Exercise hormone irisin could offer neuroprotective effects in multiple sclerosis
A new study found irisin reduces clinical symptoms and neuron loss in a mouse model of MS. Irisin also protects neurons from inflammation-driven neurodegeneration.
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Carnegie Mellon University and Cleveland Clinic develop AI system to interpret cardiac MRI scans with enhanced accuracy
Researchers developed an AI system called CMR-CLIP that can interpret complex heart scans without manual labels, outperforming existing models by up to 35%. The system learned from over a million images and hundreds of thousands of motion sequences collected from Cleveland Clinic.
Reusable brick walls for the construction industry
A team from Graz University of Technology has developed a prefabricated brick wall system that can be dismantled and re-used without being destroyed. The system reduces CO2 emissions by up to 60% compared to conventional construction methods, offering significant environmental benefits.
Cell movement in the embryo
Researchers at ISTA uncovered why keratin plays an essential part in embryonic cell movement and organization. Without keratin, the process slows dramatically, leading to tissue collapse and loss of cellular alignment. Keratin helps maintain the structural integrity and cohesion of cells during early development.
SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026
Bacterial STIs reach record highs in Europe, and congenital syphilis cases nearly double
Europe's bacterial STI cases reached record highs in 2024, driven by gonorrhoea and syphilis, with men who have sex with men disproportionately affected. The near doubling of congenital syphilis cases highlights the need for improved antenatal screening protocols to prevent transmission to newborns.
Where do citizen science data come from?
A study analyzed over 300,000 citizen science observations to identify patterns influencing participation rates. Regional data from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office was combined with citizen science data to examine the relationship between socio-economic and environmental factors on observation density.
Capturing an elusive step in molecular sandwich making
Researchers from OIST have reported the first full structural characterization of a doubly ring-slipped reaction intermediate in metallocene formation. This discovery provides new evidence on how metallocenes form and react, presenting opportunities for designing tunable structures for applications such as drug delivery systems, cataly...
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026
Adding a lower cutoff value for CA19-9 may identify additional high-risk cases of pancreatic cancer
A lower CA19-9 cutoff of 7 units/mL can identify patients with pancreatic cancer who have high-risk disease despite low biomarker levels. This dual-threshold model helps distinguish between true low tumor burden and Lewis antigen-negative status, improving prognostic assessment.
Robotic ‘matter’ flows, adapts through mechanical intelligence
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a robotic collective that exhibits coordinated motion and adaptability without centralized control. The Cross-Link Collective consists of small robots that can entangle and move collectively, self-organizing into shifting configurations.
Air pollution found to disrupt insect communication and threaten pest control strategies
A new study found that air pollution can disrupt insect communication by chemically altering pheromones. Ozone pollution degrades pheromone signals in moths, reducing mating success and threatening pheromone-based pest control strategies.
SourceInsect Science, Chinese Academy of Science·JournalInsect Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 20, 2026
Faster gene screening method targets deadly fungus
Researchers at the University of Guelph developed a faster way to identify potential drug targets against Candida albicans using CRISPR interference. The new system reduced the time from laboratory discoveries to clinical applications by years, focusing on hundreds or thousands of genes simultaneously.
Tahiyat Rahman named 2026-2027 Optica/Materials Research Society Congressional Fellow
Tahiyat Rahman, a physics Ph.D. holder, will work on policy investing in workforce and training for quantum technologies and materials manufacturing. As a Congressional Fellow, they aim to build public consensus around science policy.
Teen attitudes to exercise shape fitness years later
Research shows that intrinsic motivations, such as enjoying physical activity and feeling healthy, consistently matter most in predicting aerobic fitness. Teenagers who value these factors are significantly fitter at 17 than those motivated primarily by winning or external rewards.
Finding the early signs of Alzheimer's disease
New research from the University of Otago has uncovered a specific biomarker in blood plasma associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study found that elevated levels of ptau181 were linked to subjective cognitive concerns, but not objective decline or structural brain integrity measures.
Cryo-EM reveals the structural basis of functional diversity in alcohol oxidase isozymes
Researchers used cryo-EM to investigate the molecular basis of functional diversity in alcohol oxidase isozymes. The study found structural differences in cofactor binding and amino acid residues that affect enzyme stability and catalytic performance, ultimately resulting in distinct roles among the variants.
Biodegradable, thermally stable, and programmable cellulosic bioplastics enabled by supramolecular stimulated mediation
Researchers developed Cel-T plastic, a novel cellulose-based supramolecular plastic with high mechanical strength, thermal stability, and versatile shapeability. The material combines the strengths of polylactic acid, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, and polyethylene terephthalate.
