https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/index.htm/ en-us Sat, 26 Jul 2025 13:11:30 EDT Sat, 26 Jul 2025 13:11:30 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/index.htm/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232418.htm A new eco-friendly plastic called LAHB has shown it can biodegrade even in the extreme environment of the deep ocean, unlike conventional plastics that persist for decades. In real-world underwater testing nearly a kilometer below the surface, LAHB lost more than 80% of its mass after 13 months, while traditional PLA plastic remained completely intact. The secret? Colonies of deep-sea microbes actively broke down the material using specialized enzymes, converting it into harmless byproducts like CO and water. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 23:24:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232418.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232417.htm In 2023, the world’s oceans experienced the most intense and widespread marine heatwaves ever recorded, with some events persisting for over 500 days and covering nearly the entire globe. These searing ocean temperatures are causing mass coral bleaching and threatening fisheries, while also signaling deeper, system-wide climate changes. Sat, 26 Jul 2025 12:47:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232417.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232416.htm A breakthrough AI system is revolutionizing cancer immunotherapy by enabling scientists to design protein-based keys that train a patient s immune cells to attack cancer with extreme precision. This method, capable of reducing development time from years to weeks, was successfully tested on known and patient-specific tumor targets. Using virtual safety screenings to avoid harmful side effects, the platform represents a leap forward in personalized medicine. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 23:24:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232416.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232419.htm What would happen if a nuclear war triggered a climate-altering catastrophe? Researchers have modeled how such a scenario could devastate global corn crops cutting production by as much as 87% due to blocked sunlight and increased UV-B radiation. Using advanced climate-agriculture simulations, they propose a survival strategy: emergency resilience kits containing fast-growing, cold-tolerant seeds that could keep food systems afloat not just after nuclear war, but also after volcanic eruptions or other mega-disasters. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 23:24:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232419.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232415.htm A groundbreaking study has revealed that the mass administration of ivermectin—a drug once known for treating river blindness and scabies—can significantly reduce malaria transmission when used in conjunction with bed nets. Sat, 26 Jul 2025 12:09:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232415.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232414.htm A pioneering team at the University of Maryland has captured the first-ever images of atomic thermal vibrations, unlocking an unseen world of motion within two-dimensional materials. Their innovative electron ptychography technique revealed elusive “moiré phasons,” a long-theorized phenomenon that governs heat, electronic behavior, and structural order at the atomic level. This discovery not only confirms decades-old theories but also provides a new lens for building the future of quantum computing, ultra-efficient electronics, and advanced nanosensors. Sat, 26 Jul 2025 09:31:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232414.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232413.htm Researchers at Harvard have created a groundbreaking metasurface that can replace bulky and complex optical components used in quantum computing with a single, ultra-thin, nanostructured layer. This innovation could make quantum networks far more scalable, stable, and compact. By harnessing the power of graph theory, the team simplified the design of these quantum metasurfaces, enabling them to generate entangled photons and perform sophisticated quantum operations — all on a chip thinner than a human hair. It's a radical leap forward for room-temperature quantum technology and photonics. Fri, 25 Jul 2025 07:54:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232413.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232412.htm AI-generated videos are becoming dangerously convincing and UC Riverside researchers have teamed up with Google to fight back. Their new system, UNITE, can detect deepfakes even when faces aren't visible, going beyond traditional methods by scanning backgrounds, motion, and subtle cues. As fake content becomes easier to generate and harder to detect, this universal tool might become essential for newsrooms and social media platforms trying to safeguard the truth. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 23:24:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232412.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232409.htm Millipedes, often dismissed as creepy crawlies, may hold the secret to future painkillers and neurological drugs. Researchers at Virginia Tech discovered unique alkaloid compounds in the defensive secretions of a native millipede species. These complex molecules, which cause disorientation in ants, interact with human neuroreceptors linked to pain and cognition. By decoding these natural chemical defenses, scientists could open a new path toward innovative drug therapies, though challenges remain in producing the compounds at scale. Fri, 25 Jul 2025 07:14:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232409.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232403.htm A virus from humble black-eyed peas is showing extraordinary promise in the fight against cancer. Unlike other plant viruses, the cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) can awaken the human immune system and transform it into a cancer-fighting powerhouse, without infecting human cells. By comparing it to a similar, but ineffective, virus, researchers uncovered that CPMV uniquely triggers potent interferons and immune responses, making it a low-cost, plant-grown immunotherapy on the fast track toward clinical trials. Fri, 25 Jul 2025 05:07:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232403.