Science News Archive 2026
Page 58 of 262
DAMPE observes charge-dependent limit of cosmic ray acceleration
The DAMPE collaboration has directly observed charge-dependent spectral softening of five primary cosmic-ray nuclei, confirming the Peters cycle model. This observation suggests a nearby cosmic-ray accelerator with a charge-dependent energy limit, providing new insights into cosmic-ray physics.
Gaming monkeys' curiosity
A team of researchers created a touchscreen-based game task inspired by hide-and-seek to elicit curiosity in resident Japanese macaques. The monkeys preferred moderate uncertainty, spending nearly 100 trials without rewards. This study supports the goldilocks principle, where animals seek moderately complex or uncertain stimuli.
A new mechanism regulating beta cell mass under stress
Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that ATF6α plays a critical role in enabling the survival and proliferation of beta cells under sustained stress, leading to impaired beta cell mass expansion. The study highlights the potential for developing new therapeutic strategies to preserve and restore beta cell mass in diabetes.
Band engineering and structural‑geometrical engineering in 2D/3D van der Waals heterostructures for advanced photodetection and intelligent sensing
Researchers develop 2D/3D van der Waals heterostructures for enhanced photodetection, combining high absorption with tunable surface states. The integration of 3D semiconductors and 2D materials enables reconfigurable optoelectronics and in-sensor computing, revolutionizing AI and edge sensing.
Positive experiences can help break the cycle of abuse
Research at Kyoto University found that individuals with fewer positive childhood experiences are more likely to perpetrate elder abuse, while those with more community-related positive experiences have a lower risk. The study suggests that multiple forms of positive experiences across different domains may be necessary to break the cy...
RAS inhibitor daraxonrasib demonstrates initial anti-tumor activity in pancreatic cancer
The Phase 1/2 trial demonstrated a 29% response rate and median overall survival of 15.6 months, outperforming historical chemotherapy response rates. Daraxonrasib targets RAS in its 'on' state and has shown durable responses with a manageable safety profile.
Clinical Organizational Science proposes a structural explanation for why organizations resist change
The article introduces Clinical Organizational Science (COS), a framework that reframes organizational transformation as a problem of structure, not behavior. COS argues that old patterns persist due to the way people interact every day, and proposes three intervention concepts to redesign feedback and interaction patterns.
Limit ultra processed foods to lower risk of heart disease, say experts
A European Society of Cardiology consensus report suggests that ultra processed food consumption is linked to cardiovascular disease and death. The report calls for doctors to advise patients on limiting UPF intake to prevent cardiovascular risks.
Data–water symbiosis: Coupling data centres with wastewater treatment plants could cut 84 million tonnes of CO₂ eq and save 1,300 million m3 of freshwater annually
A global analysis reveals that coupling data centres with wastewater treatment plants can eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, conserve freshwater, and generate economic savings. The study found that 87.8% of the economically viable linkages fall within 40 km of each other, making near-term urban deployment realistic.
Better cognition tied to higher relapse risk after depression remission
A new study with over 3,700 UK participants found that better cognitive functioning may be associated with a higher risk of future depressive episodes in those with a history of depression. In contrast, worse cognitive performance was linked to a lower risk of relapse in both individuals with previous depression and control participants.
Doctors favor explaining anxiety to patients as a human evolution ‘success story’
A new study found that mental health clinicians prefer evolutionary explanations of anxiety over genetic approaches, believing they provide a more positive outlook and can improve patient willingness to seek help. This shift could lead to more hopeful and therapeutically empowering attitudes towards anxiety treatment.
Europe’s first CAR T cell trial for amyloidosis opens
The ALARIC trial aims to treat at least 12 patients with light chain amyloidosis, a rare but serious blood disease affecting around 500 people in the UK each year. CAR T-cell therapy targets abnormal plasma cells producing faulty proteins, offering a one-off treatment with high and durable response rates.
Review finds no direct link between aluminium adjuvanted vaccines and serious or long term health conditions
A systematic review of 59 studies found no association between aluminium-adjuvanted vaccines and serious or long-term health outcomes, including autism, type 1 diabetes, asthma, and myalgia. Persistent nodules or granulomas at the injection site were the most consistently documented reactions.
Controlled peanut intake may reduce allergies in toddlers
Researchers treated 75 children with peanut allergies using slow up-dosing and low maintenance dosing. After three years, 82% of the treatment group could eat at least 3.5 peanuts without an allergic reaction.
