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Science News for June 12, 2026


New non-invasive prenatal testing technique gives results comparable to invasive methods, with advantages in both safety and cost

A new non-invasive prenatal testing technique, called non-invasive foetal sequencing (NIFS), detects a high proportion of genetic variants associated with clinically important conditions. NIFS is estimated to be cheaper and safer than current invasive methods, while providing earlier access to genetic information.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Genetics·DateJun 12, 2026

This is how to beat the tumor cells that survive cancer therapy

Researchers at UCSF built a robotic system to treat thousands of mini tumors, identifying shared features among persister cells that could help explain why cancer comes back. Nine drugs consistently weakened persister cells, suggesting common vulnerabilities.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 12, 2026

Dana-Farber research supports FDA approval of pembrolizumab-belzutifan combination for higher-risk clear cell kidney cancer after surgery

The FDA has approved pembrolizumab and belzutifan as an adjuvant treatment for adult patients with renal cell carcinoma at intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence following nephrectomy. The combination resulted in a 28% decrease in risk of recurrence, metastasis or death, and 81% of participants remained cancer-free after 24 months.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·DateJun 12, 2026

AI helps scientists design better biochar catalysts for removing antibiotic pollution

A new study uses deep learning to predict how fast biochar materials break down antibiotic contaminants, offering a faster path toward cleaner water and smarter environmental remediation. The model reveals key mechanistic insights, including catalyst properties contributing 59.3% of the predictive power.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Thiolated biochar helps keep toxic mercury locked in soil under climate-driven wet and dry cycles

A new study reveals that thiol-modified biochar can maintain long-term mercury immobilization in contaminated soils even when subjected to repeated drying and rewetting. The research found that TMB strongly reduced mercury mobility, lowered bioavailable mercury, and redistributed mercury into less available forms.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2026

New biochar composite offers a two-in-one strategy for safer rice and lower methane emissions

A new study published in Biochar reports a promising approach to address food safety and climate challenges at the same time. A titanium dioxide-loaded biochar material reduces arsenic mobilization and methane emissions in flooded paddy soil, offering a two-in-one strategy for safer rice and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2026

Women with HIV are more likely to die from trauma than the virus

A new study by UC San Francisco found that women with HIV are more likely to die from preventable trauma-related conditions like substance use and mental illness. The researchers say these causes are largely missing from official death records, highlighting the need for broader goals in HIV care beyond just controlling the virus.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes & Human Retrovirology·DateJun 12, 2026
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Forensic Sciences Research Volume 11, Issue 3 Now Published

This special issue highlights advances in multidisciplinary approaches, emerging technologies, and best practices that support accurate identification of human remains. The publication features 22 scientific contributions from experts worldwide, addressing challenges such as the future evolution of forensic sciences.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalForensic Sciences Research·DateJun 12, 2026

New research reveals how brains update their predictions

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis discovered that the mesencephalic command-associated nucleus (MCA) acts as a central timing hub, coordinating changes to sensory inputs across species. This finding highlights the importance of studying unusual sensory abilities in animals like weakly electric fish.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 12, 2026

Finding cell subgroups could spur retinal cell transplant success

By identifying three distinct developmental stages of photoreceptor cells, researchers aim to determine which cell population is most capable of forming neuronal connections in the eye. This may lead to improved treatment outcomes for late-stage blinding conditions through cell-based therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2026

Mount Sinai researchers identify brain “entrapment” patterns associated with depression

Researchers identified distinct brain activity patterns in people with depression, which may contribute to the experience of feeling stuck. The study suggests depression involves a form of brain-state entrapment, where the brain becomes more likely to enter certain patterns of activity and less likely to transition out of them.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJun 12, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Sorting cells’ inner structures provides new path to drug development

Researchers at Princeton University used AI to analyze how drugs affect cell structures, finding new shapes linked to disease and discovering a novel drug effect. The neural network identified cap, necklace, and flower shapes, with the latter indicating a previously unknown role of an enzyme in maintaining nucleolar organization.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2026

Hantavirus: the hidden agricultural hazard exposed by the MV hondius cruise outbreak

A deadly hantavirus cluster on a cruise ship has sparked global alarm, but new research highlights the overlooked risk of agricultural and wildlife farming environments. The study calls for a One Health approach to protect agricultural workers worldwide from this preventable occupational risk.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Integrative Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2026

Montana State researcher discovers a critical cellular system that may one day lead to treatment of some cancers

A molecular geneticist at Montana State University has discovered a previously unknown system in mammalian cells that can produce cysteine without the primary disulfide reductase system. This backup system may help humans survive by protecting cells from toxins, and could also make cancer cells more susceptible to therapies.

