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Science News for July 7, 2026


From static models to dynamic interfaces—unlocking the secrets of M-N-C catalysts for efficient energy conversion

Recent advances in dynamic oxygen reduction reaction research highlight the importance of convering theoretical simulations and in-situ characterization to understand catalyst behavior. This study bridges theory and experiment to reveal critical phenomena such as potential-dependent shifts in the rate-determining step and dynamic struc...

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateJul 7, 2026

Low-temperature synthesis of medium-entropy spinel oxide powders with electromagnetic wave-absorbing and anti-corrosion properties

Researchers at Jingdezhen Ceramic University synthesized medium-entropy spinel oxides with excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance and anti-corrosion properties. The materials showed promise for use in marine environments, overcoming corrosion issues with traditional EMW absorbing coatings.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateJul 7, 2026

A biomass-derived modifier simultaneously creates transport pores, introduces potassium, and generates oxygen vacancies in lithium orthosilicate ceramic pellets

A team of scientists created high-strength Li4SiO4 granules using spent coffee grounds, enhancing CO2 diffusion and adsorption capacity. The approach integrates hierarchical pore formation, potassium doping, and oxygen vacancies into a single additive.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateJul 7, 2026

HkU Engineering signs MOU with China State Construction to establish ‘CSHK KKU Engineering flagship program scholarship’ and nurture future engineering talent

The University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Engineering and China State Construction have partnered to establish a flagship scholarship program, providing financial support and industry connections for exceptional undergraduate students. The five-year scholarship will fund scholarships for three flagship programs, with CSHK contributing H...

"Semiconductors enter the era of skyscrapers": Stacking chips like high-rise buildings to boost performance

Researchers developed a technology to stack ultrathin semiconductor chips with improved integration density, overcoming challenges of chip thickness and warpage. The process enables the reliable stacking of over ten chips, potentially leading to significant improvements in AI semiconductor performance.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalResults in Engineering·DateJul 7, 2026

Hippocampal Zip9 deletion accelerates brain aging and shortens lifespan in mice

Researchers found that ZIP9 deletion in mice led to premature death, spatial memory deficits, and reduced cognitive flexibility, with significant changes in PSD95, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels. The study suggests a brain–gut–key molecule network connecting cognitive function, gut microbiota, and lipid metabolism.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalModel Organisms Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

HKU-HKIAA astronomer joins international study to weigh inactive black hole seen 10 billion years ago

An international team of astronomers has directly measured the mass of an inactive supermassive black hole in the early Universe for the first time. The study found that the black hole is about 12 times more massive than expected from its host galaxy, suggesting that the central engine was already fully grown while the galaxy around it...

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJul 7, 2026

Cast away: Tracing the voyage of a plastic bottle cap and its hitchhiking marine species

Scientists used clues from label data, chemical analysis of tiny shells, and ocean current simulations to trace the voyage of a plastic bottle cap. The study found 307 organisms, including a polychaete worm not found in Japanese waters before, highlighting the potential for micro-ecosystems to be transported over extended periods.

SourceNagoya University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeCase study·DateJul 7, 2026

HKU biologists reveal how neural circuits use backup mechanisms to protect essential survival reflexes

Researchers found that sensory-motor circuits use overlapping mechanisms to maintain reliability even when genes or neural connections are disrupted. The study showed that redundancy in the nervous system helps prevent essential reflexes from failing and strengthens escape responses.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

Unlocking new horizons in immunity: The roles and mechanisms of immune checkpoints in inflammation regulation

Recent studies have expanded our understanding of immune checkpoint functions, revealing their involvement in systemic immune homeostasis and broader inflammatory networks. Aberrant IC regulation has been linked to various conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic inflammation.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalTransMed·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 7, 2026

Rethinking the one-night sleep study

A single night of sleep testing is insufficient for an accurate diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a new study published in npj Digital Medicine. The research found that analyzing sleep patterns over multiple nights can provide a more accurate picture of the condition.

SourceFlinders University·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

KAIST develops core display technology that prevents image distortion even when stretched

Researchers at KAIST have developed a core technology for stretchable displays that expands uniformly across the entire screen without distorting images. The platform uses auxetic structures to maintain isotropic expansion, allowing fine images on-screen to expand together while maintaining their original shapes.

