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Science News Archive April 2026 - Page 7


Page 7 of 55

Hemp waste biocomposites offer a lower-carbon alternative for packaging and agricultural films

New study finds anaerobic digestion of hemp hurd-based bioplastic systems delivers the best environmental outcome, generating up to 6.1 kg less CO2 emissions per 1 kg mulch film treated. The production process significantly affects the final carbon footprint of biocomposites.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

The Frontiers of Knowledge Award goes to the ISR (University of Michigan) and NORC at the University of Chicago, as global leaders in social science based on reliable data at the service of the public interest

The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award recognizes the Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan and NORC at the University of Chicago for their work in developing reliable data series on social sciences. The award acknowledges their contributions to objective measurement of public opinion, survey metho...

UH professor urges better prevention and care of liver disease to reduce burden

Chronic liver disease in the US costs $41.57 billion, with prescription medication expenditures accounting for nearly half of all-cause healthcare expenditures. Poor adherence to antiviral medications is a key factor in preventing disease progression and treatment, with high out-of-pocket costs increasing non-adherence risk.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalExpert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research·DateApr 28, 2026

Scientists map ‘energy network patterns’ in brain to track Alzheimer’s disease across disease spectrum

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine developed a new method to analyze brain energy network patterns, revealing insights into Alzheimer's disease progression. The study found that brain networks reorganize as the disease progresses, with memory and language functions showing increased metabolic demand in early stages.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateApr 28, 2026

New study finds link between difficulty identifying emotions and higher chronic pain levels

A large study found that individuals with difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions experience greater disruption to daily life from pain over time due to increased psychological distress. The study also suggests that addressing emotional processing difficulties may be key to improving long-term outcomes for people with chronic pain.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalHealth Psychology·DateApr 28, 2026

Platforms, not boycotts, shape post-scandal music streams

A new Cornell University study reveals that social media boycotts have less impact on music streams than platform sanctions. In several high-profile controversies, scandal-related attention coincided with short-term increases in streams. However, when platforms reduced visibility of the artists' music, clearest declines appeared.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateApr 28, 2026

Lab-grown human skin advances our understanding of the critical role of skin blood vessels in inflammation, repair, regeneration, and aging

Researchers have created lab-grown human skin organoids that can form complex microvascular networks similar to those in native human skin. These self-organizing structures function similarly to native skin, responding to inflammatory stimuli and re-growing after injury.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

Illinois researchers determine chick sex, mortality in chicken eggs before hatching

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a machine learning model that can predict chick embryo mortality using hyperspectral imagery, reaching accuracy of up to 97%. They also successfully identified male embryos with high accuracy, potentially reducing the culling of male chicks in hatcheries.

How grapes get sweeter: scientists uncover an ABA-driven genetic switch

Researchers discovered a molecular complex linking abscisic acid to sucrose metabolism in grape berries, accelerating sugar accumulation and berry ripening. The VvMYB44-VvERF045 pathway activates the key gene VvSPS4, enabling a clearer understanding of how hormone signaling translates into biochemical changes affecting fruit quality.

Congenital portosystemic shunts

CPSS cause hyperammonemia, hepatopulmonary syndrome, portopulmonary hypertension, and liver nodules/tumors. Detection relies on Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, and MRI. Treatment depends on shunt type and severity, with endovascular or surgical options available.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateApr 28, 2026

Light pollution alters food webs along riverbanks

A recent study by Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau found that light pollution significantly alters the composition of predatory spiders' diets, leading to reduced hatching of insects. The invasive signal crayfish also contributes to altered feeding behavior under nighttime lighting.

SourceRheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau·JournalFunctional Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

Why spring may undercut childhood obesity programs

A new analysis of nearly 400 young participants found that those starting a healthy lifestyle program in spring showed weaker improvement than those beginning in summer, autumn, or winter. The study suggests that school calendars, daily routines, and long holiday breaks can impact treatment success.

SourceZhejiang University·JournalWorld Journal of Pediatrics·DateApr 28, 2026

Wild flatworms heal wounds

Researchers from Lund University successfully harnessed the regenerative capacity of Scandinavian flatworms to accelerate wound healing in human skin models. The study found that signalling molecules from flatworm exosomes increased skin thickness and improved wound healing rates, including accelerated blood vessel regeneration.

SourceLund University·JournalACS Omega·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

The disordered heart of glass

A study by the University of Trento reveals that ultra-stable glasses exhibit almost identical basic vibrations to normal glass, contradicting previous computer simulations. This finding suggests that vibrational modes are less sensitive to disorder than thought.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

Revolving doors weaken SEC oversight

New research from the University of Texas at Austin finds that regulators with ties to Big Four accounting firms are less likely to detect financial statement errors and ask for amendments. A cooling-off period might increase confidence in regulatory oversight, but its implementation could be challenging due to staff limitations.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Accounting Review·DateApr 28, 2026