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Science News for June 10, 2026


What was previously a once-in-a-century storm surge now occurs every eight years

A recent study reveals that human-induced sea level rise has significantly increased the frequency of storm surge events, with a fourfold increase in historical 100-year events. This shift is largely attributed to rising sea levels, which now occur every eight years rather than once every century.

Taming lattice strain via buried interface engineering for reverse‑bias resilient perovskite solar cells

Researchers developed a buried interface engineering strategy to directly tame lattice strain at its origin, improving perovskite stability and power conversion efficiency. The innovative design promotes a low-strain lattice framework through optimized molecular modification, chemical passivation, and robust Lewis acid-base interactions.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateJun 10, 2026

Global rice production nearly doubled despite climate change, driven largely by human management

A new study found that global rice production nearly doubled between the 1960s and 2010s due to increased irrigation and nutrient inputs. Climate change reduced rice production by an estimated 7% between 2006 and 2015, but elevated atmospheric CO2 levels contributed to improved water-use efficiency and enhanced photosynthesis.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 10, 2026

Understanding Rett syndrome before symptoms appear

Researchers at Texas Children's Hospital identified a set of dysfunctional genes and specific cell types that are vulnerable to genetic changes in female mice modeling Rett syndrome before symptoms appear. They found that even healthy cells with normal MECP2 gene had changes in gene activity due to neighboring defective cells.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 10, 2026

Cells have a secret power line: Scientists discover how the nucleus gets its own private energy supply

Researchers found that mitochondria physically attach to nuclear pore complexes, delivering energy-rich molecules directly to the nucleus. This efficient system supports processes like gene regulation and cellular differentiation, and its disruption affects heart development and cellular function.

Louse-borne relapsing fever: How the pathogen evades the immune system

Researchers identified five immunomodulatory proteins in Borrelia recurrentis that prevent activation of the human complement system, allowing the pathogen to survive in the human body. These Chi proteins also convert plasminogen into active plasmin, giving Borrelia recurrentis a significant advantage in spreading after infection.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2026

KAIST to produce 'Janus-faced' nanomaterials... Paving the way for new materials to selectively capture radioactive pollutants

A KAIST research team has synthesized a core raw material for fabricating asymmetric MXene, a so-called 'Janus-faced' nanomaterial with distinct functions on its two sides. This achievement establishes the foundation for implementing asymmetric MXene in various advanced technology fields.

Visceral fat loss leaves 10-year ‘metabolic legacy’— cutting diabetes risk by 28% despite weight regain

A reduction in visceral fat is associated with better cardiometabolic health and lower future type 2 diabetes risk, even when body weight is fully regained. Visceral fat loss achieves a significant protective effect against systemic aging and metabolic decay long after a diet ends.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalCirculation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 10, 2026

Solar-driven ammonia production

Scientists at TU Wien have designed a new sustainable route to ammonia synthesis using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as catalysts. By tuning the MOF structures, they can modulate their catalytic performance, providing valuable insights into more efficient and sustainable ammonia-production technologies.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2026

People who use illicit fentanyl consume daily doses equivalent to nearly 9,000 milligrams of morphine

Researchers found that people using illicit fentanyl regularly consume quantities equivalent to hundreds of times higher than hospital doses, contributing to high opioid tolerance and overdose deaths. The study aims to provide a more accurate understanding of fentanyl exposure and inform treatment protocols.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2026

Missing the forest for the trees: Conservationists emphasize the need for intact forest in coffee landscapes

New research finds that conserving forest cover across coffee growing landscapes is essential for sustaining diverse bird communities, even more than farm-level shade tree management. Forest cover within a 2-kilometer radius positively predicted bird habitat-use across all ecological guilds, including species of conservation concern.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 10, 2026

Sounding the alarm: A new strategy in cancer therapy

Researchers at UC Irvine have discovered a mechanism that combines DNA damage and inflammatory signaling in tumor cells, potentially improving cancer treatment response. The study found that a combination of PARP inhibitors and TOP1 blockers triggers an 'alarm signal' inside cancer cells, alerting the immune system to eliminate them.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2026

The Kavli Prize in Astrophysics 2026 laureates

The Kavli Prize in Astrophysics 2026 is awarded to Vasily Belokurov, Amina Helmi, and Rodrigo Ibata for their discovery of past mergers that prove the Milky Way galaxy was built through hierarchical accretion. This breakthrough reveals how our universe is formed and challenges assumptions on galaxy formation.

