Science and discoveries
Fascinating facts, innovations, and the latest discoveries in simple language.
Genes may influence weight loss with GLP‑1 drugs, new study shows
A large study in "Nature" links variants in the GLP1R and GIPR genes to how many kilograms patients lose on semaglutide and tirzepatide and how often they experience nausea. The effect is moderate and does not change routine treatment for now, but it is a step towards more personalized obesity therapy.
The "SCORPIO" Model: How a Simple Blood Test Helps Predict the Success of Immunotherapy
The "SCORPIO" model, based solely on routine blood tests and basic clinical data, predicts survival and response to ICI immunotherapy with an accuracy of around 72–76% in various cohorts – better than FDA-approved tests such as TMB and PD-L1.
Tax Incentives for R&D: A Step Forward or the Start of a Race?
Bulgaria introduces tax breaks for R&D. Companies will be able to recognize up to 25% of their expenses for tax purposes. Increased investments and new jobs are expected.
The Phantom Galaxy: Indirect Light on Dark Matter?
An invisible galaxy has been discovered! A new finding provides clues about dark matter. Learn how astronomers are studying faint light to unravel the mysteries of the universe.
"Trends 2026: "Boxed" bioproducts and magnetic transistors after the silicon era"
Cell-free biomanufacturing, new materials, and magnetic transistors promise cheaper therapies, "boxed" diagnostics, and more efficient electronics after silicon.
Experimental drug reduces the risk of death in lung cancer by half
The drug gotistobart reduces mortality by 54% in patients with advanced lung cancer compared to chemotherapy, according to new data presented at a conference in Chicago.
Black mushroom from Chernobyl grows with radiation and can protect astronauts
The fungus Cladosporium sphaerospermum survives in the Chernobyl reactor, grows faster under radiation and could become a living shield for space missions, experiments on Earth and in orbit show.
he Mystery of the Brain: Five Epochs of Productivity and Decline—When Do We Unlock Our Genius and When Does Burnout Loom?
A major study from Cambridge University has identified five structural ages of the brain—key periods in life marked by different cognitive potentials, vulnerabilities, and modes of development
NIC 421 Sets Sail for Antarctica: Fourth Expedition
The research vessel "St. St. Cyril and Methodius" (NIC 421) begins its fourth expedition to Antarctica from Varna. The crew will reach the Bulgarian base on Livingston Island at the end of December.
Bulgaria Joins the Ell SST Space Initiative
The Council of Ministers has approved Bulgaria's joining of the Ell SST Partnership for space surveillance. This will strengthen cooperation and bolster the country's space capabilities, supporting the development of the Bulgarian space industry.
British and Australian scientists discover revolutionary antibiotic pre-methylenomycin C-lactone
Scientists have identified a new antibiotic, 100 times more effective than existing ones against MRSA and VRE. The discovery offers new hope against superbugs resistant to treatment.
Mysterious Object Enters the Solar System: New Discovery
A mysterious object, coming from interstellar space, enters the Solar System. Its behavior puzzles scientists, raising questions about its origin. The object is expected to pass by the Sun in 2026.
Bulgarian Scientist at ASHG 2025: Discovery in Genetics
Assoc. Prof. Nevena Ivanova from Bulgaria presented a significant scientific discovery at ASHG 2025 in Boston. The discovery concerns a new mutation in the FGF23 gene and a rare inherited disease, contributing to research on the human genome.
Support for Nuclear Fusion: Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Receives 10 Million BGN for Research
The Ministry of Innovation supports a project by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences on nuclear fusion with 10 million BGN. The focus is on laser-induced fusion, promising a revolution in energy. An experiment at the Institute of Solid State Physics (ISSP) achieved success with femtosecond laser radiation.
Plastic "Hunters" from Peptides - A Revolution in the Fight Against Microplastics
Scientists have created peptide molecules that effectively capture and break down microplastics in water, promising an ecological revolution and real solutions for the planet.