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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 53


Page 53 of 413

Aging brains welcome reinforcements from outside immune cells

Researchers at Stanford University discovered that aging brings a large influx of immune cells into the brain, upending previous assumptions about the brain's immune system. The study suggests that these immune cells may interact with the brain and contribute to its resilience against Alzheimer's disease.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2026

A ‘double-punch’ approach to tackling brain cancer

Researchers have developed a 'double-punch' approach to treating brain cancer using light-activated nanoparticles that enable precise imaging during surgery and targeted phototherapy after surgery. The platform has shown promising results in mouse models, achieving 100% survival rate at 60 days.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026

Deciphering optical coupled resonant systems with physics-data co-driven deep neural networks

Researchers develop a physics-data co-driven deep neural network that captures underlying physical characteristics of coupled resonant systems using coupled mode theory-generated datasets. This approach enables accurate retrieval of intrinsic resonant frequency, coupling strength, and transmission phase in complex systems.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Science & Applications·DateAug 5, 2026

AI-empowered pipeline-in-a-drug option: Insilico Medicine nominates ISM9077, potential first-in-class target Y inhibitor, as preclinical candidate (PCC) for ocular diseases, inflammatory disorders and aging

ISM9077 boasts potent inhibition across species, excellent exposure and permeability traits, and a favorable safety profile in preclinical studies. It modulates pathological inflammation, supporting broad indication expansion into therapeutic areas like aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceInSilico Medicine·DateAug 5, 2026

As urban tree shade shrinks, mortality rises

A Northwestern University study found that areas with shrinking tree canopy cover experience higher mortality rates, particularly in hot neighborhoods. Protecting mature trees alongside planting new ones is crucial for reducing health risks and strengthening climate resilience.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGeoHealth·DateAug 5, 2026

Depression linked to smaller volume in key memory region of older adults

Researchers discovered that depression is associated with a specific area of the hippocampus, independent of Alzheimer's disease risk factors. The study found participants with depression had smaller volumes in the CA23DG region, which plays a crucial role in retrieving memories and distinguishing between similar experiences.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 5, 2026

BESIII experiment identifies X(2370) as a glueball dominated particle

The BESIII Collaboration identified the dominant constituent of the X(2370) as a pseudoscalar glueball with spin-parity quantum numbers of 0⁻⁺. This discovery provides decisive validation of quantum chromodynamics at low energies and represents an entirely new form of matter.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·DateAug 5, 2026

Zoo-housed lions show wild-style behaviors when fed whole carcasses

Researchers found that feeding whole carcasses increased lion feeding time by almost three times and led to activity patterns mirroring those in the wild. The study also showed no increase in aggression or social instability around carcass feeding events.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalApplied Animal Behaviour Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026

No clear evidence that common embryo transfer techniques improve IVF success

A new Cochrane review analyzed 11 studies involving 2,524 women undergoing embryo transfer, finding no reliable evidence that preparatory techniques improve IVF success rates. The techniques examined included straightening the utero-cervical angle and removing cervical mucus before transfer.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 5, 2026

Adults living with HIV are at high risk for diabetes. Here's why.

Researchers found that people with well-controlled HIV have more fibrosis in their fat tissues, leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The study also identified a blood marker of scarred fat, which may help predict metabolic future for individuals with HIV.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 5, 2026

No-tillage and microbial fertilizer work together to build carbon in nutrient-poor albic soils

A field study in northeastern China shows that combining no-tillage management with microbial organic fertilizer can significantly increase soil organic carbon across both surface and deeper soil layers. The treatment increased soil organic carbon by up to 93.2% and maintained larger macroaggregates, which can physically enclose organi...

