Latest Science News
LUX-ZEPLIN Experiment Sets New Limits on Dark Matter Candidates
The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment, involving Black Hills State University researchers, released results from 417 live days of data searching for low-mass dark matter particles called WIMPs. Their analysis found no WIMPs between 3 and 9 GeV/c2, setting world-leading sensitivity and detecting solar neutrinos for the first time with LZ. These findings constrain theories on dark matter interactions and compositions.
Supernova Remnant XRISM Observations Reveal Life-Critical Elements
Using JAXA's XRISM satellite, researchers studied Cassiopeia A supernova debris and detected unexpectedly high levels of chlorine and potassium, key elements related to life's chemistry. This is the first observational confirmation that single supernovae produce these elements abundantly, offering new insights into stellar evolution and element formation.
Wireless Light-Based Brain Device Advances Neural Control
Northwestern University developed a wireless, fully implantable device with an array of 64 micro-LEDs, enabling precise patterned light stimulation of neurons. It activates brain regions through the skull without wires, promising applications in neuroscience research and sensory restoration for prosthetics.
Gut Microbe-Derived Molecule Blocks Inflammation in Diabetes
Scientists discovered that the microbial metabolite trimethylamine (TMA), found in choline-rich foods, directly inhibits IRAK4, a protein driving inflammation and insulin resistance on high-fat diets. This breakthrough suggests new therapeutic strategies for Type 2 diabetes by targeting gut microbiome interactions and immune pathways.
Study Uncovers Interspecies Barriers in Growing Human Organs in Animals
UT Southwestern research revealed that RNA innate immunity, involving the MAVS protein in mouse cells, harms human pluripotent stem cells in co-culture, limiting interspecies chimera formation. Disabling MAVS allowed more human cells to survive in mouse embryos, moving science closer to growing human organs in other species for transplantation.
DOE Launches AI-Driven Biotechnology Platform at Pacific Northwest Lab
The U.S. Department of Energy inaugurated an advanced AI-powered biotechnology platform at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory aimed at accelerating bioengineering innovations. This platform integrates cutting-edge computational tools to optimize biosystems for energy and environmental applications.
Structural Biology Innovations Propel Cryo-EM Sample Preparation
Leading scientist Cipriani was honored for development of automated tools like the CrystalDirect harvester that streamline X-ray crystallography workflows. Efforts continue on automating cryo-electron microscopy grid preparation and quality control to improve structural biology throughput and reproducibility.
German Government Allocates Half a Billion Euros for Long-COVID Research
Significant funding boost aims to accelerate research into long COVID and post-infection syndromes, supporting efforts to identify underlying mechanisms and develop effective treatments. This commitment highlights the growing recognition of long-term effects of viral infections on public health.
New Class of Carbon Molecules Synthesized in Laboratory Rapidly
Scientists synthesized and characterized new buckminster fullerene carbon molecules in a concentrated 10-day effort, increasing understanding of carbon allotropes with potential advanced material applications. Such molecules build on iconic 20th-century discoveries in chemistry.
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Continues Universe Exploration
Webb remains the leading observatory, providing data across cosmic history. Recent highlights include studies of interstellar objects and discovery of new moons, advancing understanding of planetary and galactic formation.