UF students are bending metal with lasers to build massive structures in orbit

UF engineers, backed by DARPA and NASA, are perfecting laser-forming techniques that let metal sheets fold themselves into giant solar arrays, antennas, and even space-station parts right in orbit—sidestepping rocket size limits and paving the way for sustainable off-Earth construction. ​UF engineers, backed by DARPA and NASA, are perfecting laser-forming techniques that let metal sheets …

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Citizen scientists spot rare exploding star in real-time

Citizen scientists using the Kilonova Seekers platform spotted a stellar flash 2,500 times brighter than before, allowing astronomers to identify the exploding cataclysmic variable GOTO0650 within hours. Swift community follow-up captured X-ray, UV, and amateur telescope data, revealing the star’s rare “period-bouncer” stage. ​Citizen scientists using the Kilonova Seekers platform spotted a stellar flash 2,500 …

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18x more floods, 105% bigger storms — all from a single clear-cut

Clear-cutting forests doesn’t just raise flood risk — it can supercharge it. UBC researchers found that in certain watersheds, floods became up to 18 times more frequent and over twice as severe after clear-cutting, with these effects lasting more than four decades. The surprise? Terrain details like which direction a slope faces played a huge …

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Doctors used music instead of medication—what they saw in dementia patients was remarkable

A groundbreaking pilot in NHS dementia wards is using live music therapy—called MELODIC—to ease patient distress without relying on drugs. Developed by researchers and clinicians with input from patients and families, this low-cost approach embeds music therapists directly into care teams. Early results show improved patient wellbeing and less disruptive behavior, sparking hope for wider …

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Dirty water, warm trucks, and the real reason romaine keeps making us sick

Romaine lettuce has a long history of E. coli outbreaks, but scientists are zeroing in on why. A new study reveals that the way lettuce is irrigated—and how it’s kept cool afterward—can make all the difference. Spraying leaves with untreated surface water is a major risk factor, while switching to drip or furrow irrigation cuts …

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Popular sugar substitute linked to brain cell damage and stroke risk

Erythritol, a widely used sugar substitute found in many low-carb and sugar-free products, may not be as harmless as once believed. New research from the University of Colorado Boulder reveals that even small amounts of erythritol can harm brain blood vessel cells, promoting constriction, clotting, and inflammation—all of which may raise the risk of stroke. …

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In seconds, AI builds proteins to battle cancer and antibiotic resistance

Artificial intelligence is now designing custom proteins in seconds—a process that once took years—paving the way for cures to diseases like cancer and antibiotic-resistant infections. Australian scientists have joined this biomedical frontier by creating bacteria-killing proteins with AI. Their new platform, built by a team of biologists and computer scientists, is part of a global …

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This shark can change color — thanks to hidden nano mirrors in its skin

Blue sharks possess a secret hidden in their skin: a sophisticated arrangement of microscopic crystals and pigments that create their brilliant blue appearance — and may allow them to change color. Scientists have discovered that these nanostructures, found inside tooth-like skin scales, act like nature’s version of layered mirrors and light filters. What’s more, changes …

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Brighter, bolder, hotter: Why female guppies can’t resist orange

Male guppies that glow with more orange aren’t just fashion-forward — they’re also significantly more sexually active. A UBC study reveals that brighter coloration is linked to virility and is genetically tied to brain development, suggesting a deeper evolutionary function. Researchers found that these bold hues aren’t just for attracting mates, but are rooted in …

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