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040940.htm A massive global survey has revealed that people with eating disorders often turn to cannabis and psychedelics like magic mushrooms and LSD to ease their symptoms, rating them more effective than traditional medications. Surprisingly, common prescriptions like antidepressants were seen as helpful for overall mental health but fell short for eating disorder relief. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:42:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040940.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040935.htm Even people who never caught Covid-19 may have aged mentally faster during the pandemic, according to new brain scan research. This large UK study shows how the stress, isolation, and upheaval of lockdowns may have aged our brains, especially in older adults, men, and disadvantaged individuals. While infection itself impacted some thinking skills, even those who stayed virus-free showed signs of accelerated brain aging—possibly reversible. The study highlights how major life disruptions, not just illness, can reshape our mental health. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 12:32:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040935.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040928.htm Italian students taking oral exams have a better shot at success if they’re scheduled around midday, according to new research. Analyzing over 100,000 assessments, scientists found a clear bell curve in pass rates, peaking between 11 AM and 1 PM. This time-based trend might not be limited to academia—job interviews and court decisions could be affected too. The researchers suggest biological rhythms, decision fatigue, and misaligned chronotypes between students and professors might all contribute. Strategic scheduling and further research could help create fairer, more effective evaluations. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 08:58:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040928.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040925.htm You may be seeing faces in clouds, toast, or cars—and it turns out your brain is wired to notice them. A fascinating new study shows how our attention is hijacked not just by real faces, but by face-like illusions, through entirely different mental mechanisms. These imaginary expressions actually spark a stronger response, and the research even hints at clever ways advertisers could use this effect to grab your attention. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 08:32:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040925.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040923.htm A century-old fossil long mislabeled as a caterpillar has been reidentified as the first-known nonmarine lobopodian—rewriting what we know about ancient life. Discovered in Harvard’s museum drawers, Palaeocampa anthrax predates even the famous Cambrian lobopodians and reveals that these soft-bodied ancestors of arthropods once lived not only in oceans, but in freshwater environments too. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 07:59:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040923.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040508.htm Scientists in Switzerland have cracked open a century-old viral mystery by decoding the genome of the 1918 influenza virus from a preserved Zurich patient. This ancient RNA revealed that the virus had already adapted to humans at the very start of the pandemic, carrying mutations that made it both more infectious and more immune-resistant. By pioneering a new method to recover fragile RNA from preserved tissue, researchers gained rare insights into how flu viruses evolve. The study not only revives the history of one of humanity's deadliest outbreaks but also arms us with critical knowledge to face future pandemics with smarter, science-based strategies. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 12:13:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040508.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040505.htm A new study reveals that swapping a typical nighttime carbohydrate snack for pistachios may beneficially alter gut bacteria in people with prediabetes. Conducted by Penn State researchers, the 12-week clinical trial found that pistachio consumption increased beneficial gut microbes like Roseburia and reduced harmful ones such as Blautia hydrogenotrophica. These microbiome changes could potentially support metabolic health and slow the progression to Type 2 diabetes. While more research is needed to confirm health outcomes, this study positions pistachios as a promising late-night snack with microbiome-boosting potential. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 23:20:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040505.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040502.htm A tiny, overlooked wrist bone called the pisiform may have played a pivotal role in bird flight and it turns out it evolved far earlier than scientists thought. Fossils from bird-like dinosaurs in Mongolia reveal that this bone, once thought to vanish and reappear, was actually hiding in plain sight. Thanks to pristine preservation and 3D scans, researchers connected the dots between ancient theropods and modern birds, uncovering a deeper, more intricate story of how dinosaurs evolved the tools for powered flight. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 04:05:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040502.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040459.htm Aalto University physicists in Finland have set a new benchmark in quantum computing by achieving a record-breaking millisecond coherence in a transmon qubit — nearly doubling prior limits. This development not only opens the door to far more powerful and stable quantum computations but also reduces the burden of error correction. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 09:16:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040459.