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Science News for July 17, 2026


UVA Engineering’s Geoff Geise earns NAMS’ Permeance Prize for Mid-Career Excellence

Geoff Geise's research on non-aqueous redox flow batteries and membrane design has the potential to overcome renewable energy storage challenges. He is recognized for his work on long-lived membranes that increase conductivity while reducing permeability, a breakthrough in addressing global water purification and electrification needs.

Turning rice straw into biochar may reduce heavy metal risks in rice

A greenhouse study suggests that converting rice straw into biochar could provide greater environmental and food safety benefits than directly incorporating untreated straw. Biochar treatment reduced copper and lead accumulation, improved soil properties, and produced high grain biomass, while avoiding air pollution from open burning.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalEnvironmental and Biogeochemical Processes·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

Q&A: How do federal taxes impact local schools and services?

A Penn State research team found that wealthy taxpayers who take the standard deduction have become less likely to vote for local spending, including repairing or building infrastructure or community services. The study used over 1,500 school district referendum results in California between 2008 and 2022 and found a decline in approva...

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Review of Economics and Statistics·DateJul 17, 2026

No link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes, study finds

A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found no association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and preterm birth, birth weight, or small-for-gestational-age size. However, it did find an association with lower odds of large-for-gestational-age birth when birth weight was accounted for.

SourceUNC Gillings School of Global Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 17, 2026

Which genes make people more susceptible to depression and other psychiatric disorders?

A University of Barcelona study has identified the RBFOX1 gene as a central hub regulating nearly 20 genes linked to depression, anxiety, irritability, and neuroticism. This genetic overlap could help explain why these disorders often appear together in the same person.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalProgress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

DNA blood test improves patient selection for radiopharmaceutical therapy in prostate cancer

A noninvasive DNA blood test can identify patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer most likely to benefit from <sup> 223 </sup> Ra radiopharmaceutical therapy and monitor their progress. The test showed associations between ctDNA profiles and clinical outcomes, including biomarker response and overall survival.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 17, 2026

Antivaccine legislation is rising rapidly in US states, driven primarily by GOP push

A new study reveals that Republican lawmakers sponsored 86% of antivaccine bills introduced in state legislatures after the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers supported provaccine bills, highlighting partisan polarization's impact on vaccine access and public health.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2026

Study finds no statistical link between use of semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs and risk of degenerative eye disease in adults with type 2 diabetes

A large retrospective study found that semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs did not increase or decrease the risk of developing a blinding eye condition in adults with type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed data from over 200,000 patients and found no significant difference in the risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalOphthalmology·DateJul 17, 2026

The Journal of Nuclear Medicine ahead-of-print tip sheet: July 17, 2026

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in targeted radiation therapy for pancreatic cancer, PARP inhibitor treatment, and Alzheimer's disease detection. New PET-based scores may predict prostate cancer outcomes, while blood cell mutations are associated with side effects in advanced prostate cancer patients.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 17, 2026

New study defines conditions for successful long-term biodiversity net gain

A new study identifies the ecological conditions necessary for biodiversity offsetting to achieve conservation goals. The research highlights the importance of large-scale restoration areas and protected landscapes in achieving long-term biodiversity outcomes. Successful compensation requires policies aligned with ecological reality, p...

SourceSwansea University·JournalConservation Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 17, 2026

New USF study identifies promising strategy to protect the heart in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Researchers at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine have identified a promising strategy to protect cardiac function in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The study found that the experimental drug Setanaxib preserved cardiac function and reduced scarring, suggesting NOX4 as a potential therapeutic target for future treatments.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

The Gravity from Entropy theory offers new clues for reconciling gravity with the second law of thermodynamics

A new study by Queen Mary University mathematician Professor Ginestra Bianconi proposes a perspective on the deep question of how the Universe can become increasingly structured while obeying the second law of thermodynamics. The Gravity from Entropy theory suggests that gravity and spacetime may have an intrinsic thermodynamic and inf...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPhysical Review·DateJul 17, 2026

Long-term assessment of restoration effects under China’s Shan-Shui Initiative

A new study assesses the long-term effects of China's Shan-Shui Initiative, finding that vegetation greenness increased significantly in 14 project areas. The integrated remote-sensing index revealed more nuanced regional responses, with forests and grasslands playing distinct roles across different ecological contexts.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2026

When work and family collide, job flexibility helps shape who adjusts

Research reveals that job characteristics, including schedule flexibility and indispensability, influence how couples balance work and family responsibilities. The study found that women were more likely to make adjustments to support family needs, but this effect was attributed to differences in job characteristics rather than gender.

SourceRice University·JournalPersonnel Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2026

Chinese PLA General Hospital study shows smarter brain surgery improves survival

A new study published in Chinese Neurosurgical Journal found that real-time MRI and brain function monitoring during neurosurgery can improve the removal of tumors affecting the corpus callosum more effectively and safely. This multimodal approach gave patients about 30 extra months after treatment before the tumor grew back or worsene...

