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Science News for June 9, 2026


Completeness, accuracy nearly doubled for Japanese genome mapping

A team of researchers has made a significant contribution to understanding human genetics by mapping the Japanese genome, revealing new insights into genetic disease shaping in the Japanese population. The study nearly doubled the complete reconstruction rate to 91.2%, enabling better personalized medicine and treatment options.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

Moderately hydrophobic polymer protective layer enables Zn (100) deposition for high utilization zinc anodes

Researchers have engineered a moderately hydrophobic polymer protective layer that resolves the challenges of zinc anodes in rechargeable zinc-ion batteries. The PDMAG layer enables vertical aligned, thick, and highly ordered Zn facets, suppressing dendrite growth and facilitating Zn utilization.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateJun 9, 2026

Finding the best habitats for humpbacks

Researchers at Kyoto University used visual survey data to predict the most suitable habitats for humpback whales around Chichijima Island. The analysis revealed shallow water depths with gentle slopes as critical areas, supporting conservation efforts in the Ogasawara waters.

SourceKyoto University·JournalMammal Study·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 9, 2026

Injectable semaglutide shows early promise to improve fertility in women with PMOS

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz have published a proof-of-concept study demonstrating that injectable semaglutide may offer meaningful reproductive benefits for women with PMOS, improving both reproductive and metabolic symptoms. The findings suggest that this medication could be a promising therapeutic option for wo...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateJun 9, 2026

Moderate screen time in first 3 days after concussion linked to teens’ faster recovery

A study of 80 concussed teens found that moderate screen time in the first 3 days after a concussion is linked to faster recovery. The researchers analyzed data and found that an average of 141 minutes of daily screen time sped up symptom resolution by 35%. Balanced use, rather than total avoidance, may be helpful for concussion recovery.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 2026

Changes to the heart linked to marathon running vary by age, sex, and training level

Research synthesis reveals consistent biomarker increases and minor ventricular function changes after marathon running, varying by age, sex, and training level. However, the clinical relevance of these changes remains unclear, warranting further study to determine physiological responses versus long-term adaptations.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

Mayo Clinic maps hidden biology of common brain tumors

Researchers mapped individual cell genetic footprints to understand tumor behavior, identifying distinct immune cell states linked to disease aggressiveness and patient outcomes. The study aims to refine treatment decisions and develop noninvasive biomarkers for monitoring patients.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 9, 2026

Promotora-led health program shows promise for rural Latina women

A pilot study by researchers at the University of California, Riverside found that a culturally adapted health program helped low-income Latina and Indigenous Mexican women make healthier changes in their daily lives. The program, led by trusted community health workers called promotoras, focused on nutrition education, healthy cooking...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·TypeSurvey·DateJun 9, 2026

Research shows that wetlands in the Brazilian savanna store more carbon than Amazonian forests

Researchers found that Brazilian savanna wetlands can store significantly more carbon than previously thought, with an average storage capacity of 1,200 tons per hectare. This is due to the slow accumulation process favored by oxygen-poor water-saturated soils, with some areas storing carbon for up to 20,000 years.

New Frontiers in Psychology study flips mental health paradigm: Proactive brain training builds community resilience before crisis hits

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology reveals that proactive brain training can strengthen the human mind before mental health challenges take root. The research found that a five-minute daily training program delivered digitally can lower stress, lift mental health metrics, and improve cognitive clarity among adults with an...

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 2026

When global warming becomes malnutrition: New study links climate change, childhood stunting and local inequality

A new study reveals that climate change is actively worsening childhood stunting globally, particularly in rural areas with low service accessibility. Structural socioeconomic inequality also exacerbates the issue, with community-level inequality consistently linked to stunting rates.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

Warming may weaken biochar’s climate benefits in cropland soils, global study finds

A new global analysis suggests that biochar's ability to store carbon in agricultural soils may be overestimated due to increased carbon dioxide emissions from warming. The study found that warming significantly increased CO2 emissions from biochar-amended soils by an average of 77%, with effects strongest in croplands.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 9, 2026

War on drugs or war on the poor? How bandit hunting formed a cover for Mexico's counterinsurgency campaign in the 1960s and 70s

The Mexican state's 'war on drugs' in the 1960s and 70s was actually a cover for its counterinsurgency campaign against rural guerrilla movements. The government framed petty crime and illicit drug farming as 'banditry', allowing it to suppress social unrest and maintain control over the countryside.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Social History of Alcohol and Drugs·DateJun 9, 2026

Study finds common infection does not increase risk of recurrent preterm birth

A new study published in The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that Mycoplasma genitalium, a common sexually transmitted infection, is not linked to an increased risk of recurrent preterm birth. Researchers tested nearly 500 pregnant individuals with a history of preterm birth or related complications and found no ass...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJun 9, 2026

