Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2026 - Page 30


Page 30 of 55

Can naked mole rats peacefully hand over power?

Researchers at Salk Institute discovered that naked mole rats can transition to peaceful queen succession, demonstrating flexibility in their social order. This finding challenges previous understanding of colony dynamics and opens new avenues for studying eusocial mammals.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 15, 2026

The gut microbiome’s neuroactive potential is linked to cognition and depression in Chilean older adults, per analysis of 153 Chilean older adults with cognition concerns

A study of 153 Chilean older adults with cognitive concerns found a link between the gut microbiome's neuroactive potential and mental health status. The research suggests that alterations in the gut microbiome may contribute to depression and cognitive decline in this population.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateApr 15, 2026

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers develop new RNA sequencing platform for diagnosing rare diseases

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) researchers developed STRIPE, a targeted long-read RNA sequencing strategy, to reveal disease-causing genetic variants and provide molecular diagnoses for previously undiagnosed patients. The platform enables ultra-deep, full-length RNA sequencing at a practical scale, addressing the diagnosti...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2026

Color test ‘sniffs out’ dangerous staph strains fast

Researchers have developed a rapid colour-changing test to distinguish between different strains of golden staph, including those likely to be virulent and antibiotic resistant. The test uses nanozymes and short DNA molecular binders to create unique 'fingerprints' that can help separate high-risk strains from others.

SourceRMIT University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2026

Why gay men can feel more attractive on holiday

A new study by the University of East London reveals that gay men's desirability shifts depending on their location and digital platforms. Queer men of colour may receive more attention abroad, but this boost is often short-lived and tied to novelty rather than lasting confidence.

SourceUniversity of East London·JournalAnnals of Tourism Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 15, 2026

Images and risk communication boost motivation for better heart health

A study from Umeå University found that visualizing ultrasound images of atherosclerosis, combined with a motivational dialogue, increases motivation to improve lifestyle habits and take preventive medication. This results in lower estimated risk of cardiovascular disease and better development of risk factors over time.

SourceUmea University·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 15, 2026

A 24-hour ovarian follicle platform speeds anti-angiogenic drug discovery

Researchers developed an ovarian follicle-based angiogenesis microphysiological system that forms complex 3D vascular networks without exogenous VEGF. The platform enables direct visualization and quantitative analysis of vascular remodeling, allowing for the rapid identification of anti-angiogenic compounds with meaningful in vivo act...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2026

Materials – but not as we know them

Scientists have developed a new class of materials that can respond to external forces using their own internal energy, allowing for the creation of autonomous robots. The research demonstrates a new route to realizing active materials with multiple functions, including flexible and soft robots.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2026

The importance of data for crowd safety in public spaces

Researchers propose new method to capture complex human movement in public spaces, addressing limitations of traditional approaches. By standardizing data measurement, they aim to improve crowd safety predictions and design safer spaces.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Statistical Mechanics Theory and Experiment·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2026

Strain reshapes the electronic landscape: Controlling one-dimensional quantum channels in nearly untwisted bilayer graphene

Tiny mechanical strain can reshape graphene's electronic landscape, opening a new route for controlling quantum states in two-dimensional materials. Researchers visualize electronic states of strained regions and identify domain walls as robust one-dimensional quantum channels.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2026

Effective cholesterol absorption from the intestine may increase the risk of serious cardiac events

Researchers found that high cholesterol absorption from the intestine increases the risk of myocardial infarctions and cardiac mortality in patients with a history of acute coronary artery events. Individuals with exceptional cholesterol absorption efficiency, which is present in about one-third of the population, are at a higher risk.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateApr 15, 2026

Quality versus quantity of fat in the diet

A new study highlights the significant role of quality of dietary fat, rather than total amount consumed. Research reveals that palmitic acid can promote toxic bioactive lipids and low-grade inflammation, while oleic acid may have a protective effect against metabolic disorders.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalTrends in Endocrinology & Metabolism·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 15, 2026

Ben-Gurion University researchers propose new way to secure optical communication using light itself

Researchers propose a new approach to secure optical communication by hiding information in the physical structure of light, making it difficult for unauthorized parties to intercept or decode. Computer simulations showed that the method can transmit information reliably without revealing it through changes in beam size or intensity.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalOptical and Quantum Electronics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 15, 2026

Don't build the engine, grow it: biohybrid miniature robots using living organisms

Researchers create living biohybrid miniature robots that solve traditional engineering trade-offs between structural rigidity and environmental adaptability. These biological engines utilize embodied intelligence to navigate complex terrains and achieve performance metrics rivaling state-of-the-art synthetics.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateApr 15, 2026