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2026

New solutions to the PFAS problem

Scientists at HZDR have developed two new processes to degrade PFAS: one uses hydrodynamic cavitation and the other employs cold atmospheric plasma. These methods show promise for reducing PFAS release into water bodies, a significant step towards securing Germany's drinking water supply.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

SNU–University of Seoul joint research team develops programmable photonic integrated circuit that slows light on demand

A joint research team from SNU and University of Seoul developed a programmable photonic integrated circuit that can slow light on demand. This innovation enables the storage, delay, and control of light within a single photonic chip, overcoming limitations in optical computing technologies.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 17, 2026

HKUST improves solar cell performance and durability through molecular interface engineering

Researchers from HKUST have developed a molecular interface engineering approach to improve the efficiency and durability of perovskite tandem solar cells. The new strategy enables precise control over crystallization, reduces energy loss, and promotes charge transport, leading to higher power conversion efficiencies.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

Peking University researchers review satellite radar advances in monitoring glacier movement

Researchers from Peking University have reviewed the role of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging geodesy in monitoring glacier velocity, which helps assess how glaciers respond to climate change. SAR offers a non-contact alternative to field-based approaches, providing high-resolution measurements over large and difficult-to-access ...

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGeodesy and Geodynamics·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 17, 2026

Helical opto-thermoviscous flow-driven microrotation enables multiview 3D microscopy

Researchers introduced an opto-thermoviscous strategy to generate stable 3D helical thermoviscous flows, allowing robust out-of-plane rotation and manipulation of various micro-objects. This method enables multiview 3D microscopy by leveraging kinematic nature of thermoviscous manipulation.

Copper isotope ratios and metallomic profiling in serum: new clues for child health

Researchers have identified a sensitive isotopic biomarker for early anemia detection using copper stable isotope ratios (δ⁶⁵Cu) in pediatric serum. The study also uncovered distinct serum metallomic patterns linked to body mass index (BMI), including a strong positive association between serum lead levels and increasing BMI.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEnvironmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology·TypeCase study·DateJul 17, 2026

Y-added FeCoNiSiB multi-principal element amorphous alloys

Researchers developed a class of senary Fe–Co–Ni–Si–B–Y MPEAAs with high saturation magnetization, exceptional thermal stability, enhanced microhardness, and acceptable corrosion resistance. These materials have potential applications in soft magnetic alloys for offshore wind power systems.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Materials Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

SNU researchers develop AI-driven inverse design to extend quantum-dot LED lifetime 40-fold

A technology has been developed that allows artificial intelligence to inversely determine process conditions for quantum-dot light-emitting diode devices. The technology roughly doubled efficiency and extended operational lifetime more than 40-fold when applied to actual devices.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalReports on Progress in Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

Controllable assembly of BaCrO4@B core shell energetic microspheres based on micro-scale multiphase flow

Researchers developed a controllable assembly strategy to create BaCrO4@B core-shell energetic microspheres with precisely engineered spatial structures. The new method achieved uniform elemental distribution, preserved crystal structure, and continuous shell coverage, resulting in enhanced combustion stability and energy output.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEnergetic Materials Frontiers·DateJul 17, 2026

Professor Tae-Woo Lee’s research team achieves world-leading efficiency in vapor-deposited perovskite LEDs

The research team developed a novel X-type quasi-two-dimensional perovskite emitter that enables thermodynamically controlled crystal growth and precise crystallization control in vacuum deposition. This enabled the creation of highly uniform, high-efficiency, and high-color purity PeLEDs.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

Weekly Events | Insilico Medicine executives at CPIC: navigating the dual breakthrough of tech innovation and clinical validation in AI drug discovery

At CPIC 2026, Insilico Medicine's Dr. Alex Zhavoronkov and Dr. Feng Ren presented on their approach to AI-driven life sciences, leveraging the Pharma.AI platform for agile translation and closed-loop validation. The duo emphasized the importance of technological breakthroughs and clinical validation in shaping the future of R&D.

A new DNA-based strategy for tackling gum disease

A new DNA-based strategy has been developed to tackle gum disease, which is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases worldwide. The multifunctional nanotherapy effectively targets bacterial infection, suppresses oxidative stress, and promotes bone formation, showing promising results in preclinical studies.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalInternational Journal of Oral Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

Repetitive neuronal stimulation triggers nuclear reprogramming to revert mature neurons toward an immature-like state

Researchers found that repetitive neuronal stimulation transforms the identity of mature neurons, inducing cellular dematuration and widespread chromatin accessibility changes. The study suggests an 'intermediate state' of high plasticity, where specific configurations may depend on how strongly and often neuronal activity is applied.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

The Sun contains more silver than previously estimated

Researchers at Uppsala University recalculated the Sun's silver content using a new model that predicts 55% more silver than previous estimates. This resolves a long-standing problem of missing silver in the solar system and improves our understanding of how elements are produced in stars and incorporated into planets.

SourceUppsala University·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 17, 2026

Ancient Egyptian princesses born 4,000 years ago were skilled archers, new study shows

Researchers studied six royal mummies from the Middle Kingdom and found evidence of strong muscle attachments and healed fractures, indicating the princesses were skilled archers. The study provides insight into the daily lives of these royal women, revealing they faced hardships despite their high status.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Archaeology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2026