In this talk, we explore new developments in the field of gradient elasticity. We begin by providing an intuitive introduction to the theory, which extends classical elasticity by incorporating higher-order spatial derivatives that capture microstructural effects. These contributions become particularly important at small spatial scales, offering a more refined description of deformation that classical models cannot account for. We then present a novel theory of three-dimensional Green-elastic bodies with gradient elastic material boundary surfaces and highlight its application to modeling brittle fracture.