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Science News for July 1, 2026


Bioengineered bilayer scaffold with dual-modal delivery for alveolar bone regeneration in periodontitis therapy

Researchers developed a biomimetic bilayer scaffold with synchronized minocycline release and liposome-encapsulated simvastatin delivery to facilitate optimal periodontal repair. The scaffold promotes alveolar bone regeneration through combined osteoconductive and osteoinductive mechanisms.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGlycoscience & Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026

Dana-Farber investigators report promising results from phase 2 study of targeted therapy for rare bile duct cancer

Results of a phase 2 clinical trial show manageable side effects and clinically meaningful efficacy in patients with advanced NRG1-positive cholangiocarcinoma, doubling progression-free survival compared to standard chemotherapy. Zenocutuzumab was well-tolerated and significantly improved quality of life.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJul 1, 2026

Programmable metasurfaces steer light generated by fast electrons

Scientists propose a generalized Smith-Purcell effect based on programmable metasurfaces to redirect electron-induced light into chosen angles. The approach enables active tunability and broadens the range of applications for free-electron radiation, including nanoscale spectroscopy tools and compact light sources.

Wearable devices shed insight into college students’ sleep habits

A study analyzed daily sleep records from Fitbit devices worn by 76 undergraduates to examine longitudinal sleep patterns. The researchers found that average sleep duration increased by 8 minutes from freshman to senior year, and students with higher grades slept longer on average.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2026

NUS researchers develop probabilistic spintronic processors for faster and greener optimization

Researchers have developed novel spintronics-based probabilistic processors that accelerate complex optimisation tasks while consuming less energy. The systems achieved significant speedups and energy savings compared to conventional computers, highlighting a promising route towards faster and more energy-efficient optimisation.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026

Turning electrochemistry toward lithium extraction

Scientists from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have made significant strides in extracting lithium using an unconventional method. By applying electrochemical intercalation to a solution containing lithium and sodium ions, they were able to isolate 99% pure lithium with a high level of selectivity. T...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2026

A final discovery from the lab of Dr. Kathryn Anderson: How signals in the embryo tells cells what to become

The research reveals how WNT signals guide embryonic cells toward specialized identities, with implications for cancer biology. Cells receive a push from WNT to start down the path toward becoming muscles, bones, organs, and connective tissue, but then receive a second layer of instruction that defines their final outcome.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 1, 2026

Wavelength‑dependent catalysis overcomes thermodynamic limits in ammonia synthesis

Researchers have discovered a wavelength-dependent photo-driven pathway for ammonia synthesis over lithium hydride, which decouples two conflicting reaction steps. The study provides fresh insight into mild, solar-driven nitrogen fixation and other energy-intensive catalytic processes.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 1, 2026

Texas tech researcher part of team that finds planet in new way

A team of researchers, including Michael Fausnaugh from Texas Tech University, have identified a new planet using the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission. The planet, Gaia23bra b, is a super Jupiter orbiting far from its host star and offers insight into the detection methods used in astronomy.

SourceTexas Tech University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2026

Long Covid rehab program helps with return to work and focus

A new clinical trial led by University College London researchers found that ten weeks of cognitive rehabilitation can help people with long Covid symptoms such as brain fog achieve their goals in returning to work and hobbies. The treatment yielded benefits that lasted for at least six months for most participants.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 1, 2026

The mystery is missing: UNC-Chapel Hill study finds AI struggles to create complex characters

Researchers analyzed eight aspects of character portrayal in AI-generated stories, finding that AI models tend to 'play it safe' with their characters, leaving them mysterious or fully understood by the end. Human writers, on the other hand, are more willing to leave questions unanswered and let characters remain open to interpretation.

Pollution linked to fish hybrids in Mexican river

A Stanford-led study found that pollution is causing fish hybrids to form in a Mexican river, threatening species diversity. The researchers analyzed water and fish samples from four rivers and found that those with higher levels of chemicals and heavy metals had more hybridized swordtail fish.

