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Science News Archive August 2026 - Page 47


Page 47 of 50

Dementia after age 90

The LifeAfter90 study found that women 90 and older are at two-fold greater risk for dementia, while Black participants have a 75% greater risk than Asian participants. APOE2's protective effects continue past age 90, reducing risk by 60%, but APOE4 increases the risk among men and Black participants.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·DateAug 4, 2026

HKUST pioneers novel water purification technology for selective pollutant polymerization

Researchers at HKUST discovered a novel oxidant-free electrocatalytic mechanism for selective polymerization of organic pollutants, enhancing pollutant removal efficiency and economic feasibility. The new system achieved high selectivity and reduced energy demand, making it an attractive solution for wastewater treatment.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2026

Do human noroviruses also switch their shape?

Human norovirus, a leading cause of gastroenteritis, exhibits conformational changes in its capsid structure, influencing viral infectivity and immune evasion. The study's findings provide a new understanding of the virus's dynamics and may lead to the development of next-generation vaccines and antiviral therapies.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2026

New approach opens rare immune cells to genetic risk research

Researchers developed a new method to study long-distance DNA regulation in rare immune cells, uncovering previously hidden connections relevant to autoimmune diseases. The approach prioritized over 100 candidate genes linked to Crohn's disease risk, including CLN3, which was not typically associated with the condition.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2026

Searching for dark matter with the world's biggest detector

Researchers at Kyoto University used the Earth's magnetic field to search for axions and dark photons, two leading candidates for dark matter. The team set new limits on axion mass, rivaling previous constraints from astrophysical observations, and detected potential signals from dark photons.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProgress of Theoretical and Experimental Physics·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2026

Cambridge scientist releases new "Medicine 4.0" framework that calls for greater access to both ideas and services.

A new framework called Medicine 4.0 aims to ensure that both medical care and scientific knowledge are accessible to everyone. The concept extends the existing Medicine 3.0 focus on prevention, personalized care, and healthspan to include radical access as a third dimension.

SourceLucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 4, 2026

SNU researchers enhance ammonia selectivity by controlling molecular arrangement: Suppressing hydrogen while preserving nitrogen reduction

SNU researchers developed a new catalyst design principle that selectively suppresses hydrogen evolution while maintaining nitrogen reduction activity. The approach increased Faradaic efficiency to nearly 100% and enables localized production of eco-friendly ammonia near renewable energy sources.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 4, 2026

Cai Zhigang/Xie Shang/Shan Xiaofeng Team: Decoding the “cellular disguise” of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma metastasis through precision omics.

A recent study reveals that tumor cells undergo profound cellular identity reshaping during metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), characterized by 'identity rewriting'. WDR54 is identified as a key epigenetic regulator driving this process, promoting tumor-cell lineage plasticity and metastatic progression.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2026

Erectile dysfunction drug used to treat enlarged prostate symptoms may raise glaucoma risk

A comparative study found that men prescribed tadalafil (Cialis) for enlarged prostate symptoms are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The researchers suggest that these patients should have their eye health monitored closely, especially those with existing high blood pressure or family history of glaucoma.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2026

Lemurs fall prey to human herpes virus

A recent study has confirmed the presence of human herpesvirus 1 in four privately owned lemurs that died from the illness. The detection marks the first time researchers have been able to confirm human herpes virus in lemurs via molecular analysis.

SourceUF Health·JournalJournal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine·TypeCase study·DateAug 4, 2026

Graphene oxide-bridged carbon fibers boost heat dissipation in electronics

Researchers developed a novel thermal interface material using graphene oxide-bridged carbon fibers, achieving a 41-fold increase in thermal conductivity and a 57.6% improvement over traditional composites. The composite demonstrated excellent mechanical stability and resilience, making it suitable for advanced electronics cooling.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Nanocomposites·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

Study: A handful of corporations now shape how kids in Medicaid get care

A new study by Oregon Health & Science University reveals that large corporations are shaping how kids in Medicaid receive care, leading to varying patterns in behavioral health services. The research highlights the need for closer scrutiny of managed care organizations' corporate strategies versus their public mission.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 3, 2026

Atomic-scale study reveals how catalyst supports shape cleaner syngas production

A computational study reveals that zirconia supports nickel-based catalysts in producing cleaner syngas by balancing methane conversion activity and resisting carbon buildup. Zirconium oxide provides a balanced performance, enhancing interaction with reforming reactants while maintaining moderate carbon binding and strong oxygen affinity.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalSustainable Carbon Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

Pediatric investigation study reveals subtle lung function differences before pediatric stem cell transplant

A new study found that children preparing for stem cell transplantation already have subtle respiratory abnormalities, including increased small-airway resistance and greater lung stiffness. These abnormalities are likely related to their underlying disease or previous therapies rather than the transplant itself.

SourcePediatric Investigation·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2026

Prozac appears to blunt formation of PTSD symptoms after traumatic injury in small study

A preliminary study found that people taking Prozac after a traumatic injury reported fewer PTSD symptoms and lower pain levels in the year following their injury. The study suggests that preventative medical interventions could reduce the formation of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Trauma·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 3, 2026

Has autism become too broad to be useful?

The autism spectrum has become increasingly broad, leading to concerns about misdiagnosis and the loss of its meaning. Dame Uta Frith argues that a rethink is needed to examine whether the autism spectrum has become too broad, risking misunderstanding people's needs and misdirecting care.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPsychological Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 3, 2026

Study offers new clues to a long-standing mystery about bonnethead sharks

A new study by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School reveals that male and female bonnetheads have distinct head shapes that develop differently as they mature. Contrary to previous research, the sharks' heads become rounder in females, not more pointed when reaching sexual maturity.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalIntegrative Organismal Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2026

Asia has more threatened oak tree species than anywhere in the world. First-of-its-kind report led by The Morton Arboretum will help prioritize oak conservation efforts.

The Conservation Gap Analysis of Select Native Asian Oaks reveals over half of native ranges are under human pressure, with many species lacking backup in botanical collections. The report prioritizes oak conservation efforts in Southeast and East Asia, focusing on regions with high human impact and limited protected area coverage.

Gestational diabetes diagnoses rise sharply in England

The study found that rates of gestational diabetes increased from around 8% to over 12% between 2018 and 2022, with the sharpest rises seen among Asian women and those living in deprived areas. The condition is associated with serious complications for both mother and baby, as well as long-term health risks.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalBMJ Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2026