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040455.htm Scientists at Princeton and the Simons Foundation have identified four biologically distinct subtypes of autism, using data from over 5,000 children and a powerful new computational method. These subtypes—each with unique traits, developmental paths, and genetic signatures—promise to revolutionize how we understand, diagnose, and treat autism. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 22:45:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040455.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045712.htm Half a billion years ago, a strange sea-dwelling creature called Mollisonia symmetrica may have paved the way for modern spiders. Using detailed fossil brain analysis, researchers uncovered neural patterns strikingly similar to today's arachnids—suggesting spiders evolved in the ocean, not on land as previously believed. This brain structure even hints at a critical evolutionary leap that allowed spiders their infamous speed, dexterity, and web-spinning prowess. The findings challenge long-held assumptions about arachnid origins and may even explain why insects took to the skies: to escape their relentless, silk-spinning predators. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 02:35:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045712.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045711.htm Even the most powerful AI models, including ChatGPT, can make surprisingly basic errors when navigating ethical medical decisions, a new study reveals. Researchers tweaked familiar ethical dilemmas and discovered that AI often defaulted to intuitive but incorrect responses—sometimes ignoring updated facts. The findings raise serious concerns about using AI for high-stakes health decisions and underscore the need for human oversight, especially when ethical nuance or emotional intelligence is involved. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 01:58:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045711.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045709.htm Even if you're cramming your workouts into the weekend, you might be doing your heart a big favor—especially if you have diabetes. A large study of over 50,000 adults with diabetes found that both “weekend warriors” and those who spread out their exercise during the week saw significant reductions in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risks. Surprisingly, the pattern of exercise didn’t matter as long as the total time met current health guidelines. That means squeezing in your 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity over one or two days can be just as beneficial as spreading it out over several sessions. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 01:16:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045709.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045708.htm HIV antivirals may be the key to stopping HTLV-1, a deadly virus with no cure. In a decade-long study, researchers successfully suppressed the virus in mice and discovered a way to kill infected cells, offering hope for the first preventative and curative treatments. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:51:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045708.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045707.htm Imagine concrete that not only survives wildfires and extreme weather, but heals itself and absorbs carbon from the air. Scientists at USC have created an AI model called Allegro-FM that simulates billions of atoms at once, helping design futuristic materials like carbon-neutral concrete. This tech could transform cities by reducing emissions, extending building lifespans, and mimicking the ancient durability of Roman concrete—all thanks to a massive leap in AI-driven atomic modeling. Wed, 23 Jul 2025 23:22:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045707.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045706.htm Astronomers have likely witnessed a planet forming in real time, seen inside a spiral arm of the HD 135344B protoplanetary disc—exactly where theory predicted. The direct light detection is what sets this apart from previous hints of forming worlds. Wed, 23 Jul 2025 10:57:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045706.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045705.htm When imagining the future, optimists' brains tend to look remarkably alike, while pessimists show more varied neural activity. This neurological alignment could explain why optimists are often more socially in sync with others. Wed, 23 Jul 2025 10:34:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045705.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045702.htm Radiation therapy, once thought of mainly as a local cancer treatment, is now showing power to awaken the immune system in surprising ways. Researchers discovered that combining radiation with immunotherapy can transform stubborn, unresponsive lung tumors into targets for immune attack—especially those considered “cold” and typically resistant. This happens through a rare and poorly understood effect where immune cells are activated systemically, not just at the radiation site. Patients whose tumors underwent this “warm-up” had significantly better outcomes, revealing a promising new strategy for fighting hard-to-treat cancers. Wed, 23 Jul 2025 09:33:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045702.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045659.htm Scientists have discovered a sugar compound from deep-sea bacteria that can destroy cancer cells in a dramatic way. This natural substance, produced by microbes living in the ocean, causes cancer cells to undergo a fiery form of cell death, essentially making them self-destruct. In lab tests and in mice with liver cancer, the compound not only stopped tumors from growing, but also activated the immune system to fight back. This finding could pave the way for entirely new cancer treatments based on sugars from marine organisms. Wed, 23 Jul 2025 08:57:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045659.