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Science News for June 18, 2026


Virtual tissue staining in 3D

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute developed a new method to create virtual stains of tissue samples using micro-computed tomography and artificial intelligence. The technique allows for three-dimensional visualization of fine anatomical structures and can deliver results similar to conventional laboratory histology.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 18, 2026

From cleaner “cracking” to black gold

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a more sustainable and economically competitive process to produce battery-quality graphite, with hydrogen generated as a valuable co-product. The new method uses molten metal catalysis to dehydrogenate ethane, producing high-quality graphite that is currently dominated by China.

How do flocking birds and schools of fish move? New research offers crystal-clear answer

A new study by New York University mathematicians shows that flocks and schools behave like soft crystalline materials, with individual birds and fish serving as “atoms” that are evenly spaced in a lattice-like formation. This understanding offers insights into the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic interactions crucial in aerospace and auto...

SourceNew York University·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2026

Jobs with high exposure to low-level explosions associated with increased risk of anger and aggression

A study from University of Utah Health found that long-term occupational blast exposure is a risk factor for anger, even independently of other military exposures. Chronic low-level blast exposure is associated with a slightly higher risk of clinically documented anger, aggression, and violence.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalMilitary Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 18, 2026

Famous “Pink Planet” harbors a salty surprise

The James Webb Space Telescope has captured the first direct evidence of salt clouds in a cold object's atmosphere, surrounding the 'Pink Planet' GJ504b. The discovery provides insights into the composition and formation of this ancient, rosy-hazed world, which is too faint for ground-based telescopes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 18, 2026

Observed high vapor supersaturation provides crucial evidence for aerosol convective cloud invigoration

Researchers have observed high water-vapor supersaturation in tropical convective clouds, which can enhance condensation and release latent heat. This finding supports the concept of condensational aerosol convective invigoration, where aerosol particles create new droplets and strengthen updrafts.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 18, 2026

Women with pre-eclampsia are at increased risk of chronic kidney disease

A new study from Aarhus University reveals that women with pre-eclampsia during pregnancy have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease later in life. High protein levels in the urine during pre-eclampsia are linked to an increased risk of these conditions.

SourceAarhus University·JournalBJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 18, 2026

Can brain damage in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder keep progressing silently?

A recent international MRI study found evidence of ongoing neurodegeneration in NMOSD patients, even when they are clinically stable and not experiencing flare-ups. The research suggests that subtle cognitive decline may occur even in the absence of relapses, with brain atrophy rates being faster in NMOSD patients compared to healthy v...

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·DateJun 18, 2026

Mount Sinai to lead aspen discussions on youth mental health, and healthspan science and practice

Mount Sinai Health System experts will lead discussions on innovative community-based approaches to youth mental health and emerging scientific advances transforming healthspan. The conversations will explore how collaboration, research, technology, and personalized care can improve health and well-being for people across communities t...

42-year study tracks how “forever chemicals” move through the Great Lakes

Researchers analyzed 50 studies of biological records from the Great Lakes to track per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as 'forever chemicals.' The study found that PFAS compounds do not break down due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, leading to biomagnification in top predators.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 18, 2026

New technology streamlines the development of aptamers, synthetic alternatives to antibodies

A team of scientists has developed a new technology that significantly shortens the development process of aptamers, synthetic alternatives to antibodies. By screening for 'aptamer families' and identifying the best-performing member, researchers can reduce development time from several months to only a few days.

World’s highest-consuming 10% cause up to $5.7 trillion a year in environmental damage - more than the global climate and biodiversity funding gaps combined

The top 10% of global consumers are responsible for $1.7-$5.7 trillion in annual environmental damage, exceeding current climate and biodiversity financing commitments. Biodiversity loss accounts for 47-56% of total damages, while climate change accounts for 36-45%.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCommunications Sustainability·DateJun 18, 2026

New study led by South African scientists reveals how sea-ice microbes survive the Southern Ocean’s harsh winter, with implications for climate change

Researchers from Stellenbosch University found high concentrations of DMSP in Antarctic sea ice, which produces climate-cooling gases when broken down. This discovery highlights the crucial role of the Southern Ocean marginal ice zone in global sulfur cycling and climate regulation.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 18, 2026

Paint it black(er): A new way to make cars darker than ever

Scientists have created a practical way to make ultra-black coatings that meet automotive standards, using a composite of carbon black pigment and carbon nanotubes. The resulting color is a deep jet black with excellent long-term stability, opening the door for high-end car models in darker hues.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter & Light·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2026

Spatial map of bladder cancer reveals hidden tumor environments and new paths toward precision therapy

A spatial map of muscle-invasive bladder cancer reveals organized tumor cell states, immune environments, and therapeutic vulnerabilities. Luminal-like cells are found in tumor cores with relevant therapeutic markers, while basal-like cells near margins show signs of aggressiveness. This study guides treatment strategies by accounting ...

