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Science News for July 13, 2026


L²-CPI: High-resolution computational phase imaging with an arbitrary field of view

The L²-CPI system extends optical microscopy capabilities by capturing data 'on the fly' and retrieving phase information with high precision. This allows for non-destructive inspection of large-scale nanometrology samples, such as wafer defect arrays, with sub-wavelength defect detection.

Rest–activity timing phenotypes and mental health: a longitudinal analysis of 24-hour accelerometry in population-based cohorts

Researchers analyzed UK Biobank data and found that night-active individuals had higher risks of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders compared to daytime-active individuals. An early-morning-active phenotype was associated with lower MDD risk, while higher physical activity at certain times was linked to adverse outcomes.

SourceHealth Data Science·JournalHealth Data Science·DateJul 13, 2026

Muscles matter for diabetes risk, new study finds

A major international study led by Curtin University found diabetes risk is linked to both excess body fat and poor muscle health, with nearly 15% of people with sarcopenic obesity developing type 2 diabetes within 10 years. Maintaining muscle strength and mass may be as important as managing body weight in assessing diabetes risk.

SourceCurtin University·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2026

Dolphins dropping in to the Sea of Japan

The study found that dolphins visit two coastal communities along the Sea of Japan, with detection rates occurring once every ten days. The researchers recorded unique whistle characteristics in each bay, suggesting differences in sound environments or animal behavior.

SourceKyoto University·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2026

KAIST opens the era of “space sensors” with optical functions reconfigurable by electrical signals alone

Researchers from KAIST and MIT create a transmissive mid-infrared spatial light modulator that can perform various sensor functions using electrical signals alone. The device has demonstrated stable performance after over 16,700 switching cycles and is expected to enable software-defined sensors with reconfigurable optical hardware.

Dead stars in our cosmic backyard: Astronomers spot four white dwarfs hiding under our noses

Researchers directly observed four white dwarf stars orbiting double star systems in our cosmic backyard. The new results revealed that each system had a red dwarf companion, which was hiding the white dwarf's light. This discovery allows researchers to update the local white dwarf census within 20 parsecs of Earth.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2026

Nearly half of pedestrian deaths in New York State involving vehicles occurred in people who may have had impaired awareness due to their substance use

Pedestrian deaths in New York State show that nearly half involved substance use, leading researchers to call for more public health messaging on walking while under the influence. Substance use is particularly concerning when combined with alcohol, increasing cognitive impairment and neurocognitive deficits.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalInjury Prevention·DateJul 13, 2026

Combination treatment harnesses cellular recycling system to fight multiple myeloma

Researchers have developed an innovative combination treatment strategy that uses cells' waste removal functions to effectively dismantle multiple myeloma. The experimental targeted protein degrader enhances the destruction of a specific cancer cell survival protein and works in tandem with existing drugs, while showing limited toxicity.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalCell Death and Disease·DateJul 13, 2026

Soil nitrogen levels determine how biochar helps store carbon, global study finds

A global analysis of 932 observations shows that biochar delivers stronger carbon gains in nitrogen-poor soils and follows different carbon storage pathways depending on soil fertility. Biochar effectiveness varies greatly from one field to another, with the amount of nitrogen already present in soil controlling how much carbon it stores.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2026

How can patients with irregular corneas see more clearly? Multicenter study shows short-term vision improvement with a four-zone scleral lens

A multicenter study found that patients with irregular corneas achieved significant visual acuity improvements after wearing a four-zone scleral lens for three months. The lenses showed encouraging fitting efficiency and patient comfort, with minimal adverse events reported.

