The DFG, HRK, and WR propose Nexus, a new EU funding instrument for networks of excellence, to strengthen institutionalized cooperation between Europe's leading universities and research institutions. The proposed network would conduct research on a jointly selected topic that is of strategic importance to the participating institutions.
Researchers discovered that 53% of newborns with myelomeningocele had sleep-disordered breathing, highlighting the need for routine screening and early intervention to prevent long-term complications. The study's findings suggest that addressing sleep disorders in high-risk infants could meaningfully improve their neurodevelopment.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of the 2026 Subgroup Awards, honoring outstanding research in bioenergetics, bioengineering, biological fluorescence, and other fields. The awards recognize exceptional contributions to the field, with winners from top institutions worldwide.
A new study published in Nature Communications uses larval zebrafish to uncover the neural mechanisms behind visual integration and decision-making. The findings suggest that the brain uses an additive algorithm to combine sensory inputs from motion, light, and luminance changes, guiding rapid adaptive decisions.
Researchers have created a flexible microwave device that generates Stokes skyrmions in free space, even when bent or partially broken. These exotic field structures preserve their topological charge under deformation, making them suitable for encoding information and resisting distortion in wireless communication systems.
Researchers discover that resistant soybean varieties actively recruit beneficial soil microorganisms to suppress the devastating soybean cyst nematode. These microbes can be transferred to soil to help defend susceptible soybeans, providing a promising new approach for sustainable crop protection.
Healthspan Horizons links real-world longitudinal data with deep discovery science to create uniquely powerful, long-term datasets revealing what drives human healthspan over time. The platform aims to translate discoveries into clearer guidance on what helps people stay resilient, supporting more years of energy, strength, and indepen...
A study analyzing health survey data from over 560,000 US college students found that depression symptoms have steadily increased, especially among women, minorities, and students experiencing financial stress. Suicidal ideation also rose across all demographic groups, with the highest increase seen in this symptom.
Researchers have developed a new framework to detect possible damage in concealed cold-formed steel construction framing materials, utilizing ground-penetrating radar and artificial intelligence. The technology allows for rapid detection of damage, enabling inspectors to verify only flagged spots without removing walls or cladding.
A new study links compulsive traits to a type of decision-making strategy, favoring habitual behaviors over long-term planning. People with more compulsive traits are also more uncertain about the outcomes of their actions, leading them to rely on habits.
A study in Spain found that only 15.4% of participants maintain their routine without change during menstruation, while many adapt their behavior to avoid discomfort. Menstruation continues to shape participation in everyday life, with social norms perpetuating discreet management.
A study found that high populist rhetoric leads to more entrepreneurs dodging taxes and government regulations by starting unregistered businesses. Cultural tightness also amplifies this effect, increasing the likelihood of informal venture entry.
Cryotherapy has been shown to be an effective and safe treatment option for small kidney tumors, destroying cancer cells while preserving kidney function. The procedure is less invasive than surgery and can be repeated several times, making it a promising alternative for patients with early-stage kidney cancer.
Researchers have identified a crucial mechanism behind nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), which removes faulty transcripts to prevent incomplete protein production. The study reveals that the SMG5 and SMG6 proteins interact directly, forming an endonuclease that cuts through RNA in a targeted manner.
A study from the University of Limerick found that supportive partners play a crucial role in women's experiences of gestational diabetes, with inadequate support increasing the burden of the condition. The research suggests that knowledge, communication, and cultural context are essential factors in determining the effectiveness of pa...
A study by Tufts researchers found that people who maintained unhealthy behaviors into adulthood gained the most weight, while those with healthy patterns gained the least. The study tracked Tufts students from precollege to adulthood and found that lifestyles during this critical window are often maintained, influencing long-term heal...
Researchers found that adolescents are particularly influenced by classmates they're socially close to and peers in high-status positions. Social closeness and trust shape learning decisions, while positive peer influence increases with age. Gradassi's findings highlight opportunities to harness peer dynamics for constructive outcomes.
The new dynamic shielding layer allows the sensor to focus on specific areas when needed, achieving a 104.56% increase in detection depth. The sensor can also detect approaching objects from over 90mm away, providing a vital split-second for robots to avoid collisions.
Scientists have captured rare footage of harbour porpoises gathering in unusually large groups and engaging in mating behaviour off the coast of Shetland. The study, led by Sophie Ariadne Francine Smith, provides a detailed record of harbour porpoise mating behaviour in UK waters.
