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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 234


Page 234 of 507

Novel study defines “vertical marine heatwaves” in Chesapeake Bay, offers classification scheme for coastal resource management

A new study from the Batten School & VIMS provides a detailed analysis of marine heatwaves (MHWs) in the Chesapeake Bay, going beyond surface-water datasets to include subsurface patterns. The research introduces a classification scheme that reveals the complex nature of MHWs and their impact on ecosystem health.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Oceans·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 16, 2026

Climate models are missing the first warning signs of deadly Middle East heatwaves, study finds

A new study reveals that climate models reproduce extreme heat but struggle to capture the gradual atmospheric buildup leading up to it. The researchers propose a process-based framework for evaluating climate models to improve prediction capabilities and enhance preparedness for extreme heat events.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalWeather and Climate Extremes·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 16, 2026

Lack of access to data can skew medical conclusions

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses rely on complete data, but many studies lack underlying data. This can lead to unreliable results and assumptions that are difficult to verify. Researchers argue for clearer data sharing requirements to strengthen trust in research and reduce the risk of erroneous conclusions.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 16, 2026

Nanozeolite-coupled biochar fertilizer may help bamboo forest soils hold on to carbon under warming

Researchers found that nanozeolite-coupled biochar fertilizer reduced soil-derived carbon dioxide emissions by 11-18% compared to conventional phosphorus fertilizer. The biochar-based fertilizer also reduced the Q10 value, indicating a decrease in soil carbon decomposition under warming.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

New digital memory device inspired by human brain may improve AI’s energy efficiency

A new light-sensitive device developed at Oregon State University combines sensing and memory while controlling how digital memories strengthen or fade over time. This innovation could enable more efficient processing of information directly at the sensor level, improving AI systems' energy efficiency.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Data-driven approach quickly screens for durable, efficient catalysts

Researchers from Tohoku University and East China University of Science and Technology developed a data-driven approach to quickly screen for durable and efficient catalysts. By analyzing experimental data and scientific theories, they identified promising candidates that outperformed commercial RuO2 catalysts.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 16, 2026

Retinal photographs can help predict Alzheimer’s disease risk factors

A new study revealed that retinal photographs can accurately predict many common risk factors associated with developing Alzheimer's disease. The AI model identified regions of the retina linked to Alzheimer's risk factors, such as arteries and optical nerve, and predicted lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 16, 2026

Can’t stick to a diet? Try intermittent fasting for weight loss

A study published in Clinical Nutrition found that participants on an intermittent fasting diet lost around seven kilograms in six months, compared to two kilograms lost by those on the standard diet. The researchers suggest that this diet may drive weight loss through different psychological and behavioural pathways.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 16, 2026

Mechanisms of autologous rib cartilage graft resorption in microtia: Inflammatory infiltration and proinflammatory gene imbalance

Researchers investigated the mechanisms of autologous rib cartilage graft resorption in microtia, revealing chronic inflammation, gene imbalance, and mitochondrial dysfunction as key factors. This study advances auricular reconstruction by providing a solid theoretical foundation for optimizing fixation materials and developing targete...

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalENT Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Crucial insights about memory formation in glassy materials (disordered solids) under random deformation

Researchers found that amorphous materials can encode memories even when the applied deformations are completely random. The study revealed that glassy materials retain a precise memory of the deformation amplitude they experienced during training, even under random driving conditions.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNew Journal of Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 16, 2026

Could the rise of weight-loss drugs reshape food markets in the Global South?

The rapid rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs in high-income countries could lead to a shift in food purchasing patterns and marketing strategies. This could result in stronger corporate lobbying, more aggressive marketing, and expansion into urban markets in low- and middle-income countries.

Cows v plants: which milk delivers the greatest health benefits?

A recent study published at Edith Cowan University suggests that cow's milk has a nutritional edge over plant-based alternatives due to its unique 'milk matrix.' This structure affects nutrient digestion, absorption, and overall health benefits. Regular milk consumption is linked to stronger bones and a lower risk of fractures.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalFood Science & Nutrition·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 16, 2026

Rethinking plant photoprotection: New insights into antenna protein CP26

Researchers investigated the function of antenna protein CP26 and found that it affects the structural organization of the photosynthetic system instead of directly participating in non-photochemical quenching. Plants lacking CP26 showed moderate modifications to NPQ rates and photosynthetic efficiency.

Bringing ancient light-sensing proteins back to life

Researchers from The University of Osaka have developed a method to reconstruct ancestral rhodopsins that can be produced and experimentally tested in bacteria. This innovation utilizes an insertions-deletions aware sequence reconstruction approach, enabling scientists to study the evolution of functional proteins.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalACS Omega·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 16, 2026

Inducing cell death in pancreatic cancer cells

A team of researchers has identified a previously unknown vulnerability in KRAS-mutated pancreatic cancer cells, making them susceptible to necroptosis. Blocking the tumor cells' defense mechanism by inhibiting caspase-8 leads to significant cell death and reduced tumor growth.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Controlled epitaxial growth of perovskite single‑crystal heterojunction arrays for self‑powered imaging

Researchers develop novel approach to fabricate large-scale single-crystal heterojunction arrays with precise control over pixel size, arrangement angle, and crystal orientation. The method enables exceptional quality, self-powered photodetector arrays with remarkable metrics, and high-performance optoelectronic applications.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateJun 16, 2026

Cancer's hidden escape route

Prostate cancer cells use the PIM1 protein to survive treatment by activating autophagy, a cellular recycling process. Researchers have discovered a potential strategy to overcome this resistance by removing the PIM1 protein entirely using a proteolysis-targeting chimera.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalCancer Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Elephant trunks and robot skin

Researchers studied elephant trunks to understand properties and derive lessons for next-gen soft robotics. The study found functional zoned architecture allowing amplification of tactile signals while protecting fragile sensors.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 16, 2026

Invisible chemical landscapes shape life

A research team has discovered that complex chemical signals merge in the environment to form dynamic 'chemodiversity landscapes' with emergent properties. These patterns can generate novel ecological effects, shaping entire ecosystems and influencing interactions between organisms.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 16, 2026

Cuddling cats might make us feel worse when under stress

Researchers found that interacting with pets during stressful moments does not reduce negative emotions and can even intensify them in cat owners. On the other hand, dog owners experienced improved emotional well-being when interacting with their dogs.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

How proteins breathe – and what makes them freeze | New insights from ISTA research

Proteins have varying shapes and sizes, requiring them to change shape to bind other molecules. Researchers at ISTA combined methods to study protein motion and found that fleeting structures can reveal biological function. The findings could boost protein design approaches and improve AI-based structural prediction tools.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2026