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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 266


Page 266 of 516

Rising emissions, depleting water and vanishing land—UN scientists: AI is threatening natural resources for billions

The global data centers powering artificial intelligence are projected to consume nearly triple the combined annual electricity use of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria by 2030. AI's environmental cost is being systematically mismeasured, with its water footprint equaling the basic annual domestic water needs of all 1.3 billion people ...

Organized microbial ‘workforces’ keep Earth’s underground biosphere running

Researchers tracked microbial community shifts across six sites over four years and discovered that each site had its own stable microbial community. These communities were organized around two broad groups of microbes, with stable microbes maintaining core processes and responsive microbes capitalizing on new opportunities.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2026

Scientists uncover hidden drug-binding pocket in cancer protein, highlighting the power and limitations of AI drug discovery

Researchers discovered a previously unknown binding site in a cancer-related protein that could lead to more precise cancer drugs. The study reveals the power and limitations of AI tools for drug discovery, showing that even small chemical changes can dramatically alter how molecules bind to proteins.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2026

Social contact gives young fish larger brains

A new study from Stockholm University found that young guppies raised with visual contact to live fish developed larger brains and relatively larger olfactory bulbs compared to those with only screen-based exposure. This suggests that interactive social experiences during development may be important for normal brain growth.

SourceStockholm University·JournalBiology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJun 3, 2026

How does acupuncture affect motor function after a stroke?

A new study demonstrates that acupuncture can significantly improve muscle function recovery in patients who experienced a stroke. The true-acupoint group showed significant improvements in motor recovery tests, with positive correlations between increases in gray matter volume and limb motor function recovery.

SourceWiley·JournalCNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics·DateJun 3, 2026

Can taking aspirin uncover asymptomatic bladder cancer?

Researchers analyzed data from over 50,000 adults who started taking aspirin and found a similar bladder cancer prevalence but lower invasive stage. Aspirin initiators received more cystoscopies, which uncovered the cancer. The study suggests that aspirin may unmask otherwise asymptomatic bladder cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateJun 3, 2026

Extreme adaptation helps Dead Sea single-celled organisms to swim

Researchers discovered a structural adaptation supporting the survival and mobility of a Dead Sea single-celled organism in harsh environments. The archaeal filament, powered by a membrane-anchored protein motor, is stiffened and strengthened with a unique outer sheath structure to facilitate movement in viscous conditions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 3, 2026

‘Baked’, printed, ready – premiere of architecture made from yeast

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a new bio-based material using yeast, cellulose, alginate, glycerol, and water. The material can be 3D printed, has customizable properties, and is biodegradable, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalFrontiers of Architectural Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2026

Infertility may lead to earlier menopause

A new study found that women with primary infertility have an increased risk of early menopause and collectively underwent menopause 1 year earlier. Women with unexplained infertility or endometriosis were particularly at risk for early menopause, highlighting the need for counseling and evaluation.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 3, 2026

We do not have a decider in our brain

Indiana University Professor Tom James proposes a new explanation for decision-making, suggesting that the brain's sensory, sensorimotor, and motor processes work together to select actions, rather than a central 'decision-making' process. This approach offers a more parsimonious alternative to traditional theories.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 2, 2026

International research team develops AI tool to simplify and scale complete genome assembly, supporting advances in diagnostics and precision medicine

A new AI tool, HERRO, corrects errors in nanopore sequencing reads to produce high-quality complete genome assemblies. This innovation enables researchers to build more accurate and complete genome maps with a simpler workflow, unlocking potential for precision medicine advancements.

Dual interlocked mediators enable single‑ion‑conducting quasi‑solid‑state electrolytes for ultrafast‑charging long‑life sodium metal batteries

Researchers have developed a novel Sn-FB QSE that achieves near-unity Na+ transference number alongside high conductivity, surpassing conventional systems. The dual-mediator architecture regulates bulk ion transport and bilateral interface chemistry, enabling rapid Na+ diffusion and suppressing electrolyte degradation.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateJun 2, 2026

Gary Ulaner, MD, Ph.D., elected president-elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

Gary Ulaner, a renowned nuclear medicine expert, has been elected president-elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI). He aims to advance SNMMI's Mars Shot initiative, expand educational activities for professionals, and increase funding for training new radiochemistry and physics specialists.

The development of mirror-image pain

A study published in Communications Biology found that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) exacerbates chronic pain and drives mirror-image pain after a stroke. The researchers used imaging mass spectrometry to visualize LPA and other molecules, revealing a sequential pathological process that leads to bilateral pain.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2026

Ötzi and his microbiome: a 5,300-year-old relationship

Researchers at Eurac Research have discovered the microbial community associated with Ötzi, a 5,300-year-old Copper Age human. The study found that Ötzi's gut flora closely resembles early human populations, and cold-adapted yeasts have persisted on his body for thousands of years, holding potential for industrial applications.

SourceEurac Research·JournalMicrobiome·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2026

The right heat makes biochar a better helper for food waste composting

A new study published in Biochar shows that the temperature used to produce biochar plays a decisive role in controlling nitrogen losses during food waste digestate composting. Hardwood biochar made at 400 °C reduced total nitrogen loss by 46.3% compared with composting without biochar, outperforming biochars made at 300 °C and 800 °C.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2026

Atomic reshuffle paves way for record-breaking catalysts for hydrogen production

Scientists at the University of Nottingham created nanoscale particles with a few dozen platinum and nickel atoms, leading to efficient hydrogen evolution. The unique dynamic behavior of the metals allows them to cooperate in water splitting, making this material one of the most effective catalysts for hydrogen production.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2026

Research project provides new estimates of greater amberjack abundance in U.S. South Atlantic, Gulf of America

A multi-year research project has provided new insight into greater amberjack abundance in the U.S. South Atlantic and Gulf of America, with estimates suggesting a consistent scale with recent assessments. The study also investigated movement patterns, migration routes, and connectivity using advanced technologies.

SourceUniversity of South Alabama·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 2, 2026

Indonesia’s air quality got worse after China banned plastic waste imports

A new study by Ellen Considine and Rachel Nethery shows that Indonesia's air pollution increased in 2018 and 2019 due to the diversion of plastic waste from China, which was previously a major import source. The team used satellite data to evaluate changes in fine particulate matter at 356 open dump sites in Indonesia.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of the Royal Statistical Society Series C (Applied Statistics)·DateJun 2, 2026