Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive July 2026 - Page 9


Page 9 of 56

Artificial-intelligence-driven electromyography adaptation for elderly assistance at physiological, functional, and behavioral levels

A new AI-driven EMG control framework has been developed to improve elderly assistance. The framework uses a 3-level approach to translate EMG signals into robotic assistive actions across various levels. It shows improved results in physiological signal labeling, functional multijoint intent decoding, and behavioral task adaptation.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateJul 28, 2026

Heatwave exposure accelerates biological aging via metabolic dysregulation

A recent study found that recurrent heatwave exposure is linked to accelerated biological aging in middle-aged and older adults. The research, using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, discovered that increased heatwave frequency and duration lead to disruptions in lipid and glucose metabolism, ultimately acce...

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateJul 28, 2026

Genomic insights unlocked: adaptive divergence of Capsella bursa-pastoris across altitudinal gradients

A recent study published in Biological Diversity reveals that ecological selection drives population differentiation and local adaptation in Capsella bursa-pastoris, a widely distributed annual herb. Genome-wide scans identified 54 candidate genes under positive selection related to energy metabolism and other processes.

SourceSouth China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalBiological Diversity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2026

Mesolithic hunter-gatherers on Malta

Researchers estimate that Mesolithic foragers occupied Malta between 8,500 and 7,500 years ago, surviving on the island due to long-distance sea crossings. The authors predict a population size of up to 419 individuals, which dropped to 170 by 9,000 years ago, suggesting a temporary or seasonal occupation.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJul 28, 2026

Nanotube connections between social amoebae

Researchers discovered tunneling nanotubes that physically connect the membranes of cells in social amoebae, enabling the transfer of cytoplasmic components and organelles. These connections are found in multicellular organisms but were previously unknown in unicellular lineages.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJul 28, 2026

Hanyang University ERICA researchers uncover a hidden battery flaw that may shorten EV lifespans

A new study by Hanyang University ERICA researchers reveals how air exposure can trigger chemical changes in manganese-coated batteries, accelerating degradation. The team proposes a simple solution to suppress defective surface phases and restore stable manganese-oxygen bonding, leading to improved long-term durability.

SourceHanyang University Research Strategy Planning Team·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2026

AI-designed metamaterials pave the way for high-speed spin-wave computing

Researchers developed an inverse-design framework to optimize magnonic crystal design, identifying unconventional lattice structures with large band gaps. The approach enables the exploration of previously unexplored material systems and device dimensions, paving the way for high-speed spin-wave computing and energy-efficient devices

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalSmall Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2026

Pusan National University study highlights federated and reinforcement learning for natural language processing

The review explores how integrating Federated Learning (FL), Reinforcement Learning (RL), and Natural Language Processing (NLP) can overcome modern NLP system limitations, such as protecting user privacy and adapting to changing environments. The study presents a unified framework that combines FL, RL, and NLP as three co-equal pillars.

SourcePusan National University·JournalComputer Science Review·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 28, 2026

AI-powered camera system offers low-cost way to monitor bumblebees, potentially other insects

Researchers at Oregon State University developed a low-cost, semi-automated camera system using AI to monitor bumblebee populations and other insects. The system recorded six species of bumblebees, closely matching those documented through traditional methods, and identified them automatically using custom-built deep learning models.

SourceOregon State University·JournalRemote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation·DateJul 28, 2026

Largest-ever genetic study of fibromyalgia points to a neurological origin of the disorder and opens the door to new treatments

A landmark study identifies new genetic risk factors associated with fibromyalgia syndrome, pointing to a neurological origin of the disorder. The research found substantial overlap between fibromyalgia and other conditions, suggesting shared biological mechanisms that may benefit from targeted therapies.

SourceLunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2026

New antibiotic mechanism triggers hope for new treatments in fight against resistance

Scientists at the University of Exeter have discovered two new mechanisms for how a well-established antibiotic works, which could lead to potential development of new antibiotic treatment. The study found that doxycycline targets the bacterial ribosome by blocking protein exit channels or reconfiguring it into an inactive state.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2026

Brain-inspired AI developed by Graz University of Technology is capable of flexible planning and problem-solving

The brain-inspired AI model employs human problem-solving strategies to solve complex problems, consuming significantly less energy than traditional large language models. The system utilizes cognitive maps to guide its approach, allowing it to adapt flexibly to changing situations without requiring retraining.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJul 28, 2026

Tiny circuit turns a hidden property of electrons into a working info channel

Researchers have developed a tiny circuit that can encode and decode digital information using a hidden property of electrons called valleys. The device generates, routes, and reads valley information entirely on chip at room temperature, demonstrating the potential for valley multiplexing to increase photonic chip capacity.

