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Science News for June 29, 2026


Rice grown on the Moon?

Researchers have developed a plasma technology that can produce nitrogen fertilizer suitable for cultivating rice seedlings under lunar conditions. The technology successfully neutralizes highly alkaline regolith and releases critical mineral nutrients, allowing plants to absorb them more readily.

SourceTohoku University·Journalnpj Microgravity·DateJun 29, 2026

High-performance thermally-evaporated light-emitting diodes via one-step vapor purification

This paper introduces a novel one-step vapor purification technique to achieve high-purity vapor atmospheres and reduce impurities in thermally evaporated devices. The approach successfully suppressed defect formation and improved stability in perovskite LEDs and OLEDs.

The wear behind electrification

Researchers reviewed current-carrying friction and wear models, noting mechanistic models rely on specific conditions, numerical simulations require computation, and AI approaches depend on high-quality data. The review aims to predict wear behavior accurately before damage occurs.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalFriction·DateJun 29, 2026

1,000 days since October 7 - Bringing survivors' voices to the world through AI-powered living archive - Hebrew University and Edut 710

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Edut 710 have partnered to create a groundbreaking AI-powered living archive, featuring nearly 2,000 survivor, witness, and first responder testimonies. The archive will enable users to search, translate, and explore the accounts through natural language, preserving authenticity and integrity.

Camouflaging snails change color in the rain

Researchers at the University of Tokyo discovered that two tree snail species can alter their shell colors and patterns in response to humidity, using a process called refractive index matching. This unique mechanism has potential applications for smart sensors and materials.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalZoological Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 29, 2026

School performance linked to youth criminal justice

A study by King's College London found that students with declining school performance are at a higher risk of contact with the criminal justice system. Researchers identified 'signals' in school records indicating pupils who may need support, highlighting opportunities for early intervention.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Developmental and Life-Course Criminology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2026

Healthy but sedentary individuals show early decline in cellular energy production

A CU Anschutz study reveals reduced mitochondrial efficiency in healthy yet sedentary individuals, which may precede the development of major diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. Regular exercise acts as a literal shield for cellular health, helping mitochondria seamlessly switch between burning fat and carbohydrates.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalClinical Bioenergetics·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2026

KAIST: how does superconductivity begin? Unveiling the hidden flow of electrons

Researchers from KAIST have provided experimental evidence that electrons form a loop-like circulating order (loop-current order) before reaching the superconducting state. This discovery sheds light on the fundamental principles of superconductivity and offers a crucial clue for understanding unconventional superconductivity.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Physics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 29, 2026

AI companionship poses risks for teen development

Researchers warn that teens' reliance on AI chatbots may bypass opportunities for developing essential relationship skills. The technology offers immediate, nonjudgmental guidance but lacks needed safeguards, potentially reinforcing unhealthy relationship patterns and increasing vulnerability to mental health problems.

SourceArizona State University·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 29, 2026

Destination Earth moves into its third phase

Destination Earth is a European Union-funded initiative that aims to build a digital replica of the Earth system by 2030. The project integrates climate change adaptation and weather-induced extreme events with AI capabilities, providing flexible simulation frameworks for tailored information on impacts and potential evolutions.

SourceECMWF·DateJun 29, 2026

Sizing up fern genomes

Researchers at UNH and Cornell discovered that Salvinia ferns have dynamic genomes linked to reproduction differences. The study reveals the role of chromosome fissions and fusions in shaping their genome size and structure.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2026

Telehealth navigator program improves blood pressure control among Black patients at federally qualified health centers

A new study shows that a telehealth navigator program can significantly improve blood pressure control among Black patients with hypertension cared for at federally qualified health centers. The program was associated with a 31.4 percentage point increase in the likelihood of having controlled blood pressure.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 29, 2026

Same day administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines not associated with increase in adverse events

A study found that administering COVID-19 and influenza vaccines on the same day is not associated with an increased risk of serious or clinically meaningful adverse events. The research, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, involved 2.5 million patients in the US Department of Veterans Affairs health care system and compared thos...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJun 29, 2026

Researchers affirm long-held belief that viruses can trigger Parkinson’s disease

A new study by Texas A&M University researchers uses a non-toxic virus to induce Parkinson's-like brain damage and movement problems in animal models. The breakthrough model confirms that viral infections can trigger Parkinson's disease, paving the way for future studies on early warning signs and biological markers.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2026

Soil moisture tips the balance of nitrogen cycling

A recent study found that moderate soil moisture enhances nitrification under higher ammonium supply, while waterlogged conditions suppress aerobic nitrifiers due to limited oxygen. The researchers observed a mismatch between microbial activities, leading to nitrite accumulation.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalEnvironmental and Biogeochemical Processes·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2026

How culture shapes the way we care for other people's emotions

A global study reveals that culture influences how people try to regulate the emotions of others, with individualistic cultures prioritizing comforting and expressing care, while collectivistic cultures often view unpleasant emotions as valuable. This finding highlights the importance of cultural context in emotional support.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateJun 29, 2026

I want everything right now – or maybe later?

