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Science News Archive June 2026 - Page 23


Page 23 of 52

Oddball exoplanet challenges what it means to be a hot Jupiter

Astronomers at Caltech IPAC have settled on a leading hypothesis for the unusual hot spot on CoRoT-2 b, a hot Jupiter that defies previous assumptions about its behavior. The planet's slow rotation speed, which is equivalent to about three Earth days per orbit, suggests it is not tidally locked to its host star.

SourceCaltech IPAC·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateJun 16, 2026

Groundbreaking TSESOM framework redefines sustainable operations for botanic gardens

The TSESOM framework proposes a dynamic service ecosystem approach to manage sustainable operations in botanic gardens, integrating biodiversity research and ecosystemic thinking. It offers a flexible tool for transformative collaboration and innovation, supporting planetary health and global sustainability transitions.

SourceSouth China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalBiological Diversity·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 16, 2026

The mystery of the eye disease that can make infants blind

A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that doctors in hospitals treating the most premature babies were more likely to diagnose eye disease requiring treatment. This contradicts expectations that these doctors would be over-diagnosing. The researchers are now investigating possible reasons for this difference, in...

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalActa Ophthalmologica·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 16, 2026

'Geriatric' butterfly species lives nearly three times as long as their relatives

A University of Bristol-led study found that tropical butterflies of the Heliconius tribe live up to three times longer than their closest relatives, with some species surviving for almost a year. The researchers discovered that these butterflies have evolved a unique strategy for extending lifespan and slowing down aging.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2026

From cleaner “cracking” to black gold

Graphonos Materials, a startup from the University of Pittsburgh, has developed a novel technology to produce battery-quality graphite and hydrogen using molten metal catalysis. This process is more energy-efficient and sustainable than current methods, which require high temperatures and generate significant carbon emissions.

Reading the room’s magnetic personality: New algorithm cuts indoor positioning error by nearly half

Researchers developed a novel navigation method that reads a building's unique magnetic fingerprint to determine its location with unprecedented accuracy. The system uses an array of magnetometers and inertial measurement units to track movement without any external signals, achieving a horizontal positioning RMSE below 1.27 meters.

A more reliable way to make the computer chips of the future

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a method to manufacture transistors with less risk of damage using a class of extremely thin materials called transition metal dichalcogenides. By pretreating the surface with oxygen or fluorine, it becomes easier to remove atoms from the top layer without damaging the lower layers.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJun 16, 2026

NATO battlefield surgery training and surgical simulations among the first courses at Semmelweis University’s new Innovation Center

Semmelweis University's new Anatomy & Innovation Center for Education and Research has hosted two NATO battlefield surgery courses, providing realistic environments for learning and practicing new procedures. The center aims to improve patient safety and quality of care through advanced technologies and hands-on training.

UC Irvine researcher secures nearly $4 million NIH grant to advance therapeutic vaccine to help end genital herpes

A UC Irvine researcher has received a nearly $4 million NIH grant to advance a novel therapeutic vaccine strategy for genital herpes. The project aims to develop a safe and durable vaccine that strengthens protective immune cells and provides long-term immune surveillance, ultimately improving the lives of millions worldwide.

Dark biodiversity helped solve Darwin’s 160-year-old puzzle

Researchers found that the success of species in a new habitat depends on the proportion of suitable but absent species (dark diversity) and community completeness. Species similar to local species are more successful in lakes with fewer suitable species, while those utilizing different resources thrive in lakes with more species present.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 16, 2026

Climate and influenza

A new study reveals that climate change impacts influenza seasonality, with reduced humidity enhancing viral viability and transmission. The model predicts that warmer climates will see increased outbreak severity in tropical regions, while temperate areas may experience smaller peak outbreaks.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 16, 2026

Purdue researchers work to accelerate cancer drug discovery with next-gen tech platform

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a next-generation technology platform designed to dramatically accelerate one of the slowest stages of cancer drug discovery. The platform combines chemical synthesis, biological testing, and mass spectrometry into a single integrated workflow, allowing researchers to generate, evaluate, ...

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Study identifies a new cause of age-related inflammation, suggesting promising treatment pathway

A new study has identified a two-protein complex involved in exporting R-loops, which triggers an immune response causing harmful inflammation. The study tested an approved drug called KPT-330 and found significant improvements in inflammation, liver damage, fat gain, muscle loss, and lifespan in preclinical models.

Female chickadees look for cognitive skills in male partners

Wild female chickadees prefer males with strong spatial cognition to increase the likelihood of successful reproduction and good parental care. Males with better spatial learning and memory abilities sired more extra-pair young and raised heavier chicks, which are more likely to survive.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Insight into the synergistic effect of rare-earth elements on the CMAS corrosion behavior in (RE1/4Tm1/4Yb1/4Lu1/4)2Si2O7 (RE = Gd, Ho and Sc) materials at 1300 °C

Researchers discovered a synergistic effect of rare-earth elements on CMAS corrosion behavior, enabling enhanced resistance in (RE1/4Tm1/4Yb1/4Lu1/4)2Si2O7 materials at 1300 °C. The study provides valuable insights into the correlation mechanism between rare-earth components and final corrosion resistance.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateJun 16, 2026

New review maps out the altermagnetism debate and charts a path forward

A comprehensive review synthesized decade-long efforts on ruthenium dioxide's altermagnetism, highlighting ongoing debates and proposed future research directions. The study suggests that epitaxial strain, defects, or interface effects may contribute to the observed magnetic properties of RuO2 thin films.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Physics Mechanics and Astronomy·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 16, 2026

Novel study defines “vertical marine heatwaves” in Chesapeake Bay, offers classification scheme for coastal resource management

A new study from the Batten School & VIMS provides a detailed analysis of marine heatwaves (MHWs) in the Chesapeake Bay, going beyond surface-water datasets to include subsurface patterns. The research introduces a classification scheme that reveals the complex nature of MHWs and their impact on ecosystem health.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Oceans·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 16, 2026

Climate models are missing the first warning signs of deadly Middle East heatwaves, study finds

A new study reveals that climate models reproduce extreme heat but struggle to capture the gradual atmospheric buildup leading up to it. The researchers propose a process-based framework for evaluating climate models to improve prediction capabilities and enhance preparedness for extreme heat events.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalWeather and Climate Extremes·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 16, 2026

Lack of access to data can skew medical conclusions

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses rely on complete data, but many studies lack underlying data. This can lead to unreliable results and assumptions that are difficult to verify. Researchers argue for clearer data sharing requirements to strengthen trust in research and reduce the risk of erroneous conclusions.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 16, 2026

Nanozeolite-coupled biochar fertilizer may help bamboo forest soils hold on to carbon under warming

Researchers found that nanozeolite-coupled biochar fertilizer reduced soil-derived carbon dioxide emissions by 11-18% compared to conventional phosphorus fertilizer. The biochar-based fertilizer also reduced the Q10 value, indicating a decrease in soil carbon decomposition under warming.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

New digital memory device inspired by human brain may improve AI’s energy efficiency

A new light-sensitive device developed at Oregon State University combines sensing and memory while controlling how digital memories strengthen or fade over time. This innovation could enable more efficient processing of information directly at the sensor level, improving AI systems' energy efficiency.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Data-driven approach quickly screens for durable, efficient catalysts

Researchers from Tohoku University and East China University of Science and Technology developed a data-driven approach to quickly screen for durable and efficient catalysts. By analyzing experimental data and scientific theories, they identified promising candidates that outperformed commercial RuO2 catalysts.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 16, 2026