NASA EVA Training Lead Prepares Astronauts for Artemis Moonwalks
Scott Wray, NASA's lead for Artemis extravehicular activity training, details how his lifelong fascination with spacewalks informs the development of lunar surface procedures.
British Paralympian John McFall Could Become First Disabled Astronaut in Orbit
A UK Space Agency deal with US startup Vast may send John McFall to the Haven-1 space station, potentially making him the first person with a physical disability to live in space.
Astronaut Photo Captures Rusty-Orange Lagoon in Bolivian Andes
A 2015 image from space reveals dark-orange water seeping across the bright-white floor of a high-altitude salt lake in Bolivia.
Study: Biodiversity Offsetting Supports Wild Pollinators in Netherlands
New research finds that created grassland habitats can effectively compensate for nature lost to development, helping bees and hoverflies.
NASA Documents Wildfire Damage on Santa Rosa Island
A significant wildland fire has burned one-third of Santa Rosa Island, the second largest of the Channel Islands, according to NASA.
Drought Tied to 46% Rise in Adolescent Sexual Violence in Southern Africa
New Oxford research links drought exposure to a significant increase in sexual, emotional, and physical violence among adolescents in the region.
June 2026 Night Sky: Jupiter-Venus Conjunction and Strawberry Moon
A planetary conjunction of Jupiter and Venus, a strawberry moon, and nine other celestial events highlight the June 2026 night sky.
Bacteria engineered to produce climate-neutral plastics and cosmetics
A European research team is developing bacteria that convert sustainable methanol into chemical base materials, aiming to replace fossil resources in everyday products.
RNA 'cut-and-patch' tool repairs faulty messages without altering DNA
HKUMed researchers develop RNA Segment Editing (RSE), a novel tool that precisely removes or replaces faulty RNA segments in living cells.
Plasma jets tested as waterless cleaning tech for moon, Mars missions
A new lab experiment explores the use of lightning-like plasma jets to sterilize gear on the moon and Mars without water.
JWST's Overmassive Black Holes May Be Normal Range Outliers
New research suggests early universe black holes found by JWST are within normal mass distribution, not requiring exotic formation mechanisms.
COVID-era aid programs linked to lower food and housing insecurity
A five-year study led by University of Connecticut researcher Caitlin Caspi suggests pandemic-era assistance policies helped reduce food insecurity and housing instability.
Roman Telescope's Primary Mirror Passes Final NASA Inspection
NASA has completed final inspection of the Roman Space Telescope's 2.4-meter infrared mirror, clearing a key milestone ahead of launch.
Ceres' Surface Reveals Unexpected Complexity in New Study
A recent paper presented at EGU26 in Vienna shows the dwarf planet Ceres has a more intricate surface than previously understood.
Asian scientists launch 10-year roadmap to build synthetic cells
A coalition of over 100 researchers from six Asian countries has unveiled a coordinated plan to create artificial single-celled biological systems from non-living molecules.
Moderna receives $50 million to develop mRNA Ebola vaccine
The funding aims to accelerate development of a vaccine against the Bundibugyo strain amid an ongoing outbreak.
'Molecular movie' imaging yields new method to tackle environmental pollutant
Oregon State University's short-pulse laser technology reveals an inexpensive approach to neutralize a common pollutant.
Astronomers discover exoplanet fingerprints in star rings
New research offers a method to detect invisible exoplanets by analyzing the rings they create around stars.
Study Identifies Eight Metabolic Niches of Ocean Microbes in Carbon Cycle
Researchers have mapped eight distinct metabolic niches that reveal how trillions of ocean microbes process carbon, offering new insights into the climate-regulating marine carbon cycle.
Targeted Protein Degradation Expands Its Capabilities
The field of targeted protein degradation is evolving with new tools for target validation and translational predictions.
Coalition Fast-Tracks Three Ebola Vaccines with $62M Funding
A global coalition is accelerating development of three vaccines against the Ebola strain spreading in Congo, backed by $62 million in new funding.
Noninvasive blood test reveals brain gene activity
A new programmable blood test allows scientists to monitor gene activity in the living brain without surgery.
Neuropixels Opto Merges Recording and Stimulation in Single Brain Probe
A new neural probe combines electrophysiology and optogenetics to simultaneously record and control brain activity, offering a powerful tool for studying neural circuits.
Microbes convert biodiesel waste into nylon precursors
KAIST researchers develop a sustainable method to produce key nylon building blocks using microorganisms.
