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Science News Archive April 2026 - Page 44


Page 44 of 55

State of health estimation for bipolar lead-acid batteries based on gray wolf optimized hybrid regression technique

Researchers developed a novel approach to estimate the state of health of bipolar lead-acid batteries using partial charging profiles and a hybrid regression framework. The method achieved accurate results, with an average root mean squared error below 1.5%, outperforming other models.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalENGINEERING Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2026

Insilico Medicine nominates ISM6200, a potential best-in-class selective NR3C1 inhibitor for ovarian cancer, Cushing’s Syndrome, hypercortisolism-associated obesity and glaucoma

ISM6200 is a potent, potentially best-in-class preclinical candidate targeting NR3C1 for the treatment of ovarian cancer, Hypercortisolism (Cushing’s Syndrome), and other disorders related to excess cortisol. The molecule demonstrates low DDI risks and higher in vivo efficacy across multiple animal models.

US trends in long-term opioid therapy

Long-term opioid therapy prescription rates declined in the US from 2015 to 2023, despite a growing population of older adults receiving these treatments. Approximately 4-5 million patients were prescribed long-term opioids in 2023, with Medicare covering a larger proportion, raising concerns about safety.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 8, 2026

Boiling Water Brews “Nanomedicine”: Pueraria lobata decoction-derived vesicle-like nanoparticles reveal a novel mechanism for ulcerative colitis treatment

Researchers isolated intact nanoparticles from boiled Pueraria lobata and found they modulated intestinal microbiota, reducing inflammation and repairing mucosal barriers. GGD-PDVLNs administered alone replicated therapeutic benefits of GeGen decoction, highlighting their role as core active ingredients.

SourceHEP Data Cooperation Journals·JournalExtracellular Vesicles and Circulating Nucleic Acids·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2026

A new trick brings stability to quantum operations

A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has successfully realised a high-quality swap gate using only geometric phases with extremely cold potassium atoms. This breakthrough enables the robust exchange of quantum states between qubits, a crucial step towards building large-scale quantum computers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2026

New research shows that tau protein spreads through connected neurons in people with Alzheimer’s disease

A recent study published in Neuron provides new insight into how tau tangles spread from one brain region to another in people with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that tau seeds travel along individual's natural communication pathways, influencing the spread of Alzheimer's pathology and suggesting a potential therapeutic target.

Avoiding the very hungry caterpillar

A team of researchers at Kyoto University found that predatory mites avoid laying eggs on plant leaves bearing traces of caterpillars. Additionally, they discovered that even when predators are unlikely to encounter caterpillars, they still avoid their traces.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEcosphere·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2026

Unlocking the power of industrial waste heat: new dynamic model optimizes "carnot batteries" for green energy storage

Researchers developed a quasi-dynamic mathematical model to optimize Thermally Integrated Carnot Batteries (TI-CB) under fluctuating conditions typical of factory environments. The study yielded crucial insights, including a clear roadmap for handling off-design fluctuations, bringing Carnot batteries closer to widespread deployment.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalENGINEERING Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2026

Age at first ADHD diagnosis and educational outcomes

A cohort study found that individuals diagnosed with ADHD at a younger age tended to perform better academically, receiving more education and experiencing lower dropout rates compared to those diagnosed closer to age 16. This suggests that targeted support for early diagnoses could help prevent school dropout.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 8, 2026

Bio-inspired structural design improves impact resistance and energy absorption

Researchers developed a lightweight lattice structure inspired by butterfly wings, exhibiting enhanced mechanical strength, impact resistance, and energy absorption capabilities. The new design outperforms conventional lattice designs under compression and dynamic impact loading.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalInternational Journal of Mechanical Sciences·DateApr 8, 2026

EMBARGOED: Cancer risk is significantly higher for adults who never married, large study finds

A large U.S. study found that adults who never married have substantially higher rates of developing cancer compared to those who are or have been married. The association is strongest for cancers related to infection, smoking, and alcohol use, with women facing a significantly higher risk than men.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalCancer Research Communications·DateApr 8, 2026

ASH and ISTH publish new clinical practice guidelines on anticoagulant prophylaxis in pediatric patients at risk of blood clots

The American Society of Hematology and the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis have released comprehensive guidelines for anticoagulant prophylaxis in non-cardiac pediatric patients at risk of venous thromboembolism. The guidelines outline best practices for preventing life-threatening complications in children.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateApr 8, 2026

Leading cardiovascular organizations unite for joint scientific sessions, highlighting the latest advancements in cardiology internationally

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions and Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology will host a joint conference featuring the latest clinical data, procedural guidance, and advanced expertise. The event aims to empower clinicians with rigorous data, practical education, and leadership development.

