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Science News for June 16, 2026


LiON: A fluorescent molecule for tracking iron and oxygen levels in individual cells

Researchers developed LiON, a fluorescent reporter that visualizes biologically active iron and oxygen inside living cells. The tool revealed striking differences in iron and oxygen distribution across organs and cells, offering new opportunities to study diseases like cancer, liver disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Physicists identify upper limit to resistivity in a pure metal

Researchers discovered a maximum amount of electrical resistance that can occur due to electron collisions, offering insights into what causes resistivity at the microscopic level. The study found that when interactions between atoms become too strong, the resistivity caused by collisions eventually stops rising and saturates.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

On-chip targeted cell killing via unprecedented high-efficiency singlet oxygen generation

Scientists create metasurface to generate singlet oxygen at molar-level concentrations, achieving six-orders-of-magnitude enhancement over conventional methods. This approach enables position- and pixel-selective cytotoxicity without additional molecular sensitizers.

Radionuclides trapped in a deep-sea sample point to an ancient cosmic event

Researchers have discovered rare radioactive isotopes in a deep-sea manganese crust, pointing to an ancient cosmic event that occurred at least 100 million years ago. The discovery provides new insights into the formation of heavy elements in the universe and helps refine our understanding of past astrophysical events.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2026

A heat sensor for living cells

Researchers at Harvard's SEAS have developed a highly sensitive calorimeter that can detect metabolic heat signals on the order of 100 picowatts in living cells. The device tracks the growth of small populations of bacteria in real-time, including monitoring how bacterial growth changes in response to different antibiotics.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Why hotel crisis plans collapse when panic sets in, according to hospitality leaders

Researchers found that successful crisis leadership depends on preparation before a crisis, decisive action during disruption, and reflective learning afterwards to improve future resilience. The study identified eight key leadership skills, including emotional regulation, ethical decision-making, collaboration, and strategic thinking.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2026

Recognition for senior centers grows under National Center to Reframe Aging, Pennsylvania Department of Aging partnership

A partnership between the National Center and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging is bridging the gap for senior community centers by creating evidence-based communication strategies. The research was informed by input from a representative sample of Pennsylvania residents, highlighting the importance of senior community centers as vi...

Study suggests shingles vaccine may lower dementia risk

A study led by Brown University researchers found that older adults who received the shingles vaccine had a 24% lower risk of being diagnosed with dementia within four years. The study analyzed health records and Medicare data from over 500,000 adults age 66 and older who were admitted to skilled nursing facilities.

SourceBrown University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2026

The Tungsten-Silicone contact lens curing underwater drone blindness

Researchers have developed a soft, custom-molded acoustic contact lens that actively corrects outgoing sound waves before they pass through an autonomous drone's protective shell. The lens boosts sonar signal strength by up to 10 decibels while cutting background reverberation without draining extra battery power.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJun 16, 2026

Study finds landback returns of Indigenous lands happening across country, can lead public planning

A study by University of Kansas researchers found that landback returns of Indigenous lands are occurring rapidly across the country. The findings show that over 75 distinct tribal nations have received lands, with private landowners, nonprofits, and corporations being among the most frequent returners.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Resource Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 16, 2026

Flipping engineering design on its head

Nikhil Bajaj's $649K NSF CAREER Award aims to develop a unified computational framework for designing nonlinear systems. The approach targets bifurcation behavior in devices such as ultrasensitive gas-leak detectors and energy harvesters. By starting from explicit behavior specification, researchers can engineer systems backwards.

