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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 115


Page 115 of 498

Reveal the composition-interface-performance relationship in Si3N4 fiber-reinforced wave-transparent composites

The study examines the impact of matrix composition on interfacial structure and mechanical-dielectric performance in Si3N4 fiber-reinforced composites. It reveals that optimal interfacial shear strength enhances high-temperature stability, while excessively strong interfacial bonding degrades flexural and compressive strengths.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateAug 20, 2026

Risk of herpes zoster among breast cancer survivors in Japan: A nationwide claims data analysis

A nationwide claims data analysis in Japan found breast cancer survivors have a 1.57-fold higher risk of herpes zoster and a 1.70-fold higher risk of postherpetic neuralgia. Vaccination can reduce both the incidence of herpes zoster and the risk of complications, emphasizing the importance of prevention in breast cancer survivorship care.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateAug 19, 2026

The higher the hope, the harder the fall: Study finds ESG downgrades hit optimistic investors the hardest

A new study from Murdoch University found that ESG downgrades trigger larger share price losses for optimistic investors, with positive sentiment amplifying market losses. The study analyzed over 6,700 ESG rating events and found that investors react most strongly to ESG downgrades when they contradict a positive view of the firm.

SourceMurdoch University·JournalInternational Review of Economics & Finance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2026

AI mines research papers to discover new material: SNU team develops high-temperature-stable lead-free dielectric

A SNU team uses AI to analyze 1,202 records from 448 papers, exploring 150 million virtual compositions to identify 37 high-temperature-stable lead-free dielectric materials. Two compositions, with 1 mol% and 2 mol% of Sn, exhibit high room-temperature dielectric constants and excellent high-temperature stability.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 19, 2026

A new kind of polymer with two faces and a twist

A team from the University of Osaka has created a new family of chiral semiconducting polymers that can generate highly spin-polarized electric currents. The polymers' unique molecular structure enhances the material's ability to selectively transmit electrons with a particular spin orientation, paving the way for future energy-efficie...

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Modeling social inequality in epidemics

Researchers developed a metric to quantify the impact of social determinants on disease transmission, finding that even low-risk populations can be vulnerable to outbreaks due to social factors. The study highlights the need for equitable resource distribution in infectious disease control, benefiting everyone in the process.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 19, 2026

First 24 hours after viral infection are critical

Research from Hokkaido University suggests that the immune system's response during the first 24 hours after infection can determine survival, with a critical 'checkpoint' identified. This early immune response triggers key cells and signaling proteins that can inform future treatments for severe viral diseases.

SourceHokkaido University·JournaliScience·DateAug 19, 2026

KAIST solves 3D memory reliability problem with "oxygen tunnel" structure, boosting AI chip performance and reducing power consumption

KAIST researchers develop a new 'oxygen tunnel' structure to stabilize oxygen vacancies in oxide semiconductors, achieving world-class current density and data retention time. The technology is expected to improve next-generation compute-in-memory systems and accelerate AI era advancements.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 19, 2026

Machine learning-assisted thermochromic smart windows for thermal management

Researchers developed an AI-driven framework for thermochromic smart windows, achieving ultrahigh simultaneous modulation of near-infrared and longwave infrared emissions. The smart window enables climate-adaptive thermal management without compromising commercial privacy protection.

Teens say TikTok food content shapes what they want to eat but parents can help them navigate its influence

A recent study found that TikTok food content prompts hunger and cravings in adolescents, but parents can help them navigate its influence by fostering critical conversations and encouraging family meals. The study suggests parents can provide a protective perspective by questioning influencer claims and promoting healthy social media ...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateAug 19, 2026

Sustaining deterrence

The US nuclear security enterprise has completed the first production unit of the W76 Mark 4B reentry body, a crucial upgrade to the submarine-launched ballistic missile warhead. This milestone supports US military requirements and ensures the sea-based leg of the nuclear deterrent meets national security objectives.

New uOttawa study suggests gene linked to Parkinson's disease holds clues to battling deadly bacterial infections

Researchers have discovered a gene linked to Parkinson's disease may also strengthen the body's ability to fight dangerous infections. The study found that a well-studied mutation in the LRRK2 gene increases the production of reactive oxygen species, making immune cells more effective at eliminating intracellular bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCellular and Molecular Immunology·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 19, 2026

How well do past extinctions predict extinction risk today?

A new study analyzed extinction patterns among tropical forest mammals worldwide, revealing that past extinctions can provide valuable insights into species vulnerability. The research showed that traits like large body size, small brains, and slow reproduction were linked to extinction risk in the past, but these patterns are not cons...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2026

Climate change predicted to drive changes in diarrheal disease prevalence in several countries in Africa

Researchers analyzed data from over 9,300 cases of diarrhea in Africa, finding that climate change affects disease risk, but factors like vaccination and access to transportation can reduce impact. Climate drivers vary by pathogen and location, with temperature being key in Kenya and rainfall in Mali and The Gambia.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 19, 2026

Could teaching assistants be an overlooked teacher pipeline? New UNC research says yes

A new statewide study found nearly 1 in 5 beginning teachers previously worked as teaching assistants, performing equally well and being more likely to remain in the profession. Former TAs are more likely to be teachers of color and hold special education licenses, addressing persistent shortages.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateAug 19, 2026

Mayo Clinic AI model helps clinicians detect heart obstruction using routine ultrasound images

The AI model, developed by Mayo Clinic researchers, can identify patients with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction from routine ultrasound videos without relying on specialized Doppler imaging. This technology could help clinicians flag patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who may need additional testing, particularly in se...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Imaging·DateAug 19, 2026

Biochar as an “electron bridge” unlocks hidden power of energy‑saving wastewater treatment

A new review reveals that biochar can act as an electron bridge, tripling electron transfer capacity in ammonia-removing microbes and boosting wastewater treatment efficiency. Biochar production can be tuned to enhance electron transfer, and emerging technologies may further reduce energy footprint.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 19, 2026

Too much RNA can starve cells of energy, study finds

A study from Texas A&M University researchers reveals that too much RNA can starve cells of energy, damaging mitochondria and impairing cellular function. This discovery has implications for understanding viral infections, aging-related diseases, and RNA-based therapeutics.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Across cultures, people share beliefs on how children’s minds grow

Researchers surveyed participants from six countries and found a consistent pattern in how people perceive children's mental development, dividing it into two dimensions: experiential and perceptual, and reflective and evaluative. This framework aligns with the nature-nurture debate, suggesting a universal view of human mind development.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 19, 2026

Mussels get scared too

New research reveals that blue mussels reduce filtration activity in response to parasite detection, with potential consequences for ecosystem function. The 'ecology of fear' concept shows that the mere risk of infection can cause mussels to change behavior, making it harder for parasites to infect them.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Helminthology·DateAug 19, 2026

A better way to find where metals bind in a protein

Researchers from Hokkaido University have developed a new method to predict metal-binding sites in proteins, overcoming the long-standing challenge. The method, called PRIME, uses a deep-learning approach and achieves high accuracy and speed, making it possible to analyze whole organisms or large protein databases.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 19, 2026

NUS CDE researchers develop atom-thin carbon insulator for next-generation microchips

A team from NUS developed an atom-thin film of amorphous carbon with a low k-value, addressing the interconnect bottleneck in microchips. The film withstood strong electric fields and prevented copper ions from passing through, paving the way for wider copper lines and faster data transfer.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026