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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 59


Page 59 of 412

Brain activity reveals the melodies that people imagine

Researchers recreated melodies from brain activity of people imagining song continuations using electrocorticography. Brain signals revealed pitches of notes in imagined musical melodies, enabling pitch prediction and structure analysis.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateAug 3, 2026

Smithsonian scientists resolve the Hawaiian honeycreeper family tree

Researchers have identified genetic relationships among all known Hawaiian honeycreeper species, providing insights into biodiversity loss and conservation priorities. The study reveals that most species originated during a rapid diversification event around 2.5-3.5 million years ago.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2026

Do aging microplastics increase environmental risks from organic contaminants? New study suggests much less than expected

Researchers found that polyethylene microplastics modify as they age in soil, but these changes have little effect on how they interact with various organic contaminants. The study suggests the soil itself, not the plastic, remains the main factor influencing the environmental fate of these chemicals.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalSoil & Environmental Health·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

Sungkyunkwan University uncovers key principle to boost efficiency of artificial photosynthesis and next-generation semiconductors

Researchers at Sungkyunkwan University have identified a new principle that controls charge separation in molecular aggregates, crucial for efficient energy devices like organic solar cells and artificial photosynthesis systems. The discovery reveals a fundamental mechanism of charge transfer governed by the surrounding solvent environ...

SourceSungkyunkwan University External Affairs Division (PR team)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 3, 2026

Integrate vortex and corner states in fractals

Scientists created thresholdless corner vortex solitons that unify topological corner states and vortex light, enabling stable high-speed data transmission. The new solitons resist signal damage and maintain performance across a broad input power window.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

How a whale's dive shapes its song

Researchers found specific song themes tied to specific parts of a dive, revealing insights into how singing affects energy use, oxygen management and vulnerability. The study's findings offer practical applications for tracking whale populations and establishing a clearer baseline for normal humpback behavior.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 3, 2026

Research: Steam increases physiological strain during sauna bathing

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä found that sauna steam significantly impacts thermoregulatory responses, including increased heart rates and core temperatures. High relative humidity reduces sweat evaporation, forcing the cardiovascular system to work harder.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalTemperature·DateAug 3, 2026

Indigenous-led conservation helps save endangered cockatoo

A new study documents how an Indonesian Indigenous community adapted their sacred Cidaku initiation ceremony to protect the endangered salmon-crested cockatoo. The ceremony now uses naturally moulted feathers collected from wildlife rescue centres, preserving spiritual integrity and ensuring species survival.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalJournal of Ethnobiology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2026

Research finds rhetoric around #MeToo often focused on punishment, not causes of violence

A new study from the University of Kansas reveals that everyday people often focus on punishment as a solution to gender-based violence rather than examining its causes. Commenters regularly called for imprisonment and stripping perpetrators of power and resources, with some even advocating for poverty as a form of punishment.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalCritical Studies in Media Communication·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 3, 2026

KAIST develops marine carbon removal technology that turns carbon dioxide in seawater into “stone” for permanent storage

Researchers at KAIST have developed a technology converting CO2 dissolved in seawater into calcium carbonate, enabling permanent storage and helping the ocean absorb more carbon dioxide. The system reduced electricity consumption by up to 54% and produced high-purity hydrogen and magnesium hydroxide.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateAug 3, 2026

Orphaned grizzly cubs released back into the wild rarely make it, but these changes could improve chances drastically

A recent study on orphaned grizzly bears found a high mortality rate of 83%, largely due to human-bear conflicts, illegal killings, and intraspecific killing. The study also highlights the risk of habituation to humans, which can lead to serious conflicts, particularly when combined with oversized size from excessive growth during reha...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

UCF researcher aims to make AI safer, more reliable

A new project supported by DARPA will study AI systems to determine how to train them to withstand failures, attacks, and unexpected situations. The goal is to develop self-improving AI for safety, enabling AI systems to recognize weaknesses in their reasoning and improve behavior over time.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida College of Engineering and Computer Science·DateAug 3, 2026

During REM sleep, the human brain ‘listens’ to bodily signals

During REM sleep, the brain processes internal bodily signals more strongly than external auditory stimuli. By calculating an audio-cardio index, researchers found that the brain turns its listening inward, reorganizing sensory information processing as it shifts from wakefulness to sleep.