SourceEye Discovery·JournalEye Discovery·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2026

New technique sheds light on longstanding debates about ferroelectric materials

Researchers have developed a novel technique to observe real-time domain wall behavior in ferroelectric materials during 'poling' and 'depoling', providing deeper insights into the mechanisms at play. This breakthrough resolves longstanding debates about AC and DC poling, shedding light on the polarization state of these materials.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2026

CCNY-led researchers define new frontier in quantum materials

CCNY-led researchers have outlined an emerging frontier in quantum materials where light, magnetism, and electric charge are strongly intertwined. Excitons, which form when light excites an electron inside a material, interact with magnetic order and spin waves, enabling the readout of magnetic states via changes in light polarization.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2026

Multicenter study provides new insight to guide future rehabilitation and nutrition strategies for ICU patients

A multicenter study has provided new evidence on the effectiveness of combined exercise and nutrition interventions in critically ill patients. Researchers found that such interventions did not improve outcomes compared to usual ICU care, but generated valuable insights for refining future rehabilitation and nutrition strategies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 13, 2026

Statistical test helps judge the value of personalization

A new statistical test developed by Stanford researchers assesses whether personalizing interventions is worth it. The K-fold personalization test (KPT) provides an estimate of expected benefits and a range for potential gains, helping users understand trade-offs involved in tailoring interventions to individuals. This tool can aid inf...

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2026

Louisiana study shows promising outcomes for bariatric surgery in adolescents and young adults with severe obesity

A new study from Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana demonstrates safe and effective bariatric surgery outcomes for young patients with severe obesity. The study found significant improvements in weight loss and obesity-related health conditions, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care models.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalObesity Surgery·DateJul 13, 2026

Peer-reviewed study confirms CVI range is a valid, reliable tool for assessing cortical visual impairment in children

A new study published in Ophthalmology Science has confirmed that The CVI Range Assessment is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating functional vision in children with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). This finding provides evidence that the widely used assessment meets rigorous clinical and psychometric standards, offering a s...

SourceThe Children’s Home of Pittsburgh·JournalOphthalmology Science·DateJul 13, 2026

Eating an avocado a day lowers heart disease risk factor for people with obesity

A six-month study found that regular avocado consumption was associated with a reduced concentration of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles in the blood, corresponding to an approximate 4% reduction in heart disease risk. This modest reduction indicates that anyone with obesity could benefit from avocado consumption.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Clinical Lipidology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2026

The family tree of viruses just grew – and it paves the way for a new approach to agricultural research

A team of researchers from North Carolina State University has discovered a group of genetically stable viruses that infect an important plant pathogen. The findings suggest that these viruses could be used as tools to fight crop disease, and highlight the need for further research into viral diversity and evolution in agricultural set...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2026

Scientists and citizens are more persuasive than government and industry in mobilizing action, study finds

A study by Boston College researchers found that scientific consensus is more influential than government opposition in persuading people to take action on environmental, health, and technology challenges. Americans are more likely to support policies and donate money when scientists and ordinary citizens endorse solutions.

SourceBoston College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2026

IU study finds obesity 'fuels' leukemia, but a combo using popular weight-loss drugs may stop it

Researchers identified a potential new treatment strategy combining popular weight-loss medications with anti-inflammatory drugs to help patients with obesity-associated leukemia. The study found that obesity creates a state of chronic inflammation that accelerates the growth of mutated, leukemia-causing blood stem cells.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 13, 2026

New study suggests rural-urban mortality gap comes down to stress, rural infrastructure

A new study suggests that chronic stress, obesity, and diet are major factors contributing to the growing rural-urban mortality gap. Researchers analyzed data from over 66,000 people across a 20-year span and found that rural health disadvantages exist across various adult populations. The study highlights the need for policies and pro...

Society of Vertebrate Paleontology urges preservation of scientifically significant fossils in public trust ahead of T. rex auction

The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology emphasizes that scientifically significant vertebrate fossils should be permanently curated in accredited museums and universities to ensure their long-term scientific value and accessibility. These institutions provide a platform for ongoing research, education, and public exhibition.

