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Science News for August 10, 2026


Want a happier marriage? New study suggests one simple habit

Researchers found that couples who exercise together report better communication, stronger conflict resolution, and lower marital stress. Walking was the most commonly reported form of shared exercise among couples in the study, suggesting it's a simple way to create opportunities for positive interactions and conversation.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalFamily Relations·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 10, 2026

Multi-scale hybridization and chemical bonding enable ultra-durable flexible strain sensors

Researchers developed a synergistic strategy to address stability issues in wearable strain sensors. By creating a covalent co-vulcanisation network with the rubber matrix, they maintained stable sensing performance over 15,000 tensile cycles and operated reliably under harsh environmental conditions.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWearable Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2026

Fully in-house pipeline for X-ray nanofocusing mirrors at NSLS-II

A US team has created an integrated manufacturing framework to produce atomic-scale optics for next-generation light sources. The pipeline links atomic-scale fabrication and precision metrology to in-situ X-ray beam validation, achieving deterministic delivery of nanofocusing mirrors.

Marine heatwaves pose hidden threat to human health

New research highlights the hidden threats of marine heatwaves on human health, including psychological impacts, respiratory problems, and eco-anxiety. The study calls for governments and public health agencies to treat marine heatwaves as a major public health issue.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 10, 2026

Alter Dementia and Dementia Care Aware administer more than 100 free cognitive screenings to African American faith communities

The 100 Minds Screening Project provided over 100 free cognitive screenings to African Americans aged 60+, highlighting the need for better dementia diagnosis among older adults. The program connected participants with brain health planning information and services, aiming to address the dementia care gap within faith communities.

KAIST shapes a "templates a ‘gas lattice’ in porous materials”: the moment gas forms a crystal-like lattice

A KAIST research team has demonstrated for the first time that a porous material can arrange disordered gas molecules into a crystal-like structure. Using xenon as a model system, they identified a specific cobalt-based material that stabilizes xenon in a regular lattice, showcasing a breakthrough in gas crystallization.

In Oregon, voters’ passage of gun control measure led to more firearms in the state

A new analysis suggests that Oregon's voter-approved gun control measure led to a significant increase in firearm purchases, with thousands more firearms entering the state than would have otherwise. The study found that background checks surged nearly 14% before the election and then jumped 157% after the measure passed.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Public Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 10, 2026

Biochar made from brewery waste could help trap harmful bacteria in sandy filtration systems

Researchers found that biochar produced from malt spent rootlets can sharply increase E. coli retention in sand, offering a potential route to cleaner water and productive reuse of brewery waste. Adding more biochar changes how bacteria are retained, shifting from physical trapping to direct attachment.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2026

Joint fusion surgery reduced walking pain in patients with foot arthritis compared with watchful waiting

A randomized controlled trial found that first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis significantly improves walking-related pain in patients with painful hallux rigidus. The study suggests arthrodesis as a preferred treatment option for some patients, providing a greater reduction in walking-related pain and secondary outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 10, 2026

How scandium can improve the durability of sodium-ion battery electrodes

Researchers discovered that scandium doping and coating improve the durability and performance of sodium-ion batteries by stabilizing the crystal structure and suppressing side reactions. The study found that doping improves bulk stability while coating enhances surface stability, leading to improved capacity retention and long-term cy...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2026

Corn stalks. It’s what’s for dinner … If you’re a microbe.

Engineers have created a bacterium that can consume all three major sugars present in corn stalks, opening up possibilities for more efficient biomanufacturing processes. The new strain of Pseudomonas putida was developed using an automated culturing platform and can potentially be used to produce valuable molecules like indigoidine.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2026

Endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure may be linked to high blood pressure during pregnancy

A recent study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society suggests a link between exposure to phthalates and elevated blood pressure during pregnancy. Pregnant women with higher levels of fragrance-associated phthalates were found to have higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure markers, increasing their risk of hypertensive...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateAug 10, 2026

Alternative splicing may hold the key to decoding hidden protein functions

A new study introduces a computational framework that leverages alternative splicing events to predict protein isoform functions. The framework outperforms existing approaches and provides biological insights into how splicing shapes protein function, highlighting the importance of studying proteins at the isoform level.

