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Science News Archive June 2026 - Page 37


Page 37 of 52

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

Earthquake, then fire: A new “seismic champagne effect”

A study proposes a new mechanism, the 'delayed seismic champagne effect,' where earthquakes can trigger fires by releasing methane from soft sediment layers beneath cities. The research found intense shaking that drove methane into a supersaturated state, leading to localized ruptures and rapid gas releases.

SourceShinshu University·JournalNatural Hazards·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 8, 2026

A simple fix for a growing ocean threat: Research reveals cost-effective way to protect marine ecosystems from invasive species

A new study from Edith Cowan University identifies a smarter approach to protecting fragile marine ecosystems from invasive species. The researchers developed a biosecurity system that focuses on reducing risk at critical points, allowing for the balance between environmental protection and tourism to be maintained.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournaliScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 8, 2026

KAIST develops hydrogel material with improved skin adhesion and controllable degradation rate​

A KAIST research team has developed a technology that leverages natural ingredients to increase the strength of seaweed-based hydrogel by more than fivefold, while controlling its adhesiveness and degradation rate. The new material design strategy utilizes tannic acid to enhance mechanical strength and adhesiveness.

Q&A: When is screen time healthy and when is it not?

Researchers highlight five contexts – duration, time of day, purpose of use, interactivity, and content structure – to determine whether screen time is healthy or harmful. By examining these factors, individuals can protect themselves and their children from unhealthy screen behavior and create healthier digital environments.

SourcePenn State·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 8, 2026

South and Southeast Asia lead the world on taxing sugary drinks

A new analysis tracks global sugar-sweetened beverage tax adoption across 183 countries, revealing South Asia's significant lead in tax implementation. The study found that countries with higher burdens of type 2 diabetes and obesity are more likely to adopt taxes, but not necessarily those with high rates of sugary drink consumption.

SourceTufts University·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJun 8, 2026

How do plants survive constant DNA damage?

Researchers found a unique protein called YAF9B that helps plants protect their stem cells from DNA damage. This discovery sheds light on how plants coordinate DNA repair processes, which could improve future crops by guiding more precise genome editing.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2026

Scientists can now measure the “urban pulse” from space

Researchers developed a framework to analyze high-frequency satellite data and measure the vital signs of global cities. The Urban Pulse can identify areas of unsustainable sprawl and provide an early warning system for policymakers and citizens. This tool has the potential to revolutionize how people interact with their cities.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 8, 2026

How hospital admission affects persons with dementia

A study by Kyoto University researchers found that hospital admissions for persons with dementia result in higher healthcare spending, with a $2,500 increase in 30-day costs after an emergency room visit. However, there was no conclusive evidence linking hospital admission to 30 or 90-day mortality rates.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 8, 2026

Available evidence limited but does not suggest major adverse outcomes with early GLP-1 use in pregnancy

A study analyzing insurance claims data found similar risks between continued and non-continued GLP-1RA medication use during early pregnancy. The authors conclude that further research is needed to better understand the safety of GLP-1RAs in pregnancy due to imprecise estimates for rare outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJun 8, 2026