Science News Archive August 2026

AI-empowered pipeline-in-a-drug option: Insilico Medicine nominates ISM9077, potential first-in-class target Y inhibitor, as preclinical candidate (PCC) for ocular diseases, inflammatory disorders and aging

Rising deaths in LA County Jail are tied to longer jail stays, study shows

As urban tree shade shrinks, mortality rises

Barrow Neurological Institute awarded $5-million for clinical trial of ibogaine in TBI

Depression linked to smaller volume in key memory region of older adults

BESIII experiment identifies X(2370) as a glueball dominated particle

Zoo-housed lions show wild-style behaviors when fed whole carcasses

NSF CAREER Award will help University of Illinois researcher improve the quality of AI training data

No clear evidence that common embryo transfer techniques improve IVF success

Adults living with HIV are at high risk for diabetes. Here's why.

No-tillage and microbial fertilizer work together to build carbon in nutrient-poor albic soils

Quartz particles reveal how reactor design can boost coal tar yield and quality

GLP-1 drug linked to heart benefits for high-risk patients

KAIST reconstructs transparent objects through dynamic scattering layers in a single shot

Climate pledges could shrink global cropland by 12.8% by 2100

Widely used early warning score may help guide the urgency of antibiotic treatment for suspected sepsis

FAMU-FSU College of Engineering researchers create artificial intelligence tool to manage modern power grid

Breakthrough understanding of cellular processes opens new pathways in diabetes care

Researchers have gained a deeper understanding of how autophagy and ferroptosis interact to disrupt cellular balance and contribute to the development of complications. This knowledge positions these processes as central components in the evolving landscape of diabetes care, offering a more integrated view of disease and recovery.

New insights position HMGCR as a powerful target in cancer treatment

The enzyme HMGCR plays a central role in cholesterol biosynthesis, supporting tumor growth by enhancing cell proliferation and enabling metastasis. Inhibiting its activity can disrupt the supply of cholesterol and related molecules that tumors rely on, leading to reduced tumor growth and increased sensitivity to treatment.

UCLA researchers receive NIH grant to boost the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are developing drug-based strategies to enhance cancer immunotherapy for melanoma and potentially other cancers. They identified two promising compounds that could strengthen T cell interaction with cancer cells or make tumor cells more susceptible to destruction by T cells.

Firearm carrying accelerates suicide risk among high school students, NYU-led study shows

A new study by NYU researchers found that firearm carrying is strongly linked to an increased risk of suicide among high school students. The study revealed that adolescents who carried a firearm were nearly four times as likely to have attempted suicide within the prior 12 months.

ALARA+ Coalition launches toolkits to speed adoption of enhanced radiation protection in cath labs

The ALARA+ Coalition has released a suite of resources to help hospital leadership and decisionmakers implement enhanced radiation and occupational safety guidelines for clinicians and staff working in fluoroscopy laboratories. The new toolkits provide practical steps to protect cath lab team members from both occupational radiation ex...

Pumas make roads safer for drivers

A study found that pumas change deer behavior, reducing the likelihood of deer-vehicle collisions by 67%. Deer alter their use of space and time where pumas are present, overlapping less with roads.

Tiny vortices discovered on the sun’s surface

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in solar physics by visualizing tiny plasma vortices on the Sun's surface. These vortices are changing our understanding of the Sun and its magnetic field, providing new perspectives on energy storage and release.

Wearable electric-field device slows aggressive breast cancer in preclinical study

A new wearable electric-field device has been shown to slow the growth and spread of aggressive breast cancer in preclinical models. The technology uses low-intensity electric fields that interact with cancer cells in a controlled way, reducing tumor growth and increasing immune responses.

Enhanced electrode stability over engineering Co-B bonds in Co(OH)2-Ru heterostructure for electrocatalytic water splitting

Researchers engineered a novel electrode via boron reduction, exhibiting ultra-low overpotentials and exceptional long-term stability. The Co-B bond stabilizes the electrode, suppressing metal leaching and enabling efficient water splitting.

MSK scientists find the 'molecular switch' that heals the gut — and that colorectal cancer hijacks to spread

Researchers from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discovered ZFP36L2, a protein that regulates stem cell renewal and repair in the gut. Colorectal cancer cells exploit this process to spread to new organs through metastasis. Disrupting ZFP36L2 may compromise cancer cells' ability to form new tumors.

Engineered human neurons rebuild damaged spinal cord circuits

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have developed a regenerative treatment using stem cell-derived spinal interneurons to repair damaged neural networks in rats. The new cells not only survived and formed connections with the animals' own neural circuits but also improved breathing-related motor function after transplantation.