Massive Underground Hydrogen Reserves Could Power Earth for 170,000 Years
New estimates suggest naturally occurring geologic hydrogen may be far more abundant than previously thought, reshaping the clean energy landscape.
ASCO 2026: Amidst flood of data, grief and barriers take center stage
The world's largest cancer research meeting saw groundbreaking treatments and studies, but also a heightened focus on physician grief and systemic care barriers.
Roman Telescope Could Spot 100,000 Exoplanets, Set for Kennedy Arrival
NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is expected to detect 100,000 exoplanets — more than all previous missions combined — as it prepares for delivery to Kennedy Space Center.
NASA's June 2026 Skywatching Highlights: Venus-Jupiter Meet and Deep-Sky Views
Venus and Jupiter converge after sunset, the Moon occults Venus, and summer solstice brings deep-sky celestial treasures into view.
Shockwaves from dying stars may carve 'wagon wheel' structures in stellar nurseries
New 3D simulations suggest stellar explosions and winds shape hub-and-spoke patterns in molecular clouds, influencing star formation efficiency in the Milky Way.
New low-cost workflow creates 100,000 uniform cell capsules using standard lab tools
Researchers have developed an affordable method to produce large quantities of uniform hydrogel capsules for 3D cell culture, democratizing access to advanced tissue-mimetic studies.
Crystalys Begins Dosing in Phase III Gout Trial Amid Rival's Positive Data
First-patient dosing in Crystalys Therapeutics' AMETHYST trial for dotinurad follows competitor Sobi's positive Phase III results for pozdeutinurad.
Astrobiology Faces Statistical Crisis as Sample Limits Threaten Findings
A new paper warns that multi-billion-dollar space telescopes may struggle to prove alien life due to insufficient data samples.
ASCO 2026: Bispecifics vs. ADCs clash; progress against RAS mutations
At the year's largest cancer conference, head-to-head data between bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates took center stage, alongside advances in targeting the challenging RAS pathway.
'The Lone Gunmen' at 25: An Underrated 'X-Files' Spin-Off
The short-lived series, which aimed to blend conspiracy theories with a 'Mission: Impossible' style, remains a cult favorite.
Early Earth's Lava May Have Lasted 500 Million Years, Study Suggests
A new paper proposes Earth's molten phase endured up to half a billion years, reshaping theories about the conditions for life's emergence.
Neutron Star Mass Limit Narrows to 2.2–2.3 Solar Masses
Hungarian researchers propose a definitive upper mass boundary for neutron stars, beyond which collapse into a black hole is inevitable.
Space station data cuts climate uncertainty on iron-rich dust
New research using ISS observations refines models of mineral dust's climate impact, reducing uncertainty over iron-rich particles.
New Method Screens Macrocyclic Peptides for Cell Entry at Scale
A novel screening approach enables large-scale identification of membrane-permeable synthetic cyclic peptides, advancing a drug modality that blends biologic properties with oral bioavailability.
First direct observation tracks planet-forming disk rotation around AB Aurigae
Astronomers have directly observed the rotation of a protoplanetary disk around the young star AB Aurigae, revealing unexpected motion that hints at forming giant planets.
Jupiter's Pressure Bump Shaped Early Rocky Bodies in Solar System
A new study suggests Jupiter's gravitational influence created a pressure bump in the early solar disk that filtered dust and led to the formation of planetesimals with varied compositions.
NOAA forecasts below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a below-normal number of named storms for the upcoming 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
AI Reshapes Pharma Trials Amid Outdated Data Systems
Industry experts argue artificial intelligence can accelerate clinical trials but cannot fix fundamental flaws in trial design or replace human oversight.
Manhattanhenge returns for 2026 with July viewing window
The biannual urban phenomenon where the setting sun aligns with Manhattan's street grid is back, with a second chance to witness it in July.
Ebola antiviral pill trial set to begin in DRC and Uganda
Researchers are preparing to test an oral antiviral for Ebola prevention in exposed individuals, a potential game-changer in outbreak control.
Recombinant Diagnostics Poised to Bolster Test Supply Chain Stability
An industry expert argues that recombinant technologies offer a more reliable path for diagnostic test availability, citing concerns over traditional source dependence.
New Climate Model Predicts Weather on TRAPPIST-1 Exoplanets Faster
Researchers used a novel climate model to forecast conditions on tidally locked exoplanets TRAPPIST-1e and -1f with lower computational cost.
