Science News Archive 2026
Page 53 of 124
Does the motion of our DNA influence its activity?
Calls for global guidelines for safer AI use in medicine
UT Arlington earns significant NSF grant for math scholars
The University of Texas at Arlington receives a six-year $2 million NSF grant for math scholarships up to $15,000. The program aims to address the national STEM workforce need and nurture talent.
Paper: FDA-required drug labels shouldn’t be treated as evidence of patent infringement
A new paper argues that FDA-required drug labels should not be used as key evidence in patent cases against generic-drug manufacturers. Instead, clinicians rely on guidelines, experience, and medical literature when making prescribing decisions.
Yale study reveals how children with disruptive behavior get “stuck” in specific brain states
A new Yale study found that children with disruptive behavior may have trouble transitioning between different brain states, leading to difficulties in executive functioning and emotion regulation. The research uses advanced computational methods to track moment-to-moment changes in brain connectivity.
The giant fire tornado that could save our oceans
Researchers have developed a new method for cleaning oil spills using massive fire whirls, which can burn through crude oil nearly twice as fast as in-situ fire pools. The results show that fire whirls produce 40% less soot and consume up to 95% of the fuel, leaving fewer harmful particles behind.
Hereon Press Release: Offshore wind farms change current patterns
A new study reveals that offshore wind farms can create complex wake structures that interact with each other, affecting surface currents and sediment transport. The research suggests that turbines spaced farther apart can reduce turbulence caused by tidal wakes, leading to optimized wind farm designs.
New tool models metal response to stress, pinpoints failure locations
Researchers at University of Illinois have created a model that captures the metal material's response to stress and predict failure hotspots using pixel-scale images. The algorithm uses machine learning to output strain fields from computational simulations, predicting mechanical response based on crystal orientations.
Steckel elected Fellow by Weed Science Society of America
Larry Steckel, a leading expert in weed science, has been elected Fellow by the Weed Science Society of America. His research program focuses on managing multiple-herbicide-resistant weeds in row crop production, providing critical data for farmers to prevent yield loss.
Molecular knitting machine for bacterial capsules in 3D
Scientists at HZI have developed a new technique to visualize the complex process of bacterial capsule production. They used cryo-electron microscopy to study the Wza-Wzc transport channel, which is responsible for knitting the sugar cloak that protects bacteria from the environment and immune cells.
Semiconductor physics: polaron formation observed for first time
Physicists at LMU have successfully tracked the extremely brief formation process of polarons using an ultrafast imaging method, confirming a theory from 1933. The researchers demonstrated that electrons lose energy and gain mass as they form these quasiparticles.
Treasure trove of data on worms in Europe's seas
A collaborative effort by researchers from the University of Göttingen and other institutions is creating a genomic inventory of European marine annelids. The goal is to accelerate biodiversity research worldwide and counteract the 'silent extinction' of marine species.
Researchers connect the dots between cause-effect events in Alzheimer’s disease
A study revealed a path of molecular events that can lead to Alzheimer's disease, including the formation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Researchers identified genes involved in immune and synaptic regulatory mechanisms as potential therapeutic targets.
New treatment works to improve hot flash symptoms in prostate cancer therapy
A medication commonly used to treat overactive bladder significantly reduced hot flashes in men receiving hormone therapy for prostate cancer. Men who took oxybutynin also reported improvements in day-to-day functioning and overall quality of life.
Long-term warming transforms mountain meadows above and below ground
Climate change alters high-elevation meadows, causing plant communities to shift towards shrub-dominated landscapes. The changes also affect the soil ecosystem, with declines in mycorrhizal fungi and increases in decomposers.
Researchers question editorial bias in COVID-19 vaccine debate
A new commentary raises concerns about editorial bias in scientific publishing, particularly in relation to COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy. The authors highlight the rejection of a case report and literature review that raised potential links between mRNA vaccines and rare blood cancers.
Special issue highlights research advancing women’s heart disease and stroke care
A special issue of Circulation highlights progress in women's cardiovascular health, featuring sex-specific research on prevention, diagnosis and management. The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women initiative supports over 200,000 healthcare professionals with educational tools to improve women's health.
