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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 60


Page 60 of 412

Common microplastic may increase risk of fatty liver disease, study finds

Researchers at Texas A&M University found that polyethylene microplastic increases signs of fatty liver disease and exacerbates the condition when paired with a diet high in fat, fructose, and cholesterol. The study suggests environmental exposures and dietary habits work together to accelerate liver damage.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2026

NC State to lead three Department of Energy Genesis Mission projects

NC State is leading three Genesis Mission projects using AI to accelerate discovery in high-performance computing, cybersecurity, and astrophysics. The projects focus on developing AI-powered tools for scientific research, defending agentic AI against adversarial attacks, and embedding AI techniques in large-scale simulations of neutro...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateAug 3, 2026

Steering light beams in under one trillionth of a second

Scientists have created an ultra-thin metasurface that enables the steering and shaping of light beams almost instantly, at a record speed of 74 femtoseconds. The breakthrough could contribute to optical computing, communications, high-speed imaging, sensing, and quantum technologies.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 3, 2026

A mechanically tunable molecular switch for circularly polarized light emission

Scientists have developed an innovative platform to mechanically control circularly polarized luminescence, a phenomenon essential for next-generation technologies. The team created a supramolecular mechanophore that reversibly switches CPL on and off using force-induced swelling with solvents.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

In the right place, even a less fit species can win

A mathematical model shows that greater fitness is not enough for a population to succeed; expansion speed and position also play crucial roles. Less fit species can win if they occupy favorable positions, such as peaks or protrusions.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Statistical Mechanics Theory and Experiment·DateAug 3, 2026

Seoul National University of Science and Technology develops an AI framework for long-term bridge damage monitoring

Researchers developed an automated computer vision system to monitor long-term bridge damage using routine drone inspections. The framework enables the tracking of structural damage progression and measurement of severity, with a maximum error rate of 4.61% compared to manual measurements.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalStructural Health Monitoring·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

Pixel-controlled programmable metasurface enables phase-type spatial terahertz modulation

Researchers designed a compact, optically addressed programmable metasurface using VO2-based phase change materials. The device enables pixel-level independent encoding and dynamic generation of THz wavefronts for various applications including zoom meta-lensing, vortex beams, and holography.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

Wireless and Communication Letters – a new international journal for engineering research and innovation launched by Bentham Science

The new journal, Wireless and Communication Letters, is an international platform for high-quality research in wireless communications, networking, and communication engineering. It publishes original letters, full-length research articles, and comprehensive reviews on the latest scientific and technological advances.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·DateAug 2, 2026

Flexible bioelectronics armed to the teeth

Researchers developed a flexible, battery-free hydrogel bioelectronic patch that wirelessly monitors periodontal inflammation and delivers localized miRNA therapy. The system successfully distinguished MMP-9 levels between healthy volunteers and patients with periodontal disease.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2026

British Risso’s dolphins belong to single population

Research on British Risso's dolphins reveals they form a single genetic entity, separate from those in the Azores and Mediterranean. The study suggests these dolphins have been isolated for some time, but further research is needed to determine their boundaries.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom·DateAug 2, 2026

Plant species with similar VOC profiles respond better to defense signals from their neighbors

A new study reveals that plants with similar volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles can detect and respond to defense signals from neighboring plants more effectively. This finding offers a potential roadmap for designing more pest-resilient agricultural systems by strategically pairing plant species based on their VOC profiles.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2026

New hypothesis sheds light on the evolution of dinosaur digestive systems

The study proposes a new hypothesis on the evolutionary history of dinosaur digestive systems by analyzing gastrolith shapes and dietary proxies. Herbivorous dinosaurs likely possessed rounded gastroliths with severe abrasion, suggesting mechanical grinding of plant material within their stomachs.

