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Science News for June 17, 2026


Awareness of Freedom House Ambulance Service, historically overlooked, surged after "The Pitt"

A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that a single TV episode sparked a surge in awareness and conversations about the historic ambulance service. Online search trends and social media conversations revealed how entertainment media can spark curiosity and learning about forgotten topics.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 17, 2026

Strength training linked to lower heart disease risk in women

A new study published in JACC found that women who consistently strength train showed substantially lower risk of major cardiovascular disease, particularly alongside aerobic activity and reduced sedentary time. Higher levels of resistance training were associated with lower risk of major CVD, especially myocardial infarction, with no ...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 17, 2026

Better heart 'digital twins' could help target treatment for Atrial Fibrillation (erratic heartbeat)

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London developed digital models of individual patients' hearts to simulate Atrial Fibrillation behavior. Combining three types of data, including MRI scans and electrical voltage measurements, identified more targets than imaging alone.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 17, 2026

Atom-thin coating developed from NUS CDE–Applied Materials partnership tackles key bottleneck in chip miniaturisation

Researchers have developed a single material, tungsten disulfide, that can serve as both barrier and liner in copper wiring, allowing for improved chip performance. The coating is just 0.7 nanometres thick, roughly the width of a few atoms, and has shown significant improvements in resistance and reliability.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

A dual-mode wireless microsystem for monitoring dopamine and spike changes with dexmedetomidine

A dual-mode wireless microsystem simultaneously monitors electrophysiological signals and dopamine-related electrochemical signals, providing a complete view of brain state transitions. The system shows dose-dependent effects of dexmedetomidine on cortical neural activity and neurochemical signals.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateJun 17, 2026

New field study finds practical way to cut nitrogen pollution from tea plantations

A two-year field experiment in subtropical China shows that combining nitrogen transformation inhibitors with biochar can reduce harmful nitrogen gas emissions while supporting tea productivity. The treatment combining biochar and dual inhibitors also increased tea yield by 6.7% and plant nitrogen uptake by 14.4%.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

Instagram Reels about Crohn’s disease are moderate in quality – with medical‑advice videos often containing misinformation – per study highlighting need for critical evaluation of social media health content

A study assesses the quality and accuracy of Crohn's disease-related content on Instagram Reels, finding moderate overall quality with medical-advice videos containing significant misinformation. The research emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating social media health content to ensure accurate information is shared.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateJun 17, 2026

New trial aims to extend immune system lifespan

A new trial aims to restore the function of worn-out T cells, a type of white blood cell that helps coordinate the body's immune response. The Phase 1 trial will focus on exhausted or senescent T cells, which accumulate with age and in chronic disease, and may help improve immune resilience and support healthier ageing.

SourceUniversity College London·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 17, 2026

Boosting vaccine uptake goal for experts’ Colombia meeting

Aberystwyth University experts Dr Kate Parsons and Dr Simon Payne will lead sessions on boosting vaccine uptake at the upcoming international meeting in Colombia. The workshop aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and real-world impact by applying behavioural science principles to improve vaccine acceptance and delivery.

Vibrating pill could help predict relapse risk for anorexia nervosa patients

A new study found that individuals with anorexia nervosa may struggle to detect subtle stomach sensations and update their expectations when signals are present, which can lead to higher relapse risk. The vibrating pill could help doctors identify patients at higher risk of relapse and track treatment effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 17, 2026

Researchers discover a new therapeutic target to prevent thrombi with a lower bleeding risk

Researchers at the Sant Pau Research Institute have identified a new protein involved in platelet activation that could lead to safer antithrombotic therapies. The LRP5 protein is directly involved in arterial thrombus formation and regulates the platelet P2Y12 receptor, reducing thrombus formation with lower bleeding risk.

SourceInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau (Sant Pau Research Institute)·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

Freshwater sediments may play a bigger role in slowing methane emissions than previously thought

Researchers found that freshwater microbial communities have evolved high-affinity strategies for scavenging scarce resources, enabling efficient methane removal. The study also revealed the importance of dissolved organic compounds in stimulating methane oxidation under certain conditions.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

Postbiotic foods for improving gum health

Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo found that postbiotic foods can improve gum health in adults with mild gingivitis, reducing gum bleeding and inflammation. The study suggests a simple way to support oral health without altering oral care habits.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of Periodontology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

Smartphone apps, wearable trackers helped people with heart disease boost physical activity

A meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials found that using smartphone apps or wearable technologies can increase daily step count and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among people with heart disease. The analysis showed that digital tools, such as self-monitoring, feedback, and goal setting, can motivate patients to be more active.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 17, 2026

Inborn DNA variation in taste and smell genes affect diet and health, a Monell Center-led research team finds

