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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 336


Page 336 of 516

Odometer inattention costs used car buyers

Research from the University of Texas at Austin finds that consumers pay up to $170 extra per vehicle when buying a used car with nearly identical mileage but one digit off, due to left-digit bias. This phenomenon can result in higher prices for cars just below round numbers like 20,000 or 50,000.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateApr 22, 2026

Q&A: What do teenagers need from their parents?

Penn State professor Greg Fosco emphasizes the importance of parental monitoring, autonomy-supportive parenting, and fostering a sense of purpose in teenagers' lives. Research suggests that when adolescents perceive a stable relationship with their parents, their well-being suffers, while having a sense of purpose is linked to lower su...

SourcePenn State·JournalFamily Process·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 22, 2026

New model helps understand why most human pregnancies are singletons

A new model predicts that the selection of a single follicle for maturation during human pregnancy is entirely random, contrary to prior theories. The model suggests that once one follicle is selected, estradiol levels start rising, causing FSH levels to fall below the threshold, and unselected follicles die off.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 22, 2026

Cosmetics from waste? New microbial discovery could enable more sustainable production of high-value chemical products

A team of researchers has developed a new microbial method for producing medium-chain fatty acids, which are used in various industries, including cosmetics and detergents. The breakthrough enables the use of waste materials as feedstock for fermentation, reducing reliance on palm oil.

Low-dose triple-pill cut risk of recurrent stroke by about 40%, global trial shows

A global trial involving 1,670 patients with intracerebral haemorrhage found that treatment with a single pill combination of three low-dose blood pressure medicines reduced the risk of another stroke by 39%. The study showed significant benefits in reducing major cardiovascular events and improving blood pressure control.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 22, 2026

Liquid biochar fertilizers boost crop yields while improving soil sustainability, study finds

Researchers developed liquid biochar mineral complex fertilizers that significantly increase crop yields and improve nutrient efficiency. The nitrogen-enriched formulation delivered the strongest results, achieving positive nitrogen and phosphorus balances while reducing labor and cost.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2026

When the rain comes, some New York City subway riders stay home. Scientists are now mapping exactly who, and where

A new NYU study analyzes hourly ridership at 10 major NYC subway stations between 2023 and 2025. Heavy rain affects peak hour travel, while extreme cold has a smaller impact, especially off-peak. The research highlights the importance of considering infrastructure, station design, and surrounding land use in transit planning.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·Journalnpj Sustainable Mobility and Transport·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 22, 2026

The “Resource curse”: Princeton-led study shows why natural resource abundance can be a double-edged sword

A Princeton-led study examines the complexities of translating natural resource wealth into economic prosperity. Higher social and human capital, as well as institutional safeguards, are critical in avoiding the 'resource curse,' a phenomenon where extraction leads to limited growth and unstable institutions.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2026

Deceptive ovarian cancer case mimics pelvic abscess, delaying diagnosis in postmenopausal woman

A rare case of mucinous ovarian carcinoma was reported in a postmenopausal woman, initially misdiagnosed as a pelvic abscess due to nonspecific symptoms and radiologic features. The diagnosis was confirmed after advanced imaging and tumor marker assessment. Early recognition is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective treatment of th...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeCase study·DateApr 22, 2026

Telling people they might lose motivates more than telling them they might win, research shows

Research by Virginia Tech researcher Phil Thompson and his colleagues found that when managers frame work problems as potential losses, employees are more likely to take action. Framing something as a loss yields employees to voice a work suggestion more than framing them as gains. This approach can influence employees' motivation to s...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateApr 22, 2026

Yolo County basic income program provided reprieve from poverty but not financial independence

The Yolo County basic income program provided a monthly stipend of $1,289 per month to 76 mostly single-parent families, helping them gain housing, food, and general wellbeing. Participants reported reduced stress levels and improved parenting skills, but faced challenges in achieving long-term financial stability.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeCase study·DateApr 22, 2026

QR codes can influence whether older customers return, USF study shows

A USF study found that easy-to-use QR codes significantly reduce frustration and cognitive load among older adults, leading to higher satisfaction and customer loyalty. The research emphasizes the importance of businesses incorporating user-friendly technologies to cater to seniors' needs.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 22, 2026

Mapping microplastic movement in rivers and streams across Pennsylvania

A recent study investigated microplastic movement in freshwater ecosystems across Pennsylvania, finding that watersheds with higher population densities and adjacent wastewater treatment plants had higher concentrations of microplastics. The research also revealed local features, such as forests and rural areas, play a critical role in...

SourcePenn State·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2026

Wayne State University and Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute researchers establish new digital engagement and cancer outcomes center with ACS grant

Researchers will build connections with Detroit's digital equity ecosystem and promote digital inclusion to link cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers with resources. The Digital Engagement and Cancer Outcomes (DECO) Center aims to advance interventions that improve outcomes at the individual level.

Climate change is already reshaping health, work, and food security in Europe

Climate change is already reshaping health, work, and food security in Europe, with rising temperatures reducing working hours and economic output. Climate extremes are increasing food insecurity primarily through higher prices and diet quality, according to Shouro Dasgupta, a leading expert on the economic impacts of climate change.

Why does life prefer one “hand” over the other? New study points to electron spin

Researchers found that electron spin interacts differently with mirror-image molecules, causing small but meaningful differences in behavior during dynamic processes. This asymmetry could lead to the dominance of a single 'hand' in biology, offering a possible route toward understanding how one molecular form came to dominate.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2026

Field tests: Clearing aisle islands boosts sales

A study by University of Innsbruck researchers found that removing secondary product displays in crowded supermarket aisles increases sales by 11.5% due to increased browsing and interactions. Shopping carts amplify the negative effects, making narrow aisles feel tighter and reducing perceived control.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPLOS One·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2026

Should we be switching to silicone toothbrushes?

A new scoping review reveals silicone toothbrushes as a promising tool in global oral health, yet their effectiveness and environmental impact remain understudied. The study suggests that switching to silicone toothbrushes could be a viable alternative to traditional toothbrushes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateApr 22, 2026

Shriners Children’s names world-renowned pediatric surgeon Scott H. Kozin M.D. as Chief Medical Officer

Internationally recognized pediatric hand surgeon Dr. Scott H. Kozin takes the helm as Shriners Children's Chief Medical Officer, bringing decades of clinical expertise to expand access to high-quality pediatric care nationwide. The appointment comes at a pivotal moment, with the upcoming opening of the new Shriners Children's Research...

SourceShriners Hospitals for Children·TypeNews article·DateApr 22, 2026