Life

Health, science, climate, and society-focused reporting.

Briefing: In search of a room-temperature superconductor, scientists present a research agenda

Strategic angle: The quest for loss-free power transmission continues as researchers outline their goals in the pursuit of room-temperature superconductors.

Editorial Staff Mar 9

Life

Briefing: AI tool streamlines drug synthesis, dramatically reducing lab work and costs

Strategic angle: A new AI technology is revolutionizing drug discovery by minimizing the time and expenses involved in synthesizing new molecules.

Editorial Staff Mar 9

Life

Briefing: Vertex says its drug successfully reduced marker of kidney disease in late-stage trial

Strategic angle: Vertex reported that its drug, acquired for $4.9 billion, halved a key marker of IgA nephropathy in late-stage trials.

Editorial Staff Mar 9

Life

Briefing: Nanosecond Light-by-Light Switching Achieved in Liquid Crystal Droplet

Strategic angle: A breakthrough in controlling light with light could revolutionize computing and communication technologies.

Editorial Staff Mar 9

Life

Briefing: CRISPR-based technique unlocks healing power of mitochondria for heart failure therapy

Strategic angle: A groundbreaking approach using CRISPR technology shows promise in treating heart failure by enhancing mitochondrial function.

Editorial Staff Mar 9

Life

Briefing: How farming perennial plants can help us in times of climate change, food insecurity and social division

Strategic angle: Exploring the role of perennial plants in addressing climate challenges and promoting food security.

Editorial Staff Mar 9

Life

Briefing: Unlocking the hidden pocket on a billion‑dollar drug target

Strategic angle: Researchers discover new functions of the cereblon protein that could enhance cancer drug efficacy.

Editorial Staff Mar 9

Life

Briefing: Robotic microfluidic platform brings AI to lipid nanoparticle design

Strategic angle: AI has designed candidate drugs for antibiotic-resistant infections and genetic diseases, now revolutionizing lipid nanoparticle design.

Editorial Staff Mar 9

Life

Briefing: Mapping 3D-super-enhancers with machine learning to pinpoint regulators of cell identity

Strategic angle: Scientists are utilizing machine learning to explore the three-dimensional structure of DNA and its role in gene expression.

Editorial Staff Mar 9

Life

Briefing: Key protein SYFO2 enables 'self-fertilization' of leguminous plants

Strategic angle: Research reveals how SYFO2 protein facilitates self-fertilization in legumes, enhancing agricultural efficiency.

Editorial Staff Mar 9

Life

Briefing: Ultrafast Light Pulses Make Molecules Rotate on Quantum Materials

Strategic angle: Researchers from Germany, Japan, and India have discovered a method to induce molecular rotation on a flat surface using ultrafast light pulses.

Editorial Staff Mar 9

Life

Briefing: Nearby red dwarf star hosts at least four planets—with one in the habitable zone

Strategic angle: Astronomers confirm two additional planets orbiting GJ 887, adding to the existing knowledge of its planetary system.

Editorial Staff Mar 9

Life

Briefing: Antarctic sea ice rebounds in 2026, nearing average after four years

Strategic angle: Antarctic sea ice coverage has likely rebounded this year, coming closer to its annual summer average after four years of extreme lows, US scientists said Monday.

Editorial Staff Mar 9

Life

Briefing: Students with lower self-control tend to procrastinate with short-form video, study finds

Strategic angle: New research reveals a link between self-control and procrastination in the context of short-form video consumption.

Editorial Staff Mar 9

Life

Briefing: From carp to crocodilians: Why deliberately introduced freshwater giants may bring hidden risks

Strategic angle: Exploring the ecological consequences of introducing large freshwater species outside their natural habitats.

Editorial Staff Mar 9

Life

Briefing: Experts challenge idea that social media harms teen empathy

Strategic angle: A new meta-analysis suggests that increased social media use may correlate with higher empathy in teenagers.

Editorial Staff Mar 9

Life

Briefing: Pathogenic virus infects and structurally reorganizes human cells, finds new study

Strategic angle: A study reveals how orthohantaviruses, like the Puumala virus, pose a significant zoonotic threat by affecting human cell structure.

Editorial Staff Mar 9

Life

Briefing: Lactose-free milk presents an opportunity to boost dairy consumption and coffee shop visits with coffee drinkers

Strategic angle: A new study highlights the potential of lactose-free milk to enhance coffee shop experiences and increase dairy sales.

Editorial Staff Mar 9

Life

Briefing: A brighter future may not suit everyone: Polar cod face difficulties due to warming

Strategic angle: As the Arctic warms and sea ice thaws, polar cod struggle to adapt to changing conditions.

Editorial Staff Mar 9

Life

Briefing: Silicone wristbands can help scientists track people's exposure to pollutants like 'forever chemicals'

Strategic angle: A new study reveals how wearable technology can monitor environmental pollutants in daily life.

Editorial Staff Mar 9