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Science News for June 15, 2026


How proteins breathe – and what makes them freeze | New insights from ISTA research

Proteins have varying shapes and sizes, requiring them to change shape to bind other molecules. Researchers at ISTA combined methods to study protein motion and found that fleeting structures can reveal biological function. The findings could boost protein design approaches and improve AI-based structural prediction tools.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2026

Terasaki Institute researchers and key pioneers publish comprehensive review on glioma organoid models, proposing new classification framework for brain cancer research

Terasaki Institute researchers and key pioneers publish comprehensive review on glioma organoid models, proposing a foundational classification framework to guide translational brain tumor research. The review provides an overview of human glioma organoid systems and aims to address methodological heterogeneity in the field.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalNeuro-Oncology·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 15, 2026

Large-scale population studies needed to reduce risks from newborn genome screening

Researchers emphasize the need for large-scale population studies to assess the risks of newborn genome screening and minimize overdiagnosis. The study highlights that most genetic research has been conducted in individuals with a condition or high-risk family, resulting in underestimated risk estimates.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2026

New study suggests novel ehr-based marker can identify at-risk transplant patients and reduce organ rejection

A new multicenter study suggests a novel, electronic health record–based marker can help clinicians identify transplant patients at high-risk for organ rejection due to non-adherence. The Medication Level Variability Index (MLVI) was used to flag adolescents and young adults at elevated risk following liver transplantation.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJun 15, 2026

Biochar helps redesign catalyst chemistry for faster pesticide removal from water

Researchers developed a cobalt manganese spinel catalyst regulated by biochar to activate peroxymonosulfate, achieving higher degradation rates and improved selectivity than traditional systems. The new CoMn0.75/BC system showed strong practical potential, maintaining high imidacloprid removal efficiency across various pH ranges.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2026

A gene therapy developed at the UAB prolongs health span and preserves the function of multiple organs in mice during aging

A gene therapy developed at UAB prolongs health span and preserves the function of multiple organs in mice during aging, with sustained beneficial effects across multiple endpoints. The treatment shows improved metabolism and organ function, including weight management, insulin sensitivity, and increased energy expenditure.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2026

Tumor microenvironment responsive nanotherapeutics in cancer treatment: obstacles, opportunities and future prospects

Recent advances in tumor microenvironment-responsive nanomedicines offer a promising strategy to address limitations of traditional cancer therapies. These smart carriers enable precise drug release and enhance therapeutic efficacy through structural transformations triggered by specific stimuli within the tumor microenvironment.

SourceELSP·JournalAdvanced Cancer Research·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 15, 2026

Effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and triphenyl phosphate on salamander: Insights from the gut-liver axis

A study found that polystyrene nanoplastics and triphenyl phosphate exposure can trigger gut inflammation and disrupt lipid metabolism in salamanders. The combined effects of these pollutants on the gut-liver axis were also investigated, revealing potential for hidden toxicity and non-additive interactions.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEnvironmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2026

Scientists develop new way to synthesize high-value cyanohydrins from nitrogen and methane

Researchers have developed a direct one-step synthesis of cyclohexanone cyanohydrin using nitrogen, methane, and cyclohexanone under mild conditions. The new method achieves high selectivity, yield, and formation rate, offering a new strategy for efficient utilization of inert small molecules.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 15, 2026

Researchers identify target with potential to improve CAR T-cell therapy response in patients with blood cancers

Researchers have identified a protein called cathepsin B that can prevent CAR T-cells from tearing off fragments from cancer cells, allowing them to stay active longer and fight cancer more effectively. This breakthrough could lead to improved durability and outcomes for patients with recurrent or difficult-to-treat blood cancers.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalSignal Transduction·DateJun 15, 2026

Reforestation effects on water resources depend on global warming level

A new study by researchers from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences reveals that reforestation has varying effects on water resources under different warming scenarios. Under low-warming conditions, reforestation slightly increases global water but widens the gap between wet and dry regions. In contr...

