Category: Science News

Researchers uncovered a powerful weakness in lung cancer by shutting down a protein that helps tumors survive stress. When this protein, FSP1, was blocked, lung tumors in mice shrank dramatically, with many cancer cells essentially triggering their own self-destruct mode. The work points to a fresh strategy for targeting stubborn lung cancers. Source link

Researchers found that hot tubs raise core body temperature more effectively than traditional or infrared saunas, leading to stronger boosts in blood flow and immune activity. Only hot-water immersion produced measurable changes in inflammatory markers. These effects can persist beyond the session, suggesting a sustained health benefit. For anyone unable or unwilling to exercise, heat therapy may offer a surprisingly effective option. Source link

Genetic, isotopic, and forensic evidence has conclusively identified the remains of Duke Béla of Macsó and uncovered remarkable details about his life, ancestry, and violent death. The study reveals a young nobleman with Scandinavian-Rurik roots who was killed in a coordinated, emotionally charged attack in 1272. Source link

Researchers discovered a way to keep T cells from wearing out during the fight against cancer, and the approach could make immune-based treatments far more powerful. They found that tumors use a particular molecular signal to weaken T cells, and that interrupting this signal helps the cells stay active. Source link

Operating a new device named the Fusion Z-pinch Experiment 3, or FuZE-3, Zap Energy has now achieved plasmas with electron pressures as high as 830 megapascals (MPa), or 1.6 gigapascals (GPa) total, comparable to the pressures found deep below Earth’s crust. Source link

Chameleons’ extraordinary ability to move their eyes independently stems from a previously overlooked anatomical marvel: long, tightly coiled optic nerves hidden behind their bulging eyes. Modern CT imaging finally revealed this structure, which centuries of dissections and even the scrutiny of figures like Aristotle and Newton failed to capture. The coils give the eyes extra slack, enabling nearly 360-degree scanning without neck mobility. Source link

Researchers created scalable quantum circuits capable of simulating fundamental nuclear physics on more than 100 qubits. These circuits efficiently prepare complex initial states that classical computers cannot handle. The achievement demonstrates a new path toward simulating particle collisions and extreme forms of matter. It may ultimately illuminate long-standing cosmic mysteries. Source link

Experts say the ocean could help absorb carbon dioxide, but today’s technologies are too uncertain to be scaled up safely. New findings released during COP30 highlight the risks of rushing into marine carbon removal without proper monitoring and verification. With the 1.5°C threshold approaching, researchers stress that emissions cuts must remain the top priority. Ocean-based methods may play a role later, but they need careful oversight first. Source link

MIT engineers have created an ultrasonic device that rapidly frees water from materials designed to absorb moisture from the air. Instead of waiting hours for heat to evaporate the trapped water, the system uses high-frequency vibrations to release droplets in just minutes. It can be powered by a small solar cell and programmed to cycle continuously throughout the day. The breakthrough could help communities with limited access to fresh water. Source link

Researchers digitally mapped ancient Chinese tombs and discovered that their distribution mirrors shifts in political stability, population movements, and natural geography. Peaceful, prosperous eras produced more elaborate and numerous burial sites, while wartime periods saw far fewer. Tomb clusters also tended to form in fertile, humid regions that supported thriving settlements. The findings lay groundwork for better preservation and protection. Source link

A nationwide analysis has uncovered how sprawling fossil fuel infrastructure sits surprisingly close to millions of American homes. The research shows that 46.6 million people live within about a mile of wells, refineries, pipelines, storage sites, or transport facilities. Many of these locations release pollutants that may affect nearby communities, yet mid-supply-chain sites have rarely been studied. The findings reveal major gaps in understanding how this hidden network affects health. Source link

New research shows that light’s magnetic field is far more influential than scientists once believed. The team found that this magnetic component significantly affects how light rotates as it passes through certain materials. Their work challenges a 180-year-old understanding of the Faraday Effect and opens pathways to new optical and magnetic technologies. Source link

Researchers have recreated a miniature human bone marrow system that mirrors the real structure found inside our bones. The model includes the full mix of cells and signals needed for blood production and even maintains this process for weeks. It could transform how scientists study blood cancers and test new drugs. In the future, it may support more personalized treatment strategies. Source link

Researchers have launched the first coordinated plan to protect microbial biodiversity, calling attention to the “invisible 99% of life” that drives essential Earth systems. The IUCN has formally recognized this effort through the creation of the Microbial Conservation Specialist Group. By developing new metrics, policies, and restoration tools, scientists aim to make microbial life a core part of global conservation action. The roadmap also outlines upcoming goals such as microbial hotspot maps and new microbe-based conservation solutions. Source link

Researchers created a dissolvable microneedle patch that delivers IL-4 directly to damaged heart tissue, jump-starting repair after a heart attack. The targeted approach shifts immune cells into a healing mode while improving communication between heart muscle and blood vessel cells. It avoids the systemic risks of IL-4 injections and shows promise for future minimally invasive treatment. Source link

A cutting-edge approach to immunotherapy shows that forcing cancer cells to die through necroptosis can dramatically boost the body’s anti-tumor defenses. By combining three existing drugs, scientists reprogrammed malignant B cells so they release danger signals that rally immune cells to fully eliminate leukemia in preclinical models. Source link

Researchers found that ancient hominids—including early humans—were exposed to lead throughout childhood, leaving chemical traces in fossil teeth. Experiments suggest this exposure may have driven genetic changes that strengthened language-related brain functions in modern humans. Source link

Tiny ingestible spheres filled with engineered bacteria can detect intestinal bleeding by glowing when they encounter heme. Early tests in mice suggest they could become a quick, noninvasive way to monitor gut disease. Source link

