Researchers have found that baby corals grown in acidic seawater build denser but less stable skeleton, which makes them more susceptible to breaking, posing a threat to reef stability as ocean acidification increases. The study in Advanced Science highlights the structural changes in coral skeletons under acidic conditions, emphasizing the need for robust skeleton formation in early coral life.

Researchers used spectropolarimetry, a technique that measures the polarization of light across a range of wavelengths, to examine a supernova more than 23 million light-years away during its shock-breakout phase, according to a study in Science Advances. This method provided unique information about the geometry of the supernova explosion that could not be obtained through other observational techniques due to the extremely small angular scales involved.

Researchers have discovered a meteorite crater in southern China that is about 900 meters in diameter, making it the largest modern crater ever found on Earth, according to a study in Matter and Radiation at Extremes. The Jinlin crater, estimated to have formed during the Holocene, was identified through the study of quartz grains showing shock metamorphism.

Research published in the journal Science sheds light on the ancient and complex relationship between humans and dogs, suggesting that canine diversity dates back more than 10,000 years. One analysis of 643 dog and wolf skulls from a 50,000-year span revealed significant physical diversity in dog skulls from the Holocene epoch. A second study of 73 canid genomes from the past 10,000 years showed how dog ancestry shifted with human migrations and suggested that dogs played an important role in cultural exchanges across Eastern Eurasia.

The elephant seal population on South Georgia in the South Atlantic Ocean has declined by 47% since avian influenza began infecting the animals in 2023, according to a study in Communications Biology. An estimated 53,000 female elephant seals in the colony have died, and researcher Connor Bamford says the virus is probably circulating in the population.

Researchers have developed a microrobot designed to treat strokes by delivering medication directly to blood clots. The tiny, magnetically guided beads can be tracked with a radioactive tracer, and clinical tests in pigs showed a 95% success rate in delivering thrombus medication to the targeted location, according to a study published in the journal Science.

A study published in Nutrition and Metabolism found that increased consumption of ultraprocessed foods was associated with a higher risk of prediabetes and insulin resistance among people ages 17 to 22 who were overweight or obese. Researchers noted that each 10% increase in ultraprocessed food intake was linked to a 64% higher risk of prediabetes and a 56% higher risk of blood sugar regulation problems.

Researchers at the University of Delaware have received a NSF grant to develop more secure computer chips by integrating security measures at the design stage. The project will use AI, cryptography and game theory to anticipate and counter threats before chips are manufactured.

Sigma Xi proudly recognizes the 2025 cohort of Fellows. The Fellows program of Sigma Xi recognizes members who have achieved exceptional results in research or engineering, demonstrated sustained scholarship and mentorship, and contributed significantly to the mission of the Society. Meet the 18 Fellows.