A new study by Manchester researchers argues that directional terms like 'upcycling' and 'downcycling' can skew perceptions of plastic sustainability. The study suggests that a more nuanced approach is needed to evaluate the environmental impact of recycling technologies.
A new study from Chalmers University finds that local water supply is critical to the success of Europe's hydrogen initiative, with some regions facing severe water shortages if production is not planned carefully. The research suggests that areas like Sweden's Sörmland and Roslagen could be hard-pressed even without hydrogen production.
A new blood test score, MetALD-ALD Prediction Index (MAPI), has been developed to identify when fatty liver disease is driven by excessive alcohol use. The tool uses five standard lab values and can estimate whether a person with fatty liver disease may have alcohol-related liver injury.
Researchers identified nine piRNAs linked to longevity, which could be detected through simple blood tests. The study suggests that these molecules may help predict survival and guide therapeutic targets for older adults.
The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is launching its 2026 climate and weather data challenges to improve rapid decision-making during wildfires, explore flood forecast data from 10,000 stations globally, and detect implausible behavior in machine learning. The deadline for applications is April 9, 2026.
A study published in European Heart Journal found that nearly half of hospitalised heart failure patients are readmitted within a year, with the risk of death also remaining high. Patients with severely reduced heart function face the highest risk, highlighting the need for careful follow-up and tailored care.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center suggests that a simple blood test can accurately predict short-term survival in older adults by detecting specific piRNA molecules. Lower levels of these molecules are linked to longer survival, echoing patterns seen in simple organisms where reducing them can extend lifespan.
The Blavatnik Awards recognize exceptional early-career achievements in Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and Physical Sciences & Engineering. The 2026 Laureates are Maxie M. Roessler, Thi Hoang Duong Nguyen, and Paola Pinilla.
A study found that Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers (TRAP) laws significantly reduced the supply of obstetricians and gynecologists, particularly older and newly trained doctors. This led to a decline in more than 2 obstetrician-gynecologists per 100,000 females aged 15–44 years.
A study found that international guidelines for preterm delivery are often not followed, leading to varying levels of exposure to life-saving medications. In high-income countries, there were significant discrepancies in the use of these treatments.
New research reveals that skeletal muscle retains a 'molecular memory' of repeated disuse, which differs between young and old muscles. Younger muscles show resilience, while older muscles become increasingly susceptible to atrophy. The study provides insights into how muscle responds to inactivity and its potential for recovery.
A global analysis of two antenatal treatments reveals significant international variation in implementation, with higher-income countries showing better uptake. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the reasons behind these disparities and improve global equity in essential antenatal treatments.
A major new study found that high-risk patients, who tend to be older and live with several long-term health conditions, have poor outcomes after surgery. The study highlights the need for greater investment in specialist perioperative services to focus on the care of older, high-risk patients before, during and after surgery.
Researchers found caterpillars mimic ant signals using precise rhythmic beats to gain acceptance, feeding, and protection. The most ant-dependent species produce regular, complex rhythms similar to those used by ants.
A solitary bottlenose dolphin in the Venetian Lagoon is monitored by researchers who assess its remarkable adaptation to urban surroundings. The team highlights the need for human behavior management to ensure the dolphin's welfare, rather than focusing on wildlife protection measures.
A new Tulane University study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 infection causes persistent brain inflammation and small blood vessel injury, even after the virus is no longer detectable. This finding helps explain why long COVID often includes neurological symptoms such as brain fog and fatigue.
A recent study reveals that creators who disclose using AI face negative judgments from others, despite their reputation. This gap between technological capability and social perception highlights the need for creators to manage perceptions surrounding how their work was created.
A new Flinders University study reveals that fear of punishment and lack of trust in management are major barriers to tackling alcohol and drug risks at work. SBIRT, a health-based approach, is proposed as a solution, but its effectiveness depends on trust and confidentiality.
The nanozymes hypothesis suggests that natural mineral nanozymes played a crucial role in the origin of life on Earth, catalyzing the generation of prehistoric small life molecules from nonliving matter. These nanozymes enabled informationization of energy into molecules necessary for living systems.
A Korean research team developed a technology that resolves the most critical challenge of lithium-metal batteries, interfacial instability, by creating an intelligent protective layer. This allows lithium ions to move stably along the electrode surface, suppressing dendrite growth and extending battery lifespan.