Traditional Models Join New Methods for Better Translational Data
A shift in drug development combines in vivo models with novel methodologies to improve clinical relevance.
Smartphone Cameras Can Now Measure Users’ Heart Rate Passively
A new study demonstrates that smartphone cameras can accurately monitor heart rate during routine device use, potentially transforming personal health tracking.
Novel Therapies Take on the 'Undruggable'ome
Macrocycles, de novo antibodies, and mRNA-based approaches are expanding the drug discovery toolkit for previously intractable targets.
Platform improves CRISPR safety in human blood stem cells
Italian researchers led by Luigi Naldini have developed a new platform to make gene editing in hematopoietic stem cells more precise and safer.
NASA Releases Stunning New Image of Westerlund 2 Star Cluster
A composite image combining X-ray and infrared data reveals a young star cluster approximately 20,000 light-years away.
AI Oversight Challenges and Scaling Laws for Protein Folding Models
Import AI's latest issue explores the difficulty of AI oversight, scaling laws for protein folding models, and attempts to price the extinction risk of AI systems.
Mass Spectrometry Platforms Transform Drug Discovery
Next-generation mass spectrometry and multiomics workflows accelerate biomarker discovery and therapeutic design.
NASA Offers Summer STEM Activities for Students and Families
NASA launches a variety of STEM engagement opportunities for students and families to explore space science and creativity during the summer.
Corning Aids Organoid Standardization Amid FDA Push for NAMs
Corning is helping researchers standardize, scale, and automate organoid science as FDA support for non-animal methods accelerates.
Three Bright Planets Align in June Night Sky
Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury will be visible together in June's evening sky, offering a rare planetary alignment for stargazers.
Spatial Atlasing Shift: Sensitivity Becomes Key Bottleneck
Advances in throughput have shifted the critical challenge in spatial atlasing to achieving sufficient sensitivity to detect low-abundance cell populations.
Nanoengineered materials enable room-temperature hydrogen storage
Researchers have developed nanoengineered materials that can store and release hydrogen at room temperature, potentially advancing clean energy technologies.
Webb Telescope Reveals Ancient Black Hole in Little Red Dots
Observations from the James Webb Space Telescope have uncovered a supermassive black hole in a distant galaxy, offering new insights into the mysterious 'Little Red Dots.'
Thymus Health Linked to Longevity and Disease Risk, AI Study Finds
Researchers used AI to analyze CT scans and discovered that a healthier thymus, an often-overlooked organ, correlates with longer life and reduced risks of heart disease and cancer.
Human Brain Organoids Advance CNS Anti-inflammatory Therapy Testing
New research highlights the use of human brain organoids to evaluate anti-inflammatory therapies for CNS disorders, addressing a gap in clinical success.
Gessel Gold Hoard: One of Europe's Largest Bronze Age Treasures
A 3,300-year-old stash of gleaming treasures, the Gessel gold hoard is one of the largest Bronze Age hoards found in Europe, containing only three pieces of jewelry.
French Polynesia Coral Reefs Face Bleaching Crisis
Coral reefs in French Polynesia are experiencing severe bleaching, threatening marine biodiversity and local ecosystems.
Student Astronomer Unlocks Origin of Mysterious Cosmic Signals
A University of Sydney-led team has identified a rare stellar system that offers the clearest evidence yet for the source of an unusual class of cosmic signals.
Eight Crested Ibises Released in Japan After Extinction
Eight crested ibises were released into the wild in a north-central Japanese town, marking a milestone decades after the species became extinct in the country.
Crystal Bends Light Like Metal and Glass, Could Enable AR Glasses
Scientists map molybdenum oxychloride's optical properties, showing a record-breaking light-bending effect that could lead to smart contact lenses and ultrathin AR glasses.
Roman Telescope's Key Mirror Delivered for Assembly
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope's massive infrared mirror is ready for integration, marking a major milestone ahead of its planned 2027 launch.
Monolithic 3D chips achieve near-perfect yields at low temperatures
University of Illinois researchers have developed a low-temperature process for stacking silicon circuits vertically, addressing key challenges in extending Moore's Law.
Agilent Shares Surge 17% on Better-than-Expected Q2 Results
Agilent shares jumped 17% on Thursday, their best single-day performance since 2002, after the life sciences tools company reported stronger-than-anticipated fiscal second-quarter results.
