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Science News Archive April 2026 - Page 51


Page 51 of 55

Sugary drink taxes may not be effective in fast-food settings

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that sugary drink taxes had no effect on beverage calorie purchases from Taco Bell locations with and without such taxes. The analysis of nearly 7 billion transactions suggests that these policies may not be effective in reducing sugar consumption in fast-food restaurants.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 2, 2026

A fast method for measuring how well air disinfection works: See how it glows

Researchers at University of Michigan have developed a fast method to measure the effectiveness of plasma-based air disinfection, which can deactivate up to 99.9% of virus particles. The approach harnesses UV fluorescence to track changes in aerosol infectivity in real-time, providing essential information for public health guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPlasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing·DateApr 2, 2026

This tiny organism simply loves corners

Researchers found that Stentor coeruleus uses geometric features to navigate its environment, with a preference for corner spaces. The microorganism changes its shape to interact physically with surfaces, allowing it to locate and settle into protected niches.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2026

Characteristics of CD4+T-cell reduction and pulmonary infections in critically ill immunocompromised patients

A retrospective study of 40 immunocompromised ICU patients found associations between low CD4+T-cell counts and specific lung pathogens. Patients with severe CD4 depletion had higher proportions of fungal infections, while moderate immunosuppression was linked to Streptococcus pneumoniae.

SourceJournal of Intensive Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 2, 2026

Blood purification beyond dialysis

The oXiris membrane addresses complex sepsis by integrating diffusion, convection, and adsorptive properties to remove inflammatory mediators. Early physiological improvements and potential benefits for cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury and severe COVID-19 have been reported in observational studies.

SourceJournal of Intensive Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 2, 2026

A team from the IBMCP participates in the discovery of a "molecular switch" that controls how plants form their vascular tissues

A team of researchers from the IBMCP has discovered a new molecular mechanism that regulates the formation of vascular tissues in plants. Thermospermine acts as a biological switch to control the production of key proteins, influencing water transport and structural support.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2026

Nipah virus hijacks host protein NSUN2 to fuel replication

Researchers identify Nipah virus's critical survival strategy by hijacking human protein NSUN2, facilitating viral replication. A dual-targeting antiviral strategy has been developed, combining an approved drug with an experimental inhibitor to effectively reduce virus levels and improve survival in animal models.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalProtein & Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2026

Mount Sinai study finds lung cancer surgery safe for many patients over 80

A study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas found that carefully selected older adults can safely undergo surgery and achieve outcomes comparable to younger patients. The research challenges longstanding assumptions about age and cancer treatment, suggesting that older adults should not be excluded from potentially curat...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeObservational study·DateApr 2, 2026

How drones can find their way without seeing

Researchers have developed a new artificial intelligence framework called CLAK that enables drones to localize themselves in GPS-denied environments using non-visual sensors such as LiDAR, barometric altitude, and inertial measurements. The model improves localization accuracy while remaining lightweight enough for practical deployment.

Gut microbiota differs in children with rare food allergy

Children with rare food allergy FPIES exhibit atypical gut microbiota compared to healthy peers, according to a new Umeå University study. The analysis of stool samples revealed differences in bacterial composition associated with FPIES, which may contribute to the development of more individualized strategies for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUmea University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2026

Mount Sinai performs first-in-the-world liver cancer treatment using more flexible scheduling approach

The Mount Sinai Hospital has pioneered a new minimally invasive liver cancer treatment method that allows doctors to treat patients on more days of the week, improving access and reducing wait times. This breakthrough innovation, called TheraSphere Y-90 Any Day Dosing, enables flexible scheduling and seamless care coordination.