Latest Science News
Apple Snail Eye Regeneration Offers Hope for Human Blindness Cure
UC Davis researchers study the apple snail's ability to fully regenerate its eyes, sharing anatomical and genetic features with humans. This could lead to treatments for blindness by regrowing damaged eyes. The work highlights unlikely paths to medical breakthroughs.
New Cancer Drug Targets Head and Neck Tumors in Cats and Humans
UC Davis and UC San Francisco scientists developed a promising drug for feline cancer that may treat human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The compound advances to clinical trials for pets and people via a biotech partner. It underscores collaborative UC research impacts.
LSD Analogue JRT Promises Schizophrenia Treatment Without Hallucinations
UC Davis team created JRT, an LSD derivative promoting brain cell growth and cognition without psychedelic effects, outperforming ketamine in antidepressants. Early trials show potential for neuropsychiatric disorders. It could reshape psychedelic-inspired medicine.
NASA's Bennu Samples Reveal Life-Building Sugars and Amino Acids
Asteroid Bennu samples contain sugars, amino acids, and other molecules essential for life, advancing origins-of-life research. This supports NASA's 2025 science discoveries alongside Earth monitoring missions.
Deep Space Optical Communications Exceeds Goals for Future Missions
NASA's experiment achieved all technical targets, enabling high-bandwidth laser communications for crewed deep space missions. It marks progress in a new golden age of exploration.
BU Wearable Metamaterial Speeds Up MRI Scans, Named Invention of Year
Boston University's low-cost device using copper and plastic makes MRI scans faster, cheaper, and more accurate. Time magazine listed it among 2025's best inventions; Fast Company also honored it. Led by Xin Zhang, it enhances medical imaging.
Robotic Exosuit Reduces Lower Back Pain Without Opioids
BU physical therapy researchers trial a backpack-like exosuit easing low back pain, affecting 80% of Americans and fueling opioid crises. Tests refine it at BU's Physical Therapy Center. It offers non-drug relief.
Climate Change Alters Tree Growth and Carbon Storage
BU biologists find warmer summers boost tree growth via soil decomposition, but less winter snow halves it, complicating carbon storage models. PhD student Emerson Conrad-Rooney notes overlooked winter effects.
AI Model Learns Physics to Forecast Extreme Weather Faster
A new AI combined with climate models predicts heatwaves quicker than standard methods alone. It enhances extreme weather forecasting capabilities.
Fasting Boosts Breast Cancer Therapy Via Hormone Pathways
Mouse studies reveal fasting enhances breast cancer treatment through hormone signaling and gene-expression changes. This could improve therapy efficacy.
SOS Splicing Mechanism Rescues Genes from Invasive DNA
Researchers discovered 'SOS splicing,' an RNA-processing fix for genes disrupted by transposable elements. It provides rapid gene protection.
Little Foot Fossil May Represent Unknown Hominin Ancestor
The near-complete Australopithecus 'Little Foot' skeleton from South Africa prompts debate on its species status, possibly Australopithecus prometheus. A recent study argues against known classifications like A. africanus.