Latest Science News
ISS National Lab Reports Record 76 Peer-Reviewed Studies in 2025
The ISS National Lab marked a record year with 76 peer-reviewed publications in fiscal 2025, totaling nearly 630 studies. Research contributed to FDA-approved injectable cancer therapy from Merck using microgravity-grown protein crystals. Additional findings include cancer cell targets, macular degeneration treatments, faster brain organoids, and in-space refueling milestones.
Merck's Injectable Keytruda Variant Approved Based on ISS Research
FDA approved Merck's injectable cancer therapy combining Keytruda's ingredient with an enzyme for solid tumors, enabled by ISS microgravity research on uniform protein crystals from 2019. This shifts from lengthy IV infusions to injections. The research improved drug formulation significantly.
Sandia Physicists Use AI to Quadruple LED Light Control Efficiency
Sandia researchers employed AI labmates to achieve a fourfold improvement in steering LED light, potentially replacing lasers in technologies like scanners and self-driving cars. The AI system, using active learning and equation discovery, optimized results in five hours, published in Nature Communications. This bridges basic science with next-gen applications.
UCSD Discovers Brain-Immune Pathway to Mitigate Heart Attacks
Scientists at UC San Diego identified a brain-to-immune system circuit that, when disabled, dramatically improves heart attack outcomes in mice, nearly eliminating injury. The study, published in Cell, suggests new therapeutic avenues. Led by neuroscientist Vineet Augustine.
BNL's Yutao Li Advances AI Automation for Quantum Materials
Through DOE's commercialization program, Yutao Li developed AI tools automating 2D device fabrication for quantum science, reducing timelines from weeks to overnight via stakeholder insights. This creates a flywheel for discoveries in nanoscience and energy research. Aims for universal experiment automation framework.
Pitt Launches $25M Trivedi Institute for Space Biomedicine
University of Pittsburgh launched the Trivedi Institute, led by astronaut Kate Rubins, to translate spaceflight insights into Earth health breakthroughs using microgravity and radiation studies. Funded by $25M from Trivedi Family Foundation, focuses on low-resource settings. Accelerates cell growth and disease research.
Los Alamos Wins Award for Quantum Algorithms in Materials Science
Los Alamos computer scientists contributed to a best paper on quantum computers accelerating materials design and discovery tasks, informing DOE Quantum Science Center efforts. Explores quantum advantages over supercomputing for novel materials. Supports national security via enhanced discovery.
MicroQuin Identifies Cancer Targets from Space-Grown Cells
Startup MicroQuin used ISS microgravity to reveal cancer cell signaling changes, developing a small molecule therapeutic effective across cancer types without harming healthy cells. Findings from space-grown cells inform new treatments. Testing confirmed broad efficacy.
Duke Launches Discovery AI to Reprogram Diseased Cells
Duke Med School's Discovery AI initiative embeds AI experts with biologists to redesign proteins, predict cell behavior, and create therapies using generative AI for molecules. Recruits from MIT focus on protein therapeutics and signaling. Aims to make AI generative for biology.
Sandia Deploys Unconventional Spectra Supercomputer Prototype
Sandia and NextSilicon introduced Spectra, a novel supercomputer architecture for high-stakes simulations like nuclear deterrence fluid dynamics, in collaboration with other national labs. Processes data differently from traditional systems. Tests under NNSA's program.
Orbit Fab Achieves In-Space Satellite Refueling Milestone
Colorado startup Orbit Fab delivered hydrazine fuel to geosynchronous satellites and secured a U.S. Space Force contract, plus a patent for space fuel transfer systems. Supports satellite servicing and logistics. Marks operational breakthrough.
Cosmic-Ray Data Revises Lithium Origin Theories
Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on ISS measured cosmic rays showing some lithium from interstellar collisions, not Big Bang, refining cosmic-ray formation models. Published by the team. Updates astrophysical understanding.