SourceScience Exploration Press·JournalComputational Biomedicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 10, 2026

Unsocial kids may be happier than you think

Children who prefer to play alone but feel they belong in a larger social setting are often happy and content. In contrast, those who don't value belonging or feel like they don't fit in with their peers tend to be unhappy and dissatisfied with their relationships.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalThe Elementary School Journal·DateAug 10, 2026

These researchers believe we each have an undiscovered internal clock—and the W.M. Keck Foundation just awarded them $1.3 million to find it

A team of researchers led by UMass Amherst believes a second, undiscovered internal clock regulates brain energy-intensive work and may link neurobiological brain function to the body's circadian clock. The three-protein clock has deep evolutionary precedent and disruption could contribute to human disease.

Johns Hopkins liver cancer experts co-author new treatment framework for hepatocellular carcinoma

A new treatment framework for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been developed by a team of Johns Hopkins liver cancer experts, which provides guidance on best treatments based on tumor burden and biology. The BEACON-HCC framework incorporates emerging therapies such as external beam radiation therapy and novel combination therapies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalHepatology·DateAug 10, 2026

University of Colorado Anschutz researchers identify an “energy addiction” in high-risk blood cancer stem cells

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Cancer Center have identified a previously unknown metabolic weakness in high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), a discovery that could lead to more targeted treatments for this aggressive blood cancer. The study found that high-risk MDS stem cells are unusually dependent on nicotin...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·DateAug 10, 2026

When meat doesn’t matter: Female Guinea baboons do not prefer males who are better at acquiring or sharing meat

In contrast to previous studies on human food-sharing practices, female Guinea baboons have diverse sources of meat and do not rely heavily on their primary males. The researchers observed that females often catch prey themselves and access alternative sources of meat.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Biological Anthropology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 10, 2026

Distant time crystals oscillate in unison

Physicists at TU Dortmund University demonstrate non-local synchronization of electron-nuclear spin oscillations, opening routes to controllable spin networks. Many time crystals can form in the same material and synchronize their oscillations, even at distances exceeding one thousand times the size of an individual oscillator.

SourceTU Dortmund University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2026

Science Signaling | Insilico Medicine contributes to research using AI to reveal NDRG1-associated DNA repair mechanisms and potential synthetic lethal effects in colorectal cancer

Researchers identified NDRG1 as a key regulator of DNA damage repair, which can be targeted by the antimalarial drug quinacrine to trigger synthetic lethality in specific cancer subtypes. The study also reveals potential strategies for targeting DNA damage response based on NDRG1 expression.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·DateAug 10, 2026

University of Phoenix research chair presents pilot findings on AI-assisted empathy at 2026 American Psychological Association convention

The pilot study explores the use of generative AI personas to facilitate structured empathy practice, with mean empathy scores increasing by 2.70 points and participants reaching the third level of a relational progression framework. However, further research is needed due to methodological limitations.

SourceUniversity of Phoenix·TypeObservational study·DateAug 10, 2026

City St George’s leads new €6m Horizon Europe project to support EU building renovation goals using cultural, sustainable and inclusive design

The REMADE project aims to transform building renovation in Europe through a neighbourhood-centred Renovation-as-a-Service model, combining design for adaptability and disassembly with advanced digital tools. The project will develop energy-efficient technologies and circular economy construction processes that support the EU's sustain...

Melanoma treatment mystery gets new answers

Researchers developed a mathematical model that suggests adjusting treatment schedules over time may be more effective in managing tumors than rigid treatment plans. The study found that continuous therapy, rather than on-and-off treatment, can control the tumor and reduce toxicity, improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalMathematical Biosciences·DateAug 10, 2026

Study sees links between ageist attitudes and memory problems

An international study of 974 participants aged 50-94 found a strong correlation between ageist attitudes and self-reported memory failures. The results indicate that individuals with more restrictive views on older adult behavior experienced greater memory problems, regardless of their country of origin.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Development·TypeObservational study·DateAug 10, 2026

Biomarkers aid cost-benefit analysis of head and neck cancer immunotherapy

A new study examines the KEYNOTE-689 trial cohort to determine whether anticipated survival benefits outweigh the costs based on a standard threshold. Patients with higher combined positive scores saw significant quality-adjusted life years gains with perioperative pembrolizumab.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 10, 2026

High myopia control is not only about axial length: study suggests posterior scleral reinforcement may slow early fundus changes in children

A three-year study found that posterior scleral reinforcement slowed macular fundus tessellation and preserved subfoveal choroidal thickness in children with progressive high myopia. The researchers suggest that PSR may help delay early myopic maculopathy-related changes, possibly through mechanisms beyond axial elongation.