SourceStanford University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 1, 2026

Study finds little to no cortical lewy pathology in living Parkinson’s disease patients undergoing deep brain stimulation

Researchers found that patients with Parkinson's disease showing little to no Lewy bodies despite long-standing, clinically advanced disease. The study provides new insight into the relationship between clinical symptoms and neuropathological progression.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·Journalnpj Parkinson s Disease·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2026

Before the memory fades: Scientists discover a potential early warning sign of Alzheimer’s

Researchers found that animal models with Alzheimer’s-related brain changes developed problems with cognitive flexibility months before showing signs of memory impairment. The study suggests that Alzheimer’s disease may affect neural circuits involved in executive function and adaptability before causing noticeable memory problems.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026

University of Alicante participates in the United Nations’ largest scientific assessment on the state of the oceans

The University of Alicante is part of the international team producing the World Ocean Assessment, the most ambitious report on the current state of seas and oceans. The assessment highlights the urgent need to protect marine ecosystems, which are essential for human well-being and face unprecedented challenges from climate change, pol...

Climate change strategies that rely less on removing carbon from the atmosphere lead to better, more equitable public health outcomes, new study finds

A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers suggests that reaching net-zero emissions by mid-century will substantially improve public health in the US. The study found that climate strategies relying less on carbon dioxide removal lead to better air quality and lower premature deaths.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 1, 2026

DSR: Optimization of performance lower bound for hierarchical policy with dynamical skill refinement

A new skill-based reinforcement learning approach refines hierarchical policy through dynamical skill refinement, achieving higher asymptotic performance and stable improvement compared to SOTA methods. The unified optimization objective guarantees performance improvement in TA-MDP and optimizes the original MDP's performance lower bound.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026

Dye-sensitized cascaded energy transfer for amplified 1525 nm luminescence in highly doped lanthanide nanoparticles

Researchers developed a dye-sensitized core-shell structure using Yb3+ as an 'energy relay' to achieve synergistic cascade energy transfer between ICG and the Er3+ core under 808 nm excitation. The system enhances luminescence intensity by nearly 2000-fold, providing superior performance for high-resolution imaging in deep tissues.

Study co-led at Aston University finds no evidence linking prenatal paracetamol use to autism or ADHD

A new study co-led by Aston University researchers has found no association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The research analyzed electronic medical records from over 708,000 mother-child pairs in Hong Kong spanning two decades.

SourceAston University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 1, 2026

ADHD and autism diagnoses have increased. New study points to broader diagnoses as an explanation

A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that people diagnosed with ADHD or autism in recent years have a lower genetic predisposition than those diagnosed earlier. The study suggests that today's diagnoses encompass a broader group of individuals and milder symptom profiles. This shift is attributed to changes in diagnostic...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJul 1, 2026

Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers can also predict cognitive decline in people over 80

A study reveals that Alzheimer's disease biomarkers are associated with rapid cognitive decline and progression to dementia in people over 80. The presence of these biomarkers identifies patients at risk of more significant impairment and loss of independence, even within the context of multiple coexisting conditions.

SourceInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau (Sant Pau Research Institute)·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2026

Cardiac screening advice published for military personnel

The European Association of Preventive Cardiology has published a comprehensive framework guiding cardiac evaluation in the Armed Forces. The new statement recommends cardiac screening for all new military recruits and individuals engaging in high-hazard duty occupations, including ECG-based testing and cardiovascular risk assessment.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJul 1, 2026

New research using the James Webb Space Telescope reveals the violent origins of recently quenched galaxies

Recently quenched galaxies stop forming stars due to dramatic transformations, likely resulting from galaxy mergers. The James Webb Space Telescope has shed new light on these phenomena, allowing researchers to study the subtle signs of past violence and compact remnants.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2026

Were Clovis foragers in Late Pleistocene North America big-game hunters, or just big-game scavengers?

Researchers from Kent State University and others studied the Clovis archaeological record to determine if humans hunted or scavenged proboscidean animals. The study found that Clovis foragers likely practiced both hunting and scavenging, but it is currently impossible to distinguish between the two archaeologically.