SourceMontana State University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 12, 2026

The enemy within: How the immune system worsens brain injury outcomes

Researchers at UC Riverside link immune signaling to disrupted brain function and cognition after concussion, finding a crucial link between TLR4 and MMP-9. Blocking these pathways may limit changes in brain circuits and improve long-term neurological outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2026
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Gut bacteria linked to osteoporosis risk in primary hyperparathyroidism

Researchers found a strong association between gut microbiome composition and bone health in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Bifidobacterium longum was identified as a key microbial driver of bone loss through immune-mediated mechanisms.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeObservational study·DateJun 12, 2026

University of Oklahoma receives $11.5 million NIH award to establish statewide immunoengineering research center

The University of Oklahoma is establishing the Oklahoma Center of ImmunoEngineering with an $11.5 million NIH award. The center will integrate wet lab science and data science to accelerate disease research. Four early-career faculty members are selected as research project leaders, and the center offers training workshops, seminars an...

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateJun 12, 2026

Our brains may be automatically filtering out negative words

Researchers found that people are less likely to notice negative spoken words than neutral ones when focused on a visual task. The study suggests the brain's unconscious mind filters out harmful information to prevent distractions and mental fatigue.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 12, 2026

Game-changing solid-state 3D printing delivers ultra-tough, high-ductility aluminum components for aerospace and marine engineering

Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University developed a novel solid-state 3D printing process that produces ultra-tough aluminum components. The screw extrusion-plasticizing friction stir deposition (SEFSD) method bypasses the melting phase, resulting in homogeneous structures with exceptional strength and ductility.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·DateJun 12, 2026
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

This jacket pulls drinking water from thin air

Engineers at University of Texas at Austin developed a jacket that collects moisture and funnels it to detachable harvesting units, producing 400-900ml of drinkable water per day. The fabric shows a three- to 10-fold improvement at scale, making it a significant advancement in atmospheric water harvesting.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 12, 2026

The featherlight long-distance fliers with parchment-thin wings

A comprehensive study has identified 100 species with documented migratory behaviour in dragonflies, while another 85 are likely to migrate. Dragonfly migrations reveal an unseen world above our heads, with insects undertaking journeys that can rival those of birds, and provide insights into ecosystem changes and climate shifts.

SourceLund University·JournalBiological Reviews·DateJun 12, 2026
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Swapping steak for salmon could boost health and reduce emissions

A new study found that replacing beef with salmon once a week can save up to 28% of carbon emissions, equivalent to a return flight to Marrakech. The researchers suggest simple diet changes could contribute to national targets of reduced carbon emissions.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEnvironmental Research Food Systems·DateJun 12, 2026

NIH grant to fund innovative bladder repair option for children

A $4 million NIH grant will help UC Davis researchers develop and test bioengineered grafts infused with ligands to treat neurogenic bladders in children. The grafts, designed to grow their own blood supply, have the potential to reduce complications after standard bladder augmentation surgery.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·DateJun 12, 2026

NYU Abu Dhabi and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi researchers develop injectable device to control nerves without surgery

NYU Abu Dhabi and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi researchers have developed an injectable device that can control nerve activity without surgery or wires. The device delivers controlled electrical signals that influence how nerves behave, allowing for precise control and minimal invasiveness. This new technology complements existing treatm...

SourceNew York University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2026

New framework to model critical infrastructure resilience

Researchers propose a new framework to model critical infrastructure resilience, focusing on AI-integrated infrastructures. The study identifies key performance indicators (R-KPIs) and provides a ten-step operational framework for analysts to assess resilience.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Safety Science and Resilience·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 12, 2026
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Horse owners' personality and attachment style shape how they interact with and care for their horses

A new study found that horse owners' psychological characteristics, including attachment styles and personality traits, shape how frequently they ride, train, and spend quality time with their horses. Owners who spent more time with their horses tended to be more emotionally connected, while those with higher avoidant attachment styles...

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalAnthrozoös·DateJun 12, 2026

Social inequality is linked to faster biological aging

A large meta-analysis has consistently shown that social inequality, such as poverty and racism, accelerates biological aging measured by epigenetic clocks. Newer biological aging measures are most sensitive to social conditions, with second- and third-generation clocks showing stronger associations with socioeconomic conditions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 12, 2026
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

The Lamm-Rivière system II: energy identity

The study focuses on the Lamm-Riviere system, a fourth-order geometric elliptic system including both extrinsic and intrinsic biharmonic maps into manifolds. Researchers investigated the inhomogeneous Lamm-Rivireè system and proved the angular energy identity for this system.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalActa Mathematica Scientia·DateJun 12, 2026

Newton reloaded: Dresden physicists go beyond the action–reaction principle

Researchers have developed a new theory that enables the description and simulation of non-reciprocal interactions, which are essential for studying complex systems like flocks and swarms. By introducing auxiliary degrees of freedom, physicists can now accurately model these systems using established methods.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 12, 2026
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Goosebump moments in archaeological research

The book 'Human Identities in the Archaeological Record' reconstructs past identities from evidence like skeletons, belongings, and material culture. Researchers investigate how people ate, grew up, and were affected by disease and inequality.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·DateJun 12, 2026

Scientist creates ‘mini‑universe’ to measure time without a clock

A University of Birmingham scientist creates a 'mini universe' with ultracold atoms to test ideas in quantum cosmology and gravity. The experiment demonstrates that time can emerge from changes within a quantum system, revealing a version of time known as 'entropic time', which flows consistently and orders events.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2026

