Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for July 22, 2026


Femtosecond laser direct writing “guiding” Leidenfrost droplet motion

A team of scientists has developed a method to control the motion of Leidenfrost droplets on a heated surface using femtosecond laser processing. The droplets exhibit a hybrid boiling state, combining the advantages of film and transition-boiling states, allowing for efficient heat transfer and directional propulsion.

A secret weapon against superbugs

Researchers have developed a new approach to combat superbugs by partnering existing antibiotics with molecular compounds called adjuvants. Using this method, they successfully restored the activity of vancomycin against drug-resistant E. faecium, a potentially life-threatening infection.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2026

GLP-1 diabetes drugs linked to increased risk of hair loss

Researchers have found a potential side effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes: an increased risk of non-scarring alopecia. The absolute risk is low, but awareness may inform treatment decisions. Rapid weight loss and hormonal changes are thought to be contributing factors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateJul 22, 2026

Gut microbiomes follow distinct trajectories during urbanization across South Asia

Researchers found that geography and community affiliation explain more variation in gut microbiome composition than urban lifestyle. Urbanization consistently influences the gut microbiome, but the magnitude and nature of changes differ among communities, reflecting differences in local diets, environments, and cultural practices.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalGut Microbes·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 22, 2026

Thwarting hidden resume hacks targeting AI hiring tools

A recent study from Duke University and industry collaborators found that at least 1% of resumes submitted to a popular hiring platform contained hidden instructions designed to trick the AI system. The trend is accelerating quickly, with the rate increasing sevenfold between July 2024 and November 2025.

SourceDuke University·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 22, 2026

Nanoreactor mimics living cells for enhanced artificial photosynthesis

Researchers developed a hollow CdS@polydopamine nanoreactor that integrates biomimetic features, enabling efficient H2O2 synthesis under visible-light illumination. The nanoreactor overcomes kinetic mismatch between oxygen reduction and water oxidation half-reactions.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 22, 2026

SNU researchers develop next-generation metamaterial enabling long-range wave control beyond conventional limits

Researchers propose a new design principle for nonlocal metamaterials that precisely control vibrations and waves, enabling precise control over wave propagation and motion. The proposed technology is expected to serve as a foundational platform for next-generation vibration control and high-performance sensing technologies.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

Crowd reactions influence whether people receive controversial political messages positively or negatively

A new study by Aston University researchers suggests that positive crowd reactions like applause and laughter can make controversial political messages more acceptable to viewers. The research found that mixed laughter and booing were particularly damaging to the message, reducing ratings compared to other conditions.

SourceAston University·JournalFrontiers in Political Science·TypeObservational study·DateJul 22, 2026

Local policies drive global emissions: The unintended carbon cost of "livestock-free zones"

Local policies in China's 'Livestock-Free Zones' successfully reduced local carbon emissions, but this achievement was overshadowed by a significantly larger 'policy leakage' effect. A study found that for every unit of carbon reduced locally, approximately 3.14 units of carbon emissions were displaced to neighboring regions.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

Greener route to acne-care ingredients shows why more antioxidants do not always make a better product

A new extraction method concentrates antioxidant compounds from medicinal plants, but the resulting ingredient's safety and effectiveness depend on various factors. The researchers found that a crude herbal extract was more biologically safe than a highly enriched fraction, despite having lower antioxidant potency.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

A thermal memory device designed to enable intelligent heat management

A thermal memory prototype capable of controlling heat flow has been developed by the University of Barcelona, addressing a major challenge in modern electronics. The device switches between two states with reversible thermal conductivity based on ferroelectric polarization and oxygen vacancies, enabling non-volatile thermal memory.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

The gut as a key player in immunotherapy for MS

Researchers have found that B-cell depletion therapies exert their beneficial effect by mobilizing regulatory immune cells from the gut, which help regulate immune responses and may have a positive impact on MS course. The study suggests new possibilities for developing future therapies that harness beneficial gut immune cells.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 22, 2026

