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Science News for August 13, 2026


What a dry meteorite tells us about water on Mars

A team of researchers used neutron and X-ray tomography to examine a Martian meteorite sample, revealing tiny hydrated minerals and larger macroscopic hydrogen deposits. This provides crucial information about the early environment of Mars and its potential for supporting life.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2026

Butterfly-inspired technology could change the way we monitor air

Researchers developed Film-Rupture Actuated Capillary Enrichment (FACE) to collect airborne samples, achieving detection sensitivity 100 times higher than traditional systems. The device uses surface tension and a bioinspired physical mechanism, eliminating the need for pumps or batteries.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2026

America’s investment biker Jim Rogers on investing amid uncertainty: think independently, research deeply

Jim Rogers emphasizes the importance of rigorous research, questioning, and emotional discipline in achieving successful investing outcomes. He identifies major risks in global markets, including rising U.S. debt and complacency, while highlighting China's potential for recovery and India's long-term promise.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalRisk Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 13, 2026

Biochar and nitrification inhibitor help cut ammonia losses while sustaining crop yields

Combining biochar and dicyandiamide in organic fertilizer reduces cumulative ammonia losses by 27.1% compared to conventional urea fertilization, maintaining crop productivity despite reduced mineral nitrogen input. The treatment also supports economic returns through reduced nitrogen-related environmental and health costs.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalAgricultural Ecology and Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2026

Advanced wastewater treatment may create hidden endocrine risks, study finds

Researchers found that ultraviolet irradiation and ozonation increased anti-androgenic activity in treated wastewater, exceeding an effect-based risk threshold. The study suggests balancing pollutant removal efficiency with assessment of transformation products' combined biological effects.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalEnergy & Environment Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2026

How old are you really? Study explains what makes ‘epigenetic clocks’ tick, debuts new prediction tools

Researchers from USC-led study found that different epigenetic clocks capture distinct aspects of cellular aging, while introducing new gene-expression based clocks with stronger predictive power. These tools can better predict age-related disease and mortality by examining DNA methylation patterns and gene expression.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·Journalnpj Aging·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 13, 2026

KAIST controls the rotation direction of light without complex new materials

Researchers at KAIST create microscale chiral pinwheel arrays through self-assembly of achiral liquid-crystal molecules, enabling circularly polarized light with a desired rotation direction. This breakthrough simplifies the production of chiral optical materials, paving the way for next-generation displays and optical communications.

DNA origami illuminates invisible molecular movements

Researchers at Salk Institute develop novel 'dye-cycling' strategy to measure RNA polymerase movement along DNA with unprecedented lengths of time. This breakthrough provides critical mechanical insights into how genes are transcribed in cells, shedding light on the fundamental processes of life.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Reports Methods·DateAug 13, 2026

Health systems failing smokers in poorest nations, say experts

A new study found that only 13 low-and middle-income countries offer full support for smokers to quit, leaving billions without access. Researchers recommend tailored quitting programmes and low-cost strategies like national quitlines, mobile health apps, and community health workers to expand support in resource-limited settings.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 13, 2026

A small squeeze reveals new clues about an unusual kind of magnet

Researchers at Rice University found that gently squeezing a crystal of iron sulfide can change two of its unusual properties simultaneously: its tiny magnetic signal and the way electricity moves through it. This discovery gives scientists a clearer picture of how altermagnets work and suggests a simple way to control their behavior.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 13, 2026

Always finish your antibiotics? Longer is better? Outdated ideas about antibiotics are common, study finds

A new study surveyed 1,475 people on their attitudes towards antibiotic course length, finding that shorter courses are as effective and safer for pneumonia, but many people prefer longer courses due to misinformation. The study suggests more nuanced communication between doctors and patients is needed.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·TypeSurvey·DateAug 13, 2026

Scheduling dental care during prenatal visits boosts oral health care during pregnancy

Research shows that integrating oral health screenings into prenatal clinic visits increases the likelihood of patients receiving dental care during pregnancy. A study at New York University found that scheduling immediate appointments and patient navigation both improved engagement with dental care, but scheduled appointments were mor...

