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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 196


Page 196 of 504

Deaths caused by law enforcement in the US

Between 2003 and 2024, annual US deaths caused by law enforcement increased significantly, with non-Hispanic Black males experiencing the highest mortality rates. Firearms were responsible for more than 87% of these deaths, highlighting persistent racial disparities in the US.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 8, 2026

Journalism Science Alliance awards nearly €1 million to 25 new journalist-scientist projects

The Journalism Science Alliance has selected 25 new projects, receiving nearly €1 million in funding, to promote science-based investigative journalism worldwide. The projects, led by journalists and scientists from 24 countries, will benefit from expert mentoring, training, and networking opportunities.

Emergency departments across Illinois identify gaps in care for children in mental health crises

A survey of Illinois emergency departments found that many hospitals lack pediatric mental health specialists and struggle with timely access to evaluation by a mental health professional. The study proposes practical solutions, such as investing in mental health staffing, therapeutic activities, and real-time bed tracking to improve c...

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJournal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open·DateJul 8, 2026

Caddisfly silk gene evolves quickly without losing adhesive power

Scientists have identified the genetics of caddisflies' evolutionary superpower, which involves a gene that produces a main protein in silk. The study found remarkable heterogeneity in those genes among individuals from two nearby wild populations, highlighting how nature modifies this bioadhesive material while preserving its performa...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 8, 2026

Gut bacteria linked to frailty in older women

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified a clear link between the composition of gut bacteria and frailty in older women. The research found that lower gut bacterial diversity and impaired function are associated with increased vulnerability to disease, falls, functional impairment, and death.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2026

First randomized controlled trial shows promise of a ketogenic diet in psychotic disorders

A first-of-its-kind randomized controlled trial demonstrates rapid metabolic improvements with a ketogenic diet compared to diet-as-usual, leading to correlations between ketone levels and reduced blood glucose and depression symptoms. The study also shows sustained metabolic improvements alongside significant reductions in schizophren...

SourceStellate Communications·JournalSchizophrenia Bulletin·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 8, 2026

Families report positive outcomes from fully virtual, BCBA-delivered, focused autism support program

A new study finds that fully virtual applied behavior analysis (ABA) services delivered by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) are a feasible alternative to traditional in-person therapy. Children with autism who received focused ABA services showed improvements in adaptive skills, behavior outcomes, and family quality of life.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJMIR Pediatrics and Parenting·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2026

TDP-43: When microglia go off track

A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that the TDP-43 protein plays a crucial role in regulating microglial function. Microglia lacking this protein develop motor impairments and exhibit structural alterations in brain regions, highlighting its importance in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of Lausanne·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 8, 2026

Social media influencers who match racial, ethnic identity of their audiences have a bigger—and unhealthy—impact

A new study reveals that racial and ethnic minority youth pay more attention to food influencers who share their racial identity, resulting in stronger engagement with unhealthy foods. The researchers found that identity-based social media marketing can be a powerful mechanism in shaping adolescents' eating behavior.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2026

Eye problems after COVID-19 can now be explained

A study from Linköping University finds that mild COVID-19 can lead to long-term eye problems, including abnormal pupil function and strabismus, affecting daily life. Researchers developed a diagnostic model to detect these issues, which may lead to effective treatment.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2026

New platform combines precision gene targeting with brain-wide delivery

A new study describes a gene therapy strategy that uses the brain's glymphatic transport system to distribute engineered viral vectors throughout the brain. This approach enables preferential targeting of human glial cells while minimizing exposure to other cell types and organs, addressing two major challenges in neurological medicine.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 8, 2026

Human-safe drug repairs DNA in a mouse model of Alzheimer's

Scientists at King's College London have developed a human-safe drug that repairs DNA breaks and reduces inflammation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. This approach targets multiple features of the disease simultaneously, providing a broader therapeutic strategy than previous approaches focused on individual disease hallmarks.

SourceKing's College London·JournalFEBS Open Bio·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2026

What does research reveal about transmasculine pregnancy?