Study finds emphasis on conversation facilitation helps journalists re-engage communities
A study found that pairing student journalists with communities through structured conversation can help rebuild trust and teach future reporters how to listen to and investigate the needs of overlooked communities. The program resulted in 27 conversations involving students and 135 community members, generating a complete curriculum f...
Sprinting science that rewrites the rulebook
The study reveals that no two sprinters look the same at full speed due to unique interactions between body, environment, and training history. By embracing movement variability and individuality, coaches can create learning environments that allow athletes to discover efficient techniques.
World record: The world’s smallest QR code
Researchers at TU Wien have successfully created and read a QR code smaller than most bacteria, setting a new world record. The technology has enormous potential for long-term data storage, with the ability to store over 2 terabytes of data on a single A4 sheet.
Mizzou researchers uncover how plants regulate root growth
Researchers at Mizzou's Bond Life Sciences Center have discovered how a specific protein known as SRFR1 regulates root growth in plants. They unlocked a way to manipulate this protein to encourage longer root growth, which can potentially help plants better withstand drought.
How bacteria may promote breast cancer
Pathogenic bacteria in gut and breast tissue can promote breast cancer development by increasing SMOX activity, leading to DNA damage and tumor growth. Targeting SMOX with inhibitors could be a viable strategy to counteract the cancer-promoting effects of microbial dysbiosis.
Enhancing mortality risk prediction by integrating CKM syndrome stages and CKD-based substaging: evidence from a nationwide cohort study
A nationwide cohort study found that chronic kidney disease significantly heightens mortality risk, even at moderate levels, and exceeds traditional metabolic risk factors. Maintaining renal function and early detection of CKD are critical for reducing both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.
Power in motion: transforming energy harvesting with gyroscopes
Researchers from The University of Osaka developed a novel device to harness wave power, achieving high energy absorption efficiency across broadband frequencies. By tuning gyroscopic parameters, the device can maximize performance, providing a roadmap for developing adaptable and efficient wave energy converters.
Ketamine high NOT related to treatment success for people with alcohol problems, study finds
A new study from King's College London and the University of Exeter found that ketamine's therapeutic benefits for people with alcohol use disorder may not be linked to its psychoactive effects. Instead, other factors such as brain network alterations and neural connections may play a role in the treatment's success.
1 in 6 Medicare beneficiaries depend on telehealth for key medical care
A cross-sectional analysis found that nearly half of mental health visits and 29 million non-mental health telehealth visits occurred annually. The study suggests that telehealth has become an essential component of care for older and medically vulnerable adults, raising concerns about rolling back telehealth flexibilities.
Maps can encourage home radon testing in the right settings
New research from the University of Oregon finds that risk maps for radon can increase testing intentions in medium- to high-risk areas, but have no effect on people living in low-risk zones. The study suggests that maps may be used to target specific areas depending on their risk level.
Exploring the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline
Research finds a specific link between hearing loss and cognitive decline in presbycusis, a neurodegenerative disorder. The Functional-Structural Ratio (FSR) identifies reduced connections between brain areas involved in sound processing and memory, associated with worse hearing thresholds and poorer performance on memory and executive...
Machine learning tool can predict serious transplant complications months earlier
Researchers developed an AI-based tool called BIOPREVENT to identify patients at higher risk for chronic GVHD and dying from transplant-related causes. The tool combines immune biomarkers, clinical data, and machine learning to create a personalized risk estimate over time.
Incidental rotator cuff abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging
A population-based study reveals that rotator cuff abnormalities are common after age 40 and often represent normal age-related changes. The findings challenge the clinical value of routine imaging for atraumatic shoulder pain, questioning the need for regular scans in this demographic.
Sensing local fibers in pancreatic tumors, cancer cells ‘choose’ to either grow or tolerate treatment
A new study shows that pancreatic cancer cells' ability to detect the extracellular matrix determines their growth rate and response to chemotherapy. The researchers found that cells detecting ECM have low autophagy levels and high growth rates, while those farther away from ECM have high autophagy levels and can survive chemotherapy.
