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Science News Archive April 2026 - Page 25


Page 25 of 55

Emoji’s have feelings too, new study reveals

A new study by Bournemouth University found that the brain reacts to emojis in a way similar to seeing real human faces, with neural responses occurring within 145-160 milliseconds. This suggests that emojis can be processed by the brain as meaningful emotional signals during online interaction.

SourceBournemouth University·JournalPsychophysiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 20, 2026

Understanding the diverse chemokine signals in tumor microenvironment for advanced immunotherapy

Chemokines regulate immune cell infiltration and local immunity in tumors, and targeting their receptor axis has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in cancer immunotherapy. Chemokine-modulating strategies combining with other immunotherapies have demonstrated considerable synergistic potential.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 20, 2026

New publication about the influence of Southern Hemisphere waters on the Indonesian Throughflow

A new study finds that water masses from the Southern Hemisphere have been a major contributor to the Indonesian Throughflow for over 800,000 years. The researchers measured nitrogen isotopes in sediment cores and found a remarkable long-term stability of the nitrogen cycle along the equatorial Pacific.

Cocaine pollution alters salmon behaviour in the wild

A recent study by researchers at Griffith University and others found that exposure to cocaine contamination altered the movement patterns of Atlantic salmon in Lake Vättern, Sweden. Fish exposed to benzoylecgonine swam up to 1.9 times farther than unexposed fish, with dispersal distances reaching up to 12.3km.

SourceGriffith University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 20, 2026

How neurons sense bacteria in the gut

Researchers identify specific chemicals that trigger neural activity in nematodes when they detect certain bacteria, leading to changes in feeding behavior and avoiding harmful pathogens. The study sheds light on fundamental mechanisms of how neurons interact with bacteria, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 20, 2026

JMIR report: Can AI and wearables fix the "broken" pain scale?

The article discusses how emerging digital tools are capturing the biopsychosocial reality of chronic pain. Digital tools such as wearables, AI-driven trackers, and ecological momentary assessments mitigate recall bias by recording data in real-time, providing a more holistic picture of the patient's journey.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 20, 2026

Having more kids associated with reduced risk of stroke and brain damage, research co-led by UT Health San Antonio shows

A new study co-led by UT Health San Antonio found that having three or more live births is associated with a reduced risk of stroke and brain damage in women. The research suggests that reproductive factors, such as the number of live births, may be an important predictive factor in assessing stroke risk in women.

SourceThe University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 20, 2026

Heavy drinking, alcohol use disorder, and obesity

A nationally representative study found nearly 1 in 10 U.S. adults with heavy drinking and obesity conditions, highlighting the need for preventive efforts in younger and middle-aged adults without insurance or Medicaid coverage to curb rising rates of alcohol-associated liver disease deaths.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 20, 2026

Prepregnancy care and counseling

Primary care-based discussions on reproductive goals, immunizations, and risk-reducing interventions optimize pregnancy outcomes. Prepregnancy counseling reduces maternal morbidity and mortality, while also promoting healthy fetal development.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 20, 2026

NUS CDE researchers develop biowaste coatings to boost CO2-to-fuel conversion

Researchers at NUS CDE have developed biowaste coatings that improve the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful fuels and chemicals, achieving high selectivity rates and reducing reliance on PFAS. The coatings, made from crustacean shells, insect exoskeletons, and plant matter, offer a cost-effective pathway to climate technology.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2026

How resilient fungus might survive Mars and space

A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology suggests that a fungus strain called Aspergillus calidoustus can survive the harsh conditions of space travel and Martian environments. The fungus was found to tolerate extreme temperatures, radiation, and pressure, making it a strong candidate for surviving the trip to Mars.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 20, 2026

European Immunization Week 2026, For every generation, vaccines work: three countries reach 90% HPV vaccination target as Europe steps up action on cancer prevention

Three European countries reach 90% HPV vaccination coverage among girls by age 15, marking progress in cervical cancer prevention. HPV vaccination programmes show significant reductions in infections and precancerous lesions, with early administration increasing full protective potential.

Real-time analysis of performance degradation in water electrolysis

A research team developed a two-electrode-based real-time diagnostic technology capable of precisely analyzing the causes of performance degradation in anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) systems under actual operating conditions. The study reveals that voltage increase in water electrolysis systems arises not only from ...