Biochar “switches on” natural oxygen chemistry to suppress soil-borne pathogens and reshape healthier microbial communities

A new study reveals how biochar can directly suppress destructive soil-borne pathogens like Ralstonia solanacearum, while helping rebuild a richer and more stable soil bacterial community. Biochar's reactive oxygen species profile changes with pyrolysis temperature, making it a powerful tool for precision agriculture.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

Turning up the heat on cancer: UTEP physicists discover better nanoparticles for future therapy

Physicists at UTEP have discovered a new type of manganese ferrite nanoparticle that can deliver targeted heat treatment to tumors, potentially improving cancer therapies. The nanoparticles were found to produce a stronger heating response than other materials, making them a promising building block for future treatments.

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 7, 2026

New Columbia Nursing research reveals nurse practitioner workforce growth outpaces projections as physician and physician associate growth remains steady

New Columbia University School of Nursing research reveals nurse practitioner workforce growth at 10% annual rate, surpassing projections for physicians and PAs. The growing NP workforce is expected to help fill critical health care gaps as the US population ages.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 7, 2026

New study advances dry mRNA vaccine patch design

A new study at RMIT University has identified conditions that help protect mRNA particles in dry vaccine patches, providing practical guidance for future patch design. This research could make future mRNA vaccines easier to store and distribute, particularly in lower-resource settings where cold-chain logistics are a barrier.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

Experiencing educational opportunities in all formative phases is best predictor of higher educational attainment and earnings for youth in low-income households

A new study by Boston College researchers found that experiencing educational opportunities in all stages of childhood and adolescence is the best predictor of higher educational attainment and earnings for disadvantaged American youth. This includes living in an enriching home environment, attending high-quality childcare facilities, ...

SourceBoston College·JournalEducational Researcher·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 7, 2026

Identifying brain circuits causally related to OCD

A team of researchers at the Champalimaud Foundation has identified four brain regions - including the orbitofrontal cortex and basal ganglia - that are 'core hubs' for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. These regions show a positive connection to lesion sites, suggesting they become disconnected after lesions causing OCD.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJul 7, 2026

New holographic printer makes 3D shapes in one shot

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a method to print complex 3D shapes using nanoscale 'mask' technology, achieving physical toughness and transport capabilities. The technique prints multiple shapes in a conveyor-belt fashion, with dimensional ratios as high as 120:1.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

A device that behaves like a single neuron

Researchers created a device that senses and interprets light in the same place, like biological neurons do. This breakthrough could increase the efficiency of vision-based technologies like artificial retinas and smart optical sensors.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNanoscale·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

A multi-criteria decision framework for selecting preventive maintenance measures on asphalt pavement: a case study of the Liuzhou North Ring Expressway

Researchers developed a multi-level decision-making model to select preventive maintenance measures on asphalt pavements. The study prioritized ultra-thin cover and composite seal coat technologies due to their balance between technical performance and economic benefits. The framework provides consistent recommendations for decision-ma...

SourceELSP·JournalSmart Construction·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

Warm temperatures disrupt spider sex-changing bacteria in dwarf-spiders across generations

A new study reveals that brief warm temperatures disrupt the internal bacterial ecosystem of dwarf spiders, leading to a sudden comeback of male offspring. The research found that thermal stress triggers a transgenerational shift in microbial dynamics, with a rival bacterium blocking the feminizing bacteria and allowing males to thrive.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

McDonald receives NSF CAREER Award

Nora McDonald received a $748,258 NSF CAREER award to investigate how AI-driven personalized technologies shape young people's decision-making and sense of self. Her project aims to develop practical tools and educational resources to help adolescents and adults respond to algorithmic influence.

Can online reviews replace health inspectors? New study says not so fast

A new study published in Marketing Science suggests that online reviews can provide valuable information about certain restaurant hygiene problems, such as visible issues like pests and spoiled food. However, these reviews often fail to detect less visible sanitation and safety issues regularly monitored by health inspectors.

Quantum material under pressure

Researchers have characterized a quantum material that becomes superconducting when subjected to high pressure, leading to new insights into the behavior of electrons. The discovery could pave the way for more technologically usable superconductors in the future.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

Scientists discover a way to use the quantum vacuum to break molecules with less energy

Researchers have identified a quantum phenomenon that enables molecular dissociation with significantly less energy than normal. The discovery, published in Physical Review Letters, reveals that electromagnetic vacuum fluctuations can promote molecular vibrations and break chemical bonds when molecules are confined in nanocavities.