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalAgricultural Ecology and Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026

Quartz particles reveal how reactor design can boost coal tar yield and quality

Researchers developed a simple visual method for tracking vapor movement inside a fixed-bed reactor, finding that internal structures can redirect vapors and improve tar production and gas quality. The design increased total tar yield and raised the light tar fraction to as much as 74.42 percent.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalSustainable Carbon Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026

GLP-1 drug linked to heart benefits for high-risk patients

Adding tirzepatide to standard care reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke, by 32% compared to sitagliptin. The study found significant benefits on individual MACE components and mortality from any cause.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2026

Climate pledges could shrink global cropland by 12.8% by 2100

A new study warns that ambitious climate pledges may lead to a 12.8% reduction in global cropland by 2100, compromising food security. The impact could be unevenly distributed, with countries in the Global South and South America facing significant losses.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalEnvironmental and Biogeochemical Processes·TypeNews article·DateAug 5, 2026

Widely used early warning score may help guide the urgency of antibiotic treatment for suspected sepsis

A large cohort study found that the National Early Warning Score (NEWS2) can identify patients most likely to benefit from immediate antibiotics, allowing clinicians greater confidence in treating lower-risk patients. The study analyzed nearly 100,000 adults treated for suspected infection and suggests NEWS2 may provide a more comprehe...

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2026

New insights position HMGCR as a powerful target in cancer treatment

The enzyme HMGCR plays a central role in cholesterol biosynthesis, supporting tumor growth by enhancing cell proliferation and enabling metastasis. Inhibiting its activity can disrupt the supply of cholesterol and related molecules that tumors rely on, leading to reduced tumor growth and increased sensitivity to treatment.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalGenes & Diseases·DateAug 5, 2026

UCLA researchers receive NIH grant to boost the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are developing drug-based strategies to enhance cancer immunotherapy for melanoma and potentially other cancers. They identified two promising compounds that could strengthen T cell interaction with cancer cells or make tumor cells more susceptible to destruction by T cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateAug 5, 2026

ALARA+ Coalition launches toolkits to speed adoption of enhanced radiation protection in cath labs

The ALARA+ Coalition has released a suite of resources to help hospital leadership and decisionmakers implement enhanced radiation and occupational safety guidelines for clinicians and staff working in fluoroscopy laboratories. The new toolkits provide practical steps to protect cath lab team members from both occupational radiation ex...

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·DateAug 5, 2026

Pumas make roads safer for drivers

A study found that pumas change deer behavior, reducing the likelihood of deer-vehicle collisions by 67%. Deer alter their use of space and time where pumas are present, overlapping less with roads.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2026

Tiny vortices discovered on the sun’s surface

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in solar physics by visualizing tiny plasma vortices on the Sun's surface. These vortices are changing our understanding of the Sun and its magnetic field, providing new perspectives on energy storage and release.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Solar System Research·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2026

Wearable electric-field device slows aggressive breast cancer in preclinical study

A new wearable electric-field device has been shown to slow the growth and spread of aggressive breast cancer in preclinical models. The technology uses low-intensity electric fields that interact with cancer cells in a controlled way, reducing tumor growth and increasing immune responses.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalBreast Cancer Targets and Therapy·DateAug 5, 2026

Engineered human neurons rebuild damaged spinal cord circuits

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have developed a regenerative treatment using stem cell-derived spinal interneurons to repair damaged neural networks in rats. The new cells not only survived and formed connections with the animals' own neural circuits but also improved breathing-related motor function after transplantation.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 5, 2026

American black bears sleep twice as much during hibernation periods as during summer months, spending just 1/3 of this time awake, per machine-learning analysis of data from captive bears recorded over a period of 5 years

A recent study published in PLOS One found that American black bears sleep twice as much during hibernation periods compared to summer months, with only 1/3 of the time spent awake. The researchers used machine-learning analysis of data from captive bears recorded over a period of five years.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateAug 5, 2026

Fewer heart attacks, more cancer cases, and better survival chances

Researchers found that disease prevention has reduced the incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and hip fractures, while cancer cases have increased. Improved diagnosis and treatment for cancer have led to better survival rates.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Demographic Research·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·DateAug 5, 2026

Cancer cells hijack a fatty acid to escape immune attack in liver metastases

Researchers discovered how cancer cells exploit palmitate to suppress neutrophils' anti-tumor activity, allowing tumors to survive and grow. By disrupting this process, the researchers restored neutrophil function and reduced metastatic growth in liver metastases.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026

Twisting graphene into correlation and topology

Researchers have discovered novel quantum phenomena in twisted graphene, including orbital magnetism, quantum anomalous Hall effect, and unconventional superconductivity. The review highlights the flatband electronic structure of magic-angle bilayer graphene, driving complex behaviors like correlated insulators and topological states.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 5, 2026