Innovative systematic review, analyzing evidence on exercise, heart health, and quality of life, will be conducted by members of the public in "The People's Review", to help them understand this research tool

The study aims to analyze the evidence on resistance training and aerobic exercise in improving quality of life and heart health for older adults. Conducted by members of The People's Review, it will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of these exercises in addressing age-related health concerns.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateJun 10, 2026

Understanding Rett syndrome before symptoms appear

A study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers identifies a set of dysfunctional genes and specific cell types that are vulnerable early on to genetic changes in Rett syndrome. The research reveals that even healthy cells can be influenced by their environment, contributing to widespread brain dysfunction in the disease.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2026

Why is effective action being taken on some drivers of suicide and not others?

A study published in PLOS Global Public Health reveals a significant regulatory inconsistency in the management of products associated with fatal self-harm, including firearms, pesticides, and alcohol. The authors argue that a more consistent approach is needed to prevent suicide by treating known harmful products as the problem, rathe...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 10, 2026

University of Bath appoints Yale academic Laura Huckins

The University of Bath has recruited leading psychiatric geneticist Professor Laura Huckins to lead mental health research, focusing on eating disorders and PTSD. She aims to provide answers and treatments for vulnerable populations, combining genetic data and human brain studies to predict individual responses to their environment.

Degradable sensors reveal hidden soil secrets by being nibbled on by microbes

New degradable sensors developed by Lancaster University researchers track biological activity in soil using a biodegradable substrate nibbled on by microbes. This technology offers insights into soil's response to climate events and storage of carbon, providing a better understanding of soil health and microbial processes.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEuropean Journal of Soil Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2026

China's psittacosis knowledge gap: A scoping review calls for coordinated action

Psittacosis is experiencing a notable resurgence in China, driven by increased diagnostic awareness and metagenomic next-generation sequencing. The disease has significant gaps in current knowledge, including inadequate characterization of molecular epidemiology and lack of unified national surveillance framework.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalScience in One Health·TypeNews article·DateJun 10, 2026

New study shows land shifts, sea level rise occur more rapidly than previously thought

Researchers found that ground subsidence has undergone phases of variable change, creating significant implications for coastal communities. The rate of vertical land motion is nonlinear in many coastal areas, particularly in Louisiana and the Mississippi Delta.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida College of Engineering and Computer Science·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 10, 2026

When motion prevents order

A team of University of Amsterdam researchers show that activity can fundamentally alter the transition from disorder to order in soft matter physics. For living cells, bacterial chains and clusters of worms, this process is more complex, with activity preventing the formation of a fully ordered state.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 10, 2026

How does childhood trauma get embedded in the body? New study uncovers mechanisms linking fear learning, brain function and inflammation

Childhood maltreatment alters fear-related brain function and systemic inflammation, modulating their connection. The timing and type of abuse or neglect shape this link, with early trauma affecting threat-regional brain areas and late trauma impacting regulatory brain regions.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalBrain Science and Child Development·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2026

Sabah's ferret badger found nowhere else on Earth

A comprehensive study reveals the Bornean ferret badger is found only in Sabah's western highlands, with a previously unknown population discovered in Nuluhon-Trusmadi Forest Reserve. The species' range and distribution are largely confined to mountain landscapes, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect its habitat.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateJun 10, 2026

Constructing advanced pyrazole-based energetic materials via direct hydrazine substitution of a heterocyclic C–NH₂ bond

The study demonstrates a direct hydrazine substitution strategy to construct fused heterocyclic energetic skeletons with tunable structural and energetic properties. The compounds exhibit exceptional thermal stability and low impact sensitivities, making them suitable for heat-resistant applications.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEnergetic Materials Frontiers·DateJun 10, 2026

New review highlights electroactive materials as key enablers for next‑generation bioelectronics and regenerative medicine

The review highlights advances in multi-scale bioelectrical interactions, analyzing challenges such as interface impedance and material-tissue compatibility. It emphasizes a shift towards application-driven design, integrating biological needs with material selection and device engineering.

SourceScience China Press·JournalMedicine Plus·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 10, 2026

Sleepy days and restless nights are a dangerous combination for blood pressure

A new study from Penn State College of Medicine found that excessive daytime sleepiness is associated with a higher risk of both prevalent and incident hypertension. Individuals reporting excessive daytime sleepiness had 52% higher odds of prevalent hypertension and 74% higher odds of incident hypertension compared to normal controls.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·TypeObservational study·DateJun 10, 2026

When the field becomes the laboratory

As precision agriculture technologies spread, on-farm experimentation has become increasingly common, generating vast amounts of data that require advanced analytical approaches. Researchers are now using statistical methods like linear mixed models and Bayesian approaches to handle the complexity of real-world data, enabling farmers t...