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 13, 2026

Artificial hibernation reveals secrets of long-term memory

Researchers challenge traditional assumptions on synaptic potentiation and instead identify clustered patterns of connections as crucial for retaining long-term memories. Through artificial hibernation techniques, they discovered that small clusters of engram-engram synapses are preserved to enable accurate recall.

Poorer people suffer greater declines in physical function as they age

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that socioeconomic inequalities are associated with reduced mobility and function in older adults, with poorer individuals experiencing larger declines in physical abilities. The research highlights the need for policies targeting people with less wealth to reduce health disparities in aging.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 13, 2026

A novel intervention to potentially improve the outcome of children with malnutrition

A study led by Dr. Geoffrey Preidis and Dr. Mary K. Estes found that providing isovalerate, a microbiota-derived metabolite, can improve gut barrier function in malnourished mice. This approach shows promise for developing a new treatment to prevent sepsis and death in malnourished children.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2026

McCombs M.S. programs get new names

The McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin has announced the renaming of its Master of Science in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence program to emphasize the central role of emerging technologies in the curriculum. The new name highlights the technical rigor and AI integration that distinguish these...

CEMDI-PAIMS Symposium advances materials discovery through Computational materials science, AI, data, experimental insights and international collaboration

The CEMDI-PAIMS Symposium brought together experts from materials science, AI, data science and engineering to accelerate the discovery of next-generation materials. Key findings include advances in computational modeling, artificial intelligence, and data-driven approaches for energy and environmental applications.

In raw materials policy, security of supply takes precedence over sufficiency

A study by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ found that EU raw materials policy focuses on securing supplies rather than reducing consumption. Dominant narratives such as 'corporate competitiveness' and 'strategic autonomy' have shaped policy, sidelining alternatives like sufficiency and resource justice.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeCase study·DateAug 13, 2026

‘Real mummy’s curse’ behind sale and trade of mummified remains exposed

A new study has found evidence of potentially hazardous microbial growth on mummified human and animal remains sold online, posing risks to buyers. The analysis also highlighted non-compliance with postal regulations, putting delivery workers and others at risk. Stronger oversight is needed across online marketplaces and industries.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalInternational Journal of Cultural Property·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 13, 2026

A powerful platform for studying ions in solids

Researchers developed a new technique to study coupled multi-ion and electron transport in solids, revealing traditional diffusion models are insufficient. The tracer exchange method showed complexities such as nanoscale confinement and one-dimensional channels forcing ions to move in single file.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2026

Hastings Center Report, July-August 2026

The Hastings Center Report examines the moral dimensions of family presence in patient suffering, including the value of witnessing a conscious patient's pain. The report also addresses the ethics of AI and psychiatry, including clinician reactions to absent families and the role-specific obligations of surrogate decision-makers.

SourceThe Hastings Center·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 13, 2026

Sediments off Brazil’s Northeast coast reveal sudden changes in heat transport in the Atlantic

Researchers have found evidence of two episodes of significant Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) intensification between 17,800 and 14,800 years ago. The study suggests that the AMOC may be more dynamic than previously thought, with potential consequences for global climate patterns.

Sawai Man Singh Medical College and Hospital: Natural vs. synthetic grafts - which is the better choice for cranial duraplasty?

A comparative study examines autologous pericranium and G-Patch grafts in cranial duraplasty, finding fewer complications with natural grafts but no significant difference. The study highlights the need for larger multicenter studies to determine comparative effectiveness.

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2026

Wild genomes reveal apricot’s hidden structural diversity

A recent study reveals apricot's hidden genomic diversity by integrating chromosome-scale assemblies from domesticated and wild relatives. The research identifies millions of small variants and structural changes, shedding light on how distant lineages contribute to the gene pool and how transposable elements reshape regions near genes.

