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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 29


Page 29 of 493

Molecularly engineered gel electrolyte bridges high voltage and lithium-metal stability

Researchers have developed an in situ cross-linked polyurethane gel electrolyte that tackles conflicting requirements for high-voltage Ni-rich cathodes and stable lithium deposition at anodes. The electrolyte achieves high electrochemical stability and ionic conductivity, enabling the stable operation of lithium-metal batteries for ove...

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateOct 7, 2026

First telomere-to-telomere genome of Canavalia gladiata released: Multi-omics analysis uncovers candidate genes for nutritional composition

A team assembled the first gap-free telomere-to-telomere genome of Canavalia gladiata, combining with integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling of developing seeds. The study reveals a metabolic switch during seed development, with a clear transition from starch and sucrose metabolism to fatty acid accumulation.

SourceInstitute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Systematics and Evolution·DateOct 7, 2026

Hearing tests reveal how sea lions and fur seals hear human-made noise

The study reveals that both sea lions and fur seals are most sensitive to sounds around 3.2 kilohertz, providing a baseline for assessing the impact of human-made noise on these marine mammals. The research findings could help inform environmental impact assessments and noise management as shipping and coastal development expand.

SourceCurtin University·JournalConservation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 7, 2026

Ancient origins of mammalian suckling and swallowing uncovered

A newly discovered fossil, Megacauda sungei, uncovered key anatomical structures required for mammalian suckling and swallowing behaviors, evolving nearly 165 million years ago. The research challenges a longstanding assumption about the evolution of these structures, suggesting a more complex and nuanced origin story.

SourceOhio University·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 7, 2026

Seismic analysis reveals ancient traces of mantle flow beneath the Pacific’s oldest plate

Seismic data captures ancient traces of mantle flow beneath the Pacific Ocean's oldest preserved piece of crust, tracking changes in tectonic plate motion and mantle deformation. The study reveals complex patterns of mantle flow in the region, with orientations aligned to both ancient and recent plate motions.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 2026

From distributing fans to preparing hospitals for heat surges: report shows how we must protect people living with heart disease in heatwaves

A major new report from the European Society of Cardiology outlines how health services can protect people with heart disease in heatwaves. The report provides practical guidance on preparing patients for extreme heat, managing medication, advising on hydration and cooling, and monitoring patients during hot weather.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 7, 2026

Global study finds stark differences in RSV vaccine uptake

A global study found that vaccination against RSV during pregnancy lowers the risk of severe disease in babies by 74%, but uptake remains low in many countries. The study also reveals disparities in vaccine uptake among socioeconomic and ethnic groups, mothers of younger age, and those with reduced access to healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 7, 2026

Optogenetic therapy safe, shows signs of vision restoration in patients with advanced retinitis pigmentosa, according to international study led by Pitt scientists

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and international collaborators have developed an optogenetics-based treatment that improved visual function in some patients with advanced retinitis pigmentosa. The treatment, which combines gene therapy and visual stimulation, showed encouraging results in tests of safety and efficacy.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 7, 2026

For-profit hospitals linked to worse patient outcomes and nurse staffing shortfalls, new Penn Nursing study finds

A new study by Penn Nursing found that for-profit hospitals have higher mortality and readmission rates and less safe staffing conditions. Nurse staffing levels also play a significant role in these outcomes, with for-profit hospitals reporting lower safe staffing levels and higher nurse burnout rates.

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt leads breakthrough heart recovery method for pediatric transplants

Researchers at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt have successfully adapted a novel heart recovery technique, REUP, for pediatric patients, enabling the transplantation of 10 donor hearts in children and potentially expanding access to lifesaving heart transplants.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 7, 2026

Optogenetic therapy is safe and allows blind people to detect objects

A new study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of optogenetic therapy for advanced retinitis pigmentosa, with 6 of 8 patients showing clinically meaningful improvements in visual tasks. The treatment, which combines gene therapy and light-stimulating goggles, enables blind individuals to detect objects and navigate their environment.

SourceInstitute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 7, 2026

700,000-year-old elephant tooth reveals a lost ecosystem shared by early humans in the levant

Researchers reconstruct a lush landscape of woodlands, wetlands, and waterways from the Pleistocene, inhabited by giant elephants and early toolmakers. The findings provide a rare glimpse into the environment shared by early humans and giant elephants, shedding light on human origins and the forces that shaped our species.

SourceTel-Hai University of Kiryat Shmona in the Galilee·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 2026

Of mice and zebrafish: how MSK scientists solved a decades-old mystery and uncovered new insights about inflammation

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center identify a critical inflammatory signaling pathway and its role in protecting healthy cells from immune response damage. The discovery opens new avenues for understanding diseases where inflammation runs amok, including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2026

Elevated lipoprotein(a) is associated with the progression of carotid atherosclerosis

Elevated lipoprotein(a) levels are associated with the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in East Asian populations. Participants with high Lp(a) levels (>50 mg/dL) had a higher risk of developing carotid plaques and faster progression to carotid stenosis, highlighting the importance of measuring Lp(a) for risk stratification.

SourceNational Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateOct 7, 2026

Personality traits influence level of lasting distress during a crisis, USC-led study finds

A national study found that individuals with higher neuroticism scores experienced greater and more persistent anxiety and depression symptoms during the pandemic. The study suggests that personality traits, particularly neuroticism, play a role in shaping mental health responses to large-scale societal stressors.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 2026

Research Spotlight: What the Nurses’ Health Studies have illuminated about women’s health over the past five decades

The Nurses' Health Studies have provided a unique opportunity to prospectively follow large populations of women over decades, studying the impact of diet, lifestyle, and other factors on health. The studies have generated evidence that has shaped clinical guidelines and public health recommendations, with findings supporting recommend...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 7, 2026

LSU Health New Orleans recruits internationally recognized leader to establish institution’s first academic department of radiation oncology

Dr. Iyengar will lead the development of an academic program integrating patient care, education, and research, expanding access to advanced treatments and clinical research. The new department will strengthen collaboration among radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other specialists to develop more precise and effective tre...