Immune activation may determine success of dual-target CAR T therapy in glioblastoma

Researchers found that CAR T cell therapy triggers a broad immune response in glioblastoma patients, with activated natural killer cells associated with better outcomes and longer overall survival. In contrast, high levels of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and myeloid cells hinder the therapy's effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 15, 2026

Adherence to biosafety and biosecurity protocols: An assessment of biomedical and veterinary laboratories in Benin

Biomedical and veterinary laboratories in Benin were found to have severe deficiencies in staff training, standard experimental practices, and emergency preparation. The study's findings highlight the need for localized biosafety codes, regular tiered training, and improved lab infrastructure to enhance pathogen containment.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Biosafety and Biosecurity·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 15, 2026

SwRI team uncovers clues about what future astronauts may find on the Moon

Researchers studied the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin on the Moon's far side, a massive impact structure that may have excavated material from deep inside the lunar mantle. Advanced models and simulations recreated the SPA-forming impact, identifying new evidence about the direction and composition of the object that struck the Moon.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 15, 2026

Climate compensation isn’t always enough

A Danish study reveals that financial compensation alone is insufficient to persuade landowners to restore low-lying soils as wetlands. The decision-making process is influenced by factors such as responsibility, professional pride, and attachment to the land, highlighting a mismatch between policy design and farmers' actual thoughts.

SourceAarhus University·JournalAgriculture and Human Values·DateJun 15, 2026

ACP issues new living clinical guideline on using medications to manage overweight and obesity

The American College of Physicians recommends semaglutide and tirzepatide as first-line treatments for nonpregnant adults with obesity, while recommending lifestyle modifications including improved nutrition and physical activity. The guideline also emphasizes discussing benefits, harms, costs, and contraindications with patients.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJun 15, 2026

Tree crown architecture reveals how shade tolerance shapes forest competition and coexistence

A study reveals how tree crown structure affects competitive interactions in forests, with light-demanding species experiencing slowed growth near neighboring trees with different crowns. Shade-tolerant species show more flexible crown forms and are limited by nearby conspecifics, aligning with the Janzen Connell hypothesis.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalPlant Diversity·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 15, 2026

EEG-interactive VR meditation improves concentration, relaxation, and emotional regulation in students

A new study published in KeAi journal Landscape Architecture and Sustainability demonstrates that virtual reality-based mindfulness meditation with EEG biofeedback can significantly enhance concentration, relaxation, and emotional well-being among university students. The VR audiovisual-EEG interactive meditation environment produced t...

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2026

New treatment combination delays multiple myeloma progression and may improve survival, study finds

A new immunotherapy combination has shown promise in delaying cancer progression and improving survival for patients with multiple myeloma. The study found that nearly nine in 10 patients receiving the treatment experienced a shrinkage of their cancer, compared to about eight in 10 on standard treatment.

SourceWake Forest University School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 15, 2026

Well-timed nudges help care providers to honor the wishes of patients with cancer according to JNCCN study

Researchers developed a two-pronged approach to encourage important conversations between patients with cancer and their oncologists about goals and preferences for care. The study found that combining reminders for both patients and providers at the right moment significantly increased serious illness conversations.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 15, 2026

The ability to accumulate toxins from the diet has gradually evolved in poison dart frogs

Researchers suggest that the evolution of toxin accumulation in poison dart frogs occurred gradually, with at least four phenotypes representing stages in this process. These phenotypes include species that sequester alkaloids or modify them, while others metabolize toxins without accumulating them.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateJun 15, 2026

Predators on the move may link the evolution of species thousands of kilometers apart

A new study suggests that migratory predators can act as evolutionary messengers, carrying avoidance behaviors across continents and linking the fates of species separated by thousands of kilometers. This challenges a longstanding assumption in mimicry theory, opening up a hidden world of long-distance evolutionary relationships.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 15, 2026

It takes two to tango: How to perform coordinated pair dances in cranes?

A study analyzing 21 pairs of wild red-crowned cranes found three specific behavioral elements: bill-stab, bow, and arch. The sequence and timing of these elements play a crucial role in pair communication, with males dancing longer than females and females taking the lead in determining dance content.

SourceThe Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI·JournalAnimal Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2026

New tool empowers research on key proteins

A new fluorescence imaging-based technique allows researchers to measure individual scramblase protein activity rates, revealing new findings and broad applicability. This enables precise study of key scramblases and their potential role in various biological processes and diseases.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJun 15, 2026

Seasoned federal administrator selected by HonorHealth Research Institute to help drive patients’ expanding clinical trial choices

Dr. Jennifer Guida, a renowned researcher and program director, has been appointed as the first director of HonorHealth Research Institute's Division of Institutional Research. She will oversee the institute's clinical trials efforts, providing patients with pioneering treatments based on internal research discoveries.

