Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2026 - Page 157


Page 157 of 504

Satellite mapping reveals global inequities in lake water quality: over one-third of lakes fail to meet good water quality standards

A global assessment found that only 63.3% of lakes worldwide meet good water quality standards, exposing nearly half of the world's population to potential health risks associated with freshwater security. Strong regional disparities were observed, with Europe and North America faring better than Asia, South America, and Africa.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 30, 2026

Experts say it’s time to include nicotine e-cigarettes in smoking cessation conversations

A new set of recommendations provides clinicians with evidence-based guidance on discussing smoking cessation, including the use of nicotine e-cigarettes as a treatment option. The authors emphasize that the best approach will vary from person to person and should be tailored to each patient's goals, preferences, and medical needs.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 30, 2026

Preoperative dual immunotherapy combination shows promising activity in high-risk early-stage HER2-negative breast cancer

A phase 2 clinical trial found that combining two immunotherapies with standard chemotherapy prior to surgery improved pathologic complete response rates in high-risk, early-stage HER2-negative breast cancer patients. The regimen demonstrated strong activity among patients with ImPrint-positive tumors, including high pCR rates.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 30, 2026

Realization of an atom-holography microscope for direct visualization of three-dimensional atomic arrangements in nanoscale regions

A collaborative research group has developed an atom-holography microscope that can directly visualize three-dimensional atomic arrangements in nanoscale regions using electron-beam excitation. This breakthrough enables element-specific analysis of three-dimensional atomic structures without the need for synchrotron radiation.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2026

Researchers reveal link between attention and communication difficulties in autism

Researchers found that attention networks play a crucial role in communication difficulties in children with autism, affecting verbal and non-verbal communication. Weaker connections in the Dorsal Attention Network and Salience Network led to greater difficulties with understanding gestures, facial expressions, and social signals.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJul 29, 2026

Cambridge scientist builds new holistic scoring system for dietary protein which reveals some disturbing truths for people and planet

A new holistic scoring system for dietary protein evaluates environmental impact, health, affordability, and availability. The analysis found plant-based foods dominate the highest-scoring quintile while animal-based products are in the lowest-scoring group.

SourceLucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 29, 2026

DGIST identifies the “molecular lever that turns brain neurons on and off,” opening a new avenue for treating brain disorders

Researchers at DGIST identified a novel molecular mechanism regulating the N-type voltage-gated calcium channel, which plays a critical role in neural signal transmission. This discovery provides an important clue for developing therapeutics for brain disorders such as neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2026

Percentage of body fat may be better indicator of men’s reproductive health than BMI

A recent study found that a higher body fat percentage is linked to lower sperm counts and changes in male reproductive hormones. Men with high body fat percentages had lower semen volume, sperm concentration, and testosterone levels compared to those with normal body fat percentages.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2026

Scientists discover an antidote to lethal snake bites that comes straight from the source

Researchers found specific combinations of blood proteins from western diamondback rattlesnakes provided unprecedented neutralizing power against multiple dangerous snake species. Combining several FETUA proteins dramatically increased ability to neutralize venom's damaging effects.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2026

Combination immunotherapy and chemotherapy improves progression-free survival for patients with metastatic dMMR colorectal cancer

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that combining atezolizumab with modified FOLFOX6 chemotherapy and bevacizumab improved progression-free survival by 58% for patients with metastatic dMMR colorectal cancer. The combination also showed higher response rates and reduced primary disease progression.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 29, 2026

Muscle radar unlocks potential for future robotic limbs

Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed ultra-wideband radar sensors to measure muscle forces in a non-invasive way. This technology has the potential to improve rehabilitation, injury prevention, and recovery for people with motor neuron disease or aging. The goal is to eventually use real-time sensor data to assist...

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2026

International study shows once-weekly HIV pill performs as well as daily treatment

An international clinical trial has shown that a once-weekly oral treatment for HIV is non-inferior to one of today's leading daily therapies. The Phase 3 ISLEND-1 trial evaluated a tablet combining islatravir and lenacapavir in adults with well-controlled HIV, demonstrating over 93% viral suppression in both groups.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 29, 2026

The Lancet publishes landmark trial of Duchenne muscular dystrophy therapy

A Phase III clinical trial has demonstrated that a new cell therapy called deramiocel can slow the weakening of skeletal muscles by 54% and preserve heart function, slowing progression of cardiomyopathy. The therapy, based on Marbán's discoveries, takes a different approach from other treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 29, 2026

Ancient turtle hunting could inform modern conservation throughout Southern Caribbean, SFU study

A new study published in The Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports sheds light on longstanding relationships between humans and sea turtles in the Southern Caribbean. The research reveals details of interactions between humans and turtles dating back 1,000-years and provides information needed to protect populations going forward.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJul 29, 2026

Researchers develop low-noise magnetic sensor with enhanced weak-field detection

Researchers developed a low-noise magnetic sensor that improves weak-field detection, leveraging spin-texture dynamics to break the sensitivity–noise limitation. The anomalous Hall magnetic sensor achieved a magnetic-field detectivity of 15.7 nT/√Hz at 1 Hz, nearly one order of magnitude better than conventional ferromagnetic materials.

Crystallization engineering enhances high-frequency performance of thick carbon electrodes

Researchers developed a highly crystalline three-dimensional graphitic carbon tube grid that improves filtering supercapacitor performance, offering potential for compact and efficient electronic devices. The new material shows faster coupled electron and ion transport and strong high mass loading capabilities.

Global crop models underestimate how rice responds to extreme heat

A new study reveals that global crop models are less sensitive to heat extremes than real-world observations, particularly in the reproductive stages of rice. This discrepancy highlights the need for adaptation measures such as developing heat-tolerant varieties and adjusting planting dates to protect crops from extreme heat.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2026

Spectacular discovery provides insight into the internal organs of a marine reptile

A team of international researchers has uncovered a unique fossil from China that preserves the digestive system of an ancient marine reptile. The study provides insight into the early adaptations of long-necked marine reptiles to life in the oceans, contradicting previous assumptions about their limited aquatic capabilities.

SourceStaatliches Museum für Naturkunde Stuttgart·JournalScience Advances·TypeCase study·DateJul 29, 2026