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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 322


Page 322 of 516

Universal model provides design standards for efficient and durable perovskite solar cells

A new universal model explains and guides energy level alignment in perovskite solar cell interfaces using hole-collecting monolayers, enabling optimized interfacial energy levels and reduced development time. The study provides practical guidance for designing materials with improved performance for emerging solar technologies.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2026

Carbene bridging Ag-Cu sites for enhanced *CO pooling and C-C coupling in CO2 reduction

A new catalyst developed by Soochow University researchers exhibits a remarkable C2+ Faradaic efficiency of 80.3%, outperforming other Cu-based catalysts. The introduction of carbene species enhances the tandem synergy, increasing surface coverage of CO intermediates and facilitating C-C coupling reactions.

Study identifies a key mechanism in the degeneration of motor neurons in ALS

A team of researchers has identified a key mechanism in the degeneration of motor neurons in ALS, revealing that chaperone-mediated autophagy is significantly reduced in patients. This finding suggests that this cellular system may be a potential therapeutic target to slow disease progression.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2026

Study assesses impacts of drones on whale sharks

A new study published in Ecosphere found that drones do not disturb whale sharks when flown directly above them. Researchers attached motion-sensing tags to 13 whale sharks and compared their behavior with periods where no drone was flying overhead, revealing no evidence of disturbance.

SourceMurdoch University·JournalEcosphere·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2026

Embryos can tolerate disruption of cell division at certain stages of development

Embryos can tolerate disruption of cell division at certain stages of development, particularly during the gastrula phase where a mechanism called the spindle assembly checkpoint helps them withstand misaligned chromosomes. Disruptions during other stages, such as the pre-gastrula period, are more deadly and lead to defects.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2026

Electrically switchable continuous phase liquid crystal Fresnel zone plate

Researchers have developed an electrically switchable continuous phase liquid crystal Fresnel zone plate, enabling efficient focus control for augmented reality headsets, compact cameras, and adaptive optical instruments. The device achieves a 80% increase in focal intensity compared to traditional binary Fresnel lenses.

Climate change a global threat to brain health, stroke experts say

Climate change is linked to an increased risk of strokes and mortality, particularly from extreme heat. The World Stroke Organization emphasizes the need for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate this threat. Experts recommend promoting clean energy, plant-rich diets, and active transport to reduce stroke risk.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalInternational Journal of Stroke·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 29, 2026

A USC team is targeting the spinal cord to solve paralysis’ most overlooked problem

A USC team has created a neuroprosthetic device that can restore coordinated bladder control in small animal models, proof of concept for a future treatment that could transform lives after spinal cord injuries. The device targets the dorsolateral funiculus region of the spinal cord to mimic the natural signals that trigger the need to...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·TypeObservational study·DateApr 29, 2026

Research gaps and regional disparities revealed in global Lassa virus research landscape

A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 55 years of Lassa virus research has uncovered significant disparities in scientific output between high-income and endemic countries. The study highlights a persistent shortage of studies addressing environmental factors influencing viral spread, underscoring the need for a strategic shift towa...

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalScience in One Health·TypeNews article·DateApr 29, 2026

An app that improves decision-making: Duke-NUS study shows myKIDNEY helps patients make better informed choices

A Duke-NUS study shows that pairing a web-based decision-aid with counselling significantly shifts patients' decisions towards conservative management, which focuses on symptom relief and quality of life. The myKIDNEY app reduced patients' decisional conflict and raised awareness of conservative management as an accepted alternative to...

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalKidney International Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 29, 2026

Study confirms effectiveness of medicinal plant against SARS-CoV-2 virus

A study published in Scientific Reports confirms the anti-viral properties of galloylquinic acids extracted from Copaifera lucens leaves, inhibiting viral entry and replication. The substance's multi-target mechanism reduces the likelihood of resistance developing, making it a promising therapeutic candidate against COVID-19.

New study reveals how next-generation biochar can transform pollution cleanup and circular sustainability

Emerging microwave-based techniques significantly enhance biochar's ability to remove contaminants from water and soil while improving energy efficiency. Biochar has gained attention as a sustainable solution for managing agricultural residues, food waste, and other organic by-products.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 29, 2026

Tiny flexible lasers enable force sensing inside living cells

Researchers developed tiny flexible lasers that can measure forces inside living cells, enabling insights into biological processes such as early development and tumor progression. The micro-lasers exhibit mechanical stiffness similar to living cells and can measure forces up to 50 nanonewtons.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateApr 29, 2026

Coffee doesn’t just wake you up — it may help protect your body from aging

New research from Texas A&M University identifies a key biological pathway that could explain how coffee helps protect against aging and chronic disease. Coffee compounds activate the NR4A1 receptor, which plays a role in stress response and disease, potentially leading to reduced risk of conditions like Alzheimer's disease and cancer.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNutrients·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2026

New molecular tool transforms how clinicians classify and treat a rare blood cancer

Researchers developed a novel disease classification system and AI-assisted decision support tool to improve CMML care. The International CMML Prognostic Scoring System (iCPSS) demonstrates superior prognostic discrimination, stratifying patients into five risk groups with different survival outcomes.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2026

CoFAR launches “FoodSpace”: A collaborative digital space for food allergy researchers

CoFAR's FoodSpace is an online platform that bridges gaps in food allergy research by bringing together protocols, study materials, and data from multiple studies. This initiative aims to drive scientific discovery and foster a global collaborative research environment for conditions affecting 8% of children and 11% of adults in the US.

Broadband mid-infrared fiber laser-driven pulse-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy: Redefining the detection limits of multi-component trace volatile organic compounds

Researchers develop a photoacoustic spectroscopy system using a gain-switched Er³⁺/Dy³⁺ fiber laser, achieving ppt-level monitoring of multiple key VOCs and improving overall sensing performance by over an order of magnitude. The system enables precise detection of industrial pollutants and non-invasive clinical breath diagnostics.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Science·DateApr 29, 2026

Mainz University and the German Police University launch joint research project on qualified language mediation for efficient forensic communication surveillance

The QSEK project aims to develop general standards for the legally sound use of language-mediated evidence, provide targeted training, and support technological innovation. This will enhance investigative efficiency, reduce misinterpretation risk, and strengthen the reliability of forensic evidence.

Why cell therapy cancer treatment sometimes fails

Researchers found that patients with high senescence burdens in their CD8+ T cells were more likely to fail treatment, while those with youthful profiles responded better. The study identified three transcription factors controlling the senescence program, which can be targeted to improve treatment outcomes.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 29, 2026

Social media promotion, ease of access increase risk of adolescent inhalant misuse

Two new studies reveal that social media content promoting recreational nitrous oxide use can lead to adolescent inhalant misuse, with younger teens and girls being at higher risk. The research also found that behavioral problems, such as fighting and stealing, coincide with inhalant use.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPreventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 29, 2026

Research finds journalism classes lack consistent approach to AI use across institutions

New research from the University of Kansas found varying approaches to AI use in journalism classes across US institutions. The study suggests that a more consistent approach could better serve education and practice, but inconsistent policies may confuse students. Researchers recommend clearer guidelines from accrediting bodies.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournalism & Mass Communication Educator·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 29, 2026