Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2026 - Page 330


Page 330 of 516

Mimicking nature’s twist: time-evolving helicity in a polymer

A team of scientists developed a chlorophyll-based supramolecular polymer that can gradually evolve from nonhelical fibers into well-defined helical structures. The transformation occurs cooperatively and is driven by small energy differences between stable arrangements, offering a blueprint for designing dynamic helical structures.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

MIT researchers find self-organizing “pencil beam” laser could help scientists design brain-targeted therapies

Researchers leveraged a surprise discovery to devise a new bioimaging method that captures 3D images of the human blood-brain barrier 25 times faster than existing technology. This technique enables scientists to test whether new drugs for neurodegenerative diseases reach their targets in the brain.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 27, 2026

Origin of the stellar Fe Kα line revealed!

A team of researchers at Kyoto University used NICER and Hisaki to study a superflare on the star UX Arietis, finding that photoionization is the dominant mechanism behind the iron Kα line. This discovery provides a diagnostic tool for astronomers to infer flare locations on stellar surfaces.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 27, 2026

Hydraulic brain: Body motion linked to fluid movement in the brain

A study using mice and simulations found that abdominal contractions compress blood vessels connected to the spinal cord and brain, enabling gentle brain movement that facilitates cerebrospinal fluid flow and potentially removes neural waste. This mechanism may explain why exercise is thought to benefit brain health.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 27, 2026

Group averages obscure how an individual’s brain controls behavior, Stanford Medicine study finds

A new Stanford Medicine study shows that brain-scan averages obscure individual brain dynamics, particularly in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. By analyzing data from over 4,000 children, researchers found distinct patterns of brain activity when data is analyzed individually versus as a group.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 27, 2026

How pathogens switch on their virulence

A research team at the University of Basel has uncovered how a key protein switches on the machinery that enables Leptospira pathogens to survive and cause disease. By understanding this process, scientists may design drugs that keep the pathogen from becoming virulent, preventing severe cases and reducing mortality.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2026

Who do tipsters really work for?

Adolescents who follow social media tipsters report higher gambling intention and increased frequency. The study highlights the need for stronger regulation of tipster-related marketing and media literacy programmes to address persuasive strategies and improve risk awareness.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·TypeSurvey·DateApr 27, 2026

Novel study maps changes in US immigration policy landscape since 9/11

A comprehensive analysis of US state and local sanctuary and anti-sanctuary policies reveals associations with immigrants' health outcomes. Sanctuary policies are linked to improved community trust, reduced crime, and higher employment rates, while anti-sanctuary policies increase deportation risk and negatively impact mental health.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2026

‘The cause might be vibrating pipes rather than restless spirits’: increased stress and irritability from infrasound exposure may explain paranormal experiences

Researchers suggest that infrasound, a type of low-frequency sound undetectable by humans, may explain paranormal experiences. Exposure to infrasound has been shown to increase cortisol levels and irritability, even if participants are unaware they are listening to it.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

Implementation of a DNA 'molecular computer' smaller than 2nm semiconductors… high expectations for bio-computing applications

A team of researchers from KAIST has developed a DNA-based molecular computer that can operate at a much smaller scale than conventional semiconductor devices. The system enables both computation and memory within the same device, opening up new possibilities for future computing technologies in bio and medical applications.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 26, 2026

Children and young people from deprived areas less likely to gain access to mental health care

A new study found significant socio-economic inequalities in accessing mental health care, with children from deprived areas more likely to have their referrals rejected or experience worse clinical outcomes. Younger children under 11 are also less likely to receive help, hindering early intervention efforts.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 26, 2026

Drip-irrigated halotolerant PGPB boost jujube yield and quality in saline soils by reshaping soil bacterial communities

Field experiments in China demonstrate that applying halotolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria via drip irrigation can alleviate soil salinity stress, enhance jujube productivity and fruit quality. Drip-applied PGPB treatments also modified bacterial metabolic functions and reshaped the rhizosphere bacterial community.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalEngineering·DateApr 25, 2026

Experiments in space provide insight into heart failure mechanisms and potential for more robust tissue engineering

Researchers are using space-based experiments to develop new methods for protecting and repairing heart tissue, with the goal of creating more robust tissue engineering techniques. By studying the effects of microgravity on heart tissue, scientists hope to identify new targets for therapy and improve patient outcomes.

Surgeons debate promise and limits of robotics in lung transplantation at ISHLT meeting

At the ISHLT meeting, experts discussed the use of robotic technology in lung transplantation, highlighting potential benefits such as improved recovery and expanded access to transplantation for frail patients. However, Dr. Hermann Reichenspurner presented counterpoints, emphasizing that current evidence does not demonstrate superior ...

Physician’s medical decisions benefit from AI, Stanford Medicine-led research finds

A recent study published in Nature Medicine found that AI-powered chatbots can effectively answer nuanced clinical questions, even when paired with human doctors. The research suggests that successful collaboration depends on integrating AI tools into medical workflow, where they can provide initial takes or second opinions.

SourceStanford Medicine·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2026

Brazil has lost 1.4 billion tons of soil carbon due to the conversion of natural areas to agriculture

Researchers estimate that recarbonizing one-third of Brazil's agricultural land could meet the country's Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement. Sustainable practices like crop rotation and no-till farming can increase soil carbon storage, with potential increases of up to 15.3% in some biomes.

University of Cincinnati works with local paramedics to advance sudden cardiac arrest research

A University of Cincinnati study proves the feasibility and scalability of collecting blood from patients in cardiac arrest during treatment. The approach, which involves paramedics delivering samples to a biorepository, showed significant variation among patients and underscores the need for further research.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPrehospital Emergency Care·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 24, 2026

Unleashing natural killer cells against cancer

Scientists have developed a strategy to enhance the cancer-fighting power of natural killer cells by suppressing specific proteins. This approach effectively kills human cancer cells across several hard-to-treat tumour types, including leukemia and triple-negative breast cancer.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEMBO Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2026

Immune surveillance structures found in skin hair follicles

The study reveals that hair follicles contain specialized sentinel cells that monitor environmental exposure and microbial presence, potentially linking immune detection to sensory signaling. The discovery may have implications for understanding skin infections, immune disorders, and topical therapeutics.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2026