Hebrew University and Hadassah Medical Center to take part in €15 million international trial exploring phage therapy for drug-resistant urinary tract infections

A €15 million EU-funded trial will investigate phage therapy as an alternative to antibiotics for recurrent urinary tract infections. Researchers from 13 countries, including Hebrew University and Hadassah Medical Center, will evaluate personalized bacteriophage therapy to treat antibiotic-resistant E. coli infections.

Dreams drain energy: the REM sleep paradox

Researchers at Tohoku University discovered a paradox in REM sleep where the brain's energy molecule decreases despite an increase in fuel supply. This finding suggests that the brain dynamically adjusts its energy economy to support complex internal processing, revealing new insights into biological computation and sleep function.

SourceTohoku University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 27, 2026

Healthspan extension, slow appearance aging and improved muscle function in mice by pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) and imidazopyrroloquinoline (IPQ) supplementation

Researchers found that lifelong PQQ and IPQ supplementation in senescence-accelerated mice reduced mortality risk during midlife and delayed aging progression. Middle-aged mouse supplementation also improved age-related muscular dysfunction. The study suggests a potential healthspan extension benefit of these compounds.

SourceToho University·JournalFood & Function·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2026

Saitama University researchers reveal how “ductile” tunnel supports deform under simulated squeezing-ground pressure

Researchers studied deformation-accommodating support systems incorporating yielding elements to address squeezing ground deformation in tunnels. The study found that the deformation behavior of the entire support system changes depending on the installation angle of yielding elements.

SourceSaitama University·JournalTunnelling and Underground Space Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2026

AI reveals cancer therapy’s effectiveness

A new study published in eBioMedicine shows that combining irinotecan with standard chemoradiotherapy improves survival against advanced rectal cancer, particularly in those with high concentrations of cancerous cells. The AI-powered analysis revealed a 43% reduction in cancer recurrence and a 50% reduction in death risk.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 27, 2026

Engineered microbial communities offer a faster route to removing herbicide residues from soil

Researchers develop synthetic microbial communities to degrade persistent herbicides, improving degradation rates by 1.5-3 times compared to individual strains or natural attenuation. The approach promotes more complete mineralization of pollutants and resilience in complex soil environments.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalAgricultural Ecology and Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 27, 2026

Comprehensive navigation service beats signposting for connecting primary care patients to needed resources

A randomized controlled trial found that a comprehensive navigation service significantly improved self-reported access to needed resources among primary care patients. The study also highlighted the benefits of this model for Francophone minority populations, particularly in accessing French-language services.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 27, 2026

Study identifies four self-care decision-making patterns among patients with multiple cardiometabolic conditions

A qualitative study identified four self-care decision-making patterns among adults with multiple cardiometabolic conditions, including past experiences and leveraging resources. Effective self-care behaviors can improve quality of life for these patients, particularly those with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 27, 2026

Patients with long-term relationships with family physicians may have fewer urgent hospital admissions and lower hospital costs

Patients with long-term relationships to their family physicians may experience fewer urgent hospital admissions and lower hospital costs. This is due to consistently seeing the same general practitioner, which is associated with reduced hospital costs but not fewer urgent admissions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 27, 2026

Critical care doctor says patients’ reliance on chatbots reflects deeper problems in health care

A growing trend of patients turning to AI chatbots for health advice reflects broader healthcare system strain and patient dissatisfaction with traditional care options. Critical care doctor Robert B. Shpiner argues that addressing underlying structural issues is essential to mitigate AI risks.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJul 27, 2026

Family medicine residency program directors report their programs do not directly assess self-directed learning skills

A survey of 314 family medicine residency program directors found that only 44% have written expectations around self-directed learning. Despite this, 93.6% of directors believe recent graduates model lifelong learning, and over half (57.6%) consider self-directed learning a high curricular priority.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 27, 2026

Forest diversity and terrain shape how carbon is stored in southern Brazil’s Atlantic Forest

A new study reveals that forest structure, tree species evenness, and terrain slope jointly influence how carbon is divided among living vegetation, forest litter, and soil. The research found that soil contained the largest share of total carbon in most locations, while vegetation stored more carbon than soil in several plots.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalEnvironmental and Biogeochemical Processes·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2026

Barriers to dementia care arise when medical records of people living with dementia are not linked with medical records of their caregivers

A Canadian pilot study examined ways to link dementia patients' medical records with those of their caregivers. The report highlights critical gaps in clinical application due to EMR incompatibility, varying provincial privacy rules, and consent requirements.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 27, 2026