A Monell Center-led research team discovered that a genetic variant linked to onion preference is associated with lower blood pressure and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Genetic variants in taste and smell receptor genes affect food preferences and have direct health consequences for outcomes such as blood pressure.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 17, 2026

University of Michigan implants first-in-human Paradromics wireless brain-computer interface, designed to restore communication

Researchers at University of Michigan Health have implanted the first wireless brain-computer interface (BCI) to restore communication in a patient with motor neuron disease. The study, called Connect-One Early Feasibility Study, aims to assess the device's long-term safety and effectiveness in synthesizing text and speech.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

CHOP scientists engineer personalized cartilage graft for infants with life-threatening airway narrowing

A team of researchers at CHOP has created a novel method to engineer personalized cartilage grafts for infants with severe subglottic stenosis. Using decellularized meniscal cartilage with patient-specific cells, the new technique overcomes issues associated with standard grafts, such as donor site morbidity and delayed timelines.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

Chinese scientists propose "First principle of drug design" and introduce "Pulsatile activation" concept for drug design

Researchers designed Linafexor, a non-bile-acid FXR agonist with pulsatile activation, to mimic the body's natural rhythms. In preclinical models, Linafexor significantly improved markers of liver injury and inflammation, while achieving intended pulsatile exposure synchronized with bile-acid rhythms.

Fully implanted miniature radio controller boosts cyborg insect mobility in challenging terrains

A wireless controller was implanted into cockroaches, boosting their mobility and success rates in navigating through obstacles. The implant allowed the insects to use their full behavioral repertoire, including rolling and side-stepping, while backpacked insects struggled with reduced success rates.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateJun 17, 2026

Cal Poly biological sciences professor receives Botanical Society of America’s Charles Edwin Bessey Teaching Award

Nishi Rajakaruna, a Cal Poly biological sciences professor, has received the Charles Edwin Bessey Teaching Award for his innovative teaching methods that combine fieldwork, food, culture, and rigorous science. The award recognizes his dedication to improving botanical education at a regional, national, or international level.

Could seeing themselves in a mirror help babies copy others?

A recent study found that exposure to their own reflection in 4-month-old infants enhanced neural processing of others' facial actions but did not increase facial mimicry. The results suggest that simple experiences like seeing one's own reflection can shape the social brain from an early age.

SourceBIAL Foundation·JournalDevelopmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

Radiation therapy enhances immune environment in brain metastases, improving treatment response

Researchers found that radiation therapy not only targets tumor cells but also activates immune pathways to make tumors more receptive to immunotherapy. The study suggests that radiation-immunotherapy combination strategies could improve patient outcomes by reshaping the surrounding immune landscape and recruiting T cells.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJun 17, 2026

Microbes frozen in ancient rubbish heaps help reconstruct ancient Greenlanders’ farms, seal hunts, and toilets

Researchers found well-preserved bacterial communities in ancient middens, including species from human feces and animal hosts. The study suggests that these communities provide a unique glimpse into the daily life of Paleo-Inuit and old Norse, including their farming, seal hunts, and toilets.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

Largest trial to date shows a psychological therapy to address the consequences of trauma is safe and effective for people with co-occurring psychosis and PTSD

The STAR study found that an integrated Trauma-Focused-CBTp was safe and highly effective for people with co-occurring diagnoses of psychosis and PTSD. Participants showed significant improvements in various outcomes, including PTSD symptom severity, psychosis symptoms, mood disorders, and emotional well-being.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 17, 2026

CHOP scientists engineer personalized cartilage graft for infants with life-threatening airway narrowing

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed a novel method using decellularized cartilage with patient-specific cells to enlarge pediatric airways narrowed by severe subglottic stenosis. The new technique is faster, more effective, and better tolerated than current standard grafts.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

Individual lipid transporters under the microscope

A new method has precisely measured how quickly individual protein transporters transport lipids through cell membranes, revealing previously unknown variability in their behavior. This platform can be applied to various proteins involved in biological processes and allows for selective analysis of factors influencing transport activity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

KAIST develops next-generation self-powered wearable sensor resilient to 668% elongation

Researchers at KAIST have developed a highly stretchable piezoelectric fiber sensor that operates stably even under repeated deformation. The sensor can be stretched up to 668%, generating consistent electrical signals under various movements, and is expected to enable long-term monitoring of biosignals in wearable medical devices.

