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Science News for June 14, 2026


Interpretable AI in materials discovery: Uncovering how models make predictions

A new method analyzes AI models' learned features to group materials by structural and spectral similarity, revealing key factors influencing material properties. This approach opens up new possibilities for designing materials with specific and useful properties.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Discovery·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 14, 2026

Pandemic in fast forward

Researchers successfully reconstructed the evolution of the virus-human interaction over the course of an entire pandemic. They identified that strong selection pressure leads to rapid emergence of highly contagious variants, similar to Omicron. This study offers hopes that scientists may predict how viruses evolve in the future.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 14, 2026

Plant viruses open new routes for gene editing

Researchers have discovered that plant viruses can deliver CRISPR RNA guides to plants, enabling targeted genome edits. The study showcases the potential of potyvirus-based systems for expanding crop genome editing.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateJun 14, 2026

Common dizziness drug class shows promise for treating vestibular migraine

A new study found that a class of oral and intranasal medications known as gepants may be an effective treatment for vestibular migraine. Gepants work by blocking calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which drives migraine attacks, providing relief from dizziness and vertigo.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·JournalOtolaryngology·DateJun 14, 2026

Chinese scientists explain formation of global seamounts

Researchers have identified a deep Earth dynamic mechanism responsible for the formation of widely distributed seamounts. The study extends and refines the classical mantle plume model by pinpointing asthenospheric thermal anomalies as key factors in generating volcanic activity.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 14, 2026

ImmunoPRISM trial shows teclistamab improves depth of response and progression-free survival in high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma

The phase 2 ImmunoPRISM trial shows teclistamab significantly improves outcomes for patients with high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma. The BCMA-targeted bispecific antibody outperformed lenalidomide plus dexamethasone, pointing to the potential value of using immune-based therapy earlier in the course of the disease.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·DateJun 14, 2026

A breakthrough concept in nano-printing technology​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a new nano-printing technology that allows for the transfer of ultra-fine metal circuits onto plant leaves, fruits, curved automotive surfaces, and robot exteriors without causing damage. This technology has vast potential for applications in smart agriculture, wearable healthcare, and bioelectronics.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 14, 2026

"How small can semiconductors get? KAIST develops atomic-level prediction technology"

Researchers have developed a computational design technology that utilizes computer simulations to analyze and predict the scaling limits of transistors. The technology identifies the quantum tunneling limit, which varies depending on the type of metal and contact structure.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 14, 2026

AI tool spotlights welfare concerns in greyhound racing industry

Researchers used AI agents to compile data on 31,028 licensed greyhounds, uncovering a 30% increase in on-track fatalities between 2022 and 2024. The study also revealed the high turnover of greyhounds has not changed, with around 40% stopping every year.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalFrontiers in Animal Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 14, 2026

Before the aliens, the amino acids

A team of researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science has developed a new approach to detecting alien biology, leveraging statistical patterns in molecular diversity. By analyzing groups of molecules rather than individual ones, the method can identify biological signatures even in samples with limited information.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 14, 2026

Gene switch shapes pepper branching

A recent study identified CaBZR1.2 as a key player in regulating lateral branch growth in peppers, while CaSnRK1β2 acts as an opposing factor. This regulatory balance may help determine the fate of axillary buds and provide insights into crop architecture.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateJun 14, 2026

AI deciphers how fast ALS progresses and which functions decline first

Researchers at Nagoya University developed an AI tool, DiSPAH, to estimate ALS disease progression speed and identify muscle decline patterns. The study found six distinct patterns of disease progression among patients, with some experiencing rapid deterioration while others declined slowly.

SourceNagoya University·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 14, 2026

Gene circuit explains giant poplar leaves

A new study identifies a feed-forward loop involving PpnGATA8, PpnGRF5, and PagXTH9 that helps convert polyploid gene dosage into enlarged leaf cells. This regulatory module explains how polyploid gene dosage may be translated into larger leaf cells, stronger photosynthesis, and more vigorous vegetative growth in poplar.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateJun 14, 2026

Gate-voltage-controlled topological phase transition achieved in β-Ag2Te, paving the way for a new class of low-power electronics

Scientists successfully demonstrated reversible topological phase transitions in β-Ag2Te using out-of-plane gate voltages. This breakthrough enables the creation of functional electronic components with high current on-off ratios, overcoming previous hurdles in practical application.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2026

Laxative drug could improve depression-related memory and attention issues

A study published in Psychological Medicine found that a laxative drug, Prucalopride, improved executive function and memory in patients with depression. The research suggests that targeting serotonin receptors may help alleviate cognitive problems associated with depression.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPsychological Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2026

Global study confirms mosquito nets remain a powerful weapon against malaria – but warns their long-term effectiveness is under threat

A global study confirms mosquito nets reduce malaria cases by up to 68%, but highlights regional variations and the need for locally adapted control strategies. The researchers warn that relying on ITNs alone may not be enough, especially in areas with established insecticide resistance.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalInfectious Diseases·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 14, 2026

Copper drug restores memory and clears toxic Alzheimer’s proteins

Researchers found a copper-based compound significantly reduces toxic Alzheimer's proteins and improves long-term spatial memory in laboratory experiments. The treatment repairs the brain's waste-clearing pump, allowing it to clear out trapped toxic proteins and reduce amyloid buildup by 42%.

SourceMonash University·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2026

Semaglutide linked to lower bone fracture risk

A study presented at ENDO 2026 found semaglutide was associated with a 15% reduction in bone fractures and greater weight loss compared to other anti-obesity medications. The results suggest that semaglutide may have beneficial effects on bone health in people with type 2 diabetes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 14, 2026

More than half of those who stop GLP-1s restart within a year

A study found that nearly 4 in 10 patients stopped GLP-1 medication within the first year and nearly two-thirds restarted therapy within two years. The researchers also identified sociodemographic, clinical, and provider-level predictors of discontinuation, including Medicaid or Medicare status, Black patients, and side effects.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 14, 2026

Non-hormone medication addresses menopausal symptoms in women

The first real-world study of fezolinetant found the treatment improved hot flashes, depression, and anxiety in women with menopausal vasomotor symptoms. In a study of 656 women, fezolinetant significantly reduced hot flash symptoms and showed benefits similar to those seen in clinical trials.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 14, 2026