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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 83


Page 83 of 493

Smoking has declined overall, but vaping has increased and people are starting to smoke at a younger age

Research from Austria and Ireland shows that nicotine addiction remains a major health concern, with vaping and smoking increasing among children and young people. The studies found that smoking has declined, but vaping has risen, particularly among those under 18, and that people are taking up smoking at a younger age. The findings hi...

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 7, 2026

Borderline low hemoglobin levels, usually considered normal, are linked to a higher risk of death

A prospective cohort study found that adults with hemoglobin levels 1 to 3 g/dL above the World Health Organization's anemia thresholds had lower mortality compared to those with levels below and above this range. The study suggests that further investigation of borderline anemia is warranted.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 7, 2026

Smoking leads to increased loneliness

A large Europe-wide study has found that smoking leads to increased loneliness, with current smokers reporting higher levels of loneliness and social isolation. The study suggests that smoking damages psychosocial health in addition to physical effects, and highlights the need to challenge the social norms surrounding smoking.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 6, 2026

bZIP transcription factor AflHapX coordinates iron homeostasis and aflatoxin biosynthesis in Aspergillus flavus

AflHapX is critical for A. flavus's adaptive response to iron excess and starvation, influencing aflatoxin B1 production. The transcription factor regulates genes involved in iron homeostasis, aflatoxin biosynthesis, and oxidative stress responses.

SourceInstitute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalMycology: An International Journal on Fungal Biology·DateSep 4, 2026

Study: Generative AI succumbs to conversational misinformed pressure and argument

Researchers at the University of Arizona assessed seven generative AI models for fallibility, persuadability and correctability during lengthy conversations. The study revealed intrinsic limitations of these models, including oscillation between accepting and rejecting false statements, and the need for careful human engagement to miti...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 4, 2026

Electrical grids planned on outdated climate data face physical and fiscal risk: UN University scientists propose domain-informed AI as the fix

The UN University's latest publication highlights the need for domain-informed AI in grid planning to address physical and fiscal risks from outdated climate data. The authors warn that 15-20 year lifespans of electricity infrastructure are based on historical weather records unlikely to hold in the coming decades.

Decades-old museum specimens reveal ten extraordinary new worms

Scientists have discovered 10 new species of branching marine worms, shedding light on their evolution and diversity. The study, published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, used DNA sequencing and anatomical analyses to solve a long-standing puzzle and provide new insights into the evolution of complex body forms.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 4, 2026

Ambient-dried bamboo fiber foam combines electromagnetic shielding with thermal protection

The study introduces a new bamboo fiber foam that combines electromagnetic shielding, flame retardancy, thermal insulation, and electrically driven heating in one lightweight material. The foam was created using ambient drying, which reduces energy consumption compared to traditional processing methods.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2026

Microplastics may act as pollutant shuttles, carrying chemicals, pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes

Microplastics act as pollutant shuttles, carrying chemicals, pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes through water, soil, food webs and environmental boundaries. A three-tiered framework identifies conditions for dominant ecological risks, highlighting the need for realistic risk assessment and unified global governance.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalEnergy & Environment Nexus·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 4, 2026

Slow pyrolysis could turn heavy metal contaminated crops into useful carbon materials

A new review suggests slow pyrolysis can reduce environmental risks while recovering materials, metals, and energy from contaminated agricultural biomass. The process involves controlled heating, producing biochar, bio-oil, and gases, with potential applications in soil amendment, water treatment, and metal recovery.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalSustainable Carbon Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 4, 2026

Bacteria can make testosterone. What could that mean for prostate cancer?

Researchers discovered a bacterium in urine that can convert DHEA into testosterone, shedding light on a previously unknown microbial route to a hormone central to prostate biology. This finding raises new questions about the potential role of microorganisms near the prostate in shaping its chemical environment.

SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2026

Satellites spot forest stress two years before bark beetle die-offs become apparent

Researchers used satellite-observed chlorophyll fluorescence to detect subtle physiological changes in evergreen trees, revealing forest stress two years before bark beetle mortality appears. The technology could provide early warning for forest managers to prepare before mortality becomes widespread, helping to mitigate climate change...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·TypeObservational study·DateSep 4, 2026

How new moms cope with stressful news may matter more than the news itself, study finds

Expectant mothers in the Philippines used creative coping strategies to manage sociopolitical stressors, including reframing difficult circumstances and maintaining a positive outlook. The study suggests that how new moms cope with stressful news may be more important than the news itself, with 67% of participants citing financial stre...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateSep 4, 2026

Five ways K–12 leaders can strengthen teacher recognition beyond appreciation weeks, according to new University of Phoenix white paper

A new white paper by Dr. Contessa T. Walker-Jackson suggests that teacher recognition should be specific, consistent, and connected to teachers' actual work. The paper recommends five leadership practices for school leaders to make recognition part of everyday practice, which can support teacher morale and engagement.