Large national study finds differences in multiple sclerosis death rates by age, race and geography

A large national study found that multiple sclerosis (MS) death rates vary significantly by age, geography, and race. The analysis, led by the Keck School of Medicine of USC, also found that co-occurring conditions, including high blood pressure and cardiac arrest, were linked to increased mortality among people with MS.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 22, 2026

KAIST develops ultra-precise inspection technology to prevent electric vehicle battery fires

A KAIST research team has developed a non-contact, non-destructive method to measure minute variations in battery electrode thickness, improving battery safety and quality by identifying invisible defects during manufacturing. The technology combines terahertz waves with an optical frequency comb for ultra-precise measurements.

Beyond the paddle-wheel mechanism: Elucidating the microscopic lithium ion transport in solid-state electrolytes for next-generation batteries

Researchers discovered that lithium ions move through cooperative rearrangement of 'ion cages' formed by surrounding anions, not the previously proposed paddle-wheel mechanism. This finding provides new guidelines for designing safe and high-performance solid electrolytes.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

Replacing part of mineral fertilizer with organic manure may cut nitrous oxide emissions from tobacco soils

A field and laboratory study in Yunnan, China, shows that substituting 15% of mineral nitrogen fertilizer with organic manure can accelerate soil nitrogen cycling while reducing emissions of a powerful greenhouse gas. Organic manure substitution does more than simply reduce the amount of mineral fertilizer applied.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalNitrogen Cycling·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

Improving spikelet production efficiency crucial for unleashing yield potential in rice

Researchers found that higher spikelet production efficiency (SPE) varieties produced more spikelets per panicle, leading to greater grain yield and harvest index. This suggests a more efficient conversion of vegetative biomass into reproductive sink capacity, improving the rice plant's overall carbon economy.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Integrative Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

Long non-coding RNA lnc87821 negatively regulates CsJAZ2 to modulate salt and alkali stress responses in Camellia sinensis

Researchers identified a long non-coding RNA, lnc87821, that negatively regulates CsJAZ2 to modulate salt and alkali stress responses in tea plants. This regulatory module reveals how tea plants respond to unfavorable soils, providing a new molecular entry point for understanding adaptation and breeding for stronger resistance.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalBeverage Plant Research·DateJul 22, 2026

Organized when awake, chaotic when not

A team of researchers at Kyoto University found that traveling waves in rat brains are linked to information transfer in consciousness, but the amount of transfer entropy is higher during anesthesia than wakefulness. The study suggests that the awake brain selectively regulates information for reliable communication.

SourceKyoto University·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateJul 22, 2026

Antibiotic-tolerant bacteria rely on a hidden survival strategy

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered an RNA-based survival strategy that enables bacteria to tolerate antibiotics. The findings provide new insights into how persistent infections develop and could inform strategies to improve antibiotic effectiveness. Antibiotic tolerance allows bacteria to survive treatment...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

What happens between hearing and speaking? New research shows how language experience shapes human communication

A Taiwan-led study shows that Mandarin-speaking learners' sounds are deeply shaped by their prior language experience, offering insights into human language learning. The findings highlight how language experience influences both speech perception and production, and demonstrate a selective connection between hearing and speaking.

SourceNational Yang Ming Chiao Tung University·JournalSecond language Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

The human side of animal health: global research review reveals new insights to achieving better biosecurity

A review of nearly two decades of global research on farm biosecurity finds that educating farmers alone often falls short. Interventions addressing incentives, social norms, and practical barriers are crucial to motivating action. The study also highlights the importance of understanding human behavior in achieving better biosecurity.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 22, 2026

Study reveals structure of brain protein and identifies potential drug target for epilepsy research

Researchers have uncovered the first high-resolution structure of NBCn2, a brain protein linked to epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, and other neurological conditions. The team developed compounds capable of inhibiting its activity, which may help advance therapeutic research for these disorders.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

Researchers design and computationally validate genetic markers to help diagnose diabetes risk earlier