Ancient millipedes still had secrets to tell

Researchers reconstructed millipede evolution history, tracing origins to nearly 460 million years ago. They also discovered that one group of millipedes may have developed chemical defenses 260 million years ago.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 12, 2026
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

"What if there is no one to farm? KAIST reveals a hidden risk to future food security

A new model developed by KAIST reveals that a shortage of agricultural workforce can limit farmland utilization in most regions, posing a significant risk to future food security. The study's findings suggest that sustainable development models and migration policies are crucial to addressing this issue.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 12, 2026

Sleep deprivation leaves detectable traces in saliva

Researchers at the University of Zurich have identified 10 biomarkers in saliva that can detect acute sleep deprivation. The study uses machine-learning methods to analyze metabolic changes in saliva, providing a new milestone for forensic research.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2026

Organ-preserving versus radical resection for ureteral urothelial carcinoma

A population-based study found that radical nephroureterectomy was associated with better overall and cancer-specific survival compared to kidney-sparing surgery. Tumor stage, size, lymph node dissection status, and patient-specific factors play a crucial role in individualized surgical planning.

SourceScience China Press·JournalMedicine Plus·TypeObservational study·DateJun 12, 2026
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Health equity after a colorectal cancer screening program

A cross-sectional study found that colorectal cancer screening participation increased after an organized population screening program, but socioeconomic disparities remained. Younger age groups, single households, and lower-income individuals still lag behind in screening uptake.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJun 12, 2026

A collaborative research team led by professor Yongtaek Hong develops ‘high-performance transparent top electrode technology for OLEDs’

A research team led by Prof. Yongtaek Hong developed a high-performance transparent organic light-emitting diode (OLED) incorporating highly conductive transparent metal mesh top electrodes fabricated using a selective metal deposition technique. The electrodes achieved high optical transparency of 93-99% and low sheet resistance, maki...

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalMaterials Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2026
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Cerebellar extracellular structures regulate social behavior: New insights into neural mechanisms linked to autism

Researchers found that disruptions in specialized extracellular structures surrounding cerebellar neurons alter neuronal activity across brain circuits involved in social behavior. Mice without these structures showed clear impairments in social interaction and decreased interest in unfamiliar mice. The study suggests a previously unkn...

SourceKanazawa University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJun 12, 2026
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Metal-free carbon monoxide prodrugs may help prevent cancer’s deadly spread

Researchers developed a metal-free carbon monoxide prodrug that significantly reduced metastatic tumor growth in pancreatic and triple-negative breast cancer models without signs of toxicity. The prodrug, CO-116, works by disrupting a signaling pathway that promotes cancer cell migration and metastasis.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJun 12, 2026

Antibody clues could improve long COVID care and prognosis

A study by Okayama University researchers revealed that SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels can assess infection history, symptom severity, and cognitive complications in long COVID. The findings suggest that declining S-antibody levels may indicate a greater risk of neurological complications.

SourceOkayama University·JournalBritish Journal of Biomedical Science·TypeObservational study·DateJun 12, 2026
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

One photon, two reactions - new catalyst converts CO₂ and biowaste simultaneously

Researchers have developed a catalyst material that harnesses the energy of a single photon to reduce carbon dioxide and oxidize organic waste simultaneously. The process achieves high efficiencies of approximately 93% for CO2-to-formate conversion and around 95% for biomass oxidation, showcasing efficient utilization of photon energy.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2026

Combing the general and the specific for urban science and policy

A new study offers a framework for transdisciplinary urban science by combining particularising and generalising perspectives to inform policy decisions. The research emphasizes the need for constant interaction between researchers, publics, and policymakers to chart sustainable pathways for cities.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature Cities·DateJun 12, 2026

COPA Mutations: an unexpected trigger for intestinal tumors

Researchers discover recurrent COPA mutations driving intestinal tumorigenesis through an independent route. These mutations activate the Wnt pathway in a way that bypasses essential amplifiers, leading to cancer progression.

SourceKeio University Global Research Institute·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2026

MIT engineers find a way to deliver drugs directly to the esophagus

Researchers create a hydrogel-based oral formulation that coats the esophageal lining and releases antibodies like infliximab to treat inflammatory conditions. The formulation reduces side effects by temporarily loosening cell-cell junctions, allowing larger molecules to pass through.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 12, 2026
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

UW researchers built AI agents that quickly estimate electronic devices’ carbon footprints

The system uses two AI agents to comb through publicly available data and conduct life cycle assessments, achieving an average error rate of 5%-19% similar to expert-led LCAs. The team also developed a new method to bypass detailed data collection and estimate carbon footprints for unknown devices using 'nearest-neighbors' approach.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Electronics·DateJun 12, 2026

Tracking infectious bacteria from raccoons via rivers to humans with DNA

Researchers found Escherichia albertii bacteria in 77% of water samples and 56% of wild raccoons, suggesting a pathway for transmission from wildlife to humans. The study's findings emphasize the need for a 'One Health' approach to address zoonotic diseases.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2026