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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 321


Page 321 of 516

Wildfires leave lasting risks: Improving predictions of hazardous debris flows in burned areas

Researchers developed a new method to predict debris flows in post-fire landscapes, incorporating vegetation recovery, which reduces unnecessary warnings and improves accuracy. The updated method reflects changes in soil absorption and plant water uptake after wildfires, providing more accurate hazard maps and rainfall threshold guidance.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateApr 30, 2026

Giant planet’s slimmer profile

Jupiter is found to be about 8 km less wide at the equator and 24 km flatter at the poles, requiring an updated understanding of the giant planet's size and shape. This research has broader implications for studying gas planets in general and provides new insights into Jupiter's powerful winds and interior structure.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 30, 2026

Melatonin application increases effectiveness of autologous ovarian tissue transplantation, study reveals

Researchers found that melatonin increased vascularization and reduced apoptosis in ovarian grafts, improving their viability. The study used an absorbable sponge to apply melatonin to autologous ovarian tissue transplants in rats, revealing its potential as a treatment option for fertility preservation in young cancer patients.

Researchers create tool to help hunger-relief groups deliver food more efficiently

A new optimization framework helps food banks deliver food more efficiently by accounting for variables such as food availability and household demand. The tool has been incorporated into an app that can also be used by businesses to address delivery logistics challenges.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2026

KAIST identifies multiple viruses and variants simultaneously by controlling the “speed” of CRISPR gene scissors​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a novel diagnostic technology that can distinguish multiple viruses and variants by controlling the speed of CRISPR gene scissors. This method, called kinetic barcoding, interprets differences in reaction speeds as signal patterns to identify different viruses.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 30, 2026

Researchers identify natural compound that disarms drug-resistant bacteria

A naturally occurring fatty acid called geranylgeranoic acid (GGA) has been discovered to disrupt the ability of MRSA bacteria to stick to human molecules and detect their environment, making it harder for them to cause disease. Researchers tested GGA in mice and found it prevented skin lesions and reduced infection severity.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2026

Water splitting catalyst creates hydrogen at low temperatures

Researchers from the University of Birmingham have developed a novel perovskite catalyst that can produce substantial yields of hydrogen in a temperature range of 150-500°C, and be regenerated at temperatures between 700 and 1000°C. The process is more cost-effective than green or blue hydrogen production methods.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2026

Understanding how genes interact

A team of researchers has created the first draft of a genetic interaction map, covering about 2.5% of all possible gene pairs in the human genome. The map reveals conserved principles and potential targets for human diseases, including drug targets and genes mutated in human diseases.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalCell·DateApr 30, 2026

Longstanding quantum communication barrier broken

Scientists have successfully sent single, coherent photons in the telecom band, overcoming a long-standing challenge. This breakthrough enables the integration of quantum technology with existing fiber infrastructure, opening up applications for secure communication and computation.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2026

Early institutional care lowers life expectancy

A long-term study finds that children in infant care institutions had a 48% higher risk of mortality and shorter life expectancy than those raised at home. The research highlights the importance of affection and stimulation in early childhood, revealing lifelong consequences for those who experienced institutional care.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateApr 30, 2026

First-ever "guideline for laser and aesthetic medicine" released in China: Establishes evidence-based standards for 26 common conditions

The new guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for 26 diseases, including pigmentary disorders and skin rejuvenation. The guideline aims to standardize clinical practice in laser and aesthetic medicine, improving treatment outcomes and safety.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 30, 2026

LHAASO discovers new extreme particle accelerator in the Milky Way

The LHAASO collaboration has detected ultra-high-energy (UHE) gamma rays from a gamma-ray binary system, LS I +61° 303. The discovery suggests that high-energy protons are accelerated and collide with the dense surrounding stellar wind, producing these UHE gamma rays. This finding provides critical evidence for gamma-ray binaries as po...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 30, 2026

Disease-causing pathogen rewires gut metabolism to secure nutrients for growth: Study

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered that enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis reshapes intestinal cell metabolism to support its growth, causing diseases like diarrhea and colorectal cancer. The study provides new possibilities for intervention by targeting metabolic interactions between host and microbes.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2026

Achieving 20.21% efficiency: Interfacial buffering strategy enables high-performance pseudo-planar heterojunction organic solar cells

Researchers developed an interfacial buffering strategy to address solvent-induced damage in pseudo-planar heterojunction organic solar cells, achieving a power conversion efficiency of 20.21%. The buffer layer preserves the structural integrity of the donor layer and maintains a well-defined heterojunction interface, facilitating effi...

SourceChinese Journal of Polymer Science·JournalChinese Journal of Polymer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2026

Stem cell memory CAR T cells achieve complete remissions at low doses without chemotherapy preconditioning

Researchers developed a highly homogeneous population of stem cell memory T cells that exhibit superior expansion and persistence, enabling complete responses at low doses. The study showed a favorable tolerability profile and demonstrated the separation between beneficial effects and toxic consequences.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Immunotherapy·JournalCell·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 30, 2026

Innovation and ecological collapse gave rise to the tropics’ most important decomposers

Termites became the backbone of tropical ecosystems after two diversification pulses following global extinctions. The traits that define modern termites, such as soil-eating and fungus agriculture, emerged in distinct pulses about 30 million years apart, according to a new study published in Current Biology.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 30, 2026

Silencing stress signals could pave the way to a longer life, study reveals

Researchers found that suppressing the Integrated Stress Response (ISR) pathway in fruit flies extended their lifespan. The study contradicts previous theories suggesting mild stress might increase longevity. By understanding how ISR affects aging, scientists may develop pharmacological treatments to slow down the aging process.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2026

Blood tests taken years earlier linked to pregnancy risk

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that small abnormalities in blood sugar, lipids, and inflammation years before pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. The findings may contribute to earlier risk assessment and preventive measures.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2026

Atomic lattice-matched hexagonal WO3/TiO2 S-heterojunction enables high-efficiency selective glycerol-to-DHA photoelectrocatalysis

Researchers developed a lattice-matching strategy to address charge transfer efficiency and selectivity issues in traditional photoelectrocatalytic systems. The resulting composite photoanodes achieve high DHA selectivity and glycerol conversion rates, demonstrating strong potential for industrial application.

Defect-engineered Pt/Nb2O5 for efficient radical-mediated benzimidazole synthesis and H2 evolution

A new photocatalytic system with enhanced activity for benzimidazole synthesis and H2 production has been developed. The defect-engineered Pt/Nb2O5-VO photocatalyst promotes dehydrogenation of ethanol to form radicals, which then facilitate the selective synthesis of desired products.

Researchers discover a new link between brain sugar levels and myelin development

Researchers at CUNY ASRC have uncovered a metabolic switch that influences the formation of myelinating cells, helping shape brain development. The study reveals that glucose levels act as a signal directing behavior during development and can be harnessed to protect myelin in the developing brain and promote repair in disease states.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2026

Predicting genetic risk for Type 1 diabetes just got more accurate thanks to UC San Diego study

The study demonstrates that the T1GRS tool can identify children and adults at high risk for Type 1 diabetes earlier than current methods, enabling preventive measures before the disease develops. The researchers grouped individuals into four sub-types based on genetic features, each with unique clinical profiles and outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2026