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Science News for August 18, 2026


Coordination–entropy regulation: Toward unified design of hydrogel electrolytes for practical wide‑temperature zinc‑ion batteries

Researchers from Jilin University present a coordination–entropy regulation framework that bridges molecular solvation chemistry and macroscopic electrochemical stability. The framework delivers exceptional wide-temperature electrochemical stability, achieving ultrawide-temperature operation and high ionic conductivity.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateAug 18, 2026

When home is no longer safe for older women

Older women in Australia are facing growing risk of hidden homelessness due to climate change, unpaid care work, and financial inequality. The problem is compounded by a lack of affordable housing and inadequate social protections, leaving them exposed to housing insecurity and poverty.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalAlternative Law Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2026

AI framework predicts network latency trends for safer telesurgery

Researchers developed a deep reinforcement learning approach to predict network latency trends, enabling telesurgical systems to anticipate and adapt to changing communication conditions. The model achieved high accuracy in predicting direction and value of future latency changes, providing valuable information for latency mitigation.

SourceJournal Center of Harbin Institute of Technology·JournalSmartBot·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2026

Unlocking the mystery of bacterial persisters

Researchers examine bacterial persistence from multiple dimensions, highlighting its complex mechanisms and deep interactions with host-pathogen dynamics. Emerging strategies to eliminate persisters, such as phage-derived therapies and metabolic interventions, are also discussed.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 18, 2026

Kyoto's gardens provide habitats for local amphibians

Research at Kyoto University's gardens revealed seven species of frog and one species of newt, highlighting the importance of culturally managed water features as habitats for urban amphibians. The study's findings emphasize the need to consider these sites as biodiversity hotspots, promoting coexistence with nature.

SourceKyoto University·JournalUrban Ecosystems·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2026

How the “unicorn of the seas” got its helix

Researchers used tensor tomography to visualize the nanometre-scale building blocks of narwhal tusks, finding two opposing helices that form an extremely stable structure. The findings challenge previous understanding of composite materials and provide new insights into the function and structure of narwhal tusks.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2026

“A single radar to handle both communication and detection”: DGIST develops receiver technology that lightens the computational load on autonomous vehicles

A research team at DGIST developed a low-complexity receiver technology that can perform data communication and detect surrounding objects using a single automotive radar. The technology achieved stable communication performance and improved target range measurement and detection performance.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Wireless Communications Letters·DateAug 18, 2026

KAIST turns once-troublesome protons into an energy storage resource for batteries

A KAIST research team has developed a new electrode material that sequentially stores zinc ions and protons, enabling high storage capacity and fast charging/discharging performance. The material achieved 368.7 mAh g⁻¹ storage capacity and retained 46.9% of its capacity even at 16-fold increased charging/discharging rates.

Turning brain neurons on and off with light: DGIST develops a “biological switch” that works like magic

The research team has developed a novel optical control platform, LATeNT, that uses light to block signal transmission between neurons and restore normal signaling. This technology has the potential to be widely applicable to various life science and medical research fields, including brain disorders and regulating insulin secretion.

Healthy sleep patterns in mid life linked to longer working life expectancy

A large study found that very disturbed or long sleep (9+ hours) at age 50 was associated with a 9-month reduction in workforce participation. Reporting no sleep disturbances was linked to a 13-year 5-month working life expectancy, while severe sleep disturbances were associated with a 12-year 10-month expectancy.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2026

Childhood epilepsy linked to significantly lower long term educational attainment

A large Danish study found that children with childhood epilepsy tend to have poorer exam grades and lower educational attainment, with those with early onset or complicated epilepsy being especially disadvantaged. The study highlights the need for assessment and targeted intervention to optimize educational potential.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2026

Women make up nearly 70% of the global health workforce, even as the world faces a shortage of 34 million health workers

The global health workforce nearly tripled between 1990 and 2023, with women driving most of the growth, yet remaining concentrated in lower-paying professions. An additional 34.4 million health workers are needed to achieve moderate universal health coverage, with shortages greatest in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateAug 18, 2026