Unions play key role in keeping direct care workers in the workforce

A UCLA-led study found that unionization leads to lower turnover rates among direct care workers, with significant benefits including improved care quality and reduced stress. Unionization applies to both for-profit and non-profit organizations, suggesting its potential to save the healthcare system $1.5 billion a year in turnover costs.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2026

Heat from traffic is contributing to rise in city temperatures, new study finds

A new study by the University of Manchester has developed a way to measure the impact of urban traffic on city temperatures, revealing that everyday vehicle use can raise temperatures in cities. The researchers found that traffic heat increases simulated air temperatures by around 0.16°C during summer and 0.35°C in winter.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 8, 2026

Maternal psychological anxiety could harm a developing fetus

Researchers found that maternal anxiety about radiation exposure during the Fukushima nuclear accident was linked to increased rates of preterm births, lower birth weights, and severe birth outcomes. Socioeconomic factors, such as education level and income, played a role in mitigating these effects.

SourceWaseda University·JournalJournal of Health Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2026

Can optimism protect against dementia?

A recent study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that individuals with higher optimism have a lower risk of developing dementia. After analyzing data from the Health and Retirement Study, researchers discovered a 15% lower risk associated with a one-standard-deviation increase in optimism.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 8, 2026

Are stress hormone levels elevated in double-shift workers?

A study of 52 female nurses found a two-fold increase in salivary cortisol levels at midnight for those working double shifts compared to single shift workers. This suggests that extended shift schedules are associated with alterations in the circadian pattern of cortisol, reflecting increased physiological strain.

SourceWiley·JournalNursing Open·DateApr 8, 2026

XPANCEO develops high-precision passive eye-tracking technology for smart contact lenses

The new pattern-based technology offers two key advantages: simplified setup eliminates infrared illumination and enables universal deployment across multiple contexts. This system enables real-time detection of subtle eye movements in clinical applications, including neurological conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

SourceXPANCEO Research on Natural Science LLC·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 8, 2026

KRICT develops a facile and scalable route for high-performance Ag2Se thermoelectrics

Researchers at KRICT developed a facile and scalable route for high-performance Ag2Se thermoelectrics, achieving a thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) of 0.927 at 120°C. The optimized material exhibited more than twofold improvements in compressive strength and Young’s modulus, enabling robust mechanical performance.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Composites and Hybrid Materials·DateApr 8, 2026

The wearable ring on your finger could help assess your cardiovascular health while you sleep

Researchers developed a method to estimate vascular age from consumer wearables' PPG signals, predicting accurate results with a mean error of six to seven years. The technique uses a deep learning model and may lead to earlier detection of cardiovascular risk and more effective preventive care.

Japan delivers its sharpest X-ray telescope for the FOXSI mission, a US-Japan rocket program to observe the sun

Scientists in Japan developed a high-resolution X-ray telescope using precision mirror-making technology, capable of distinguishing objects 3.5 mm wide from 1 km away. The telescope was tested on the ground using a unique evaluation system before launch on the FOXSI sounding rocket mission.

SourceNagoya University·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2026

Researchers increase understanding of brain’s default mode network

A research team identified distinct subregions within the default mode network (DMN) that act as senders and receivers of information, enabling flexible shifts between perception and memory-driven thought. The study reveals that the DMN is not functionally uniform but composed of subregions with distinct connectivity biases.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2026

Learning CBT form the inside out: Self-practice training program shows promise for future therapists

A new eight-week self-reflection program helps trainees deepen their understanding of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and develop reflective skills. The study found that the program improved satisfaction, self-awareness, and reflective practice among participants, suggesting its potential to support CBT education.

SourceThe University of Osaka·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 7, 2026