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Science News for June 26, 2026


Decline in plankton across North East Atlantic sends stark warning for ocean health

Declining plankton abundance across the North East Atlantic poses a significant threat to ocean health, impacting marine food webs and carbon cycling. The study found six pelagic habitat-region combinations rated as 'Not Good' and three as 'Uncertain', highlighting the need for climate change mitigation and reduced nutrient pollution.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEcological Indicators·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2026

Plastic bottles could find new life in batteries as graphite

A team of Penn State researchers has converted waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into highly ordered synthetic graphite, a crystalline form of carbon. The formed graphite exhibited large, well-ordered crystallites, indicating a highly organized crystal structure, which is suitable for high-quality anode materials in battery research.

SourcePenn State·JournalDiamond and Related Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2026

New design approach may help slash the price of ultra-durable concrete

A team of researchers at Penn State developed a new design approach to reduce the cost of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) by optimizing metallic fibers, which currently make up 70% of the material's price. The new design can help produce stronger and more environmentally friendly concrete while reducing costs.

SourcePenn State·JournalCement and Concrete Composites·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2026

Intestinal cells found to starve Salmonella of essential nutrients, revealing new tactic in infection defense

Researchers at the University of Vermont discovered that intestinal epithelial cells restrict Salmonella growth by pumping essential metals away from intracellular bacteria. This finding highlights a new dimension of host-pathogen interactions and suggests potential novel treatments for Salmonella and other food-borne illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2026

New white paper on closing the AI fluency gap to support workforce retention published by the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies

The University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies has published a new white paper examining the growing AI fluency gap in the workplace. The paper argues that AI fluency is no longer only a productivity issue but a retention issue, as employees are rapidly building AI skills while organizations struggle to keep pace.

Virtual reality combined with nerve stimulation improves arm and hand function following a stroke

Researchers developed a multimodal rehabilitation platform combining virtual reality with targeted sensory nerve stimulation to improve arm and hand function in stroke patients. The platform showed greater improvements in motor impairment, sense of touch, and perception of the affected arm compared to conventional rehabilitation.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 26, 2026

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers lead multi-decade analysis of new cancer incidence among survivors

Researchers analyzed data from 3 million US cancer survivors to understand patterns of subsequent primary cancers (SPCs), finding risks varied by cancer type, sex, and generation. The study emphasizes the importance of long-term monitoring and informs prevention strategies for cancer survivors.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2026

Can we engineer being on the same wavelength with others? Research offers a cautious “yes”

Researchers at New York University have developed a way to measure and visualize brainwaves of thousands of people during live face-to-face communication, finding that synchrony can be used to guide and improve social interactions. This phenomenon, known as social synchrony, is linked to healthy relationships and learning.

SourceNew York University·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateJun 26, 2026

Artificial intelligence in breast pathology: Recent advances in multimodal models, explainability, and clinical applications

The review discusses key AI concepts, including algorithms, models, architectures, machine learning, deep learning, and multimodal models. It highlights their clinical applications, such as detection of lymph node metastases, Nottingham grading, biomarker quantification, risk stratification, and prognostic prediction.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Pathology·DateJun 26, 2026

Single-cell sequencing offers a roadmap from exercise tissue responses to precision exercise biomarkers

Single-cell sequencing resolves responses in various tissues and organs, identifying cells that respond to different exercise modes and doses. This technology enables the development of precision exercise biomarkers for applications in muscle repair, immune regulation, and chronic disease research.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalLabMed Discovery·TypeNews article·DateJun 26, 2026

Intravesical CAR T therapy opens door to bladder-sparing cancer treatment

Researchers developed genetically engineered CAR T cells specifically targeting bladder cancer cells and delivered them directly to the bladder via a catheter. This approach shows promise in controlling bladder tumors in mice and may be effective in humans, offering an alternative to life-altering procedures like bladder removal.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2026

Exploring the bidirectional skin-brain axis: Mental health, dermatology-related quality of life, and the role of probiotics

This study explored the association between mental health, dermatology-related quality of life, and probiotic intake in 305 Brazilian adults. Women showed higher anxiety, depression, and stress scores compared to men, with strong positive correlations among these conditions.

SourceJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·JournalJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2026

Breast milk, best sleep: Nationwide Japanese study finds

A nationwide Japanese study of over 82,000 children found that exclusive breastfeeding for six months significantly reduces the risk of short sleep duration at one year of age. The study also suggests that breast milk's adaptability to infant needs and its melatonin content help regulate healthy sleep rhythms.