How can stressed mitochondria actually protect your heart?

A new study found that inducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) during embryonic development protects the adult heart from chemotherapy toxicity in mice. The study discovered that stressed mitochondria release citrate, leading to long-term epigenetic changes that promote beneficial mitohormetic adaptations. These findings s...

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 4, 2026

A UC3M study reveals the military apparatus and laws that made it possible for wild beasts to be brought into the amphitheaters

A UC3M study analyzes the regulations and complex logistics of animal spectacles in Roman amphitheaters, including the use of imperial constitutions and specialized units to track and transport wild beasts. The research reveals the logistical and economic challenges of these spectacles and the imperial power exercised over exotic animals.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 4, 2026

Rethinking radiotherapy to better fight pancreatic cancer

Researchers propose a new therapeutic perspective for pancreatic cancer, viewing radiotherapy as a tool capable of modulating the immune system and enhancing immunotherapy. The review highlights promising approaches currently being evaluated, including targeted radiotherapy and combination with next-generation immunotherapies.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateSep 4, 2026

National call-to-action needed to strengthen primary care pipeline in medical education: HMSOM Educators

A new paper outlines strategies to strengthen primary care pipeline in medical education, including mitigating administrative burdens, leveraging AI, and enriching student experiences. The authors emphasize the need for well-thought-out approaches to nudge the trend in a positive direction, rather than a single fix.

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 4, 2026

Do games make children more attentive or more distractible?

A study involving 48 preschool children found that brief digital or traditional gameplay improved performance on tasks requiring quick responses, but reduced performance on tasks demanding greater concentration and self-control. The study suggests that these play sessions temporarily enhance automatic attentional processes at the expen...

SourceBIAL Foundation·JournalComputers in Human Behavior Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2026

Multivalent mRNA-exosome vaccines: Reshaping epigenetic and immune landscapes to turn “cold” tumors “hot”

Researchers developed multivalent mRNA-exosome vaccines that induce local inflammation, recruiting immune cells and triggering epigenetic regulation, turning 'cold' tumors into 'hot' niches. These vaccines drive tumor cell death and sensitize tumors to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

SourceHEP Data Cooperation Journals·JournalPrecision Clinical Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2026

Researchers create new color-changing material—could be used in anti-counterfeit markings on banknotes and passports

Researchers have developed a new material called davyne that changes color in the near-infrared region, invisible to the human eye, which could be used as an anti-counterfeit tag in banknotes and passports. The material's color-changing mechanism is similar to hackmanite, and its near-infrared activity can be switched on and off.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 4, 2026

A mechanism-data fusion framework for process-microstructure prediction and optimization in laser directed energy deposition of Ti-6Al-4V using dual-level surrogate modeling

Researchers developed a mechanism-data fusion framework for rapid prediction and optimization of microstructure evolution in laser directed energy deposition of Ti-6Al-4V. The framework uses dual-level long short-term memory networks and multiscale physical modeling, achieving high accuracy and reducing computational cost.

SourceELSP·JournalAdvanced Equipment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 4, 2026

Surgical treatment of fat distribution disorder is particularly effective

The LIPLEG study found that liposuction is significantly superior to conservative therapy in terms of key treatment outcomes, with 68.3% of patients experiencing clinically relevant pain reduction. The procedure also led to a marked improvement in quality of life, with patients reporting a reduction in pain and an increase in mobility.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 4, 2026

Updated checklist reveals rich, threatened terrestrial mammal diversity on Hainan Island

Researchers have compiled a comprehensive updated checklist of terrestrial mammals on Hainan Island, China's largest tropical island. The study documents 95 species, including 12.91% of China's terrestrial mammalian species richness, and identifies 10 species as threatened under IUCN criteria.

SourceSouth China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalBiological Diversity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 4, 2026

AI could undermine managers' judgement unless used carefully, University of Bath-led study warns

A new study from the University of Bath warns that over-reliance on generative AI may weaken managers' ability to build moral insights, contextual understanding, and practical know-how. The research suggests that AI can strengthen managerial judgement when used as a tool for reflection, rather than a replacement for thinking.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalAcademy of Management Review·TypeObservational study·DateSep 4, 2026