A study by University of Cologne researchers found a significant increase in drug-related homicides along strategic trafficking routes after NAFTA came into force in 1994. The homicide rate among males aged 15-39 increased by 2.1 cases per 100,000 in these regions.
A 25-year national study finds that restrictive abortion policies are associated with measurable rises in depressive symptoms among women, with an average increase of 7%. The study suggests that legal protections for reproductive health care may benefit mental health and counters misinformation regarding abortion and mental health.
A new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that Americans are more confident in career scientists at federal health agencies such as the CDC, NIH, and FDA, than in their leaders. The survey also reveals a significant gap in confidence between career scientists and agency leaders, with only 5% of Americans expressing
Coral reef fish exhibit breathtaking visual diversity due to evolutionary constraints, not chance. The study reveals that the more species a reef is home to, the more varied the colour patterns, and fish from different oceans often end up looking alike.
The REGALADE catalogue combines data from 14 widely used catalogues and deep imaging surveys to create a unified place for astronomers to look up galaxy distances and features. This results in precise distance and size measurements for all galaxies, as well as stellar masses for most of them.
A large cohort study found that people using anticholinergic medications, commonly prescribed for urinary incontinence and anxiety, have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The cumulative use of these drugs was associated with an increased risk of heart failure and arrhythmias.
A study analyzing 47 termite species found that genome expansion occurred before the division into wood- and soil-feeders, allowing termites to adapt to various environments. The research provides a comprehensive toolbox for future studies on social behavior, immunity, and ecological adaptations.
A study published in PNAS reveals that collectin-11 supports normal bone remodelling by enabling the formation and function of osteoclasts. The protein is crucial for ensuring a healthy supply of osteoclasts, which break down old or damaged bone to form new bone.
Engineers at Purdue University have developed a patent-pending method to estimate the location, orientation, and radius of underground utility pipes using ground-penetrating radar. This innovation could help prevent hazardous strikes during construction projects, reducing financial losses and service disruptions.
Scientists have used brain imaging to show how memories can be reactivated in the brain without reaching conscious awareness. This persistence of memories even when forgotten has implications for conditions like dementia, where current treatments often assume memories are gone.
The University of Ottawa Heart Institute, McGill University, and the University of Ottawa have launched ARCHIMEDES, a national health data platform providing Canadian researchers with secure access to diverse health data. The platform enables collaboration, supports advanced analyses, including AI algorithms, and prioritizes public trust.
Physicists have developed a more accurate method for estimating the impact of calculations that are not performed in high-energy particle collisions. The new approach uses perturbative calculations to reduce uncertainties present in previous simulations.
Researchers developed a wearable vibration sensor capable of detecting subtle body movements without external power, opening new possibilities for healthcare technologies. The sensor accurately captures physiological signals and detects extremely faint vibrations across a broad frequency range.
Structured exercise improves depression, psychotic symptoms, cognitive performance and cardiometabolic health in people with mental illness. Integration into psychiatric care using the 5A model can help address lack of exercise as a symptom and risk factor, reducing mortality.
Scientists created an all-optical activation unit using PPLN nanowaveguides to realize nonlinear activation in photonic neural networks. The device delivers high second-harmonic conversion efficiencies and supports data rates beyond 100 GHz.,
A review of 900 scientific articles identified several biological markers associated with cognitive decline in viral infections, including activated monocytes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Conversely, certain markers like anti-inflammatory cytokines are linked to better preservation of cognitive abilities.
A new study by Brown University and Harvard Medical School found that telemedicine does not substantially increase access to mental health care for those in rural or underserved areas. Despite its convenience benefits for existing patients, telemedicine did not lead to a significant expansion of care access for these populations.
Economists warn of sudden 'firefighting' risks linked to real estate finance, with potential chain reactions triggering financial instability. Long-term systemic risks, including local government debt sustainability concerns, could have overwhelming effects, prompting proposed reforms to address these challenges.
A new study reveals that tanycytes, specialized brain cells, play a key role in clearing the toxic tau protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that maintaining tanycyte health could be a way to slow disease progression.
The Brain Prize 2026 recognizes Professors David Ginty and Patrik Ernfors for their pioneering work on the nervous system's detection and processing of touch and pain. Their discoveries have rewritten textbook principles of somatosensation and provided a foundation for targeted interventions for pain and somatosensory dysfunction.
Researchers at Kyoto University developed mRNA therapy that successfully restored sperm production and enabled healthy offspring birth in genetically infertile male mice. The therapy targets genetic defects linked to male infertility, demonstrating a potential treatment for human infertility cases.