SourceToyama Regional Center for the Japan Environment and Children's Study, University of Toyama·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2026

Earth's ionosphere supplied vast majority of ring current ions during May 2024 super geomagnetic storm, study finds

A study published in Science Advances reveals that Earth's ionosphere contributed to the majority of ring current ions during a record-breaking super geomagnetic storm in May 2024. This finding highlights the importance of understanding how much Earth's ionosphere contributes to the ring current, as it may be essential for accurately p...

SourceNagoya University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2026

Wistar scientists develop single-dose DNA method for delivering long-acting weight loss and diabetes drugs

Researchers have created a single-dose DNA method that produces weight loss and blood glucose control in murine models lasting up to 10 times longer than current therapies. The approach delivers instructions to cells to produce long-acting incretin hormones, eliminating the need for repeated dosing.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2026

Breastfeeding may protect against ADHD symptoms

A new study from the University of Bergen shows an association between breastfeeding up to six months of age and a reduced risk of ADHD symptoms. Exclusive breastfeeding during this period appears to offer the strongest protective effect, with clear but moderate benefits observed even after adjusting for genetic risk factors.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2026

Not everyone has equal access to pain rehabilitation

A study from the University of Gothenburg found that patients with chronic pain do not have equal access to specialized rehabilitation programs. Sociodemographic factors such as education, age, sex, and region of birth play a significant role in determining participation rates. The study suggests that addressing these disparities is cr...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScandinavian Journal of Pain·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2026

Hanyang University researchers develop AI-designed shape-shifting microneedles for diabetic wound healing

Hanyang University researchers developed AI-guided microneedle patches that actively change shape at physiological temperature to help close wounds while delivering regenerative therapy and antibacterial protection. The platform accelerates wound closure and improves tissue regeneration compared with conventional approaches.

SourceHanyang University Research Strategy Planning Team·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2026

Scientists uncover key protein that helps build and strengthen bone

Researchers found that CAR3 coordinates bone formation and regeneration by forming a molecular complex with collagen type I alpha 1 and recruiting bone sialoprotein. The study identified CAR3 as a previously unrecognized regulator of osteoblast differentiation, highlighting its potential for treating bone disorders.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalInternational Journal of Oral Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2026

Multi-omics study reveals new drivers of rare polyposis syndrome Cronkhite–Canada syndrome

A multi-omics study identifies the TNF-α/IL-1β/PGE₂ axis as a driver of mucus overproduction and colonic lesion formation in Cronkhite–Canada syndrome. The study reveals extensive epithelial remodeling, goblet cell hyperplasia, and an inflammatory colonic epithelial cell subset characterized by high expression of lipocalin-2.

SourceImmunity & Inflammation·JournalImmunity & Inflammation·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2026

Kilometer-scale high-resolution fast non-line-of-sight imaging achieved by laser reflective tomography

Researchers have introduced laser reflective tomography to overcome the speed-resolution trade-off in NLOS imaging, achieving kilometer-scale high-resolution imaging without scanning mechanisms. This innovative approach combines single-point detection with multi-angle projection data for accurate scene reconstruction.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2026

Beyond oxidative damage: Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are essential for ordered plant development—ROS-producing enzymes coordinate cell proliferation, tissue integrity, and differentiation

Researchers found that ROS-producing enzymes coordinate cell proliferation, tissue integrity, and differentiation in plants. The study used a liverwort model to examine the role of RBOHs in plant development, revealing their importance in maintaining normal cell shape and tissue organization.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2026

AI support tool improved clinician decisions in real-world primary care trial

A large clinical trial found that an AI support tool improved the quality of clinical documentation and treatment planning, but did not significantly change short-term patient outcomes. The study involved over 9,600 patients in Kenya and used a randomized controlled design to test the effectiveness of the AI tool.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 26, 2026

Tiny raptor, tiny range: GPS tracking reveals Pygmy Falcons use less than 1 km² to raise nestlings

A new study found that Pygmy Falcons require less than 1 km² to raise their young, contrary to long-held assumptions. The birds operate within a small breeding home range and coexist with Sociable Weavers in communal nests. This research provides a crucial baseline for understanding the spatial requirements of small raptors.

SourceUniversity of Cape Town - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Raptor Research·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2026