Early land plants began reshaping Earth's surface environments approximately 455 million years ago, boosting organic matter production on land. This increased terrestrial photosynthesis led to elevated organic carbon-to-phosphorus ratios in marine sediments, indicating a significant impact on the Earth system.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed a new method to remove toxic PFAS chemicals from water using nano-sized molecular cages. The study successfully captures short-chain variants of the pollutants, which are notoriously difficult to isolate.
Chinese scientists have developed a dual-side electrical refinement strategy for large-area TOPCon solar cells, achieving an open-circuit voltage of 744.6 mV and a fill factor of 85.57%. The breakthrough sets a new record for industrial-scale solar cells, narrowing the gap between mass-production efficiency and theoretical limit.
Recent advances in biochar-polymer composites suggest the use of renewable materials for additive manufacturing. Biochar enhances mechanical and thermal properties, reducing environmental impact while improving material performance.
Researchers developed a machine learning-guided strategy to design advanced biochar materials that remove phosphorus efficiently while lowering treatment costs. The study provides a practical pathway for restoring eutrophic waters at large scale.
Researchers developed a nickel-enriched biochar from marine microalgae that can detect hydrogen peroxide at low concentrations, with fast response times. The sensor's stability and sensitivity are improved by the uniform distribution of catalytic sites.
A recent study has confirmed that wild African chimpanzees consume significant quantities of alcohol, with 17 out of 20 urine samples containing ethyl glucuronide, a metabolic byproduct of ethanol. The chimps' diet likely consists of fermented fruits, which provide around 14 grams of ethanol per day.
Lifespan-extending treatments and dietary restriction have increased variance in age-at-death in vertebrates, failing to 'square the survival curve'. The findings highlight that current interventions do not equally benefit all individuals, leading to a biological lottery.
A new study based on extensive data from Swedish school surveys found that changes in average cannabis use among adolescents are reflected across the entire group. The distribution of cannabis use has remained highly stable over time, with increases or decreases occurring in parallel across all user groups.
Researchers propose a new electrolyte additive strategy to solve three core challenges in zinc-iodine batteries: sluggish iodine reaction kinetics, polyiodide shuttle effect, and zinc dendrite growth. The study achieved ultra-long cycle stability and excellent performance with minimal capacity decay.
Research published in the journal Gut found that pre-pregnancy parental overweight and obesity are independently associated with increased odds of developing metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in children by age 24. Cumulative excess weight in childhood significantly influences this risk, with children who...
The Barshop Institute will conduct the VITAL-H trial, evaluating the repurposing of FDA-approved medications to delay age-related health decline in generally healthy middle-aged adults. The trial aims to preserve everyday abilities during a critical window of midlife aging.
A new volume of comics studies argues that comics from the Global South need to be read on their own cultural terms, highlighting their use as a tool for resistance, identity assertion, and social change. The book showcases diverse case studies from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and beyond.
Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children have developed new guidelines for pediatric clinical trial reporting, incorporating child and youth-focused considerations. The SPIRIT-C 2026 and CONSORT-C 2026 guidelines aim to improve the quality, transparency, and usefulness of pediatric RCT protocols and final reports.
A study suggests that obstructive sleep apnea affects around 1 in 5 adults in both countries, resulting in significant annual productivity loss. The estimated total annual productivity loss in the USA could be as high as US$180.2 billion, with an annual productivity loss of $3727 for each worker affected.
Researchers reconstructed diets of prehistoric communities in north-central Poland, shedding light on how people adapted to changing environments and social landscapes. The study found that Corded Ware communities herded animals in forests and that millet consumption varied among groups, reflecting identity and group boundaries.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have created protein fibers that can exhibit high tensile strength, toughness, and mechanical stability, making them suitable for active wear and biomedical implants. The materials are grown using synthetic biology approaches and can be processed into a meat-like structure.
New research reveals that house fires release harmful compounds into the air, with synthetic materials like plastics and insulation contributing to higher levels of VOCs. However, their impact is often muted due to their small composition fraction in a typical home.
Researchers at FABI define a conserved subset of Phytophthora RxLR effectors with short linear motifs embedded within folded WY domain cores. This arrangement preserves domain integrity while enabling potential interactions with host immune components, reframing pathogen strategies and challenging SLiM dogma.
A new peer-reviewed study led by Dr. Hesham El-Askary finds significant vulnerabilities in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam's saddle dam due to leaks and seismic activity, posing a threat to downstream communities and infrastructure if urgent monitoring and mitigation steps are not taken.
