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Science News Archive July 2026 - Page 22


Page 22 of 56

Triboelectric wearable sensors for human‑centric smart electronics: From self‑powered sensing to artificial intelligence‑assisted human–machine interface systems

Researchers review triboelectric wearable sensors for self-powered sensing and AI integration, enabling adaptive machine functions. The systems demonstrate remarkable capabilities in healthcare, gesture recognition, device control, intelligent transportation, and robotics.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateJul 20, 2026

HKUST develops ultra-robust acoustic chip technology to advance 6g and satellite communications

Researchers at HKUST create a novel chip architecture called 'Layered Acoustic Wave' that enables acoustic devices to withstand high power loads while maintaining stable operation. This breakthrough lifts a decades-old restriction, paving the way for new applications in direct-to-cell satellite communications and 6G networks.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2026

Advantages of multimode Si-ITO electro-optical modulators for balanced signal routing

A team of scientists developed a hybrid plasmonic modulator based on Si-ITO-SiO₂-Au, using a multimode silicon waveguide to create two spatially separated channels with precise phase shift. This device enables compact, high-speed optical links for data centers, telecommunications, and microwave photonics.

New event-triggered control technology delivers smoother rides and higher efficiency for vehicle active suspensions

Researchers developed an adaptive asymptotic tracking control system for vehicle active suspensions, integrating an event-triggered mechanism and actuator saturation compensation. The technology improves ride smoothness and control accuracy while cutting computational load and communication resource consumption.

SourceELSP·JournalAdvanced Equipment·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2026

Riding a miniature magic carpet

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a hybrid graphite-based substance with aligned particles that demonstrates stable diamagnetic levitation. The team successfully created the substance by aligning micro-crystals in a uniform direction and applying a magnetic field, resulting in a miniature flying carpet-like effect.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAnalysis & Sensing·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2026

Spectral level repulsion and Lifshitz-like states in hyperuniform disordered photonic networks

Hyperuniform disordered (HuD) photonic networks host an unexpected range of optical modes. The study reveals delocalized modes governed by level repulsion, a hallmark of interacting states. Localized modes exhibit Lifshitz-like behavior, with predictable spatial locations and hybridization into coupled modes.

UVA materials science engineer Jerry Floro recognized by Materials Research Society for impact in his field

Jerry Floro, a UVA materials science engineer, has been recognized by the Materials Research Society (MRS) for his significant contributions to public outreach and inclusive materials education. He received the MRS Impact Award in 2026, citing his efforts to educate students and laypeople about nanotechnology.

'Electron lighthouse' illuminates new physics

Researchers at the University of Michigan have created a device that enables control of electron flow using laser light, potentially leading to advancements in sensing, imaging, and telecommunications. The phenomenon relies on quantum interference, allowing for directional control of electrons.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 20, 2026

Spatial inequalities in breastfeeding initiation in the United States: A multiscale analysis of county-level determinants

Researchers at UC Riverside develop a catalyst that effectively breaks down perchlorate at high concentrations, potentially reducing hazardous waste generated during drinking water treatment. The breakthrough technology could make it possible to destroy perchlorate after it has been captured on ion-exchange resin.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalACS Central Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2026

Female ER physicians order more tests and admit more patients than male physicians, UCLA Health study shows

A new UCLA Health study found that female ER physicians request more imaging and laboratory tests and admit more patients to the hospital than their male counterparts. However, the additional testing was just as likely to uncover important findings, suggesting clinically appropriate care.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 20, 2026

KAIST opens a new era of Webtoons: From “viewing” to “experiencing”

A KAIST research team developed an XR comics platform, ComiXR, that enables users to read and create comics in immersive environments. The platform demonstrated increased immersion when comic elements were positioned at different depths and incorporated sensory experiences such as facial expression tracking.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 20, 2026

New paper outlines roadmap for next generation of brain-computer interfaces designed to treat cognitive disorders

A new review proposes a roadmap for developing cognitive brain-computer interfaces to treat cognitive disorders, integrating BCI research and clinical neuromodulation. The emerging field aims to detect dysfunctional brain states and respond with adaptive neurostimulation.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 20, 2026

NEW Community debuts at Goldschmidt 2026: An open scholarly community connecting artificial intelligence, environmental science, and geochemical research

NEW Community facilitated international outreach and scholarly exchange during Goldschmidt 2026, focusing on artificial intelligence, environmental science, and sustainability. The platform presented its potential role in interdisciplinary collaboration and open scholarly communication.