Researchers put “silly sprinklers” in reverse to further unravel decades-old physics puzzle

A team of mathematicians used custom-designed 'silly sprinklers' to experimentally answer the long-standing Feynman's Sprinkler Problem. They found that the momentum flux theory provides a clear solution, supporting its applicability for both forward and reverse modes, as well as variously shaped sprinklers.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2026

Brains of teens with autism ‘tune in’ less to unfamiliar voices, Stanford Medicine-led study finds

A Stanford Medicine-led study found that teenagers with autism are less responsive to unfamiliar voices as they mature. Unlike neurotypical teens, the reward centers in autistic teens' brains don't become increasingly responsive to strangers' voices during adolescence, which may impact social connections and friendships.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 13, 2026

Is using screens to calm a child bad? It depends.

A new study from Ohio State University found that using screens to calm children has different effects on cognitive development depending on the child. The research suggests that parents need more resources, including access to outdoor spaces and mindfulness tools, to help their children regulate their emotions and develop healthy rela...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Communication·TypeSurvey·DateJul 13, 2026

As "Super El Niño" draws global attention, new study shows the Indian Ocean may hold the key to Mediterranean climate extremes

A new study reveals that temperature changes in the Indian Ocean can significantly influence winter weather thousands of kilometers away in the Eastern Mediterranean, offering new opportunities to predict damaging dry spells months before they occur. Positive phases of the Indian Ocean Dipole are linked to large-scale shifts in atmosph...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalAtmospheric Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2026

Unveiling China's lake secrets: Climate and pollution drive vast carbon shifts

A comprehensive study analyzed data from 429 Chinese lakes, revealing how climate and nutrient pollution influence dissolved organic matter and greenhouse gas emissions. The research found that arid environments have higher DOM concentrations and that extreme weather events stimulate their accumulation.

SourceCarbon Research, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2026

New electrochemical device targets climate change by sucking CO2 out of air

A new collaborative study has developed an electrochemical device that can pull carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere using electricity and water-based chemistry, addressing the planet's excess CO2 problem. The technology is designed to reduce new emissions and remove CO2 that has already accumulated in the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 13, 2026

Melting icebergs can weaken a massive, far-off ocean current system

A University of California, Davis study found that melting icebergs in the North Pacific Ocean can weaken the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a crucial conveyor belt regulating the global climate. This weakening can lead to subsurface warming, releasing more iceberg meltwater and further impacting AMOC.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 13, 2026

MIT researchers develop MFRNet digital twin for efficient industrial combustion system optimization

The study introduces a scalable solution for 3D multi-physical field reconstruction, emission prediction, and operational optimization under limited high-fidelity data conditions. The MFRNet framework supports multi-modal inputs and leverages intermediate features from the reconstruction stage to enhance scalar prediction accuracy.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalEngineering·DateJul 13, 2026

NTU Singapore study shows major earthquakes can affect current sea-level projections in Southeast Asia

A new study by NTU Singapore reveals that major earthquakes can trigger decades-long land sinking in Southeast Asia, affecting relative sea-level projections. This phenomenon may underestimate coastal flood risks for low-lying regions if not accounted for in sea-level modeling.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2026

Ceperognastat in early symptomatic Alzheimer disease

A clinical trial of Ceperognastat, a novel O-linked N-acetylglucosaminidase inhibitor, found no significant slowing of Alzheimer's disease progression in early symptomatic patients. The study published in JAMA suggests that Ceperognastat may not be effective in treating this stage of the disease.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 13, 2026

Scientists uncover molecular mechanism linking water-saving irrigation to cadmium accumulation in rice

A study by Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers identified a conserved molecular cascade that explains how drought and abscisic acid signaling trigger excessive Cd uptake in rice under water-saving regimes. The OsNAC4 transcription factor regulates grain Cd accumulation, and its functional knockout reduces Cd concentrations by 30-50...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2026

NF-κB signaling pathway: a central hub in the pathogenesis and therapeutic targeting of immunological diseases

The NF-κB signaling pathway plays a central role in pathogenesis and therapeutic targeting of immunological diseases. Dysregulation underpins many conditions, making it a crucial target for treatment. Emerging concepts like ubiquitin code editing and spatial immunology hold promise but require experimental validation.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalGene Expression·DateJul 13, 2026

