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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 328


Page 328 of 516

New microscope reveals previously hidden differences in photosynthetic light-harvesting antennae

Researchers developed an ultrafast transient absorption microscope to analyze fluctuations and heterogeneities in light-harvesting antennae. The study revealed two kinetic components with nearly identical time constants and quantified photophysical properties associated with these components.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateApr 28, 2026

LiDAR‑based detection of topographic modifications in medieval mountain castles and their landslide susceptibility

Researchers used LiDAR surveys to analyze medieval mountain castles' topography, distinguishing between human-made and natural landscapes. The study found that castle sites exhibit greater variability in slope compared to unmodified natural ridges, with high slope variability linked to landslide traces within the castle boundaries.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPhysical Geography·DateApr 28, 2026

Deep learning extends global nighttime light history

Researchers have developed a deep-learning framework to reconstruct a global, high-resolution nighttime light dataset from 1992 to 2024. The new product improves upon existing datasets by reducing saturation-related bias and better capturing temporal changes in urbanization, economic activity, and human development.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·DateApr 28, 2026

Historical climate and geography shaped the phylogeography of a rare mycoheterotrophic herb in subtropical China

A study on the phylogeography of Burmannia nepalensis, a rare mycoheterotrophic herb in subtropical China, found that historical climate fluctuations and geographic isolation shaped its evolutionary history. The research reveals limited gene flow due to mountain barriers and fragmented habitats.

SourceSouth China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalBiological Diversity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 28, 2026

Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s and The Michael J. Fox Foundation Expand Global Research Initiative with $261M Investment Toward Personalized Treatments

A global research network, led by ASAP and MJFF, is expanding its efforts to map the biological blueprint of Parkinson's disease and develop a standardized toolkit of global research resources. This expansion aims to accelerate the development of personalized therapies by understanding the disease's inherent heterogeneity.

Identifying insects with radar

Researchers developed a machine learning model to identify insects based on radar reflection changes from wing flapping. The model achieved high accuracy in distinguishing between species, including bees and wasps, with an accuracy of 96% and 85%, respectively.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateApr 28, 2026

26 Years of development of EGFR-TKIs for non-small cell lung cancer: Clinical application and resistance research progress

EGFR-TKIs have significantly improved OS and quality of life for EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients. However, ongoing research is needed to refine therapies for precise individualized treatment, addressing resistance mechanisms and optimal combination strategies.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 28, 2026

AI tool that estimates biological age from face photos could serve as prognostic biomarker for cancer

A new study suggests that an AI tool analyzing facial changes can serve as a prognostic biomarker for cancer prognosis. The researchers found that patients with higher biological aging rates had lower chances of survival, and the effect was strongest when photos were taken over longer intervals.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2026

Digital health literacy higher in lower-income countries, 30-country survey finds

A 30-country survey found that digital health literacy is highest in low- and middle-income countries, where social media plays a key role. The study also highlights variation in trust for credible sources, with medical providers being the most trusted, followed by verification through multiple sources.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalNature Health·TypeSurvey·DateApr 28, 2026

What shapes the content of our dreams?

A new study by researchers at IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca analyzed over 3,700 reports of dream and waking experiences to understand what determines the content of dreams. The findings show that both individual characteristics and shared life experiences play a key role in shaping dream content.

SourceIMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

'All-purpose shield' thinner than a strand of hair: New material developed to block both cosmic electromagnetic waves and radiation

Researchers have created an ultra-thin, lightweight shielding material that blocks 99.999% of electromagnetic waves and reduces neutrons by approximately 72%. The material is also stretchy like rubber, suitable for 3D printing and can withstand extreme temperatures.

New peer-reviewed study: Bottom trawling in Europe’s waters costs society up to €16 billion annually — mostly due to climate impacts

A new peer-reviewed study finds that bottom trawling in European waters results in significant economic losses, with annual costs reaching up to €16 billion. The destructive fishing practice is also found to be a major contributor to climate change, with its impacts felt throughout the region's marine ecosystems.

SourceNational Geographic Pristine Seas·JournalOcean & Coastal Management·DateApr 27, 2026

Study reveals soil, not fertilizer, is primary source of nitrogen gas loss in rice paddies

A new study led by Prof. YAN Xiaoyuan finds that most nitrogen gas emissions from rice paddies originate from soil organic nitrogen, rather than applied fertilizers. The researchers propose a novel mechanism to explain this phenomenon, suggesting that fertilizer activates soil nitrogen pools, indirectly driving larger nitrogen losses.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

Machine learning facilitates the development of China's 1-km daily soil moisture dataset

A new study developed China's high-precision, 1 km resolution soil moisture dataset using machine learning techniques. This dataset enables daily monitoring of soil dryness and wetness conditions across the country, providing critical support for drought early warning, flood forecasting, and agricultural management.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 27, 2026

Quantum light sources empowered by monolithic microcavity-metalens interfaces

A new device combines high-performance single-photon generation with multidimensional state engineering, enabling flexible control over photon properties. The integrated platform delivers record-breaking source performance and opens up opportunities for resilient quantum entanglement and high-dimensional quantum communication.

