Welcome to In the Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on something exciting, timely, or simply fascinating from the world of science.

In honor of Global Astronomy Month, we’re exploring the science of space. Learn how astronomy connects us through curiosity, discovery, and a shared wonder for what lies beyond.

Latest News Releases

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 26-Jul-2025 02:11 ET (26-Jul-2025 06:11 GMT/UTC)

23-Apr-2025

University of Houston engineer reinvents ceramics with origami-inspired 3D printing

University of Houston
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In a breakthrough that blends ancient design with modern materials science, researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new class of ceramic structures that can bend under pressure — without breaking.

Journal

Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials

23-Apr-2025

Melting glaciers at the end of the Ice Age may have sped up continental drift, fueled volcanic eruptions

University of Colorado at Boulder
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Scientists believe that the motion of Earth's continents through plate tectonics has been largely steady over millions of years. New research, however, suggests this drift can speed up or slow down over relatively short time periods. 

Journal

Nature

23-Apr-2025

Data-model fusion: applications of key technology in smart manufacturing and digital engineering

Higher Education Press
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In the realm of smart manufacturing and digital engineering, a new technology named Data-Model Fusion (DMF) is gaining traction. A review paper in Engineering details how DMF integrates model-based and data-driven methods, addresses their limitations, and finds applications across the product lifecycle. It also explores DMF’s future directions, showing its potential to reshape industrial processes.

Journal

Engineering

23-Apr-2025

Eye on Infinity: NASA celebrates Hubble’s 35th year in orbit

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

In celebration of the Hubble Space Telescope’s 35 years in Earth orbit, NASA is releasing an assortment of compelling images recently taken by Hubble, stretching from the planet Mars to star-forming regions, and a neighboring galaxy.

23-Apr-2025

Q&A with Andrew Lakoff: Why planetary health is the first step to a sustainable future

University of Southern California

An expert on how societies prepare for and respond to emergencies — from pandemics to climate change — USC’s Andrew Lakoff explores how our well-being depends on the health of Earth’s ecosystems.

23-Apr-2025

A systems approach to saving the planet: Q&A with USC Price Dean Chris Boone

University of Southern California

Boone discusses how his approach to sustainability — rooted in understanding interconnected systems — guides his work in addressing the complex environmental and social challenges facing our planet.