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Science News for August 19, 2026


Risk of herpes zoster among breast cancer survivors in Japan: A nationwide claims data analysis

A nationwide claims data analysis in Japan found breast cancer survivors have a 1.57-fold higher risk of herpes zoster and a 1.70-fold higher risk of postherpetic neuralgia. Vaccination can reduce both the incidence of herpes zoster and the risk of complications, emphasizing the importance of prevention in breast cancer survivorship care.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateAug 19, 2026

The higher the hope, the harder the fall: Study finds ESG downgrades hit optimistic investors the hardest

A new study from Murdoch University found that ESG downgrades trigger larger share price losses for optimistic investors, with positive sentiment amplifying market losses. The study analyzed over 6,700 ESG rating events and found that investors react most strongly to ESG downgrades when they contradict a positive view of the firm.

SourceMurdoch University·JournalInternational Review of Economics & Finance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2026

AI mines research papers to discover new material: SNU team develops high-temperature-stable lead-free dielectric

A SNU team uses AI to analyze 1,202 records from 448 papers, exploring 150 million virtual compositions to identify 37 high-temperature-stable lead-free dielectric materials. Two compositions, with 1 mol% and 2 mol% of Sn, exhibit high room-temperature dielectric constants and excellent high-temperature stability.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 19, 2026

A new kind of polymer with two faces and a twist

A team from the University of Osaka has created a new family of chiral semiconducting polymers that can generate highly spin-polarized electric currents. The polymers' unique molecular structure enhances the material's ability to selectively transmit electrons with a particular spin orientation, paving the way for future energy-efficie...

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Modeling social inequality in epidemics

Researchers developed a metric to quantify the impact of social determinants on disease transmission, finding that even low-risk populations can be vulnerable to outbreaks due to social factors. The study highlights the need for equitable resource distribution in infectious disease control, benefiting everyone in the process.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 19, 2026

First 24 hours after viral infection are critical

Research from Hokkaido University suggests that the immune system's response during the first 24 hours after infection can determine survival, with a critical 'checkpoint' identified. This early immune response triggers key cells and signaling proteins that can inform future treatments for severe viral diseases.

SourceHokkaido University·JournaliScience·DateAug 19, 2026

KAIST solves 3D memory reliability problem with "oxygen tunnel" structure, boosting AI chip performance and reducing power consumption

KAIST researchers develop a new 'oxygen tunnel' structure to stabilize oxygen vacancies in oxide semiconductors, achieving world-class current density and data retention time. The technology is expected to improve next-generation compute-in-memory systems and accelerate AI era advancements.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 19, 2026

Machine learning-assisted thermochromic smart windows for thermal management

Researchers developed an AI-driven framework for thermochromic smart windows, achieving ultrahigh simultaneous modulation of near-infrared and longwave infrared emissions. The smart window enables climate-adaptive thermal management without compromising commercial privacy protection.

Teens say TikTok food content shapes what they want to eat but parents can help them navigate its influence

A recent study found that TikTok food content prompts hunger and cravings in adolescents, but parents can help them navigate its influence by fostering critical conversations and encouraging family meals. The study suggests parents can provide a protective perspective by questioning influencer claims and promoting healthy social media ...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateAug 19, 2026

Sustaining deterrence

The US nuclear security enterprise has completed the first production unit of the W76 Mark 4B reentry body, a crucial upgrade to the submarine-launched ballistic missile warhead. This milestone supports US military requirements and ensures the sea-based leg of the nuclear deterrent meets national security objectives.

New uOttawa study suggests gene linked to Parkinson's disease holds clues to battling deadly bacterial infections

Researchers have discovered a gene linked to Parkinson's disease may also strengthen the body's ability to fight dangerous infections. The study found that a well-studied mutation in the LRRK2 gene increases the production of reactive oxygen species, making immune cells more effective at eliminating intracellular bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCellular and Molecular Immunology·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 19, 2026

How well do past extinctions predict extinction risk today?

