New optical encryption technique uses light to strengthen information security
Researchers have developed a new optical encryption technique that uses light to strengthen information security. The technique, called the
Science News Archive 2026 - Page 21
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Postpartum Medicaid extensions improve follow-up care for women with pregnancy complications
Extending Medicaid coverage to 12 months after childbirth increased postpartum health care utilization among women with pregnancy complications like diabetes and hypertension. This improvement in follow-up care can reduce immediate postpartum complications and long-term maternal health risks.
SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs Scholar·DateOct 13, 2026
New holographic neural network uses light to perform multiple AI tasks at once
A new holographic neural network uses light to perform multiple AI tasks simultaneously, achieving 'one brain for multiple uses' without physical hardware reconfiguration. The system utilizes neural holography technology to simultaneously process multiple image recognition tasks, achieving high recognition accuracy and scalability.
NJIT study finds overlooked 'forever chemicals' widespread in New Jersey tap water and bottled beverages
Researchers detected trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in 91% of NJ tap water samples and 80% of bottled beverages, with higher concentrations in sports drinks and electrolyte waters. The study highlights a gap in conventional PFAS monitoring and suggests that ingredients or manufacturing processes may contribute to contamination.
SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateOct 13, 2026
Variations in the human vocal tract could have influenced our language diversity
Researchers found significant variations in vocal tracts and articulatory differences among speakers, contributing to language diversification. The study's biocultural model proposes that individual variation in pronunciation feeds into language differences between groups.
Opioid prescriptions during pregnancy linked to higher rates of childhood hospital admission
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that children whose mothers received opioid prescriptions during pregnancy have a higher rate of hospital admission in childhood. The study, which followed nearly 3 million South Korean children, found a 28% higher rate of hospital admission among those exposed prenatally to opioids.
MedAxiom releases 2026 Cardiovascular Provider Compensation & Production Survey Report, revealing record compensation, rising productivity and growing workforce demands
The 2026 Cardiovascular Provider Compensation & Production Survey Report reveals record compensation and rising productivity in the cardiovascular industry. The report, which includes data from 205 cardiovascular programs and 6,476 physicians and advanced practice providers, provides benchmarks for physician and APP compensation, produ...
Integration of first-trimester laboratory markers and clinical profiles enhances preeclampsia prediction accuracy
Researchers integrated first-trimester lab markers with machine learning to improve preeclampsia prediction accuracy. The study identified 26 lab indicators that differed significantly between women who developed preeclampsia and those with uncomplicated pregnancies.
A simple “molecular shock absorber” boosts cancer imaging, therapy, and surgery all at once
Researchers developed a 'deuterium engineering' strategy to enhance imaging, therapy and stability of phototheranostic agents for cancer. The strategy, using deuterium substitution, improves fluorescence, reactive oxygen species generation and plasma stability.
Liquid metal dealloying creates nanoporous silicon carbide at just 800°C
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new route to create nanoporous silicon carbide using liquid metal dealloying at 800°C, lower than the usual high-temperature processing required. This process simultaneously formed crystalline β-SiC and a three-dimensional nanoporous architecture made of nanoscale plates.
New visual tests to help diagnose common forms of dementia
Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed new visual tests to diagnose early signs of dementia in Lewy body disease, including Parkinson's disease. The tests, which examine visual processing pathways, can detect even mild deficits and track changes over time.
NTU Singapore and IMH scientists develop AI framework to detect early psychosis risk in youths from casual speech
Researchers developed LEMon-AID, an AI framework that analyzes subtle emotional patterns in casual speech to identify youths at high risk of psychosis. The approach achieved 67% predictive accuracy and detected 93% of at-risk individuals.
SourceNanyang Technological University·Journalnpj Mental Health Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2026
Unexpected discovery of new mechanism which helps deadly fungus Candida auris evade treatment
A team of researchers discovered that Candida auris creates multiple versions of its genome, including a gene called CRZ1, which helps the fungus evade antifungal treatment. This finding opens up new avenues for treating the deadly fungus, which has already been linked to high mortality rates and costly outbreaks.
Highly educated women continue to find partners
Researchers found no marriage squeeze for highly educated women in Switzerland, with consistently high partnership likelihoods above 80%. Meanwhile, men with lower education levels face declining relationship outlooks, while traditional partnership patterns persist in terms of income.
SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalSwiss Journal of Sociology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2026
New X-ray imaging method maps 3D chemical structures 43 times faster
Researchers at Bar-Ilan University developed a new X-ray imaging technique that can map 3D chemical composition 43 times faster and using 97% less data. This method uses a structured X-ray pattern to reconstruct information from compressed data, enabling faster imaging and potential applications in materials science, biology, and geology.