A systematic review found that transmasculine people have pregnancy rates ranging from 6-9%, while postnatal depression rates are unknown. Testosterone use before pregnancy is associated with lower conception rates and higher miscarriage rates.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateJul 8, 2026

Global warming and increasing wildfire risk threaten viability of elite wine-growing regions in California – but others may boom

A new study suggests that California's wine industry is under threat from climate change and wildfires, particularly in established regions like Napa and Sonoma. However, areas like Mendocino and Monterey are expected to become increasingly favorable for premium vintages due to their projected increasing climatic suitability and decrea...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 8, 2026

KRICT solves internal cracking in sulfide all-solid-state batteries with elastic ion-conductive polymer

Researchers developed a technology that incorporates an elastic ion-conductive polymer into sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries to reduce cracking and interfacial degradation. The polymer buffer absorbs stress caused by electrode expansion and contraction, suppressing crack formation and improving cycle life.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·DateJul 8, 2026

How tall and short trees can coexist in old growth forests

Researchers found that taller trees have an advantage in younger forests due to increased light capture, but shade-tolerant species thrive under tall canopies in older forests. This study reveals a mechanistic explanation for forest succession and offers insights into climate modeling and forest management.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2026

From static models to dynamic interfaces—unlocking the secrets of M-N-C catalysts for efficient energy conversion

Recent advances in dynamic oxygen reduction reaction research highlight the importance of convering theoretical simulations and in-situ characterization to understand catalyst behavior. This study bridges theory and experiment to reveal critical phenomena such as potential-dependent shifts in the rate-determining step and dynamic struc...

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateJul 7, 2026

Low-temperature synthesis of medium-entropy spinel oxide powders with electromagnetic wave-absorbing and anti-corrosion properties

Researchers at Jingdezhen Ceramic University synthesized medium-entropy spinel oxides with excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance and anti-corrosion properties. The materials showed promise for use in marine environments, overcoming corrosion issues with traditional EMW absorbing coatings.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateJul 7, 2026

A biomass-derived modifier simultaneously creates transport pores, introduces potassium, and generates oxygen vacancies in lithium orthosilicate ceramic pellets

A team of scientists created high-strength Li4SiO4 granules using spent coffee grounds, enhancing CO2 diffusion and adsorption capacity. The approach integrates hierarchical pore formation, potassium doping, and oxygen vacancies into a single additive.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateJul 7, 2026

HkU Engineering signs MOU with China State Construction to establish ‘CSHK KKU Engineering flagship program scholarship’ and nurture future engineering talent

The University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Engineering and China State Construction have partnered to establish a flagship scholarship program, providing financial support and industry connections for exceptional undergraduate students. The five-year scholarship will fund scholarships for three flagship programs, with CSHK contributing H...

"Semiconductors enter the era of skyscrapers": Stacking chips like high-rise buildings to boost performance

Researchers developed a technology to stack ultrathin semiconductor chips with improved integration density, overcoming challenges of chip thickness and warpage. The process enables the reliable stacking of over ten chips, potentially leading to significant improvements in AI semiconductor performance.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalResults in Engineering·DateJul 7, 2026

Hippocampal Zip9 deletion accelerates brain aging and shortens lifespan in mice

Researchers found that ZIP9 deletion in mice led to premature death, spatial memory deficits, and reduced cognitive flexibility, with significant changes in PSD95, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels. The study suggests a brain–gut–key molecule network connecting cognitive function, gut microbiota, and lipid metabolism.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalModel Organisms Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

HKU-HKIAA astronomer joins international study to weigh inactive black hole seen 10 billion years ago

An international team of astronomers has directly measured the mass of an inactive supermassive black hole in the early Universe for the first time. The study found that the black hole is about 12 times more massive than expected from its host galaxy, suggesting that the central engine was already fully grown while the galaxy around it...

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJul 7, 2026

Cast away: Tracing the voyage of a plastic bottle cap and its hitchhiking marine species

Scientists used clues from label data, chemical analysis of tiny shells, and ocean current simulations to trace the voyage of a plastic bottle cap. The study found 307 organisms, including a polychaete worm not found in Japanese waters before, highlighting the potential for micro-ecosystems to be transported over extended periods.

SourceNagoya University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeCase study·DateJul 7, 2026