SourceKent State University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science Reports·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 1, 2026

Should lowest-risk prostate ‘cancer’ still be called cancer? Study suggests changing the name could save lives

Researchers estimate that relabeling Grade Group 1 prostate cancer as a precancerous condition could reduce unnecessary treatment and prevent nearly 2,400 prostate cancer deaths annually. This change may encourage more men to get screened, potentially leading to fewer deaths from aggressive prostate cancer.

Inhibiting transcriptional hub: a phase-separating RNA polymerase alpha subunit as a first-in-class agrochemical target against Xanthomonas

Researchers have discovered a novel agrochemical target, C31, that inhibits Xanthomonas bacterial leaf blight by targeting the RNA polymerase alpha subunit, RpoA. This study demonstrates the potential of liquid-liquid phase separation as an innovative approach to developing new plant disease control strategies.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateJul 1, 2026

Researchers identify genetic differences affecting toddler activity levels and discover they are also associated with ADHD

A study published in Nature Human Behaviour has identified genetic differences affecting toddler activity levels, which also overlap with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The research found that 10% of the variation in toddler activity levels can be explained by common genetic differences discovered by the researchers.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJul 1, 2026

A simple message helps keep stem cell donors on track

Researchers from the University of Osaka found that adding a sentence about limited donor compatibility increased donors' willingness to progress through pre-donation testing. This simple message resulted in a 7.3% increase in donor completion rates, offsetting nearly half of projected donor declines.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 1, 2026

ZnAl-layered double hydroxides template-induced formation of ZnO/ZnSe heterostructures on the surface of coal-tar-pitch derived carbon for high-efficiency sodium storage

Researchers developed a composite anode using coal-tar-pitch-derived carbon and ZnO/ZnSe heterostructures, achieving high reversible capacity and rate capability. The material design enabled capacitive storage and improved sodium insertion/extraction efficiency.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalEnergy Materials and Devices·DateJul 1, 2026

Superbug secrets revealed in new study

Researchers uncovered the genetic history of Acinetobacter baumannii, tracing its evolution over decades to identify key resistance traits and global spread. The study provides valuable insights for guiding policies on antibiotic use and combating this serious healthcare threat.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalMicrobial Genomics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2026

Research reveals rapid evolution of whitebait

Aotearoa New Zealand whitebait can rapidly switch life-cycles in response to environmental changes, adapting to lake conditions and breeding in spring instead of autumn. This adaptation is crucial for survival and has implications for future whitebait aquaculture.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2026

Residential environment linked to subjective well-being through life-domain satisfaction

A new study by Keio University researchers explores the association between residential environments and subjective well-being, finding that better living conditions are linked to higher satisfaction with important life domains, which in turn is associated with greater overall well-being. The study suggests that housing design and poli...

SourceKeio University Global Research Institute·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 1, 2026

Superworms might be the future of skeleton cleaning

A study published in PLOS One has confirmed the utility of superworm larvae for cleaning museum specimens. The larvae efficiently remove flesh from skeletons without causing damage, making them an environmentally friendly and safer option than existing methods.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026

Whether children receive opioids after surgery varies by hospital and procedure type

A new national analysis found that opioid prescribing for children varies by procedure type and hospital, with nearly one-third of patients receiving opioids after surgery. The study highlights the importance of safe prescribing practices and may inform future efforts to standardize opioid prescribing in pediatric surgery.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 1, 2026

The Lancet: Blood pressure and cholesterol levels in adults over 40 with obesity increasingly similar to adults with normal BMI, study suggests

A study published in The Lancet found that blood pressure and cholesterol levels among adults with obesity have converged with those with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) over the past three decades, particularly in high-income countries. This trend is attributed to the greater use of cholesterol-lowering medication and blood pressure me...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2026

Novel plasmid pCM3 harboring the aminoglycoside phosphotransferase gene aph(3) confers phosphorylation-driven streptomycin resistance in the Gram-positive plant pathogen Clavibacter michiganensis

The novel plasmid pCM3 harbors the aph(3) gene, which encodes an aminoglycoside 3'-phosphotransferase conferring resistance to streptomycin in Clavibacter michiganensis. The study reveals a phosphorylation-driven resistance mechanism, with APH(3) phosphorylating streptomycin to ablate its inhibitory activity.

