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Science News for April 13, 2026


New uncertainty-aware AI framework could improve fuel cell degradation forecasting

Researchers developed an uncertainty-aware AI framework for predicting proton exchange membrane fuel cell degradation trends. The framework provides both point estimates and interval estimates with probability density information, improving the reliability of fuel-cell prognosis under realistic operating conditions.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

New protection method could help free piston Stirling generators avoid damaging overshoot faults

Researchers have developed a fast prediction and suppression method for transient piston displacement overshoot in free piston Stirling generators. The new approach detects dangerous overshoot without relying on displacement sensors and suppresses the fault response early enough to maintain safe operation and continuous power delivery.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

New AI image-enhancement method could help transportation systems see more clearly in tunnels

Researchers developed a dynamic range compression dual-domain attention network to tackle extreme exposure conditions in tunnels. The DRC-DFANet model optimizes global illumination coordination and local detail restoration, preserving fine details while adjusting brightness intelligently.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Image-based machine learning framework sharpens battery health estimation across varying conditions

The integrated framework combines incremental capacity analysis with image feature transformation and a hybrid machine-learning pipeline to improve SOH estimation accuracy. It achieves an RMSE of 1.76% on the NASA dataset and shows robustness when operating conditions shift, suggesting better generalization across different datasets.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Predictive energy management could improve fuel savings and emissions in hybrid-electric regional aircraft

Researchers developed a predictive energy management framework for megawatt-class parallel hybrid-electric regional aircraft, showing improved environmental and operational performance. Simulation results show reduced fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, NOx emissions, and energy-specific air range.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Physics-informed AI framework could improve early prediction of battery knee point and lifespan

Researchers have developed a multi-fidelity framework combining coupled degradation mechanisms with machine learning to predict battery lifespan. The framework addresses the challenge of making reliable forecasts before long-term aging data are available, enabling safer operation and better-informed decision-making.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Tiny AI model could strengthen real-time fault diagnosis for high-speed train bogies

Researchers developed a lightweight fault-diagnosis framework for high-speed train bogies using selective knowledge distillation-based domain adaptation. The approach improves cross-domain diagnostic accuracy by at least 2.1% while keeping the final model size to 28.5 kB.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

New two-step method improves early diagnosis of micro short circuits in lithium-ion batteries

Researchers developed a two-step diagnostic strategy to detect subtle abnormal behavior in lithium-ion batteries. The method combines Hellinger distance with an Inverse Markov Method to identify micro short circuits that can lead to serious safety failures and thermal runaway.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Chemicals found in tap water could harm embryos

A study by Adelaide University found that even low levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in tap water can disrupt female fertility, leading to cellular damage, DNA damage, and impairing embryo viability. The study also showed that exposure to PFAS chemicals can be passed on to future generations.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2026

New multiphysics model helps reveal how battery swelling force builds during charging

Researchers developed a three-dimensional electro-thermo-mechanical model to quantify the swelling force generated by lithium-ion batteries during charging. The model accurately identifies and quantifies swelling force, offering a new tool for improving battery safety.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Are public sector workers motivated to do the job?

A new study found that public sector workers' motivation is closely tied to their work environment. The research identified four profiles of public servants with varying levels of motivation, which are shaped by both individual psychology and environmental constraints.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalReview of Public Personnel Administration·TypeSurvey·DateApr 13, 2026

SNU Engineering–medical research team identifies, for the first time, a new mechanism to enhance osteoporosis treatment efficiency

A laser-based cell isolation system enabled researchers to isolate and analyze osteoblasts, revealing a new mechanism regulating bone formation. A combination therapy strategy targeting both WNT and TGF-β signaling pathways is proposed to enhance treatment efficiency.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalBone Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

How neighborhood amenities and infrastructure may slow cognitive decline among older immigrants

A Rutgers Health study reveals that neighborhoods with greater access to community amenities, services, and infrastructure can reduce the risk of dementia in older Chinese immigrants. The researchers found that individuals living in more cognitively supportive neighborhoods declined more slowly with age.

