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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 372


Page 372 of 516

Risk of Alzheimer’s dementia significantly reduced after high-dose influenza vaccination compared to the standard dose, study finds

A new study published in Neurology found that high-dose influenza vaccination is associated with a nearly 55% reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in people 65 years and older compared to the standard dose. This increased protection is stronger among women, highlighting the importance of flu vaccination for this vulnerable po...

Researchers warn of risks posed by ‘contaminants of emerging concern’ found in crops, agricultural soil

A new study reveals that even low concentrations of pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and other chemicals can subtly alter plant physiology and disrupt soil health, posing wider environmental and human health risks. The review emphasizes the need for stronger regulation and redesign of chemicals to make them safer.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPlants People Planet·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 1, 2026

Gemini South confirms long-suspected link between the composition of exoplanets and their host stars

Researchers have discovered that a giant planet, WASP-189b, echoes the composition of its host star, providing direct evidence for a foundational concept in astrobiology. The team's findings offer insights into how exoplanets form and evolve, and open new avenues for studying exoplanet atmospheres.

A molecular clock controls neuronal maturation

A molecular clock, governed by epigenetic marks, controls neuronal maturation in the brain. The balance between these signals ensures that maturation occurs at the right time and in the right order. Even in mature adult brain cells, hundreds of genes remain bivalent, suggesting a role in stress response and cell death.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalGenes & Development·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 1, 2026

Oregano, rosemary and ‘time’: Long-term swine study shows natural-compound benefits

A long-term public study found that phytochemicals from oregano and rosemary supported favorable gut health and growth performance in weaned pigs, preserving microbial diversity to improve nutrient utilization. The natural agents outperformed antibiotic growth promoters in terms of final body weight and gain-to-feed ratio.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalAnimal Research and One Health·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2026

China–Italy Laboratory Medicine collaboration strengthened through strategic meeting at Ruijin Hospital

The China–Italy laboratory medicine collaboration has been strengthened through a high-level meeting at Ruijin Hospital. The partnership aims to enhance the journal's global influence through international editorial collaboration, overseas offices, and high-quality academic content.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalLabMed Discovery·TypeNews article·DateApr 1, 2026

Johns Hopkins team develops therapeutic, nasally delivered DNA vaccine for tuberculosis

The Johns Hopkins team developed a therapeutic intranasal DNA vaccine against tuberculosis that accelerated disease clearance, improved treatment outcomes, and stimulated immune responses. The vaccine combines two genes to direct the immune system to fight drug-tolerant bacterial persisters, showing promise for treating TB.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 1, 2026

Broadband nanoprobe sharpens optical imaging

Researchers developed a double-slit plasmonic platform-based fiber probe that combines easier light excitation, stronger tip enhancement, broadband stability, and controllable fabrication. The probe achieved 28.6 nm optical imaging resolution under ambient conditions and resolved structures smaller than the diffraction limit.

Targeted therapy improves long-term outcomes for patients with rare mutations driving lung cancer

A phase 1/2 clinical study found that pralsetinib improved durable responses with manageable safety profiles in patients with advanced or metastatic RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer. The overall response rate was 78% and median duration of response was longer in patients with the CCDC6-RET fusion gene.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 1, 2026

New study finds respiratory evolution drove body size differences in early land vertebrates

Early land vertebrates exhibited distinct patterns of body size evolution, with amniote-lineage land vertebrates experiencing a relaxation of constraints, enabling them to expand their maximum body size limit. Lissamphibian precursors showed stronger constraints on body size evolution and relied on cutaneous CO2 excretion.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 1, 2026

Walking is top leisure-time physical activity for US adults

A new study reveals that walking is the most popular leisure-time physical activity among US adults, but urban residents are more likely to meet exercise guidelines. Rural residents tend to prefer activities like gardening and hunting, with lower rates of inactivity and guideline adherence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateApr 1, 2026

Human attitudes to predators shape prospects for coexistence

A recent study by Miquel Torrents-Ticó found that human attitudes play a crucial role in determining predator populations. In two Kenyan sites, human tolerance influenced spotted hyena distribution, with tolerated herders allowing predators to thrive. The findings suggest that coexistence is more likely when humans accept predators.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal for Nature Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 1, 2026

Porous nanofibrils spun from supramolecules with intrinsic cavities

Researchers created a new type of microporous aerogel that overcomes limitations of conventional materials, enabling flexible and highly processable shapes. The material's flexibility arises from reversible van der Waals interactions between metal–organic polyhedra molecules.

SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2026

NYU Abu Dhabi and University of Denver researchers identify promising small molecule inhibitor of brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease

A team of NYU Abu Dhabi and University of Denver researchers have identified a promising small molecule, SK-129, that could slow or stop the progression of serious brain diseases such as Parkinson's disease. The molecule works by preventing the aggregation and spread of a neuronal protein, which damages brain cells over time.

SourceNew York University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2026

New nanofluidic holder lets scientists heat, cool, electrify, and watch reactions in real time

A compact chip holder with integrated electrodes enables temperature control, electric actuation, pressure handling, and optical readout for nanofluidic systems. The platform supports studies on molecular transport, catalytic reactions, and protein aggregation in confined environments.

Artificial intelligence could transform patient education in eye care, new research shows

A new AI chatbot helps patients access retinal detachment advice through personalized, real-time, clinically grounded conversations. The system outperformed leading large language models and includes accessibility features for people with low vision or limited English proficiency.

SourceUniversity of East London·JournalJournal of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 1, 2026