SourceOkayama University of Science·JournalPaleobiology·DateAug 2, 2026

KAIST develops AI that generates feasible plans for delivery, production, and workforce scheduling

A research team at KAIST has developed RL-SPH, a reinforcement-learning-based method that can independently generate feasible solutions satisfying all constraints. The technique achieved a 100% feasibility rate across five benchmarks, reducing the primal gap by an average of 28.6 times and improving search efficiency.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·DateAug 2, 2026

A new study reveals how the brain helps protect fertility from heat-induced damage

A new study reveals that the brain plays a crucial role in protecting fertility during heat stress by sending signals to reproductive cells. Researchers discovered an unexpected communication system between the brain and germline cells, showing how animals adjust reproduction when conditions become unfavorable.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2026

Heavy drinking amplifies the risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity attributed to adverse childhood experiences in middle-aged and older Chinese adults

A study found that heavy drinking amplifies the risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity attributed to adverse childhood experiences in middle-aged and older Chinese adults. Individuals with high ACE exposure who engaged in heavy drinking had substantially higher risk compared to those who did not drink heavily.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalMedScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2026

STUB1 pathway shields neurons after spinal cord injury

Researchers identified a protein-based defense pathway that helps neurons resist ferroptosis and oxidative stress after traumatic spinal cord injury. Strengthening this pathway improved motor recovery in injured mice by preserving sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) and activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2).

SourceBurns & Trauma·JournalBurns & Trauma·DateAug 1, 2026

A bacterial chatter molecule from citrus roots boosts crop growth in field trials

A dominant citrus rhizobacterium secretes a molecule that significantly enhances nutrient uptake across multiple crop species, leading to increased seedling dry weight and biomass. The discovery opens a new avenue for developing stable, microbe-derived alternatives to traditional fertilizers.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateAug 1, 2026

KAIST develops a way to combat cancer cachexia, the wasting syndrome that debilitates patients

A KAIST research team has developed an RNA-based therapeutic strategy that blocks a brain signal to prevent muscle loss and extend survival in cancer patients. The treatment showed significant improvements in both muscle loss and metabolic dysfunction, with a notable increase in survival rates among treated mice.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateAug 1, 2026

When erosion changes the microbial rules of soil carbon loss

Researchers found that water erosion increases microbial conversion of soil carbon to CO2, favoring decomposition of recalcitrant substrates. In contrast, deeper SOC remains more effectively protected within mineral-organic complexes and aggregates.

SourceCarbon Research, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2026

Microplastics alter cadmium toxicity in crops

Research reveals microplastics can reduce cadmium's toxic effects on crops by up to 4.5-fold, and moderate oxidative damage and tissue contamination. The study's findings highlight the complexity of assessing agricultural soils contaminated by multiple pollutants.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalNew Contaminants·DateAug 1, 2026

Oxygen-loaded biochar locks cadmium in flooded paddy soils

Researchers developed oxygen-nanobubble-loaded biochar that maintains oxidizing conditions and converts mobile Cd into stable soil fractions. This approach supports beneficial microbial functions, improves plant growth, and reduces cadmium accumulation in rice tissues.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalBiochar X·DateAug 1, 2026

Hospital wastewater controls help contain antibiotic resistance in nearby waters

A recent study found that hospitals' wastewater controls significantly reduced antibiotic resistance in nearby waters, contrary to previous assumptions. Geography rather than hospital proximity was the primary factor shaping local resistomes. The research highlights the importance of effective treatment infrastructure and regulatory en...

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalBiocontaminant·DateAug 1, 2026

Turning antibiotic pollution into a driver for H₂O₂ production

Researchers have developed a zinc single-atom photocatalyst that degrades emerging contaminants and produces hydrogen peroxide through oxygen reduction. The catalyst, combined with pollutant degradation, offers a resource-recovering wastewater treatment strategy.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2026

Breastfeeding rates reduced due to numerous practices recommended in hospital, suggests new review of research to-date

The review challenges common misconceptions about early milk production and breast pumps. It found that colostrum is sufficient for newborn needs and pacifier use does not interfere with breastfeeding. The study's findings suggest 'small changes' to support breastfeeding success in hospitals.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 1, 2026