A new way to read the Universe
A new framework called CIGaRS allows scientists to extract more information from Type Ia supernovae by jointly analyzing their explosions and host galaxies. This enables precise distance measurements without spectroscopy, crucial for the Vera C. Rubin Observatory's 10-year sky survey.
ASCO 2026 Tip Sheet - Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Researchers at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center presented several studies at ASCO 2026 exploring new treatment options for patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and melanoma. These include velzatinib, a targeted therapy for GIST patients, and PRAME-directed T-cell receptor therapies for synovial sarcoma.
Mount Sinai study identifies new strategy to overcome immunotherapy resistance in colorectal cancer
Researchers at Mount Sinai have identified a promising new strategy to overcome resistance to immunotherapy in colorectal cancer. The approach, which restores communication between key immune cells, achieved up to 100% tumor clearance in some models.
International forum highlights engineered biochar for carbon capture and resource recovery
The 23rd Carbon Research International Forum highlights engineered biochar's potential in supporting carbon capture, resource recovery, and sustainable industrial development. Recent progress in converting agricultural and industrial residues into high-performance carbon materials was discussed.
RAS(ON) inhibitor daraxonrasib shows promising results in advanced pancreatic cancer phase 1/2 study
A phase 1/2 trial of daraxonrasib, a RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitor, demonstrated safety and broad activity against RAS-mutant metastatic pancreatic cancer. The drug showed promising signs of activity, with approximately 30% of patients experiencing an objective response and 90% experiencing disease control.
A comprehensive theory for nematoelasticity (Physical Review B)
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new theory to explain the emergence of nematic order in solids, resolving a long-standing paradox. The theory suggests that elasticity selectively couples to certain types of nematic modes, suppressing others associated with disorder.
Ecological Society of America announces 2026 award recipients
The Ecological Society of America recognizes Stephen W. Pacala and Kenneth M. Klemow with Eminent Ecologist Award and Distinguished Lifetime Service Award, respectively, for their significant contributions to ecological research and public service.
How the rise of continents may have set the stage for life on Earth
A new study suggests that the rise of continents may have regulated boron levels in ancient oceans, creating a stable environment for life to emerge. The growth of granite-rich continental crust helped stabilize boron concentrations, making it available for use by early life forms.
Certain migraine prevention drugs associated with reduced risk of glaucoma
Researchers found that people taking calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitor drugs had a 25% lower risk of developing glaucoma than those taking other migraine medications. The reduced risk was only evident in CGRP inhibitors using monoclonal antibodies, not receptor antagonists or gepants.
DNA matches identify four more sailors from Franklin expedition
Researchers from the University of Waterloo have identified four more members of Sir John Franklin's 1845 expedition using DNA samples extracted from skeletal remains. The new discoveries bring the total number of identified sailors to six, providing previously unavailable details about the circumstances and locations of their deaths.
Cool beans, smart roots: Scientists discover a new cell that helps seedlings survive drought battered and nutrient poor soils
Researchers identify 'hooked hairs' in common beans that form tiny structures to defend against drought and nutrient starvation. These cells help young plants survive long before their mature root systems take shape.
American Society for Nutrition appoints Brian Lindshield, PhD, as Interim Editor in Chief of Current Developments in Nutrition
The American Society for Nutrition has appointed Dr. Brian Lindshield as the new Interim Editor-in-Chief of Current Developments in Nutrition (CDN). With extensive experience and a strong record of leadership in academic nutrition, Dr. Lindshield will build on CDN's foundation for continued growth and innovation.
How international service-learning shapes student development and what drives it
A qualitative study in Hong Kong found that international service-learning produces four main categories of student learning outcomes: interpersonal, personal, civic, and academic. Students reported increased collaboration skills, self-awareness, and global citizenship.
Research manipulation mapped in new Forensic Scientometrics (FoSci) report
The FoSci Report 2026 examines individual paper-level fraud, coordinated criminal networks, systemic structural failures, and risks to government research. It charts the maturity and gaps in current research integrity practice, arguing that isolated infractions often signal more systemic issues.
Genetic “bonus material” makes the gut bacterium Segatella copri oxygen-tolerant
Researchers identified functional differences in Segatella strains from different regions of the world. Genomes of Segatella copri with OxyR showed a hundred to thousand times higher oxygen tolerance than those without, suggesting horizontal gene transfer occurred several thousand years ago.