Introduction of London’s ultra low emission zone linked to improved lung growth in children

A landmark study of over 3,400 children found that London's Ultra Low Emission Zone improved lung growth and health, with lung capacity increasing by 10ml per year. The study suggests that clean air zones can benefit child development and should be considered a priority for cities globally.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2026

Inexpensive reflective tiles pave the way for cost effective millimeter wave wireless communications

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have developed an inexpensive solution to the path-obstruction problem in millimeter wave wireless communications. Their passive reflective tiles, called FlowForm, can nearly double average data rates indoors and double wireless coverage area in challenging environments, matching ...

Burying crop residues deeper could help protect maize from ear rot and mycotoxins

A three-year field study found that deeper straw incorporation reduced maize ear rot and mycotoxin contamination while improving soil health and microbial communities. The study suggests that optimizing straw management strategies could turn a familiar practice into a more effective tool for soil health and food safety.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalAgricultural Ecology and Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2026

Zebrafish toxicology needs a clearer path from the lab to real-world environmental risk

Zebrafish models can help scientists understand contaminant toxicity, but translating these findings to wild species is a major challenge. A new framework, Z-PATH, proposes a four-tiered approach to connect molecular effects with whole-organism performance and population-level consequences.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalNew Contaminants·TypeNews article·DateAug 18, 2026

Teen girls facing the most adversity showed the biggest gains in social connection after breathwork course

A new UCLA study found that teenage girls who experienced the highest levels of childhood trauma showed the largest gains in social connectedness after participating in a breathwork course combined with social-emotional learning. The program, developed by the International Association for Human Values, increased social connectedness by...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·DateAug 18, 2026

Charles W.M. Roberts, MD, PhD, an internationally recognized physician-scientist, named president and CEO of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Charles W.M. Roberts, a renowned physician-scientist, will lead St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in accelerating progress against childhood cancer and catastrophic diseases. With his expertise in cancer epigenetics and clinical research, Roberts aims to transform outcomes for children worldwide.

Higher fluoride levels in public drinking water during pregnancy may be linked to differences in children's cognition scores, NIH-funded study finds

A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that higher fluoride levels in public drinking water during pregnancy may be associated with lower fluid cognition scores in children. The study, supported by the National Institutes of Health, looked at the relationship between prenatal water fluoride exposure and chi...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateAug 18, 2026

Circadian rhythms and sarcopenia: Unlocking the biological clock in muscle aging

Researchers reviewed the impact of circadian disruptions on muscle health, finding that imbalances in protein synthesis, mitochondrial function, and inflammation accelerate muscle deterioration. Circadian-aligned lifestyle interventions and pharmacological therapies, such as REV-ERBα agonists, hold promise for mitigating the effects of...

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 18, 2026

Study of behavior-related digital dieting apps finds different effects of persuasion-related features

A study of behavior-related digital dieting apps found that photo-informed expert feedback increased app use and improved meal recording, while photo-based peer observation reduced engagement and did not affect food choices. The findings provide practical guidance for designing effective digital health apps.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalInternational Journal of Information Management·DateAug 18, 2026

University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Fund Six Research Teams through the 2026 Collaborative Science Pilot Awards

The program supports junior investigators and established researchers, fostering mentorship, scientific innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The funded projects focus on various areas, including neurorestorative cell therapy, eliminating therapy-induced senescent cells, and microbiome-immune-radiation interactome in prostat...

Study on impact of changes to information reporting on gig workers’ behavior uncovers unreported income

A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University and the Internal Revenue Service found that gig workers who no longer received 1099 reporting for their work reported 17 cents less in self-employment net earnings on their tax returns. The researchers estimated that 770,000 gig workers went unreported, resulting in $560 million in unreporte...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Public Economics·DateAug 18, 2026

Genetic ‘switches’ could program 3D-printed bone tissue for blood vessel growth

Researchers at Penn State have developed genetic 'switches' that can program 3D-printed bone tissue to grow blood vessels, enabling the regeneration of bone tissue in severe trauma or infections. The technique uses microRNA molecules to push cells down a differentiation pathway optimized for either tissue growth or vascularization.

