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Science News Archive August 2026 - Page 44


Page 44 of 50

Research uncovers hidden patterns in hurricane storm surge

A Virginia Tech team analyzed over 1,000 storm surge events to identify distinct patterns that depend on both storm characteristics and coastal geography. The findings could help engineers design infrastructure to withstand unique flood timelines and support better planning and decision making for coastal communities.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalCoastal Engineering·DateAug 5, 2026

Study uses living human brain tissue to map how electric stimulation affects neurons, genetic activity

Researchers used real human brain tissue samples to test the underlying mechanisms of deep brain stimulation. They found that brain cells became more synchronized in communicating, similar to memory formation, while altering gene expression across different types of brain cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026

Dynamic terahertz wavefront control using stretchable single-walled carbon nanotubebased metasurfaces

Researchers have developed a novel solution for dynamic terahertz wavefront control using stretchable single-walled carbon nanotube-based metasurfaces. The devices enable focal-length-tunable and beam-steering capabilities through simple mechanical deformation, opening up new avenues for smart and wearable THz components.

Boston University professors receive $2.8 million NIH grant to launch Center on Demography and Economics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias

The Boston University-Quantitative Population Science and Healthy Cognitive Aging Research Program (BU-SHARP) aims to better understand how and why Alzheimer's disease manifests among certain populations. The center will fund pilot studies, provide technical assistance, and facilitate access to underutilized datasets.

First immune pathway discovered that stops a normally harmless fungus spreading through the body and causing deadly disease

A study by King's College London has identified an immune pathway that prevents a normally harmless fungus from developing into a fatal infection. The IL-1 family signalling plays a critical role in containing the fungus, suggesting it may be a broader defence mechanism against other fungal species.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026

Noisy bubbles hinder ultrasound-boosted chemical reactions: Sonochemistry model shows

Researchers have developed a numerical model that explains how increasing ultrasonic power reduces chemical reaction rates in sonochemistry. The model shows that oscillating bubbles emit their own sound waves, generating unwanted noise that distorts the ultrasonic field and limits reaction efficiency.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalUltrasonics Sonochemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2026

The value of a refusal: What happens when you study the people who say “no?”

A new MUSC study found that patients with college experience and those without health insurance are more likely to decline participation, while younger adults and those who feel unwell or disinterested also opt out. However, many who declined still want help, suggesting it's not the peer support itself that's unappealing.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment·DateAug 5, 2026

Korea University College of Medicine and UNIST launch KUNIST platform for next-generation physician-scientist training

The KUNIST platform cultivates globally competitive physician-scientists with five core competencies, including clinical problem-solving, convergent research, and commercialization. The collaboration aims to develop joint educational programs, establish collaborative research laboratories, and build a commercialization support platform.

An immune system for a city

A study in Arequipa, Peru, found that a decentralized, immune-inspired surveillance model detected 23 infested households compared to just one through the conventional strategy. The new approach allowed local public health staff to accept reports of infestations and expand outreach to nearby areas.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 5, 2026

Can egg oiling help protect prey from raven predators?

A study found that coating developing raven eggs with non-toxic mineral oil helps protect sensitive prey populations. Raven nests treated with egg oil showed more than doubled sage-grouse nest survival and a 44% increase in relative abundances of sage-grouse.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Wildlife Management·DateAug 5, 2026

Historic discovery finds 19th-century estate agent used peepshow technology to create proto version of Rightmove

Researchers at the University of Exeter discovered that a 19th-century estate agent, Brooks & Green, created an early version of Rightmove using cosmorama technology. The discovery reveals how this innovative approach to property marketing paved the way for modern virtual tours and online property previews.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEarly Popular Visual Culture·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 5, 2026

Well-worn wins: Wild capuchin monkeys prefer stones with a proven track record of cracking nuts

In a new study, researchers found that wild capuchin monkeys prioritize stones with proven track records of cracking nuts, even if they're not the mechanically optimal choice. This demonstrates that primates rely on durable physical traces to guide their tool selection.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateAug 5, 2026

Chemolithoautotrophic breakthrough: bacteria converts CO2 into p-coumaric acid without light

Researchers engineered Cupriavidus necator H16 to convert CO2 into p-coumaric acid, producing a 1,593.3% increase in yield under autotrophic conditions. The breakthrough establishes a framework for CO2-based biomanufacturing and paves the way for producing phenylpropanoids from industrial CO2 emissions.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalSystems Microbiology and Biomanufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026

Patients with IBD face elevated risk of psychiatric disorders

Researchers found that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a significantly higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders, particularly depression and anxiety. The study highlights the importance of early screening and integration of psychological care into routine IBD management to improve quality of life.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateAug 5, 2026

High-precision laser system enables record flux of quantum gas mixtures

Researchers have successfully generated atomic quantum gas mixtures with unprecedented particle flux using a highly sophisticated and compact optical system. The miniaturized laser system developed by Mainz physicists enables precise control of atoms under microgravity conditions, opening doors for future space missions.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026

Poor housing conditions boost fall risk for elderly

A new study found that older adults living in homes with electrical or plumbing problems, insufficient space, or poor lighting are more likely to experience a fall. The study analyzed data from over 5,500 adults aged 65 and over, revealing a significant association between housing conditions and fall risk.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2026