CURE SYNGAP1 announces $111,960 investment in RARE-X partnership to advance ProMMIS patient-reported outcome measure data collection – PR46
CURE SYNGAP1 partners with RARE-X to accelerate ProMMiS study's Patient-Reported Outcome measure data collection. This investment enables the centralized collection of high-quality PROs, essential for regulatory approval and therapy development.
The Lancet MedZero: a single platform for carbon data across every product in healthcare
The Lancet MedZero platform offers product-level carbon data for hospitals and health systems worldwide, enabling evidence-based decision-making and supporting climate action. With over 14,000 entries launched, the platform aims to help healthcare institutions reduce waste, improve patient care, and tackle climate change.
The novel effector CREP1 of endophytic Fusarium lateritium regulates host plant immunity through interaction with receptor protein NbEIX2
Researchers identified CREP1, a pectinase-like effector protein from Fusarium lateritium, as a key regulator of plant immunity. CREP1 interacts with receptor protein NbEIX2 to activate immune responses, including ROS burst and cell death.
When a virus tames a pathogen — A hypovirulent mycovirus alters stress response and virulence in Talaromyces marneffei
Research identifies a novel narnavirus, TmNV1, as a potent virulence attenuator in Talaromyces marneffei. Coinfection with TmPV1 amplifies hypovirulent phenotypes, reducing fungal burden and inflammation.
Elite immune cells lead the fight against multiple myeloma
Researchers from The University of Osaka discovered that only a small proportion of CD8 T cells undergo sustained clonal expansion in multiple myeloma immunotherapy, leading to the strongest anti-tumor response. Early immune activity could help predict which cells will become effective cancer fighters.
A review of microwave dielectric ceramics: From fundamental mechanisms and property regulation to advanced preparation, applications, and data-driven discovery
Recent advancements in microwave dielectric ceramics research focus on property characterization, theoretical mechanisms, sample preparation, applications, and data-driven discovery. Key findings include the development of standardized resonant methods for evaluating low-loss materials and advanced cold sintering processes enabling co-...
Is listening to music while studying a helpful habit or hidden distraction?
A new study from Edith Cowan University found that music listening habits vary greatly among university students. For some, music boosts motivation and enhances focus, while others find it distracting. The research highlights the importance of individual differences in music engagement in studying.
Rural siblings of people with neurodevelopmental conditions left to go it alone
Research in regional Australia found nearly a third of rural siblings experience low wellbeing due to insufficient access to formal mental health services. Resilience, community support, and understanding from local communities are critical for improving sibling outcomes and addressing emotional strain.
SKKU research team awakens “hidden oxygen” to produce green hydrogen… pioneering next-generation water-splitting catalyst technology
Researchers at SKKU have created a highly efficient water-splitting catalyst that activates 'lattice oxygen' to break the oxygen evolution reaction bottleneck. By controlling atomic spacing, they enabled robust metal-oxygen interactions, achieving lower energy levels than precious metal catalysts.
SourceSungkyunkwan University External Affairs Division (PR team)·JournalApplied Catalysis·DateMay 20, 2026
Newly designed peptides suggest safer immunotherapies are within reach
Researchers have developed engineered peptide binders called CRABs that can selectively interfere with calcium signaling pathways, potentially leading to more effective and safer immunotherapies. The study's findings offer new hope for treating disorders linked to excessive CRAC-channel activity.
Critical Path Institute launches New Approach Methodologies Developer Coalition to advance human-relevant tools for drug development
The coalition aims to accelerate validation and qualification of human-relevant methodologies, such as complex in vitro models and microphysiological systems, for drug discovery and development. By aligning developers around shared qualification standards, the coalition reduces duplicative validation efforts and helps regulators evalua...
Study identifies new marker to find patients with advanced prostate cancer more likely to benefit from combination immunotherapy
Researchers discovered a new gene expression signature linked to prolonged overall survival in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who responded to combined immune checkpoint inhibitors. The biomarker has the potential to help identify patients most likely to benefit from this treatment combination.
SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2026
We can help the body fight entire viral families
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that combining key vaccine ingredients could give the body the tools it needs to fight the entire family of arenaviruses with a single vaccine. This approach may protect against life-threatening infections from Lassa virus, Junin virus, and many other arenaviruses.
SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026
Cities change storms, but the impacts depend on the storm itself
Researchers found that small-scale thunderstorms strengthen over cities, while cold frontal storms weaken their rainfall intensity. Urban heat and roughness disrupt the lower part of storm systems, leading to varying effects on different types of storms.
Common food preservatives linked to high blood pressure and heart disease
A recent study found that consuming common preservative food additives increases the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Non-antioxidant preservatives, in particular, were linked to a higher risk of hypertension.
SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2026
Do you know how cynical your friends are?
A study from Michigan State University found that people consistently underestimate their friends' cynicism and overestimate their benevolence. This biases can impact friendship maintenance and may be more pronounced in newer friendships.
Critical Path Institute awards $249,719 grant to Odylia Therapeutics to advance gene therapy for USH1C-associated vision loss
Odylia Therapeutics is advancing a gene therapy treatment for Usher Syndrome Type 1C (USH1C)-associated vision loss, a rare autosomal recessive disorder. The grant will support the development of an investigational USH1C gene therapy designed to restore or preserve vision.
Early birth safer for mother and baby in high blood pressure pregnancies
A new Cochrane review finds planned early birth for pregnant women with high blood pressure cuts maternal complications by nearly half and reduces the risk of stillbirth. The practice is found to be safe across both high- and low-income settings, without increasing the likelihood of caesarean section.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 20, 2026
Reusable catheters a safe choice that could save NHS millions, study finds
A new study by the University of Southampton has found that reusable catheters are just as safe for patients as single-use ones and do not increase the risk of urinary tract infections. The study followed hundreds of patients for a year and discovered that those who tested reusable catheters used 35 per cent fewer antibiotics.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalInternational Journal of Nursing Studies·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 20, 2026
Healthcare is facing a moral emergency, argue experts
The BMJ argues that healthcare has lost its human, moral, and relational foundations. Experts say reconnecting with these values is crucial for improving patient outcomes and staff well-being. By prioritizing kindness, compassion, and leadership, healthcare can rebalance its focus from technical power to individualized care.
Calcium and vitamin D supplements offer little to no meaningful benefit on fracture and fall prevention
A systematic review of 69 trials involving over 153,000 adults found that calcium, vitamin D, or combined supplements have little to no effect on fracture prevention. The findings suggest that routine supplementation may not be necessary, and instead focus should be on interventions like balance and resistance exercise.
ISSCR Consortium urges FDA to maintain flexible, science-driven framework for new approach methodologies in drug development
The ISSCR Consortium supports the FDA's draft guidance on using new approach methodologies (NAMs) in drug development, emphasizing the need for a flexible and science-driven framework. The consortium recommends clarifying biological complexity alignment with context of use and expanding recognition of computational modeling and hybrid ...
Scientists identify brain circuit that helps us “change gears”
Researchers at UC Riverside have identified a key neural circuit, the locus coeruleus, which plays a central role in cognitive flexibility and adapting to new rules. Disrupting this circuit impairs the brain's ability to reorganize neural networks during complex decision-making.
Atmosphere of Saturn-sized planet with Earth-like temperature contains methane
Researchers use NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to analyze light passing through a distant, temperate gas giant planet's atmosphere, revealing methane and potentially other gases. The study provides insights into planetary formation and evolution, and could improve understanding of Earth's atmosphere.
CPRIT awards UT MD Anderson over $19 million for cancer research and faculty recruitment
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has been awarded $19 million by CPRIT to support young cancer survivors, groundbreaking research, and faculty recruitment programs. The funding will enable UT MD Anderson to recruit world-class scientists and clinicians, pursue new discoveries, and accelerate cancer treatment advancements.
How Atlantic herring rewired reproduction to survive a new sea
A recent study reveals that Atlantic herring rewired its reproduction to survive in the Baltic Sea's low-salinity waters through four key genetic adaptations. These adaptations enabled the species to reproduce successfully despite the challenging environmental conditions, highlighting the importance of gene function and regulation in e...
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2026
Private equity acquisition can expand primary care use by expanding workforce, study finds
Primary care practices acquired by private equity firms tend to see more patients, provide more services, and complete annual wellness visits. They also hire more physicians and advanced practice providers, suggesting a spread of extra work across larger teams rather than individual doctors.
Seeing deeper without losing detail
Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington are developing a new technology to enable clear, detailed imaging of biological structures far beneath the skin's surface. This innovation has the potential to improve disease detection and diagnosis, particularly in areas such as cancer and vascular diseases.
