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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 92


Page 92 of 493

Men with low or high testosterone may have higher risk of irregular heartbeat

A review of existing evidence on testosterone and heart health found that both low and high testosterone levels increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. The risk appears to follow a U-shaped pattern, with the lowest risk in the middle of the normal testosterone range. This suggests that treatment should be individualized and monitored.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateSep 1, 2026

Non-police safety practitioners reduce crime

Non-police safety practitioners in San Francisco reduced crime and disorder, particularly behavioral health-related incidents and drug crime, through consistent relationships and referrals to services. The program achieved significant reductions in crime rates by intervening early and preventing escalation.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateSep 1, 2026

Anti-influenza therapies that target the host

Researchers have discovered a novel approach to treating influenza by targeting the host's machinery, rather than the virus itself. By binding to a key protein called nucleolin, two new drugs have been shown to trap and inhibit the replication of both pandemic and seasonal flu strains.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateSep 1, 2026

Researchers discover dozens of genes tied to OCD and tic disorders

A Rutgers-led international team identified 36 genes linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and chronic tic disorders, providing a detailed biological understanding of how these conditions develop. The findings suggest that many of the genes are shared between the conditions and can be targeted using whole-network approaches.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 1, 2026

Electrifying discoveries: Researchers film the first moments on the way from light to electricity

Researchers successfully film the generation of electrical energy from light, providing a fundamental understanding of the physical processes involved in organic solar cells. The study, published in Physical Review X, reveals the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of excitons in the first moments of their existence.

SourceUniversity of Graz·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2026

To promote climate action, emotion matters more than information

A UNIGE study shows that climate communication campaigns designed to appeal to people's emotions, such as evoking a sense of wonder, are more effective at inspiring climate action than those relying solely on scientific facts. Messages that include images and draw on moral or ethical considerations also achieve better results.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeNews article·DateSep 1, 2026

Most chemicals in food packaging lack data needed to protect consumers – scientists propose a way forward

Scientists from the Food Packaging Forum Foundation propose a novel approach to better protect consumer health by grouping chemicals in food packaging and prioritizing them for regulatory review or phase-out. The approach can help policymakers and manufacturers overcome data gaps and prevent regrettable substitutions.

SourceFood Packaging Forum Foundation·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 1, 2026

Dual-functional metasurfaces enabling high-efficiency holography and triple-color printing

Researchers develop a dual-functional metasurface that achieves high holographic efficiency while enabling structural color printing. The metasurface displays vivid structural colors and reconstructs holographic images with high efficiency across a broad range of visible wavelengths.

Curved carbon architecture tunes Co-N4 sites for more efficient oxygen electrocatalysis

Researchers developed a cobalt-based catalyst that efficiently promotes oxygen reduction and evolution reactions in zinc-air batteries. The catalyst's curved carbon support and cobalt nanoparticles work together to improve oxygen electrocatalysis, enabling long-term bifunctional performance.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2026

Changing how silicon breaks: The role of rotary ultrasonic machining

Researchers demonstrate rotary ultrasonic machining can drill high-quality holes in single-crystal silicon by modifying material removal to a hybrid ductile-brittle mode. This process reduces cutting forces by up to 29% while improving surface quality and minimizing tool wear. The findings benefit semiconductor, photovoltaic, and micro...

SourceELSP·JournalAdvanced Manufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2026

Major study reveals key differences in bowel cancer before 50

Researchers analyzed data from 1,691 Australians with liver-spreading bowel cancer, finding younger patients had distinct tumour characteristics and lived longer after treatment. Genetic mutations such as BRAF and KRAS were associated with poorer outcomes across both age groups, highlighting the importance of genetic testing.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 31, 2026

Breaking through AlphaFold’s limits to predict how proteins change shape

Researchers have developed a novel AlphaFold-based method that introduces a repulsive force between predicted structures, allowing for the sampling of multiple conformational states. This enables the prediction of diverse protein conformations rapidly and accurately, with potential applications in drug design and protein engineering.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJACS Au·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 31, 2026

Marshall University research identifies lasting brain changes associated with adolescent binge alcohol exposure

Researchers found that adolescent binge alcohol exposure caused lasting changes in brain function, disrupting communication between astrocytes and synapses, and persisting into adulthood. Improving astrocyte function partially recovered these effects, suggesting a potential new approach for addressing persistent behavioral effects.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 31, 2026

Nano-biochar uses pH and superoxide radicals to transform toxic silver ions in water

Researchers have found that nano-biochar can rapidly transform silver ions into silver nanoparticles under alkaline conditions, with superoxide radicals playing a key role in the process. The study also showed that the structure of nano-biochar and pH conditions can control metal transformations in water.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2026

Engagement-driven curation can trap culture consumers in 'overfamiliarity,' leading to less long-term satisfaction

Research by Prof. Samsun Knight reveals that streaming services' algorithms prioritize familiar content, leading to overexposure and decreased engagement. To combat this, Prof. Knight suggests exploring less familiar content and incorporating human recommendations to discover new artistic movements.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Cultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 2026

Stay sharp after menopause: How aerobic exercise can improve key thinking skills

Researchers found that aerobic exercise significantly improves executive functions, including planning, task-switching, and focus, in post-menopausal women. Regular exercise can help preserve cognitive health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, with benefits observed as early as three months into the program.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeObservational study·DateAug 31, 2026

Higher vitamin B12 levels in both parents are associated with lower risk of birth defects

A prospective cohort study found that higher parental vitamin B12 and maternal RBC folate levels before and after conception, respectively, were associated with lower birth defect risk. This suggests that the nutritional status of both parents during the periconceptional period may play a role in preventing birth defects.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 31, 2026

New chemical clues shine a light on galactic evolution

Researchers used computational modeling to simulate how electrons interact with manganese ions, predicting emission lines that could be useful for analyzing rapidly expanding objects like supernova remnants. The findings suggest that these emission lines could provide insight into the chemical evolution of galaxies, stars, and the univ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 31, 2026

New research compares civil servant experiences under trump in the US to those under Bolsonaro in Brazil

A comparative survey of nearly 150 career civil servants found that Brazilian civil servants were more likely to mobilize against democratic breakdown through collective acts, while US civil servants adopted individualized and cautious strategies. Strong professional cultures and networks emerged as key facilitators for pushback among ...

SourceHamilton College·JournalInternational Review of Administrative Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateAug 31, 2026