Death-defying protein found in tardigrades preserves synthetic cells
A protein from tardigrades has been found to protect synthetic cell membranes during dehydration, allowing them to survive rehydration. This discovery could lead to a way to store and transport biological microfactories, revolutionizing the production of medicines and other valuable molecules.
Method for stress-testing cloud computing algorithms helps avoid network failures
Researchers from MIT have developed a more user-friendly and efficient method to identify potential system failures in cloud computing algorithms. The 'MetaEase' technique analyzes an algorithm's source code directly to uncover hidden blind spots that might cause unexpected failures, reducing the risk of costly network outages.
SFU researchers get funding boost to forecast whale movements using AI
The HALLO project uses real-time acoustic and visual data, vessel tracking, and citizen-scientist reports to track and forecast Southern Resident killer whales' movements. The AI-powered system aims to support faster detection and more reliable classification of whales in shipping lanes.
New long-necked dinosaur found in Northeast Brazil was a close relative of a European species
A new species of long-necked dinosaur, Dasosaurus tocantinensis, was discovered in Northeast Brazil and found to be a close relative of a European species. The dinosaur is estimated to have been around 20 meters long and lived approximately 120 million years ago.
Duke University professor recognized for launching mentoring programs that drive student success
Nicki Washington, a Duke University professor, has been recognized by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) for her exceptional commitment to diversifying the computing community. Her mentoring programs have led to increased student success and career opportunities.
Nitrogen pollution identified as major driver of biodiversity loss in UK coastal waters
A new study reveals that nitrogen enrichment is significantly reducing the abundance and variety of marine life in UK coastal ecosystems. The research found a strong association between higher nitrogen concentrations and a decrease in animal abundance and species richness.
Like a molecular scalpel: New CRISPR tool eliminates undesired cells with ease
A new CRISPR tool has been developed to eliminate specific cells based on their RNA signature. The nuclease Cas12a2 can target any RNA sequence with high sensitivity and specificity, making it a promising approach for selectively killing cancer cells, virus-infected cells, and unmodified cells.
UBC researchers find Indigenous lands can outperform protected areas on conservation
A new study by UBC researchers found that Indigenous lands consistently protect forests, biodiversity, and carbon stores at levels equal to or greater than government-designated protected areas. The study highlights the importance of securing formal land rights for Indigenous Peoples and funding and resourcing Indigenous stewardship.
Deforestation lowers threshold for Amazon degradation to below 2°C warming
A new study reveals that around two-thirds of the Amazon rainforest could shift into degraded ecosystems at 1.5-1.9°C of global warming due to increased deforestation. The study highlights the critical role of the Amazon in regulating moisture recycling and stabilizing the Earth system.
Aston University finds new way to train robots for real-world tasks using AI
Researchers at Aston University have created an AI-based training method that enables robots to adapt to real-world conditions without extensive data collection. This breakthrough could significantly accelerate innovation in sustainable manufacturing, recycling, and autonomous industrial systems.
DNA analyses uncover what is hiding under the cap plaguing the white button mushroom industry
A University of Florida study reveals that bacterial blotch in white button mushrooms is caused by a complex of multiple bacteria, not a single pathogen. The discovery could support better diagnostics and more effective, sustainable treatments, helping strengthen mushroom production nationwide.
Johns Hopkins physicians achieve 95% cure rate for sickle cell disease with bone marrow transplant
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have achieved a 95% cure rate for sickle cell disease using a reduced-intensity bone marrow transplant regimen, preserving fertility in most patients. The study reports low rejection rates and durable engraftment with minimal immunosuppression.
Advancing drug discovery from automation to autonomy: Insilico Medicine announces LabClaw The Intelligent System
LabClaw integrates PandaOmics, automated laboratory hardware matrix, LIMS, and multi-dimensional data analysis pipelines to create an end-to-end intelligent closed loop. The system features five types of agents and a Human-in-the-Loop confirmation mechanism for maximizing efficiency without compromising scientific safety standards.
How trees in urban areas are key to cooling down a warmer world
A study by Ohio State University found that certain tree species, such as red maple and northern catalpa, are more resilient to heat and water stress. Urban forests can provide natural cooling, reducing summer electricity usage, but require careful management and investment in irrigation systems.