Vanillin flavoring in e-cigarettes disrupts human embryonic stem cell development

A UC Riverside-led study suggests that vanillin flavoring in e-cigarettes may disrupt the normal development of embryos in pregnant women who vape. Researchers found that high concentrations of vanillin can cause human embryonic stem cells to lose pluripotency and differentiate into endoderm, potentially leading to serious developmenta...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2026

Novel AI model accurately detects key gene mutations and predicts biomarkers across 32 cancer types

Researchers developed an AI model that analyzes routine whole histopathology images to predict cancer subtype, genetic mutations, and survival outcomes across 32 solid cancers. The model achieved a strong predictive accuracy score for TP53 mutation detection and demonstrated the ability to infer RNA expression levels and tumor taxonomy.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 13, 2026

Preoperative chemo-immunotherapy more effective than immunotherapy alone in patients with head and neck cancer

A study published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery found that preoperative chemo-immunotherapy was more effective than immunotherapy alone in reducing tumor size in patients with head and neck cancer. The study analyzed data from 86 adults with head and neck cancer treated between July 2024 and March 2026, and showed that pat...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateAug 13, 2026

Boston Medical Center study finds individualized assessments reduce CPS reports for infants with prenatal substance exposure

A new study at Boston Medical Center found that a trauma-informed clinical guideline can reduce reflexive Child Protective Services reporting by 50% without compromising child safety. The study analyzed birth hospitalizations involving infants exposed prenatally to opioids and compared reporting rates to 17 other hospitals.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 13, 2026

Eco‑nanozymology: a catalytic paradigm integrating energy, environment, and ecology

Eco-nanozymology enables effective modulation of biogeochemical cycles, including carbon fixation and nitrogen fixation, while achieving efficient environmental remediation and low-value biomass valorization. The framework has shown outstanding performance in various applications, including energy conversion and environmental remediation.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateAug 13, 2026

AGR2-high cells drive a FOXM1-mediated pro-malignancy program in non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PanNETs) and informatively predict patient outcomes

Researchers identify AGR2 as a prognostic marker for NF-PanNETs, while FOXM1 is found to promote malignancy and proliferation. AGR2-high cells exhibit malignant features, including increased proliferative activity and metastasis-like signatures.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2026

Alzheimer’s protein patterns vary across populations

Researchers analyzed blood samples from 949 people over 50 in Nigeria and found unique protein profiles compared to a comparable group in Canada. The study suggests the need for globally applicable biomarkers to avoid misdiagnosis due to varying risk factors and environmental exposures across populations.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateAug 13, 2026

Fabrication of flexible microsystem for prospective photodynamic therapy applications

Researchers developed a flexible microsystem to deliver light directly to internal cancer treatment sites, overcoming the limitation of traditional PDT. The system, powered wirelessly and containing tiny light-emitting components, shows promising results in laboratory tests, paving the way for more precise and effective cancer treatments.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2026

The DNA repair crew has favorites

Scientists have discovered how certain DNA repair enzymes preferentially target specific genetic sequences, leading to the accumulation of mutations in vulnerable regions. This understanding has implications for cancer development and the evolutionary process.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2026

Focal therapy for prostate cancer

This retrospective study examines patterns and trends of focal therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer in US cancer centers. Focal therapy procedures remained uncommon, occurring mostly in low-, high-, or very-high-risk disease settings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 13, 2026

What do people really think about generative AI?

A longitudinal study of Reddit posts since 2022 reveals that trust in generative AI is generally higher than distrust, with 31% of posts expressing trust and 26% expressing distrust. The study's findings suggest that attitudes toward AI have remained divided over the past four years.

SourceDrexel University·JournalTransactions of the Association for Computational Linguistics·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 13, 2026

SNU Professor Jeong Woo Han’s joint research team uncovers AI-guided design principle for next-generation solid oxide cell air electrodes

Researchers propose a new air-electrode design principle that improves reversible solid oxide cell performance by balancing ionic and electronic conductivity. The composite air electrode enhances fuel-cell and electrolysis performance, enabling more efficient hydrogen production with lower costs.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 13, 2026

levidex RCT shows clinically significant improvement in quality of life for multiple sclerosis and is published in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal – Experimental, Translational and Clinical

A randomized controlled trial on levidex, a digital health application, has shown clinically significant improvement in disease-specific quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis. The study found that levidex improved MS-specific quality of life, depressive symptoms, and social functioning in participants.