Cultural backgrounds shape financial forecasts

Researchers found that analysts from countries with a strong emphasis on long-term planning are better at predicting long-term earnings and making more profitable stock picks. These analysts also prompted managers to disclose more long-term information during earnings calls, providing a valuable perspective for investors.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalContemporary Accounting Research·DateJun 9, 2026

Biochar and beneficial microbes team up to restore polluted soils and boost crop growth

A new review highlights the potential of biochar-immobilized microbes (BIMs) to improve soil quality, increase crop yields, and remediate pollutants. BIMs have shown strong potential to support sustainable agriculture by enhancing nutrient cycling, root development, stress tolerance, and pathogen suppression.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 9, 2026

University of Phoenix researchers publish study examining doctoral students’ attitudes toward AI chatbots and ChatGPT use in higher education

A study by University of Phoenix researchers examined graduate students' attitudes towards AI chatbots and their reported use of ChatGPT. The findings suggest that favorable attitudes toward AI chatbot use are positively correlated with reported ChatGPT usage frequency, with significant differences across fields of study.

SourceUniversity of Phoenix·TypeSurvey·DateJun 9, 2026

New study finds Americans with severe obesity receive fewer surgeries despite rising need

A new study by Pennington Biomedical and collaborators found that Americans with the highest levels of obesity are undergoing fewer surgical procedures overall. Despite the increasing prevalence of extreme obesity, these individuals appear to be receiving proportionally fewer surgical interventions each year. The research highlights gr...

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalObesity·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

Online cognitive behavioral therapy: An accessible solution for insomnia and anxiety in older adults

A digital platform developed by Concordia University researchers offers an accessible solution for older adults struggling with insomnia and anxiety. The seven-week eCBT+ program demonstrates high effectiveness in improving sleep efficiency and reducing symptoms of both conditions, with users finding the platform easy to use and useful.

SourceConcordia University·JournalAge and Ageing·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2026

Topology sheds light on the nature of black holes

Topological methods have become a robust testing ground in black hole physics, revealing distinctive topological attributes of diverse black hole solutions. The review summarizes recent work toward universal topological classifications of black holes, organizing them according to their global topological number and winding numbers.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Physics Mechanics and Astronomy·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 9, 2026

A study led by IGTP identifies a key mechanism regulating the anti-inflammatory function of extracellular vesicles

Researchers at IGTP identify N-glycosylation as essential for preserving immunomodulatory function of extracellular vesicles. The study found that intact N-glycosylation can reduce monocyte recruitment to inflamed endothelium, contributing to a better understanding of these vesicles' therapeutic potential.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2026

University of Miami joins new NOAA Cooperative Institute to advance sustainable US aquaculture

The University of Miami Rosenstiel School is part of a national effort to strengthen America's seafood supply through aquaculture research and technology development. Researchers will contribute expertise in ocean science, environmental forecasting, and aquaculture innovation to develop science-based solutions for responsible growth.

Active β-catenin identified as a driver of aggressive pediatric osteosarcoma

A new study published in Genes & Cancer identifies activated beta-catenin as a key driver of aggressive pediatric osteosarcoma progression. The researchers found that cells expressing active beta-catenin exhibited enhanced invasive capacity and cancer-associated traits, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for this aggressive cancer.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalGenes & Cancer·TypeNews article·DateJun 9, 2026

Children’s motivation and attitudes towards learning play a key role in academic success, study finds

A major new study from Queen Mary University of London found that non-cognitive skills like motivation, curiosity, and self-belief play a key role in translating children's genetic dispositions into academic achievement. The research suggests that education systems should prioritize fostering these skills alongside traditional academic...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2026

University of Ottawa-led study uncovers hidden network fueling brain cancer's aggressive growth; discovery could help dismantle treatment resistance

A University of Ottawa-led study has discovered a hidden network driving glioblastoma's aggressive growth, highlighting a promising target for next-generation therapies. The research reveals that a protein called OSMR plays a critical role in tumor progression and supports the survival of brain tumour stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

A warmer world may redraw Earth’s sunlight map

A new study reveals that climate change will reshape the surface sunlight map, making polar regions dimmer and mid-latitude areas brighter. The redistribution of sunlight may impact energy balance, snow and ice processes, hydrological cycles, and solar energy resources.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2026

Why are sloths so slow? It’s in their DNA

Researchers have sequenced and analyzed the two-toed sloth genome, discovering unique 'jumping genes' that are likely linked to their slow metabolism. These genes, which have been conserved over millions of years, may hold clues to understanding human health conditions such as diabetes, aging-related disorders, and muscle wasting.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalBMC Biology·DateJun 9, 2026

The press is breaking the suicide taboo but still uses stigmatizing metaphors

A recent study by Marta Coll-Florit found that while Spanish newspapers are openly discussing suicide, they still employ stigmatizing metaphors such as 'war' and 'epidemic', which can perpetuate shame and guilt around the topic. The researcher argues that these metaphors convey a focus on individual blame rather than collective respons...