A new study analyzed extinction patterns among tropical forest mammals worldwide, revealing that past extinctions can provide valuable insights into species vulnerability. The research showed that traits like large body size, small brains, and slow reproduction were linked to extinction risk in the past, but these patterns are not cons...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2026

Climate change predicted to drive changes in diarrheal disease prevalence in several countries in Africa

Researchers analyzed data from over 9,300 cases of diarrhea in Africa, finding that climate change affects disease risk, but factors like vaccination and access to transportation can reduce impact. Climate drivers vary by pathogen and location, with temperature being key in Kenya and rainfall in Mali and The Gambia.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 19, 2026

Could teaching assistants be an overlooked teacher pipeline? New UNC research says yes

A new statewide study found nearly 1 in 5 beginning teachers previously worked as teaching assistants, performing equally well and being more likely to remain in the profession. Former TAs are more likely to be teachers of color and hold special education licenses, addressing persistent shortages.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateAug 19, 2026

Mayo Clinic AI model helps clinicians detect heart obstruction using routine ultrasound images

The AI model, developed by Mayo Clinic researchers, can identify patients with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction from routine ultrasound videos without relying on specialized Doppler imaging. This technology could help clinicians flag patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who may need additional testing, particularly in se...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Imaging·DateAug 19, 2026

Biochar as an “electron bridge” unlocks hidden power of energy‑saving wastewater treatment

A new review reveals that biochar can act as an electron bridge, tripling electron transfer capacity in ammonia-removing microbes and boosting wastewater treatment efficiency. Biochar production can be tuned to enhance electron transfer, and emerging technologies may further reduce energy footprint.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 19, 2026

Too much RNA can starve cells of energy, study finds

A study from Texas A&M University researchers reveals that too much RNA can starve cells of energy, damaging mitochondria and impairing cellular function. This discovery has implications for understanding viral infections, aging-related diseases, and RNA-based therapeutics.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Across cultures, people share beliefs on how children’s minds grow

Researchers surveyed participants from six countries and found a consistent pattern in how people perceive children's mental development, dividing it into two dimensions: experiential and perceptual, and reflective and evaluative. This framework aligns with the nature-nurture debate, suggesting a universal view of human mind development.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 19, 2026

Mussels get scared too

New research reveals that blue mussels reduce filtration activity in response to parasite detection, with potential consequences for ecosystem function. The 'ecology of fear' concept shows that the mere risk of infection can cause mussels to change behavior, making it harder for parasites to infect them.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Helminthology·DateAug 19, 2026

A better way to find where metals bind in a protein

Researchers from Hokkaido University have developed a new method to predict metal-binding sites in proteins, overcoming the long-standing challenge. The method, called PRIME, uses a deep-learning approach and achieves high accuracy and speed, making it possible to analyze whole organisms or large protein databases.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 19, 2026

NUS CDE researchers develop atom-thin carbon insulator for next-generation microchips

A team from NUS developed an atom-thin film of amorphous carbon with a low k-value, addressing the interconnect bottleneck in microchips. The film withstood strong electric fields and prevented copper ions from passing through, paving the way for wider copper lines and faster data transfer.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

'Thinner lenses, brighter colors': Metalens research clears 2 hurdles for AR·VR glasses

A research team at Pohang University of Science and Technology developed technologies for producing sharp full-color images using metalenses, addressing two major challenges: high optical performance and scalable manufacturing. The team solved the issue of achromatic performance by controlling the height of nanoscale pillars, enabling ...

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 19, 2026

Widespread women's disease takes a mental toll – before and after diagnosis

A large Danish study reveals that women with endometriosis use more anxiety and depression medication before and after diagnosis, with differences persisting even after diagnosis. The study suggests that prolonged pain, uncertainty, and fertility problems may contribute to the mental strain, but an earlier diagnosis may not alleviate it.

SourceAarhus University·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2026

Towards the goal of controlling individual electrons

A German research team has successfully generated stable laser pulses in the femtosecond range, allowing for the manipulation of individual electrons. The team's achievement enables the stability of the electric field oscillations across a wide range of timescales, from microseconds to hours.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalApplied Physics B·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Supramolecular nanofibers paired with nanohole substrate improve exciton transport in organic solid

Researchers at Science Tokyo have developed anthracene-based self-assembling nanofibers that enable excitons to migrate hundreds of nanometers, doubling exciton diffusivity. This breakthrough overcomes the limited diffusivity of singlet excitons in organic semiconductors, offering a new strategy for improving optoelectronic technologies.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Foreign tariffs made U.S. whiskey cheaper (depending on where you live)

A new study by North Carolina State University finds that foreign tariffs made US whiskey cheaper in most states, with prices decreasing by an average of 10.3% nationwide. However, in Kentucky and Tennessee, where local whiskey production is concentrated, prices actually rose due to strong consumer demand for locally-made products.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Accounting Review·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2026

Children prefer fair punishment to unequal treatment

Children's sense of fairness becomes increasingly sophisticated as they get older, and they expect rules to be applied impartially and equally to every group member. A fair punishment brings emotional relief to children, whereas unequal treatment provokes strong resistance and undermines their sense of justice.