Researchers are conducting a large online study to better understand how people make decisions about short-term versus long-term rewards. The study, which involves over 15,000 participants from 77 countries, aims to uncover the factors that influence intertemporal choices and their effects on daily life.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·TypeSurvey·DateJun 29, 2026

From lab to product: charting the future of ionic thermoelectrics, a versatile platform for harvesting and using low-grade heat

Ionic thermoelectric materials have been found to tap into low-grade waste heat with unusually high thermopowers, enabling applications such as wearable patches, smart buildings, and energy-harvesting smart windows. Challenges in standardization, scalability, and sustainability hinder commercialization.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 29, 2026

Nitric oxide nanosensor offers autism diagnostic hope

A nanosensor developed to study cardiovascular disease successfully distinguishes autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from intellectual disability (ID), even when both conditions share the same genetic mutation. This method measures real-time nitric oxide production in patient-derived stem cells, offering a new diagnostic pathway for ASD.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalNeuroMarkers·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2026

Kidney cancer gene reveals an unexpected weakness and a new path for treatment

Researchers discover that kidney cancer cells lacking the tumor suppressor gene SETD2 become highly dependent on protein BCL-xL for survival. By targeting this dependency, they can selectively eliminate SETD2-deficient cancer cells, offering a potential new therapeutic strategy for patients with aggressive subset of kidney cancers.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2026

The Building Envelope Alliance: a European response to the fragmentation of innovation in building envelopes has been launched

The Building Envelope Alliance brings together research institutions, universities, and innovation accelerators to provide integrated access to consulting services, testing, and training. This network aims to simplify innovation tools for designers and industry professionals, bridging the gap between technological development and pract...

Could marigolds be the next superfood?

A new study from the University of Georgia suggests marigold flowers contain similar amounts of protein as quinoa, making them a potential plant-based protein source. The flower's proteins also exhibit unique properties, such as stability at high temperatures and umami flavor, which could make it ideal for baking and food formulation.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalACS Food Science & Technology·DateJun 29, 2026

Hope for Huntington's disease

A new study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine shows that anle138b can significantly reduce toxic protein clumps in the brain and alleviate symptoms of Huntington's disease. The compound also addresses the underlying cause of the disease by preventing disease-specific harmful protein aggregates.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2026

192-dimensional photonic chip unlocks ultra-parallel optical computing with reconfigurable large kernels

The new photonic architecture harnesses three fundamental degrees of freedom: wavelength, mode, and polarization, achieving 192 parallel computing channels. The chip supports large, reconfigurable convolution kernels up to 13x13, capturing global structural contours while preserving fine details.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2026

The circadian rhythm connection in cholestatic liver disease

Researchers identify CD36 as a key regulator connecting circadian rhythm disturbances to abnormal bile acid metabolism and cholestatic liver injury. Elevated CD36 expression contributes to inflammatory activation and liver fibrosis, while CD36 deficiency restores bile acid metabolic rhythms and reduces liver damage.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalGenes & Diseases·DateJun 29, 2026

Mapping trade-offs to help build better EV batteries

University of Michigan researchers developed a framework to help stakeholders consider economic, environmental, and social trade-offs in EV battery development. The framework aims to balance the needs of various stakeholders, including manufacturers, drivers, and recyclers, to achieve better outcomes for batteries and electric vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Energy Storage·DateJun 29, 2026

Two weeks of focused journaling could mean months of depression relief in young adults

A new Cornell University study found that young adults who reflected on their life story and connected it to different stages reported reduced symptoms of depression. The intervention involves writing about motivations, passions, or goals at various life stages over two weeks, with participants summarizing their identity in a word.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateJun 29, 2026

Avoid intentional screen time for under-twos

Researchers found limited benefits to under-twos' screen time and a lack of guidance for parents, calling for targeted support and reduced screen time. The iADDICT group recommends no intentional screen time for under-twos to mitigate developmental concerns and promote healthier habits.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 29, 2026

A study by the University of Barcelona shows that giraffes combine quantities similarly to addition

A study by the University of Barcelona reveals that giraffes can combine quantities similarly to addition, suggesting a cognitive foundation for more complex arithmetic skills. Two out of four giraffes solved quantity-addition tasks, indicating they can remember quantities, update information, and make optimal decisions based on it.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2026

Identifying proteins, molecule by molecule

A UNIGE team has developed a rapid and efficient method for identifying proteins molecule by molecule using nanopore technology and AI. The researchers used artificial intelligence to interpret the electrical signals produced by the nanopore, breaking them down into measurable characteristics that can be associated with specific proteins.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeNews article·DateJun 29, 2026

NTU Singapore and Waseda University scientists develop a diving suit for cyborg cockroaches