Beach season is here—just not for everyone

A new study reveals persistent barriers in accessing California's coastline for less wealthy and marginalized groups, perpetuating disadvantage. The research emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in management and rule-making to ensure the ocean benefits everyone regardless of race, gender, or income level.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2026

Mainshock locations shape earthquake size distributions

Researchers from Kyoto University and ETH Zurich analyzed large earthquake sequences in Japan, finding that b-values are controlled more by mainshock location than time-dependent changes. The study suggests local geological conditions play a key role in shaping earthquake size distributions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2026

Heat exposure during pregnancy and infancy may influence children’s brain development

A study led by ISGlobal found an association between higher temperatures early in life and slower growth of the thalamus, a brain region involved in processing information. The researchers suggest that heat exposure during the earliest stages of life may have lasting effects on brain development.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2026

Vacancy oscillating mode in amorphous binary oxide film by terahertz time domain spectroscopy

Researchers employed terahertz time-domain spectroscopy to investigate oxygen-vacancy migration in amorphous ZrO2 films, revealing its critical role in conductivity and polarization behavior. The study establishes a physical framework for understanding ferroelectric-like phenomena in amorphous oxide materials.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2026

Secondhand smoke independently disrupts children’s sleep

A recent study by Ben-Gurion University found that secondhand smoke directly disrupts children's sleep patterns, causing significant poor sleep quality and increased fragmentation. The research used objective data and biological markers to demonstrate the toxic effects of tobacco smoke on pediatric sleep, independent of airway blockages.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 13, 2026

Off-axis bright- and dark-field OCT for non-destructive subsurface defect detection in silicon carbide

A new off-axis bright- and dark-field OCT architecture enhances detection robustness by capturing complementary defect information. The system balances high axial resolution with deep penetration, allowing for precise defect localization and improved classification accuracy.

Batteries lose lithium in the current collector

A recent study using atom probe tomography reveals that lithium ions accumulate at the grain boundary and surface of copper current collectors after just one charge/discharge cycle. This leads to degradation of the collector and potential impact on battery performance.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2026

EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL 11:00 A.M. ET, MONDAY, JULY 13: Patients of physicians who score higher on ABIM quarterly assessments less likely to get low-value tests and treatments

Patients of top-scoring physicians are significantly less likely to receive low-value healthcare services, which cumulatively cost the US healthcare system $100 billion annually. The study found that increased physician knowledge is associated with lower use of tests and interventions providing little benefit to patients.

SourceAmerican Board of Internal Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2026

Fates of famous problem-solving chimps revealed

A University of Auckland scientist has uncovered the fates of chimpanzees who starred in seminal psychological studies. The apes were transported to Europe after the research centre closed down, where they faced harsh conditions, inadequate diet and social upheaval, leading to their premature deaths.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalEuropean Psychologist·TypeCase study·DateJul 13, 2026

Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study updates guidelines for prolactinoma care

A multidisciplinary consensus updates treatment guidance for prolactinomas, emphasizing early recognition, individualized management strategies, and advanced imaging. The recommendations cover screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term monitoring to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 13, 2026

Microrobots move closer to precision medicine after two decades of progress

Microrobots are designed for highly localized biomedical tasks, including targeted drug delivery, minimally invasive diagnosis, and cell- or tissue-level therapeutic intervention. Magnetic actuation is identified as a promising approach due to its ability to penetrate biological tissues and integrate with medical imaging technologies.