SourceSWPS University·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Transparency for global health aid

A machine learning pipeline developed by LMU researchers reveals notable imbalances in global health aid allocation, with non-communicable diseases receiving only 2.5% of disease-specific aid funding despite making up 60% of the global disease burden. The study's findings suggest that health aid is being directed to the wrong areas, an...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 19, 2026

Legacy of colonial biodiversity exploitation explains poverty in biodiversity-rich countries – new research

A new research study by Trinity College Dublin and University of Bern found that colonial exploitation of biodiversity in rich countries created poverty legacies that persist today. The study assessed datasets from 168 countries and found that regions targeted by colonial powers were generally the richest in biodiversity. This has cont...

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalPeople and Nature·DateAug 19, 2026

New discovery could help scientists fight deadly fungal infections

Researchers have discovered how bacterial antibiotic gladiolin can disarm Candida albicans, one of the leading causes of life-threatening fungal infections. The study reveals that gladiolin can switch Candida albicans from its tissue-damaging 'hyphae' form back into its benign 'yeast' form, potentially allowing lower, less toxic doses ...

SourceMonash University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Exercise is linked to better mental health among young adults

A prospective study of 10,460 higher-education students in Norway found that regular exercise reduces the risk of depression and anxiety. The study suggests that consistent engagement in exercise, rather than intensity or duration, may be particularly important for curbing anxiety and depression among young adults.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2026

Does your immune system learn like AI?

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory used machine learning concepts to study the immune system's learning process, finding that the system achieves negative selection through generalization. This process allows for the correct deletion of self-reactive T cells despite encountering only a small fraction of the body's self-peptides.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 19, 2026

Qurayyah Painted Ware, 3200-yr-old ceramics, painted with distinctive black-and-red geometric designs, stylized animals and human figures, may have been an early example of an ancient "brand"

Researchers studied Qurayyah Painted Ware ceramics, 3200-yr-old, with black-and-red geometric designs, and found that they may have been used to create a unique identity, or 'brand', for pottery producers in ancient Arabia. The study also explored how these designs were transformed and diffused across different regions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateAug 19, 2026

Most AI medical devices cleared for use were not tested on patient outcomes

A new analysis found that only 3 out of 1,357 AI medical devices authorized by the US FDA were tested on patient outcomes, while most were only evaluated on substantial equivalence to existing devices. The study suggests that existing policies for AI device authorization should be redesigned to prioritize clinical effectiveness.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2026

Pomegranates could unlock heart failure treatment

Scientists at King's College London discovered that urolithin A improves heart function, reduces scarring and prevents harmful enlargement of the heart in a type of heart failure. The compound has already been evaluated in human studies and shows a favorable safety profile, offering a promising new treatment target.

SourceKing's College London·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 19, 2026

The science of sweating still holds surprises

Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered an overlooked physical process that significantly impacts sweat's cooling effect in hot, dry environments. The study found that temperature and humidity can create an opposing upward flow near the skin, canceling out airflow and increasing body heat storage.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Choice of tree species affects urban air quality

Researchers found that certain tree species, such as weeping willow and Chinese white poplar, emit high levels of isoprene, a key contributor to ozone formation. By selecting low-emitting tree species, cities can reduce isoprene emissions and mitigate ozone formation, particularly during heatwaves.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2026

Study reveals that Atlantic climate variability enables the prediction of leishmaniasis outbreaks in North Africa

A new study led by ISGlobal reveals that Atlantic climate variability can predict leishmaniasis outbreaks in North Africa by analyzing rainfall patterns and their impact on vegetation and rodent populations. This enables the development of a seasonal forecasting system with up to one year's lead time.

Plants could transform how we measure tidal marshes

A new study by Boston University researchers suggests that plant species can accurately predict tidal marsh methane emissions, providing a practical method for estimating emissions across tidal marshes. The study found that plant species explained 62% of methane emissions variability, outperforming previous proxies like salinity.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2026

Family caregivers are facing increasingly complex care decisions about loved ones' chronic wounds

Chronic wounds impact 450,000 Australians annually, requiring ongoing care and treatment. Family caregivers struggle to make decisions in uncertain situations, often with limited support. Digital tools are increasing, but decision-making support is lacking, putting immense pressure on caregivers.

SourceMurdoch University·JournalInternational Journal of Nursing Studies·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 19, 2026

Clínica Ruiz / Centro de Hematología y Medicina Interna becomes the first program accredited through the FACT-JACIE accreditation program

Clínica Ruiz / Centro de Hematología y Medicina Interna has become the first program accredited through the FACT-JACIE Accreditation Program in Latin America for hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapy. The accreditation recognizes 33 years of experience in HCT conducted in unique circumstances, including in a middle-in...