SourceRutgers University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2026

AI spots hidden behavior patterns in self-organizing bacteria

A custom-built AI system helped uncover how bacterial communities organize themselves, showing that early moments of a biological transition carry more information than previously considered. The findings bring new insight into the relationship between genotype and phenotype in Myxococcus xanthus.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Why extended postpartum Medicaid coverage during pandemic led to gains in enrollment

A study analyzing postpartum Medicaid claims in 15 states found that extended coverage led to modest changes in healthcare use, with notable increases in emergency department visits and mental health diagnoses. The share of individuals maintaining coverage through 12 months postpartum increased to 77%, but gaps in care persist.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Milbank Quarterly·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2026

Internalization of homophobia and transphobia may undermine mental health benefits of religiosity or spirituality for LGBTQIA+ people, study finds

A McGill University study found that internalized homophobia and transphobia among LGBTQIA+ people of faith can undermine the positive mental health outcomes associated with religiosity and spirituality. Mindfulness may offer a supportive spiritual pathway outside non-affirming religious contexts.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Homosexuality·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 13, 2026

Gender matters in the brain/bone axis. APOE4, the Alzheimer’s risk gene, silently undermines bone quality in women

Researchers discovered that APOE4 causes bone quality deficits specifically in female mice, through a mechanism invisible to standard imaging. The study reveals an unexpected biological link between Alzheimer's risk and skeletal health, pointing to osteocytes as potential early warning signals for both conditions.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Widespread AI use narrows society’s creative space

New research from Duke University finds that commercial large language models (LLMs) are less creative and generate more similar responses than humans. The study challenges these models with three standard tests assessing creativity and finds that their outputs are more alike, highlighting the need for human diversity in brainstorming

SourceDuke University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Shorter antibiotic courses show similar outcomes to longer use for some pneumonia patients

For eligible patients with community-acquired pneumonia, shorter treatment durations may be as safe and effective as traditional longer regimens. The study found no meaningful differences in mortality, readmissions, or C. difficile infections among patients who received three to four days of antibiotics.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateApr 13, 2026

Researchers identify new genetic disease that interferes with brain development

Scientists have discovered a new rare genetic disease caused by a mutation in the RPN1 gene, which affects glycosylation and leads to protein instability. The disease, now termed RPN1-CDG, is characterized by neurodevelopmental issues and has expanded the number of genes associated with OST complex diseases.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalHuman Genetics and Genomics Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Rice study resolves decades-old mystery in organic light-emitting crystals

Researchers at Rice University have solved a long-standing puzzle in organic semiconductors by finding that tiny structural imperfections can improve light conversion efficiency. The study reveals how defects act as energy localization sites that behave differently from the rest of the material, enhancing processes like triplet-triplet...

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Global urban methane emissions are growing more than estimated

A new study by University of Michigan found that global urban methane emissions have risen 6% since 2019, with C40 cities facing a 30% increase in their emission reduction targets. The discrepancy between satellite measurements and accounting estimates highlights the need for more accurate monitoring and mitigation strategies.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2026

U of A research finds improved weather forecasts could reduce heat deaths as climate warms

Researchers found that more accurate weather forecasts can significantly reduce heat-related deaths. The study suggests that technological advancements in forecasting can offset projected increases in heat-related fatalities due to climate change. In fact, the economic value of saving lives through improved forecasting is substantial a...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2026

First “protein map” of neurons that initiate pain

Researchers have created a high-resolution molecular map of specific sensory neurons that trigger pain, revealing two subtypes of nociceptors with distinct functional components. The study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of chronic inflammatory pain and identifies potential new drug targets using Deep Visual Proteomics.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Pivotal study of minimally invasive stent therapy shows improved quality of life for patients with blood clots

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) who received stent treatment showed significant improvement in their condition and quality of life. The study, C-TRACT, enrolled 225 patients and compared two treatment strategies.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 13, 2026

Parents’ screen habits shape teen gaming

This study found that parental screen-time modeling, mealtime screen use, and bedroom screen use were associated with higher odds of adolescents playing mature-rated video games later. In contrast, parental monitoring and screen-time limits were linked to lower odds of mature-rated gaming and less total gaming time.

SourceZhejiang University·JournalWorld Journal of Pediatrics·DateApr 13, 2026

Between 2.4 and 4.1 million people estimated to be living with chronic hepatitis B infection in Europe

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control estimates that between 2.4 and 4.1 million people in the EU/EEA are living with chronic hepatitis B infection. The prevalence varies significantly across countries, with the highest rates found in southern and eastern Europe.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2026

AI with locality awareness

The University of Bonn's new Emmy Noether Group is developing AI methods to fuse different types of geodata for a uniform representation. This allows AI to better understand places, leading to precise urban quality-of-life analysis and environmental assessments.

When the land "speaks": How surface conditions shape precipitation in humid Asian monsoon regions

A new review paper reveals that land surfaces in humid monsoon regions shape precipitation characteristics through complex interactions. High-resolution satellite observations and convection-permitting climate models reveal a nuanced understanding of surface moisture, energy balance, and atmospheric dynamics. This challenges the tradit...

