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Science News Archive August 2026 - Page 26


Page 26 of 50

Scientists identify brain’s brake that shuts off chronic pain

Researchers have identified a biological brake in the brain that regulates chronic pain, a discovery that could lead to more effective treatments. By targeting specific receptors in the locus coeruleus region of the brain, scientists hope to develop new therapies that provide powerful relief for chronic neuropathic pain.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2026

Cold and room-temperature platelets in cardiac surgery

Researchers found that cold storage platelets (CSPs) can control active surgical bleeding as effectively as room temperature platelets (RTPs), with potential benefits including reduced wastage and increased platelet availability. CSPs may also enable platelet incorporation into inventory at locations with limited shelf life for RTPs.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 17, 2026

Pilots, flight attendants have greater risk of radiation-related cancer death than other professions

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that pilots and flight attendants have statistically significantly higher rates of death from breast, central nervous system, and prostate cancers and melanoma. The study used a large dataset and accounted for various factors to determine the occupation's impact on mortality.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 17, 2026

Study finds people who consumed sugar-sweetened beverages on a daily basis had higher risk of stomach cancer

Consuming at least one sugar-sweetened beverage per day increases gastric cancer risk by over twice, while artificially sweetened beverages show no association. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 participants and found a significant link between high fructose intake and greater gastric cancer incidence.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalGastro Hep Advances·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 2026

Personal expectations of ageing shape our social lives

A 10-year study shows that people's expectations of their own ageing can influence their social lives. The research found that those who expected a fulfilling family life in old age actually spent more time with family and friends years later. Positive perceptions of ageing also led to better experiences in everyday social interactions.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateAug 17, 2026

Pusan National University researchers show how Korea’s emission trading reforms would impact its power sector

A study by Pusan National University researchers found that Korea's emission trading reforms could reduce fossil fuel usage by increasing carbon pricing, while uniform benchmarking and auctioning ratio changes would affect power generation companies differently. The reforms aim to maximize their impact with complementary measures.

SourcePusan National University·JournalEnergy Policy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2026

One step closer to efficient autonomous dental surgery

A new robotic system demonstrates superior accuracy and geometric fidelity compared to traditional methods, preserving more surrounding bone and reducing unnecessary removal. The technology has potential to make tooth autotransplantation more predictable and less dependent on operator experience.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalInternational Journal of Oral Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2026

Hanbat National University researchers reveal physics-informed AI for rapid optimization of thermal energy storage systems

Researchers at Hanbat National University developed a hybrid physics-informed neural network framework for optimization of latent heat thermal energy storage systems. The framework enables rapid, autonomous design optimization by teaching the AI model governing laws of physics.

SourceHanbat National University Industry–University Cooperation Foundation·JournalJournal of Energy Storage·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2026

Dongguk University researchers develop innovative electromagnetically controllable gene switch

Researchers at Dongguk University have developed an innovative gene switch that uses electromagnetic fields to control gene expression. The switch, which targets the Lgr4 gene, demonstrates precise activation with no detectable adverse effects, making it a promising platform for non-invasive gene therapies.

SourceDongguk University Evaluation and Audit Team·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2026

Hebei Medical University researchers review prolonged disorders of consciousness management

Researchers from Hebei Medical University review current evidence on prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDOC) management. They propose a brain communication network model to explain how brain injury leads to long-term unconsciousness, identifying key brain electrical signaling activity measures for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 17, 2026

Can dogs help teens cope with peer stress?

A new study found that certain aspects of a teenager's relationship with their pet dog are associated with healthier ways of coping with peer-related stress. Companionship and caring for the dog were linked to positive coping styles, while feeling emotional support from the dog was less likely to be associated with healthy thinking.

SourceTufts University·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 17, 2026

What causes mysterious black eye lesions in cats? Researchers find new clues

A study by Hebrew University researchers found that iron and bromine may contribute to the development of feline corneal sequestra, a condition causing chronic eye discomfort. The findings suggest biochemical processes involving inflammation and oxidative stress may play a role in the disease's progression.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalVeterinary Ophthalmology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2026

Who’s watching who? Otters turn their attention to humans

Researchers found Asian small-clawed otters to be generally more active and visible when people were present, suggesting a possible positive effect of visitors on their welfare. However, the study's findings highlight the need for further research to better understand the complex interactions between zoo animals and humans.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalJournal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2026

CacaoCipher turns 32 markers into a digital key for cacao

A new 32-marker system, CacaoCipher, helps cacao collections move from uncertain labels to reliable digital identities, preserving information linked to yield-related traits. The system balances identification, ancestry screening, and agronomic information, reducing the marker count by 94% while preserving coarse genetic relationships.