Researchers develop mathematical model to capture microbial cooperation and community stability, predicting the outcome of experiments with E. coli strains. The model's results show that auxotrophs contribute to stable communities by trading essential nutrients and limiting growth.
A UBCO study found that all forms of touch with therapy dogs contribute positively to participants' emotional wellbeing, regardless of which part is interacted with. The research suggests that simple interaction with a therapy dog can make a difference in reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
Researchers used computer vision and machine learning to study Drosophila melanogaster courtship. They found that males rely on specific visual cues, particularly the female's eyes, to determine her anterior-posterior body axis. This recognition shapes when and how different elements of courtship are deployed.
The peer review process is facing a crisis due to an increasing number of manuscript submissions and a decline in willing peer reviewers. Researchers propose potential interventions to address this issue, including selecting high-quality reviewing and using machine learning to support editors. This could help maintain the credibility o...
Researchers will analyze existing clinical trials to identify biomarkers and treatments that promote healthspan, rather than just extending lifespan. Early findings suggest promising results from trials testing drugs that target the core biological drivers of aging.
The project aims to test whether reducing chronic inflammation triggered by DNA can help older adults stay healthier. The research focuses on retrotransposons, which become increasingly active with age, leading to tissue decline.
Utah engineers have created a wearable, portable hip exoskeleton that reduces the energy needed to walk by nearly 20% in individuals with hemiparesis after a stroke. The device helps compensate for reduced ankle propulsion and provides real-time motor assistance, improving mobility and quality of life.
A new study reveals that heat uptake fluctuations in the Aegean Sea during August predict Eastern Mediterranean winter rainfall. The Aegean Sea Heat Uptake Anomaly (AQA) index captures year-to-year rainfall variability and improves seasonal forecasting skill.
Research shows that small coral reef fish in the Arabian Gulf face a growing source of stress when oxygen levels drop at night, forcing them to use extra energy. The study's findings have important implications for the ecology and fisheries associated with coral reefs worldwide.
Researchers have discovered a new reactivity mode for phosphorus that mimics a mode performed by precious metal catalysts. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective methods for creating complex nitrogen-containing compounds in the pharmaceutical industry.
A new SFU study found fibreglass particles in the sediment and biofilm layers of the Cowichan Estuary, which supports shorebirds and shellfish. The researchers recommend immediate management actions to prevent further pollution from abandoned boats and marine infrastructure.
A new study reveals that shorter early-life telomeres are associated with higher survival rates in black-legged kittiwakes. In contrast, larger individuals tend to have shorter telomeres, suggesting a trade-off between growth and telomere maintenance.
A mathematical model suggests paths forward to stabilize peer review, as rising submissions imperil the process. The study identifies key factors contributing to the strain on peer reviewers.
A new Concordia research study refutes the notion that beaver dam failures can cause river flooding, arguing that failed dams had only a small effect on water levels downstream. The study found that natural conditions such as steep slopes and intense rainfall were more likely to cause damage.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that female caribou gnaw on shed antlers to supplement their diets with calcium and phosphorus, essential for milk production. The study, published in Ecology and Evolution, reveals a previously overlooked benefit of shed antlers in the Arctic ecosystem.
After the pandemic, most museums continued offering online programs, with a focus on school programs for K-12 students. The shift was driven by partnerships between museums and public schools in need of digital content.
Researchers identified genes that are activated when yeast cells are in the gut, suggesting a roadmap for engineering more efficient drug-delivery vehicles. The study found that yeast cells were digesting more lipids than carbohydrates in the gut, highlighting potential modifications to improve efficiency.
Researchers identified over 70 medical conditions associated with Alzheimer's disease development, including endocrine/metabolic conditions like Type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that addressing these conditions in midlife may reduce Alzheimer's disease risk, and could lead to earlier interventions and improved patient outcomes.
A new study from the University of Surrey suggests that powerful companies risk legal responsibility for labor abuse, child labor, and environmental pollution linked to their global operations. Courts in the UK and abroad are treating corporate human rights responsibility as a legal duty rather than a voluntary promise.
Researchers found tirzepatide activates brown adipose tissue, improving metabolic energy burn and glucose/fat levels. This discovery opens new avenues for comprehensive obesity treatments with cardiovascular benefits.