SourceMillennium Institute for Research in Optics·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 7, 2026

The University of Colorado Anschutz, along with UCHealth and Children’s Hospital Colorado, form strategic alliance with Bayer to advance drug development and clinical trials

The University of Colorado Anschutz, along with UCHealth and Children’s Hospital Colorado, have formed a strategic alliance with Bayer to accelerate medical discovery and expand patient access to investigational therapies. Initial focus areas include oncology, cardiovascular disease, and cell and gene therapy.

Cleaning up clean energy

University of Delaware researchers have developed a spray-jet method that recovers precious metals and other materials from used hydrogen-energy devices. The new recycling approach uses no harsh chemicals or burning, preserving the membrane itself while extracting platinum and iridium separately.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateJul 7, 2026

One plant, three kingdoms, five trips

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have successfully engineered a model plant to produce five psychedelic substances, including DMT and psilocybin, by identifying key genes and enzymes responsible for their production. The plant's ability to simultaneously produce multiple psychedelics has implications for treating mental...

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 7, 2026

Birds may fly far, but their parasites do not

A new study found striking differences in parasite communities among North-Atlantic island systems, with limited exchange of parasites across the region. The researchers suggest that factors such as a short transmission season and specific migration routes may limit successful parasite colonization.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalJournal of Helminthology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 7, 2026

They’re here: Biologists identify first established colonies of invasive clam in Northeastern US

A team of biologists led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst has discovered reproducing populations of the invasive Manila clam in Cape Cod and Boston Harbor. The finding marks a significant moment in the establishment of this non-native species, which is now spreading along the northwestern Atlantic coastline.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalBiological Invasions·DateJul 7, 2026

Garrity serving as research fellow

Meghan Garrity, Assistant Professor of International Security & Law at George Mason University, is serving as a Genocide and Atrocity Prevention Research Fellow. The fellowship aims to support research on mass atrocities and prevention through two written products: a full-length paper manuscript and a policy memo.

Climate oscillations shape nature’s coral refuges in a warming ocean

A study reveals that natural cooling of coral reefs varies with large-scale climate oscillations, including ENSO and IOD. Coral skeletons provide a record of past subsurface temperatures and biological responses to heat stress, highlighting the dynamic relationship between climate refuges and their effectiveness in protecting corals fr...

New ultrathin lens focuses light into an optical needle

Researchers have created a special flat lens that shapes light into an optical needle, allowing for deeper imaging while maintaining high resolution. This innovation combines with optical coherence tomography (OCT) to extend imaging depth by a factor of nine without requiring a complicated redesign.

SourceOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

Hair patterns are organized before birth

A UNIGE study reveals that hair follicles organize their positions on the skin of mammals through a self-organizing principle. Researchers found that a chemotactic mechanism, which directs cells to respond to chemical gradients, reproduces the formation of complex biological structures.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateJul 7, 2026

Researchers mimic life’s own engines

A team of researchers has successfully created an artificial protein motor that can perform tasks such as cell division and muscle movement with high efficiency and precision. The breakthrough, published in Nature Nanotechnology, demonstrates the feasibility of designing dynamic proteins capable of performing movements.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 7, 2026

Perceived risk of fentanyl use among US adolescents

Adolescents in the US are unaware of the dangers of fentanyl misuse, emphasizing the importance of public education programs and clinical communication. The study reveals a significant portion of younger adolescents are not aware of the risks associated with fentanyl use.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 7, 2026

Rising human-elephant conflict in Southern Africa

A study predicts increasing human-elephant conflicts in Southern Africa due to crop raids by elephants, which can be financially devastating for farmers. The analysis identifies human population growth, cropland expansion, and climate-driven aridity as major drivers of the conflict.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJul 7, 2026

Drug candidate treats severe fatty liver disease by protecting the gut in animal models

Researchers discovered a potential drug developed at Michigan Medicine reverses metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in animal models by disrupting the disease-driving pathway that links the gut and liver. DT-109 improved gut health, reducing inflammation in livers of nonhuman primates.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

New spatial transcriptomics study reveals how bone and muscle talk

A new study has mapped cellular signaling networks between bone and skeletal muscle, identifying key ligand-receptor pairs that facilitate communication between cells. The research revealed a complex network of molecular pathways that coordinate tissue maintenance and remodeling, with implications for understanding musculoskeletal diso...