One of the Earth’s most important plate boundaries is older than previously thought

Researchers found evidence that the Aleutian Islands' subduction beneath the North American Plate occurred at least 56 million years ago, significantly earlier than previously thought. This discovery has implications for understanding tectonic and climatic processes that shaped the Earth's history.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2026

Developing clinical-grade intestinal organoids for regenerative medicine applications

Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo have developed a novel culture system to produce stable, scalable, and low-cost clinical-grade intestinal organoids from patient biopsy samples. The innovative approach uses clinical-grade collagen and synthetic peptides to enhance growth and improve scalability.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Loneliness drives cognitive impairment, can lead to shorter life, study suggests

A recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that loneliness plays a stronger role in cognitive impairment and shorter life spans than social isolation. Loneliness was consistently associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline and a shorter life, even after taking social isolation into account.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2026

Medical School researcher awarded $2.2 million NIH grant to study retinal disease causes, potential treatments

A University of Minnesota Medical School research team has been awarded a 4-year, $2.2 million grant to better understand the underlying causes of retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and develop new treatments. The focus is on fibulin-3, an extracellular matrix protein that causes blinding eye diseases.

Cannabis branding may appeal to youth despite regulations, study finds

A Washington State University study found that cannabis packaging design features, particularly branding elements, can attract underage consumers, raising questions about existing regulations. Participants preferred colorful logos, bold typography, and images resembling familiar foods over warning labels and nutritional information.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateJun 16, 2026

Adoption paradox of artificial intelligence in computational pathology: a three-stage maturity model from algorithms to clinical integration

The study proposes a three-stage maturity model for AI integration in pathology, highlighting key barriers to clinical translation: data fragility, workflow misalignment, and institutional trust deficits. Infrastructure-first AI, workflow-embedded intelligence, and adaptive governance are proposed pathways toward sustainable clinical i...

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalLabMed Discovery·TypeNews article·DateJun 16, 2026

A nasal spray reaches a woman's brain differently depending on the week, and it may explain why a promising brain drug looked like a failure

A new study found that intranasal davunetide reaches the brain in higher amounts in female mice when estrogen peaks, with similar results seen in healthy adults. The findings suggest earlier trials mixing males and females may have obscured the true effects of the drug.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalGenomic Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Ageing: how scientific progress is changing our understanding of the biology of ageing

A new review suggests that ageing results from overlapping changes occurring simultaneously at many levels of biological organization. This approach is reflected in the concept of the 'hallmarks of ageing', which are interconnected biological characteristics and processes consistently associated with aging.

SourceWroclaw Medical University·JournalBiogerontology·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 16, 2026

Weight-loss drug results in the real world

A new study found that patients taking weight-loss drug tirzepatide experienced significantly more weight loss than those on semaglutide, with nearly twice as many high responders. Additionally, tirzepatide showed fewer gastrointestinal side effects and more significant weight loss in women and white patients.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 16, 2026

Protecting insurance in a changing climate

A new project aims to create an early warning system for climate impacts like flooding or droughts, helping insurers react quickly. Researchers will develop models of insurer responses to different levels of climate change, combining climate science with behavioral and political sciences.

Young frogs "play it safe" when disease strikes

A study by the University of Florida reveals that young frogs invest heavily in early growth and delay stronger immune responses until infection levels become dangerous. This strategy helps them survive and reproduce in environments with fluctuating food availability and infection risk.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Large-scale genetic study uncovers new factors associated with a pregnancy-related liver disease

A recent international study identified 26 genetic regions associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), including ten previously unknown regions. The study found a strong link between genetic susceptibility to ICP and bile acid metabolism, offering new avenues for research into maternal health and pregnancy-related live...

SourceTampere University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 2026

KAIST illuminates the eyes of humanoid robots with minimal memory

A joint research team from KAIST and international institutions developed 'Upsample Anything,' a universal technology that can enhance the visual performance of AI even with limited GPU memory. This achievement increases GPU memory efficiency by up to 16 times, allowing AI to perceive its surrounding environment more precisely.

Genome-wide analysis uncovers clues to Faroese ancestral history

The study reveals that the genetic diversity of Faroese people contributes to their health, with a greater proportion of long runs of homozygosity suggesting a recent evolutionary bottleneck. Additionally, certain genes such as POLQ and SLC10A1 show increased genetic diversity in the population, potentially linked to diet changes.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2026

Oddball exoplanet challenges what it means to be a hot Jupiter

Astronomers at Caltech IPAC have settled on a leading hypothesis for the unusual hot spot on CoRoT-2 b, a hot Jupiter that defies previous assumptions about its behavior. The planet's slow rotation speed, which is equivalent to about three Earth days per orbit, suggests it is not tidally locked to its host star.