Training hands-on dads

A new study from the University of Tokyo finds that a one-off training session increased time spent by fathers on childcare and housework, freeing up mothers to use for their own work. The training corrected common misconceptions about paternity leave and led to significant behavioral change.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeSurvey·DateJun 18, 2026

Journal of Dental Research and JDR Clinical & Translational Research announce new journal impact factors™

The Journal of Dental Research and JDR Clinical & Translational Research have announced their 2025 journal impact factors, showing significant growth for JDR. The JDR climbed to #5 in the 'Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine' category with a 2-year impact factor of 6.6.

Study yields new insights on what makes conversation engaging

A new study at McGill University found that a listener's desire to extend a conversation depends mainly on their interest in the topic, not the speaker's oratorical style. The researchers also discovered that engaging vocal styling is marked by higher loudness and pitch, but this has no impact on conversation length.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology Human Perception & Performance·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2026

Understanding the role of the military in politics: doctoral thesis introduces an analytical framework and shows how the Russian Armed Forces have served Putin’s foreign policy

A new framework for describing military compliance with political preferences has been introduced by a doctoral thesis at Åbo Akademi University. The framework, which proposes four ideal-type roles of the armed forces in policy implementation, is applied to Putin's military campaigns in Georgia and Syria. The results show that Western ...

AI speed up the use of optical tweezers

Researchers developed an AI system called SmartTrap that uses optical tweezers to capture particles, take measurements, and load new samples autonomously. This technology accelerates the analysis of life's smallest components, potentially transforming laboratories in the near future.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Methods·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 18, 2026

Sunscreen misinformation attracts high engagement on TikTok, study finds

A study of nearly 1,000 TikTok videos found that sunscreen misinformation attracts disproportionate audience engagement, with critique-focused content generating more likes, shares, and comments than promotional videos. The analysis highlights the viral potential of contrarian content on TikTok.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeObservational study·DateJun 18, 2026

Full-space inverse-designed meta-optics for complex vector field shaping of intracavity landscapes

Researchers developed a full-space adjoint topological optimization framework for meta-optics, achieving on-demand precise shaping of complex vector fields inside an optical cavity. This breakthrough overcomes limitations of conventional topological optimization and enables subwavelength-scale full-vector wave optimization.

UCalgary study tears off colon cancer’s invisibility cloak

A UCalgary study shows that removing a single gene makes colon cancer cells vulnerable to immunotherapy, allowing them to recognize and attack tumours. The research led by Dr. Arshad Ayyaz discovered that cancer cells secrete a protein that hides from the immune system, but knocking out this gene makes them visible.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2026

UCLA-led research finds synchronized electron movement can trigger electrical signals more than 100-fold

A UCLA-led team discovered that synchronized electron movement can trigger electrical signals more than 100 times larger than conventional electronic materials. This breakthrough could lead to smaller, more energy-efficient devices using a quantum-like collective state of matter called charge-density-wave.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2026

CDI identifies reservoir of drug-resistant germs, in national surveillance collaboration with quest diagnostics

A nationwide study reveals a rapidly-evolving epidemic of community-associated multidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae across the US, with over 2,000 samples screened from 42 states. The bacteria's genetic blueprint provides critical updates for public health and potential treatment options.