Prevalence of over-the-counter and prescription medication use in the US
Nearly 2/3 of US adults reported using medication in the past 7 days, with similar prevalence of over-the-counter and prescription medications. This study emphasizes the reliance on these therapies and underscores the need for increased accessibility to address health disparities.
Barriers to mental health care leave many children behind, new data cautions
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute reveals that one in five US households reported a child needing mental health treatment, yet nearly a quarter didn't receive it. The study also found disparities among families with single parents, multi-child households, homeschooling families, and uninsured households.
US child mental health care need, unmet needs, and difficulty accessing services
A nationally representative study found that 1 in 5 US households have a parent-perceived mental health treatment need for their children. The study also revealed significant difficulties in accessing care, with 21.8% citing it as the reason for unmet needs.
AI-powered companionship: PolyU interfaculty scholar harnesses music and empathetic speech in robots to combat loneliness
Researchers at PolyU have discovered that combining music and empathetic speech in robots can foster a stronger bond between humans and machines. Music enhances the emotional resonance of on-screen robots, making interactions feel more real, but its impact diminishes over time.
Bioactive polyphenolic compounds and in vitro anti-degenerative property-based pharmacological propensities of some promising germplasms of Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.
The study investigated the bioactive polyphenolic compounds and their anti-degenerative properties in foliar tissues of Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. The results showed germplasm-specific variations in pharmacological potential, with some accessions exhibiting promising anti-degenerative properties.
Cancer and inflammation: immunologic interplay, translational advances, and clinical strategies
This review examines cancer-inflammation interplay, translational advances, and clinical strategies. Emerging technologies promise to refine precision therapy, while integrating inflammation-targeting approaches with immunotherapy offers a path to personalized cancer care.
Using NBA, study finds that pay differences among top performers can erode cooperation
A Washington State University study found that NBA teams with pay disparities among core players had lower winning percentages due to reduced coordinated effort. The researchers suggest managers ensure top performers are paid fairly in relation to each other and emphasize teamwork.
Haircare products made with botanicals protects strands, adds shine
Researchers in Brazil developed a plant-based solution to shield hair from heat and environmental damage. The biopolymer film created by tara and red algae improves shine and combability while making hair slightly less elastic.
Antarctica sits above Earth’s strongest “gravity hole.” Now we know how it got that way
A new study finds that Antarctica's gravity hole formed as a result of slow rock movements deep under the Earth's surface, which overlapped with major changes in the continent's climate system. The study suggests that future research could reveal how the shifting gravity may have encouraged the growth of ice sheets.
Enhanced pulmonary nodule detection and classification using artificial intelligence on LIDC-IDRI data
This study developed and evaluated an automatic method for lung nodule detection and classification using a CNN-based architecture on the LIDC-IDRI database. The proposed method achieved high sensitivity and accuracy, with competitive performance compared to recent studies.
Korea University, Stanford University, and IESGA launch Water Sustainability Index to combat ESG greenwashing
A new framework introduces the Water Sustainability Index (WSI), a transparent, quantitative metric designed to strengthen corporate water accountability worldwide. The WSI evaluates corporate water withdrawals, consumption, discharge quality, and reuse while accounting for local water scarcity.
Molecular glue discovery: large scale instead of lucky strike
Researchers developed a new method to discover molecular glues through large-scale chemistry and cell-based screening. They identified compounds that selectively degrade ENL in leukemia cells, demonstrating the potential of this approach for targeting previously undruggable proteins.
Insulin resistance predictor highlights cancer connection
Researchers developed AI-IR, a machine learning tool that predicts insulin resistance and implies a link to cancers. The model demonstrated strong predictive power in detecting insulin resistance that BMI alone cannot explain.
Explaining next-generation solar cells
Researchers at ISTA discover perovskites' unique photovoltaic properties rely on structural defects, enabling long-range charge transport. This finding accelerates the transition of next-gen perovskite solar cells to real-world applications.