Primary breast tumors already harbor cells with metastatic potential

Researchers have identified the Prrx1 gene as a key regulator of metastatic potential in breast cancer tumors. This discovery helps explain why highly invasive cells do not always give rise to metastases, and how cells combine invasiveness and proliferation to become the most dangerous from a clinical perspective.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2026

The naming of mollusks evolves at a snail's pace

Research by Taro Yoshimura examines the history and linguistic landscape of biodiversity, finding that ancient Greek dominates molluscan family names, often due to prestige and style. This highlights a human side to naming, where science is shaped by epistemic values and cultural biases.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 20, 2026

Study suggests link between prenatal exposure to certain medications and increased autism risk

A landmark study found a significant association between prenatal prescription of sterol biosynthesis-inhibiting medications and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. The research identified commonly prescribed medications as potential contributors to neurodevelopmental vulnerability.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 20, 2026

CiQUS team develops prototype thermal memory: Voltage-controlled heat flow

Researchers from CiQUS introduce a prototype thermal memory device capable of switching between high and low thermal conductivity states through electrical stimuli. The device relies on ultra-thin ferroelectric films with precise regulation of thermal conductivity, enabling stable and non-volatile thermal states.

Self-assembling luminophores form nanotubes with multidirectional exciton transport transport

A team of scientists has developed a new method to assemble luminescent molecules into nanotubes with unusual excitonic properties. The nanotubes can be arranged to form luminescent fibers that reach several centimeters in length, and exhibit multidirectional energy transfer within their interiors.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2026

Can exercise and ibuprofen lessen cancer-related cognitive impairment?

A Phase II trial found that exercise can improve cognitive function in patients receiving chemotherapy, while low-dose ibuprofen may also have some benefits. The study suggests that exercise is more effective in improving cognitive outcomes, but further research is needed to explore the effects of ibuprofen and combination therapy.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateApr 20, 2026

Arsenic trisulfide (As2S3): A “photosensitive clay” for nano-optics, shaped by a simple laser

Researchers have discovered a novel optical material, arsenic trisulfide (As2S3), that can be permanently modified by light and sculpted at the nanoscale level. This material exhibits an unusually large light-induced refractive-index change, enabling the creation of extremely fine optical fingerprints.

SourceXPANCEO Research on Natural Science LLC·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2026

Promoting communication in English among students learning English as a foreign language

A recent study by Doshisha University found that a supportive classroom environment boosts students' willingness to communicate in English, promoting language learning and motivation. The study applied self-determination theory principles to analyze the factors influencing Japanese university students' communication willingness, highli...

SourceDoshisha University·JournalBritish Journal of Educational Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 20, 2026

To thwart pathogens, researchers are giving beneficial microbes what they really want

Researchers have developed a new tool called Microbial Interaction and Niche Determination (MIND) that accurately predicts how microbes compete within complex communities. By analyzing nutrient preferences and energy allocation, MIND helps beneficial organisms outcompete dangerous pathogens. This approach has the potential to accelerat...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2026

Application of a new combined surgical strategy in spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage

A new combined surgical strategy outperforms conventional methods in treating spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage by enabling rapid ICP reduction and efficient hematoma clearance. This approach showed improved outcomes in selected patients, but further studies are needed to validate its efficacy.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalNeurosurgical Subspecialties·DateApr 19, 2026

Oldest dinosaur tracksite in Northeast Asia discovered: evidence shows large dinosaurs ranges as far as northern Mongolia 120 million years ago

A joint research team has rediscovered a dinosaur tracksite in the Saizhurakh area of northern Mongolia, revealing footprints of both large herbivorous and carnivorous dinosaurs. The site provides clear evidence that large dinosaurs inhabited regions as far north as northern Mongolia during the Early Cretaceous period.

How to remove a metabolic tattoo

A team of Kyoto University researchers found that exposure to high-fat diets induces persistent metabolic stress in killer T cells, but also discovered a pathway for protection through purine metabolism. By recycling xanthine, killer T cells can produce antioxidants to boost their ability to fight tumors.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2026

Continuous-wave-pumped bichromatic dissipative quadratic soliton femtosecond mode-locking

A new approach to ultrafast nonlinear frequency conversion using dissipative quadratic soliton physics enables simultaneous generation of bichromatic femtosecond pulse trains in a single quadratic nonlinear cavity. This innovation offers a scalable and efficient solution for diverse scientific and technological applications.