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Science News Archive April 2026 - Page 38


Page 38 of 55

Painkillers prevent pain responses in Norway lobsters

Researchers discovered that common human painkillers, such as aspirin and lidocaine, prevent Norway lobsters from exhibiting painful responses to electric shocks. This finding highlights the need for more humane methods of killing crustaceans, which may be phased out in favor of gentler alternatives.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Survivors of adolescent, young adult cancers at double the risk of future cancers

Research from Alberta reveals that survivors of adolescent and young adult cancers are at double the risk of developing most types of later cancers. Lymphoma and breast cancer were found to be the most common subsequent cancers after an initial diagnosis, with breast, colorectal, and lung cancers making up 43% of cases.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2026

Belfast to host global scientists at the Microbiology Society’s Annual Conference 2026 as Baroness Natalie Bennett joins discussion on antimicrobial resistance

The Microbiology Society's Annual Conference 2026 will bring together researchers from around the world to discuss antimicrobial resistance and its impact on global health. The conference will explore ways to slow the spread of superbugs through scientific research, policy, and international collaboration.

The hidden logic behind AI’s judgments of people

A new study reveals that AI systems mimic the structure of human judgment but with a more rigid, rule-based approach. The researchers found biases in AI judgments, especially across demographic traits, highlighting the need for awareness and understanding how these systems 'think'.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2026

Atmospheric self-cleansing capacity at northern midlatitude regions is reaching a turning point

Research reveals OH concentrations in China, Europe, and US are 300% higher than in clean regions, linked to increased NOx emissions. The study's observation-based approach provides a reliable characterization of long-term hydroxyl changes, shedding light on the impact of human activities on atmospheric oxidation capacity

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 12, 2026

Can hyper-real virtual worlds make us feel better?

A recent study from Murdoch University suggests that certain design elements in virtual reality environments can induce positive emotional states, including awe, joy, and calm. The research highlights the potential of virtual reality to be used for mental health and stress reduction, nature-based wellbeing, and education.

SourceMurdoch University·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Interaction·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 12, 2026

Single-atom catalyst enables high-efficiency electrocatalytic ethylene epoxidation

A research team from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics has developed a novel strategy for direct electrocatalytic ethylene epoxidation using a platinum single-atom catalyst. The catalyst enhances EO production efficiency by stabilizing superoxo species, achieving a Faradaic efficiency of 74% and a partial current density of 71 m...

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 12, 2026

Self‑sensing NiFe@N‑doped carbon aerogel: Integrating excellent radar stealth, inherent structural health monitoring, thermal management, and flame retardancy

Researchers have developed a self-sensing NiFe@N-doped carbon aerogel that seamlessly integrates multiple essential functionalities into a single lightweight structure. The aerogel addresses critical operational requirements such as real-time damage detection, thermal protection, and fire safety for aerospace, defense, and advanced ele...

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateApr 12, 2026

A proof-of-concept comparison of Azure Kinect and Smartphone-based OpenCap for driving musculoskeletal simulations: A unified framework with foot-ground contact modeling

A proof-of-concept comparison between Azure Kinect and OpenCap shows that the smartphone-based system can accurately estimate lower-limb biomechanics, with strong agreements in joint angles and contact forces. However, further studies are needed to confirm its applicability for clinical diagnosis.

High-dimensional multiplexing through vortex electromagnetic wave manipulation by space–time–coding metasurfaces

Researchers developed a dual-polarized asynchronous space-time-coding metasurface to control vortex electromagnetic waves, enabling high-dimensional multiplexing. This technology increases data rates and connectivity by exploiting three dimensions: OAM mode, polarization, and frequency.

Beyond 1000 nm low-energy sunlight-driven photocatalysis

Scientists have developed a new system enabling unprecedented large-volume photocatalysis driven by low-energy sunlight with wavelengths beyond 1000 nm. The hybrid QDs/Th-DPP NIR-II photosensitizers achieved a record upconversion efficiency of 3.9%, overcoming spectral limitations of visible-light technologies.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateApr 12, 2026

Atomic-scale tracking of sodium metal-electrolyte reactions via adaptive machine learning force fields

The study uses adaptive machine learning force fields to track sodium metal-electrolyte reactions, achieving a 71% speedup over ab initio molecular dynamics while retaining comparable accuracy. The approach identifies key components of the solid electrolyte interphase, including Na2O and NaOH, which influence its stability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 12, 2026

Oxide-based sensor opens door to greener, faster, more accurate quality testing of food

A novel sensor made of strontium oxide, functionalized carbon black, and reduced graphene oxide detects theobromine in foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals with high accuracy and speed. The sensor's neutral pH and low sample amounts make it safer and more environmentally friendly than traditional methods.

SourceOregon State University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2026

Early weight gain is linked to lifelong health consequences

A study of over 600,000 people found that early weight gain is associated with a higher risk of dying from various diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Weight gain during adulthood also increases the risk of premature death, especially for those who develop obesity at a younger age.

SourceLund University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2026

Practice-defining NRG Oncology trial finds chemotherapy followed by letrozole is the standard for advanced, low grade serous gynecologic carcinoma

The phase III NRG GY019 trial found that paclitaxel/carboplatin followed by letrozole is the standard treatment for patients with stage II-IV low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. The study also showed that letrozole monotherapy did not demonstrate non-inferiority to the combination, but was associated with fewer serious side effects.

The local universe’s expansion rate is clearer than ever, but still doesn’t add up

An international collaboration of astronomers has achieved the most precise direct measurement to date of the expansion rate of the nearby Universe. The result shows a persistent mismatch between measurements based on the nearby Universe and predictions derived from the early Universe, known as the Hubble tension.

Researchers explore potential link between COVID-19 and lung cancer risk

A potential association between COVID-19 and increased lung cancer risk has been identified through a study integrating human clinical data with mechanistic research. The study found that SARS-CoV-2 may contribute to long-term lung disease by promoting inflammation, fibrosis, and tumor-related pathways.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2026

One in 10 people may have resistance to GLP-1 diabetes drugs

A new study by Stanford Medicine scientists has identified a genetic variant that causes resistance to GLP-1 diabetes drugs in up to 10% of the population. The variant affects an enzyme called PAM, which handicaps the hormone's biological activity, leading to increased levels but reduced effectiveness.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2026

Unraveling the complexities of the Borna disease virus 1

Researchers at Kyoto University have detailed the structure of Borna disease virus 1's nucleoprotein-RNA complex, revealing a distinct binding mode and incremental model of viral replication. The study provides a molecular framework for targeting viral RNA synthesis and assembly.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2026

Warming intensifies rainfall in North Atlantic storms

A new study reveals that tropical cyclones and post-tropical cyclones are responding differently to surface warming, resulting in increased rainfall intensity and longer-lasting storms. Warmer temperatures lead to wetter tropical cyclones, especially in warm, low-latitude regions.

SourceNewcastle University·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 10, 2026