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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
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

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

Why anti-cancer drugs do not always live up to expectations

A new study reveals that two key BET proteins, BRD2 and BRD4, perform distinct roles in gene activation. Blocking both simultaneously disrupts the process, producing unpredictable effects. Targeted therapies may be more effective if they distinguish between these roles.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2026
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Native bacteria may break down dioxins without genetic modification

Researchers have discovered that native soil bacteria can degrade persistent pollutants like dioxins without genetic engineering. Using decoy molecules, the bacteria's natural enzymes are tricked into breaking down these toxic compounds.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·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
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

New AI technology to speed drug development

Scientists at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a suite of AI-powered tools, called YuelDesign, YuelPocket and YuelBond, to transform how new drugs are created. These tools can design drug molecules tailored to fit their protein targets exactly, even accounting for protein flexibility.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateApr 9, 2026

New cause for diabetes in babies found in non-coding genes

Scientists have identified two non-coding genes as the cause of autoimmune neonatal diabetes in 19 children. The discovery sheds light on the importance of non-protein coding genes and their role in human disease.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Skin can ‘pre-learn’: Priming cells for regeneration before injury

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology discovered a way to prime skin cells for regeneration before injury, enabling rapid and effective healing. This approach, called mosaic partial reprogramming, reshapes surrounding cells and tissue microenvironment to accelerate wound healing.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·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.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

New Hampshire ski industry concerned about climate change

A recent UNH study reveals that New Hampshire ski industry professionals are increasingly concerned about climate change, with 85% expressing alarm or concern. The industry generates $278.8 million annually and supports over 10,000 jobs, highlighting the need for sustainable practices and advocacy.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateApr 8, 2026

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

Atomic-level structure of a giant virus revealed

Researchers at ExCELLS/NIPS successfully determined the capsid structure of Melbournevirus at 4.4 Å resolution using cryo-EM. The study's 'block-based reconstruction method' improved resolution, revealing detailed arrangement of proteins constituting the massive capsid.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalViruses·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2026
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Astronomers have identified the most primitive star ever found

Astronomers have identified a metal-poor star in the Large Magellanic Cloud, which is almost entirely hydrogen and helium with trace amounts of carbon and iron. Studying this low-mass star can help clarify our understanding of the first generation of stars, called Population III stars.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Astronomy·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

A “stemness checkpoint” helps control stem cell identity

Researchers have identified GSK3α as a common checkpoint controlling stem cell differentiation, maintaining self-renewal and preserving identities in various stem cell types. Inhibiting GSK3α demonstrates its fundamental role in regulating stem cell biology across developmental stages and species.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCell Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2026

Reported 2025 drug overdose ‘spike’ was an illusion, new study finds

A new Northwestern University study confirms that US drug overdose deaths have continued to decline following a peak in August 2023, contrary to speculation of manipulated CDC data. The study highlights the importance of accurate data for public health response and calls for greater transparency in federal data systems.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 8, 2026
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Linker histone H1 acts as a liquid-like “glue” for chromatin

A recent study reveals that linker histone H1 binds to nucleosomes and creates a dynamic, flexible network that condenses chromatin. This new understanding suggests that chromatin behaves like a liquid-like 'glue' rather than a rigid structure.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 8, 2026

ORNL receives six Federal Lab Consortium awards for Technology Transfer Excellence

The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory was recently awarded six Federal Lab Consortium awards for Technology Transfer Excellence. The awards recognize the successful transfer of technology from laboratory to industry, including a breakthrough suite of lithium extraction technologies that enable secure domestic supply.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·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
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Study explores link between smoking, dementia

A new study from the University of Chicago suggests that smoking may be linked to dementia through a previously unmapped route between the lungs and brain, involving pulmonary neuroendocrine cells and exosomes that disrupt iron balance in neurons.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 8, 2026

Quantum skyrmions and high dimensional entanglement mediated by nanophotonics

Researchers developed a nanophotonic platform to generate quantum optical Stokes skyrmion states with controlled topological invariant, eliminating the need for post-selection. This enables robust morphing of quantum information into free-space.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournaleLight·DateApr 8, 2026
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

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
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

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

Steering toward better larynx surgeries

Researchers developed a flexible optical fiber that can be steered into the larynx to destroy hard-to-reach tumors, expanding outpatient laser treatment options. The device successfully reached 81% of targets in tests with a 3D-printed replica of a human larynx.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Medical Devices·DateApr 8, 2026
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

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...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBioResources·DateApr 8, 2026

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

Tumoroid study points to smarter therapy for cervical GAS

Researchers found that blocking clusterin, a molecule linked to stress and tumor growth, slows tumor growth signals and makes the cancer more responsive to cisplatin. The study's findings offer a possible strategy for treating cervical gastric-type adenocarcinoma, one of the most aggressive non-HPV associated cervical adenocarcinomas.

SourceWest China Hospital of Sichuan University·JournalPrecision Clinical Medicine·DateApr 8, 2026

Social support, sleep, and pain management linked to mental health in later life

A national Canadian study found that older adults who are socially connected, physically healthy, and spiritually engaged are significantly more likely to experience complete mental health. Social support emerged as one of the strongest predictors, doubling the odds of achieving complete mental health.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPLOS One·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2026
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

CAR therapy moves beyond cancer

Researchers are diversifying CAR therapy to overcome limitations, exploring engineered cell platforms like NK cells, γδ T cells, and macrophages. This expansion could treat a broader range of diseases, including lupus, infection, cardiac fibrosis, and senescence-related disorders.

SourceWest China Hospital of Sichuan University·JournalPrecision Clinical Medicine·DateApr 8, 2026

If you’re a perfectionist at work, your boss’ expectations may matter more than your own, research finds

A new study from University of Florida finds that employee perfectionism impact depends on alignment with supervisor's expectations and clarity in understanding. When employees' standards match supervisors', they experience less uncertainty, better performance, and higher job satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2026