A new study designs and computationally validates genetic markers for type 2 diabetes risk, using bioinformatics tools to create PCR primers that could support low-cost genetic screening. The approach is a proof-of-concept, flagging the presence of gene regions associated with reported diabetes variants.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Science Engineering and Technology·DateJul 22, 2026

Arctic ozone soars in 2024 due to series of extraordinary atmospheric events

Scientists have discovered that record-high Arctic stratospheric ozone levels observed in March 2024 were caused by exceptionally strong planetary waves, El Niño, and other large-scale climate oscillations. The study's findings highlight the growing importance of atmospheric dynamics in controlling Arctic ozone variability.

SourceOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research (OLAR)·JournalOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research·TypeObservational study·DateJul 22, 2026

Mount Sinai study detects immune changes up to 10 years before inflammatory bowel disease is diagnosed

Researchers identified unique antibody signatures against viruses and bacteria in nearly 2,000 blood samples collected over a decade, showing immune system changes years before diagnosis. The study supports the theory of molecular mimicry and provides an important framework for understanding IBD's earliest stages.

Biochar transforms green roofs into powerful methane sinks

A five-year field study reveals that biochar-amended green roof modules consistently exhibit significantly greater methane uptake than controls across all seasons. Biochar's influence on substrate moisture and water vapor flux enhances methane absorption by creating favorable aerobic microsites for methane-oxidizing microbes.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

Can leaderless societies get stuff done? Ask the honeybees

A study suggests that decentralized strategies of decision making are at least as good as centrally coordinated ones, especially in situations where a central coordinator's loss leaves the group vulnerable. The model found that leaderless groups can be more resilient by having multiple pathways for communication.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 22, 2026

Weak OsBRI1 allele in Zhonghua 11 as genetic tool for brassinosteroid signaling research in rice

Researchers have developed a non-transgenic near-isogenic BR-insensitive line, d61-zh11, by introgressing the classical weak OsBRI1 allele from TC65 into the modern ZH11 background. This line offers a standardized genetic platform for validating BR signaling components and enhancing experimental reproducibility.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Integrative Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

Research reveals how a changing climate reshapes cooling efficiency and energy demand

Researchers have developed a new metric to estimate air-conditioning and refrigeration energy demand, accounting for temperature and humidity. The study found that cooling efficiency has been declining by 2–4% per decade since 1971, with regions facing the steepest future increases in cooling demand expected in the Northwest, Great Lak...

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 22, 2026

First convincing demonstration that neutral chalcogen-bond donors can deliver enantioselective catalysis

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a family of tellurium-based catalysts that use chalcogen bonding to control reaction outcomes. The study successfully demonstrated the ability of neutral chalcogen-bond donors to induce asymmetry in chemical reactions, achieving enantiomeric ratios of up to 89:11.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2026

Healthy plants – healthy people: New approaches against hidden hunger

The authors propose a combination of traditional and modern breeding methods to address global micronutrient deficiencies. They suggest that new genomic techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas gene-editing, hold great potential for the future, enabling targeted modification of specific genes and accelerating the development of biofortified crops.

SourceLeibniz Instiute of Plant Biochemistry·JournalNature·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 22, 2026

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid and Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa advance a new methodology based on artificial intelligence and sleep analysis to facilitate the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's

Researchers developed a new methodology using artificial intelligence to analyze brain electrical activity during sleep, identifying early neural alterations and classifying patients into distinct biological subgroups. This non-invasive approach may facilitate earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalGeroScience·DateJul 22, 2026

China Consortium of Elite Teaching Hospitals releases consensus on digital intelligence competency framework for medical teachers, responding to faculty development needs in the GenAI era

The China Consortium of Elite Teaching Hospitals has published a consensus on a digital intelligence competency framework for medical teachers, identifying five core competencies and 21 secondary indicators to address faculty development needs in the GenAI era. The framework emphasizes the need for medical teachers to understand the li...