SourcePenn State·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2026

Volatile weekly work hours have adverse effects on health, employment

Researchers found that men experiencing volatile work hours are more likely to report worsening health but remain employed, while women tend to reduce hours, suspend work, or leave jobs entirely. The study's findings add to the understanding of the health effects of unstable work time and schedules, particularly for precarious employment.

Caregivers are active agents in their infants’ learning and socialization, but how they do this differs across cultures

A new study shows that caregivers from Indigenous Wichi and European descent cultures have different approaches to supporting infants' developing agency, with Wichi interactions being more communal and non-verbal. The research provides empirical evidence for alternative pathways to infants' acquisition of agency.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalInfancy·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2026

Genome-scale model-guided microbial engineering converts agricultural waste into biodegradable bioplastics

Researchers develop a genome-scale model-guided microbial engineering strategy to convert agricultural waste into biodegradable bioplastics. The approach enables efficient production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) from radish hydrolysate, a promising feedstock for sustainable biomanufacturing.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalBioresource Technology·DateAug 18, 2026

Rethinking how we name and classify our human ancestors following recent evolutionary discoveries

Recent advances in human evolution challenge the current classification system, proposing a reclassification of Homo and its closely related species. The research aims to provide a more accurate and stable way to represent the complex evolutionary relationships revealed by the growing fossil record.

SourceMonash University·JournalAmerican Journal of Biological Anthropology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 18, 2026

Pre-existing antibodies linked to different immune responses after influenza vaccination

Researchers found that pre-existing antibodies influence B-cell responses to influenza vaccination in distinct ways. Individuals with higher baseline antibody levels exhibited increased frequencies of specific B-cell receptor features, while those with lower levels showed greater mutation levels and broader neutralizing activity.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalVirologica Sinica·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2026

NUS CDE researchers develop AI framework to complete patchy US flood maps

Researchers from NUS and Tsinghua University developed an AI framework to complete missing US flood maps, revealing an estimated 11 million people and 4.1 million buildings were omitted from mapped zones. The framework generated a spatially complete 30-metre flood hazard map, highlighting the potential of AI to strengthen public access...

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2026

What is a thought made of? Scientists look beyond neurons—and raise new questions about AI

Researchers suggest that biological memory is connected to emotion and thought, and that AI may lack the biological infrastructure to replicate human-like consciousness. The study proposes a biochemical process connecting brain cells and chemistry to memory, potentially offering a new route to understanding mental processes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalInternational Journal of Psychiatry Research·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 18, 2026

New tool measures the biological age of cells

Researchers developed Pasta, a tool estimating cell biological age from gene activity, identifying substances influencing aging and potential treatments. The tool was tested on 17,000 tissue samples and validated in laboratory experiments, revealing genes linked to DNA damage and cellular stress.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAdvanced Science·DateAug 18, 2026

Artificial intelligence acts as an ‘ideological chameleon’ and may deepen political polarization, study finds

Researchers evaluated 21 language models, finding they alter their discourse to align with users' bias, creating echo chambers that reinforce preexisting beliefs. The models' behavior varies by topic, with greater shifts in stance on public safety and the economy, but consistency on corruption and democratic institutions.

Digital farmer networks boost collective bargaining power in Uganda - but don't close the gender gap

A new study in Food and Energy Security investigates the impact of digital farmer networks on collective bargaining power in Uganda. While membership in supported groups improves collective agency, the study reveals that gender remains a persistent factor, with men reporting higher leadership confidence and participation. The findings ...

Johns Hopkins Children’s Center study shows decision support guidelines safely reduce unnecessary testing for very sick children

A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that decision support guidelines can safely reduce unnecessary endotracheal aspirate culture testing for children with respiratory complications. The study, funded by the NIH and AHRQ, found a 16% decline in EAC culture testing among patients without signs of respiratory tract infection.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 18, 2026

Cape Town’s caracals expose a hidden rat poison problem for the city’s wildlife

A study found anticoagulant rat poisons in 78% of tested caracals, highlighting a hidden problem for the city's wildlife. Researchers call for tighter control over the sale, distribution, and use of these poisons, which can accumulate in animals' bodies and harm non-target predators.