Slippery ions create a smoother path to blue energy
Researchers at EPFL have developed a method to overcome challenges in osmotic energy systems, enabling ions to flow through a nanofluidic membrane with unprecedented speed and control. By lubricating nanopores with lipid molecules, they achieved significantly boosted ion transport and overall performance.
Magnetic resonance imaging opens the door to better treatments for underdiagnosed atypical Parkinsonisms
A new study uses advanced MRI to accurately diagnose progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD), two underdiagnosed conditions. This breakthrough enables precise clinical trials and transforms treatment options for patients with balance problems, falls, stiffness, or difficulties with speech and movement.
National poll finds gaps in community preparedness for teen cardiac emergencies
A national poll found that nearly half of parents are aware of the risk of sudden cardiac arrest in teens, but only about half know their school has an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site. Parents support CPR and AED training, with four in 10 already trained to use an AED, and nearly nine in 10 willing to receive free training.
College students who spend hours on social media are more likely to be lonely – national US study
A national US study of tens of thousands of college students found that excessive social media use is linked to higher odds of loneliness. Students who spent 16 hours or more on social media per week were 38% more likely to feel isolated.
Survey: 3 in 4 skip physical therapy homework, stunting progress
A survey by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals that 76% of people don't complete their physical therapy homework. Adding home exercises to routines can help successful recovery and reduce the need for additional medical procedures.
One strategy to block both drug-resistant bacteria and influenza: new broad-spectrum infection prevention approach validated
A new strategy primes the immune system before infection occurs, demonstrating a striking protective effect against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and influenza. DDM activates neutrophils, enhancing their phagocytic and bactericidal activities to eliminate invading pathogens.
Evidence behind intermittent fasting for weight loss fails to match hype
A new Cochrane review suggests that intermittent fasting may not be an effective strategy for weight loss in overweight or obese adults. The study found no meaningful difference in weight loss between intermittent fasting and traditional dietary advice or doing nothing, highlighting the need for more research into this area.
Study finds link between sugary drinks and anxiety in young people
A recent study published in Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics has identified a link between high sugary drink consumption and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. The research team found consistent associations between energy-dense but nutrient-poor drinks and increased anxiety rates.
How AI tools like DeepSeek are transforming emotional and mental health care of Chinese youth
China's youth faces a growing mental health crisis, but AI platforms like DeepSeek offer promising solutions to bridge the gap. These platforms leverage natural language processing and generative AI to provide round-the-clock support tailored to Chinese society.
Scientists show how to predict world’s deadly scorpion hotspots
Researchers pinpoint high-risk areas for deadly scorpion species using field observations and computer modeling. The study's findings focus on central Morocco, a global hotspot for scorpion stings, but can be applied globally to prevent deaths and improve treatment.
ASU researchers to lead AAAS panel on water insecurity in the United States
Growing evidence shows water insecurity is an increasing challenge in the US and other high-income countries. Rural areas face unreliable access to safe and affordable water due to aging infrastructure, lack of maintenance, and extreme weather events.
Proposals for exploring viruses and skin as the next experimental quantum frontiers share US$30,000 science award
Researchers Connor Thompson and Samuel Morriss share the US$30,000 prize for proposing innovative experiments on viruses and skin as test subjects for quantum biology. Their essays present novel frameworks for studying 'quantum advantage' and its applications to life's quantum foundations.
ASU professor Anne Stone to present at AAAS Conference in Phoenix on ancient origins of modern disease
Research by ASU professor Anne Stone examines the evolutionary history of infectious disease, tracing tuberculosis from ancient DNA. She identifies recurring patterns in ecological and social conditions that facilitate widespread transmission of pathogens.
ASU researchers showcase scalable tech solutions for older adults living alone with cognitive decline at AAAS 2026
Researchers from Arizona State University are addressing the challenges of aging, loneliness and cognitive decline through innovative technology-enabled interventions. The university's Edson College is leading a panel discussion on scalable solutions for older adults living alone with cognitive decline.