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Science News Archive June 2026 - Page 51


Page 51 of 52

Researchers at MLU solve a 50-year-old mystery: how acid removes water from proteins

Proteins lose their hydration shell when environment becomes more acidic, a process that had remained unanswered for 50 years. Direct observation of individual water molecules reveals clear rules: certain amino acids bind or release water, leading to stable inner core regardless of pH level.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2026

KAIST develops new catalyst design technology to improve battery and hydrogen fuel cell performance​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a new catalyst design technology that can improve the efficiency of key reactions in batteries and fuel cells. By adjusting the electrical environment around the catalyst, they were able to increase the desired reaction by 52%, leading to improved performance, lifespan, and stability.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 1, 2026

An immune defense guide

Researchers decode signaling pathway of atypical chemokine receptor ACKR4, revealing its role in internalizing and degrading unnecessary chemokines. This mechanism helps guide immune cells and regulate inflammation, with potential implications for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature·DateJun 1, 2026

Martin G. Pomper, MD, Ph.D., receives 2026 Benedict Cassen Prize for Outstanding Contributions to Nuclear Medicine

Dr. Martin G. Pomper has been awarded the 2026 Benedict Cassen Prize for his outstanding contributions to nuclear medicine, particularly in the development of PSMA-targeted agents. His work has led to significant advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment, including the creation of commercial PSMA-targeted PET agents.

Sensitivity of embryonic Chinese rare minnow to fragrance ingredients: A comparison to its juveniles and embryonic zebrafish

Research suggests using Chinese rare minnow embryos as an alternative to conventional acute toxicity tests with juvenile fish, reducing animal use and avoiding redundant testing. The study found that embryo-based tests can provide a more sensitive endpoint than lethality alone, highlighting the importance of endpoint selection.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEnvironmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2026

Tort immunity and nursing home staffing

A cohort study found that introducing immunity in US nursing homes was associated with lower overall staffing and staff-to-resident time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many states adopted immunity from tort liability for harms to nursing home residents.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJun 1, 2026

One simple trick makes zebrafish a better model for microbiome research

Researchers developed a new method to raise germ-free zebrafish using gamma irradiation, enabling long-term studies of host-microbe interactions. This approach revealed significant differences between germ-free and intact zebrafish, suggesting conserved roles for microbiomes in immunity and metabolism across species.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalmSystems·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2026

How mechanical stress can accelerate bone destruction in periodontitis

Researchers found that traumatic occlusion combined with periodontitis leads to significant bone loss due to upregulated inflammatory pathways. The study suggests that excessive bite force does not directly cause damage but exacerbates existing dysregulation, making clinical applications of occlusal adjustment in treatment more relevant.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal Of Clinical Periodontology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2026

New nanocomposite coating achieves 98% corrosion protection for stainless steel

Researchers developed a nanocomposite coating that improves stainless steel's resistance to highly acidic conditions, offering a potential solution for industries with metal equipment exposed to aggressive chemicals. The coating delivered up to 98.2% corrosion inhibition efficiency and remained stable over seven days of immersion.

SourceSultan Qaboos University·JournalSultan Qaboos University Journal for Science [SQUJS]·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2026

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sufficient sleep protect mental health in middle age

A recent study published in Depression and Anxiety found that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sufficient sleep are crucial for protecting mental health in middle age. Replacing sedentary behavior with light activity produced smaller benefits compared to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, highlighting the importance of i...

SourceUniversity of Oulu, Finland·JournalDepression and Anxiety·DateJun 1, 2026

How plants learnt to protect themselves from UV rays

A UNIGE team studied the evolutionary history of plant mechanisms that protect against UV-B radiation in Marchantia polymorpha. They found that while the core mechanism is conserved, regulatory proteins play different roles in ancestral and modern plants, influencing their tolerance to light stress.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeNews article·DateJun 1, 2026

“Achieved with a single laser process”: DGIST creates a photoelectric conversion junction in a two-dimensional semiconductor

The research team developed a technology that directly forms a junction structure within a 2D semiconductor using a laser to enhance photodetection performance. The resulting energy barrier rapidly separates the positively and negatively charged carriers generated by light, suppressing their recombination.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJun 1, 2026

“Reading unspoken pain through brain waves”: DGIST develops world’s first AI for objective pain assessment

Researchers developed technology to analyze electroencephalogram (EEG) signals triggered by thermal stimuli, classifying pain intensity objectively. The AI model reduces bias in subjective self-reported labels, improving performance compared to conventional models.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateJun 1, 2026

Commonly prescribed medication for sleep problems raises alarm bells

A clinical trial found that low-dose quetiapine improved sleep quality and reduced obstructive sleep apnea severity, but significantly impaired alertness and driving performance. The study highlights the need for caution when using sedating medications for insomnia in people with known or possible sleep apnea.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 1, 2026

Metacognitive laziness and AI: researchers propose a scale to measure a growing educational concern

A research team proposes the Metacognitive Laziness Scale (MLS) to measure students' tendency to delegate metacognitive tasks to AI systems. The study found significant positive associations between metacognitive laziness and disaffection with learning, suggesting that excessive reliance on AI may undermine academic achievement.

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeSurvey·DateJun 1, 2026

Researchers create first-of-its-kind index of evolving policy landscape around health care AI

A new study analyzes 240 health care AI-related policies, finding accelerated oversight efforts but a lack of unified framework for clinical AI deployment. Governance challenges are emerging as AI adoption accelerates, requiring strong oversight and internal governance structures.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 1, 2026

Semiconductor performance increases 63-fold with only light... DGIST develops 2D semiconductor control technology

Researchers at DGIST developed Laser-Assisted Microlens Array Processing to create precise defects in 2D semiconductors. This technology resulted in a 63-fold increase in on-current and 51-fold improvement in field-effect mobility, making it suitable for next-gen ultra-compact semiconductors.

New global analysis confirms alcohol’s complex relationship with health: clear cancer risks and chronic liver diseases at any level, mixed evidence for other cardiometabolic conditions

The study found high-risk associations between alcohol use and all ten cancers examined, with risk increasing progressively as intake rose. Low-to-moderate drinking was associated with lower disease risk for type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, ischemic heart disease, and stroke.

Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of fat accumulation in liver and pancreas

Researchers highlight latest developments in pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of MASLD and IPFD, revealing correlations with chronic diseases like liver cancer and pancreatic cancer. Innovative treatments, such as AI-driven approaches and organ-targeted therapies, show promise for precision prevention and therapy.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalPortal Hypertension & Cirrhosis·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 1, 2026

Super-resolution image projection over an extended depth using an optical processor

Researchers developed a system integrating convolutional neural networks and all-optical passive diffractive decoders for super-resolution image projection. The hybrid platform achieved significant improvements in image synthesis over extended depth, reducing data requirements without additional power constraints.

Research alert: UC San Diego study uncovers molecular “shield” behind cancer immunotherapy resistance

Researchers identified microRNA-25 as a key player in creating an immune-suppressive tumor environment that resists cancer immunotherapy. Removing miR-25 reshaped the environment and activated anti-tumor immune responses, suggesting a potential target for converting 'cold' tumors into responsive 'hot' tumors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 1, 2026