Clean air policies linked to improved cognition among New York City children

Researchers found a significant association between declining air pollution and improved cognitive development in children. The study, published in Environmental Health, analyzed data from over 1,000 mother-child pairs and found a 26% increase in cognitive scores at age 3 with reduced air pollution concentrations.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2026

Training opportunities shrink for alcohol and drug support staff

A study by Flinders University researchers found a contraction in AOD VET programs and providers over the past 13 years, despite an increase in private providers. The authors express concern about unequal access to training due to financial, digital, and cultural barriers, which may limit participation for rural and remote workers.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAustralian Journal of Social Issues·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 16, 2026

Giant crocodylians dominated the food chain in Miocene South America

In the Miocene era, giant crocodylians were the most significant predators in South America's habitats, feeding on a wide range of herbivores. Their presence likely influenced the size of herbivore populations, with even the largest predators, such as the 1,800-kilogram Purussaurus neivensis, playing a crucial role.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2026

Students who view more social media use more products that often harbor hormone-disrupting ingredients

A Rutgers study reveals that high school students who engage with beauty-related content on social media use more personal care products containing hormone-disrupting chemicals. The study found a significant correlation between time spent on social media and increased product usage, with girls reporting higher median daily product use.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·TypeSurvey·DateAug 16, 2026

Christophe Weber, former CEO of Takeda, to present at the 13th Aging Research & Drug Discovery (ARDD) Meeting in Boston

The 13th Aging Research & Drug Discovery Meeting will take place in Boston, bringing together academia, pharmaceutical companies, and investors to accelerate the translation of aging research into practical R&D and therapeutic programs. The event features visionary presenters, including Christophe Weber, former CEO of Takeda, and is su...

Study maps PCB contamination in Chinese tea and finds low health risks for consumers

A nationwide analysis of 192 commercial tea samples reveals differences among tea varieties and regions. The study found measurable PCBs in all samples, but health risk calculations indicated that PCB exposure from drinking Chinese tea is currently unlikely to pose an appreciable health risk to consumers.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalNew Contaminants·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2026

Reusable magnetic sensor combines SERS and AI for trace uranium detection

A team of researchers developed a reusable magnetic sensing platform combining surface-enhanced Raman scattering with machine learning to detect trace uranyl ions. The system maintained its detection limit even in complex aquatic environments, with strong selectivity and resistance to interference.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalSustainable Carbon Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2026

Carefully controlled sulfidation boosts supercapacitor electrode performance

Carefully controlled sulfidation boosts supercapacitor electrode performance by guiding distinct structural phases and revealing a heterojunction composition that delivers enhanced energy storage. NCF-S95 achieves high specific capacity and cycle stability, showing promise for next-generation supercapacitor materials.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalEnergy & Environment Nexus·TypeNews article·DateAug 14, 2026

Kan Chen, Ph.D., co-head of healthcare and partner at Qiming Venture Partners, to present at the 13th Aging Research & Drug Discovery (ARDD) Meeting in Boston

Kan Chen, Ph.D., will present at the 13th Aging Research & Drug Discovery Meeting in Boston, bringing together top minds in aging research to accelerate the development of interventions that extend healthy lifespan. The conference is anchored by top sponsors and will focus on translating scientific discoveries into medicines.

Murali Venkatesan, Ph.D., global head of Danaher Ventures, to present at the 13th Aging Research & Drug Discovery (ARDD) Meeting in Boston

The 13th Aging Research & Drug Discovery Meeting will bring together top researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders to accelerate the development of interventions that extend healthy lifespan. The conference will focus on translating scientific discoveries into medicines, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation.

How a brief conversation about firearm safety can increase openness to storing guns outside of the home

A brief conversation about firearm safety can significantly increase gun owners' willingness to consider temporarily storing their firearms outside the home, a step that could help reduce suicide risk. Researchers found that participants who received Project Safe Guard became more willing to store guns elsewhere during times of crisis.

SourceRutgers University·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateAug 14, 2026