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Science News Archive April 2026 - Page 15


Page 15 of 55

USF study finds kids don’t use augmented reality like adults, raising concerns for classrooms

A USF study finds that children ages 9 to 12 engage with AR headsets in a more exploratory and intuitive way than adults, highlighting a mismatch between adult-designed systems and child-centered design. This difference has implications for educational applications of AR, which may require more flexible and creative interaction methods.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalACM SIGCHI Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2026

How do astrocytes contribute to fragile X syndrome?

Researchers from the Salk Institute found that astrocytes play a crucial role in fragile X syndrome symptoms. Correcting dysregulations in star-shaped brain cells improved some symptoms, including reduced seizures and restored molecular balances in a mouse model of FXS. The study validates the importance of studying astrocytes in FXS r...

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2026

Creating green materials with light: a breakthrough that could transform clean energy

Researchers at INRS have developed a photochemical synthesis strategy for metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), enabling precise control under ambient conditions. The approach significantly reduces energy consumption, leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity and improved structural precision.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2026

New targeted therapy shows promise against aggressive childhood and adult cancers

A new targeted therapy has shown strong results in preclinical studies against aggressive childhood and adult cancers, eliminating tumours and stopping cancer spread. The therapy targets the IL1RAP protein, which is found on cancer cells but largely absent from normal tissues, allowing for precise delivery of treatment.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2026

New insights into how earthquakes stop

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered a previously unrecognized feature in near-fault seismic records of large earthquakes: a distinct stopping phase. This phase represents a systematic signal associated with the termination of rupture, demonstrating that many near-field recordings contain this coherent stopping phase.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2026

Working outside the home protected mental health for older adults during the pandemic

New research found that maintaining in-person work provided psychological benefits, while job loss and employment disruptions significantly increased depression risk. Older adults with stable employment experienced significant mental health benefits, particularly women who shouldered increased caregiving responsibilities.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalHealth Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2026

How touch and emotion combine to shape our memories and relationships

A new paper in Neuroscience & Biobehavioural Review proposes a comprehensive neurobiological model of affective tactile memory, suggesting that emotionally meaningful touch is stored in the brain in powerful and lasting ways. This research opens a new window into how early and everyday tactile experiences influence our emotional lives.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·DateApr 23, 2026

Men have fewer children than women

A recent study reveals that men have lower fertility rates than women worldwide. The research attributes this shift to declining mortality rates, narrowing mortality gaps, and sex-selective abortions in some countries. As a result, the proportion of men in the population is increasing, presenting challenges for society.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Demographic Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2026

Conceptualizing in situ energy station for Mars exploration

The article presents a conceptual design for an in-situ energy station on Mars, which could alleviate power fluctuations and distribution issues. The system utilizes the Martian atmosphere as a working medium for power generation and storage, with potential to save over 20 tons of payload in future manned missions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 23, 2026

Pennington Biomedical Research Advances understanding of how the brain senses diet to control appetite and metabolism

A recent study published in Cell Reports identified a key pathway through which the hormone FGF21 influences eating behavior and energy balance. The findings highlight the importance of nutrition in brain function and suggest that FGF21-based therapies could be optimized to target specific brain circuits.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 23, 2026

From precision intervention to a “virtual gut”: how close are we to predicting and steering the human microbiome?

Researchers are close to building a 'virtual gut' capable of predicting responses to diet, drugs, and microbiome-based therapies. A new review outlines an analytical framework for host-microbiome multi-omics studies, covering preprocessing, feature selection, data integration, predictive modeling, and evaluation.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateApr 23, 2026

Data-driven leakage diagnosis methods across pipeline and energy transportation system

Researchers review data-driven leakage diagnosis methods connecting single pipeline analysis with energy transmission systems, focusing on nonlinear mapping and spatiotemporal feature extraction. Advanced signal processing and multi-modal fusion techniques improve detection accuracy in complex scenarios.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Pipeline Science and Engineering·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 23, 2026

Phase separation of DUX family proteins drives totipotent-like state via 3D genome reorganization and retrotransposon activation

The study reveals that DUX family proteins undergo liquid-liquid phase separation to drive the transition to a totipotent-like state. This process is mediated by dynamic nuclear condensates, which act as specialized transcriptional hubs to activate totipotency-specific genes and retrotransposons.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalProtein & Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2026

Q&A: Does nature have a role in national security?

Disrupted ecosystems can increase risk for food security, water scarcity, health and well-being, crime, mass migrations, border breaches, and social unrest. Governments must protect natural infrastructure to safeguard citizens' basic needs and prevent ecological disruptions.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature-Based Solutions·DateApr 23, 2026

New 3D device harnesses living brain cells for computing

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a 3D device that combines living brain cells with advanced electronics to recognize patterns using computational techniques. The device creates a vast 3D network of neurons that can be used for computation, offering a potential solution to the energy bottleneck in modern AI technology.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2026

Community essential for native bats

Citizen science projects are expanding globally to study bat ecology and support conservation. Methods include acoustic surveys and observations, providing valuable insights into bat distribution and seasonal activity. Collaboration with community members is crucial for advancing understanding of bat ecology and informing habitat prote...

SourceMurdoch University·JournalEcological Solutions and Evidence·TypeNews article·DateApr 23, 2026