Researchers used multi-omics technologies to identify novel pathways and mechanisms involved in degrading organic micropollutants. The integration of omics data at different levels revealed the genetic potential and community composition of OMP-degrading microorganisms.
The proposed OFC-SCR technique enables parallel multi-frequency interrogation, improving measurement speed by over an order of magnitude. It also achieves high frequency response, wide dynamic measurement range, high sensing sensitivity, and excellent robustness, pushing the performance boundaries of distributed fiber-optic acoustic se...
Researchers create metallic glass with exceptional kinetic stability while retaining ductility, opening new avenues for high-performance amorphous materials. The discovery uses oxygen patterning to decouple properties, allowing for tailored material design with unprecedented precision.
A study found that only 9% of older adults with advanced cancer prioritize extending survival over maintaining quality of life. The lack of responsiveness of the current oncology care delivery system to patient preference may be a significant issue. This highlights the need for care system changes to prioritize patient needs.
A comparative effectiveness study found that lower music volume levels in group fitness classes did not significantly impact perceived exercise intensity. The research suggests implementing safer sound practices and increased awareness on hearing protection to minimize the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.
Researchers developed magnetofluids to address limitations of traditional metallic devices, achieving smoother endocardial coverage and thrombus-free results in animal models. The study lays a foundation for upgrading minimally invasive interventional approaches.
Researchers demonstrate that genetically engineered human pluripotent stem cells can overcome immune rejection in mice, surviving for five months with humanized immune systems. The findings provide proof-of-principle for a potential universal donor hPSC line designed to resist immune attack.
Researchers have identified detectable 'early warning signals' in genetic data that can alert conservationists to an approaching crisis before it becomes irreversible. The findings provide a new tool for protecting endangered species by monitoring genetic changes in populations and identifying early warning signs.
A new category of liver disease, MetALD, combines metabolic dysfunction and alcohol-related liver injury, representing a spectrum between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and alcohol-associated liver disease. MetALD management requires simultaneous control of metabolic risk factors and alcohol use.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine develop an experimental 'living eye drop' using naturally occurring eye bacteria to accelerate corneal wound healing. The engineered bacteria, Corynebacterium mastitidis, continuously secrete interleukin-10, a protein that regulates inflammation.
The American Educational Research Association has announced the 2026 award winners, including Vivian Gadsden and James L. Moore III for their contributions to education research and policy implementation. The awards recognize excellence in various areas of education research.
A global review of 20 studies covering over 220,000 infants and caregivers found nearly five per cent of infants experience physical aggression from caregivers in their first two years of life. Simple education, support lines, and clear policies against hitting children can help address the issue.
The interim update to the State of the World's Migratory Species report warns that 49% of migratory species populations are declining, with 24% facing extinction, due to habitat loss and overexploitation. The report highlights the need for coordinated international action to address these threats and protect migratory species.
A new study suggests that over 40% of UK adults are happy to use ChatGPT for mental health support due to long waiting times for traditional services. However, experts caution that AI should not replace human healthcare professionals and raise concerns about the potential impact on education and physical health.
Researchers found that the plant aborts almost all fruits containing larvae, but instead allows larvae to emerge and burrow into soil, promoting a stable balance in the relationship. This 'fallen-fruit compromise' is a novel mechanism that stabilizes nursery pollination mutualism between Sambucus and kateretid beetles.
Researchers developed photonic computing chips that enable fast, all-optical learning and decision making, overcoming key limitations for photonic spiking neural systems. The new chips could improve autonomous driving technologies and enable robotic systems that learn through real-world interactions.
Researchers from Dresden University Medicine developed a new treatment approach for relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML), combining standard therapy with the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax. The innovative combination therapy has shown promising efficacy, increasing remission rates to 75% and improving patients' chances of recovery.
Researchers have discovered that crocodiles' growth rates are flexible and change depending on environmental conditions, revealing new insights into their life history. The findings challenge traditional methods used to age dinosaurs, suggesting a reevaluation of how growth marks are interpreted.
Polymers with segments of varying intensities spontaneously develop directional motion when densely packed, driving forces that push the entire chain forward. This finding has relevance to chromatin and could lead to new materials with spontaneous transport properties.
Research connects adolescent aggression to accelerated aging and higher body mass index by age 30. Early aggression alone does not predict faster aging unless it leads to ongoing relationship problems later in life.