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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 168


Page 168 of 504

Single shot multispectral fluorescence microscopy with learned meta-optics

The system addresses limitations of high numerical aperture objectives by combining a learned titanium dioxide meta-optic with a neural reconstruction network. This co-designed computational microscopy system improves imaging depth and resolves structures throughout thick biological specimens in a single shot.

Artery-on-a-chip helps predict stroke risk

Researchers developed an artery-on-a-chip platform to predict ischemic stroke risk by replicating a patient's specific vascular structure and blood flow dynamics. The tool, called a 'physical twin,' reveals that three-dimensional vascular shape and local flow disturbances matter more than simple narrowing in predicting stroke risk.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Biomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2026

Parents’ socioeconomic status is more important than prenatal behaviors to a future child’s health

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that parents' socioeconomic status has a greater impact on their child's health than prenatal behaviors such as smoking or alcohol consumption. The study analyzed data from over 230,000 participants and found associations between socioeconomic position and 72 different child health outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 23, 2026

Two ways to read a genome: Scientists reveal the first body-wide, single-cell atlas that maps DNA folding and epigenetics together

Researchers at Salk Institute create a body-wide single-cell atlas of two major epigenetic systems, revealing that cell-type-specific epigenetic features can affect disease risk. The study identifies over 1.36 million differentially methylated regions and 283,606 differential chromatin loops across the human body's cell types.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 23, 2026

Drug reverses autism-like brain changes in adult mice within hours, study finds

Researchers found that a single dose of rapamycin rapidly improved symptoms in adult mice with autism-like changes, reversing abnormal brain signaling and behavior within two hours. The study suggests the adult brain's functional circuitry, not just its physical structure, as a target for future treatment approaches.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 23, 2026

Could this enzyme help remove “zombie” cells from our tissues?

Aging cells become more susceptible to ferroptosis due to elevated levels of acid ceramidase, a previously targeted therapeutic candidate. This vulnerability can be passed to neighboring cells, impacting overall tissue health. The discovery offers new hope for supporting healthy aging and treating age-related diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Death and Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2026

AI-powered closed-loop system could accelerate the discovery of energy materials

Researchers have developed an AI-powered framework that combines multiple AI technologies with automated experiments to accelerate the discovery of advanced energy materials. The '4th+ paradigm' approach enables near-atomic-level accuracy in predicting material properties and rapidly analyzing experimental data.

New strategy could prevent T cell exhaustion and boost immunotherapy

Researchers have identified a new strategy to prevent T cell exhaustion and boost immunotherapy by blocking MEK signaling. This approach has shown promise in lab models, enabling T cells to persist under harsh tumor conditions. However, the effectiveness of this treatment may vary among patients due to the complexity of T cell exhaustion.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2026

Chitosan hydrogel stabilizes red blood cell membrane interfaces for advanced environmental sensing

A new bio-based conductive hydrogel platform is presented to preserve biomembrane activity and enable sensitive detection of organophosphate pesticides. The developed biosensor demonstrated stable operation, retaining 85.8% of its original electrochemical response after seven days.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2026

Partners in crime produce extreme antibiotic resistance

Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine discovered that environmental bacteria can acquire and transfer antibiotic resistance genes to disease-causing bacteria in human lungs. This mechanism, previously unknown, could lead to rapid development of extreme antibiotic resistance. The study highlights the potential f...

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2026

Can large language models capture human risk preferences?

This study reveals that off-the-shelf large language models do not exhibit universal risk profiles and can be affected by prompt language, leading to systematic distortions. The findings highlight the need for rigorous empirical calibration before deploying these models in computational social science and choice modeling.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalCommunications in Transportation Research·DateJul 23, 2026

Proactive support to quit tobacco use during cancer treatment doubles quit rates in a nationwide trial

A comprehensive, sustained approach to treating tobacco dependence in patients undergoing cancer treatment has been shown to double quit rates compared to referral to a Quitline alone. The study found that 81% of participants who received virtual sustained treatment attended counseling sessions and had higher medication use rates.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJul 23, 2026

“Precisely targeting brain-related regions with a single ultrasound lens”: DGIST develops AI-based brain stimulation hologram technology

Researchers have developed an AI-based thickness-optimized acoustic hologram (TOAH) technology that directly optimizes the thickness of a 3D-printed lens to stimulate multiple brain regions. The technology enables precise multi-site brain stimulation using only a single thin lens and ultrasound transducer.

Chocolate syrup-like fluid stores multiple interacting memories

Researchers at Penn State have created a material memory system where two types of memory coexist and compete. At lower intensities, the mixture retains both directional and amplitude memories. However, as intensity increases, one memory weakens and is eventually erased, while the other becomes dominant.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2026

Your gut can get jet lag too

Research suggests that time zone changes disrupt the synchronization between human biological clocks and gut microbiota, leading to digestive complaints, poorer sleep quality, and reduced energy levels. Gradually adjusting one's biological clock through light exposure and meal timing before departure can help reduce jet lag effects.

SourceWroclaw Medical University·JournalNutrients·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 23, 2026

Tongue image analysis and clinical data fusion: a novel approach for non-invasive diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease

A deep learning model integrating quantitative tongue image features with routine clinical data achieved high accuracy in diagnosing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. The model outperformed single-modality and serological models, providing a practical application for non-invasive assessment of the disease.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJul 23, 2026