Conquering the final frontiers in nanographene synthetic methodologies

Researchers have developed a new methodology for selective molecular transformations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), targeting the challenging L-region. This enables the creation of larger PAH structures and new nanographenes, increasing versatility in technological applications.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

CityUHK research team develops tool for estimating methane emissions from sewer networks, breaking through a blind spot in reducing global emissions

A new tool estimates that global sewer systems emit 1.18 to 1.95 million tons of methane annually, contributing to global warming and climate change. The study confirms that urban sewers are a quantifiable source of methane emissions, highlighting the need for their inclusion in greenhouse gas accounting.

New experimental drug may restore movement after stroke

Researchers discovered that strokes cause a chain reaction within the brain, leading to neuronal cell death. They found that blocking collagen production can prevent this damage and even restore motor function in paralyzed monkeys. The new drug KDS12025 reduces hydrogen peroxide levels and prevents the entire process from being triggered.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

One protein, two roles

Researchers found that Adgrl2 plays a crucial role in building both brain synapses and blood vessels, with different cell types producing distinct versions of the protein. Removing Adgrl2 from endothelial cells caused blood vessels to become leaky and lose their integrity.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

Physical embedded machine learning force fields for organic systems

Researchers propose two physical embedding solutions to improve machine learning force fields' accuracy and stability in organic systems. The first method uses adaptive bond length sampling, effectively covering high-energy bond length regions prone to simulation collapse. The second method employs top-down model correction using physi...

SourceChinese Chemical Society·JournalCCS Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 27, 2026

Why dolphins swim so fast: the secrets of eddies

A team of researchers from The University of Osaka used supercomputer simulations to study how vortices generated by dolphin kicks power fast swimming. They found that large, powerful vortices created by the movement of the dolphin's tail are responsible for most of the propulsion, while smaller ones contribute little to forward motion.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2026

Cells under the spotlight reveal their inner secrets

Scientists discovered a method to predict cellular protein makeup from Raman light measurements, leveraging the power of Raman spectroscopy. The technique reveals globally coordinated abundance ratios across various conditions, with a core of proteins maintaining stability while smaller groups adapt to environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

Researchers discovered body’s response that protects from atherosclerosis

A study published in PNAS reveals that endothelial cells can repair DNA damage caused by disturbed flow, slowing atherosclerosis progression. Supplementing purines reverts these effects, suggesting future therapies targeting endothelial DNA repair could complement cholesterol-lowering drugs.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

Drugging the undruggable: Scientists achieve million-fold leap in targeting elusive cancer proteins

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a new method to target intrinsically disordered proteins, which are difficult to treat with medication. The approach has shown promise in slowing prostate cancer growth and could lead to new treatments for various diseases.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

Biochar-powered hydrogels boost solar water evaporation efficiency for sustainable desalination

Researchers developed a hybrid material combining biochar with polyzwitterionic hydrogel, achieving an evaporation rate of 3.57 kg/m²/h under standard sunlight conditions. The biochar enhances light absorption, water transport, and energy efficiency, making it suitable for seawater desalination applications.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

Turning “wastewater” into a resource: New insights on liquid fertilizer from hydrothermal carbonization

Process water from hydrothermal carbonization contains substantial amounts of nutrients and organic compounds, making it a nutrient-rich resource for crop production and environmental management. Diluting the liquid or using pre-treatment methods can reduce risks associated with its use.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 27, 2026

Physics can be hard. Mindfulness may help.

A new study from the University of Pittsburgh found that mindfulness training can help students build resilience in the face of emotional threats, leading to increased engagement in college physics. After five days of training, students reported feeling less threatened and more motivated to learn.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2026

Innovative procedure outperforms drugs for advanced atrial fibrillation

A minimally invasive catheter ablation procedure has been shown to provide substantial benefits for patients with advanced forms of atrial fibrillation. By targeting faulty electrical signaling in the heart, the procedure can lead to improved control of the disease and reduced risk of serious adverse events.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 27, 2026

Why stars spin down, or up, before they die

Astronomers using astroseismology have found that massive stars' rotation rates decrease with age, but a new study suggests this may not be the case. The research team used 3D simulations to investigate how magnetic fields affect rotation inside massive stars, revealing that some configurations can spin the core up.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 27, 2026

JMIR report: Can digital twins fix hospital patient bottlenecks?

The report highlights the operational wins of health systems utilizing digital twin technology, including reduced ER wait times, increased patient throughput, and optimized surgical blocks. Successful deployment depends on data integrity and a shared definition of reality across the organization.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 27, 2026

Umbilical cord blood transplant with pooled stem cell product shows 96% survival and no graft-versus-host-disease in leukemia patients

A phase 2 study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that a stem cell product called dilanubicel safely enabled umbilical cord blood transplants in 28 patients with leukemias and myelodysplastic syndrome, resulting in a 96% survival rate. The pooled stem cells provided essential early immune support, helping patients est...

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 27, 2026

Study suggests fibroid rates in Latina women may be lower than previously thought

A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology finds that approximately 11.8% of reproductive-age Latina women have fibroids, lower than previously estimated rates. The study, led by Michigan Medicine researchers, used ultrasound-confirmed diagnoses to confirm fibroid cases.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateApr 27, 2026