SourceAarhus University·JournalPlant Production Science·DateJun 10, 2026

When wheat learns to protect the nitrogen

Researchers have found that wheat plants can produce natural compounds that suppress nitrifying microbes in the soil, reducing nitrogen losses. The study screened 18 benzoxazinoids and found seven capable of strongly suppressing nitrification, with benefits for fertilizer efficiency and climate change mitigation.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPlant Physiology and Biochemistry·DateJun 10, 2026

Girls are biggest consumers of anxiolytic and sedative drugs among adolescents in most European countries

A recent study published by the University of the Basque Country found that girls are the biggest consumers of psychotropic drugs among adolescents in most European countries. The research team analyzed data from 32 European countries and discovered a significant link between consumption rates, gender equality, and economic level.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·DateJun 10, 2026

Baycrest research highlights overlooked condition affecting people with advanced dementia

Researchers at Baycrest have made significant contributions to the understanding of paratonia, a common yet underrecognized condition in advanced dementia. The studies explore clinical features, recognition, and assessment approaches, emphasizing the need for more compassionate and person-centered care.

SourceBaycrest Corporate Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateJun 10, 2026

Research spotlight: People with traumatic brain injury more likely to die from brain cancer than general population

A study published in Neuroepidemiology found that individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at a higher risk of dying from brain cancer compared to the general population. The research, which analyzed data from over 20,000 TBI patients, revealed that those with severe TBI were nearly 14 times more likely to die from brain cancer.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNeuroepidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 10, 2026

Expecting poor sleep is associated with worse postpartum sleep quality

A new study found that pregnant women's expectations about postpartum sleep predicted their actual sleep quality after delivery, with 70% of women anticipating poor sleep. The study suggests that addressing sleep-related beliefs during pregnancy and treating postpartum anxiety may improve sleep and emotional well-being in new mothers.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·TypeObservational study·DateJun 10, 2026

Climate-driven dengue surge: Study maps future risk across Costa Rica's districts

A new study maps future risk of dengue transmission in Costa Rica by analyzing climate factors and epidemiological records. The research reveals a complex interplay between seasonal weather patterns and disease transmission, highlighting the need for locally informed, seasonally adaptive strategies.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalScience in One Health·TypeNews article·DateJun 10, 2026

"Age of robots making human-like judgments, KAIST solves key challenge in physical AI

Researchers at KAIST developed Video-Based Optimal Transport (VOTP), a technology that enables robots to understand human intentions and choose actions on their own with minimal data. This breakthrough accelerates the development of physical AI, which is expected to drastically shorten development time and costs.

New review highlights how modern rheumatoid arthritis treatments can protect bone health

A new review highlights advances in preventing bone loss in people with rheumatoid arthritis, showing that modern antirheumatic therapies can significantly reduce both localized erosions and generalized bone loss. Emerging imaging technologies like HR-pQCT have been found to detect subtle bone erosions earlier and more sensitively.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalCalcified Tissue International·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 10, 2026

Antiviral molecules in bacteria

Researchers found that daunorubicin effectively inhibits bacteriophage infection in bacteria, triggering mutual destruction and killing the bacterial cell. The discovery opens up new avenues for phage therapy development, especially against antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2026

Elsa Anagnostou, Jordan Berlin, and Olisaemeka Ogbue receive ECOG-ACRIN 2026 scientific leadership and mentorship awards

Valsamo Anagnostou, Jordan Berlin, and Olisaemeka Ogbue receive ECOG-ACRIN's Young Investigator Award, Remarkable Mentor in Oncology Award, and Paul Carbone, MD Fellowship Award for outstanding contributions to translational research, mentorship, and improving cancer care. The awards are funded by the ECOG Research & Education Foundation.

Gorillas can learn to trust humans even after years of poaching pressure, Concordia research shows

A new study by Concordia researchers suggests that carefully habituating wild gorillas to non-threatening humans can help them overcome long-term aversions to people. Over an eight-year study in Cameroon, the animals' responses to human presence slowly changed from aggression and avoidance to curiosity and indifference.

SourceConcordia University·JournalAfrican Journal of Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 10, 2026

New methods make tracking individual bird species during migration possible

Researchers developed breakthrough methods to track individual bird species during migration by combining participatory science data with weather radar technology. The BirdFlow project provides species-specific migration estimates across North America, addressing a long-standing limitation in migration monitoring.

SourceCornell University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 10, 2026

The American Ornithological Society (AOS) announces the 2026 award winners for achievements in ornithological research, service, conservation, and publication

The American Ornithological Society has recognized Daniel Cadena and Kimberly Rosvall as the 2026 William Brewster Memorial Award recipients for outstanding contributions to ornithological science. The awards are given in recognition of their research on birds, conservation efforts, and service to the AOS.