SourceCaltech IPAC·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateJun 16, 2026

Groundbreaking TSESOM framework redefines sustainable operations for botanic gardens

The TSESOM framework proposes a dynamic service ecosystem approach to manage sustainable operations in botanic gardens, integrating biodiversity research and ecosystemic thinking. It offers a flexible tool for transformative collaboration and innovation, supporting planetary health and global sustainability transitions.

SourceSouth China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalBiological Diversity·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 16, 2026

The mystery of the eye disease that can make infants blind

A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that doctors in hospitals treating the most premature babies were more likely to diagnose eye disease requiring treatment. This contradicts expectations that these doctors would be over-diagnosing. The researchers are now investigating possible reasons for this difference, in...

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalActa Ophthalmologica·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 16, 2026

'Geriatric' butterfly species lives nearly three times as long as their relatives

A University of Bristol-led study found that tropical butterflies of the Heliconius tribe live up to three times longer than their closest relatives, with some species surviving for almost a year. The researchers discovered that these butterflies have evolved a unique strategy for extending lifespan and slowing down aging.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2026

From cleaner “cracking” to black gold

Graphonos Materials, a startup from the University of Pittsburgh, has developed a novel technology to produce battery-quality graphite and hydrogen using molten metal catalysis. This process is more energy-efficient and sustainable than current methods, which require high temperatures and generate significant carbon emissions.

Reading the room’s magnetic personality: New algorithm cuts indoor positioning error by nearly half

Researchers developed a novel navigation method that reads a building's unique magnetic fingerprint to determine its location with unprecedented accuracy. The system uses an array of magnetometers and inertial measurement units to track movement without any external signals, achieving a horizontal positioning RMSE below 1.27 meters.

A more reliable way to make the computer chips of the future

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a method to manufacture transistors with less risk of damage using a class of extremely thin materials called transition metal dichalcogenides. By pretreating the surface with oxygen or fluorine, it becomes easier to remove atoms from the top layer without damaging the lower layers.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJun 16, 2026

NATO battlefield surgery training and surgical simulations among the first courses at Semmelweis University’s new Innovation Center

Semmelweis University's new Anatomy & Innovation Center for Education and Research has hosted two NATO battlefield surgery courses, providing realistic environments for learning and practicing new procedures. The center aims to improve patient safety and quality of care through advanced technologies and hands-on training.

UC Irvine researcher secures nearly $4 million NIH grant to advance therapeutic vaccine to help end genital herpes

A UC Irvine researcher has received a nearly $4 million NIH grant to advance a novel therapeutic vaccine strategy for genital herpes. The project aims to develop a safe and durable vaccine that strengthens protective immune cells and provides long-term immune surveillance, ultimately improving the lives of millions worldwide.

Dark biodiversity helped solve Darwin’s 160-year-old puzzle

Researchers found that the success of species in a new habitat depends on the proportion of suitable but absent species (dark diversity) and community completeness. Species similar to local species are more successful in lakes with fewer suitable species, while those utilizing different resources thrive in lakes with more species present.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 16, 2026

Climate and influenza

A new study reveals that climate change impacts influenza seasonality, with reduced humidity enhancing viral viability and transmission. The model predicts that warmer climates will see increased outbreak severity in tropical regions, while temperate areas may experience smaller peak outbreaks.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 16, 2026

Purdue researchers work to accelerate cancer drug discovery with next-gen tech platform

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a next-generation technology platform designed to dramatically accelerate one of the slowest stages of cancer drug discovery. The platform combines chemical synthesis, biological testing, and mass spectrometry into a single integrated workflow, allowing researchers to generate, evaluate, ...

