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Science News Archive August 2026 - Page 40


Page 40 of 50

New study shows urban growers rely on accessible educational resources to adopt pollinator-friendly farming practices

A recent study by MSU entomologists found that urban growers' use of pollinator management practices is driven more by access to educational resources and labor than demographics. The researchers surveyed 74 urban growers and found that hard-copy books, online materials, and conversations with fellow growers were the most commonly used...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalRenewable Agriculture and Food Systems·TypeSurvey·DateAug 6, 2026

Study finds severe snow drought more frequent in western US due to climate change

A Montana State University team found that severe snow droughts are four times less frequent in the western US during the preindustrial era compared to today. The study used computer models and historical data to simulate winters under two different climates, revealing a significant difference in drought frequency.

SourceMontana State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 6, 2026

Study finds many Colorado jails still lack public opioid treatment policies despite state mandate

A study by CU Anschutz researchers found that nearly 40% of Colorado's 46 county jails lacked publicly available opioid treatment policies, hindering the implementation of life-saving treatments. The lack of transparency and comprehensive policies poses significant barriers to care for incarcerated people with opioid use disorder.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalHealth & Justice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 6, 2026

Ready, set, march: Researchers use math to explain sudden activity bursts in ants

A new study explains how ants synchronize their movements using a mathematical model, revealing that a single active ant can trigger a rapid chain reaction through the colony. The research suggests that individual workers play a crucial role in coordinating collective behavior, operating at high speeds to transmit information efficiently.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalPRX Life·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 6, 2026

Mega-study analyzes the impact of gratitude interventions

Research found that six gratitude interventions had a greater impact than three control measures, with greatest effect from social connection-based practice. Gratitude interventions led to improvements in psychological states linked to human flourishing, including positive affect, feelings of social reciprocity, and life satisfaction.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2026

The brain's searchlight

New study sheds light on the brain's 'searchlight' mechanism, where grid cells subtly probe the environment to guide navigation. Researchers used a low-tech method to measure rats' attention and found that grid cell sweeps follow prey, suggesting a more complex brain function than previously thought.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2026

Low-fat vegan diet cuts dietary energy density by nearly a third, helping explain weight loss, new study finds

A low-fat vegan diet reduces dietary energy density by 30%, enabling participants to eat satisfying amounts of food while taking in fewer calories and losing weight. This approach allows for greater flexibility and sustainability in weight management, focusing on the composition of the diet rather than calorie restriction.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 6, 2026

Random physics helps model individual ant motion

A study by OIST researchers has developed a physics-based model to reproduce and predict individual ant movement. The model uses stochastic, or random, modeling to analyze video recordings of ants exploring laboratory environments, allowing for the derivation of predictions about their behavior in new environments.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 6, 2026

Siberia’s growing methane threat could offset 20% of global methane reduction targets by 2050

A new study reveals that Siberian permafrost regions are emitting large amounts of methane, with emissions rising by 12.0 Tg between 2010 and 2023. The increase is driven by climate change, with western Siberia experiencing warmer conditions and eastern Siberia becoming drier, leading to an accelerating growth in methane emissions.

Environmental rumbles: A risk to kidney health?

A recent study by researchers at Nagoya University found that low-frequency noise below 100 Hz can cause blood vessel damage to kidneys in mice. The study suggests that the frequency of noise matters more than its loudness, with high-frequency noise having no effect on kidney function.

SourceNagoya University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2026

Penn Nursing professors co-author editorial on the impact of trauma, stress, and violence on health

Researchers examine how chronic stress, trauma, and violence shape physical health and well-being across the lifespan. The editorial highlights a special issue of 16 empirical papers synthesizing research on childhood adversity, protective factors, and biological embedding of trauma over time.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalResearch in Nursing & Health·DateAug 6, 2026

Refugees reveal how community shapes success in Canada

A University of Toronto study explores the experiences of 42 older Hungarian and Vietnamese refugees, finding that strong social connections, supportive communities, and opportunities for belonging played a crucial role in their success. The research highlights the importance of policies that strengthen community connections and suppor...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus·DateAug 6, 2026

Therapeutic Use of Cannabis and Cannabinoids

A review of cannabis and cannabinoids' therapeutic use reveals potential health benefits while emphasizing the need for risk assessment and harm reduction strategies. The study highlights the importance of evidence-based guidelines for safe and effective treatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 6, 2026

Patient-reported experiences of abortion travel

A qualitative study investigates the experiences of out-of-state individuals who travel to receive abortion care, highlighting challenges and emotional impacts. The study aims to improve reproductive health access and reduce barriers faced by women seeking abortion services.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 6, 2026