American black bears sleep twice as much during hibernation periods as during summer months, spending just 1/3 of this time awake, per machine-learning analysis of data from captive bears recorded over a period of 5 years

A recent study published in PLOS One found that American black bears sleep twice as much during hibernation periods compared to summer months, with only 1/3 of the time spent awake. The researchers used machine-learning analysis of data from captive bears recorded over a period of five years.

A new species of Ice Age toad discovered at La Brea Tar Pits: the spadefoot toad Spea labreae

Researchers have discovered a new species of extinct amphibian, the spadefoot toad Spea labreae, from La Brea Tar Pits. The discovery highlights the impact of climate change on species distribution and provides insights into ancient environmental conditions.

Fewer heart attacks, more cancer cases, and better survival chances

Researchers found that disease prevention has reduced the incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and hip fractures, while cancer cases have increased. Improved diagnosis and treatment for cancer have led to better survival rates.

Rewetting severely wildfire-affected peatlands could deliver unexpected climate benefits

A recent study found that rewetting severely burned peatlands can dramatically reduce methane emissions, making these areas prime candidates for accelerated restoration. Severe fires alter the peat's chemical composition, reducing methane production and increasing carbon storage.

With new Department of Energy award, KU-Fermilab team builds next-generation detectors for CERN’s Large Hadron Collider

The KU-Fermilab team designs and builds two cutting-edge particle detectors for the Compact Muon Solenoid experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. The project strengthens collaboration with Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and creates hands-on research opportunities for Kansas students.

Cancer cells hijack a fatty acid to escape immune attack in liver metastases

Researchers discovered how cancer cells exploit palmitate to suppress neutrophils' anti-tumor activity, allowing tumors to survive and grow. By disrupting this process, the researchers restored neutrophil function and reduced metastatic growth in liver metastases.

Twisting graphene into correlation and topology

Researchers have discovered novel quantum phenomena in twisted graphene, including orbital magnetism, quantum anomalous Hall effect, and unconventional superconductivity. The review highlights the flatband electronic structure of magic-angle bilayer graphene, driving complex behaviors like correlated insulators and topological states.

Rural background, training exposure, and rural practice location among US physicians

A cross-sectional study found that US physicians with a rural background and training experience in rural settings are more likely to practice in rural locations. The study assessed the interdependence of these factors on rural practice among US physicians.

New biobank of tumour models reveals cancers’ weak spots

A new open resource of cancer models has enabled researchers to create the first large-scale map of the genes that cancers rely on to survive. The biobank, developed by the Wellcome Sanger Institute and collaborators, reveals potential weak points that could be targeted with future treatments.

Scientists turn one of the world's most hated plastics into premium lubricant

Researchers at Virginia Tech develop process to strip chlorine from PVC and produce synthetic lubricant-based oils. The new method converts discarded PVC into a key lubricant ingredient, offering a potential solution to two environmental challenges: recycling difficult-to-process plastics and producing valuable industrial materials.

New insights into the hidden dialogue between nerves and cancer open pathways for innovative treatments

The dynamic relationship between nerves and tumors reveals a complex tumor microenvironment that includes neural networks. Signals from the peripheral nervous system can directly influence cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and treatment resistance.

Electron redistribution by fluorine‑induced dual defects in cu3p accelerated charge transfer toward high‑performance electrochemical chloride ion removal

Researchers have unveiled a transformative intrinsic enhancement strategy that redefines the performance ceiling of electrochemical deionization. The F-Cu3Pv-2 electrode leverages heteroatom doping to trigger self-adaptive dual defect formation, enhancing electron transfer, ion adsorption, and diffusion kinetics.

Make it make sense: How humans process the extraordinary

Researchers investigated how individuals interpret nonordinary experiences, finding that most people view them as neutral or positive. The study's findings suggest that how a person interprets an unusual experience matters more than the experience itself in determining its impact on wellbeing.

New insights into the mechanisms of liquid–liquid phase separation involved in gene regulation

Research at AIST, Institute of Science Tokyo, and Ritsumeikan University uncovers the impact of histone acetylation site location on liquid–liquid phase separation in gene regulation. This study provides new perspectives for therapeutic development targeting aberrant gene expression.

Immune cell dysfunction, not absence, defines skin cancer in immunosuppressed patients

Researchers discovered that immunosuppressed patients with non-melanoma skin cancer have macrophages that fail to communicate effectively, leading to tumor progression. The study's findings suggest that boosting the functionality of these immune cells may lead to new treatment opportunities for these patients.

Restoring the silenced Friedreich’s ataxia gene through unconventional means

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have found a way to reactivate the frataxin gene in Friedreich's ataxia, a neurodegenerative disease, by using a specially designed chemical adaptor. The study challenges a longstanding assumption about histone modifications and offers new insights into gene regulation.

