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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 317


Page 317 of 516

Why are mountain forests in Mexico and Central America hotspots for oak trees? New study led by The Morton Arboretum shows most definitive answer yet

A new study by The Morton Arboretum reveals that oaks rapidly diversified in the Americas when they encountered high-elevation terrain, forming a unique biodiversity hotspot. This is supported by data from 322 of the world's approximately 450 oak species, with Mexico and Central America home to at least 160 different oaks.

SourceThe Morton Arboretum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2026

Minor federal fines offer little deterrence to insurers for Medicare Advantage violations, study finds

Researchers analyzed 13 years of federal data on Medicare Advantage enforcement actions, finding that CMS rarely used severe tools like contract terminations or suspensions. Instead, they relied on small fines, which may do little to change behavior and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 4, 2026

Engineers track eye movements to advance student simulation training, enhance clinical preparedness in Meridian

Researchers are using eye-tracking technology at MSU-Meridian to study how students process and respond in high-pressure training scenarios, helping design the next generation of medical training tools. The project aims to identify key gaps in student performance and improve clinical outcomes by comparing data with clinical professionals.

SourceMississippi State University·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2026

Inexpensive material compresses light, paving the way for photonic microcircuits in the terahertz range

Researchers developed a new photonic material using lead iodide, enabling high-speed data transmission in the terahertz frequency range. The material confines light within submicrometer regions, paving the way for integrated photonic circuits that could replace or complement electronic circuits.

Lower volume bowel preparation as effective and safe as higher volume regimen for inpatient colonoscopy

A randomized controlled trial found that a 1 L PEG-ascorbate regimen provided effective and high-quality bowel cleansing, while being associated with a greater willingness to repeat the regimen compared to 2 L and 4 L PEG regimens. The findings support adopting a low-volume regimen to improve completion rates and patient tolerability.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMay 4, 2026

It’s complicated: New research reveals more about the social networks of baboons and African monkeys

A new study provides groundbreaking information about the social structures of primates, revealing that single-level societies are more like soccer leagues with exclusive teams competing for resources. Multi-level societies, on the other hand, resemble schools with students divided into classes but interacting regularly.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2026

Sharks may help improve climate forecasts, study finds

A new study demonstrates that animal-borne sensors, such as those on tagged sharks, can enhance ocean forecast accuracy in regions with limited observational data. By incorporating shark-collected temperature and depth data into a seasonal climate model, forecast errors decreased substantially, particularly in coastal and shelf regions.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

Cannabis microdosing more common than psychedelics among US adults, national survey finds

A national survey found that millions of US adults have microdosed substances like cannabis, psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA, with cannabis being the most commonly microdosed. The study also revealed patterns tied to mental health and policy environments, suggesting that changes in drug policy may influence access to these substances.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 4, 2026

Here’s why your face doesn’t perceive itchiness the same way your body does

A new study reveals that facial itch sensations differ from those on the body due to distinct trigeminal and spinal pain pathways. The researchers found a functional divergence in neuropeptide signaling and central circuit engagement between the two systems, which was independent of peripheral innervation density.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

Moderate UV light is best to boost the vitamin D content of edible mushrooms, McGill study finds

Researchers at McGill University found that moderate UV light exposure enhances vitamin D₂ levels in edible mushrooms without compromising quality attributes. The study provides standardized guidance for industry to follow, highlighting a clear gap in species-specific and unified UV treatment guidelines.

SourceMcGill University·JournalFood Research International·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 4, 2026

Medical information provided to AI is often incomplete

A recent study found that people provide less detailed medical information when communicating with AI chatbots compared to human doctors. This lack of detail can result in incorrect medical advice and lower the quality of diagnosis. The study suggests that intelligent design of user interfaces and actively requesting missing details ma...

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 4, 2026

AI falls short in predicting weather extremes

Researchers from UNIGE and KIT found that traditional numerical models remain more reliable for predicting extreme phenomena than AI-based forecasts. The study highlights the limitations of AI weather models in extrapolating beyond their training domain, making them less effective for record-breaking events.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateMay 4, 2026

Study finds benefits in being older college student while working

A new study from the University of Kansas reveals that older college students who work full-time while studying tend to have higher graduation rates and better retention. The research, which analyzed over 7,000 post-traditional students, found that being older and working full-time positively predicted six-year graduation rates, while ...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalThe Journal of Continuing Higher Education·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 4, 2026

First psychiatric admission marks the beginning of a long-term illness for most patients

A 20-year follow-up study by the University of Copenhagen reveals that nearly all patients who initially admitted to hospital psychiatry returned, with significant consequences on their education, family life, and health. The researchers emphasize the importance of early and comprehensive assessments to provide better support and preve...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalEuropean Psychiatry·DateMay 4, 2026

AI fails to make inroads with cybercriminals, study finds

A study analyzing 100 million posts from underground cybercrime communities found that most cybercriminals lack the skills to use AI effectively, and its adoption has limited benefits for their work. However, AI coding assistants are mostly useful for already skilled actors, and poorly secured agentic AI systems pose a significant risk.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2026

New guidelines help long-term care communities support residents’ intimacy and dignity

A new paper outlines a practical framework for supporting residents' sexual health in long-term care, emphasizing autonomy, safety, and person-centered care. The framework establishes a Sexual Health Committee to develop policies and guide staff on sensitive aspects of care.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalAnnals of Long-Term Care Clinical Care and Aging·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 4, 2026

Singapore researchers advance phage therapy in fight against antimicrobial resistance

Researchers identified how Mycobacterium abscessus evades treatment and proposed a strategy to overcome resistance, offering a pathway towards more effective treatments. A combination therapy targeting both smooth and rough variants proved more effective than single-phage treatment.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

How plants rebalance their energy under stress

When proteins become unbalanced, plant cells use a molecular recycling system to break down defective proteins. Central regulators NAC53 and NAC78 adjust this activity in response to stress, activating genes that strengthen protein breakdown while suppressing photosynthesis.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026