SourceSociety of China University Journals·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 22, 2026

Ultra‑broadband microwave absorption and programmable multispectral camouflage enabled by neural‑network‑driven impedance‑gradient metadevices

Researchers have developed a novel impedance-gradient metadevice that bridges structural engineering and AI for next-generation stealth systems. The device achieves ultra-broadband microwave absorption spanning the full 2–18 GHz radar band while simultaneously achieving infrared thermal insulation and rapid visible color adaptation.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateJul 22, 2026

New study finds mental health treatment for serious offenders could reduce harm to society and save money

A new study by King's College London found that mental health treatment for serious offenders can significantly reduce aggression and reoffending rates, resulting in cost savings. The intervention, Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT), showed potential to improve outcomes for individuals with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) convict...

SourceKing's College London·JournalPLOS One·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 22, 2026

Study spotlights human toll of abrupt U.S. foreign aid cuts

The study found that the funding freeze disrupted sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIV service interruptions, mental health crises, and growing inequities. Researchers propose diversified global health financing, stronger domestic preparedness, and rights-based approaches to mitigate future policy shocks.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalBMJ Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJul 22, 2026

International Molecular Tumor Board explores personalized treatment strategies for a patient with multiple primary cancers

A new precision oncology paper presents a case of a 48-year-old woman with multiple primary cancers, including breast cancer, basal cell carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, colon cancer, and small bowel adenocarcinoma. The study demonstrates how an international molecular tumor board developed personalized treatment recommendations based on ...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCase study·DateJul 22, 2026

Aerial robots need measurements, not just commands

Researchers argue that aerial robots should turn language instructions into verifiable measurement queries before flight actions to ensure safety. This framing connects semantic goals to technical constraints important in flight, such as movement feasibility and uncertainty reduction.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 22, 2026

First ever reported cryo-EM visualization of E. coli TGT structure

Researchers have determined the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of E. coli TGT, overturning a prevailing model for bacterial TGT function. The study reveals the enzyme binds to two tRNAs, providing a more complete picture of protein modification and potential antivirulence targets.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

AI and quantum chemistry identify efficient blue OLED materials

Researchers designed an end-to-end workflow to identify new blue OLED materials using AI and quantum chemistry. They developed a virtual library of over 19,000 molecules and used machine learning to select promising candidates, which were then experimentally evaluated and found to have high color purity and efficiency.

SourceNagoya University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

Scientists discover genetically distinct avocados in Nicaragua that people transported from South America thousands of years ago

Researchers have discovered a rich genetic diversity of avocado varieties in Central America, including those grown in Nicaragua, which could help boost sustainable agriculture and commercial varieties. By analyzing DNA from local farmers and examining leaf samples, the team found evidence of ancient migration from South America thousa...

SourceSmithsonian·JournalPlants People Planet·TypeObservational study·DateJul 22, 2026

Drinking water contaminant exposures and risk of uterine cancer

A cohort study of California educators found associations between trihalomethanes in drinking water and increased uterine cancer risk, including with endometrioid tumors. Further investigation is warranted to understand the role of drinking water contaminants as modifiable risk factors for this common gynecologic cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 22, 2026

Teen diets drive highest climate emissions, but older people fuel global surge

Teenagers and young adults have the highest individual environmental impact from their diets, producing the highest per-capita food-related GHG emissions worldwide. Meanwhile, population ageing is contributing to an increase in global dietary greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to older people living longer and having fewer children.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Food·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 22, 2026

New ‘exomoon’ detection challenges cosmic labels

The discovery of an exomoon in the CD-35 2722 system, orbiting a brown dwarf rather than a planet, challenges our understanding of planetary objects. The exosatellite is estimated to be at least as massive as Jupiter and orbits a highly massive companion, blurring the lines between stars, planets, and moons.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2026

Young people and aging populations shape dietary emissions

A new international study reveals that age plays a significant role in shaping global food-related greenhouse gas emissions. The research found that adolescents and young adults consistently have the highest per-capita dietary greenhouse gas emissions globally, while population aging has become an increasingly important driver of total...