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJun 18, 2026

Gaming for well-being: New study links open-world games to lower loneliness and greater resilience

A new study published in JMIR Serious Games suggests that playing open-world adventure games can lower loneliness levels and increase stoicism in adults. The research found that specific types of games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Yoshi's Crafted World, provide a 'digital diet' for emotional well-being.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJMIR Serious Games·TypeSurvey·DateJun 18, 2026

Long-term benzodiazepine use is less likely when shorter courses, a single medication or short-acting agents are prescribed, per cohort study of more than 1.8 million Canadian adults which could inform prescribing practices

A cohort study of over 1.8 million Canadian adults found that shorter prescription courses, single medication, and short-acting agents are associated with lower rates of long-term benzodiazepine use. This study provides valuable insights for informing prescribing practices to reduce reliance on these medications.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 18, 2026

Orangutans seek out medicinal plants

New research reveals orangutans selectively consume certain medicinal plants in specific sequences, suggesting 'self-medication' behaviors. The study, based on 20 years of observations, found plant combinations with known medicinal benefits are eaten consistently beyond simple nutrition needs.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 18, 2026

Intelligent, but not conscious: A warning about AI chatbots

A team of neuroscientists highlights the distinction between intelligence and consciousness, warning against confusing AI systems with human-like emotions and experiences. Decades of research support their argument, citing examples like blindsight, which demonstrates intelligent behavior without conscious experience.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Transmitter·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 18, 2026

Shaping luminescence in 3D: Advanced fabrication of YAG:Ce³⁺ microstructures

Scientists create microscopic 3D light-emitting ceramic structures using chemical synthesis and advanced laser-based 3D printing, enabling the fabrication of single-phase crystalline YAG:Ce³⁺ with high precision. This technology has the potential to transform the design and manufacturing of optical devices, leading to more energy-effic...

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2026

Gene therapy reverses Fragile X deficits in mice

Researchers developed a gene therapy that restored normal brain activity and improved behavior in mice with Fragile X syndrome by replacing the missing FMRP protein. The treatment administered during early development showed significant improvements in cognitive flexibility, social interactions, and probabilistic reversal learning.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalMolecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2026

Researchers find rare mutation doesn’t always result in blood cancer

Researchers have identified a rare genetic mutation associated with blood cancers, finding that it does not always lead to disease development. The study provides insight into the initial phases of the disease and may eventually lead to improved patient outcomes through targeted monitoring.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 18, 2026

KAIST develops next-generation database technology that reduces AI hallucinations and improves accuracy by 78%

Researchers at KAIST developed a next-generation database technology called AkasicDB, which integrates vector, graph, and relational databases into a single system. This technology reduces AI hallucinations and improves accuracy by up to 78%, addressing a key challenge in enterprise AI commercialization.

New study showing near-complete reduction of cervical cancer deaths among hpv-vaccinated adolescents in England underscores need for more data, equitable access to vaccine

A new study found that cervical cancer deaths declined by 80% among 20-24-year-olds who received the HPV vaccine between 12-18 years old. The study suggests that HPV vaccination is a highly effective cancer prevention strategy, but more data is needed to confirm its impact.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 18, 2026

Researchers find caregivers of children hospitalized for cancer, blood disorders at risk for food insecurity

A study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine found nearly one in five caregivers reported experiencing food insecurity during their child's hospital stay. Children whose caregivers faced food insecurity stayed in the hospital about a third longer on average, with higher rates of readmission within 30 days.

SourceWake Forest University School of Medicine·JournalPediatric Blood & Cancer·TypeSurvey·DateJun 18, 2026

RESEARCH: Canada’s national parks can do better at limiting landscape fragmentation, Concordia study suggests

A Concordia University study analyzed 43 Canadian national parks and found that more than a third experienced faster infrastructure growth than in surrounding areas. The researchers estimated effective mesh size to assess wildlife movement, finding that protection was only partly successful at preventing fragmentation.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEnvironmental Monitoring and Assessment·DateJun 18, 2026

Climate change is now causing more local extinction in temperate regions than the tropics, surprising study shows

A global study of over 5,100 species reveals that climate change is transforming ecosystems and threatening species across the globe. Temperate species are experiencing more local extinctions than tropical species due to faster warming rates, with temperate regions losing up to 49% of their species.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 18, 2026

UT San Antonio's Center for Military Affiliated Students receives enhanced technology support through T-Mobile partnership

The University of Texas at San Antonio has partnered with T-Mobile to bring advanced 5G infrastructure to its Center for Military Affiliated Students, providing high-capacity connectivity and secure support for up to 1,000 students and staff. The enhanced infrastructure will power key student services, including academic advising and v...