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

Many ways to become a monster and one map to tell

A Kobe University research reveals that insect snatching forelimbs have evolved in a similar direction but did not settle on a single solution. The study's framework allowed researchers to quantify the process across lineages and found that different shapes can capture the same ecological function.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJul 7, 2026

First bulk ferromagnetic icosahedral quasicrystals synthesized without rapid quenching

Researchers develop annealable ferromagnetic icosahedral quasicrystals with unprecedented structural quality, revealing intrinsic magnetic properties and magnetic criticality. The discovery enables the first systematic investigations of quasiperiodic magnetism and magnetic criticality in QCs.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

Ancient rocks reveal how water shaped Earth 3.1 billion years ago

Researchers have found evidence that water played a major role in shaping the Earth's interior and driving volcanic activity over 3.1 billion years ago. The study suggests that another process called 'dripduction' may have been transporting water into the mantle, influencing the formation of volcanic rocks.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 7, 2026

Researchers uncover a new mechanism underlying the most common inherited heart disease and confirm the effectiveness of a next-generation therapy

A study led by the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III has identified a new molecular mechanism involved in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Researchers confirm the effectiveness of mavacamten in treating the condition, regardless of genetic mutation type.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

Lost medieval manuscripts inferred by family tree

Agent-based simulations suggest that up to 60% of medieval texts and over 95% of manuscripts are at risk of extinction due to limited copies made early in their creation. The model reveals that cultural heritage is fragile and shaped by randomness, historical contingencies, and human choices.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJul 7, 2026

High-temperature activation energies determine decoupling in glass-forming liquids

A new study reveals that decoupling in glass-forming liquids originates from high-temperature activation free energies, not dynamic heterogeneity. The researchers observed a universal power-law relationship between two characteristic timescales, which matched the predicted ratio with remarkable accuracy.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 7, 2026

EleTac: An elephant-inspired soft robotic gripper with a sophisticated sense of touch

Researchers developed EleTac, a soft robotic gripper with high-resolution tactile sensing, to handle delicate objects. The gripper's innovative design enables it to adapt to various shapes and provide gentle forces, making it suitable for applications such as handling fruit, lab samples, and medical supplies.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

EV-SELEX: A novel platform for rapid G protein-coupled receptor drug discovery

A new aptamer selection strategy termed extracellular vesicle (EV)-SELEX has been developed to rapidly identify highly specific DNA aptamers targeting G protein-coupled receptors. The EV-SELEX platform exploits a natural cellular process to minimize interference and efficiently select biologically relevant receptor conformations.

SourceUniversity of Toyama·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

HonorHealth Research Institute is among first in the nation to expand access to new drug that doubles survival of pancreatic cancer patients

The FDA has granted early access to clinical trials for the new medication, allowing HonorHealth Research Institute to offer it to patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer. The drug has shown significant advancement in targeted therapy for pancreatic cancer, offering a median overall survival of 13.2 months.

SourceHonorHealth Research Institute·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 7, 2026

One in five relatives of breast and ovarian cancer patients in Estonia carry dangerous cancer-linked genes, study shows

A recent Estonian study reveals that 19.7% of healthy family members of breast and ovarian cancer patients carry variants that elevate their cancer risk, including 34% of men. The findings highlight the importance of genetic testing and counseling for those with a family history of the disease.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 7, 2026

Study: With the help of AI, MS researchers can now see brain lesions they knew were there but couldn’t previously see on scans

A University at Buffalo-led team has developed a method to reliably measure cortical lesions in MS using artificial intelligence. By analyzing existing MRI scans, they found over 11,000 cortical lesions, revealing new insights into the disease's progression and cognitive impairment.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 7, 2026

New research finds connection to place predicts hurricane response among US coastal residents

A recent study found that people with a strong connection to place are more likely to take protective actions and heed local officials' recommendations during hurricanes. The study also revealed that maps can be misleading, with participants judging their own risk lower even if their home is located just outside the forecasted flood zone.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateJul 7, 2026

Beyond heat: New infrared filter for thermal cameras could detect pollution and disease

Researchers have developed a tiny, electrically tunable infrared filter that can distinguish between different materials and gases based on their spectral 'fingerprints'. This technology has the potential to enable handheld pollution detectors, compact multispectral cameras, and next-generation chemical sensing devices.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

Making heat behave like data

Scientists developed a device that controls heat radiation direction and switches this effect on and off, enabling 'heat programming' like microchip data. The new material exhibits different responses depending on light direction, improving efficiency compared to previous devices.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 7, 2026

Clinician support key to patient adoption of virtual reality therapies

A new study found that clinician support significantly increases patient adoption of virtual reality therapies, leading to better time-based adherence and technology acceptance. The research team evaluated three implementation environments, with provider-led support demonstrating the most favorable usability pattern.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJMIR XR and Spatial Computing·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 7, 2026