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Science News Archive July 2026 - Page 44


Page 44 of 56

TDP-43: When microglia go off track

A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that the TDP-43 protein plays a crucial role in regulating microglial function. Microglia lacking this protein develop motor impairments and exhibit structural alterations in brain regions, highlighting its importance in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of Lausanne·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 8, 2026

Social media influencers who match racial, ethnic identity of their audiences have a bigger—and unhealthy—impact

A new study reveals that racial and ethnic minority youth pay more attention to food influencers who share their racial identity, resulting in stronger engagement with unhealthy foods. The researchers found that identity-based social media marketing can be a powerful mechanism in shaping adolescents' eating behavior.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2026

Eye problems after COVID-19 can now be explained

A study from Linköping University finds that mild COVID-19 can lead to long-term eye problems, including abnormal pupil function and strabismus, affecting daily life. Researchers developed a diagnostic model to detect these issues, which may lead to effective treatment.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2026

New platform combines precision gene targeting with brain-wide delivery

A new study describes a gene therapy strategy that uses the brain's glymphatic transport system to distribute engineered viral vectors throughout the brain. This approach enables preferential targeting of human glial cells while minimizing exposure to other cell types and organs, addressing two major challenges in neurological medicine.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 8, 2026

Human-safe drug repairs DNA in a mouse model of Alzheimer's

Scientists at King's College London have developed a human-safe drug that repairs DNA breaks and reduces inflammation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. This approach targets multiple features of the disease simultaneously, providing a broader therapeutic strategy than previous approaches focused on individual disease hallmarks.

SourceKing's College London·JournalFEBS Open Bio·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2026

What does research reveal about transmasculine pregnancy?

A systematic review found that transmasculine people have pregnancy rates ranging from 6-9%, while postnatal depression rates are unknown. Testosterone use before pregnancy is associated with lower conception rates and higher miscarriage rates.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateJul 8, 2026

Global warming and increasing wildfire risk threaten viability of elite wine-growing regions in California – but others may boom

A new study suggests that California's wine industry is under threat from climate change and wildfires, particularly in established regions like Napa and Sonoma. However, areas like Mendocino and Monterey are expected to become increasingly favorable for premium vintages due to their projected increasing climatic suitability and decrea...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 8, 2026

KRICT solves internal cracking in sulfide all-solid-state batteries with elastic ion-conductive polymer

Researchers developed a technology that incorporates an elastic ion-conductive polymer into sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries to reduce cracking and interfacial degradation. The polymer buffer absorbs stress caused by electrode expansion and contraction, suppressing crack formation and improving cycle life.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·DateJul 8, 2026

How tall and short trees can coexist in old growth forests

Researchers found that taller trees have an advantage in younger forests due to increased light capture, but shade-tolerant species thrive under tall canopies in older forests. This study reveals a mechanistic explanation for forest succession and offers insights into climate modeling and forest management.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 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