Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2026 - Page 361


Page 361 of 516

Self-employed Hispanic women may be at lower risk for cardiovascular disease compared with their salaried counterparts

Research published in Ethnicity & Disease found that self-employed Hispanic women report less high blood pressure, obesity, and poor health compared to their salaried counterparts. They were also more likely to exercise, with a nearly 11% higher rate of physical activity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalEthnicity & Disease·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2026

A framework for human brain–computer interfaces with single-neuron recordings

A new framework for brain-computer interfaces is proposed using single-neuron recordings, integrating clinical advances with existing technologies. The framework enables two closed-loop strategies: adaptive neural feedback systems and adaptive neuromodulation systems, facilitating the study of memory processing and concept cells.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalLabMed Discovery·TypeNews article·DateApr 8, 2026

The structure of online reviews shapes their helpfulness

A study of nearly 200,000 Amazon reviews reveals that the structure of online product reviews plays a crucial role in their helpfulness. The researchers identified nine possible structures of online reviews and found that different review structures are more or less helpful depending on how highly the reviewer has rated the product.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 8, 2026

How do plant roots grow in unpredictable temperatures?

Researchers found that auxin's partner proteins serve as internal plant 'thermostats' that directly sense temperature and change genetic programs to direct root growth accordingly. This discovery could lead to engineering plants that withstand extreme temperatures, protecting crop productivity under challenging conditions.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2026

Genetic markers fast-track breeding of seedless muscadine grapes

Using new genetic markers, fruit breeders can predict flower sex type and seedlessness in muscadines and other grapes with high accuracy. The approach will save time and resources in developing new grape varieties, including the major challenge of creating flavorful seedless muscadines on self-pollinating vines.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalHortScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2026

University of Minnesota researchers develop new method providing clearer view of how genome functions in cancer

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have developed a new method called PARTAGE that provides a clearer picture of how the genome is regulated and disrupted in diseases like cancer. The method allows for the measurement of three key features from the same sample: DNA duplication, genomic alterations, and gene activ...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 8, 2026

Mental and physical illnesses go hand in hand. A new genetic study helps explain why

A recent genetic study analyzing DNA from 2 million people found that similar chunks of DNA are associated with both psychiatric disorders like depression and PTSD, as well as various physical ailments. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments that address both mental and physical health.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2026

Enzyme produced by fungus may replace chemicals in the paper industry

A new enzyme from a fungus cultivated in sugarcane bagasse or wheat bran can promote cellulose pulp bleaching. The xylanase facilitates the removal of xylan fractions associated with residual lignin, increasing brightness and efficiency in subsequent stages of pulp processing. This non-toxic alternative reduces chemical load and has gr...

Breathing and moving in the ancient world of reptiles: What a mummified 289-million-year-old reptile can reveal about us today

A 289-million-year-old mummified reptile has provided scientists with a unique window into the evolution of breathing and movement in ancient reptiles. The study found that the reptile's respiratory system is similar to that of modern reptiles, birds, and mammals, suggesting an efficient mechanism for respiration.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2026

If you’re a perfectionist at work, your boss’ expectations may matter more than your own, research finds

A new study from University of Florida finds that employee perfectionism impact depends on alignment with supervisor's expectations and clarity in understanding. When employees' standards match supervisors', they experience less uncertainty, better performance, and higher job satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2026

More than half of vets report that they likely see cases of animal abuse by falsification, analogous to Munchausen syndrome by proxy, in their practice, per small Dutch survey

A small Dutch survey found that more than half of veterinarians believe they will see cases of animal abuse by falsification, akin to Munchausen syndrome by proxy. This recognition is alarming and warrants further investigation into animal welfare practices among veterinary professionals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2026

Optical control of nuclear spins in molecules points to new paths for quantum technologies

Researchers have successfully initialized and detected nuclear spin states in a europium-based molecular crystal using laser light, achieving nuclear spin quantum coherence with a lifetime of up to two milliseconds. This breakthrough paves the way for scalable quantum computers and atomically precise qubit registers.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 8, 2026

A nanoscale robotic cleaner

Researchers have developed light-driven nanorobots that can track down and collect bacteria, perform rapid 90° turns and selectively capture bacteria. The nanorobots enable controlled interaction with the microscopic world, opening possibilities for microbiology, biomedical research and targeted manipulation at the microscale.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2026

UMass Chan researchers shed light on how inflammation in GI tract rewires enteric nervous system

Research reveals inflammation in the GI tract changes how nerves are arranged, affecting intestinal muscle contractions. A protective stress response pathway helps neurons survive, preserving their structure and potentially offering a way to curtail persistent symptoms associated with IBD.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2026

Should emojis be used in workplace communications?

A new study by the University of Ottawa found that emojis can negatively affect perceptions of competence and appropriateness in professional settings. The researchers discovered that using positive emojis with negative messages can create a sense of dishonesty, while negative emojis can lower overall competence perception.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCollabra·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2026

Study identifies strategy to overcome radiation therapy resistance in lung cancer

Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified a way lung cancer cells evade radiation therapy and developed a strategy to overcome this challenge using a DHODH inhibitor. The study found that inhibiting DHODH with leflunomide can help overcome radiation resistance by promoting ferroptosis, allowing ...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2026

Food literacy program helps rural, uninsured patients with diabetes build healthy eating skills

A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that a Food is Medicine and food literacy education program improved food-related knowledge and practical skills among rural, uninsured adults with type 2 diabetes. The Fresh Start FIM + Food Literacy intervention showed significant overall improvements i...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2026

Study: Long-term opioid prescribing fell, but millions still receive extended opioid therapy

A recent study found a decline in long-term opioid prescribing in the US between 2015 and 2023, with a 24.3% decrease in patients receiving extended therapy. However, approximately 4.2 million US patients still received opioids for 90 days or longer in 2023, indicating the need for improved treatment models for chronic pain management.