New biobank of tumour models reveals cancers’ weak spots

A new open resource of cancer models has enabled researchers to create the first large-scale map of the genes that cancers rely on to survive. The biobank, developed by the Wellcome Sanger Institute and collaborators, reveals potential weak points that could be targeted with future treatments.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 2026

Scientists turn one of the world's most hated plastics into premium lubricant

Researchers at Virginia Tech develop process to strip chlorine from PVC and produce synthetic lubricant-based oils. The new method converts discarded PVC into a key lubricant ingredient, offering a potential solution to two environmental challenges: recycling difficult-to-process plastics and producing valuable industrial materials.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 2026

Electron redistribution by fluorine‑induced dual defects in cu3p accelerated charge transfer toward high‑performance electrochemical chloride ion removal

Researchers have unveiled a transformative intrinsic enhancement strategy that redefines the performance ceiling of electrochemical deionization. The F-Cu3Pv-2 electrode leverages heteroatom doping to trigger self-adaptive dual defect formation, enhancing electron transfer, ion adsorption, and diffusion kinetics.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateAug 5, 2026

Make it make sense: How humans process the extraordinary

Researchers investigated how individuals interpret nonordinary experiences, finding that most people view them as neutral or positive. The study's findings suggest that how a person interprets an unusual experience matters more than the experience itself in determining its impact on wellbeing.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2026

New insights into the mechanisms of liquid–liquid phase separation involved in gene regulation

Research at AIST, Institute of Science Tokyo, and Ritsumeikan University uncovers the impact of histone acetylation site location on liquid–liquid phase separation in gene regulation. This study provides new perspectives for therapeutic development targeting aberrant gene expression.

SourceNational Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026

Restoring the silenced Friedreich’s ataxia gene through unconventional means

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have found a way to reactivate the frataxin gene in Friedreich's ataxia, a neurodegenerative disease, by using a specially designed chemical adaptor. The study challenges a longstanding assumption about histone modifications and offers new insights into gene regulation.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateAug 5, 2026

World’s first semiconductor maser

A research team has created a silicon-carbide-based maser that operates continuously above room temperature, enabling new applications in communication and sensing. The maser amplifies microwave radiation and has high frequency stability, making it suitable for precise magnetic field measurements.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026

Does eczema increase the risk of developing shingles?

People with eczema face a higher risk of developing shingles due to an altered skin immune response. Researchers analyzed UK database data and found that eczema severity was directly linked to increased shingles risk.

SourceWiley·JournalJDDG Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft·DateAug 5, 2026

Mindfulness-based therapy for opioid misuse offers massive return on investment

A new study reveals that Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) is highly effective in reducing opioid misuse and costs. The therapy, which combines mindfulness skills to regulate craving and pain, has been shown to provide $12 in cost savings for every dollar spent, with potential economic benefits of over $324,000 per patient.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalValue in Health·DateAug 5, 2026

Multifunctional conductive and elastic matrices‑engineered Si nanocomposite anodes for liquid and solid‑state lithium batteries

Researchers have developed a transformative silicon nanocomposite anode that overcomes longstanding barriers to practical deployment, achieving simultaneous optimization of electronic conduction, mechanical robustness, and elastic stress recovery. The anode delivers exceptional high-rate performance and outstanding cycling stability, m...

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateAug 5, 2026

Targeting sensory nerves after growth plate injuries may bolster healing

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that inhibiting sensory neurons with a nerve blocker can reduce abnormal bone growth in cartilage after childhood bone injuries, potentially improving recovery. The study found that the treatment reduced unwanted bone growth by up to 60% in mice.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026

An electrostatic quantum nanocorral for composite charged excitons

A team of physicists from Boston College created a quantum nanocorral that can trap and control charged excitons, enabling precise electrical control of tiny light sources. The discovery opens up new ways to control hybrid charge, photon, and spin quantum states.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026

When we misread autistic people, it may not be a lack of empathy—it may be a mismatch

A new study challenges long-held assumptions about autism by showing that autistic people can understand others' emotions just as well as non-autistic people. Researchers found that autistic participants were similarly accurate at tracking emotional experiences and may have been slightly more accurate when understanding other autistic ...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalMolecular Autism·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026