Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2026 - Page 22


Page 22 of 55

Can a deaf person's brain turn silence into vision?

Researchers found that a deaf person's brain can reorganize sensory systems through selective deactivation, not just increased activation. The auditory cortex in deaf individuals responds to visual stimuli with organized deactivations, representing visual spatial features.

SourceBIAL Foundation·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 21, 2026

World’s largest great ape cognition dataset offers new insights on human intelligence evolution

The EVApeCognition Dataset is the largest and most comprehensive collection of experimental studies of great apes' cognition and behavior available globally. Researchers compiled over 262 experimental datasets from 150 publications, enabling unprecedented examination of how great apes think, learn, and understand their environment.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalScientific Data·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 21, 2026

Hot spring microbiomes could transform industrial CO2 waste into valuable products, Manchester researchers find

Researchers at the University of Manchester have found that terrestrial hot spring microbiomes can transform industrial CO2 waste into biomass and other valuable compounds. This discovery could enable the production of value-added products directly from CO2-rich waste streams, reducing emissions while generating economic value.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalEnvironmental Microbiome·DateApr 21, 2026

How immune cell networks drive liver disease

A study published in Nature Communications reveals how immune cell networks contribute to liver damage and fibrosis. The research team identified a key interaction between dendritic cells and γδ T cells, triggering pro-inflammatory signals that amplify inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2026

Use of psychotropics increases already in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease

A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland found that people with Parkinson's disease are using psychotropics more frequently than controls, even before diagnosis. The use of psychotropic medications increases as the disease progresses, reflecting emerging non-motor symptoms and worsening disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateApr 21, 2026

Frequency instant jump via magnetic vibration... Reduces heat even during gaming

Researchers at KAIST developed a new technology using spin waves to process signals, reducing heat generation and power consumption. This breakthrough enables instantaneous frequency switching and is expected to pave the way for smart devices with less heat and longer battery life.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 21, 2026

Chinese Medical Journal article review explores artificial intelligence in heart failure management

A recent review highlights how AI enables precision treatment, continuous monitoring and individualized prognostic modeling for heart failure patients. AI integrates large-scale structured electronic health records and multimodal imaging to characterize cardiac structure and function, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 21, 2026

Relatively simple habitat management can help protect the genetic diversity of animal populations, Ben-Gurion University research team determines

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found that altering water source distribution in a desert ecosystem improved mating structure and increased genetic diversity in wild populations. By establishing more territories for reproducing males, changes in resource management boosted population's variance effective population size.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalEcological Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2026

From classroom to Mars: European students return from six-day analog space mission

Nine European high school students completed a six-day simulated Mars mission in Portugal, operating rovers and conducting scientific experiments. The EXPLORE-2 mission aimed to develop young Europeans' STEM skills and team management capabilities, with participants designing their own mission plans and making operational decisions.

Covid snacking habits and their consequences

A Japanese study examines the long-term effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on individuals with glucose intolerance, revealing a clear divergence in clinical trajectories among those who worsened and improved. Flexible lifestyle adaptation is crucial for restoring metabolic health, suggesting personalized support may improve glycemic control.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Diabetes Investigation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2026

Immune checkpoint inhibitor–induced liver injury: a critical appraisal of treatment and rechallenge controversies

Guideline recommendations for immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced liver injury (ICILI) vary, with corticosteroids and biopsy indications differing among organizations. Rechallenge after ICILI is feasible in selected patients, with low recurrence rates, but standardized algorithms are needed.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateApr 21, 2026

Extrahepatic autoimmune diseases in autoimmune hepatitis: their prevalence, predictors, and influence on early treatment outcomes

A study of 371 patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) found that extrahepatic autoimmune diseases (EADs) are common, particularly Sjogren's syndrome and autoimmune thyroid disease. Patients with EADs had a poorer early treatment response but achieved comparable outcomes after six months.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateApr 21, 2026

Study shows links between Alzheimer’s and gut health can lead to prevention

A new study by the University of Technology Sydney and Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School found that dietary patterns and a history of appendix removal are strongly associated with Alzheimer's risk. The research suggests that a healthy gut microbiome plays a crucial role in protecting the brain from neurodegeneration.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Diagnosis Assessment & Disease Monitoring·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 21, 2026

Chaos in the heart and brain

Researchers at Kyoto University found that chaotic component of heartbeat variability is sensitive to cognitive brain activity, providing a new indicator of brain-heart interaction. Chaos-based measures revealed clear and reproducible changes associated with task engagement, contrasting with conventional HRV indices.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2026

NTU Singapore and Max Planck Society establish first Max Planck Centres in Southeast Asia to advance research in data-driven chemistry; relationship between culture and biology

The new centres will focus on studying the complex relationship between culture, biology, and technology, aiming to accelerate discovery of new medicines and materials. Researchers from NTU, MPG, and Singapore institutions will collaborate on interdisciplinary projects.

JMIR report: Can remote monitoring fix hospital overcrowding?

The article highlights how advances in remote monitoring and portable medical technology are dismantling traditional hospital walls. Hospital-at-Home programs offer a scalable solution to acute care delivery, resulting in lower costs, reduced readmission rates, and improved patient outcomes.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 21, 2026

Toddlers’ pretend play ability linked to better mental health

A new study by the University of Sydney found that toddlers' pretend play ability is significantly associated with fewer emotional and behavioral difficulties at primary school. The researchers analyzed data from over 1400 Australian children and found that stronger pretend play ability among two- to three-year-olds was linked to bette...

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalEarly Childhood Education Journal·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 21, 2026

New health data-based models help identify heart disease risk earlier

Researchers developed two heart failure risk assessment models using large international health databases, enabling early detection of the disease. The SCORE2-HF model estimates up to 30-year risk of heart failure in the general population, while the SMART2-HF model assesses risk for people with a history of cardiovascular disease.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 21, 2026

Pill bugs don't just use the minerals they eat—they rebuild them inside their bodies

Researchers found that pill bugs do not simply incorporate ingested CaCO3 minerals as building blocks. Instead, they actively restructure CaCO3 within their bodies to form their tergite cuticles. This study highlights the biological control underlying mineral formation and provides new insights into biomineralization mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Structural Biology·DateApr 21, 2026

Construction, control, and application of cyborg animal composed of biological and electromechanical systems

Researchers have developed cyborg animals that integrate machine and biological intelligence, enabling them to execute human commands while retaining natural advantages. Key findings include advancements in control paradigms, miniaturized electronic backpacks, and self-sustaining energy harvesting technologies.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateApr 21, 2026

Improving scientific accuracy in journalism

Researchers created a video to educate journalists on key elements of reporting scientific studies, resulting in more accurate headlines. The study found that journalists who watched the video were 64% more likely to write accurate headlines than those who did not.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateApr 21, 2026