Soybean oil, the most widely consumed cooking oil in the United States and a staple of processed foods, contributes to obesity, at least in mice, through a mechanism scientists are now beginning to understand.

Electric discharges have for the first time been recorded within the storms and whirlwinds of dust – known as dust devils – that sweep across the surface of Mars. Captured by the microphone of the SuperCam instrument on board NASA's Perseverance rover, the signals were analysed by a team of scientists from the CNRS, Université de Toulouse and the Observatoire de Paris – PSL, working as part of an international team. The discharges represent a major discovery with immediate implications for our understanding of the atmospheric chemistry, climate and habitability of Mars, as well as for future robotic and manned missions there. These findings are published in the journal Nature on November 26, 2025.

Princeton researchers have developed a diamond-based quantum sensor that reveals rich new information about magnetic phenomena in spaces smaller than a wavelength of light. Their new technique uncovers magnetic fluctuations beyond the reach of existing instruments and provides key insight into quantum materials such as graphene and superconductors — opening a new way to study condensed matter physics.

KTU, Lithuania, scientists have developed a method to convert textile waste into both alternative fuel and high-value cement additives. Their findings show that textile ash can replace up to 7.5% of conventional cement and increase material strength by up to 16%, while recycled polyester fibres improve concrete performance by 15–20%. The research offers a sustainable pathway for managing textile waste and reducing CO₂ emissions in cement production.

The method uses common household items and reduces toxic substances to identify both the type and quantity of illicit drugs.

A Swansea University academic has been honoured with the prestigious SEMI Academia Impact Award, recognising his outstanding contributions to semiconductor research, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration in Europe.