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Feature Stories

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 23-Oct-2026 01:16 ET (23-Oct-2026 05:16 GMT/UTC)

‘They wouldn’t say it in person’: Young gamers reveal their personal experiences in online multiplayer gaming

University of East London

New University of East London research is exploring young people’s experiences of anti-social behaviour in online multiplayer gaming and how platforms can create safer, healthier and more inclusive spaces.

Early findings from focus groups with young people aged 12–19 show that harmful and positive behaviours often coexist, with players shifting between supportive and toxic interactions depending on the game, environment and competitive pressures. Women and girls were disproportionately targeted by anti-social behaviour, while young people also highlighted the important role gaming can play in providing connection, relaxation and escape.

Led by Professor Julia Davidson OBE, the project is working directly with young gamers and industry experts to identify practical, evidence-based solutions. The next phase will include a major national survey, with findings ultimately informing recommendations for gaming platforms, developers, parents, schools and policymakers.

A ‘library’ of bacteria-killing viruses: Harnessing the power of phages

University of Colorado School of Medicine

Researchers at the CU Anschutz School of Medicine isolate bacteriophages — specialized viruses that only infect bacteria — and use them to study novel treatments for severe bacterial infections.

Monumental second temple–period purification complex uncovered at the foot of the Temple Mount in the old city of Jerusalem

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

A monumental complex of ritual baths, most likely used by Jewish pilgrims visiting the Temple in Jerusalem, has been uncovered at the foot of the Temple Mount. Dating to the late Second Temple period (first century BCE–70 CE), the exceptionally well-preserved complex includes three large ritual baths (mikva’ot), a monumental plastered pool, a paved plaza, and an extensive water system. One of the ritual baths survives to its full height, including its vaulted stone ceiling, a rare example in Jerusalem of a Second Temple–period structure preserved from floor to ceiling.

Harnessing photosynthesis for bioelectricity production could contribute to solving the climate crisis

University of Turku

Science enables the most amazing innovations, but they require well-resourced basic research, says Laura Wey, an Academy Research Fellow in Molecular Plant Biology. According to her, bioelectricity may be part of the solution to the climate crisis in the future, but real change requires a variety of approaches and lifestyle changes.

Could Moon dust provide propellant for future spacecraft?

University of Surrey

Could magnesium found in Moon dust help future spacecraft travel further into deep space? A new European Space Agency (ESA)-funded project led by the University of Surrey aims to find out.

2026 Hertz Summer Workshop Recap

Fannie and John Hertz Foundation

Scientific breakthroughs happen when unexpected fields collide and new collaborators take on hard problems together. That spirit defined the 2026 Hertz Summer Workshop, where 251 members of the Hertz Community gathered July 9-12 at the Q Center in St. Charles, Illinois, to challenge existing paradigms and push the boundaries of scientific discovery.

Funder: Hertz Foundation

CU Anschutz researchers test drones as a new way to deliver blood products in emergencies

University of Colorado Anschutz

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz are studying whether drones can deliver freeze-dried plasma to critically injured patients when conventional transportation cannot get them to a hospital quickly enough. The research, currently underway in Ukraine, has delivered the blood product to medical teams treating severely injured military personnel.

Postdocs find purpose and opportunity

University of Louisville

Postdoctoral fellowships are intended to be transitional experiences, setting doctoral graduates up for the next step in their career ladder. They are formally defined as temporary, mentored positions held by an individual possessing a terminal degree. While postdocs benefit from mentorship by senior researchers, they also contribute important skills and perspectives to the mentors’ projects.

Wells Messersmith, MD, is named Director of the University of Colorado Anschutz Cancer Center

University of Colorado School of Medicine

The 19-year veteran of CU Anschutz will be the fourth director in the 41-year history of Colorado’s only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center.

Q&A: Why should colleges promote student physical activity?

College is a critical time for participating in physical activity, according to Penn State Professor of Kinesiology Melissa Bopp. Bopp explains why exercise during college can affect health throughout life and how colleges can help get their students moving to promote better physical, mental and social health.

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