Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2026 - Page 8


Page 8 of 322

Rice, Baylor College of Medicine researchers explore safer surgical tools to reduce swallowing complications after spine surgery

Researchers identified simple changes to surgical tools that can significantly affect how pressure is distributed across the esophageal wall during neck surgery. Wider retractor blades reduced stress beneath the center of the blade by up to 82%, but also shifted higher stress toward the edges.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·DateJul 21, 2026

25-year disease modeling breakthrough inspired by accordionist

Scientists at Texas A&M University have developed a novel pump capable of replicating blood flow waveforms under any condition, revolutionizing animal-free lab-on-a-chip technology. This breakthrough device enables the study of vascular diseases and could drive new drug discovery and space travel.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 21, 2026

Artificial intelligence could help wastewater plants track and manage microplastics

Researchers developed an AI framework for detecting and managing microplastics in wastewater treatment systems. The system uses computer vision and machine learning to predict removal efficiency and identify pollution sources. While AI can complement chemical analysis, major challenges remain before these tools can be widely deployed.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 21, 2026
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

UT Arlington names Hollywood director to film professorship

Rachel Raimist joins UTA's College of Liberal Arts as a Morgan Woodward Distinguished Professor of Film and Video, offering students the opportunity to learn from an accomplished filmmaker. With extensive experience in network television, documentary filmmaking, and higher education, Raimist aims to bridge the gap between classroom and...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateJul 21, 2026

Biological sex linked to protein changes in lung adenocarcinoma and other cancers

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute found significant sex-based protein differences in lung adenocarcinoma, with 901 proteins varying between male and female patient samples. This study contributes to understanding cancer biology and may benefit physicians and patients.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalBMJ Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 21, 2026

CHIME collaboration helps identify location of "missing" matter in the universe

Researchers from McGill and MIT used fast radio bursts and galaxy locations to map the distribution of missing matter, finding it surrounds galaxies and extends four million light-years from them. The discovery supports the idea that black hole jets and other energetic processes fling matter outside galaxies.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

2026 Optica Fellow: It’s a good look for electrical and computer engineering professor Andreas Beling

Andreas Beling, a professor at the University of Virginia, is recognized for his work on high-power photodetectors and integrated optical detectors for quantum applications. His research enables faster data transmission and higher-speed communication systems, with potential impact on quantum computing and medical imaging.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJul 21, 2026

Air pollution mixtures may pose hidden risks during pregnancy

Exposure to even moderate levels of multiple air pollutants during critical stages of pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth. The study found that a mixture of ozone and fine particulate matter posed the strongest relationship to early preterm birth.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateJul 21, 2026

UVA engineering researcher earns $1.1M NIH award to advance single-cell analysis and disease detection

A UVA engineer is developing microfluidic devices and AI-powered computational tools to isolate and study rare circulating cells, which could lead to better treatments for diseases like cancer and infection. The technology aims to integrate with electronics and systems to measure single-cell physical properties on a microchip.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJul 21, 2026
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Invasive plants boost mosquitoes in low-income areas of Baltimore and DC

A new study found that invasive plant species in low-income neighborhoods boosted mosquito growth and survival, leading to larger mosquitoes capable of transmitting disease. By planting native tree species, cities can reduce mosquito infestations and protect against mosquito-borne diseases.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJul 21, 2026

New technique enables LIGO to peer farther into the distant universe

Scientists at UC Riverside developed a new method to help LIGO detect weaker gravitational-wave events by measuring heat-induced distortions in mirrors. The technique combines thermal imaging with existing wavefront measurements and computer models, enabling the observatory to improve its sensitivity and detect more distant events.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalClassical and Quantum Gravity·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2026
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

“Fictional” chatbots help explain popularity of artificial intelligence

A new study reveals that AI chatbots' popularity stems from their interactive, personalized, and imaginative nature, allowing users to engage with them as trusted companions. The study warns of the potential dangers of these chatbots, including their ability to persuade users to believe false or unethical information.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhilosophical Studies·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 21, 2026

A native California wildflower isn’t keeping up with climate change

Climate change is affecting the mountain jewelflower, a native California wildflower, as it struggles to survive both summers and winters. Researchers have found that plants from lower elevations possess traits that match new mountain conditions, suggesting potential conservation strategies for this species.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateJul 21, 2026

Canine science is biased toward the Western world

A new paper highlights how canine science has focused on the Western world, neglecting diverse experiences and populations. Researchers argue that a globally collaborative approach can help overcome this bias and improve generalizability in comparative psychology.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJul 21, 2026