SourceHonorHealth Research Institute·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 15, 2026

Water wisdom in the desert: integrated strategies that brought life back to the Tarim and Irtysh rivers

Scientists have developed a framework combining multiscale reservoir ecological operations, ecological flow reconstruction, and innovative irrigation techniques to balance ecological sustainability with socioeconomic demands. The approach has successfully revitalized ecosystems in China's Tarim and Irtysh River Basins, offering lessons...

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater & Ecology·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 15, 2026

Magnetic encounters: how intermolecular collisions affect magnetism

Scientists at the University of Osaka developed a theoretical framework to explain the anomalously large magnetic susceptibility of organic radical fluids. They found that dynamic magnetic interactions during molecular collisions enhance the magnetic susceptibility, explaining the phenomenon beyond conventional theories.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 15, 2026

New study uncovers a potential “Sitting paradox”: moderate sitting may benefit highly active adults

A new study suggests that moderate sitting may be beneficial for highly active adults, contradicting previous guidelines. The research found a J-shaped association between daily sitting time and health outcomes, with the lowest risk at approximately 4 hours of sitting per day.

SourceJournal of Sport and Health Science·JournalJournal of Sport and Health Science·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2026

International surrogates recruited on social media face emotional control in Georgia’s booming childbirth market, new Oxford study reveals

A new Oxford study documents the hidden systems of emotional control sustaining Georgia's transnational surrogacy market, where intermediaries govern emotions and discipline conduct. Most women enter surrogacy through advertising on Instagram and TikTok, while staged payments reinforce financial control over their mobility.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalMobilities·DateJun 15, 2026

Ancient fire record rewritten: Researchers push earliest evidence of human fire use back to over a million years

A new study found evidence of repeated fire use at Wonderwerk Cave between 1.07 and 1.79 million years ago, revealing that early humans brought naturally occurring fire into the cave and maintained it. The findings provide new insights into how our ancestors first began to harness fire.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2026

New study suggests novel EHR-based marker can identify at-risk transplant patients and reduce organ rejection

A new study suggests a novel electronic health record-based marker, MLVI, can help identify transplant patients at high risk for organ rejection due to non-adherence. The study found that using MLVI as a risk marker reduced overall rejection rates by bringing them down to levels typically seen in low-risk patients.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJun 15, 2026

Brain-computer interface enables independent, accurate communication for man living with ALS

A brain-computer interface (BCI) system has been developed at the University of California - Davis Health, allowing a person with severe paralysis caused by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to communicate, work, and interact with the digital world without assistance. The BCI system has been tested in a 47-year-old man with ALS, who ...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 15, 2026

Bi‑functional extension on heterogeneous ORR/OER catalysis with 2D materials for Li‑O2 batteries

Researchers have presented a comprehensive review on the use of 2D materials to enhance lithium–oxygen battery technology through heterogeneous ORR/OER catalysis. The unique properties of 2D materials overcome traditional limitations, delivering remarkable metrics and enabling reversible Li2O2 formation with minimal overpotential.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateJun 15, 2026

Brain stimulation that adapts to Parkinson’s patients’ every step

Researchers created a personalized adaptive DBS system that detects neural signals associated with each step and adjusts stimulation in real time, improving gait symmetry and reducing falls. The study demonstrates the potential for brain stimulation to adapt to behavior itself, opening doors to future therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 15, 2026

CUHK develops all-optical signal processor to break AI data centre transmission bottleneck

Researchers from CUHK develop an integrated all-optical signal processor that corrects distorted signals in real-time, improving communication efficiency between servers and data centres in large-scale AI systems. The OSP achieves aggregate data rates of 1.6 Tb/s with latency below 60 picoseconds and low energy consumption.

SourceThe Chinese University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2026

KAIST breaks a major AI bottleneck with liquid cooling technology 10 times more efficient than the previous record

Researchers create a highly efficient liquid-cooling system that cools semiconductor chips using room-temperature water. The system achieves a coefficient of performance (COP) of 106,000, approximately ten times higher than the previous world-leading result.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 15, 2026

Secondhand smoke can leave cancer-causing cadmium in the body

A study by Texas A&M University found that breathing in secondhand cigarette smoke significantly raises toxic cadmium levels in adults, increasing the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. The study also revealed disparities in cadmium exposure among racial minority groups and individuals with lower education or income.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalBiological Trace Element Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 15, 2026

How gun violence exposure drives racial health disparities

Researchers at Rutgers University found that higher exposure to gun violence among Black and Hispanic Americans explains persistent racial disparities in both general health and chronic health diagnoses. The study suggests that reducing gun violence exposure may be an important pathway for improving health equity in the US.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 15, 2026