SourceSciOpen·JournalmLife·DateJul 1, 2026

The cost of violence

A new study estimates the global cost of violence to be between $23 and $34 trillion per year. Domestic violence is found to be a major contributor to this cost, with intangible costs such as pain, suffering, and traumatization being significantly higher than the overall cost of collective violence like war and terrorism.

Success story brown bear: 3D analysis reveals the secret of their climate resilience

A study by Anneke van Heteren and colleagues reveals that European brown bears have maintained a versatile jaw structure despite climate fluctuations over thousands of years. The researchers found subtle differences in lower jaw morphology that reflect changes in food supply and environmental conditions.

SourceStaatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns·JournalComptes Rendus Palevol·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 1, 2026

Could “Trojan horse”-type microorganisms that exploit symbiotic systems be candidates for new biological pesticides?

Researchers have identified a pathogenic microorganism that invades the gut of stink bugs by masquerading as a symbiotic microorganism, leading to nearly 100% mortality. This discovery could lead to the development of new biological pesticides with high species-specificity and lower environmental impact.

SourceThe University of Electro-Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026

The identification of new molecular markers for multiple myeloma paves the way for more precise therapies

Researchers at Cima Universidad de Navarra have identified IRF2 as a key transcription factor in multiple myeloma development. The study reveals that IRF2 expression levels can stratify patients and predict response to treatment, potentially leading to improved therapeutic outcomes.

Gentle nudges for increased animal welfare

Researchers at the University of Bonn used 'nudges' to encourage consumers to choose products with higher animal husbandry standards. The study found that combining information and social norm nudges significantly increased the purchase of animal welfare groceries.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026

Scrolling for science: How a Twitter post discovered a new wasp in Fukuoka, Japan

Researchers from Kyushu University Museum discovered a new wasp species, Eupelmus curvator, in Japan using social media-facilitated observations. The study provides the first formal scientific description of the male species and highlights the potential of digital collecting for biodiversity research.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalTravaux du Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle “Grigore Antipa”·DateJul 1, 2026

XMM-Newton helps revise distance to outer spiral arms

The XMM-Newton and Chandra space telescopes have spotted the aftermath of three bright explosions echoing through the Milky Way's outer spiral arms. The team measured the distance to these echoes directly, finding two arms - Outer Scutum-Centaurus Arm and Outer Arm - lie up to 10% further away than previously thought.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2026

Psychedelics and ADHD

Researchers from Wroclaw Medical University analyzed the available literature on psychedelics and ADHD. While some studies reported short-term improvements, these findings cannot determine treatment efficacy due to study design limitations. The current evidence is insufficient to support psychedelics as a treatment for ADHD.

SourceWroclaw Medical University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 1, 2026

Combining solar and hydropower could place energy sovereignty within irrigation communities' reach

A study by the University of Córdoba analyzes scenarios to integrate clean energy into an Andalusian irrigation community's system, proposing a hybrid model that combines solar and hydropower. The result is a hybrid circular circuit providing autonomy, stability, and flexibility, while offering a cleaner and more efficient system.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026

Insect-borne diseases in the Amazon linked to land use and rural economies, study finds

A new study published in Communications Earth & Environment found that disease patterns in the Amazon are not random but follow distinct regional patterns linked to land use and rural economies. The study analyzed over 1.28 million reported cases of malaria, dengue, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis between 2015 and 2019.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2026

Move to quit: Exercise boosts smoking quit rates

A systematic review and meta-analysis found exercise can help people quit smoking by reducing cigarette consumption and easing cravings. Researchers discovered that people taking part in exercise programs were 15% more likely to achieve continuous abstinence.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalJournal of Sport and Health Science·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 1, 2026

Beyond the dust: Families describe daily health challenges near the Salton Sea

Research examines air quality and respiratory health among children in communities surrounding the Salton Sea, finding that outdoor dust events significantly affect indoor air quality. Families describe daily challenges of protecting children from dust and pollution, which can impact school attendance and overall quality of life.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBMC Environmental Science·TypeSurvey·DateJul 1, 2026

ACMG issues new guidance on reporting variants of uncertain significance in genetic and genomic testing

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has published a statement providing recommendations for the reporting of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in germline genetic and genomic testing. The guidance aims to promote clarity, consistency, and best practices in the reporting of VUS findings, supporting approp...