Exercise and protein program may aid recovery in frail seniors after hospitalization

A pilot study suggests that a simple exercise and protein supplementation program can help older adults with frailty recover more successfully after hospitalization. The program showed promising results, with 80% of participants discharged from skilled nursing facilities back to the community rather than long-term care or the hospital.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

The nose knows: Electric schnoz can smell when your food’s gone bad

A new proof-of-concept device created by UC Berkeley researchers can sniff out gases emitted by harmful bacteria, allergens and other food safety hazards. The device uses machine learning to recognize sensor response profiles associated with different foods and can detect the presence of common food allergens such as walnuts and peanuts.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

How 170,000 Pakistani genomes could transform medicine

A comprehensive analysis of 173,303 Pakistani genomes reveals the presence of 34,000 people with complete loss of function of at least one gene, known as 'human knockouts'. This study provides valuable information needed to develop new treatments for human diseases and sheds light on why drugs developed in mice often fail in humans.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 17, 2026

Shanghai and China's coastal waters might be especially vulnerable to this century's predicted sea level rise, especially in the context of local land subsidence, river water discharge, and marine currents, per new analysis

New analysis reveals Shanghai and China's coastal waters are highly susceptible to sea level rise, exacerbated by local land subsidence, river water discharge, and shifting marine currents. The study's findings highlight the urgent need for adaptive measures to mitigate these impacts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateJun 17, 2026

New benchmark evaluates AI for everyday patient care

Researchers developed BRIDGE, a multilingual benchmark that assesses large language models' understanding of clinical patient-care text. The benchmark reveals significant gaps in LLM performance on real-world clinical tasks, particularly in nuanced clinical language.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 17, 2026

Wa'ed ventures backs KAUST spinout terraxy to scale desert greening technology

Terraxy, a KAUST spinout, has secured $3 million in funding to scale its desert greening technology, which can deliver up to 70% improvement in plant growth and yield. The investment will support the establishment of a commercial facility in Al Zulfi and enable the deployment of its proprietary soil enhancer, Carbosoil.

Robot-assisted osteotomy and reconstruction with AR guidance in maxillofacial reconstructive surgery

The research presents a novel system, RAMRS, that combines robot-assisted osteotomy and augmented reality-guided reconstruction to improve accuracy and efficiency in complex maxillofacial surgeries. The system achieves significant reductions in errors compared to traditional methods, making it a major step forward for the field.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateJun 17, 2026

New scenarios for photonic computing: a new era of photonic AI for medical diagnosis

Researchers developed a black phosphorus-based all-fiber photonic artificial intelligence diagnostic platform, achieving 246-fold energy efficiency gains. The system achieved 95.0% accuracy in retinal detachment detection and 97.6% specificity in hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

Machine-learning how to overcome antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea

A new study uses AI to identify promising chemical compounds that could develop into effective antibiotics against multi-drug resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The approach has the potential to address the growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance in this fast-evolving pathogen.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 17, 2026

Filtering out the negative: people are less likely to notice negative words new study finds

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered a surprising bias in non-conscious processing: negative spoken words are less likely to reach conscious awareness than neutral ones. This challenges traditional assumptions about how emotional information gains access to conscious awareness.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

University of Michigan implants first-in-human Paradromics wireless brain-computer interface, designed to restore communication

The University of Michigan has successfully implanted the first-in-human Paradromics wireless brain-computer interface, designed to restore communication for patients with difficulty speaking. The clinical trial will focus on the device's long-term safety and assess its ability to restore communication through synthesized text and speech.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

When health matters, status doesn't

A study found that people tend to focus on their personal outcome instead of comparing themselves to others when making status decisions involving health. In non-health situations, participants preferred to come out ahead of others, but this changed once health information was introduced, shifting them towards choosing what was best fo...

SourceUniversity of East London·JournalReview of Behavioral Economics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

Rebuilding credibility: scientists unveil rigorous framework to fix flawed global forest carbon credit systems

Researchers unveil a rigorous framework to fix global forest carbon credit systems, addressing methodological defects and promoting biodiversity conservation. The new standards aim to produce high-integrity climate assets while safeguarding community interests.

SourceSouth China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalBiological Diversity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 17, 2026

HKUST study finds urbanization in the greater Bay Area intensifies extreme heat and heavy rainfall risks

A new study by HKUST found that urbanization and anthropogenic heat are amplifying regional climate effects, increasing temperatures and altering atmospheric circulation to lead to more frequent and intense rainfall events. The research highlights the crucial role of the GBA's coastal setting in enhancing these impacts.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 17, 2026

Everyday chemical exposures linked to preterm birth, lower birthweight

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that pregnant women are exposed to dozens of everyday chemicals, including phthalates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which can impact how early a child is born or a child’s weight at birth. The research linked certain chemical exposures to earlier delivery and lower birth weight.

SourceUNC Gillings School of Global Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 17, 2026

Can probiotics help treat depression?

