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Science News for May 1, 2026


Nocturnal migratory birds follow rhythm of the moon

A long-term study reveals how the red-necked nightjar's annual cycle follows the moon's light, influencing feeding, migration, and breeding patterns. The research highlights the vulnerability of nocturnal animals to changes in light levels, with potential consequences for conservation.

SourceLund University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 1, 2026

Early human embryonic cells may be vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection

Researchers discovered that early-stage ectoderm cells are especially susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, with heightened vulnerability driven by elevated TMPRSS2 activity and thinner glycocalyx. This raises concerns about potential developmental risks, particularly for infants born to mothers infected during early pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2026

Cold hands, warm heart — Body temperature a key factor in where TRPM4 mutations cause disease

Researchers discovered that body temperature plays a key role in which tissues are affected by TRPM4 ion channel mutations. The findings explain why disease-causing TRPM4 mutations lead to mutually exclusive conditions, such as severe skin diseases like PSEK and heart disorders like progressive familial heart block.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2026

Boyce Thompson Institute awarded USDA grant to advance youth education in plant biotechnology across New York state

The Boyce Thompson Institute has received a multi-year award from the USDA's FANE program to expand access to biotechnology education for K-12 students. The P-BIOTEK initiative will create hands-on learning opportunities and community science programs to introduce students to plant biotechnology, bioengineering, and science communication.

May 2026 issues of APA journals feature new research on PTSD, substance use disorders, psychopharmacologic treatments, and more

The latest issues of APA journals feature new research on PTSD and substance use disorders. The American Journal of Psychiatry explores the understanding of these conditions, while Psychiatric Services discusses the future of the DSM. Focus journal delves into psychopharmacologic treatments with expert perspectives.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 1, 2026

Professor helps uncover widespread genetic exchange in disease-causing parasites

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that over 70% of Leishmania parasite isolates showed evidence of genetic mixing, indicating sexual reproduction and hybridization play a major role in their evolution. This challenges longstanding assumptions about the reproduction mechanisms of these parasi...

SourceMississippi State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2026

Housing insecurity, incident geriatric conditions, and mortality in community-living older persons

A cohort study found that poor housing affordability was associated with higher risks of frailty, disability, dementia, and mortality, while poor housing quality was linked to increased risks of frailty, disability, and mortality. Housing insecurity is identified as a clinically relevant social determinant of health among older persons.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 1, 2026

What celebrity worship says about our own self-worth

A new international study suggests that people who feel less certain about themselves may look to celebrities for guidance and inspiration. The research found that celebrity worship can serve a compensatory role when people are struggling with their identity or autonomy.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeSurvey·DateMay 1, 2026

Copycat cockatoos learn to adapt from each other

A large-scale field experiment revealed that wild sulphur-crested cockatoos learn what foods are safe to eat by watching each other, with males more likely to follow other males. The study found that social relationships play a crucial role in shaping animal behavior, and that knowledge can spread rapidly through flocks.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2026

Blood stem cells evade immunity in aplastic anemia by similar genetic mutations arising independently

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that blood stem cells with aplastic anemia escape the immune system by acquiring different gene mutations independently. These mutations, such as HLA loss and CHIP gene changes, allow cells to hide from the immune system and provide long-term remission.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 1, 2026

Birth after uterus transplant

A single-center study demonstrates uterus transplant feasibility in multidisciplinary centers, supporting its use for women with absolute uterine factor infertility. Ongoing reporting and data sharing will refine risk estimates and optimize patient counseling.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 1, 2026

Azide-to-diazo conversion offers safer route to versatile diazo compounds

Researchers have developed a novel method to generate diazo compounds without toxic precursors, enabling efficient synthesis of valuable intermediates for chemical and pharmaceutical applications. The phosphine-mediated Michael addition reaction produces β-heteroatom-substituted diazo esters under mild conditions.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2026

How oak trees outwit their predators

Researchers found that oak trees delay leaf emergence to escape herbivores, reducing insect damage by an impressive 55%. This delay allows the tree to avoid being stripped bare and enables it to recover from infestations.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2026

Explosive evaporation unlocks new possibilities in 3D printing and chemical analysis

Researchers have discovered two thresholds for the behavior of charged water droplets on frictionless surfaces, enabling finer control over electrospray processes and opening up opportunities for nanofabrication. The study's findings may also lead to greener scientific techniques.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2026

Rich more likely to use AI study finds, as experts warn these burgeoning technologies are increasing social inequality

A recent study reveals that individuals with higher education or income are more aware of and use AI tools, exacerbating social inequalities. The researchers recommend increasing engagement with AI-related topics through outreach campaigns, educational programs, and community workshops to reduce this new digital divide.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2026