Science Breakthroughs

New study maps the peanut genome in its entirety

Scientists map peanut genome fully, revealing genes for 54% oil content and 846g/kg seed size.

The best math lesson for children might be happening at your kitchen table, shows study

7 families, 12 kits, and a kitchen table—how home engineering sparked real math learning.

Green view index scores predict urban microbial diversity

Green view index reveals hidden microbial diversity in Taipei’s streetscapes

Like humans, great apes think differently from each other

48 great apes reveal individual thinking patterns once thought unique to humans.

Flexible cryogenic cables for dilution refrigerators could pave path to practical quantum computers

New flexible cryogenic cables could unlock scalable quantum computers.

Hidden mitochondrial genes emerge as mealybugs encode two genes on one DNA stretch

DNA in mealybugs encodes two genes in one stretch—on both strands.

Could seeing themselves in a mirror help babies copy others?

2 weeks with a mirror boosts baby brain activity linked to empathy.

QS ranks MIT the world’s No. 1 university for 2026-27

MIT ranks #1 globally for 15th straight year, leading in 12 subject areas.

Comb jelly embryos reveal embryonic signaling center shared across early animal evolution

700-million-year-old embryonic 'organizer' found in comb jellies, reshaping animal evolution theory.

Lava planet has hydrogen-rich, active atmosphere

41 light-years away, lava planet 55 Cnc e has a hydrogen-rich, active atmosphere.

Strep by strep: Researchers unravel genetics powering emerging infectious disease threat

Genomic study reveals key genes in deadly strep bacterium, opening path to vaccine.

Helios quantum computer tops 99.9% fidelity rates for one- and two-qubit operations

98-qubit Helios hits 99.9975% fidelity, a leap toward reliable quantum computing.

Young stellar activity drives galactic evolution across the universe

18,000 star-forming regions reveal how young stars shape galaxies across the cosmos.

Gene mutations may explain some spontaneous spinal fluid leaks

1 in 5 spinal fluid leak patients have FBN2 gene mutation, study finds.

Flipped quantum interference unlocks clearer gluon maps from near-miss nuclear encounters

Near-miss gold-ion collisions reveal sharp new gluon maps at RHIC.

Inhibiting high levels of leukemia ABCD1 protein with jojoba could lead to new treatment option

Jojoba compound kills leukemia cells by blocking ABCD1 protein, spares healthy cells.

How satellite technology can protect the world's drinking water

90% of people live within 6 miles of a river—now satellites can protect their drinking water.

A 19-year 'goldmine' of mountain cloud and rainwater samples provides fresh insights about air pollution

19 years of cloud water samples reveal how rain history shapes air pollution in mountains.

Scientists uncover hidden phosphorus reservoir vital for future food production

New method slashes cost of measuring key soil phosphorus in 32 UK soil types.

Targeting Schwann cells: A new approach to repairing corneal injury

New eye treatment regenerates nerves using a DKK1 inhibitor—300–600× more sensitive than skin.