Dual-enzyme cascade system enables efficient one-pot biosynthesis of salidroside with 90% conversion rate

Researchers developed a dual-enzyme cascade system for one-pot biosynthesis of salidroside, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. The optimized system achieved high titer and space-time yield, demonstrating strong commercial potential.

World’s first semiconductor maser

A research team has created a silicon-carbide-based maser that operates continuously above room temperature, enabling new applications in communication and sensing. The maser amplifies microwave radiation and has high frequency stability, making it suitable for precise magnetic field measurements.

Does eczema increase the risk of developing shingles?

People with eczema face a higher risk of developing shingles due to an altered skin immune response. Researchers analyzed UK database data and found that eczema severity was directly linked to increased shingles risk.

Neandertal growth hormone receptor increases muscle mass in people today

The Neandertal growth hormone receptor has been found to increase muscle mass in people today, with carriers having around 270 grams more muscle mass on average. This effect is most pronounced in individuals of South and East Asian descent.

Aging-related decline begins on average a decade earlier in Brazil than in Europe, highlighting social disparities which may impair healthy aging, per study of more than 30,000 over-50s

A study of over-50s in Brazil and Europe found aging-related decline begins a decade earlier in Brazil due to social disparities. The findings highlight the impact of socioeconomic factors on healthy aging.

Mindfulness-based therapy for opioid misuse offers massive return on investment

A new study reveals that Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) is highly effective in reducing opioid misuse and costs. The therapy, which combines mindfulness skills to regulate craving and pain, has been shown to provide $12 in cost savings for every dollar spent, with potential economic benefits of over $324,000 per patient.

U.S. disease tracker launches to strengthen monitoring of vaccine-preventable diseases

The U.S. Disease Tracker tracks cases of measles, meningitis, and pertussis at state/substate levels with detailed visualizations, providing reliable data for public health professionals, policymakers, and researchers.

Multifunctional conductive and elastic matrices‑engineered Si nanocomposite anodes for liquid and solid‑state lithium batteries

Researchers have developed a transformative silicon nanocomposite anode that overcomes longstanding barriers to practical deployment, achieving simultaneous optimization of electronic conduction, mechanical robustness, and elastic stress recovery. The anode delivers exceptional high-rate performance and outstanding cycling stability, m...

Targeting sensory nerves after growth plate injuries may bolster healing

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that inhibiting sensory neurons with a nerve blocker can reduce abnormal bone growth in cartilage after childhood bone injuries, potentially improving recovery. The study found that the treatment reduced unwanted bone growth by up to 60% in mice.

An electrostatic quantum nanocorral for composite charged excitons

A team of physicists from Boston College created a quantum nanocorral that can trap and control charged excitons, enabling precise electrical control of tiny light sources. The discovery opens up new ways to control hybrid charge, photon, and spin quantum states.

Breakthrough in quantum dot surface defect repair: Enabling ultra-high efficiency and long-life QLEDs

Researchers developed a universal strategy to repair quantum dot surfaces, boosting photoluminescence quantum yield and suppressing exciton quenching. Optimized QLEDs achieved record-breaking external quantum efficiency of 34.3% with nearly four times longer operational lifetime.

Rice bioengineers develop biochemical halo to cloak insulin-producing cells from body defenses

Researchers engineered a biochemical halo of interleukin 10 to suppress immune rejection of pancreatic beta cells, enabling implanted insulin-producing cells to control blood sugar for over 100 days. The approach could lead to a cure for Type 1 diabetes and improve outcomes for implantable therapies.

When we misread autistic people, it may not be a lack of empathy—it may be a mismatch

A new study challenges long-held assumptions about autism by showing that autistic people can understand others' emotions just as well as non-autistic people. Researchers found that autistic participants were similarly accurate at tracking emotional experiences and may have been slightly more accurate when understanding other autistic ...

How Illinois is improving oats for growers and consumers

The University of Illinois Oat Breeding Program has achieved significant gains in yield and test weight over 18 years, despite environmental challenges. The program's success highlights the importance of public breeding programs in sustaining crop improvements.

Melting sea ice combines with Arctic ocean to make clouds - study

Scientists have discovered a new process that forms cloud-forming particles in the Arctic atmosphere when melting sea ice meets open ocean. This combination of marine life and sunlight releases a chemical mixture that seeds the sky with particles, increasing cloud cover and affecting global climate.

Long non-coding RNAs offer new hope for earlier detection and improved treatment of liver cancer linked to hepatitis B

The review highlights how long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may help bridge the critical gap in diagnosing and treating liver cancer linked to hepatitis B. LncRNAs, once overlooked molecules, are now recognized as powerful regulators of cellular activity influencing gene expression and immune responses.