Feature Stories
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 31-Mar-2026 21:15 ET (1-Apr-2026 01:15 GMT/UTC)
25-Mar-2026
How chickens could contribute to the re-creation of extinct species
Linköping University
Researchers at Linköping University, Sweden, are mapping the genetic differences between the domestic chicken and its wild relative the junglefowl. They will now try to find out whether it is possible to use genetic engineering to “undomesticate” domesticated chickens. This could be a tool for conserving endangered species – and perhaps recreating extinct animals.
25-Mar-2026
Hidden biodiversity in Tennessee rivers: A Q&A with University of Tennessee freshwater mussel researcher Gerald Dinkins
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
New genetic research with key contributions from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has uncovered “hidden” freshwater mussel diversity in the Tennessee River Basin—one of the most biologically diverse river systems in the world. Using DNA analysis alongside fieldwork and museum collections, researchers formally described two previously unrecognized species and found evidence of a third yet to be named. UT’s Gerald Dinkins of the McClung Museum notes the basin’s exceptional diversity is tied to its long, undisturbed geological history and its many distinct habitat types, which have allowed species to diversify over millions of years.
- Journal
- Diversity
25-Mar-2026
UCF researchers receive meta support to study motor learning in EMG-based interfaces
University of Central Florida
Meta funding will support research on gamified muscle-based human-computer interaction while embedding ethics directly into engineering design.
- Funder
- Meta
25-Mar-2026
For the first time, scientists have mapped the genetics of how the brain ages, region by region
University of Southern California
A landmark research paper for the first time maps the genetics of how individual regions of the brain age —and why some of those regions are the very ones most ravaged by Alzheimer’s and dementia. Published in the journal GeroScience, the paper is titled “Deep Neural Networks and Genome-Wide Associations Reveal the Polygenic Architecture of Local Brain Aging.” Where previous studies assigned the brain a single aging score, Kim’s research asked a more precise question: how do genetic factors contribute to aging across different brain regions?
- Journal
- GeroScience
24-Mar-2026
New high-performance MRI strengthens pediatric imaging capacity at Semmelweis University
Semmelweis University
From now on, young patients at the Pediatric Center will be welcomed by a submarine-themed waiting room and MRI examination room at Semmelweis University. This development provides children with a friendly and supportive environment that creates the most modern conditions for their recovery and helps them overcome their fear of the examination.
24-Mar-2026
PolyU develops third-generation intelligent in-situ laser melt pool monitoring technology, deepening industry-academia-research integration to empower advanced manufacturing in Greater Bay Area
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed “IntraSpect™”, a third-generation intelligent in-situ laser melt pool monitoring technology that marks a breakthrough in high-end precision manufacturing. During welding, high-energy heat sources melt metal to form a micro-scale molten zone known as the melt pool. Its internal condition directly affects welding quality, yet conventional technologies are unable to monitor it in real time during processing. By combining Optical Coherence Tomography with a multi-modal artificial intelligence engine, IntraSpect™ creates an “Industrial Eye” capable of monitoring the melt pool’s internal condition in real time with micron-level precision, capturing three-dimensional morphological changes during welding to address the long-standing industry challenge of welding defects at source. The project has established partnerships with multiple industry leaders in the Greater Bay Area and is advancing commercialisation, with potential applications extending to medical devices, aviation, aerospace and other sectors demanding exceptionally high welding quality.
24-Mar-2026
DTU files more patents than any other university in Europe
Technical University of Denmark
113 patent applications in 2025 have propelled DTU (the Technical University of Denmark) to the very top of a new top 20 list published by the European Patent Office.
24-Mar-2026
How skyrocketing oil and resource prices will impact Australia’s agricultural industry
Murdoch UniversityOil prices are skyrocketing around the world, and the impacts are being felt across every major industry. In Australia, experts say the sector that will take the most substantial hit is agriculture – one of the country’s largest economic drivers.
24-Mar-2026
A century of discovery: Mayo Clinic Proceedings marks 100 years of advancing medical research, education and practice
Mayo Clinic
For 100 years, Mayo Clinic Proceedings has helped shape the course of modern medicine — publishing discoveries that move from the page to the bedside and improve care for patients around the world.