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Science News Archive April 2026 - Page 11


Page 11 of 55

​​​​​​​Research identifies slow-wave sleep activity as regulator for anxiety in older adults

A new study from Center for BrainHealth researchers found that declining slow-wave activity during sleep explains why anxiety rises in older adults. Participants who generated fewer slow waves woke up more anxious the next morning, while those with stronger slow-wave sleep did not show the same pattern.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 27, 2026

Common claim that most transgender youth renounce that identity is not supported by statistics, VCU research finds

A new study from VCU found that rates of transgender identity persistence and desistance can range from zero to 100% depending on data interpretation. The research challenges the narrative that most transgender youth desist from their identity, supporting gender-affirming care for minors.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalPsychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity·DateApr 27, 2026

Construction industry urged to shift from zero-tolerance to embrace action errors for learning

A new perspective paper calls on construction organizations to adopt an error management approach that treats unintentional action errors as valuable for organizational learning and innovation. Action errors can be categorized into individual, team, and organizational levels, with distinct causes and implications. Embracing action erro...

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalEngineering·DateApr 27, 2026

The cost of delaying childhood vaccination

A new study from Cornell University found that delaying the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine after birth leads to increased infections and higher healthcare costs. The longer the delay, the more severe the consequences for newborns, who are at high risk of developing chronic infections and premature death.

SourceCornell University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 27, 2026

Medicaid expansion helped enrollees’ long-term financial health, study finds

A new study found that Michigan Medicaid expansion helped enrollees significantly reduce their medical debt in collections by up to 75% within seven years of enrollment. Additionally, the study shows substantial drops in sub-prime credit scores, improving financial stability and long-term health outcomes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2026

Better volcano eruption predictions on Earth--and Venus--thanks to Mauna Loa study

Researchers used machine learning algorithms to analyze satellite data, combining public and private sources to predict lava flow patterns. The study's findings can aid in early warning systems for volcanic eruptions, providing critical information for safety and analysis.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 27, 2026

Mimicking nature’s twist: time-evolving helicity in a polymer

A team of scientists developed a chlorophyll-based supramolecular polymer that can gradually evolve from nonhelical fibers into well-defined helical structures. The transformation occurs cooperatively and is driven by small energy differences between stable arrangements, offering a blueprint for designing dynamic helical structures.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

MIT researchers find self-organizing “pencil beam” laser could help scientists design brain-targeted therapies

Researchers leveraged a surprise discovery to devise a new bioimaging method that captures 3D images of the human blood-brain barrier 25 times faster than existing technology. This technique enables scientists to test whether new drugs for neurodegenerative diseases reach their targets in the brain.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 27, 2026

Origin of the stellar Fe Kα line revealed!

A team of researchers at Kyoto University used NICER and Hisaki to study a superflare on the star UX Arietis, finding that photoionization is the dominant mechanism behind the iron Kα line. This discovery provides a diagnostic tool for astronomers to infer flare locations on stellar surfaces.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 27, 2026

Hydraulic brain: Body motion linked to fluid movement in the brain

A study using mice and simulations found that abdominal contractions compress blood vessels connected to the spinal cord and brain, enabling gentle brain movement that facilitates cerebrospinal fluid flow and potentially removes neural waste. This mechanism may explain why exercise is thought to benefit brain health.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 27, 2026

Group averages obscure how an individual’s brain controls behavior, Stanford Medicine study finds

A new Stanford Medicine study shows that brain-scan averages obscure individual brain dynamics, particularly in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. By analyzing data from over 4,000 children, researchers found distinct patterns of brain activity when data is analyzed individually versus as a group.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 27, 2026

How pathogens switch on their virulence

A research team at the University of Basel has uncovered how a key protein switches on the machinery that enables Leptospira pathogens to survive and cause disease. By understanding this process, scientists may design drugs that keep the pathogen from becoming virulent, preventing severe cases and reducing mortality.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2026

Who do tipsters really work for?

Adolescents who follow social media tipsters report higher gambling intention and increased frequency. The study highlights the need for stronger regulation of tipster-related marketing and media literacy programmes to address persuasive strategies and improve risk awareness.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·TypeSurvey·DateApr 27, 2026

Novel study maps changes in US immigration policy landscape since 9/11

A comprehensive analysis of US state and local sanctuary and anti-sanctuary policies reveals associations with immigrants' health outcomes. Sanctuary policies are linked to improved community trust, reduced crime, and higher employment rates, while anti-sanctuary policies increase deportation risk and negatively impact mental health.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2026

‘The cause might be vibrating pipes rather than restless spirits’: increased stress and irritability from infrasound exposure may explain paranormal experiences

Researchers suggest that infrasound, a type of low-frequency sound undetectable by humans, may explain paranormal experiences. Exposure to infrasound has been shown to increase cortisol levels and irritability, even if participants are unaware they are listening to it.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

Implementation of a DNA 'molecular computer' smaller than 2nm semiconductors… high expectations for bio-computing applications

A team of researchers from KAIST has developed a DNA-based molecular computer that can operate at a much smaller scale than conventional semiconductor devices. The system enables both computation and memory within the same device, opening up new possibilities for future computing technologies in bio and medical applications.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 26, 2026

Children and young people from deprived areas less likely to gain access to mental health care

A new study found significant socio-economic inequalities in accessing mental health care, with children from deprived areas more likely to have their referrals rejected or experience worse clinical outcomes. Younger children under 11 are also less likely to receive help, hindering early intervention efforts.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 26, 2026