A new kind of cold sensor
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered a novel mechanism for sensing cold temperatures in a bacterial protein called SthK. This finding suggests that similar mechanisms may exist in other organisms, including humans, and could provide new insights into disorders related to faulty temperature regulation.
Mayo Clinic and Stanford researchers develop first blood test to map tumor “neighborhoods,” improving prediction of therapy response
The study identifies nine distinct cellular neighborhoods in the tumor microenvironment, each associated with survival and immunotherapy response outcomes. The blood-based liquid biopsy test could guide treatment decisions for multiple cancer types and treatments.
From supernova light a sharper view of the universe
A new study introduces CIGaRS, a novel approach to derive highly precise estimates of cosmic distances and robust cosmological measurements. This method uses artificial intelligence and neural networks to disentangle the intrinsic effects on supernovae light from environmental factors.
New MRI technology provides a comprehensive view of the human brain
Researchers developed multiplexed MRI technology, enabling simultaneous imaging of signals from multiple molecules in the brain. The technology provides a comprehensive view of the brain's structure, physiology, and molecular processes, allowing for more precise diagnosis and individualized treatment planning.
Sage awards higher education faculty for Critical Thinking Challenge
The 2026 Critical Thinking Challenge recognized submissions from 36 countries highlighting strategies to make critical thinking an everyday habit. Winners received stipends to support research or library needs, contributing to a growing urgency of advancing critical thinking in higher education.
How river DNA can track fish, frogs, fungi and human feces — all at once
Researchers have developed a technique to analyze DNA from water samples to track species, detect pollution, and monitor ecosystem health. The technology identifies DNA from various organisms, including fish, amphibians, mammals, and even leatherback sea turtles.
ERASur colorectal cancer trial reaches one-third patient accrual milestone
The ERASur clinical trial is investigating whether total ablative therapy can improve overall survival in patients with newly diagnosed, limited metastatic colorectal cancer. The study has reached one-third patient accrual milestone, signaling strong momentum.
How higher temperatures can benefit (or devastate) bumble bee populations
New research finds that higher temperatures can benefit bumble bees with underground nests by allowing them to spend more time foraging, but may devastate those with aboveground nests due to increased cooling costs. The benefits appear to outweigh the costs, but just a few damaging hours of extreme heat could set a colony back.
Hidden methane emerging from beneath the ice reveals Greenland’s sensitivity to climate change
A new study reveals how responsive Greenland's ice sheet is to climate change, with widespread methane release linked to an episode of warming around 4,000 years ago. The findings highlight the role of recent ice margin fluctuations on subglacial carbon cycling, with implications for global methane budget assessments.
Doctors urge caution regarding elective MRI in new editorial
Elective MRI screenings may lead to false positives, unnecessary surgery, and emotional harm. Experts argue that detecting certain cancers early is not always beneficial, and the scans can exacerbate anxiety rather than improve quality of life.
UMass Amherst astronomer looks into the cradle where stars are born
An international team of astronomers, led by Daniela Calzetti, has observed the 'natal clouds' surrounding young star clusters for the first time. The study reveals that massive star clusters disperse their gaseous shroud faster and light up their galaxy earlier than smaller ones.
Elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy may result in poorer birth outcomes
A recent study found that failing the glucose challenge test was associated with babies having higher birth weights, a risk factor for future obesity and diabetes. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes were also more likely to give birth to large babies.
Guided by light – fish larvae in Lake Constance
Research reveals how young fish larvae use green-yellow wavelengths of light to navigate Lake Constance's complex environment, but increasing temperatures and artificial lighting pose threats to their survival. Altering light colors in shore areas could mitigate these effects and help protect the delicate ecosystem.
Heavy air pollution is linked to worse post-surgical outcomes
Research finds association between high air pollution and increased risk of post-surgical complications, including sepsis, pneumonia, and surgical wound infection. Higher levels of PM2.5 air pollution above EPA daily limits increase risk by 8%.
Professor Laura Gagliardi receives prestigious Schrödinger Medal
Gagliardi's work on multireference electronic-structure theory has led to breakthroughs in catalysis, carbon capture, and water harvesting. Her development of MC-PDFT and LAS methods has facilitated the design of materials that function as molecular sponges.
Scientists use ultrasound to destroy influenza A and COVID-19 viruses without damaging human cells
Researchers used high-frequency ultrasound waves to eliminate viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1 by causing structural changes that led to inactivation. The technique uses acoustic resonance, which differs from cavitation, a process used for decontamination.