This “new” frog was hiding in plain sight for 100 years
A frog species found in Ecuador and Colombia was identified as distinct after being confused with another species for over 100 years. Museum specimens from the 1800s helped scientists recognize that Pristimantis milpe is a separate species from what researchers had previously assumed.
Breaking through AlphaFold's limits to predict how proteins change shape
Researchers added a repulsive force between predicted structures to enable AlphaFold3 to sample multiple conformational states that its default settings rarely capture. This modification allows the AI system to better predict how proteins change shape, addressing a limitation in its ability to model dynamic protein behavior.
Compound in blueberries may help muscle cells burn excess fat
Pterostilbene, a compound found in blueberries and grapes, reduced abnormal fat buildup in cultured mouse muscle cells by boosting fat breakdown. The compound helped stabilize a key protein involved in fatty acid metabolism.
Tree species diversity protects forests from climate extremes, study finds
Forests with greater tree species diversity showed better resilience when experiencing compound climate extremes like simultaneous drought and extreme heat. Research analyzed 88,116 forest plots across the United States to measure how species diversity affects forest survival during these overlapping climate events.
Lakes aren't just storing water—they're changing the carbon cycle
Lakes release more carbon into the atmosphere as water flows through stream networks with higher lake density rather than transporting carbon downstream. Research shows that lake-rich systems alter carbon cycling by increasing atmospheric release instead of downstream transport.
Life uses 4 DNA letters. Scientists just made 8 work
Researchers demonstrated that RNA polymerase can accurately read eight synthetic DNA letters instead of the four found in all known life. Detailed imaging showed the enzyme processes the synthetic letters similarly to natural ones.
A new type of LED light could bring significant efficiency gains
Researchers developed LEDs using thin branched nanowires that reduce light losses by controlling where light is generated within the structure. The technology could provide higher efficiency and lower production costs compared to existing LED approaches, according to findings published in Nano Research.
New AI tool maps the hidden universe of small molecules
A new AI tool can identify small molecules in biological samples that current methods cannot match to known structures, addressing a bottleneck where over 80% of detected compounds remain unidentified. The tool helps map thousands of molecules produced by the human body and gut microbiome that influence immunity and metabolism.
Stanford scientists discover a seafood that can reverse signs of aging
A substance called plasmalogen found in sea squirts reversed multiple aging signs in older mice, including improved memory and learning. The supplements strengthened connections between brain cells, reduced inflammation, and helped mice grow thicker, darker hair.
A longer exhale may push your brain toward bolder decisions
Slow breathing with extended exhales increased people's willingness to take risks by altering heart activity and boosting the brain's reward sensitivity. The technique directly influenced how individuals evaluated and approached decision-making choices.
Dark matter detector finds a strange signal scientists can’t yet explain
The LUX-ZEPLIN experiment detected a rare particle interaction that appears difficult to explain as background noise and occurred where dark matter might exist. Scientists need more data to determine whether this single event represents the first sign of a dark matter particle or something else entirely.
Scientists reveal the hidden instructions that build the human brain
Radial glia stem cells alter their behavior based on glucose processing and physical contact with thalamic signals during fetal brain development. These signals influence which neuron types are produced, including upper-layer neurons that are especially prominent in humans.
Tiny fossils reveal big insights about ant ancestors
Two ant fossils from southern Saskatchewan dating 72 to 56 million years ago provide rare evidence about ant evolution following the dinosaur extinction. These specimens help scientists understand how ants adapted and diversified during the period when non-bird dinosaurs disappeared.
From peas to potatoes, AI identifies nearly 800 promising plant proteins for food and cosmetics
An AI process identified nearly 800 plant proteins that can act as emulsifiers from tens of millions of candidates. This development eliminates years of traditional trial-and-error research for creating plant-based foods and cosmetics.
How an unassuming wildflower thrives in salt-laden air that kills other plants
The yellow monkeyflower survives in salt-laden coastal air that kills other plants, and researchers are now studying how it achieves this resilience. The plant grows on windswept coasts of Oregon and California where salty conditions cause inland plants to become burned, brown, and withered.
