Five early-career scientists have been named recipients of the 2026 BioOne Ambassador Award, an annual honor recognizing early-career scientists who excel at communicating their work to broader audiences, fostering public understanding and appreciation of science.

Now in its ninth year, the award highlights rising talent within the BioOne community of 157 scientific societies and publishing partners. BioOne Ambassadors are nominated by BioOne publishing partners, and each winning author receives a $1,000 award and has their work recognized in the BioOne Ambassador Award showcase.

Researchers at the University of Tokyo clarified how membrane lipid composition determines the surface charge of extracellular vesicles (EVs). They show that differences between exosomes and membrane-derived EVs arise from phospholipid asymmetry, particularly phosphatidylserine distribution. The study proposes zeta potential as a key indicator for EV classification and quality control, offering a foundation for standardization and rational design of EV-based therapeutics. This work was conducted as part of a JST COI-NEXT program, led by Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM).

Florida’s coral reefs are under siege from fast-spreading diseases like Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, yet their hidden structural impacts remain poorly understood. FAU researchers used advanced micro-CT imaging and deep learning to analyze coral skeletons in 3D, revealing subtle changes in porosity, density and thickness with 98% accuracy. This innovative approach offers a powerful new tool to rapidly assess reef health and better guide conservation strategies in the face of escalating environmental threats.

Researchers have unlocked the secrets behind the extraordinary maneuverability of the black ghost knifefish, a freshwater species known for its effortless forward, backward, and hovering movements. By systematically analyzing the fin’s unique morphology and wave-like motion, the team has established a comprehensive kinematic database that could bridge the gap between biological propulsion and bio-inspired robotic design, potentially revolutionizing underwater vehicle performance in complex environments.