A pilot clinical trial found that adding probiotics to standard care reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms in older adults with moderate depression. However, probiotics did not confer clear additional gains in quality of life compared to a placebo.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 17, 2026

Ebola virus hides in the central nervous system, according to new research led by microbiologists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Researchers found that Ebola virus can persist in cerebral organoids for up to 120 days, infecting various cell types, including neurons and astrocytes. The virus can trigger local inflammation and lead to disease relapses in survivors, highlighting the need for improved treatments.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

New JWST images of abnormally well-developed galaxy cluster open up the “cosmic noon” frontier

Astronomers have discovered a galaxy cluster in the distant universe that is more mature than expected, with unprecedented mass concentration toward its center. The James Webb Space Telescope images reveal strong gravitational lensing effects, providing valuable insights into dark matter distribution and cosmological models.

SourceCaltech IPAC·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 17, 2026

Prone positioning in infants with acute bronchiolitis

A recent study published in JAMA found that prone positioning in infants with moderate to severe bronchiolitis receiving high-flow nasal cannula support did not significantly reduce escalation of care. The study suggests that further research is warranted due to the wide confidence interval around the observed odds ratio.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 17, 2026

Beyond bread and beer: Alluring yeast species could yield new mosquito traps to combat malaria

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health discovered that a common yeast called Rhodotorula taiwanensis can lure and trap the Anopheles gambiae mosquito, the principal malaria-transmitting mosquito in Africa. The yeast's blend of scent chemicals attracts mosquitoes via their sense of smell, primarily through odoran...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2026

From microbial dark matter to living library: New biobank decodes survival secrets of extreme acid mine drainage microbes

A new culturomics-driven biobank, the Microbial Biobank of Acid Mine Drainage (mbAMD), has been established to decode the survival secrets of extreme acid mine drainage microbes. The collection contains 652 isolates spanning 42 species, including 21 novel taxa, and covers 86.7 percent of the global AMD core microbiome.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateJun 17, 2026

Exploring the origin of freely adjustable parameters in the fundamental equations of nature

A study by researchers at Kyushu University suggests that continuous parameters in quantum gravity may not be freely adjustable, but rather emerge from operators within the theory. The findings support Einstein's century-old claim about the fundamental laws of nature and have implications for our understanding of quantum gravity.

SourceKyushu University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 17, 2026

Superconducting TES array X-ray spectrometer goes into operation at BESSY II

The new superconducting TES array spectrometer at BESSY II offers unparalleled efficiency in detecting X-ray photons, enabling research on atomically thin layers and highly diluted samples. This breakthrough complements existing techniques like ARPES, providing new insights into molecular chemistry and quantum properties.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

Insilico completes first-in-human dosing in phase I clinical study of AI-driven NLRP3 inhibitor ISM8969, achieving first clinical milestone in collaboration with Hgtia

Insilico Medicine has completed the first-in-human dosing of its AI-driven NLRP3 inhibitor ISM8969 in a phase I clinical study. The trial achieved its first clinical milestone with partner Hygtia Therapeutics, evaluating the safety and efficacy of the treatment for chronic neuroinflammation.

S-M-A-R-T! These researchers used math to crack Wordle

A team of researchers at Binghamton University developed a method to solve Wordle with a 99% success rate by applying information theory. By prioritizing guesses that provide the most information, they reduced the pool of possible words and solved puzzles in fewer guesses.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalNortheast Journal of Complex Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 17, 2026

Integrating robotic precision with therapist expertise: First-of-its-kind exoskeleton therapy could redefine how stroke survivors relearn to walk

A new study integrates robotic exoskeletons with therapist-patient interaction to create a more personalized and effective approach to stroke rehabilitation. The therapy, called TEPI, has been shown to improve joint range of motion, step length, and muscle activation compared to conventional therapy.

SourceShirley Ryan AbilityLab·JournalScience Robotics·DateJun 17, 2026

FAP-targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy shows broad effectiveness across multiple cancers

A novel FAP-targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy approach has shown safety and effectiveness in treating various types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, gastric, and ovarian cancers. The treatment achieved objective responses in approximately two-thirds of patients and disease control in over 80%.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 17, 2026

Redesigned high-NA lithography optical system aims to revolutionize semiconductor chipmaking

A redesigned high-NA EUV lithography optical system has been proposed, which could enable the manufacture of smaller computer chips at lower cost than current methods. The new design eliminates troublesome optical effects, enhances resolution, and should be much cheaper to produce.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Micro/Nanopatterning Materials and Metrology·DateJun 17, 2026

Mass public school closings in Chicago linked to more gun violence in surrounding neighborhoods

A new study from researchers at the University of Chicago and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health shows that mass public school closures in Chicago led to increases in gun violence in surrounding neighborhoods. Neighborhoods near closed schools saw a 9.9% increase in shootings, compared to similar areas without school c...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 17, 2026