Warming seas could shrink most mollusks by 2100, but some may grow
A study from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette found that warming ocean temperatures will shrink most mollusk species by 2100, though some species may actually grow larger. The research contradicts the common belief that climate change uniformly reduces animal size across marine populations.
Ancient “living fossils” may reveal how complex life began
Researchers captured direct images of an Asgard archaeon physically connected to a bacterium, appearing to exchange nutrients and compounds. This partnership observed in ancient stromatolite communities may resemble similar microbial interactions billions of years ago that produced the first complex cells.
NASA scientists discover a giant 10-sided pattern on Saturn
A 10-sided atmospheric pattern has emerged around Saturn's south pole in recent years and continues strengthening. NASA scientists using Hubble data are studying this newly formed decagon to understand its formation and whether it will last for decades.
The Download: rethinking child safety and fossil-fueled farming
Parents are increasingly using content-monitoring apps that scan children's texts, photos, and emails to address digital harms. These child-monitoring applications represent a growing response to parental concerns about online safety risks.
Bats carry dangerous viruses without getting sick. This may be why
More than 500 vesper bat species possess two separate sets of antibody genes, an immune arrangement never before found in mammals. This dual antibody system may explain how bats can carry numerous dangerous viruses without becoming seriously ill.
Agriculture relies on fossil fuels. It’s costing us.
Fertilizer prices have increased significantly due to rising fossil fuel costs tied to geopolitical conflict. Farmers face particular pressure from these price increases because fertilizer production depends heavily on fossil fuels.
The universe has plenty of hydrogen. So why is star formation collapsing?
Star formation rates have declined roughly 2.5 times over the past 4.5 billion years despite neutral hydrogen supplies only decreasing by about 1.4 times. Astronomers using China's FAST radio telescope and DESI data from 2.5 million galaxies discovered this discrepancy between the availability of hydrogen and actual star formation activity.
Five-metal 2D catalysts could convert CO₂ to CO without needing an extra electrical boost
Researchers developed five-metal 2D catalysts that convert CO₂ to CO without requiring external electrical input. The catalysts enable direct chemical transformation of carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide for potential reuse in industrial processes.
Trees use a 'muscle' to correct their posture—a newly discovered role for tension wood
Trees form tension wood, a specialized tissue acting as a muscle, to straighten bent stems after detecting their own curvature. This corrective process allows young trees to realign their stems within a few weeks using only their internal curvature perception.
Trapped light generates nanoscale magnetization
Researchers created an engineered metasurface that traps light to generate strong static magnetic fields without external magnets or magnetic materials. This approach uses trapped light to produce nanoscale magnetization for potential applications in spintronics, quantum computing, photonic computing, and data storage.
Copper's oxygen-rich early oxidation layer could inform catalyst design and nuclear waste storage
Copper forms a protective pale green oxide layer when exposed to oxygen, a process relevant to both aging roofs and nuclear waste storage containers. Researchers are investigating the initial oxidation steps to understand whether this transformation can be controlled or prevented.
NASA Revamps Challenge Linking Community College Studies to Aerospace Careers
NASA updated its Community College Aerospace Scholars challenge to help students connect their education to aerospace careers. The revamped program invites community college students to learn about NASA missions, engage with agency experts, and explore career opportunities in aerospace, science, engineering, and technology.
NASA Rocket Takes First Multi-Point Look Inside Radio-Disrupting Clouds
A NASA sounding rocket obtained the first multi-point measurements inside sporadic E layers, thin metallic clouds at Earth's edge formed from vaporized meteor dust. These high-altitude structures form unpredictably and disrupt radio communications.
Earth may have lost the Sun’s protective shield millions of years ago
Earth's protective magnetic shield may have weakened or disappeared millions of years ago due to the Sun's movement through dense Milky Way regions and its ancient superflares. These events could explain both ancient ice ages and how early Earth maintained liquid water despite the Sun being significantly dimmer.