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045655.htm Scientists have discovered that pairing bread wheat with a special soil fungus can significantly enhance its nutritional value. This partnership leads to bigger grains rich in zinc and phosphorus—without increasing anti-nutrients that block absorption. As a result, the wheat becomes a healthier option for human diets. Researchers believe this fungal strategy could offer a natural, sustainable way to fortify global crops with essential nutrients. Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:54:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045655.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722044704.htm Fermenting stevia with a banana leaf-derived probiotic turns it into a powerful cancer-fighting agent that kills pancreatic cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. The secret lies in a metabolite called CAME, produced through microbial transformation. Fri, 25 Jul 2025 22:30:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722044704.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035658.htm Scientists in Svalbard were shocked to find rain and greenery instead of snow during Arctic winter fieldwork. The event highlights not just warming—but a full seasonal shift with major consequences for ecosystems, climate feedback, and research feasibility. Wed, 23 Jul 2025 04:29:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035658.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035656.htm In the sprawling Hydra constellation, 137 million light-years away, lies NGC 3285B—a dazzling spiral galaxy recently spotlighted by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. This cosmic beauty orbits the edges of the massive Hydra I galaxy cluster, home to some of the universe’s largest elliptical galaxies. What drew astronomers’ eyes was a brilliant Type Ia supernova, a cataclysmic stellar explosion bright enough to briefly rival billions of Suns. Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:13:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035656.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035653.htm A colossal 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked central Myanmar in March 2025, marking the strongest quake in over a century. What makes this event groundbreaking isn't just the seismic power, it's the unprecedented footage captured by a CCTV camera near the fault line. Researchers at Kyoto University used this rare video to measure the fault's movement in stunning detail, confirming a rapid, pulse-like rupture and a subtle curve in the slip path. This real-time visual data opens a new frontier in earthquake science, potentially transforming how we understand and predict seismic behavior. Tue, 22 Jul 2025 03:56:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035653.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035602.htm What if we could predict obesity before it ever takes hold? A global team has created a genetic test that forecasts a child’s risk of adult obesity before age five—years before other factors kick in. By analyzing data from over five million people, their polygenic risk score doubles the predictive power of previous tools. While genetics isn’t destiny, those with higher genetic risk respond better to weight loss interventions but may regain weight quickly. The tool isn’t perfect, it performs far better in people of European ancestry, but it’s a game-changer in early prevention. Fri, 25 Jul 2025 22:17:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035602.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035600.htm A groundbreaking study involving genetic data from over five million people has uncovered how our DNA can predict obesity risk as early as childhood. The new polygenic risk score outperforms previous methods, helping to identify high-risk children before weight issues develop paving the way for early lifestyle interventions. Tue, 22 Jul 2025 03:56:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035600.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035558.htm What made ribose the sugar of choice for life's code? Scientists at Scripps Research may have cracked a major part of this mystery. Their experiments show that ribose binds more readily and selectively to phosphate compared to other similar sugars, forming a structure ideal for RNA formation. This discovery hints at how nature might have selected specific molecules long before enzymes or life existed, and could reshape our understanding of life’s chemical origins. Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:12:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035558.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035556.htm New research from the University of Sydney sheds light on how coronaviruses emerge in bat populations, focusing on young bats as hotspots for infections and co-infections that may drive viral evolution. By analyzing thousands of samples over three years, scientists discovered that juvenile bats frequently host multiple coronaviruses simultaneously—offering a real-time window into how new strains might arise. These findings, while involving non-human-infecting viruses, provide a powerful model to forecast how dangerous variants could eventually spill over into humans, especially as environmental pressures bring bats closer to human habitats. Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:46:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035556.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035554.htm Scientists have uncovered hidden bony armor—called osteoderms—beneath the skin of 29 goanna species across Australasia, a discovery that radically changes what we thought we knew about lizard evolution. Using museum specimens and advanced scanning, researchers found these structures are far more widespread than previously known, suggesting they may help with survival in harsh environments, not just offer protection. The revelation redefines how we understand lizard adaptation, ancient evolution, and the untapped potential of museum collections. Tue, 22 Jul 2025 08:54:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035554.