SourceUniversity of Cape Town - Faculty of Science·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2026

Dying radio galaxies reveal a shorter, more dynamic afterlife of black hole jets

Astronomers have discovered a new population of faint, rapidly fading remnant radio galaxies, revealing a shorter, more dynamic afterlife of black hole jets. The study found that these remnants are relatively young, with ages ranging from 8-42 million years, and span a wide range of evolutionary stages.

SourceUniversity of Cape Town - Faculty of Science·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2026

Research points to new therapies to lessen the severity of delusions for patients with schizophrenia

A new study suggests that volatility priors, a brain's expectations about environment unpredictability, can be modified to reduce delusion severity in schizophrenia patients. The study found that volatility priors decrease over time as delusion severity improves, making them a potential treatment target.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2026

NTU Singapore study suggests that three-quarters of Indo-Pacific coral reefs could drown as sea levels rise

A recent NTU Singapore study found that 76% of Indo-Pacific coral reefs may struggle to keep pace with accelerating sea-level rise, threatening coastal protection and marine habitats. Reefs can grow only so quickly, and if sea level rises faster than a reef can build upwards, the reef will sit under progressively deeper water.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2026

Amine‑salt‑assisted solution crystallization of inorganic perovskite single crystals for high‑performance x‑ray detection

Researchers have developed a novel all-inorganic perovskite single crystal that bridges the gap between solution-processable materials and high-performance radiation detection. The material achieves exceptional metrics in X-ray detection, including a record-high detection sensitivity and a large resistivity.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateAug 18, 2026

‘Switchable’ smart gel may pave way for next-gen drug delivery and sensing tech

Scientists create a new material that changes from a gel to a liquid-like state under ultraviolet light, and can be rebuilt using heat or dismantled by acid. The discovery could lead to the design of smart sensors, switchable catalysts, and materials that capture and release selected molecules on demand.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2026

A posterior transosseous S1 pedicle approach for accessing the superior hypogastric plexus

Researchers propose a novel posterior transosseous S1 pedicle approach to access the superior hypogastric plexus, leveraging the reproducible osseous anatomy of the sacrum. This approach may offer improved spatial control and reduce procedural variability, making it a potential alternative to conventional techniques.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalExploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine·DateAug 18, 2026

Why curvature matters

A team of physicists proposes a framework to describe how active materials operate in the presence of curvature, leading to unexpected behavior and potential practical applications. The framework explains striking biological observations and may lead to geometry as a design parameter for new materials.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review·DateAug 18, 2026

How can AI help identify pain when animals can't tell us they're suffering?

A new AI framework, SHIC-XE, detects pain in horses from video analysis while providing anatomically consistent explanations for its decisions. The framework achieved strong performance in detecting pain from video, with high levels of accuracy and reliability.

SourceTel-Hai University of Kiryat Shmona in the Galilee·JournalInternational Journal of Computer Vision·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 18, 2026

New study from University Hospitals identifies who is most likely to use whole systems traditional Chinese Medicine during IVF

A new study from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center found that women with chronic pain conditions or a history of recurrent pregnancy loss were more likely to use Whole Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine during IVF. The study also identified higher-income neighborhoods and prior ART cycles as factors associated with WS-TCM...

Cannabis linked to earlier onset of psychosis

Researchers found that cannabis users develop psychosis an average of two-and-a-half years earlier than non-users, with the difference increasing with age. The study, which examined 149 studies involving over 71,000 people, suggests a cumulative effect of cannabis use that builds over time.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 18, 2026

Most patients view their test results before their doctor, with some reporting low comprehension

A new study by NYU School of Global Public Health found that most patients view their test results before hearing from their doctor, with those having higher digital literacy and better patient-centered communication having a better understanding of the results. The study suggests that health systems and online patient portals can impr...