A mini-review on CNN-based biomedical image processing: modality, applications, and future trends
This review examines the application of CNNs in medical imaging, covering disease detection, image segmentation, and image registration across various modalities. The authors identify key areas of progress and highlight the need to address data heterogeneity and interpretability to realize the full potential of CNNs in clinical practice.
SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Healthcare Research·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 13, 2026
Humans and songbirds hear the same sounds, but organize them differently
Researchers found that humans primarily rely on pitch to recognize sound sequences, while zebra finches combine pitch with changes in spectral structure. Musical experience influences human performance, allowing listeners to map relationships learned in pitch onto changes in spectral structure.
SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2026
New research links gravity to the way quantum information is organized
Researchers reconstruct the thermodynamic derivation of general relativity, connecting quantum information to spacetime geometry. The study suggests that gravity emerges from the quantum world, with the shape of spacetime governed by how quantum states can be distinguished from one another.
SourceUniversity of Sharjah·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2026
Menopause: more than a slow change, it’s a sudden shift across the body
Researchers found abrupt changes in bodily health and function across 52 lab tests, including bone health, liver and kidney function, and cholesterol levels. The study identified accelerating changes in sex hormone levels more than a decade before menopause, suggesting a potential window for preventive care.
A nano-activator drives localized immune activation to safely eliminate tumors without complex antigen screening
Researchers developed a nano-activator that drives localized immune activation to eliminate tumors without complex antigen screening. The platform successfully remodeled the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and induced a durable, systemic immune memory.
Transparent coloring of wood: Balancing natural appearance with functional color design
Transparent coloring of wood offers a way to combine natural character with controlled color, creating opportunities for product design innovation. The review highlights the importance of controlling color, maintaining visual transparency, and ensuring durability under practical conditions.
SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 13, 2026
Chinese Medical Journal Published the Trends and Burden of Maternal Disorders from 1990 to 2023 in China
China's maternal disorder burden has declined significantly from 1990 to 2023, with substantial reductions in mortality and disability-adjusted life years. Despite progress, hypertensive disorders and indirect maternal deaths remain significant challenges, particularly among older pregnant women and those with chronic conditions.
SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2026
An approach for novel antiviral compound discovery
Researchers designed a novel compound using AI that computationally blocks SARS-CoV-2's main protease, making it a promising candidate for further laboratory validation. The compound has been shown to induce conformational changes in the enzyme, disrupting viral replication and replication.
SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2026
From teak wood to pulping additives: Natural quinones emerge as alternatives to anthraquinone
Teak-derived quinones show promise in improving alkaline pulping, but safety, consistency, and scale-up challenges remain. The compounds have varying effects on pulp yield, delignification, and compatibility with mill operations.
SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 13, 2026
Biomass-derived carbon offers a route to more sustainable rechargeable batteries
Biomass-derived carbon has been shown to exhibit promising electrochemical properties, with specific capacities of up to 700 mAh/g in lithium-ion batteries. Techno-economic assessments also suggest reduced production costs and greenhouse-gas emissions compared to conventional alternatives. However, further development is needed to addr...
SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 13, 2026
Space waves reveal where Earth’s magnetic shield is under pressure
A new study led by the University of Oulu has shed light on the formation of Kelvin-Helmholtz waves at the edge of Earth's magnetic shield, where the solar wind interacts with the magnetosphere. The research reveals that asymmetric wave activity is caused by the draped magnetic field, leading to varying damping effects.
Wits scientists create ‘light-powered brain’ that could transform future communications
Researchers developed a system that uses light to recognise features hidden within patterns, even when they look different. The 'light-powered brain' can recognise 81 different light structures within a family studied, including patterns it had not encountered before.
RUNX1 drives stress-resistant POSTN+ fibroblasts in skin fibrosis
A new study identifies RUNX1 as a key driver of stress-resistant POSTN+ fibroblasts in skin fibrosis, which adapt to stress and promote blood vessel changes. Berberine may help reduce scarring, and the findings suggest a possible treatment strategy for fibrotic skin diseases and scars.
New method for inspecting fuel rods
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute have developed a new technique to visualize corrosion layers in fuel rods in three dimensions, achieving nanometre range resolution. The method, using ptychographic X-ray computed tomography, also revealed that protective oxide layers remain intact despite radiation exposure.
SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2026
GLP-1 treatment linked to lower risk of hospitalization and death in older adults with fatty liver disease
A Houston Methodist Research Institute study of nearly 88,000 patients found that GLP-1 treatment significantly reduced the risk of liver disease-related complications, hospitalization, and death in older adults with fatty liver disease. Patients receiving GLP-1 therapy had a 28% lower risk of hepatic decompensation and a 45% lower ris...
Using light to reveal hidden quantum properties
Scientists at the Universities of Jena and Regensburg have created an optical technique to study the quantum geometry of ultra-thin materials. By combining optical measurements with an analytical model, they were able to quantitatively estimate the local Berry curvature of the material, providing new insights into its behavior.
SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2026
Creating the technology of the future: Quantum chemistry unlocks new possibilities
Scientists at Princeton University have developed a new method to simulate qubit behavior, enabling faster and more accurate predictions. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of practical quantum sensors and computers that could transform scientific research.
New gene-editing technology brings genetic diseases closer to treatment
Researchers at Aarhus University have demonstrated a new form of gene therapy that can correct genetic defects in patients' own stem cells. The technique, called prime editing, builds on CRISPR technology but works in a different way, inserting a small piece of correct DNA at the precise location of the defect. This method has signific...
SourceAarhus University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2026
Quantum physicists trace a century of controlling spin
Researchers have developed quantum optimal control, allowing for faster, more reliable, and accurate manipulation of spin in particles. This technology has improved MRI and NMR, enabling more precise control over molecular structures and drug development.
Can vision-language models understand unstructured road scenes under degraded sensing conditions?
Researchers developed the Unstructured Scene Benchmark to test vision-language models in unstructured road scenes and degraded visual conditions. The study reveals uneven robustness, weak planning ability, and signs of insufficient visual grounding among current models.
Bigger data reveals the second, third and fourth switches controlling a gene
Researchers found tens of thousands of e/sQTL signals with high resolution in large-scale studies, revealing more control switches for genes and increasing the understanding of genetic variation and disease connections. The study highlights the importance of collecting tissue samples for larger sample sizes, particularly for non-Europe...
Who’s at risk for painful periods?
A recent study found that 57% of girls who started their periods at age 9-10 reported painful periods, with those experiencing more physical puberty symptoms more likely to report pain. Sleep disturbances were associated with the amount of pain that interfered with daily life, but were not predictive of future period pain.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateOct 13, 2026
Could AI become the missing mediator between drivers and automated vehicles?
Researchers developed Mediator-in-the-Loop-Driving (MILD) framework to enable collaborative decision-making between human drivers and automated systems. The AI-powered mediator continuously interprets driver state and external environment to provide personalized recommendations and explanations.
A novel method for ship weather routing to cope with extreme weather and save fuel consumption
A new ship weather routing framework uses Deep Reinforcement Learning to optimize fuel consumption and safety under extreme weather conditions. The framework successfully planned detour routes that safely bypassed high-wave and strong-wind waters in extreme weather simulations.
$1.5M project to support use of natural infrastructure for flood resilience in North Carolina
A new four-year project aims to determine the best natural infrastructure for flood resilience in North Carolina's coastal communities. The research team will use 2D computer models to assess the effectiveness of different natural infrastructure solutions, including wetlands, marshes, and sand dunes.
Treating life-threatening blood clots in minutes with swirling sound waves
A new device using vortex ultrasound technology could treat pulmonary embolism in 30 minutes or less, reducing the risk of internal bleeding. The NIH is funding a five-year project to refine the technology and prepare it for human clinical use.
Increasing woody vegetation may boost populations of Georgia’s gamebird
A new study from the University of Georgia suggests that increasing woody vegetation can boost the population of Georgia's gamebird. Researchers found that birds that roosted in areas with abundant woody cover were about twice as likely to survive as birds that chose other roost sites.
Alpine peatlands under pressure
A cross-border analysis of Alpine peatlands reveals widespread signs of disturbance, with many bogs smaller than previously mapped. The findings highlight the need for targeted conservation and restoration interventions to protect these critical ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2026
Study finds no difference between phenobarbital and benzodiazepine for treating alcohol withdrawal syndrome
Researchers analyzed health records of 24,643 adult patients across 754 hospitals in the US, comparing phenobarbital to diazepam for alcohol withdrawal treatment. The study found no significant differences in outcomes between the two medications, suggesting similar effectiveness and safety profiles.
SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2026
A Concordia study of 64 bariatric surgery candidates found no significant differences in cardiometabolic health between people with distinct dietary patterns
A new study found no significant differences in cardiometabolic health between people with distinct dietary patterns before bariatric surgery. Despite differences in nutrient intake, both groups had similar health markers, suggesting that a Western dietary pattern may be a bigger concern.
