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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 267


Page 267 of 516

PET imaging reveals synaptic loss in multiple sclerosis across preclinical and human studies

A new PET imaging approach measures synaptic density in the spinal cord, allowing physicians to monitor disease progression and evaluate treatment effectiveness. This technique detects widespread reductions in synaptic connections across the brain and spinal cord in patients with multiple sclerosis.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 2, 2026

New propulsion system could make tiny satellites both fast and fuel-efficient

MIT engineers have developed a new propulsion system that integrates chemical and electrical thrusters, allowing small satellites to perform both fast maneuvers and precise adjustments. The system uses a special propellant called ASCENT, which powers both types of thrusters, enabling smaller and more flexible spacecraft.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Propulsion and Power·DateJun 2, 2026

Five minutes of prayer reduces pain and anxiety in primary care patients, randomized trial finds

A five-minute session of proximal intercessory prayer significantly reduced pain and anxiety in primary care patients compared to a music control group. The study suggests that in-person intercessory prayer may offer a practical complement to conventional care for underserved populations.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 2, 2026

SwRI’s Osborne named ASME Fellow

Dustin T. Osborne, a SwRI staff engineer, was elected ASME Fellow for his significant contributions to locomotive emissions measurement and large-bore engine performance evaluations. He has led various testing campaigns and published numerous papers on alternative fuels and emissions control technologies.

MUSC researchers develop stem cell therapy that shows promise in one day reversing Type 1 diabetes

A new stem cell therapy has been developed by MUSC researchers, which shows promise in reversing Type 1 diabetes in a mouse model. The therapy uses mesenchymal stem/stromal cells genetically modified to produce alpha-1 antitrypsin, shielding surviving insulin-producing cells and stopping the overactive immune response.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateJun 2, 2026

Drug enhances muscle repair during GLP-1 weight-loss treatment in mice

Researchers found that a compound already in clinical trials for age-related muscle loss may mitigate the negative effects of GLP-1 on muscle health. In young adult mice treated with semaglutide, PGDHi enhanced muscle regeneration and recovery after injury, restoring strength without undermining fat loss.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2026

Sharks thrive in hot spots of prey

A recent study found that Caribbean reef sharks prefer locations with dense prey populations, making food abundance an essential factor in their habitat choice. The research suggests that prey conservation should be considered alongside fishing bans to support shark conservation.

SourceFlorida International University·JournalAnimal Conservation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 2, 2026

Study links childhood trauma and simultaneous substance use to higher rates of depression in college students

A study from Texas A&M University found a strong link between childhood trauma and depressive symptoms among college students. The study revealed that using multiple substances, particularly cannabis and stimulants, increases health risks and makes substance use disorders harder to treat.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health and Addiction·TypeSurvey·DateJun 2, 2026

AI enables the design of new molecules that selectively target specific cells

Researchers at IRB Barcelona used AI to design new chemical entities that selectively target specific cell types, demonstrating superior activity compared to conventional screening strategies. The methodology, called phenotypic discovery, uses observable responses in cells rather than a specific molecular target.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateJun 2, 2026

Researchers advance first-of-its-kind AI tool for translating life-saving weather warnings across the US

A new AI-powered translation program developed by the National Weather Service (NWS) translates weather forecasts into multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Samoan, and French. The program aims to provide life-saving information to over 68 million US residents who do not speak English at home.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalArtificial Intelligence for the Earth Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 2, 2026

CPRIT awards newly integrated UT San Antonio to further its mission to combat cancers across South Texas

The University of Texas at San Antonio has received significant funding from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to develop innovative cancer research technologies and treatments. The institution will focus on pressing cancers such as Ewing sarcoma, obesity-related endometrial cancer risk, and AI in clinical oncology.

When online content exerts an irresistible pull

A recent study found that individuals with pathological internet use exhibit a strong tendency to approach internet-related stimuli, indicating automatic and unconscious processes play a major role in usage behavior. This insight could help identify risk groups and inform therapy strategies.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Behavioral Addictions·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2026

Budget-friendly lab-grown steak with realistic texture cooked up

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have created a novel method for cultivating meat using plant-derived cellulose scaffolds. This approach significantly reduces production costs by infusing growth factors directly into the scaffold, allowing for comparable tissue development with lower factor usage.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCurrent Research in Food Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2026