More is different when AI agents work together, study suggests

A study published in PNAS found that the number of AI agents in a group affects their collective decisions, sometimes amplifying existing biases or even inventing new ones. As the group size increases, the agents' preferences become more predictable, but the point at which this happens varies depending on the model and task.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 19, 2026

High-efficiency and stable deep-blue iridium phosphorescent OLEDs with enhanced charge transfer dynamics

Researchers developed high-efficiency and stable deep-blue OLEDs using iridium phosphorescent complexes with enhanced charge transfer dynamics. The devices achieved maximum external quantum efficiencies of up to 29.0% and demonstrated operational stability, paving the way for next-generation microdisplay and display technologies.

Buildings that cool like African elephants

The team created a tile that captures, holds, and slowly evaporates water, cooling surfaces without fans or compressors. The tile's unique design, inspired by African elephant skin, allows it to maintain a stable temperature of 89.6° Fahrenheit under infrared heating and periodic watering.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

eDNA metabarcoding uncovers fish biodiversity patterns in heavily damaged mountainous cascade dammed rivers

Researchers used eDNA metabarcoding to study fish biodiversity in heavily damaged mountainous cascade dammed rivers. The study found 97 fish species, including 14 IUCN threatened taxa, with seasonal differences in species detection rates and community composition.

SourceSouth China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalBiological Diversity·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Next-gen mRNA therapeutics get a new delivery vehicle

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a new delivery vehicle for circular RNA (cirRNA) using a novel lipid nanoparticle, FL0445-LNP, which improves the stability and efficacy of mRNA-based therapeutics. The technology has potential applications in cancer vaccines, genome editing, and protein supplements.

SourceNagoya University·JournalCell Biomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Immune remodeling in extreme old age: how supercentenarians reshape their immune system

Researchers from the University of Osaka have found a rare type of immune cell that expands in supercentenarians, potentially helping protect against cancer and other age-related threats. The cells, known as CD4 CTLs, have been shown to be highly active and may help the body cope with persistent threats that increase with age.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalCell Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2026

Why do we get sleepy? How neurons control sleep drive

A study by University of Basel researchers found specific brainstem neurons that become activated during prolonged wakefulness and promote sleep drive. These neurons, including GABAergic and serotonergic neurons, increase sleep pressure and ensure prolonged wakefulness is followed by deeper and longer recovery sleep.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2026

Study finds sustained benefit for people using Oregon psilocybin services

A large-scale study on Oregon psilocybin services found sustained benefits for anxiety, depression, and PTSD, with few adverse events. Participants reported lasting improvements in mental health and wellness, and the study provides valuable insights for policymakers considering expanded access to psychedelics for mental health conditions.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateAug 19, 2026

Mount Sinai scientists reveal how the brain represents leader and follower roles and build an AI that reads the hidden goals behind teamwork

Mount Sinai scientists reveal how the brain represents leader and follower roles through prefrontal cortex activity, and create an AI that decodes hidden goals behind teamwork. The study shows that leadership is an asymmetric yet bidirectional partnership, and that followers play a crucial role in maintaining cooperation.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Quantum simulators get error bars

Researchers have developed an approach to quantify the errors in quantum simulators, allowing for more accurate calculations and enabling the study of complex many-particle systems. The new method was tested on a system of ten ions and then applied to a chain of 51 ions, demonstrating its effectiveness for larger systems.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Gene therapy breakthrough restores heart function

Researchers at Murdoch Children's Research Institute have made a breakthrough in gene therapy, restoring heart function in lab-grown patient heart tissue and mouse models with genetic heart disease. The therapy may also correct other genetic heart diseases, including those caused by the MYH7 gene and TTN truncating variants.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

New “necroferrins” strategy targets both necroptosis and ferroptosis

A new Review explores whether a single class of molecules can inhibit both necroptosis and ferroptosis, two interconnected forms of regulated cell death. The concept of 'NecroFerrins' describes molecules with dual inhibitory activity against these pathways, potentially providing a broader approach to regulating pathological cell death.

SourceScience Exploration Press·JournalFerroptosis and Oxidative Stress·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 19, 2026

Reusing liquid pickle waste to produce omega-3 fatty acids

Hiroshima University researchers demonstrate that food processing liquid waste can be reused to produce omega-3 fatty acids by cultivating Aurantiochytrium sp. The study shows that three types of pickle seasoning waste can be utilized by the thraustochytrid to produce DHA and EPA. Reusing the waste medium also produces DHA and EPA, but...

