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Science News Archive April 2026


Page 53 of 55

Do TV ads work? Ask smart TVs

A new study reveals traditional TV ads deliver less than expected impact, with promotions, recency, programming, and habits playing a crucial role in ad effectiveness. The research uses smart TV data to measure causal impact on consumer purchases, providing insights for advertisers and improving TV networks' measurement capabilities.

Illinois Tech computer science researcher honored by IEEE Chicago Section

Binghui Wang, an Illinois Tech Assistant Professor of Computer Science, has been awarded the 2025 Distinguished Junior R&D Award by the IEEE Chicago Section for his groundbreaking research in AI security and trustworthy machine learning. The award recognizes Wang's impactful work on developing provably secure and trustworthy AI systems.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Global gun violence research requires a multidisciplinary approach

Gun violence researchers face challenges in accessing quality data and securing funding due to geopolitical influences. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to tackle this complex issue, involving academia, investigative journalism, and civil society to capture gun violence information.

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Digital twin hearts deliver 100% success in arrhythmia trial

Researchers created personalized digital twins of patients' hearts to improve cardiac ablation outcomes for life-threatening arrythmias. The approach resulted in faster and more accurate procedures, reducing recurrences of arrythmias and increasing success rates compared to traditional methods.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Is vitamin D associated with lower levels of Alzheimer’s biomarkers?

A study published in Neurology Open Access found that higher vitamin D levels in middle age are associated with lower levels of tau protein in the brain, a sign of dementia. The study suggests an association between vitamin D levels and lower tau burden, but highlights the need for further research.

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.

Climate change may produce “fast-food” phytoplankton

A new study suggests that climate change will shift the balance of macromolecules in phytoplankton from proteins to carbohydrates and lipids, with a 20% increase expected by 2100. This could lead to an unbalanced diet for marine life, with implications for ocean health and human consumption.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New book explores small talk, big silence in Evangelical communities

A new book by sociologist Amy McDowell examines how small talk can be used to block meaningful conversation in evangelical churches, leaving members feeling isolated and alienated. The study reveals that enforced 'biblical sameness' stifles diverse discourse and convinces minorities to conform to a restrictive majority view.

Common virus plus mono associated with increased risk of MS

A study published in Neurology Open Access found that having infectious mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus is associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis. After adjusting for other factors, researchers found that people with a history of mono were three times more likely to develop MS.

AIBS publishes report highlighting Photo Contest winners

The American Institute of Biological Sciences has published a report showcasing the winners of its 2025 Faces of Biology Photo Contest. The contest aims to highlight biological research through impactful imagery, with this year's first place winner receiving $250 and a one-year subscription to BioScience.

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.

Targeting MD2 could limit prostate cancer bone metastasis

Researchers found that targeting MD2 could reduce tumor growth in a mouse model of prostate cancer bone metastasis. High MD2 expression was associated with metastasis, immune suppression, and increased resistance to PARP inhibitor therapy.

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.

A molecular clock controls neuronal maturation

A molecular clock, governed by epigenetic marks, controls neuronal maturation in the brain. The balance between these signals ensures that maturation occurs at the right time and in the right order. Even in mature adult brain cells, hundreds of genes remain bivalent, suggesting a role in stress response and cell death.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

SETI Institute names Lori Marino as 2026 Drake Award recipient

Dr. Lori Marino receives the 2026 Drake Award for her groundbreaking work on intelligence evolution, recognizing her contributions to understanding complex life forms on Earth and beyond. Her research focuses on brain evolution, cognition, and self-awareness in various species.

Broadband nanoprobe sharpens optical imaging

Researchers developed a double-slit plasmonic platform-based fiber probe that combines easier light excitation, stronger tip enhancement, broadband stability, and controllable fabrication. The probe achieved 28.6 nm optical imaging resolution under ambient conditions and resolved structures smaller than the diffraction limit.

Accuracy test for protein language models shines light into AI 'black box'

A team from Emory University developed a simple method to test the accuracy of protein language models, which are used to analyze complex biological data. By comparing how these models 'embed' natural proteins versus synthetic ones, researchers can estimate their reliability and improve their performance.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Alchemy in the Earth’s mantle

Research suggests that hydrous and repeated mantle melting is key driver of gold enrichment in island arc magmas. The study found that high-degree melting leads to significant concentrations of gold, often several times higher than those found in mid-ocean ridge basalts.

Walking is top leisure-time physical activity for US adults

A new study reveals that walking is the most popular leisure-time physical activity among US adults, but urban residents are more likely to meet exercise guidelines. Rural residents tend to prefer activities like gardening and hunting, with lower rates of inactivity and guideline adherence.

Eureka! Scientists develop new way to detect breakthroughs in science

A team of researchers at Binghamton University has developed a method to pinpoint discoveries that reshaped the course of science. The new metric uses neural embedding to analyze approximately 55 million scientific papers and patents, identifying major breakthroughs and simultaneous discoveries with greater accuracy.

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.

Millions-of-years-old insect symbioses are surprisingly fragile

A study by the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology found that an introduced bacterium can replace an ancient insect symbiont within a few generations. The beetles exhibited reduced reproduction rates, lower life expectancy, and altered immune systems after infection with the new bacterium.

Quantum switches thrive in deep cold

Researchers from Purdue University and Menlo Microsystems developed a commercial microelectromechanical switch that operates reliably at cryogenic temperatures. The device showed lower operating voltage, lower on-resistance, and strong radio-frequency performance.

Human attitudes to predators shape prospects for coexistence

A recent study by Miquel Torrents-Ticó found that human attitudes play a crucial role in determining predator populations. In two Kenyan sites, human tolerance influenced spotted hyena distribution, with tolerated herders allowing predators to thrive. The findings suggest that coexistence is more likely when humans accept predators.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Porous nanofibrils spun from supramolecules with intrinsic cavities

Researchers created a new type of microporous aerogel that overcomes limitations of conventional materials, enabling flexible and highly processable shapes. The material's flexibility arises from reversible van der Waals interactions between metal–organic polyhedra molecules.