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Science News Archive April 2026 - Page 7


Page 7 of 55

UCLA research improves molecular probe for drug discovery

A UCLA-led international collaboration has unveiled a new technology that enables scientists to directly compare how different molecules compete for the same binding site on a protein, all in a single experiment. The results show promising interactions between two cancer drugs and reveal previously unknown interactions.

SourceCalifornia NanoSystems Institute·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 28, 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.

UIC scientists source anti-cancer treatment in bacteria

Researchers at UIC developed an anti-cancer therapy using a bacterial protein called aurB, which prevents energy production in tumor cells' mitochondria. The treatment was tested in combination with radiation and showed highly effective results in animal models of prostate cancer, effectively shutting down tumor growth.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·DateApr 28, 2026

Fish evolution accelerated after adapting to eat off hard surfaces

Researchers found that fish lineages adapted to scrape algae and shellfish from hard surfaces evolved in more diverse ways than those living in open water. Coral reef fish are thought to have benefited from this adaptation, driving the acceleration of diversification.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

Decades-long study finds ‘stable’ soil carbon degrades

A four-decade long study found that even 'stable' carbon in forest soils can break down as temperatures rise, releasing more CO2. Microbial communities play a critical role in soil ecosystems and their changes can speed the loss of carbon from soils.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·DateApr 28, 2026
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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...

SourceBBVA Foundation·DateApr 28, 2026

Stick-on gel offers new way to treat and monitor plants

Engineers developed an adhesive gel that can deliver substances into plants' tissues, clearing bacterial infections within 48 hours. The gel sticks to various surfaces, including hairy leaves and stems, and can be removed without damage.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 28, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

How a free flow of information can amplify incorrect ideas

Simulations by a team of scientists show that unrestricted information sharing can lead to less accurate collective beliefs, particularly in socially homogenous settings. This phenomenon is driven by homophily and the amplification of erroneous ideas within groups.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2026

The solar cell that moonlights as an LED, and does both better

Researchers have developed a perovskite diode that can convert sunlight to electricity and emit light with high efficiency, resolving the challenge of doing both. The device achieves a world-record 26.7% efficiency in converting sunlight to electricity and 31% efficiency in emitting light.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateApr 28, 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.

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
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Toxic PCBs, sex-biased genes, and the developing brain

Researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute found that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) alter genes more in females than males, with a key gene called XIST playing a protective role. Folic acid also shows promise in mitigating harmful effects of PCB exposure, particularly in women.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalGenome Biology·DateApr 28, 2026

Lifestyle, diet, and clinical factors shape the gut microbiome in cancer patients

A new review found that lifestyle behaviors like physical activity and diet can positively modulate the gut microbiome of cancer patients, but these effects are often influenced by non-modifiable variables. The study also highlighted the role of intrinsic patient characteristics in shaping microbial composition.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 28, 2026

Decline in prey increases risk of jaguar extinction in Atlantic Forest

A study found that prey scarcity is a key factor in jaguar presence in protected areas of the Atlantic Forest, with reduced abundance and biomass due to human hunting. The researchers warn that this situation could lead to the biome losing its top predator population.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·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
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalBritish Poultry Science·DateApr 28, 2026

Your P@ssw0rds! no longer have to cause anxiety

Researchers at Texas A&M University created HIPPO, a browser extension that generates unique passwords for each website without storing them. Participants preferred HIPPO over traditional password tools for ease and security, reporting higher satisfaction rates.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalIEEE Internet Computing·DateApr 28, 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.

Identifying genetic causes of blindness in people and macaques

A team of scientists at the University of California, Davis, has discovered an inherited form of blindness directly comparable to autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA) in rhesus macaques. The study could lead to a better understanding of ADOA and potentially new treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

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.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateApr 28, 2026

Green alley effectiveness depends on design and purpose, Concordia-led study finds

A Concordia-led study analyzed 53 green alleys and 23 conventional alleys in Montreal and Trois-Rivières, finding that results depend on alley design and purpose. The study suggests a middle ground between community-led projects and standardized approaches to achieve both biodiversity and social cohesion.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEcosystems and People·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2026

Overdoses spike for visitors to California addiction treatment centers hub

Visitors to a California region with numerous substance use disorder treatment centers experience higher levels of overdose, particularly out-of-state individuals. The study suggests that the industry's lack of oversight and predatory practices contribute to this hotspot.

SourcePenn State·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 28, 2026

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
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Metabolomic profiling defines subtype-specific programs in pediatric ependymoma

A study identifies subtype-specific programs in pediatric ependymoma, linking metabolic patterns to clinical aggressiveness. The research reveals distinct metabolic profiles for each molecular subtype, providing a resource for understanding the biology of pediatric ependymoma and potential therapeutic vulnerabilities.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

Simple robots that collectively build and excavate are inspired by ants

Researchers developed a fleet of cooperative robots that, like ants, can spontaneously organize to build and dismantle structures without central control. They identified key parameters needed for excavation and building performance using simple local rules.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPRX Life·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

Tiny gestures, big signals: AI learns to read hidden emotion

Micro-gesture recognition is emerging as a key area of research in affective computing, focused on analyzing subtle, involuntary body movements that may reflect hidden emotional states. The field has expanded from RGB video to skeleton, audio, text, and privacy-preserving multimodal settings.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalMachine Intelligence Research·DateApr 28, 2026

Bats’ midbrain helps them identify their own echolocation calls

Researchers recorded single-unit activity in bats' inferior colliculus while they were freely vocalizing. The study found that 95% of neurons responded differently to self-generated vocalizations than to playback of the same calls.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 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.

Trial shows relief for those living with chronic angina

A UK-led trial found that a procedure to reopen blocked heart arteries can reduce chest pain and improve quality of life. Patients who received the treatment had more angina-free days and better quality-of-life scores than those in the placebo group.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2026

Ultraviolet light that fits on a chip

The Harvard-led team demonstrates a micron-scale photonic device that generates two orders of magnitude more UV light on a chip than previous approaches. By converting red light to UV light through frequency upconversion, the researchers create high-power, low-loss, compact UV sources.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·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
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Researchers identify how enzyme affects infertility and cancer progression

A specific region of Dicer must be activated to achieve proper cell division and reproduction, a discovery that sheds light on the regulation of this enzyme's critical role in both cancer biology and fertility. This finding opens new avenues for studying how small epigenetic changes contribute to disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·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

Why is it hard to fully enjoy positive moments?

Dampening, a phenomenon where positive emotions are diminished, can undermine well-being over time. Research found that future-focused thoughts, such as 'positive feelings won't last,' are strong predictors of depressive symptoms.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateApr 28, 2026
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

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
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.

Scientists discover surprising new way to control light

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have discovered that light can be programmed using its natural geometry, allowing for the creation of structured light with unique properties. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for fields such as medicine, data transmission, and quantum technologies.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·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

Sleep societies announce 2026 Inclusive Leadership Award recipient

Dr. Indra Narang, a pediatric respirologist and sleep medicine specialist, has received the 2026 Inclusive Leadership Award for her work to broaden access and representation in sleep medicine. Her research focuses on improving diagnosis and treatment of childhood obstructive sleep apnea with an emphasis on equity-driven innovation.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateApr 28, 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.

Teaching machines to catch lies across voice, face, and words

A study reviews benchmark datasets, evaluation metrics, fusion strategies, and model development in multimodal deception detection. The field is moving toward more practical, scalable, and context-aware systems that combine verbal and nonverbal evidence.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalMachine Intelligence Research·DateApr 28, 2026