The ISSCR recognizes Outstanding Poster Award Winners at the ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting in Montreal

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has recognized five outstanding researchers for their innovative work on developmental biology, disease modeling, regenerative medicine, and functional genomics. The award winners were selected from over 1,300 scientific posters presented at the ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting in Montr...

What wastewater says about what we eat and who we are

Researchers analyzed wastewater samples from 19 communities across North Carolina, revealing patterns of plant and animal consumption influenced by economics, immigration, and geography. The study demonstrates the potential for wastewater surveillance to track nutrition trends and identify gaps in food access.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2026

Entanglement over large separations because of, not despite dissipation

Scientists have developed a technique called synthetic squeezing to generate entanglement in a steady state, overcoming decoherence and enabling remote entanglement without particle transport. This method uses cascaded quantum systems, where light absorption and emission balance the dissipation of energy into the environment.

Interactive photonics: bringing flat optics to life

Researchers at the University of Stuttgart developed an interactively addressable organic metadevice that uses electrically switchable materials to dynamically control light. The platform enables every metasurface pixel to be electronically controlled independently, allowing user commands to be translated into dynamic holographic images.

SourceUniversitaet Stuttgart·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 20, 2026

For consumers, distrust outweighs trust

A recent study by Annabelle Roberts found that consumers tend to distrust others after a negative experience, and this distrust can be difficult to overcome. The researchers conducted 21 studies involving nearly 12,000 people and discovered that people learn attitudes from a single trust interaction, whether positive or negative.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJul 20, 2026

Study finds 1 in 3 Americans without heart disease miss new cholesterol goals—and 3 in 4 go untreated

A study by Mass General Brigham found that nearly 1 in 3 US adults without heart disease have LDL levels above the recommended goal, and 3 in 4 are not receiving any cholesterol-lowering medication. The gap is wider among those with established heart disease, where most are already receiving therapy but still not reaching goals.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2026

Quantum sensing microscope illuminates transistor design

Researchers created a single-spin quantum microscope to observe magnetic states in atomically thin devices, introducing a conceptual shift in how magnetic transistors can be engineered. The device achieved an electrical on/off ratio of a million percent and a magnetic on/off ratio of 3000 percent.

SourceBoston College·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2026

Lessons from the wild

Wild plants offer valuable insights into adapting to disease, with research showing how plants evolve defenses against pathogens. This knowledge can inform more effective management of crop diseases, contributing to a better understanding of disease ecology and environmental threats.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateJul 20, 2026

“Kill switch” for scavenger cells

Researchers have identified SAILR, a long non-coding RNA, as a key regulator of macrophage survival. In the presence of pathogens, SAILR is rapidly silenced, leading to macrophage death and increased bacterial replication. This discovery could lead to new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for severe infections and inflammation.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2026

Severe flooding linked to increased deaths from opioid use in rural Appalachia

A study by Penn State researchers found that severe flooding in rural Appalachia can lead to a significant increase in opioid overdose deaths, persisting up to 10 years after the event. The study suggests that decreased access to treatment services, increased trauma, and persistent stigma are key contributing factors.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2026

What explains gender pay gaps in academia?

A new study found that faculty women in academia earn 23% less than men, narrowing to 4.3% when accounting for field and academic rank. The research suggests that transparency alone is not enough to eliminate pay gaps, and representation does not guarantee equal pay.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2026