Inverting the seminar to recover what scientific papers leave out

A team led by Jeremy Levy and Chandralekha Singh describes the Inverse Seminar, a format that recovers hidden knowledge and decisions in scientific papers. The format involves a senior scientist listening to a junior researcher present their own paper, recovering undocumented material and uncovering new insights.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Physics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 31, 2026

Two deadly flowers have big medical potential

Scientists at Michigan State University and Czech Academy of Sciences have successfully recreated powerful compounds from deadly plants wolfsbane and larkspur, opening up new avenues for medicinal research. The discovery could lead to the development of new, sustainable drugs inspired by these natural products.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalMolecular Plant·DateJul 31, 2026

After anesthesia

Researchers found that female mice's microglia form prolonged contacts with neurons during recovery, leading to synaptic remodeling and plasticity. This phenomenon was not observed in male mice, highlighting differences in brain recovery processes between sexes.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2026

Scientists use moonquakes to locate lunar ice

Researchers developed a method to detect water ice on the moon using seismic waves, which can travel faster through frozen soil. This discovery is critical for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to send crewed landings to the moon's south polar region in 2028.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2026

Guns and perceptions of safety among US women

A survey study found that US women who own guns perceive themselves as safer than those who do not, with 41% believing owning a gun would increase their safety. The study suggests a need for targeted gun violence reduction interventions considering different perceptions of safety related to gun exposure.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 31, 2026

A new genetic tool helps researchers uncover the logic of gene regulation

Researchers have developed a genetic tool, mCHIRA, to study the effects of small sequence variations on gene regulation and tease apart the impact of genomic microenvironment. This approach enables scientists to test hundreds of regulatory DNA sequences and understand how cells determine which genes are active.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 31, 2026

A metabolic brake protects the heart during sepsis

Researchers found that 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) restored mitochondrial balance and reduced inflammation in the septic heart. The compound lowered lactate production, limited actin-related protein 2/3 complex subunit 1B modification, and preserved cardiac contraction.

SourceBurns & Trauma·JournalBurns & Trauma·DateJul 31, 2026

New mechanism discovered which protects DNA during cell division

Researchers found that ESCRT-III proteins form a protective coating around exposed DNA bridges, preventing damage and ensuring genome stability. This discovery provides insight into how cells protect themselves from DNA damage events linked to cancer development.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 31, 2026

Beetroot juice may benefit pregnant women with chronic kidney disease

Researchers found that women receiving beetroot juice experienced fewer serious adverse events, better kidney function after pregnancy, and reduced need for blood pressure medication. The study suggests beetroot juice could be a safe and low-cost intervention to support women with chronic kidney disease during pregnancy.

SourceKing's College London·JournalKidney International Reports·DateJul 31, 2026

For mind and body: Community gathering places may counteract cognitive disability

Participation in community gathering places significantly reduces the risk of cognitive disability in older adults who don't regularly exercise. The study found that these groups had approximately half the risk of developing cognitive disability compared to non-participants.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeObservational study·DateJul 31, 2026

AI blood assay detects liver cancer across diverse international populations

Researchers validated an AI-powered blood test that detected liver cancer in people from Guatemala and Romania with high accuracy, revealing new biological signals. The study builds on earlier research using a liquid biopsy platform and demonstrates the approach's effectiveness across different patient populations.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Press Blue·DateJul 31, 2026

Reducing protein intake could promote healthy aging

A recent review suggests that consuming less protein could have greater health benefits and potentially extend lifespan. The review highlights the role of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in slowing aging by improving metabolism, reducing cellular damage, and preserving healthy cell function.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Press Blue·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 31, 2026

Seoul National University of Science and Technology researchers develop energy-saving TPMS feet for quadruped robots

Researchers at Seoul National University have developed a novel approach using porous triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) feet and deep reinforcement learning controller, which significantly reduces battery power consumption in quadruped robots. The solution reduces energy consumption by up to 6.2% while maintaining stable locomotion.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing-Green Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2026