SourceUniversity of Lausanne·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 3, 2026

Pharmaceutical spending is shifting away from ‘me-too’ drugs

Drug spending has become increasingly focused on highly novel drugs in the last decade, driven by increased prescribing of innovative medicines. The shift is attributed to changes in market forces and government policies that better reward pharmaceutical innovation.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalHealth Affairs·DateAug 3, 2026

Researchers develop tool to prepare power grid for extreme weather

Researchers created a planning framework that assesses long-term investment strategies for improved resilience in the power grid. The framework maps weather events to grid impacts and quantifies cost-benefit trade-offs of possible solutions.

SourceWashington State University·JournalIET Generation Transmission & Distribution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2026

Scientists discover seven new frog species in Madagascar

An international team of scientists describes seven new species of Madagascar's elusive diamond frogs, revealing a more diverse group than previously thought. The research provides an important foundation for future conservation efforts in Madagascar's rapidly disappearing forests.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalVertebrate Zoology·DateAug 3, 2026

EU and US water monitoring systems offer a blueprint for smarter water governance in China

A comparative review identifies how EU and US surface water monitoring architectures can strengthen surface water protection in China. The analysis suggests combining routine assessment with rapid diagnosis and long-term ecological observation to support precise and adaptive water governance.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalEnergy & Environment Nexus·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 3, 2026

New study shows low-dose omega-3 intake does not raise atrial fibrillation risk

A new meta-analysis of 114,000+ participants found that low-dose omega-3 supplementation is not associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, even among individuals at elevated cardiovascular risk. In contrast, high-dose prescription therapies may modestly increase AF risk in these patients.

SourceWright On Marketing & Communications·JournalCirculation Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 3, 2026

Research pushes the boundaries of ultracold neutral plasmas

Scientists at Colorado State University have successfully created an ultracold neutral plasma, cooling electrons to near absolute zero. This breakthrough will aid in the development of better computer models for fusion energy systems and help understand white dwarf stars and extreme environments in the universe.

SourceColorado State University·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateAug 3, 2026

Low energy way to control tiny electronic structures with light

A team of researchers at Flinders University has discovered a novel method to manipulate tiny nanoscale 'bubble' domains within ferroelectric crystals using near-visible light. The study reveals that these structures rapidly expand after the light is switched off, triggering a temporary change in their electronic state.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

Researchers improve day-ahead solar forecasting for energy sector by up to 13%

A team from North Carolina State University developed techniques that can enhance day-ahead solar forecasts, outperforming individual models in some cases. The approach emphasizes regional variables and combined forecasts from multiple models for improved accuracy.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2026

Early snakes explored life underground, on land and at sea

A new study reveals that early snakes experimented with multiple habitats and sensory strategies before evolving into modern species. The research describes the discovery of a well-preserved fossil snake skeleton from the Late Cretaceous period, which provides insights into the early neuroanatomy and ecological diversity of snakes.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2026

Breath becomes a command with a wearable optoelectronic clip

Researchers developed a wearable optoelectronic clip that turns exhaled breath into a clear optical switching signal, enabling touch-free interaction and respiratory health monitoring. The device showed high accuracy in multi-user tests, suggesting its potential for practical applications.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

Advanced nanoporous SiO₂ coatings for ultraviolet laser-resistant optics

Researchers have developed a new approach to create large-scale uniform porous SiO2 monolayer coatings for high-reflection and anti-reflection optics. The coatings demonstrate excellent laser damage resistance, surpassing that of fused silica substrates.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateAug 3, 2026

The brain's secret to staying motivated

A recent study by Nagoya University researchers found that orexin neurons play a crucial role in regulating motivated behavior. Using novel rat models, they discovered that activity in orexin neurons increases with effort, helping drive motivated behavior.

SourceNagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

Spinning up a better understanding of molecules

A team at University Akron used AUC to study molecular clusters and their interactions with biomolecules, revealing key findings on hydration shells and intermolecular distances. The technique offers a powerful tool for characterizing complex solution systems, overcoming limitations of traditional methods.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalPolyoxometalates·DateAug 3, 2026

New Mexico measles outbreak estimated to cost $5.4 million, with substantial costs accrued from vaccination-related activities

A cost analysis of the 2025 New Mexico measles outbreak found it carried an estimated societal cost of $5.4 million, with vaccination-related activities accounting for about $2.1 million. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining strong vaccination coverage to prevent future outbreaks.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 3, 2026

Disarming cause in lupus patients’ infections

Researchers discovered lupus-associated inflammatory signals reprogram white blood cells to produce less effective antibacterial response. Hydroxychloroquine and anifrolumab therapies restore neutrophil function in killing bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalCell Press Blue·DateAug 3, 2026

A public health challenge has led to a more efficient way to allocate all sorts of resources

A team of researchers at North Carolina State University has created a novel approach to optimize vaccine distribution by combining machine learning with column generation. This method accelerates run-time for the optimization model by 79.1% while maintaining high-quality solutions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSustainability Analytics and Modeling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2026

A new role for a classic transcription factor

A team identified GABPA as the missing link recruiting Integrator complex to target specific genes. Biochemical and structural analyses confirmed direct interaction between GABPA and Integrator's endonuclease module.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

Hidden freshwater giants could become the world's next climate observatories

Researchers identify subtropical lakes as natural laboratories for tracking biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystem resilience in a rapidly changing world. The study highlights the global scientific importance of these largely overlooked lakes, which can serve as 'sentinel ecosystems' revealing early signs of environmental change.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalOne Ecosystem·DateAug 3, 2026

Researchers discover immune ‘off switch’ used by cancer cells

Researchers discovered a protein called TRAILshort that suppresses T-cell activity and reduces the effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy in cancer patients. Elevated levels of TRAILshort were found in various cancers, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 3, 2026

An expressive robot has more to lose when it makes mistakes

A study by Drexel University found that people form a stronger bond with an expressive humanoid robot, but this trust can quickly dissipate when the robot makes errors. The researchers measured brain activity, hormones, and self-reported attitudes to understand how humans build and lose trust through collaboration with robots.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScience Robotics·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2026

Seoul National University of Science and Technology researchers develop new strategy for designing ultra-fast charging batteries

Seoul National University researchers have developed an off-stochiometric anode material that enables safe, ultra-fast charging of lithium-ion batteries. The new design strategy overcomes kinetic limitations and preserves the NASICON structure against irreversible damage.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

Study shows AI could support low-cost foot health technology

Researchers developed an AI model capable of generating accurate, high-resolution pressure maps using just a few anatomical landmarks, enabling lower-cost foot health monitoring in rural and remote regions. The study demonstrates the potential for AI to overcome challenges associated with traditional plantar pressure monitoring systems.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalSensors·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

New framework for adoption of distributed energy resources quantifies uncertainty, ensures validity across grid structures

Researchers propose a data-driven forecasting approach to predict DER adoption patterns and quantify uncertainty for more informed decision making. The framework provides plausible adoption scenarios, enabling utilities, regulators, and planners to make strategic investments and plan for long-term infrastructure needs.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAnnals of Applied Sciences·DateAug 3, 2026

Marshall University researcher helps develop first international guidance on GLP-1 medications and women's reproductive health

A new international review provides comprehensive clinical recommendations for the use of incretin-based medications in women of reproductive age. The guidelines address critical knowledge gaps, including contraception, preconception care, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and postpartum management.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalObesity Reviews·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 3, 2026

Every day counts

A UC Irvine psychologist is using a massive longitudinal dataset to investigate how daily social connections shape our bodies and minds over time. The researcher aims to understand the 'ripple effect' of small, everyday moments on long-term health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateAug 3, 2026

Genomic upheaval: How grapevine downy mildew builds its weaponry through structural chaos

Researchers assembled two complete genome assemblies of Plasmopara viticola, uncovering dynamic genome architecture and revealing nearly 90% effector genes exist as duplicated clusters. Structural variations drive effector diversification, with local duplications and rearrangements creating hotspots for gene duplication and deletion.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateAug 3, 2026