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Food·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 22, 2026

Machine learning accelerates search for longer-lasting materials for solar cells

Researchers used machine learning to analyze thousands of automated experiments and accurately predict how new material compositions will respond to heat, identifying the most promising materials. This approach gives scientists a roadmap for developing more durable perovskite solar cells that can withstand real-world operating conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 22, 2026

CDI study identifies how p53 mutations drive immunotherapy resistance—and a path to overcome it

A new study reveals that p53 mutations in cancer cells can limit the effectiveness of immunotherapy by manipulating cellular metabolism, specifically through autophagy. Removing these mutant forms of p53 restores mTORC1 activity and reduces autophagy, making tumors more vulnerable to immune attack.

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalCell Death and Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

First randomized trial finds singing therapy for chronic belching

A new randomized clinical trial suggests that singing therapy provides greater short-term symptom relief and improved quality of life compared to diaphragmatic breathing exercises for people with supragastric belching. Structured singing therapy also resulted in higher response rates and more enjoyable experiences among patients.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJul 22, 2026

New computer graphics research: From volcanic lava to robot vacuum room exploration

Researchers at ISTA develop two modeling approaches to represent extremely deformable surfaces more realistically while cutting computational costs. They take inspiration from natural systems like volcanic lava and cake batter to create a wave-based approach, which tackles long-standing graphics problems from a new angle.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 22, 2026

Chonnam National University researchers develop new AI system for highly accurate mapping and modeling of orchards

A novel cross-modal fusion framework integrates low-altitude drone RSI with ground robot LiDAR-inertial measurement unit (IMU) odometry to create accurate digital models of orchards. The system achieved localization accuracy on the order of a few centimeters, demonstrating robustness to seasonal variations and long-term drift.

SourceChonnam National University, The Research Information Management Team, Office of Research Promotion·JournalArtificial Intelligence in Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

New review highlights gaps in care for First Nations children in Canada

A new study reveals that despite improvements in access to services through Jordan's Principle, First Nations children still face long-standing inequalities in healthcare. The review highlights the critical role of allied health professionals in navigating the system and calls for improved training and awareness among healthcare workers.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Indigenous Social Development·DateJul 22, 2026

Carbon footprint of metal production could be more than 10 times higher than estimated

A groundbreaking study quantified CO2 emissions from acid mine drainage neutralization in metal mining, finding it releases a similar amount of CO2 as conventional copper production. The long-term impact is concerning, as the process can continue for centuries, making it a significant challenge for decarbonizing the industry.

SourceUniversity of St. Andrews·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 22, 2026

Does debt increase suicide risk?

A US county-level analysis reveals a significant association between high levels of household debt and increased suicide rates during the Great Recession. Suicide rates doubled for men and tripled for adults aged 40–64 years in high-debt counties, highlighting the need for policy interventions targeting mental health impacts.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateJul 22, 2026

Can sports help improve motor skills in children with autism?

Research suggests that sports-based interventions may improve motor skills in children with autism spectrum disorder. Martial arts and aquatic training demonstrated the most consistent benefits, particularly in balance and total motor skills. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

SourceWiley·JournalDevelopmental Medicine & Child Neurology·DateJul 22, 2026

A breakthrough in neural network quantum computation

Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology developed a new computational method combining neural networks with Bayesian localization, achieving accurate predictions while reducing computational cost. This breakthrough enables the high-precision analysis of large-scale materials and complex chemical reaction systems.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNature Computational Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 22, 2026

Availability of generic semaglutide removes barrier to affordable diabetes care, experts predict

A new study in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology predicts that generic semaglutide will dramatically increase cost-effectiveness and health system affordability for patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiorenal risk. The estimated annual cost of providing GLP-1RAs to all indicated patients would be $3.35 to $5.31 billion at pre-g...

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 22, 2026