Scientists from NTU Singapore and Waseda University have developed a flexible 'diving suit' for cyborg cockroaches, allowing them to survive and move underwater for up to three hours. The suit generates oxygen and delivers it directly to the insect's breathing holes, enabling them to thrive in low-oxygen environments.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2026

How a brain messenger protein drives progression of Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers discovered that a brain protein called Arc helps spread toxic Tau from sick brain cells to healthy ones in mice. This finding suggests that targeting the spread of Tau could be a powerful tool to stop Alzheimer's disease progression. The study also highlights the potential protective role of Arc in early stages of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2026

New EdUHK-led study reveals how students “move” through learning with peers and AI breakthrough approach highlights assessment of learning processes in the AI era

A new international study reveals that students devote less time to deeper stages of learning, such as integrating ideas and developing final solutions. The research highlights the importance of assessing the learning process, not just the product, to cultivate judgment, creativity, and genuine understanding in the AI era.

Landmark special issue highlights advances in enamel research

The Enamel 11 Symposium-associated special issue explores key findings on enamel development, mineralization, and pathology, highlighting emerging technologies for prevention and repair. The issue provides a comprehensive overview of current research into dental enamel, one of nature's most extraordinary biomineralized tissues.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalCalcified Tissue International·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 29, 2026

Childbirth is not uniquely difficult to humans

Researchers at UCL found that some small-bodied primates experience a tight cephalopelvic fit during childbirth due to their large newborn heads. These species, such as American monkeys and bushbabies, have developed adaptations to make the process less difficult, including pelvic expansion or delayed pelvic bone fusion.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2026

Fisabio and the UJI propose ten guidelines for integrating generative artificial intelligence into nursing research

Researchers from Fisabio and the Universitat Jaume I developed a set of ten recommendations to promote responsible use of generative artificial intelligence in nursing research. The study warns of potential risks, including hallucination, biases, and oversimplification of complex phenomena.

SourceUniversitat Jaume I·JournalEnfermería Clínica·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 29, 2026

How a landmark study revealed the Great Barrier Reef’s survival over 30,000 years of upheaval

A review paper synthesizes nearly 20 years of research on the Great Barrier Reef's responses to sea-level shifts, finding five distinct reef phases that formed, drowned, and reformed over 30,000 years. The study highlights the reefs' dynamic nature and reveals they were shaped by multiple environmental pressures.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalMarine Geology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2026

Two treatments help ARFID, a common pediatric eating disorder, Stanford Medicine trial shows

The study, conducted by Stanford Medicine scientists, found that family-based therapy and psychoeducational motivational therapy can effectively treat ARFID in children. Family-based therapy empowers parents to manage their child's food and nutrition, while psychoeducational motivational therapy puts the child in charge.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2026

New neuroendocrine markers PITX2, PHOX2B, and HAND2 do not offer diagnostic utility in fine-needle aspiration biopsies of primary and secondary medullary thyroid carcinomas

A retrospective study found that PITX2, PHOX2B, and HAND2 do not offer diagnostic utility in fine-needle aspiration biopsies of primary and secondary medullary thyroid carcinomas. The markers were expressed in some samples but did not improve diagnosis accuracy.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Pathology·DateJun 29, 2026

Only 38% of the world's population expected to live in large cities by 2100, study challenges current forecasts

A new study estimates that by 2100, only 38% of the world's population will live in large cities, with 450 million fewer people projected to reside in cities over a century than current trends suggest. Urban growth slows as countries urbanize, with smaller cities growing faster than larger ones initially.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 29, 2026

Thirty years later: A reappraisal of Alzheimer’s disease risk in Japanese APOE-e4 homozygotes

Researchers at Niigata University conducted the first comprehensive reappraisal of Alzheimer's disease risk in Japanese APOE-e4 homozygotes, finding a substantially lower risk than previously cited estimates. The study suggests that the risk is comparable to estimates reported in large studies of people with European ancestry.

SourceNiigata University·JournalMolecular Neurodegeneration·DateJun 29, 2026

Risk of falls, adverse events higher for older adults prescribed sedatives after hospitalization

A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that older adults discharged from hospital with a new prescription for sedatives are at increased risk of falls, further need for acute hospital care, and death within 30 days. The study looked at over 1.86 million adults aged 66 years and older and found a 20% hig...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2026

Enlisting pharmacists and nurse practitioners in medication management can fill critical gaps in heart failure care, save lives, and reduce hospital stays

Expanding heart failure care to pharmacists and nurse practitioner-led medication management can save approximately 10 lives and prevent 25 hospitalizations per 1,000 patients. This service is estimated to be cost-effective and improve patient outcomes, providing a roadmap for a stronger healthcare system.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 29, 2026

Fatal rabies in a child

A fatal rabies case in an 11-year-old boy underscores the risks of human contact with bats, even without visible bites or scratches. Prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is crucial to prevent death from rabies if administered promptly after exposure.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeCase study·DateJun 29, 2026