Scientists may finally be closing in on the origins of two colossal, mysterious structures buried nearly 1,800 miles inside Earth—hidden formations that have puzzled researchers for decades. New modeling suggests that slow leakage of elements from Earth’s core into the mantle prevented the planet from developing strong chemical layers after its primordial magma-ocean era. Source link

New climate modeling shows that heatwaves will keep getting hotter, longer, and more frequent for centuries—even after the world hits net-zero emissions. Delays of just a few years dramatically increase the likelihood of extreme, once-rare heat disasters, especially for countries near the equator. The research reveals that even reaching net zero by mid-century won’t reverse the trend, and some regions will continue to see worsening heatwaves for a thousand years. Source link

Scientists confirmed that West Coast transient killer whales actually form two separate groups split between inner and outer coastal habitats. Inner-coast whales hunt smaller prey in shallow, maze-like waterways, while outer-coast orcas pursue large marine mammals in deep offshore canyons. The groups rarely interact, despite sharing a broad range along the Pacific Coast. Their contrasting lifestyles highlight the need for distinct conservation strategies. Source link

Scientists used CRISPR to boost the efficiency and digestibility of a fungus already known for its meatlike qualities. The modified strain grows protein far more quickly and with much less sugar while producing substantially fewer emissions. It also outperforms chicken farming in land use and water impact. Source link

A new airflow device from UBC Okanagan engineers traps exhaled aerosols almost immediately, sharply reducing pathogen exposure in indoor spaces. Early simulations suggest it could outperform existing ventilation systems by a wide margin. Source link

People are more likely to believe lies when there’s the possibility of a reward. Neuroimaging shows that the brain shifts into reward or risk mode depending on whether the context involves a gain or a loss. Friends show synchronized brain activity that can predict successful deception. Social bonds and incentives can subtly warp how we judge honesty. Source link

Researchers discovered that chemotherapy can accidentally trigger a stress alarm in immune cells, causing inflammation that damages nerves. Blocking this alarm protected mice from nerve pain and kept their nerves healthier. A drug already being tested for cancer may help do the same in people. Early blood tests suggest it may even be possible to predict who will develop these symptoms before they happen. Source link

Researchers have discovered a way to store information using a rare class of materials called ferroaxials, which rely on swirling electric dipoles instead of magnetism or charge. These vortex-like states are naturally stable and resistant to outside interference, but until now were almost impossible to control. By using circularly polarized terahertz light, scientists were able to flip these tiny rotational patterns on command, opening the door to a new form of robust, ultrafast, and long-lasting data storage. Source link

Scientists have traced kissing back to early primates, suggesting it began long before humans evolved. Their analysis points to great apes and even Neanderthals sharing forms of kissing millions of years ago. The behavior appears to have persisted through evolution as a social or bonding tool. Yet its patchy presence across human cultures hints at a mix of biology and cultural invention. Source link

Researchers discovered that the common amino acid arginine can block harmful Aβ aggregation and reduce its toxic effects in Alzheimer’s disease models. In flies and mice, oral arginine lowered plaque levels, reduced inflammation, and improved behavior. Its strong safety record and low cost make it a promising repurposing candidate. The findings hint at a surprisingly simple path toward more accessible AD therapies. Source link

A massive real-world study comparing tirzepatide and semaglutide reveals both drugs deliver strong, early cardiovascular protection—reducing heart attack, stroke, and death in adults with type 2 diabetes. While companies have claimed large differences favoring their own medications, researchers found only modest distinctions between the two blockbuster GLP-1 drugs. Source link

Researchers uncovered how estrogen subtly reshapes learning by strengthening dopamine reward signals in the brain. Rats learned faster when estrogen levels were high and struggled when the hormone’s activity was blocked. The findings help explain how hormonal cycles influence cognitive performance and psychiatric symptoms. This connection offers a new path for understanding brain disorders tied to dopamine. Source link

Scientists have directly measured the minuscule electron sharing that makes precious-metal catalysts so effective. Their new technique, IET, reveals how molecules bind and react on metal surfaces with unprecedented clarity. The insights promise faster discovery of advanced catalysts for energy, chemicals, and manufacturing. Source link

People who smoke only a couple of cigarettes a day still face surprisingly high risks of heart problems and early death. A large review of long-term studies shows that even very light smokers can see their risk of heart failure climb sharply. While quitting leads to major health improvements, some risk remains for decades. The safest approach is quitting entirely, especially at younger ages. Source link

New observations show that asteroid 1998 KY26 is a mere 11 meters across and spinning twice as fast as previously thought. The discovery adds complexity to Hayabusa2’s 2031 mission but also heightens scientific interest. The asteroid’s composition remains uncertain, making the encounter even more compelling. Insights from this work could improve future asteroid-defense and exploration efforts. Source link

Scientists have uncovered a long-missing piece of the volcanic puzzle: rising magma doesn’t just form explosive gas bubbles when pressure drops—it can do so simply by being sheared and “kneaded” inside a volcano’s conduit. These shear forces can trigger early bubble growth, create escape channels for gas, and sometimes turn potentially catastrophic magmas into surprisingly gentle lava flows. Source link

Scientists discovered that deep earthquake faults can heal far faster than expected, sometimes within hours. Slow slip events in Cascadia reveal repeated fault movements that only make sense if the fault quickly regains strength. Lab experiments show that mineral grains can weld together under intense heat and pressure, acting like a natural glue. This rapid cohesion may be a missing factor in earthquake modeling. Source link

Around 115 million years ago, northern Australia’s seas hosted a colossal shark that rewrites what we thought we knew about early ocean predators. New fossil discoveries show that modern-type sharks were experimenting with gigantic sizes far earlier than scientists believed, competing with the marine “monsters” of the dinosaur age. Source link