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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 153


Page 153 of 503

Ancient smallpox genomes reveal how European colonisation brought the disease to the Americas

Researchers recovered and analyzed ancient viral DNA from a local community in northern Chile, revealing the strongest direct evidence linking European colonization to the introduction of smallpox to the Americas. The study shows that smallpox evolved in a way that allowed it to spread successfully with minimal adaptation.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2026

Global Virus Network with the support of the University of South Florida brings Florida high school students to the front lines of pandemic preparedness

Thirty high school students participated in the Global Guardians for Pandemic Preparedness program, gaining insights into virology, public health, and pandemic preparedness. The program showcased the growing partnership between GVN and USF, providing hands-on experiences at research laboratories, hospitals, and public health agencies.

Flexible working could help more women lead family businesses, researchers say

Research from the University of East London suggests that digital workplace innovation can support more women in leadership roles within family firms. The study argues that flexible digital working can enable women to contribute more visibly to leadership while balancing work and family life. Digital tools like Microsoft Teams can help...

SourceUniversity of East London·JournalStrategy and Leadership·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 30, 2026

Study reveals massive quantities of undeclared uranium are exported from the DRC

A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison and Princeton University has identified large quantities of undeclared uranium extracted, concentrated and exported from the DRC over the past 20 years. The researchers estimate that 2,000 to 5,000 metric tons of natural uranium were exported, posing significant environmental and health risks.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 30, 2026

New research identifies barriers transgender individuals face related to breast cancer risk

A new study by Boston University researchers identified critical barriers that influence healthcare professionals' integration of cancer risk evaluation in gender-affirming mastectomy care. Transgender patients lack clear information about their breast cancer risk before and after surgery, leading to delayed diagnoses at more dangerous...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·TypeSurvey·DateJul 30, 2026

Living by the coast linked to worse midlife health

A new study published in BMJ Public Health found that people who live by the coast in midlife are more likely to have two or more diagnosed chronic conditions. The researchers attribute this to higher deprivation and selective migration patterns, where individuals with worse health tend to remain in or move to coastal areas.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBMJ Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJul 30, 2026

Stack of Bi2Se3/carbon films with pyramid interface for dual‑mode temperature–pressure sensing in aquatic environments

Researchers developed a single-material dual-mode sensor that operates natively in air and water, eliminating the need for waterproof encapsulation. The sensor achieves high sensitivity across a broad detection range and maintains complete signal decoupling between temperature and pressure variations.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateJul 30, 2026

Review: How heme converts environmental gases into cellular signals

A new review reveals that heme converts tiny chemical changes into larger biological responses, regulating functions from microbial metabolism to mammalian signaling. Labile heme, a small and dynamic fraction of heme, plays a crucial role in this process, allowing for finely tuned sensitivity to environmental conditions.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalBulletin of the Chemical Society of Japan·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 30, 2026

HKUST develops novel AI framework enabling efficient collaboration between generalist and specialist models for disease diagnosis

A research team from HKUST developed a novel AI framework called GSCo, which enables collaboration between generalist and specialist models for disease diagnosis. The framework outperforms standalone models in tasks like medical imaging and visual question answering, while significantly reducing development costs.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2026

Immune signals may help explain, predict responses to therapies for difficult-to-treat depression

A new study reveals that rapid-acting antidepressants like ketamine and psychedelics work by changing communication signals between the immune system and brain, suggesting a shared neuroimmune pathway. This finding may help identify patients most likely to benefit from these treatments.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 30, 2026

Highly reliable LFIA based on selenium nanoparticle reveals long-term real-world dynamics of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2

A novel LFIA based on selenium nanoparticles reveals long-term dynamics of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, showing accelerated antibody decline in patients with neurological and hematological diseases. The detection platform enables automated result readout and scalable monitoring for large populations.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2026

Paper-based smart packaging offers sustainable path to cut food waste and plastic pollution

Researchers are transforming paper into sophisticated smart packaging that controls respiration, scrubbing ethylene to slow ripening for fruits and vegetables. For meat and seafood, the focus is on blocking oxygen and grease while embedding sensors that flag spoilage before it becomes obvious.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 30, 2026

Predicting hurricane rapid intensification further in advance

Researchers developed a method to predict which hurricanes are likely to intensify rapidly, providing local officials with crucial time to make lifesaving preparations. The new technique uses statistical analysis of past storms and sea surface temperatures to calculate the probability of rapid intensification.

A better way to deliver mitochondria into living cells

Scientists at Hokkaido University developed a surface engineering approach to deliver mitochondria directly into target cells, preserving their energy-producing function. This method, e-MITO, enables efficient cellular uptake and respiratory modulation, promising to advance organelle-based therapeutics.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateJul 30, 2026

Public research and development money unlocks private investment and lasting economic growth

A study by the University of Southampton found that public research and development funding can mobilize private R&D, supporting economic growth for years. The research reveals that government-funded R&D is an unusually productive form of public investment, encouraging additional private investment and boosting economic activity.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Economic Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2026

Reenvisioning sexual health with perspectives from the global south

The article calls for centering Global South knowledge to broaden the way we think about sexual health research, policy, and practice. Global North frameworks have been criticized for being exclusionary and harmful, while the authors propose a more intersectional approach that incorporates sensory and embodied approaches.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalCulture Health & Sexuality·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 30, 2026

ICU design guidelines highlight how hospital environments shape patient care and safety

The guidelines recommend single-patient rooms, strong visibility between staff and patients, infection prevention features, flexible layouts for patient surges, and greater access to natural light. Natural light emerged as a consistent theme across the evidence, suggesting benefits for both patients and staff working long shifts.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalCritical Care Nursing Clinics of North America·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 30, 2026

What are nicotine pouches?

Nicotine pouches are a new form of nicotine delivery that has sparked concerns over safety and efficacy. Researchers warn of potential harms, side effects, and accidental use, as well as the risk of dependence on these products.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 30, 2026