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035552.htm Scientists in Australia have uncovered the biological triggers behind oil production in oats, a discovery that could revolutionize how oats are processed and marketed. By using advanced imaging and molecular techniques, researchers identified key enzymes that drive oil synthesis in oat grains. This opens the door to developing low-oil oat varieties that are easier to mill and better suited for high-demand markets like plant-based foods and oat flour. Tue, 22 Jul 2025 08:39:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035552.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035550.htm Scientists have observed a brand-new and exotic atomic nucleus: aluminium-20. Unlike anything seen before, it decays through a stunning three-proton emission sequence, shedding light on nuclear behavior far beyond the limits of stability. This breakthrough, involving researchers from China and Germany, not only adds a new isotope to the nuclear chart but also hints at broken symmetry and unexpected quantum properties deep within matter. Tue, 22 Jul 2025 08:21:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035550.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250721223838.htm A surprising discovery from Emory University shows that psilocin, the active metabolite of psychedelic mushrooms, can delay cellular aging and extend lifespan. Human cells lived over 50% longer, and mice treated with psilocybin not only lived 30% longer but also looked and aged better. Tue, 22 Jul 2025 03:20:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250721223838.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250721223835.htm Ancient river landscapes buried beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet have been uncovered by radar, revealing vast, flat surfaces formed over 80 million years ago before Antarctica froze. These hidden features, stretching across 3,500 kilometers, are now acting as natural brakes on glacier flow, potentially moderating current ice loss. Their discovery adds a new piece to the puzzle of Earth's climate history and could help scientists better forecast how this enormous ice sheet will behave as the planet warms. Tue, 22 Jul 2025 02:37:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250721223835.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250721223833.htm NASA’s Roman Space Telescope is set to embark on a deep-sky survey that could capture nearly 100,000 cosmic explosions, shedding light on everything from dark energy to black hole physics. Its High-Latitude Time-Domain Survey will revisit the same region of the sky every five days for two years, catching transient phenomena like supernovae — particularly type Ia, which are cosmic mileposts for tracking the universe’s expansion. Roman’s simulations suggest it could push the boundary of what we know about the early universe, observing ancient supernovae over 11.5 billion years old. Tue, 22 Jul 2025 01:12:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250721223833.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250721223831.htm Scientists at Rice University and the University of Houston have created a powerful new material by guiding bacteria to grow cellulose in aligned patterns, resulting in sheets with the strength of metals and the flexibility of plastic—without the pollution. Using a spinning bioreactor, they’ve turned Earth’s purest biopolymer into a high-performance alternative to plastic, capable of carrying heat, integrating advanced nanomaterials, and transforming packaging, electronics, and even energy storage. Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250721223831.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250721223827.htm Millions of tons of plastic in the ocean aren't floating in plain sight—they're invisible. Scientists have now confirmed that the most abundant form of plastic in the Atlantic is in the form of nanoplastics, smaller than a micrometer. These particles are everywhere: in rain, rivers, and even the air. They may already be infiltrating entire ecosystems, including the human brain, and researchers say prevention—not cleanup—is our only hope. Mon, 21 Jul 2025 23:12:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250721223827.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720092541.htm A tiny object far beyond Pluto, newly discovered by the Subaru Telescope, could reshape our understanding of the early Solar System. Named 2023 KQ14, this rare “sednoid” follows an unusual orbit that doesn’t match its known cousins—hinting at ancient celestial upheavals, and possibly even challenging the existence of the elusive Planet Nine. With a stable path lasting over 4 billion years, this cosmic time capsule opens a new window into our system’s chaotic youth. Sun, 20 Jul 2025 10:50:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720092541.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720091630.htm Astronomers have discovered a bizarre object in the outer solar system, 2020 VN40, that dances to Neptune’s gravitational beat in a never-before-seen rhythm. It’s the first of its kind, orbiting the Sun once for every ten orbits of Neptune, and could reshape how we understand the movement and evolution of distant cosmic bodies. Sun, 20 Jul 2025 09:55:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720091630.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720084807.htm Astronomers have, for the first time, observed the very beginning of planet formation around a star beyond our Solar System. Using the James Webb Space Telescope and ALMA, researchers detected hot minerals starting to solidify in the dusty disc surrounding a young star called HOPS-315, located 1300 light-years from Earth. These minerals mark the earliest seeds of planets, offering a stunning parallel to how Earth and the other planets in our Solar System likely formed. This breakthrough provides a rare opportunity to watch the process of planet birth unfold in real time. Sun, 20 Jul 2025 08:48:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720084807.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720084139.htm Astronomers studying a rare neutron star system have uncovered a surprising source of powerful X-rays. Using NASA s IXPE telescope and data from other observatories, an international team found that the radiation doesn't come from the star s surrounding disk of gas, as previously believed, but from a wild and turbulent pulsar wind. This fast-moving stream of particles and magnetic energy slams into the disk, producing the X-rays scientists detected. Sun, 20 Jul 2025 08:41:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720084139.