SourceEye Discovery·JournalEye Discovery·TypeObservational study·DateAug 10, 2026

New graphene-powered soft lens could pave the way for smarter glasses, cameras and medical devices

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London developed a graphene-based material for soft lenses that can change focus electronically without bulky moving parts. The technology has the potential to open up new applications in medical imaging devices, autofocus cameras, wearable displays and scientific instruments.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 10, 2026

Oak leaves harbor distinct microbial worlds on their opposite surfaces

Researchers found that upper and lower surfaces of oak leaves support different microbial communities, with the upper surface hosting stress-tolerant genera and the lower surface favoring sugar-fermenting taxa and insect-associated bacteria. The two sides show striking seasonal divergence in terms of diversity and abundance.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 10, 2026

Generating vectorial optical fields via surface-wave-excited complex-amplitude metasurfaces

Researchers develop platform generating complex VOFs with spatially tailored wavefront profiles and polarization distributions, showcasing exceptional capabilities in multifunctional beam shaping and complex wavefront engineering. The platform enables independent control over amplitude, phase, and polarization of radiation fields.

Rethinking diabetes prevention

A new ten-point framework for diabetes prevention aims to restore metabolic health across the entire life course, targeting risk factors before disease onset and emphasizing remission. The framework identifies key priorities, including personalized prevention strategies, digital tools, and reducing health inequities.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 10, 2026

Fringe projection profilometry enters the era of intelligent perception

FPP is evolving from geometric triangulation to light transport analysis with AI and CI, expanding its capabilities beyond shape acquisition. The new framework enables a deeper understanding of light transport, material properties, and scene formation mechanisms, opening opportunities for intelligent perception technologies.

46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly concludes in Florence, advancing global space research collaboration

The 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly brought together over 3,000 participants to exchange the latest results in space research and strengthen international scientific collaboration. Key highlights included a Space Agency Leaders Roundtable, Humanity's Cross-Disciplinary Exploration panel, and the first-ever Dark and Quiet Skies event.

More electrons, less interfaces: how halide cathodes are redefining the energy density ceiling in all-solid-state lithium batteries

Halide cathode materials, long overlooked due to dissolution in liquid electrolytes, now enable dramatically higher energy densities through a fundamental shift in battery chemistry. Key strategies include multi-electron reactions, protective coatings, and nanostructuring to address stability issues.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 10, 2026

“Silent DNA switches” in heart development may trigger rare birth defect ——New study links noncoding mutations near TBX1 to tetralogy of Fallot

A new study identified functional noncoding variants in the TBX1 enhancer that contribute to tetralogy of Fallot. These variants reduce TBX1 expression, disrupt outflow tract vessel formation, and lead to reduced angiogenesis, vessel regression, and abnormal tight junction morphology.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2026

"We should not forget how much we have in common"

A German-American research team developed an educational programme that focuses on universal human values to strengthen social cohesion. The programme, tested in a large-scale pilot study in India, showed significant effects on reducing discriminatory attitudes and promoting pro-social behaviour, civic values, and social engagement.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateAug 10, 2026

Dogs can distinguish between human fear and sadness

A recent study revealed that dogs process smiles in a unique brain region and can distinguish between negative facial expressions, including anger, sadness, and fear. This ability allows researchers to understand the adaptations that have developed in dogs to support their social and emotional understanding of humans.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2026

Two-step “pre-zincification” method yields high-performance capabilities in Zn-ion batteries

Researchers have developed a two-step 'pre-zincification' process to create high-performance cathode materials for Zn-ion batteries, enabling stable operation and minimal volume variation during cycling. The resulting material shows impressive structural stability and rechargability with negligible capacity degradation past 5000 cycles.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research Energy·DateAug 10, 2026

Where women live may influence ovarian cancer survival, especially among Black women