SourceNew York University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 18, 2026

For green building, ‘durable’ is the new ‘sustainable’

A recent review of 40 studies on building resiliency found that most life cycle assessments fail to consider key aspects of inoperability, leading to underestimated environmental costs. A new framework developed by Fernanda Cruz Rios factors in the environmental costs and benefits of resilience, informing designers' choices on building...

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 18, 2026

Dopamine helps wearable drug-delivery electrodes last longer

Researchers developed a dopamine-enhanced electrode that overcame common failure causes, operating for up to 15 hours and supporting effective electrically assisted delivery through skin. The dopamine-enhanced electrode combined improved electrical stability, structural durability, and wet-state adhesion in a simple polymer-based design.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWearable Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2026

Higher fluoride levels in public drinking water during pregnancy may be linked to differences in children's cognition scores, NIH-funded study finds

A new NIH-funded study found associations between higher fluoride levels in public drinking water during pregnancy and lower child cognition scores, particularly in fluid reasoning. The study, which included 2,514 children, suggests that higher fluoride levels may impact cognitive development.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2026

Retro phone trend reveals growing desire to disconnect

Research from Edith Cowan University finds people are creating physical distance from devices by locking them away or using retro-style accessories, indicating a broader cultural shift towards limiting phone use. This trend may reflect a desire to interrupt the constant habit of picking up and interacting with smartphones.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalM/C Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2026

Scientists ‘see’ nanoscale forces, providing evidence of electric fields at the air‑water interface

Researchers used 3D electron microscopy to capture direct evidence of electric fields at air-water interfaces, opening a path to rationally designed clean-energy materials. The study found a repulsive force holding thinnest films together, reaching 10 megapascals, and provided chemical evidence for the electric field's existence.

SourceKyushu University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2026

State gun laws and county-level firearm-related suicide rates

A study analyzing 637 US counties from 2000 to 2023 found that five state firearm laws, including extreme risk protection orders and child access prevention laws, were associated with lower firearm suicide rates. States with more of these laws had lower rates, while non-firearm suicides showed no similar associations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 18, 2026

A single-source dual-drive flexible knee assistive exoskeleton for elderly daily locomotion

A single-source dual-drive flexible knee assistive exoskeleton was designed to support older adults in real daily walking scenarios. The system can recognize multiple daily locomotion patterns and provide appropriate assistive torque in real time, reducing users' movement burden and improving balance and mobility.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateAug 18, 2026

Clinically meaningful weight loss and slightly higher diet quality among pork consumers through a 6-month weight-loss plan

Adults who continued to eat pork while participating in a 6-month digital weight management program lost a clinically significant 5.3% of starting body weight and improved their overall diet quality scores by 4.3 points. This study challenges the notion that pork is automatically off-limits within a healthier eating plan.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalNutrition and Diabetes·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 18, 2026

Muscle-boosting molecule released during exercise

A key molecule released during exercise, L-β-aminoisobutyric acid (L-BAIBA), has been discovered to strengthen muscles, improve exercise performance, and protect against muscle damage in type 2 diabetes. The study reveals L-BAIBA's role in muscle adaptation, metabolism, and contraction, offering promising insights for future therapies.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 18, 2026

Pusan National University researchers uncover how chronic environmental stress drives immune dysfunction in cold tumors

Researchers at Pusan National University investigated how chronic environmental stress drives immune dysfunction in cold tumors, revealing a key driver of NK-cell maladaptation: the GDF15-AhR axis. This axis sustains activation of stress-sensing receptors, gradually exhausting NK cells and enabling immune escape.

SourcePusan National University·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2026

Water freeze-drying (WFD) method, a specimen preparation technique for scanning electron microscopy (SEM), was effectively applied to the observation of bacterial ultrastructure

Researchers successfully applied water freeze-drying to bacterial specimens, preserving native ultrastructure and reducing artifacts. The WFD method avoids chemical fixation and organic solvents, making it a practical and accessible strategy for high-resolution SEM analysis.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2026