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 13, 2026

Reversible words can lower consumer disbelief in ads

A new study reveals that using reversible words in marketing messages can significantly impact how confident consumers feel about believing a claim. Researchers found that when words differ in their reversibility, it can trigger different mental processes when consumers evaluate marketing language.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

New study hints at the cause of a painful skin condition—and at a long-awaited potential treatment

A new University of Michigan-led research has identified a connection between keratin 16 and type 1 interferon in the molecular pathways of pachyonychia congenita. The study found that losing or altering K16 causes amplification of the inflammatory response, but also helps pump the brakes on that response.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Research finds efforts to end child marriage in Malawi leave out local knowledge, culture

Research in Malawi finds that attempts to combat child marriage often neglect local perspectives and cultural norms, leading to challenges in implementing effective solutions. The study proposes an African feminist lens to address the issue, considering relationality, community, and cultural embeddedness to understand the problem.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Human Rights and Social Work·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 13, 2026

Competitive interactions are key to explaining the dynamics of the human brain

Researchers analyzed brain interactions to explain attention, decision-making, and memory. Models with competitive interactions outperform cooperative ones, enabling flexible activation of regions and intelligent behavior. This breakthrough brings us closer to creating realistic digital twins of the human brain for personalized medicine.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 13, 2026

AI pricing could mean everyone pays a different price

New research suggests that AI-powered price discrimination could lead to hidden, personalised pricing that consumers cannot see or understand, potentially reducing trust and affecting behavior. Regulators are now facing pressure to decide whether such practices cross the line under EU competition law.

SourceUniversity of East London·JournalJournal of Competition Law & Economics·TypeContent analysis·DateApr 13, 2026

From springs and bolts, St. Olaf researchers built a computer that doesn’t require electricity

St. Olaf researchers create mechanical computers that can perform simple computations without a computer chip or power source, harnessing their power from physical force. The devices demonstrate proof of design for alternative computing in harsh settings, paving the way for smart materials and responsive artificial limbs.

SourceSt. Olaf College·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

How plants regulate their protein balance

A specific protein complex regulates protein balance in plants, influencing their response to environmental stress. Researchers discovered that this process, known as N-terminal acetylation, maintains the stability of the plant proteome by controlling protein degradation and recycling.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2026

Envisioning just futures

A new IIASA-led study offers a practical approach to evaluate the distributional implications of climate action, enabling policymakers to assess justice impacts of emissions pathways. The study found that many existing mitigation scenarios are consistent with justice principles, while few explore limits on energy or meat consumption.

Pixelated BIC metasurfaces for terahertz integrated sensing and imaging

Researchers propose a novel THz metasurface-enabled platform for integrated sensing and imaging, overcoming limitations of slow sequential data acquisition. The system achieves 100% binary image reconstruction with nanosecond-scale accuracy, enabling real-time applications in security, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical sectors.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Proteins cluster in cells for faster performance

Researchers at the University of Groningen discovered that protein clustering in cells leads to reduced movement and improved efficiency in amino acid production. This finding has practical implications for designing efficient cell factories and increasing substance production inside cells.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Designing better membrane proteins by embracing imperfection

Researchers at VIB–VUB Center for Structural Biology have discovered a counterintuitive principle for designing membrane proteins. Introducing 'imperfections' or negative design enables synthetic membrane proteins to fold and assemble efficiently. This approach can improve the stability of final folded structures without compromising it.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Beijing Normal University researchers develop framework for early-season winter wheat sowing date estimation

A novel machine learning framework integrates high-resolution remote sensing and dynamic climate windows to estimate early-season winter wheat sowing dates. The framework achieved an R² of 0.82 with most estimates within ±5 days of observed values, capturing regional patterns and fine-scale variations.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalThe Crop Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Scientists uncover how vaccine adjuvants separate protection from reactogenicity

Researchers found that squalene-based adjuvants activate distinct pathways for vaccine protection and reactogenicity, including the role of IL-1β in enhancing efficacy and IL-1α in triggering local swelling. The study's findings could lead to safer vaccine design by targeting specific immune mechanisms.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·Journalnpj Vaccines·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

A breakthrough in understanding the origin of Mount Etna

Researchers at the University of Lausanne uncover a breakthrough in understanding Mount Etna's origin, suggesting that the volcano may have formed through a mechanism similar to petit-spot submarine volcanoes. This discovery opens up new perspectives for understanding how other volcanic systems may form around the world.