Biopolymer hydrogel coatings show promise for sustainable agriculture
Researchers propose biodegradable hydrogel coatings made from natural polymers to improve seed germination and reduce environmental impact.
Protostar Outflows Reveal Natural Laboratory for Organic Chemistry
Astrochemists find that shock waves from young stars help forge complex carbon-based molecules essential for life.
Wildfires in 2025 Most Destructive Despite Near-Record Low Burned Area
A new analysis shows that while the global area burned in 2025 was nearly the lowest since 2002, fires caused record economic losses and loss of life.
SETI Revival: New Tech Widens Search for Alien Signals
The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence gains momentum as advanced technologies expand the scope of future surveys.
Parasitic Deer Ked Fly Sacrifices Sight After Finding Host
A new study reveals deer keds shed their wings and lose their vision after latching onto a host, adapting to a life of parasitism.
Blue Origin Lander Passes Thermal Test Amid Rocket Explosion Setback
Blue Origin's lunar lander survived extreme thermal-vacuum testing, hours after a New Glenn upper stage explosion threatened to delay national security missions.
New Paper Questions Value of First Biosignature Detection
A new scientific paper argues that even if we detect a biosignature on another world, it may not provide meaningful insights about life in the universe.
The Truth Behind 'Biodegradable' Packaging: What Consumers Need to Know
A new analysis explains the real meaning of 'biodegradable' packaging and the critical questions consumers should ask before trusting the label.
Homeowners Associations' Policing of Lawns Linked to Insect Decline
A new book argues that 'authoritarian' HOA rules on manicured lawns are exacerbating the insect apocalypse.
One Simple Word to Overcome Procrastination, Says Author
Jon Acuff shares a key insight from his new book on how to stop procrastinating using a single word.
Bacteria Use Novel Strategy to Import Rare Sugar Polymers
Crystal structures reveal a distinct mechanism bacteria employ to import β-1,2-glucans, rare sugar polymers with complex biological roles.
Mathematicians Challenge Dark Energy as Universe Expansion Explanation
A new mathematical analysis suggests dark energy may not be needed to explain the universe's accelerating expansion, upending a cornerstone of cosmology.
Cancer Spread Surprisingly Lower in Old Age Than Middle Age, Study Finds
Melanoma metastasis risk peaks in middle age and declines in very old age, driven by a specific immune cell that keeps cancer dormant.
‘Tanfluencers’ Promote ‘Tanmaxxing’ Trend; Skin Risks Highlighted
Social media influencers are driving a risky tanning trend that could increase skin cancer and aging risks.
Leaf forces guide stomata orientation in young plants, study finds
New research reveals how mechanical stress and cell shape steer stomata development, offering insights into plant growth dynamics.
Palm-Sized Spectrophotometer Matches Lab Machine Accuracy
Researchers at Kumamoto University developed a battery-powered, palm-sized spectrophotometer with 99% volume reduction that rivals bulky lab equipment.
Protocluster Named After Indian Lake Sheds Light on Early Galaxy Evolution
An early galaxy protocluster discovered 12.6 billion years ago using the Subaru Telescope reveals how cosmic environments shape galactic star formation.
Ultra-low dose immunotherapy shows promise for expanding cancer access
A clinical trial suggests that ultra-low doses of nivolumab may extend survival in head and neck cancer, offering a path to affordable treatment in low-resource settings.
AI finds new catalyst pathway for green hydrogen production
Researchers used artificial intelligence to discover a catalyst for green hydrogen by breaking traditional material-family boundaries.
Bronze Age Child Skull in Uzbekistan Shows Oldest Known Surgery in Central Asia
A 4,000-year-old child's skull found in Uzbekistan bears signs of trepanation, marking the earliest known surgical procedure in the region.
Quantum Metasurface Detector Closes the Terahertz Gap
A new quantum metasurface-based detector boosts terahertz detection efficiency by roughly 20 times, promising practical applications in healthcare and communications.
Scripps Research Uncovers Molecular Switch Driving Alzheimer’s Inflammation
Scientists identified a chemically altered protein, STING, that keeps the brain’s immune system in overdrive, damaging neural connections in Alzheimer’s disease.
Pigeon Navigation Mystery Solved: Iron-Filled Liver Cells Act as Magnetic Sensors
Scientists discover that iron-filled immune cells in pigeons' livers may serve as magnetic sensors, solving a decades-old puzzle about animal navigation.