A pilot clinical trial led by Germans Trias provides the first clinical proof of concept for ibuprofen as an adjunctive treatment for tuberculosis

A pilot clinical trial assessed ibuprofen's safety and efficacy as an adjunct to standard TB treatment in patients with pre-XDR-TB and XDR-TB. Participants showed a reduced inflammatory response, indicating potential benefits for host-directed therapies.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 13, 2026

Can cosmetic procedures become addictive? New study links addiction risk to social media and body image

A new study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that low body esteem, problematic social media use, and other factors are linked to addictive-like behavior in women who undergo repeated cosmetic treatments. Nearly 20% of surveyed women met the threshold for moderate-to-severe risk of addictive cosmetic procedure use.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of Health Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2026

Vitamin K prophylaxis in newborns and bleeding in infancy

A cohort study in Sweden found that infants without vitamin K prophylaxis at birth have a significantly higher risk of bleeding episodes, including intracranial hemorrhages. The study highlights the importance of intramuscular vitamin K administration to prevent such episodes and the need for continued education on its significance.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 13, 2026

Epigenetic therapy shows promise against treatment-resistant AML

Researchers discovered a new epigenetic therapy that remained effective in treatment-resistant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) through activating the Hippo pathway, a tumor-suppressing pathway linked to cancer growth and drug resistance. The therapy, NTX-301, consistently reduced leukemia cell survival more effectively than existing hypom...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 13, 2026

V. Narry Kim Wins 2027 HFSP Nakasone Award for her breakthrough discovery of noncanonical RNA tailing pathways establishing new regulatory layers of gene expression

Dr. V. Narry Kim's groundbreaking research reveals how RNA tail composition controls stability and translation, opening new paths for durable mRNA therapeutics and vaccines. Her discovery establishes novel regulatory mechanisms of gene expression, enabling antiviral intervention.

Genes follow precise switching rules

Researchers discovered a new framework explaining how cells regulate genes, which operates out of thermodynamic equilibrium and costs energy. The 'optimal switching principle' balances random on/off switching with precise average expression patterns, optimizing information flow.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2026

[Research Article] Context-aware landmark recognition in location-based augmented reality: A switching framework with a MobileNet backbone for cultural heritage engagement

A new study proposes a switching-based pervasive augmented reality framework that integrates location-based AR, deep learning, and context-awareness to improve landmark recognition. The framework significantly enhanced detection accuracy compared with conventional LBAR systems, while demonstrating high user satisfaction.

SourceBig Earth Data·JournalBig Earth Data·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2026

Hanyang University study proposes light-driven random number generator for image security

Researchers developed a photospike-based TRNG that harnesses unpredictable light-induced electrical charges to generate true random numbers. The device passed all 15 randomness tests and remained stable over millions of cycles, making it suitable for image authentication and deepfake detection.

SourceHanyang University Research Strategy Planning Team·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2026

Chonnam National University researchers reveal isoform-specific HIF signaling in skeletal muscles

Mouse study uncovers how oxygen-sensing transcription factors regulate muscle physiology, improving glucose tolerance and producing erythropoietin. The findings suggest that selectively targeting each isoform can lead to different physiological outcomes.

SourceChonnam National University, The Research Information Management Team, Office of Research Promotion·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2026

Simple digital check-ins improve outcomes for cancer patients, AFT study finds

A new study found that simple weekly electronic symptom check-ins with care teams significantly improves the quality of life for individuals undergoing treatment for advanced cancer. The benefits were notable among patient groups that historically faced barriers to care, including Black patients and those with less formal education.

SourceAlliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology·JournalJCO Oncology Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 13, 2026

Researchers show how early RNA-based life may have repaired its genome, providing insight into the origins of life

Scientists engineered an enzyme that selectively recognizes and repairs broken RNA, suggesting that molecular tools needed to preserve the RNA-based genetic code could be furnished by RNA alone. This discovery has implications for understanding the origins of life and developing new biotechnology applications.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2026

Decolorization does not necessarily mean detoxification: RB5 degradation can increase toxicity

Researchers found that anaerobic decolorization of RB5 dye by Clostridium sp. strain T4 increased acute toxicity, despite efficient color removal. The study highlights the importance of integrating subsequent aerobic or oxidative treatment to achieve further detoxification in azo dye-containing wastewater management systems.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalEnvironmental Technology & Innovation·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2026