SourceUniversity of Lausanne·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth·DateApr 13, 2026

Chinese Medical Journal study reveals how mitochondrial activity is regulated in heart muscle cells

A study published in Chinese Medical Journal reveals how mitochondrial activity is regulated in heart muscle cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction disrupts energy production and affects cardiac outcomes, with various proteins managing mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 13, 2026

Precision boost for quantum sensor technology

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have directly measured the 'waiting time' in a two-dimensional material, which lasts exactly 24 billionths of a second. This knowledge increases the accuracy of atomic sensors and paves the way for future medical diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Water-soluble cellulose adhesive enables strong, reusable bonding across extreme conditions

Researchers have developed a water-soluble cellulose ethyl phosphite (CEP) adhesive that integrates high bonding strength, environmental tolerance, and recyclability. The CEP adhesive demonstrates remarkable thermal stability and resistance to moisture-related degradation, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

AI remains lacking in clinical reasoning abilities, according to study of 21 large language models

A study of 21 large language models found that they excel at accurate final diagnoses but falter at differential diagnoses, highlighting the need for human oversight in healthcare. The researchers developed a novel measure, PrIME-LLM, to evaluate AI's clinical competency across different stages of reasoning.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 13, 2026

Opioid use stigma may underlie clinician biases towards patients with sickle cell disease

Research at UChicago Medicine found that clinicians who perceive patients with sickle cell disease as opioid users are more likely to experience bias and provide lower quality care. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and education on overcoming biases related to chronic pain management.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2026

A complete rethinking of how our brains use categories to make sense of the world

A new review paper proposes that brain categorization is part of a predictive process to efficiently meet needs, rather than an intellectual exercise comparing sensory inputs to a fixed prototype. This approach predicts the world and anticipates actions, allowing for efficient survival and thriving in a fast-paced environment.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalNature Reviews Neuroscience·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 13, 2026

Development and successful treatment of spinal mixed histiocytosis in an elderly woman following two relapses of BRAF-mutated unifocal skull langerhans cell histiocytosis

A 76-year-old woman developed spinal mixed histiocytosis after multiple relapses of BRAF-mutated unifocal skull Langerhans cell histiocytosis. She was treated successfully with targeted therapy, highlighting the importance of routine PET/CT screening and genetic testing for refractory cases.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalOncology Advances·DateApr 13, 2026

Think that conversation will be boring? Science says think again

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people consistently underestimate how interesting and enjoyable conversations about boring topics would be. People reported enjoying these conversations much more than they had predicted, even when both parties agreed the topic was boring.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Korea University Institute for Environmental Medicine hosts Uzbekistan Ministry of Health delegation for institutional visit and strategic discussions

The Korea University Institute for Environmental Medicine hosted a delegation from the Uzbekistan Ministry of Health for an institutional visit and strategic discussions. The visit aimed to deepen mutual understanding and expand collaboration in healthcare and medical education between the two countries.

New study reveals why some Chinese immigrants in the US may turn to China-based telehealth apps

A recent study found that 15% of Chinese immigrants use China-based telehealth apps for medical advice while living in the US. These apps are preferred due to lower costs, ease of access, and language support. However, reliance on foreign-based services raises concerns about patient safety, continuity of care, and regulatory oversight.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalDigital Health·DateApr 13, 2026

New method offers a more realistic way to judge how near-fault structures perform in earthquakes

A new method, MIDA, uses physics-based ground motion simulations tied to earthquake magnitude to better assess seismic performance of near-fault structures. This approach reduces subjectivity and nonphysical distortion, providing a more stable and realistic prediction of structural response.

SourceCivil Engineering Sciences·JournalCivil Engineering Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 13, 2026

Making light spin with a gold nanorod

By striking a gold nanorod off-center with an electron beam, researchers created rotating circular polarization in light, a property useful for controlling information encoding and transmission. This simple approach could enable new ways to encode, route, and process information using light.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Study: People using mobile app breathalyzers changed their drinking behavior

A study found that repeated use of low-cost mobile breathalyzers led to changes in drinking behavior, with heavy drinkers reducing blood-alcohol concentrations. The device's introduction allowed individuals to track their intoxication levels in real-time, enhancing self-awareness and leading to improved decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2026

Painkillers prevent pain responses in Norway lobsters

Researchers discovered that common human painkillers, such as aspirin and lidocaine, prevent Norway lobsters from exhibiting painful responses to electric shocks. This finding highlights the need for more humane methods of killing crustaceans, which may be phased out in favor of gentler alternatives.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Survivors of adolescent, young adult cancers at double the risk of future cancers

Research from Alberta reveals that survivors of adolescent and young adult cancers are at double the risk of developing most types of later cancers. Lymphoma and breast cancer were found to be the most common subsequent cancers after an initial diagnosis, with breast, colorectal, and lung cancers making up 43% of cases.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2026

Belfast to host global scientists at the Microbiology Society’s Annual Conference 2026 as Baroness Natalie Bennett joins discussion on antimicrobial resistance

The Microbiology Society's Annual Conference 2026 will bring together researchers from around the world to discuss antimicrobial resistance and its impact on global health. The conference will explore ways to slow the spread of superbugs through scientific research, policy, and international collaboration.