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Study identifies a new cause of age-related inflammation, suggesting promising treatment pathway

A new study has identified a two-protein complex involved in exporting R-loops, which triggers an immune response causing harmful inflammation. The study tested an approved drug called KPT-330 and found significant improvements in inflammation, liver damage, fat gain, muscle loss, and lifespan in preclinical models.

Female chickadees look for cognitive skills in male partners

Wild female chickadees prefer males with strong spatial cognition to increase the likelihood of successful reproduction and good parental care. Males with better spatial learning and memory abilities sired more extra-pair young and raised heavier chicks, which are more likely to survive.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Insight into the synergistic effect of rare-earth elements on the CMAS corrosion behavior in (RE1/4Tm1/4Yb1/4Lu1/4)2Si2O7 (RE = Gd, Ho and Sc) materials at 1300 °C

Researchers discovered a synergistic effect of rare-earth elements on CMAS corrosion behavior, enabling enhanced resistance in (RE1/4Tm1/4Yb1/4Lu1/4)2Si2O7 materials at 1300 °C. The study provides valuable insights into the correlation mechanism between rare-earth components and final corrosion resistance.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateJun 16, 2026

New review maps out the altermagnetism debate and charts a path forward

A comprehensive review synthesized decade-long efforts on ruthenium dioxide's altermagnetism, highlighting ongoing debates and proposed future research directions. The study suggests that epitaxial strain, defects, or interface effects may contribute to the observed magnetic properties of RuO2 thin films.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Physics Mechanics and Astronomy·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 16, 2026

Novel study defines “vertical marine heatwaves” in Chesapeake Bay, offers classification scheme for coastal resource management

A new study from the Batten School & VIMS provides a detailed analysis of marine heatwaves (MHWs) in the Chesapeake Bay, going beyond surface-water datasets to include subsurface patterns. The research introduces a classification scheme that reveals the complex nature of MHWs and their impact on ecosystem health.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Oceans·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 16, 2026

Climate models are missing the first warning signs of deadly Middle East heatwaves, study finds

A new study reveals that climate models reproduce extreme heat but struggle to capture the gradual atmospheric buildup leading up to it. The researchers propose a process-based framework for evaluating climate models to improve prediction capabilities and enhance preparedness for extreme heat events.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalWeather and Climate Extremes·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 16, 2026

Lack of access to data can skew medical conclusions

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses rely on complete data, but many studies lack underlying data. This can lead to unreliable results and assumptions that are difficult to verify. Researchers argue for clearer data sharing requirements to strengthen trust in research and reduce the risk of erroneous conclusions.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 16, 2026

Nanozeolite-coupled biochar fertilizer may help bamboo forest soils hold on to carbon under warming

Researchers found that nanozeolite-coupled biochar fertilizer reduced soil-derived carbon dioxide emissions by 11-18% compared to conventional phosphorus fertilizer. The biochar-based fertilizer also reduced the Q10 value, indicating a decrease in soil carbon decomposition under warming.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

New digital memory device inspired by human brain may improve AI’s energy efficiency

A new light-sensitive device developed at Oregon State University combines sensing and memory while controlling how digital memories strengthen or fade over time. This innovation could enable more efficient processing of information directly at the sensor level, improving AI systems' energy efficiency.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Data-driven approach quickly screens for durable, efficient catalysts

Researchers from Tohoku University and East China University of Science and Technology developed a data-driven approach to quickly screen for durable and efficient catalysts. By analyzing experimental data and scientific theories, they identified promising candidates that outperformed commercial RuO2 catalysts.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 16, 2026

Retinal photographs can help predict Alzheimer’s disease risk factors

A new study revealed that retinal photographs can accurately predict many common risk factors associated with developing Alzheimer's disease. The AI model identified regions of the retina linked to Alzheimer's risk factors, such as arteries and optical nerve, and predicted lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 16, 2026

