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Science News Archive April 2026 - Page 42


Page 42 of 55

What if dark matter came in two states?

Researchers suggest that dark matter may consist of multiple particles, whose behavior varies depending on the cosmic environment. This could explain why a signal observed at the center of our galaxy is not seen in dwarf galaxies.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 9, 2026

No motors? No gears? No problem.

Soft robots could work as medical implants, deliver drugs inside the body, and explore dangerous environments. The researchers designed a reconfigurable robot that can move repeatedly without degradation, using targeted heating to control motion and embedded temperature sensors for closed-loop control.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2026

Soundscapes from nearby forests are more uplifting than those from faraway places

Experiment with 195 students in Germany found that local forest soundscapes had stronger positive effects on mental wellbeing, especially when participants felt familiar with the sounds. The study revealed that perceived animal diversity and familiarity played a significant role in triggering feelings of awe and restoration.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2026

Why treelines don’t simply rise with the climate

A global study reveals treelines shift upslope in 42% of cases, retreating in 25%, due to complex interactions between temperature and human interventions like land use changes. Treeline dynamics also influenced by natural disturbances like fires.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation·DateApr 9, 2026

Scientists discover the antibacterial potential of ‘hero’ Korean skincare ingredient

Scientists at the University of Kent have found that madecassic acid inhibits the ability of antibiotic-resistant E. coli to grow, suggesting it could serve as an alternative antimicrobial. The study shows three modified variants of the compound effectively inhibited cytochrome bd and shut down bacterial growth.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalRSC Medicinal Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2026

Traveling tropical disturbance increases rainfall across the Hawaiian Islands

A new study reveals that the Madden–Julian Oscillation significantly influences climate conditions in Hawaiʻi, increasing rainfall on windward slopes during active phases and producing drier conditions during suppressed phases. Understanding this impact can help scientists and forecasters anticipate periods of heavy rainfall and drought.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2026

Manipulating interphase chemistry by endogenous doping toward high‑performance hard carbon anodes for sodium‑ion batteries

Researchers have developed a novel doping approach inspired by the Maillard reaction, enhancing interphase chemistry and addressing multiple performance bottlenecks. The resulting hard carbon anode exhibits impressive reversible capacity and cycling stability, demonstrating strong potential for commercial applications.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateApr 8, 2026

African swine fever: a novel model for assessing transmission between domestic pigs and wild boar

Researchers developed an innovative multi-host epidemiological model to study African swine fever (ASF) transmission between domestic pigs and wild boars. The model found that inter-farm transmission was the primary driver sustaining outbreaks, while nearby infected wild boar populations played a significant role in ASF spread.

Self-employed Hispanic women may be at lower risk for cardiovascular disease compared with their salaried counterparts

Research published in Ethnicity & Disease found that self-employed Hispanic women report less high blood pressure, obesity, and poor health compared to their salaried counterparts. They were also more likely to exercise, with a nearly 11% higher rate of physical activity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalEthnicity & Disease·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2026

A framework for human brain–computer interfaces with single-neuron recordings

A new framework for brain-computer interfaces is proposed using single-neuron recordings, integrating clinical advances with existing technologies. The framework enables two closed-loop strategies: adaptive neural feedback systems and adaptive neuromodulation systems, facilitating the study of memory processing and concept cells.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalLabMed Discovery·TypeNews article·DateApr 8, 2026

The structure of online reviews shapes their helpfulness

A study of nearly 200,000 Amazon reviews reveals that the structure of online product reviews plays a crucial role in their helpfulness. The researchers identified nine possible structures of online reviews and found that different review structures are more or less helpful depending on how highly the reviewer has rated the product.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 8, 2026

How do plant roots grow in unpredictable temperatures?

Researchers found that auxin's partner proteins serve as internal plant 'thermostats' that directly sense temperature and change genetic programs to direct root growth accordingly. This discovery could lead to engineering plants that withstand extreme temperatures, protecting crop productivity under challenging conditions.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2026

Genetic markers fast-track breeding of seedless muscadine grapes

Using new genetic markers, fruit breeders can predict flower sex type and seedlessness in muscadines and other grapes with high accuracy. The approach will save time and resources in developing new grape varieties, including the major challenge of creating flavorful seedless muscadines on self-pollinating vines.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalHortScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2026

University of Minnesota researchers develop new method providing clearer view of how genome functions in cancer

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have developed a new method called PARTAGE that provides a clearer picture of how the genome is regulated and disrupted in diseases like cancer. The method allows for the measurement of three key features from the same sample: DNA duplication, genomic alterations, and gene activ...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 8, 2026

Mental and physical illnesses go hand in hand. A new genetic study helps explain why

A recent genetic study analyzing DNA from 2 million people found that similar chunks of DNA are associated with both psychiatric disorders like depression and PTSD, as well as various physical ailments. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments that address both mental and physical health.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2026

Enzyme produced by fungus may replace chemicals in the paper industry

A new enzyme from a fungus cultivated in sugarcane bagasse or wheat bran can promote cellulose pulp bleaching. The xylanase facilitates the removal of xylan fractions associated with residual lignin, increasing brightness and efficiency in subsequent stages of pulp processing. This non-toxic alternative reduces chemical load and has gr...

Breathing and moving in the ancient world of reptiles: What a mummified 289-million-year-old reptile can reveal about us today

A 289-million-year-old mummified reptile has provided scientists with a unique window into the evolution of breathing and movement in ancient reptiles. The study found that the reptile's respiratory system is similar to that of modern reptiles, birds, and mammals, suggesting an efficient mechanism for respiration.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2026