Texas Tech receives $4.5 million grant to advance semiconductor research
Researchers at Texas Tech will develop wide/ultrawide bandgap semiconductor materials and devices with a $4.5M grant. The project aims to improve performance and reliability in harsh environments for aerospace, defense, and other industries.
Quitting smoking associated with lower dementia risk
A study published in Neurology found that quitting smoking is associated with a lower risk of dementia, especially for those who maintain a stable weight. The research followed 32,802 middle-aged and older individuals without dementia at the start of the study, finding a sustained lower risk of dementia with time since quitting.
In middle-aged and older adults, migraine with aura associated with higher stroke risk
Migraine with aura is linked to a 73% increased risk of ischemic stroke in middle-aged and older adults. The study found no association between migraine without aura and an increased risk of stroke. Men under age 72 with migraine also face a significantly higher risk of stroke, contradicting previous research in younger individuals.
New report: U.S. Government is using AI more, but still has a long way to go
A new report from Brookings Institution highlights the federal government's growing use of AI, but also notes significant disparities and bottlenecks to widespread adoption. Large agencies lead the way, while smaller agencies struggle with workforce capacity and trust issues.
Young Fraser River Chinook salmon swimming in chemical soup, SFU study finds
A Simon Fraser University study found over 200 contaminants in juvenile Chinook salmon in the Lower Fraser River estuary, including priority contaminants like pharmaceuticals and pesticides. This exposure adds stress to already vulnerable fish populations.
Celebrating the standouts: Changemakers honored by the world’s largest computing association
ACM recognizes educators Yasmin Kafai and Mitchel Resnick for their contributions to creative computing and Scratch. Ed Felten receives the ACM Policy Award for his work on technology policy, while Jodi Tims is honored with the Outstanding Contribution to ACM Award for increasing women's participation in computing
Healthcare utilization disruptions continue in post-COVID China
Researchers found substantial declines in outpatient clinic visits (7%) and hospitalizations (13%) compared to expected levels. Long-term disruptions persist, with 65% of regions experiencing non-rebound outpatient visits and 74% with reduced hospitalizations.
SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 20, 2026
Disability inclusion in advertising builds stronger brand affinity, shows news research
Research shows that adverts featuring people with a disability increase consumer attitudes towards brands and their products. Key findings include the benefits of disability inclusion and the importance of representing individuals with disabilities as capable advocates for a product or service.
Cows recognize a familiar human face
Researchers found that cows stared longer at unfamiliar faces and could match a known handler's voice with their image. The animals' heart rates showed no emotional response to the faces or voices.
The neural basis of thought symbols identified for the first time
Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered the neural substrates underlying thought symbols for the first time. The study found that the ventral premotor cortex, a region in the frontal lobe, plays a key role in generating mental representations of actions, enabling compositional generalization and creative thinking.
Nearly 60% of college students with a psychosis diagnosis are not receiving the recommended mental health treatment
A new study found that nearly 8 in 10 college students with psychosis needed mental health support, but only 4 in 10 received the recommended combination of therapy and antipsychotic medication. This indicates potential barriers to accessing care, including stigma.
SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·TypeSurvey·DateMay 20, 2026
Key timepoint, neuron type, and cellular functions identified for schizophrenia risk gene
Scientists discovered that ZNF804A is most active in glutamatergic neurons during the second trimester of neurodevelopment. Altering the gene's activity revealed changes in synaptic regulation and protein production, leading to more electrically excitable synapses.
Warming oceans can disrupt coral oxygen supply and trigger coral death
Rising ocean temperatures cause corals to struggle with oxygen uptake due to disrupted ciliary motion. At moderate temperatures, corals accelerate ciliary motion to meet increased oxygen demand, but this compensatory mechanism fails at higher temperatures.
Sabiá virus has been circulating in Brazil for 142 years and mutating, study finds
Researchers identified genetic changes in the virus that explain why it wasn't detected by existing tests. The new diagnostic method shows promise for future suspected cases with greater accuracy.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 20, 2026
Capture the Fracture® achieves major milestone: more than one million patients identified annually
The Capture the Fracture program has achieved a major milestone, identifying over one million patients with fragility fractures every year. This growth reflects increasing recognition of coordinated post-fracture care services as an essential component of modern hospital care.
Researchers double success rate of initial depression treatment with MRI-guided approach
A team of researchers developed an MRI-guided approach to treat depression, resulting in a doubled initial success rate. By assessing brain function, clinicians can make more informed treatment decisions, similar to cancer treatment.