New breakthrough in developing more personalized treatments for lung cancer

A study by the University of Barcelona discovered that differences in tumour microenvironment surrounding adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma largely depend on abundant benign cells called fibroblasts. This finding opens the door to develop more personalized therapies tailored to each tumour's specific characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalCell Death and Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2026

Novel generative AI model enables atomic-scale prediction of protein–protein interactions

Researchers have developed a generative AI model called Void-X that can predict protein-protein interactions with high accuracy, enabling the design of new biomolecules for drug discovery and synthetic biology. The model achieves predictive accuracies of 78.3% for intra-chain clusters and 68.2% for inter-chain clusters.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2026

Think you’d never eat bugs? Research says you might—and you may even like it

Research suggests that direct exposure to insect-based foods can increase curiosity and attention, leading to a greater likelihood of consumption. Participants showed increased heart-rate activity and attentiveness when tasting insect-based products, regardless of knowledge about the ingredients.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Psychology and Economics·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2026

MIT researchers develop tiny ingestible sensor that can measure temperature from inside the body

A team of MIT engineers has created a tiny ingestible sensor that can measure temperature from within the body, offering continuous monitoring for patients who are sick or at risk of hypothermia. The device is small enough to be easily ingested and can provide accurate temperature readings with an accuracy of 0.01 degrees Celsius.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Electronics·DateJun 15, 2026

Study reveals how bacteria assemble their envelope

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have discovered a key process for how gram-negative bacteria attach their outer membrane to the cell wall. The study found that protein PA2854 performs a chemical reaction linking the outer membrane to the cell wall, a crucial step in maintaining the bacterium's health.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 15, 2026

COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness among older adults

Vaccines administered in autumn and winter 2025 to 2026 showed substantial short-term effectiveness but low uptake. This results in approximately 55% effectiveness against symptomatic COVID-19 among older adults within 2 months of vaccination, missed opportunities for preventing symptomatic disease among unvaccinated vulnerable groups.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 15, 2026

Youth-designed “blue-green” spaces boost resilience and mental wellness for Appalachian adolescents

A new study from Georgetown University's Berkley School of Nursing found that youth-led environmental design can foster a unique form of 'Situated Strength' among high school students in rural Appalachia. The project transformed an unused concrete pad into a multifunctional wellness space, supporting emotional regulation and resilience.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalProgress in Community Health Partnerships Research Education and Action·DateJun 15, 2026

Light switch makes cancer vulnerable to attack

Researchers from ETH Zurich have developed a system that uses light to selectively destroy glucocorticoid receptors on tumour cells, making them vulnerable to attack. This approach could lead to more targeted and effective cancer treatments with fewer side effects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2026

Female patients with traumatic brain injury less likely to be admitted to trauma centres

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that female patients with traumatic brain injuries are 26% less likely to be admitted to specialized trauma centers than males. This disparity persisted even after adjusting for factors like age, severity of injury, and other health conditions.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2026

Can obesity make the brain age faster?

A new study investigates whether obesity contributes to faster brain aging and earlier memory decline. Researchers found that high K63 polyubiquitination levels in young obese rats matched those seen in older brains, suggesting a connection between obesity-induced and age-related memory loss.

CBT can help after a broken heart

A new study by Uppsala University researchers shows that internet-based CBT can significantly reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety in women with broken-heart syndrome, a condition often triggered by extreme stress. The treatment also helps patients better cope with emotions related to their illness.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 15, 2026

Mapping the hidden iceberg of spinal cord injury

A new review reveals that spinal cord injury can trigger a cascade of systemic complications throughout the entire body, affecting organs far from the original injury site. The authors propose a neuro-immune-metabolic network framework for understanding these complications and suggest a shift towards proactive, system-wide recovery.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 15, 2026

You just ate that planet, didn't you?

Researchers discovered a sun-like star TOI-5882 with unusually high lithium concentrations, suggesting it has consumed a planet in the past. The team used spectroscopy to analyze light from the star and compared its results to control stars, finding that TOI-5882's lithium content is among the highest ever observed.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJun 15, 2026

Extending cryo-electron microscopy beyond water

Scientists at Tohoku University have developed a new sample-preparation technique called gradient blotting, allowing for the observation of materials in their native liquid environments. This breakthrough extends cryo-electron microscopy beyond water-based systems, enabling the study of materials under realistic processing conditions.