Preserving cross-gap differences improves GNSS noise analysis with missing values
Researchers develop two methods to analyze GNSS coordinate time series with missing values, preserving valid information and reducing bias. The methods use linear transformation matrices or marginal likelihood functions to keep cross-gap differences and stabilize non-stationary noise.
SourceAerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalSatellite Navigation·DateOct 13, 2026
Blink-powered glasses could keep an eye on health
Researchers developed smart glasses that harvest mechanical energy from facial movements, detecting jaw clenching, teeth tapping, and blinking with high accuracy. The device, called GlassTENG, has the potential to monitor cardiovascular health, fatigue, and other activities without bulky batteries or charging.
NASA awards Virginia Tech $5.8 million to advance aircraft design and certification
Virginia Tech researchers will develop design tools to integrate certification and safety requirements into the design process from the start. This approach aims to reduce the time, cost, and risk of bringing new aviation technologies to market, with a focus on electrified propulsion technologies.
Global Virus Network adds six centers of excellence and new affiliate across four continents
The Global Virus Network has expanded its capabilities with the addition of six new Centers of Excellence and one Affiliate across four continents. New members bring expertise in emerging viruses, surveillance, respiratory and arboviral diseases, One Health, antiviral development and pandemic preparedness.
A closer look at endometriosis pain: New map reveals key cellular interactions
A new spatial atlas of endometriosis lesions reveals how nerves and immune cells interact, fueling pain and inflammation. The study identifies a neuro-immune feedback loop that drives chronic pain and inflammation, with the strongest signaling occurring in the close stroma next to epithelial glands.
Frequent and unintentional daytime napping linked to higher dementia risk in older adults
A study of nearly 1,000 older Americans found that frequent and unintentional daytime napping are linked to a higher risk of developing dementia. Napping habits, not just nighttime sleep, may signal or contribute to dementia risk. The study suggests that monitoring napping behaviors could serve as an early and accessible marker to help...
A European research project charts the course for improved biodiversity monitoring
The BEAGLE project aims to transform biodiversity monitoring in Europe by closing gaps in current systems and delivering policy-ready evidence. The project uses camera traps, eDNA sampling, and participatory science to unlock valuable data and generate Essential Biodiversity Variables, indicators, and fine-resolution maps of biodiversity.
Climate adaptation’s delivery gap: Turning national plans into action
Despite 143 countries having National Adaptation Plans, implementation is hindered by institutional capacity, project preparation, and finance issues. The 'missing middle' between planning and project development is a major challenge, requiring a country-driven process to strengthen an integrated delivery chain.
Alcohol and the brain interact through immune cells, new research shows
A new study reveals that alcohol abuse damages the brain through immune cells called microglia, which disrupt the extracellular matrix. This disruption leads to neuronal dysfunction, motor impairments, and sedation. The research identifies a potential treatment target in the MyD88 protein, which can be used to prevent or limit brain da...
The University of Colorado Anschutz receives the largest federal research award in campus history, up to $120 million, to advance new treatments and diagnostics for severe hemorrhage
CU Anschutz will evaluate emerging technologies and therapeutics for severe hemorrhage, including novel blood products and diagnostic technologies. The award aims to improve care for patients experiencing severe bleeding, including trauma patients and those with postpartum hemorrhage.
Why story and play time really matter
A first-of-its-kind study tracks brain activity of toddlers and parents during activities that support child development, revealing that toddlers' brains are more engaged during parent interaction than screen viewing. The research found similar brain patterns across children with and without autism, suggesting that quality interaction ...
Hunter/Davis studying root causes of student absences in Stafford County
Researchers are examining factors contributing to chronic absenteeism in Stafford County students, with a focus on identifying root causes. The study aims to improve attendance rates and ultimately student outcomes.
Mount Sinai scientists to send human tissue models into space to study brain, heart health, and aging in microgravity
Researchers will study brain activity, cardiovascular function, and accelerated aging in orbit using bioengineered human brain and cardiovascular tissue models. The findings could help identify new ways to protect astronauts' heart health and inform new therapies for cardiovascular disease.
New topological microscope tip reveals evidence of 2D altermagnetism
Researchers have created a topological microscope tip that senses spin-related electronic states at atomic resolution, revealing evidence of 2D altermagnetism in KV2Se2O. The study demonstrates how topological edge states can become functional components of atomic-scale instruments.
3D-printed mirrors resist laser damage with water cooling
Researchers developed 3D-printed copper mirrors with integrated water-cooling systems, increasing resistance to laser-induced damage by 60% and reducing heat accumulation. The breakthrough could support next-generation semiconductor manufacturing technologies.