Community-led health and livelihood programs helped protect rainforests during the pandemic

A new study in The Lancet Planetary Health shows that when communities designed their own health and livelihood programs with local NGOs, they were more resilient to economic hardships caused by COVID-19. As a result, forest loss declined significantly, with rates 52% lower in supported communities compared to unaffiliated ones.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 21, 2026

AI platform could speed peptide drug discovery

Researchers developed an AI platform, PeptiVerse, to predict key properties of peptides, enabling early assessment of drug potential. The open-source platform allows users to evaluate ordinary and chemically modified peptides, streamlining the discovery process.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 21, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

PLOS Aging and Health publishes its first issue

The journal aims to improve understanding of aging to support older adults in aging well. Research articles cover topics such as biological aging, movement behaviors, cognitive functions, and technological advances to enhance aging well.

SourcePLOS·DateJul 21, 2026

How leafhopper-pierced tea gets its honey aroma and mellow taste

A study published in Beverage Plant Research reveals that leafhopper-pierced tea's prized honey flavor is not produced by a single compound, but rather by the combined effects of aroma volatiles, taste-active non-volatiles, and cross-modal aroma-taste perception. Volatile compounds shape floral, sweet, and honey-like impressions, while...

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalBeverage Plant Research·DateJul 21, 2026

Landmark digital safety White Paper draws on University of East London expertise

The University of East London's expertise in child online harms, cybercrime and digital safeguarding informs a new parliamentary White Paper proposing product safety regulations for social media platforms, AI and other digital technologies. The proposals aim to shift responsibility to technology companies to identify and mitigate risks...

SourceUniversity of East London·DateJul 21, 2026

Diffuse puffs of “missing” matter surround most galaxies

Researchers reveal that missing ordinary matter exists in diffuse clouds surrounding galaxy groups, extending beyond predicted distances. The findings suggest stronger and more violent star activity and black hole jets, pushing matter to larger scales.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 21, 2026
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

FIU study challenges leading explanation for why galaxies stop forming stars

A recent study from Florida International University suggests that galaxy mergers are neither necessary nor sufficient to stop galaxies from forming new stars. Instead, slower internal processes are believed to play a much larger role in quenching star formation.

SourceFlorida International University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 21, 2026

Doctor-patient common tongue associated with better long-term survival for Canada’s Francophone, minority populations: University of Ottawa study

A retrospective cohort study found that language-concordant physician care significantly reduces all-cause mortality in both Francophone and Allophone patients. The study suggests prioritizing patient-physician linguistic matching and evidence-based interpretation services to improve long-term survival in Canada's increasingly linguist...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 21, 2026

Nanoplastics found in Antarctic soils for the first time

Researchers at Lancaster University have discovered nanoplastics in remote soils of Antarctica, raising concerns about plastic pollution's global reach. The finding highlights the urgent need for reduced plastic emissions and improved waste management practices.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2026

Biggs Institute at UT Health San Antonio to lead $2.5 million national, multi-site study on dementia with Lewy bodies

The Biggs Institute is leading a $2.5 million national, multi-site study to improve detection and diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies. The study will enroll 125 participants and evaluate multiple possible new tools and methods to accurately identify individuals who have accumulated abnormal alpha-synuclein in the brain.

SourceThe University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center·DateJul 21, 2026
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Legalization of sports betting has led to households saving significantly less money

A new study from Brigham Young University found that households cutting their net investment in brokerage accounts by 20% followed the legalization of sports betting. Heaviest bettors cut their investments by more than half, treating gambling as an investment despite poor financial returns.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 21, 2026
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Simulations show distinct ground motion signatures of supershear earthquakes

Researchers found that sustained supershear earthquake ruptures produce stronger ground motion amplitudes and higher peak ground velocity up to 20 kilometers away from the fault. The duration of shaking also varies between subshear and supershear ruptures, with longer shaking near the fault due to a 'double punch' effect.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 21, 2026

Pregnancy complications linked to long-term risk of peripheral artery disease

Researchers analyzed data from 2,201,446 women and found associations between adverse pregnancy outcomes and an increased long-term risk of developing peripheral artery disease. Women who experience gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or preterm delivery have a significantly increased risk of PAD later in life.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2026

Imaging shows increased brain aging across different brain disorders

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that people with dementia, mild cognitive impairment, alcohol addiction, or psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia show increased brain aging patterns. The researchers analyzed MRI data from over 45,900 controls and compared them to 2,698 patients with different brain conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2026

New research sheds light on Texas hill country floods

Researchers analyzed the 2025 Texas Hill Country floods, which killed at least 135 people, including 28 at Camp Mystic. Experimental models showed they could have predicted extreme flows with greater lead time.

SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJul 21, 2026
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Birdsong and walks in the forest tied to significant mental health benefits

A study by North Carolina State University found that nature sounds and sights significantly improve mental health compared to urban environments. Participants who heard birdsong while walking in a forest reported lower stress levels, higher positive emotions, and increased feelings of restorativeness.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnvironmental Conservation·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2026

Study: Semaglutide sustains lower calorie intake for more than a year

Researchers found that semaglutide treatment continued to reduce calorie intake even as participants felt hunger sensations return, contributing to sustained weight loss. Participants who took semaglutide lost an average of 15.1% of their initial body weight after 60 weeks, compared to 3.4% for placebo recipients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 21, 2026

A cleaner route to purifying rare earth elements

Scientists have developed a new approach to purify rare earth elements using atomic channels, separating them from each other without the need for toxic chemicals. The method has been shown to be competitive with existing separation methods and can differentiate similar pairs of rare earth elements.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·DateJul 21, 2026
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Nostalgia and family traditions are major barriers to adoption of plant-based diets, Stirling study finds

A new study found that nostalgia and family traditions are major barriers to adopting plant-based diets, with personal experiences and cultural identities playing a significant role. Researchers suggest recreating nostalgic or culturally significant dishes using vegan ingredients can make dietary change feel more accessible.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalPsychology of Human-Animal Intergroup Relations·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 21, 2026

Brain stimulation offers hope for brain disorders: researchers take key step to accelerate progress

Researchers have developed a new assessment tool to standardize reporting of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies. The Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Reporting Assessment Tool (TMS-RAT) helps compare results, build on each other's findings, and support progress in brain stimulation research. This tool addresses the need f...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBrain Stimulation·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 21, 2026
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Satellite data comparison reveals critical impacts of spatial & spectral resolution on sandy grassland plant biodiversity monitoring

The study highlights a core trade-off between spatial resolution, spectral bandwidth and plot-pixel matching in arid ecosystems. Multi-source, multi-scale remote sensing fusion is advocated for future dryland biodiversity conservation and management.

SourceSouth China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalBiological Diversity·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2026

Digital media may reshape people’s willingness to invest cognitive effort

Research suggests that digital platforms can alter how valuable our brain perceives cognitive effort, leading to a preference for immediate gratification. This 'effort recalibration' framework proposes that digital media do not necessarily reduce cognitive capacity but rather reshape internal evaluations of task difficulty.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 21, 2026

As Supreme Court decisions grow sharper, study examines justices’ calculated concessions

A new study reveals that Supreme Court justices employ 'appeasement' strategies, including conciliatory language, to persuade their peers and preserve influence within the court. This measured approach helps justices work together despite deep ideological divisions, offering insights into the court's functioning.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAmerican Politics Research·DateJul 21, 2026

New perovskite detector helps X-ray images stay clear at far lower dose

A new perovskite detector film has been developed to improve X-ray imaging at lower doses, reducing image noise and preserving fine structural details. The detector's internal uniformity helps suppress noise, making it possible to capture clear images at ultralow doses.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2026
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

How the most widespread parasite on earth reads its genome

Researchers found that two protein complexes manage the timing of protein production in Toxoplasma gondii, allowing it to quickly adapt to changing conditions. Understanding these systems could lead to new strategies to prevent or treat parasitic infections.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 21, 2026

Green hydrogen with PEC electrolysers: New insights into transport processes

A team at HZB Institute for Solar Fuels has observed the movement of ions and dissolved gases within electrolytes during electrolysis using 2D fluorescence imaging and particle velocimetry. The study found that pH gradients form within the volume, not just near surfaces, and increasing buffer ion concentration can mitigate this issue.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalEES Solar·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2026
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Baccarella wins $750,000 NASA Early Career Faculty Award

Damiano Baccarella received a $750,000 NASA award to study the extreme environments encountered by hypersonic spacecraft during atmospheric re-entry. He aims to develop novel strategies for experimental characterization of chemical and vibrational non-equilibrium in high-enthalpy hypersonic wind tunnels.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·DateJul 21, 2026

Tapeworm makes ants live longer

A tapeworm alters ants' biology in a targeted way, making workers live longer and less active. The parasite taps into existing signaling pathways, shifting them to promote its own survival.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalBMC Genomics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2026