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalMetaphor and Symbol·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

Replacing animal protein with plant protein drives weight loss in postmenopausal women, new study finds

A new study published in Menopause journal found that replacing animal protein with plant-based sources like soybeans, beans, and grains leads to significant weight loss in postmenopausal women. The study's lead author suggests that the quality of protein, not just quantity, plays a key role in weight regulation and metabolic health.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalMenopause·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2026

New tool to help build more reliable DNA nanostructures

A new computational tool predicts and avoids unwanted interactions in DNA origami, improving reliability for biomedical and technological applications. The tool optimizes DNA sequence choice to minimize off-target interactions, leading to more successful folding of nano-scale devices.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 9, 2026

Human traits beyond inherited genes

Researchers at ISTA and Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that environmental factors influenced by parents' genes can significantly impact children's traits like height, body weight, and school performance. The study used genetic and phenotypic data from over 30,000 families to separate direct and indirect genetic effects.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalCell Genomics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

Millions in the US report past-year psilocybin use, study finds

A new study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that over 8 million people in the US, approximately 2.8% of the population, reported using psilocybin in the past year. Psilocybin users were more likely to be white, male, and affluent compared to nonusers, and often used other mind-altering substances.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAJPM Focus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

The evolution of individual species can shape entire species communities

A study by the University of Helsinki found that the evolution of a single species can drastically change the composition of an entire microbial community. By analyzing the changes in bacterial genomes and species composition over four years, researchers discovered that one species' mutation led to a shift in the community's dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2026

Scientists reveal how polymer membranes form and build a better one

A research team from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics developed a free-standing ultrathin porous polymeric membrane that offers high selectivity and conductivity. The membrane was tested in a vanadium flow battery and achieved outstanding electrochemical performance, exceeding 80% energy efficiency.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNational Science Review·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 9, 2026

Criticality meets non-equilibrium dynamics: Quantum sensing approaching fundamental precision limits

Researchers developed a quantum sensing approach using superconducting qubits, combining non-equilibrium dynamics and quantum criticality to measure gradient field strengths with quantum-limit precision. The method avoids complex measurement setups, enabling highly precise estimates of gradient field strengths with limited samples.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2026

Volcanic activity shaped centennial-scale variability of Holocene monsoon rainfall

Research reveals volcanic eruptions shape monsoon dynamics on centennial timescales, cooling the Northern Hemisphere and reducing cross-equatorial moisture transport. This process, combined with a mega-ENSO-like sea surface temperature anomaly pattern, decreases rainfall across Asian, North African, and North American monsoon regions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJun 9, 2026

A snapshot in time: Ancient ground squirrel droppings, dating back 700,000 years, reveal rich details about evolutionary history of the Arctic

Researchers analyzed permafrost samples to recover ancient environmental DNA, revealing genetic diversity among Arctic ground squirrels. The study uncovered previously unknown lineage dating back 700,000 years, challenging previous assumptions about fossil remains.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

Closed‑loop synergistic nitric oxide/hydrogen delivery with feedback control for diabetic wound healing

Researchers developed a Pd-Ni5P4/DCEFS system that bridges the gap between sensitive sensing modules and high-performance therapeutic actuators. The closed-loop mechanism dynamically modulates hydrogen release based on endogenous NO concentration, creating an ideal microenvironment for macrophage polarization and wound healing.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·DateJun 9, 2026

Societal Resilience in Times of Cascading Crises and Disasters: The Horizon Europe-funded project DeCrises participated in the NEEDS 2026 Conference

The NEEDS 2026 Conference brought together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to address complex challenges of interconnected global crises. Key findings include the importance of civil society as watchdogs and local communities being co-owners of transition projects. The DeCrises project emphasizes the need for a fundamental sh...

Nature’s “master painters”: BGU researchers reveal for the first time how damselflies break optical barriers to create saturated colors

Damselflies break optical barriers to produce vivid, angle-independent colors using structural dispersion and pigment loading. This discovery provides a blueprint for creating sustainable, highly saturated photonic materials that could replace toxic synthetic pigments.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2026

Breaking the 'tunnel vision' limitation: Xi Peng laboratory develops a generic large-view-aggregation fluorescence image restoration network

The Xi Peng laboratory has developed LargePNet, a novel general-purpose fluorescence image restoration network that aggregates large-view structural information to overcome the loss of global contextual information caused by conventional patch-based training. This results in improved restoration accuracy and large-size image inference ...