A new study found that women living in socially vulnerable communities face a higher risk of death after an ovarian cancer diagnosis compared to those living in less vulnerable communities. The study also discovered that Black women face a significantly higher risk of death than white women, highlighting the importance of addressing ne...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 10, 2026

Physical fitness and all-cause mortality in older adults

Objective physical fitness assessments reveal a graded association between balance, agility, strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness with reduced all-cause mortality. This study suggests integrating fitness assessments into routine practice may improve risk stratification and guide function-oriented interventions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 10, 2026

Osimertinib with or without chemotherapy in advanced non–small cell lung cancer with EGFR and concurrent TP53 mutations

A randomized phase 3 study found that first-line osimertinib plus chemotherapy significantly improved median progression-free survival compared to osimertinib alone in patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and concurrent EGFR and TP53 mutations. This study provides evidence for incorporating TP53-based molecular ris...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 10, 2026

Largest real-world study finds early flu antiviral treatment reduces ICU admissions in hospitalized children

A nationwide study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that early antiviral treatment with oseltamivir reduced ICU admissions and shortened hospital stays for children hospitalized with influenza. The study of over 7,000 pediatric hospitalizations showed a 31% lower likelihood of ICU admission among treated children.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 10, 2026

International “State of the Climate” report confirms record-high greenhouse gases, global sea level, and ocean heat in 2025

The 36th annual State of the Climate report reveals record highs in greenhouse gas concentrations, global sea level, and ocean heat content. Greenhouse gas concentrations reached a 53% increase from preindustrial levels, with fossil fuel emissions reaching a record high in 2025.

SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateAug 10, 2026

Non-equimolar compositional design regulates lattice strain and polyhedral distortion in single-phase m'-RETaO4 ceramics, enabling the simultaneous optimization of TECs and thermal conductivity

Researchers designed novel non-equimolar monoclinic-prime (m´) RETaO4 HECs with optimized thermal performance. The composition-structure-thermal performance relationship was clarified through systematic structural and thermophysical tests, revealing polyhedral distortion and lattice strain as key factors for tailoring thermal properties.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateAug 10, 2026

Cardiovascular care for older adults should account for cognitive impairment and frailty

A new ACC Scientific Statement highlights the importance of considering cognitive impairment and frailty in cardiovascular care for older adults. The statement outlines practical strategies for prevention, screening, assessment, and management, aiming to improve outcomes such as independence, mobility, and caregiver burden.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 10, 2026

Rising competition for clean water in the future

Climate change will exacerbate water scarcity, not just due to reduced supply, but also due to poor quality, affecting different sectors differently. Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East face particularly challenging prospects, with increased demand for clean water by 1225%.

SourceUtrecht University·Journalnpj Clean Water·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 10, 2026

Why do we labor when reading some words but not others? AI offers a partial answer

A team of researchers found that humans and AI process language similarly during the initial stages of reading, relying on next-word predictions. However, as passages become more complex, human processing differs from AI, highlighting areas where human and machine language understanding diverge.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2026

Study: Triple-dose regimen may permanently clear HIV in infected newborns

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have made a groundbreaking discovery in animal models that a one-time treatment regimen can permanently clear HIV from newborns. The study's findings have the potential to advance quickly to human clinical trials, offering new hope for millions of people worldwide who require lifelong t...

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2026

Molecular mapping reveals hidden cellular programs in heart transplant rejection

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center used spatial transcriptomics to characterize acute rejection and response to immunomodulatory therapies following heart transplantation. The study linked cell-specific gene expression patterns to the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy, a form of chronic rejection that limit...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 10, 2026

Pusan National University researchers develop 3D printing method for switchable soft actuators

A new study developed a 3D printable liquid crystal elastomer that switches molecular alignment to produce opposite motions on demand from a single material. This breakthrough enables the creation of programmable shape-changing materials for various applications, including soft robotics and wearable technologies.

SourcePusan National University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2026

Marine microplastics carry chemicals of concern from plastic additives even after fragmentation

A recent study reveals that marine microplastics can persist and leach chemicals from plastic additives even after fragmentation. Chemicals such as antioxidants, plasticizers, and flame retardants were detected in both microplastics and larger plastic debris collected around Japan.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 10, 2026