SourceHiroshima University·JournalLWT·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Florida’s leading coral experts unite in historic effort to restore Florida’s coral reef

A team of 12 organizations, backed by a NOAA grant, worked together to collect eggs and sperm, fertilize embryos, and cryopreserve sperm to preserve genetic diversity. The effort resulted in over 1.5 million coral embryos, with 61,000 elkhorn larvae and 47,000 staghorn larvae produced.

The global burden of chronic kidney disease in women and its metabolic–cardiovascular links

The global burden of chronic kidney disease in women has grown, with 359 million cases in 2021, driving increasing mortality rates and disability-adjusted life years. Postmenopausal women and women of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable to metabolic and behavioral drivers that can be modified to reduce risk.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2026

Leading hemp-derived cannabinoid brands lean on lifestyle and youth appeals on social media

Researchers found that hemp-derived cannabinoid brands emphasize lifestyle and recreational marketing, with minimal attention to safety warnings, on social media platforms. The study highlights gaps in platform policies and enforcement, calling for clearer standards addressing youth-oriented features and misleading health claims.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAddiction·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 19, 2026

Politicians vastly overestimate public opposition to climate policies, study finds

Members of Parliament from the UK's three biggest parties overestimated public resistance to climate change policies by a significant margin. Researchers found that politicians consistently overestimated public opposition to climate policies, believing voters and other parliamentarians felt more strongly opposed than they actually did....

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCommunications Sustainability·DateAug 19, 2026

Cities are getting hotter: 'Thermal Justice' offers a fairer way to adapt

Researchers propose 'Thermal Justice' framework to address heat-related inequalities, combining emergency measures with structural changes. The framework prioritizes exposed residents, accessible cooling, and worker protection during heatwaves, while retrofitting housing and expanding green infrastructure between heatwaves.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 19, 2026

Major international study marks step forward in genetic understanding of eating disorders

A large genetic study of anorexia nervosa and binge-eating behaviour has identified six areas in the genome associated with binge eating and eight loci associated with anorexia nervosa. The study also found that genetic associations with binge eating and anorexia nervosa have similar positive correlations with psychiatric disorders, bu...

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2026

The dynamic duo: “Weaving” hierarchical DNA materials with two classes of biomolecular nanomachines

Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo and Kyoto University created hierarchical DNA networks using DNA polymerase and kinesin nanomachines. The study demonstrates the importance of active molecular motion in network formation, a step toward materials that assemble and organize themselves like living systems.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Are subsea oil and gas pipelines a previously unrecognized source of ocean microplastics?

A new study estimates that decommissioning subsea oil and gas pipelines could release 4.5 to 500 tonnes of microplastics into the North Sea each year. The research highlights the potential environmental risks of legacy plastics and recommends integrating environmental consequences into decommissioning decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 19, 2026

Do alumni relationships between judges and lawyers affect court rulings?

Research in Economic Inquiry reveals evidence of in-group bias in the judiciary, with sharing a law school with the presiding judge increasing a plaintiff's attorney's chance of winning damages by 2 percentage points. The effect is strongest when the judge is at least 10 years older than the lawyer, suggesting an age-dependent factor.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateAug 19, 2026

Can antioxidant foods help prevent cervical cancer?

A study analyzing US women's data found a significant association between high antioxidant intake and lower cervical cancer prevalence. The researchers discovered a linear inverse association between the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index and cervical cancer, suggesting potential prevention benefits.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics·DateAug 19, 2026

How do body mass index and waist circumference affect mortality in older adults?

A study of 6,905 US adults aged 65 or older found that higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with lower mortality risk, while higher waist circumference was linked to higher mortality risk. Considering both BMI and waist circumference together may improve mortality risk assessment and support informed clinical decision-making.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 19, 2026

Can strength training prevent diabetes during pregnancy?

A randomized clinical trial found that pregnant women who followed a strength training program had a 0% incidence of gestational diabetes, compared to 7.3% in the control group. The program also improved quality of life and reduced pregnancy symptoms.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateAug 19, 2026

Towards better detection of lifelong difficulties in face processing using a screening questionnaire

A study confirms the 20-item prosopagnosia index questionnaire is an effective screening tool for detecting developmental prosopagnosia, a condition where individuals struggle to recognize familiar faces. The researchers also identified opportunities for refinement to improve the questionnaire's accuracy.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalBehavior Research Methods·TypeSurvey·DateAug 19, 2026