Confusing code triggers brain patterns similar to those caused by unexpected turns in conversation

A study published in Scientific Reports found that programmers' brains exhibit brain activity similar to those caused by unexpected turns in conversation when encountering confusing code snippets. The research team used EEG and eye-tracking data to analyze the brain patterns, revealing a striking pattern known as late frontal positivity.

SourceSaarland University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2026

A study by IRB Barcelona and the BSC rethinks the origin of our cells as a story of microbial alliances

A study by IRB Barcelona and BSC suggests that the origin of complex cells was a longer, more gradual process than previously thought. The researchers identified signals from bacterial groups and giant viruses that may have facilitated gene exchange, contributing to the complexity of eukaryotic cells.

Wearable devices and data sharing in the US

In this serial survey study, wearable device use increased among U.S. adults, but daily use and clinician-directed data sharing remained limited. The findings suggest a need for approaches to help realize the potential of wearable devices as health care tools.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 10, 2026

Deep sea an untapped ‘evolutionary engine’ says new study

A new study has analyzed over 2100 samples to build a genetic dataset containing more than 500 million unique genes, revealing the immense potential of deep-sea biodiversity for developing new technologies. The research found that despite vast genetic diversity, deep-sea organisms rely on stable, core designs to survive extreme conditi...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 10, 2026

One in three middle-aged adults struggle with basic, ‘everyday’ health tasks

A new study found that one in three middle-aged American adults can't consistently read prescription instructions correctly or recall details from doctor visits involving chronic conditions. The researchers recommend simplifying health information using plain language to improve patient outcomes and reduce harm.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 10, 2026

Research shows parental motivational resources contribute to children’s math achievements

The study highlights the importance of parents' motivational practices in supporting their children's math learning. Parents can play a critical role by encouraging independence, praising effort, and giving children room to explore and struggle with hard problems. By doing so, they can help their children develop motivation and engagem...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development Perspectives·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 10, 2026

Acoustic environment may explain why some bird songs outlast others

A new study suggests that environmental factors can influence which bird songs are passed down through generations. Common song types, with higher frequencies and broader frequency bandwidths, traveled more effectively through the environment than rare songs. This makes it easier for young birds to hear and learn these songs, potential...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalBioacoustics·TypeObservational study·DateJun 10, 2026

Counterclockwise bias

Researchers found that most people prefer counterclockwise motion when turning, with age being the only factor that affects this bias. The study could impact our understanding of brain function and fields like design, engineering, and architecture.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2026

Stretchy, soft, and sticky: Advancing the next generation of wearable and implantable sensors

Scientists developed a bioelectronic material called SIRES that maintains conductivity despite stretching up to 300%. The device can be attached to internal organs and provide stable performance even during movement. A new platform for implantable sensors also sticks to wet tissues while delivering therapeutic interventions.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 10, 2026

From dusk till dawn

Researchers used the James Webb Space Telescope to measure how star light absorption changes as WASP-121 b rotates, probing its atmosphere longitude by longitude. The data indicate that hot winds heat the evening terminator region, causing it to absorb more stellar radiation and expand.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Astronomy·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateJun 10, 2026

Canada faces surge in social anxiety

A new Canadian study reveals that social anxiety disorder now affects nearly 1 in 7 adults, up from 8% in 2002. Young people are most at risk, and early life experiences, such as childhood trauma, and lack of social support play a significant role.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPsychiatry Research·TypeSurvey·DateJun 10, 2026

Intravenous administration of atorvastatin during myocardial infarction reduces myocardial damage compared with pre-infarction oral loading dose administration

A study by IR Sant Pau finds that intravenous administration of atorvastatin during myocardial infarction reduces myocardial damage compared to pre-infarction oral loading dose. This results in less necrosis, inflammation and improved cardiac recovery over time.

SourceInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau (Sant Pau Research Institute)·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2026

Swiss consortium renews open access agreement with MDPI

The Consortium of Swiss Academic Libraries (CSAL) has renewed its publishing agreement with MDPI, making open access publishing more accessible to researchers across Switzerland. The partnership grants substantial discounts on article processing charges (APCs), with a 20% discount offered to researchers.

To discover new physics, AI may need to “unlearn” the old one

A new study explores how transfer learning reduces computational costs in cosmological simulations while revealing risks of negative transfer, which can hinder learning new physics. Transfer learning can accelerate inference but may also push AI systems toward incorrect interpretations of new effects.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 10, 2026