Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive July 2026 - Page 53


Page 53 of 56

Molecules link lower weight babies and chronic diseases

Babies born with low birth weight are at higher risk for heart, lung, and metabolic diseases later in life due to the overexpression of axon guidance proteins. These proteins play a key role in developing neurons and organs, and their increased levels are associated with poorer lung function in adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 2, 2026

How low-cost AI is transforming health care logistics

Researchers developed a low-cost AI tool to forecast demand and optimize medicine allocation in Sierra Leone. The tool increased consumption of allocated medical products by 19% and improved access to essential medicines for over two million women and children under five, with no additional workforce costs.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 2, 2026

Degradable polymers

Researchers at Ehime University have created degradable carbon–carbon backbone polymers by incorporating degradation-inducing alkoxycarbonylmethylene units. The resulting materials exhibit improved thermophysical properties and can be triggered to degrade under basic conditions.

SourceEhime University·JournalMacromolecules·DateJul 2, 2026

Freeform terahertz structures fabricated by multi-photon lithography and metal coating

Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology developed a transformative approach to fabricate high-performance terahertz components with sub-micrometer precision. They combined multi-photon lithography with highly directive metal deposition techniques, achieving ultra-broadband chip-to-chip connections and suspended on-chip antennas.

How empathetic rats are

Researchers found that rats displayed empathy-like behavior by registering their companion's emotions and situation, but not mental states. This suggests that rats possess a unique type of empathy, differing from human empathy in its limitations.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBiological Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 2, 2026

Zero-waste plastic and color recycling

A novel approach using silica microspheres encapsulates colorants in plastics, allowing for easy recycling and selective separation of colors. This technology enables the reuse of high-value resources from previously downcycled plastics, significantly reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2026

Quantum properties of multimode light observed despite extreme losses

A team of scientists has developed a method to measure multiple quantum channels of light simultaneously, even when almost all the light is lost before reaching the detector. This breakthrough enables the detection of complex quantum states and provides a practical route toward real-world high-dimensional quantum technologies.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2026

Study pinpoints how to minimize chances of dangerous wildlife encounters this summer

Researchers analyzed over 3,500 incidents to find that low-impact activities and species like elk, grizzly bears, and mule deer are more likely to lead to aggressive encounters. Visitors can take simple precautions such as announcing themselves, keeping leashes short, and checking park information to minimize risks.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 2, 2026

Milestone achieved in orbitronics

Scientists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz successfully utilized orbital currents for the first time, eliminating the need for conversion to spin currents. This breakthrough enables the development of large-scale storage media with extremely low energy consumption, paving the way for future memory devices and processors.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2026

Yak waste does not always add up: New field study reveals surprising greenhouse gas dynamics in alpine meadows

Researchers found that overlapping yak urine and dung patches produce far less nitrous oxide than expected, contradicting the assumption of additive emissions. The study suggests a balance between two competing processes, preventing emissions from rising as much as expected.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalNitrogen Cycling·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2026

Bioengineered bilayer scaffold with dual-modal delivery for alveolar bone regeneration in periodontitis therapy

Researchers developed a biomimetic bilayer scaffold with synchronized minocycline release and liposome-encapsulated simvastatin delivery to facilitate optimal periodontal repair. The scaffold promotes alveolar bone regeneration through combined osteoconductive and osteoinductive mechanisms.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGlycoscience & Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026

Dana-Farber investigators report promising results from phase 2 study of targeted therapy for rare bile duct cancer

Results of a phase 2 clinical trial show manageable side effects and clinically meaningful efficacy in patients with advanced NRG1-positive cholangiocarcinoma, doubling progression-free survival compared to standard chemotherapy. Zenocutuzumab was well-tolerated and significantly improved quality of life.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJul 1, 2026

Programmable metasurfaces steer light generated by fast electrons

Scientists propose a generalized Smith-Purcell effect based on programmable metasurfaces to redirect electron-induced light into chosen angles. The approach enables active tunability and broadens the range of applications for free-electron radiation, including nanoscale spectroscopy tools and compact light sources.

Wearable devices shed insight into college students’ sleep habits

A study analyzed daily sleep records from Fitbit devices worn by 76 undergraduates to examine longitudinal sleep patterns. The researchers found that average sleep duration increased by 8 minutes from freshman to senior year, and students with higher grades slept longer on average.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2026

NUS researchers develop probabilistic spintronic processors for faster and greener optimization

Researchers have developed novel spintronics-based probabilistic processors that accelerate complex optimisation tasks while consuming less energy. The systems achieved significant speedups and energy savings compared to conventional computers, highlighting a promising route towards faster and more energy-efficient optimisation.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026

Turning electrochemistry toward lithium extraction

Scientists from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have made significant strides in extracting lithium using an unconventional method. By applying electrochemical intercalation to a solution containing lithium and sodium ions, they were able to isolate 99% pure lithium with a high level of selectivity. T...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2026

A final discovery from the lab of Dr. Kathryn Anderson: How signals in the embryo tells cells what to become

The research reveals how WNT signals guide embryonic cells toward specialized identities, with implications for cancer biology. Cells receive a push from WNT to start down the path toward becoming muscles, bones, organs, and connective tissue, but then receive a second layer of instruction that defines their final outcome.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 1, 2026

Wavelength‑dependent catalysis overcomes thermodynamic limits in ammonia synthesis

Researchers have discovered a wavelength-dependent photo-driven pathway for ammonia synthesis over lithium hydride, which decouples two conflicting reaction steps. The study provides fresh insight into mild, solar-driven nitrogen fixation and other energy-intensive catalytic processes.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 1, 2026

Texas tech researcher part of team that finds planet in new way

A team of researchers, including Michael Fausnaugh from Texas Tech University, have identified a new planet using the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission. The planet, Gaia23bra b, is a super Jupiter orbiting far from its host star and offers insight into the detection methods used in astronomy.

SourceTexas Tech University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2026