SourcePeking University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2026

New therapy may reverse autism-related brain deficits

Researchers identified a promising new strategy for reversing autism-related brain deficits by targeting a specific glycine transporter. The therapy restored NMDA receptor function in mouse models and human brain organoids, improving behavioral abnormalities such as social interaction and repetitive behaviors.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2026

Deep learning for classifying and cognitive profiling of subcortical vascular cognitive impairment

A new deep learning framework uses diffusion tensor imaging to identify subcortical vascular cognitive impairment (SVCI) with high accuracy. The model stratifies patients into low-, moderate-, and high-risk subgroups for each cognitive domain, offering a more objective and scalable tool for clinicians.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateJun 9, 2026

Risk factors for fatty liver disease may begin to develop as early as the prenatal period and early childhood

A new study by Tampere University researchers found that maternal pre-pregnancy hypertension and child body composition may contribute to the development of fatty liver disease. The study also identified dietary factors, such as high protein intake and low fruit consumption, as risk factors for elevated liver enzyme levels in children.

SourceTampere University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJun 9, 2026

Could MRI predict kidney disease before it develops? Award-winning study suggests new possibilities

Researchers used advanced MRI techniques to evaluate kidney blood flow, oxygen utilization, and inflammation in patients undergoing surgery for kidney tumors. The study found that MRI measurements could help predict both kidney function decline and the future development of chronic kidney disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

USC study maps brain network changes linked to bipolar disorder severity and treatment

A USC study found subtle but widespread differences in the brain's communication networks in people with bipolar disorder, relating these differences to illness severity and treatment. The research team analyzed brain scans from 449 individuals with bipolar disorder and 510 healthy controls, revealing less densely connected networks an...

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 2026

Fathers may influence their children’s health before they’re even conceived

A new study from Washington State University suggests that a father's health before conception may shape the biological environment that influences his offspring's health. The researchers found that sperm developed in the testis, rather than during epididymal transit, transmit diet-associated metabolic traits to offspring.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2026

Machine learning to predict wind shear

A machine learning model, trained on 19 key parameters, can predict wind shear events with a minimum of 15 seconds warning. The model's outputs showed deviations from real outcomes within 5% across all forecast horizons, suggesting improved aviation safety.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 9, 2026

Human limits when catching AI errors

Teachers tend to accept overly harsh AI grades more than human grades, resulting in a 22% larger gap between their score and the fair score. Teachers are more likely to accept strict AI grades if they view the system as competent and accountable.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 9, 2026

FireANTs brings AI speed and geometric precision to medical imaging

FireANTs, an open-source algorithm, combines AI optimization and geometry to quickly match complex medical images. The new method can accomplish what took weeks in minutes, detecting subtle changes that signal disease or cognitive decline, making it practical for clinical practice.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

NIH-funded researchers share early results of lassa fever vaccine in phase 1 clinical trial

In a phase 1 clinical trial, researchers found the LASSARAB vaccine to be safe and well-tolerated, inducing strong immune responses against Lassa fever and rabies. The vaccine demonstrated robust neutralizing antibody levels against the rabies virus, exceeding WHO's established threshold for protection.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2026

Study links joint pain supplement to accelerating dementia

A large retrospective analysis found a significant association between glucosamine supplementation and increased likelihood of progressing from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease. The study also revealed elevated sugar attachment in Alzheimer's brain specimens, suggesting metabolic dysfunction as a contributing driver.

SourceUF Health·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

UCDP: record number of conflicts between states

The UCDP reported a record high number of armed conflicts between states in 2025, including eight interstate conflicts. The year saw the highest figure since World War II, with 65 conflicts resulting in over 244,000 fatalities, including a sharp increase in violence targeting civilians.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Peace Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

Fishing does not attract lesser black-backed gulls out of windfarms

A study by Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research found that Lesser Black-backed Gulls rarely visit wind farms off the Zeeland coast, except for some male birds. Despite being attracted to fishing boats outside the wind farm, the gulls' behavior suggests they avoid entering the wind farm due to unknown reasons.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 2026

New research links even low alcohol consumption to cancer, heart disease, premature death: Results not included in dietary guidelines

A new study links even low levels of alcohol consumption to increased risks of death, disability, and chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Drinking up to 7 drinks per week is associated with only minimally elevated risks for most conditions, while 14 drinks per week increases mortality risk by 1 in 25.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

Video game stroke rehab restores arm movement in chronic stroke survivors

A new study from Northwestern University developed a customized video game to help chronic stroke survivors regain lost arm function. After six weeks of therapy, participants showed significant improvement in arm function and daily activities, with scores improving up to 7.8 times that of the control group.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeurorehabilitation and Neural Repair·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2026

Key protein behind chemotherapy resistance in colorectal cancer identified

Researchers have identified a key mechanism underlying 5-FU resistance in colorectal cancer and proposed a new therapeutic strategy. The study reveals that EHMT2 functions as a critical regulator of chemotherapy resistance and that targeting this protein can potentially return resistant cancer cells to a treatment-responsive state.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·DateJun 9, 2026