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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 309


Page 309 of 516

New study finds Rx kids associated with significant reductions in infant maltreatment investigations

A new peer-reviewed study found that Michigan State University's Rx Kids program is associated with substantial reductions in child maltreatment investigations among infants. The program provided early economic support to families, leading to a 7-percentage-point decline or 32% relative reduction in maltreatment investigations.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 7, 2026

Predicting the carbon cost of land-use change in Bangladesh’s Chittagong hill tracts

A new study warns that land-use changes in Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts could reduce the region's ability to store carbon, with measurable environmental and economic consequences by 2043. The study found that deep forest cover has declined while built-up areas, agricultural land, and scattered trees have expanded.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2026

Inspired by the brain, researchers build smarter, more efficient computer hardware

University of Missouri researchers develop organic transistors that process information like biological neural networks, boosting brain-like computing and potentially leading to more energy-efficient artificial intelligence. The approach could lead to significant improvements in tasks such as pattern recognition and decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalACS Applied Electronic Materials·DateMay 7, 2026

Mouse study suggests high-fat diets during pregnancy worsen severe gi illness in preterm babies

Researchers found that mice fed high-fat diets during pregnancy developed more severe symptoms of necrotizing enterocolitis and had poorly developed intestines. The study suggests a link between maternal obesity and diabetes, as well as maternal diet, to the development of this deadly condition in preterm babies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateMay 7, 2026

Hasanuddin University study outlines protocol for a community-driven approach to prevent adolescent female suicide

A study protocol from Hasanuddin University aims to address gaps in mental health interventions for adolescent girls in Gorontalo, Indonesia. The qualitative study will explore experiences and perspectives of young women and stakeholders to develop a community-based intervention model.

SourceHasanuddin University·JournalInternational Journal of Qualitative Methods·TypeObservational study·DateMay 7, 2026

Quantum metallurgy: Electron crystals deform and melt

Electron crystals, similar to atomic structures of crystals, can accumulate defects as they melt. Controlling the degree of melting may enable devices with neuromorphic computing and superconductors. The researchers found that electron crystals in metals can deform and melt, similar to physical solids, and their structure could be prec...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalMatter·DateMay 7, 2026

BMFTR awards millions in funding for fusion research – Dr. Yannik Zobus of GSI/FAIR secures a young investigators group

Dr. Yannik Zobus's LASE-FUSE project aims to develop a comprehensive, modular simulation framework for fusion laser systems, enabling holistic modeling and virtual optimization of complex systems. The project will receive three million euros in funding over five years through the 'Fusionstalente' program.

The ‘nostalgia effect’: Scientists produce less disruptive work as they age

A study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that older scientists produce fewer disruptive new ideas than younger ones, creating a 'nostalgia effect' that influences scientific advancement. As scientists age, their papers tend to cite older research in new combinations rather than introducing wholly new concepts.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 7, 2026

KAIST unveils ‘complexity paradox’: Multimetallic nanoparticles grow more uniform as components increase

Researchers at KAIST and Stanford University discovered that complex compositions of multimetallic nanoparticles lead to their growth into more uniform structures, contrary to conventional expectations. This phenomenon enables the creation of high-performance catalysts and eco-friendly energy materials.

Missing information can misinform

A study by Marta Serra-Garcia examines how incentives in the online attention economy shape scientific communication, finding that attention-driven summaries are not more likely to be factually inaccurate but tend to include less information. The research reveals a trade-off between engaging content and conveying accurate details.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Economic Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2026

When nerve cells form new connections: approach to treating spinal cord injuries developed

A new treatment approach has been developed to treat spinal cord injuries by activating signaling pathways in both injured and uninjured nerve cells. Using the protein hyper-interleukin-6 (hIL-6), the researchers showed consistent improvements in walking ability and coordinated gait patterns in mice with contusion injuries.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2026

Study projects plant extinction rates through 2100

A new study from the University of California, Davis, projects that 7-16% of global plant species will lose more than 90% of their range by 2100 under current climate change projections. Habitat loss is expected to drive these extinctions, rather than a plant's ability to shift locations in response to climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 7, 2026

Ultrahigh-energy cosmic messengers may carry ultraheavy secrets

Research suggests that some ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays could consist of atomic nuclei heavier than iron, losing energy more slowly as they travel through intergalactic space. This finding could help narrow down the possible sources of these particles and impact how we search for their origins.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 7, 2026

Trafficked pangolin DNA reveals hotspots of illegal wildlife trade

A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that small samples of trafficked pangolin DNA can track illegal trade routes and hotspots, including southwest Cameroon, Myanmar, and Africa. The research highlights the interconnectedness of domestic and international markets, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to disrupt traffick...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 7, 2026