Can’t stick to a diet? Try intermittent fasting for weight loss

A study published in Clinical Nutrition found that participants on an intermittent fasting diet lost around seven kilograms in six months, compared to two kilograms lost by those on the standard diet. The researchers suggest that this diet may drive weight loss through different psychological and behavioural pathways.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 16, 2026

Mechanisms of autologous rib cartilage graft resorption in microtia: Inflammatory infiltration and proinflammatory gene imbalance

Researchers investigated the mechanisms of autologous rib cartilage graft resorption in microtia, revealing chronic inflammation, gene imbalance, and mitochondrial dysfunction as key factors. This study advances auricular reconstruction by providing a solid theoretical foundation for optimizing fixation materials and developing targete...

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalENT Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Crucial insights about memory formation in glassy materials (disordered solids) under random deformation

Researchers found that amorphous materials can encode memories even when the applied deformations are completely random. The study revealed that glassy materials retain a precise memory of the deformation amplitude they experienced during training, even under random driving conditions.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNew Journal of Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 16, 2026

Could the rise of weight-loss drugs reshape food markets in the Global South?

The rapid rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs in high-income countries could lead to a shift in food purchasing patterns and marketing strategies. This could result in stronger corporate lobbying, more aggressive marketing, and expansion into urban markets in low- and middle-income countries.

Cows v plants: which milk delivers the greatest health benefits?

A recent study published at Edith Cowan University suggests that cow's milk has a nutritional edge over plant-based alternatives due to its unique 'milk matrix.' This structure affects nutrient digestion, absorption, and overall health benefits. Regular milk consumption is linked to stronger bones and a lower risk of fractures.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalFood Science & Nutrition·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 16, 2026

Rethinking plant photoprotection: New insights into antenna protein CP26

Researchers investigated the function of antenna protein CP26 and found that it affects the structural organization of the photosynthetic system instead of directly participating in non-photochemical quenching. Plants lacking CP26 showed moderate modifications to NPQ rates and photosynthetic efficiency.

Bringing ancient light-sensing proteins back to life

Researchers from The University of Osaka have developed a method to reconstruct ancestral rhodopsins that can be produced and experimentally tested in bacteria. This innovation utilizes an insertions-deletions aware sequence reconstruction approach, enabling scientists to study the evolution of functional proteins.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalACS Omega·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 16, 2026

Inducing cell death in pancreatic cancer cells

A team of researchers has identified a previously unknown vulnerability in KRAS-mutated pancreatic cancer cells, making them susceptible to necroptosis. Blocking the tumor cells' defense mechanism by inhibiting caspase-8 leads to significant cell death and reduced tumor growth.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Controlled epitaxial growth of perovskite single‑crystal heterojunction arrays for self‑powered imaging

Researchers develop novel approach to fabricate large-scale single-crystal heterojunction arrays with precise control over pixel size, arrangement angle, and crystal orientation. The method enables exceptional quality, self-powered photodetector arrays with remarkable metrics, and high-performance optoelectronic applications.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateJun 16, 2026

Cancer's hidden escape route

Prostate cancer cells use the PIM1 protein to survive treatment by activating autophagy, a cellular recycling process. Researchers have discovered a potential strategy to overcome this resistance by removing the PIM1 protein entirely using a proteolysis-targeting chimera.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalCancer Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Elephant trunks and robot skin

Researchers studied elephant trunks to understand properties and derive lessons for next-gen soft robotics. The study found functional zoned architecture allowing amplification of tactile signals while protecting fragile sensors.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 16, 2026

Invisible chemical landscapes shape life

A research team has discovered that complex chemical signals merge in the environment to form dynamic 'chemodiversity landscapes' with emergent properties. These patterns can generate novel ecological effects, shaping entire ecosystems and influencing interactions between organisms.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 16, 2026

Cuddling cats might make us feel worse when under stress

Researchers found that interacting with pets during stressful moments does not reduce negative emotions and can even intensify them in cat owners. On the other hand, dog owners experienced improved emotional well-being when interacting with their dogs.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026