Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive July 2026 - Page 26


Page 26 of 56

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

Water molecules trigger structural transformation in neutral metal hydroxide clusters

Researchers discovered that only three water molecules are sufficient to trigger a configuration transformation of the core skeleton from Sr2(μ2-OH)2(HO)1 to Sr2(μ2-OH)3, providing new insights into hydration mechanisms. This structural transition is driven by deformation energy and stabilizes the structure through rearrangement of hyd...

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalCCS Chemistry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 16, 2026

Boolean collaborative decision rule eliminates hidden ionospheric dead zones at sea

Researchers developed a new monitoring method for Sea-Based Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (SB-JPALS) using multiple reference receivers and a Boolean collaborative decision rule to detect ionospheric gradients. The approach improved monitoring sensitivity by 12.0% compared to conventional methods.

Researchers boost hydrogen evolution with single-element dual-site substitution

A new MoS2-based catalyst has been developed to overcome the limitations of conventional MoS2 catalysts in hydrogen evolution reactions. The catalyst, created using a dual-site substitution strategy, achieves outstanding performance at large current densities in acidic electrolytes.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 16, 2026

Public investment in liver transplants saves lives and is also beneficial in economic and social terms

A study by Pompeu Fabra University, ONT, and Vall d'Hebron Hospital reveals that public investment in liver transplants not only improves patient survival but also generates a positive social and economic return. The study estimates that liver transplant patients contribute over 100 million euros to the Spanish economy annually.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalHealth Economics Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 16, 2026

Unlocking the synergistic promoter role of phosphorus in evolving NiFe phosphides for enhanced water oxidation

Researchers discovered that phosphorus plays a synergistic promoter role in evolving NiFe phosphides, accelerating oxygen evolution and suppressing dissolution of iron ions. The breakthrough catalyst delivers exceptional OER activity, achieving low overpotentials and superior reaction kinetics.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateJul 16, 2026

Revolutionizing thermal energy systems: Researchers unveil advanced physics-informed digital twin framework

A comprehensive review introduces a pioneering exergy-based loss function for Physics-Informed Neural Network-Digital Twins, promising real-time optimization and accurate prediction of complex thermal systems. The study provides a definitive roadmap for industries seeking to minimize energy consumption while maximizing output in the In...

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalENGINEERING Energy·TypeNews article·DateJul 16, 2026

For biodiversity to thrive across Europe, laws should treat wildlife as individuals capable of suffering – experts argue

Researchers argue that EU and UK wildlife protection frameworks are fragmented, selective, and exception-based, threatening biodiversity. The authors propose strengthening laws to recognize animal sentience and introducing 'ethical continuity' into the legal framework.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of International Wildlife Law & Policy·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2026

Human activities compromise coral health and resilience

A recent study found that human activities are fundamentally altering the chemical makeup of local coral reefs, leading to decreased coral health and resilience. The research team discovered that 25 contaminants from agricultural, industrial, and pharmaceutical sources accumulated in the soft tissues of coral around Maui, Hawai‘i.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2026

Forest rivers remove nitrogen through seasonally shifting natural processes

A new study reveals that forest-dominated rivers in China regulate nitrogen removal through a combination of microbial activity, water and sediment conditions, altitude, and land use. Denitrification was the dominant nitrogen-removal pathway, accounting for up to 95% of total measured nitrogen removal in winter.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalNitrogen Cycling·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2026

Turning the tables on chemotherapy resistance: LIG1 loss exposes a therapeutic vulnerability in triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine identified a vulnerability in triple-negative breast cancers with LIG1 loss and used it to develop a new therapy for chemotherapy-resistant TNBC tumors. A combination of olaparib and ceralasertib showed significant effectiveness in reducing tumor growth in animal models.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2026

Global study reveals how shipping and human activity shape bacteria in port waters

A global study analyzed 16.5 million DNA sequences from 23 cities across five continents, revealing a clear distance-decay pattern for bacterial communities. The findings show that port size, wastewater discharge, geography, and maritime activity closely associate with the structure of bacterial communities worldwide.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalBiocontaminant·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2026

Canadian wildfire smoke linked to fewer bird sightings in New York State

A University at Buffalo study has identified a link between Canadian wildfire smoke and decreased bird sightings in New York State. Analyzing air quality data with birdwatching reports, researchers found that nearly half of the studied species were less likely to be observed when PM2.5 levels rose, including many migratory forest songb...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalBiodiversity and Conservation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 16, 2026

Texas Children’s researchers uncover novel pathway that causes epilepsy

Researchers at Texas Children's Hospital have uncovered a novel biological pathway that can lead to seizures when disrupted. This finding provides a new approach for improving genetic diagnosis and treatment for epilepsy cases with unknown origins. The study also reveals that specific combinations of defective genes can cause seizures,...

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 16, 2026

Early inflammation signal drives oral cancer development, highlights path for immunoprevention

A study published in Cancer Research identified an immune pathway that promotes the progression of oral precancerous lesions into head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The researchers found that targeting a key inflammation signal known as interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) could help restore immune surveillance and prevent high-risk lesions...

UCLA engineers shrink powerful terahertz systems onto a single semiconductor chip

Researchers at UCLA have demonstrated a way to integrate terahertz functions onto a single chip using quantum well structures, paving the way for compact and scalable systems. This breakthrough could enable practical and widespread use of terahertz technology in applications such as ultrafast wireless communication, security screening,...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2026

Federal ginseng rules poorly predict plant health

Current federal rules based on plant age and leaf count are ineffective in predicting biological traits of American ginseng. Replacing these rules with size-based limits could better protect the wild population and simplify regulations for harvesters and forest farmers.

SourceYale University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 16, 2026

And you thought a smart ring was discreet

Researchers at Tufts University have developed thread-based integrated circuits that can bend, coil, stretch and conform to the body's contours. These devices could track biomarkers or environmental conditions, providing insights for fitness, healthcare and recovery from injury or disease.

SourceTufts University·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2026

Cyanobacterial toxins can be inhaled

Research on Southwest Florida cyanobacterial blooms shows that airborne cyanobacterial toxins contain the neurotoxin 2,4-DAB, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease and ALS. The study suggests chronic low-level exposure through breathing may be a significant risk factor for these diseases.

SourceBrain Chemistry Labs·JournalToxins·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2026

Lancet landmark Commission reports on global female health: takes lifespan approach to menstruation and bleeding disorders

The Lancet Haematology Commission reports on global female health challenges, focusing on hematologic health across multiple stages of life. The report outlines recommendations for improving outcomes, particularly for women with under-recognized, underdiagnosed, and stigmatized heavy menstrual bleeding.

New research finds that dropping SAT and ACT requirements may improve access, but may also hinder college admissions

New research suggests dropping standardized testing requirements can expand access to underrepresented groups but worsen academic merit assessments, especially for nontraditional applicants. The study found that removing the test score requirement can have nuanced effects on diversity and merit outcomes.

New atlas maps potential of genes to predict adverse drug reactions

A new atlas has been developed to map the potential of genes in predicting adverse drug reactions, utilizing a comprehensive analysis of genetic data from the Million Veteran Program. This genomic-led strategy aims to anticipate drug safety effects by identifying key genetic variants associated with adverse reactions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 16, 2026

AirPods-sized fluorescence analytical device holds the promise for timely home molecular testing

A portable, airpod-size fluorescence analytical device has been designed to provide timely home molecular testing. The VPodDuo can measure fluorescent signals generated by various detection chemistry formats and detect quantities of genetic material from several pathogens and human cancer markers.