SourceGAIA (Germany)·JournalMultiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental Translational and Clinical·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 13, 2026

Ultra‑sodiophilic mixed conductor interphase enabling uniform top deposition for quasi‑solid‑state sodium‑metal batteries

Researchers develop ultra-sodiophilic mixed conductor interphase that allows for uniform top deposition in quasi-solid-state sodium-metal batteries, overcoming limitations of traditional artificial solid electrolyte interphases. This breakthrough enables long-lasting and high-performance batteries with enhanced safety and energy density.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateAug 13, 2026

Hydrated network interphase with dynamic negatively charged microregion enables ultra‑stable aqueous zinc‑ion batteries

Researchers developed a hydrated network interphase with dynamic negatively charged microregions, overcoming limitations of conventional stabilization methods. The HNI strategy achieves triple synergistic regulation of Zn deposition, leading to improved cycling stability and high-performance energy storage systems.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateAug 13, 2026

GPS tracking study reveals why invasive barred owls are winning the battle for California's old-growth forests, and how barred owl management is giving spotted owls a fighting chance

A GPS tracking study found that invasive barred owls consistently occupy the tallest, oldest, and most complex stands of forest, threatening spotted owls' habitats. Managing barred owl populations reopens habitat for spotted owls to reclaim, conservatively estimating over 1,800 square kilometers of restored habitat.

SourceIntegral Ecology Research Center·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateAug 13, 2026

Too much information - or not enough? New study reveals how self-disclosure in online dating profiles shapes the kind of relationship people want to pursue with you

A new study found that moderate self-disclosure in online dating profiles creates a more favorable impression and leads to greater romantic interest. The 'Goldilocks principle' suggests that not too little or too much information is ideal, striking the right balance between openness and curiosity.

SourceReichman University·JournalCurrent Psychology·DateAug 13, 2026

Towards a physics-informed network paradigm with data generation and background noise removal for different distributed acoustic sensing applications

A new paradigm addresses challenges in distributed acoustic sensing by combining physical models with AI-driven generative modeling and denoising. The framework achieves high accuracy in fault diagnosis and event recognition, opening up scalable and precise acoustic monitoring for industrial safety and infrastructure applications.

Teaching AI the biology of antibodies speeds drug discovery

By focusing on the specific regions of antibodies responsible for recognizing disease targets, the AI model improved binding affinity prediction and required fewer computational resources. This approach is similar to human-language AI models, where smaller domain-specific models trained on high-quality data can outperform larger ones.

SourceBoston University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 13, 2026

Nature’s original bioplastic is food for animals

A new study reveals that animals and microorganisms work together to break down microbial PHAs, providing a previously overlooked way for animal food webs to access carbon. This discovery opens a new perspective on interactions between microorganisms and animals, highlighting the importance of studying unusual organisms.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2026

Potential language-specific brain network identified

A study published in Nature Communications identified a language-specific brain network that can be detected even when the person is at rest or performing a task unrelated to language. The researchers used data from over 1,900 fMRI scans and found that this network spans the left hemisphere frontal and temporal regions of the brain.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2026

Chonnam National University study reveals how environmental responsibility improves financial performance

A study reveals that environmental responsibility boosts corporate financial performance by increasing sales, especially for large companies after COVID-19. Stronger environmental performance generates higher sales leading to improved returns on assets and equity.

SourceChonnam National University, The Research Information Management Team, Office of Research Promotion·JournalCorporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 13, 2026

One-step synthesis of catalysts that turn carbon dioxide into useful methane

A team of researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo has developed a novel, one-step synthesis method for producing highly active nickel-cerium oxide catalysts. These catalysts achieve outstanding methanation performance while being suitable for large-scale production, offering a practical route toward carbon-neutral fuel technologies.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalFuel·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2026

Could this simple robot outmaneuver a human hand?

A novel robot, BioflexBot, successfully mimics fundamental hand motions and exceeds human performance in precision and range of mobility. The BioflexBot can grasp complex objects, reach long distances, and deliver objects in confined spaces.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Science·DateAug 13, 2026

New fossil evidence challenges the story of mammalian birth

A new study provides compelling evidence that cynodonts, an ancestor of true mammals, may have been viviparous, giving birth to live young. The discovery sheds light on the reproductive mode of early mammalian ancestors and raises questions about other evolutionary traits.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Mammal Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2026