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034029.htm What scientists once dismissed as junk DNA may actually be some of the most powerful code in our genome. A new international study reveals that ancient viral DNA buried in our genes plays an active role in controlling how other genes are turned on or off, especially during early human development. These sequences, originally from long-extinct viruses, have evolved to act like tiny genetic switches. Using new analysis tools and large-scale experiments, researchers discovered that certain viral DNA fragments are especially strong at activating genes and may even have helped shape what makes humans different from other primates. Sun, 20 Jul 2025 03:40:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034029.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034027.htm Beneath Yellowstone’s stunning surface lies a hyperactive seismic world, now better understood thanks to machine learning. Researchers have uncovered over 86,000 earthquakes—10 times more than previously known—revealing chaotic swarms moving along rough, young fault lines. With these new insights, we’re getting closer to decoding Earth’s volcanic heartbeat and improving how we predict and manage volcanic and geothermal hazards. Mon, 21 Jul 2025 08:57:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034027.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034025.htm A new UK study shows that vaccinating pregnant women against RSV has led to a staggering 72% drop in hospitalizations of newborns with severe lung infections. By passing virus-fighting antibodies to their babies, vaccinated mothers are helping shield infants during their most vulnerable early months. Mon, 21 Jul 2025 08:38:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034025.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034024.htm What if mRNA vaccines could be made more powerful and less irritating? Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have found a way to do just that—by tweaking a key molecule in the vaccine’s delivery system. Using a century-old chemical trick called the Mannich reaction, they added anti-inflammatory phenol groups to the lipids that carry mRNA into cells. The result? A new class of lipids that reduce side effects, boost gene-editing success, fight cancer more effectively, and supercharge vaccines like those for COVID-19. This breakthrough could change how we build the next generation of vaccines and therapies. Mon, 21 Jul 2025 08:08:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034024.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034023.htm People in richer countries aren t moving less they re just eating more. A new Duke study shows that diet, not laziness, is fueling the obesity epidemic across industrialized nations. Sun, 20 Jul 2025 03:40:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034023.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034019.htm Using a clever combo of iron and radical chemistry, scientists have unlocked a safer, faster way to create carbenes molecular powerhouses key to modern medicine and materials. It s 100x more efficient than previous methods. Sun, 20 Jul 2025 03:40:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034019.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034018.htm A scorching marine heatwave from 2014 to 2016 devastated the Pacific coast, shaking ecosystems from plankton to whales and triggering mass die-offs, migrations, and fishery collapses. Researchers synthesized findings from over 300 studies, revealing the far-reaching impacts of rising ocean temperatures. Kelp forests withered, species shifted north, and iconic marine animals perished—offering a chilling preview of the future oceans under climate change. This sweeping event calls for urgent action in marine conservation and climate mitigation. Mon, 21 Jul 2025 02:44:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034018.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034017.htm Gene editing may hold the key to rescuing endangered species—not just by preserving them, but by restoring their lost genetic diversity using DNA from museum specimens and related species. Scientists propose a visionary framework that merges biotechnology with traditional conservation, aiming to give struggling populations like Mauritius’ pink pigeon a fighting chance against extinction. From agriculture to de-extinction, these tools are already transforming biology—and now, they could transform the future of biodiversity itself. Mon, 21 Jul 2025 02:24:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034017.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034015.htm Researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities have made a promising breakthrough in memory technology by using a nickel-tungsten alloy called Ni₄W. This material shows powerful magnetic control properties that can significantly reduce energy use in electronic devices. Unlike conventional materials, Ni₄W allows for "field-free" switching—meaning it can flip magnetic states without external magnets—paving the way for faster, more efficient computer memory and logic devices. It's also cheap to produce, making it ideal for widespread use in gadgets from phones to data centers. Sun, 20 Jul 2025 05:41:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034015.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034013.htm Scientists have used DNA's self-assembling properties to engineer intricate moiré superlattices at the nanometer scale—structures that twist and layer like never before. With clever molecular “blueprints,” they’ve created customizable lattices featuring patterns such as honeycombs and squares, all with remarkable precision. These new architectures are more than just scientific art—they open doors to revolutionizing how we control light, sound, electrons, and even spin in next-gen materials. Sun, 20 Jul 2025 04:38:17 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034013.htm