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 1, 2026

Hepatic IFRD1 suppresses metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis via GLUD1/α-KG axis

This study defines IFRD1's disease-protective function and elucidates its molecular regulatory mechanism, which suppresses de novo hepatic lipogenesis by boosting α-KG production. Clinical correlations and translational potential are also established for therapeutic interventions targeting the GLUD1/α-KG axis.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026

SNU-led team develops biomimetic water harvesting system that extracts clean water from wet soil, inspired by desert horned lizard

Researchers developed a biomimetic water-harvesting system that extracts clean drinking water from contaminated soil using the desert horned lizard's skin and jaw motion. The system uses a porous medium and motor-driven artificial jaw to collect water, achieving more energy efficiency than conventional methods.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026

Focusing underwater sound with a lens 40% lighter than conventional designs

A Korean research team created an underwater acoustic lens capable of focusing sound precisely at a desired point while reducing weight by about 40% compared to conventional designs. The findings have significant implications for underwater communication, marine environmental monitoring, and acoustic energy transfer.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalJournal of Sound and Vibration·DateJul 1, 2026

AI-powered screening identifies promising hydrogels for periodontal therapy

Researchers developed an AI-guided strategy to identify bioactive nucleoside hydrogels for periodontal therapy, using machine learning-based predictive models and experimental validation. The study identified two promising candidates, guanosine monophosphate and deoxyguanosine monophosphate, which successfully formed stable hydrogels w...

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalInternational Journal of Oral Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026

Not all green space is equal: New framework highlights overlooked ecological factors in nature prescribing

A new study by Swansea University introduces a One Health Sustainability Framework linking biodiversity, ecological condition, and environmental sustainability with wellbeing outcomes in nature prescribing. The framework highlights the need to understand what kinds of nature and how much are needed to support health in a sustainable way.

SourceSwansea University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 1, 2026

Polymers change structure to avert failure and keep elastomers tough

Scientists at The University of Osaka have created a multipath synergistic strategy to toughen elastomers by sequentially activating three energy dissipation pathways. This approach enhances the material's toughness while maintaining its elasticity, making it suitable for various applications such as tires, gloves, and adhesives.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026

Biochar offers a sustainable path to healthier soils and stronger vegetable harvests

Biochar improves soil physical and chemical properties by increasing water retention, enhancing soil aggregation, raising organic matter content, and regulating pH and nutrient availability. Biochar also reduces allelopathic autotoxicity and supports healthier plant development by adsorbing or degrading harmful compounds.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalBiochar X·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 1, 2026

Development of weather intervention methods supporting future disaster mitigation

Researchers at Hiroshima University have applied black-box optimization algorithms to model rainfall minimization through weather control. They demonstrated that Bayesian optimization can effectively design weather interventions, even under a limited budget of expensive weather simulations, by optimizing only a small number of trials.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Computational Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 1, 2026

New database for subsurface energy storage could be boon for natural gas industry

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a comprehensive database for underground natural gas storage sites across the US. The study provides insights into geological assessments, reservoir engineering, and operational data to inform future expansion and optimization of existing storage facilities.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEarth Energy Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 1, 2026

One-pot catalyst design could help turn plastic waste into higher-quality liquid fuels

Researchers developed a one-pot synthesis strategy for hierarchical ZSM-5 catalysts that can improve catalyst lifetime during microwave-assisted catalytic pyrolysis of plastic waste. The study found that crystallization temperature strongly controlled the catalyst's pore structure, acidity, morphology, and lifetime.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalSustainable Carbon Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026