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Science News for May 11, 2026


Molecular basis of multicentric carpotarsal osteolysis (MCTO) nephropathy: Pathogenic MAFB accumulation and PI3K/AKT signaling

Researchers discovered a molecular link between multicentric carpotarsal osteolysis (MCTO) and kidney disease, highlighting pathogenic MAFB accumulation and PI3K/AKT signaling. Treatment with imatinib suppressed AKT phosphorylation and attenuated glomerular injury in mice.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 11, 2026

DNA ‘barcodes’ help NUS researchers pinpoint gold nanoparticles that can strike cancer at its power source

The study uses DNA barcodes to track and compare dozens of gold nanoparticle designs in living tumour models, identifying those effective at reaching mitochondria. Two formulations emerged as standout performers, achieving high tumour regression when combined with RNA therapy and photothermal treatment.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 11, 2026

Existing drug shows promise for cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia — memory and decision-making problems that affect over 80% of patients

Researchers discovered that KD025 restored neural connections and improved memory and visual recognition in mice with schizophrenia-associated gene variants. The drug also reduced ROCK2 overactivity without causing serious side effects common to current medications.

SourceNagoya University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

Old newspapers track porpoise populations across the Baltic Sea

Researchers analyzed centuries-old Swedish newspapers to reconstruct past porpoise distribution patterns in the Baltic Sea. The study found that harbour porpoises once occupied a wider area than they do today, with a loss of about one third of their historic range. Historical records provide valuable insights for conservation efforts.

SourceSwedish Museum of Natural History·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 11, 2026

Data hidden in tuberculosis screening tests sheds light on patients’ overall mortality

A study by UCLA Health researchers linked low immune responses to higher mortality rates in patients, using tuberculosis screening tests as a tool. The results suggest that these tests can predict mortality in various patient groups, including those undergoing organ transplants and cancer patients on immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalGeroScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2026

Researchers suggest new design principle for lithium conversion battery catalysts

Researchers challenged thermodynamic-based framework for catalyst design and proposed new principle focusing on declining efficiency of solid-phase electron transport. They designed homonuclear cobalt-cobalt dual-atom catalyst DA-CoCo, significantly enhancing charge transport in solid intermediates, validating the new design principle.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

How much biochar is enough? New study maps safe and effective use across global ecosystems

A new review highlights the importance of using the right amount of biochar in different ecosystems, with recommended application ranges varying from 5 to 40 tonnes per hectare. Biochar can enhance ecological functions by increasing water-holding capacity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting beneficial microbial activity.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 11, 2026

Flexible neural sheet device reaches deep cortical regions without brain penetration

A team of researchers has developed a flexible neural sheet device that can record and stimulate neural activity across multiple sensory cortices in mice. The device, which is thinner than a human hair, is inserted into the epidural space to avoid brain penetration, allowing for wide-area coverage of the temporal and deep cortical areas.

SourceMeijo University·JournalApplied Physics Express·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2026

MYB network tunes brown cotton pigments

A study found that distinct MYB proteins regulate pigment accumulation in brown cotton, with some promoting and others suppressing proanthocyanidin biosynthesis. The research identified key genes and transcription factors involved in pigment formation, providing new insight into naturally colored cotton production.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalSeed Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

Heart scan and blood test improve risk prediction for inherited heart condition, major study finds

A large prospective study found that incorporating imaging and blood biomarker data into risk assessment improves prediction of adverse cardiac events in people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The study used clinical history, cardiac MRI, and blood biomarkers to predict outcomes, providing fuller and more accurate predictions.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2026

Korea University's College of Medicine and Armed Forces Capital Hospital signed an MOU for the development of public medical care and enhancement of medical training

Korea University's College of Medicine has signed an MOU with Armed Forces Capital Hospital to develop public medical care and enhance medical training. The institutions plan to promote cooperation in joint research, personnel training, and customized educational curricula.

Genes linked to neuronal communication appear altered in immune cells of patients with depression

Researchers discovered that genes linked to neuronal communication are also altered in immune cells of patients with depression, reinforcing the systemic nature of the disease. This finding paves the way for developing blood tests to identify and diagnose depression, as well as new treatment approaches targeting inflammation.

A molecular switch for tobacco seed germination

A study reveals NtMYC2a and NtMYC2b as upstream regulators of ABA-mediated seed germination in tobacco. The proteins form a heterodimer that activates NtABI5, enhancing ABA sensitivity. The findings provide new insights into MYC2 functions beyond jasmonate-related pathways.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalSeed Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

Gestational blood glucose management: A potential strategy to reduce pre-eclampsia risk

A large multicenter retrospective study found that stable gestational glucose levels and minimal fluctuations increase the likelihood of low pre-eclampsia risk. The study's key findings suggest that blood glucose management is crucial for preventing pre-eclampsia, particularly in pregnant women with no pre-pregnancy chronic conditions.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2026

Advanced chemical frameworks offer a photocatalytic solution for uranium extraction from water

Researchers develop heterocyclic-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) that utilize light to trigger specific redox reactions, reducing soluble uranium into insoluble forms. The materials have shown impressive photocatalytic uranium extraction efficiency and potential for environmental cleanup and nuclear fuel security.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 11, 2026

Faculty of Economics and Law, Piacenza-Cremona campus, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore earns AACSB international accreditation

The Faculty of Economics and Law, Piacenza-Cremona Campus, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore has earned AACSB accreditation for its commitment to teaching, research, and student learning. This achievement demonstrates the institution's ability to combine academic excellence with innovation and global perspective.

University of Pennsylvania awarded Institutional Challenge Grant to advance partnership on youth homelessness in Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania has been awarded a three-year, $650,000 Institutional Challenge Grant to support a research-practice partnership focused on addressing youth homelessness across the Commonwealth. The partnership aims to examine the effectiveness of state policies in reducing homelessness and create an evidence-based polic...

Genetic location of primocane-fruiting discovered in blackberries

A team of horticulture scientists has identified the single genetic region controlling primocane-fruiting in blackberries, a discovery expected to speed up breeding for improved varieties. The study validated the result through genetic linkage mapping and identified candidate genes involved in flowering regulation.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalGenetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2026

From common natural sweetener to high-performance energy material

Researchers developed a stevia-PVA hydrogel-based triboelectric nanogenerator that demonstrates improved mechanical strength, electrical output, and recyclability. The device achieves over 70% visible light transmittance and can be recycled via a water-assisted process, making it an eco-friendly material for wearable devices.

Hastings Center Report, May-June 2026

The article discusses the ethics of describing gene-editing therapy for sickle cell disease. Despite FDA approval, it argues that framing these treatments as a 'cure' is misleading and may cause unrealistic expectations. The essay also highlights the need for structural drug policy reform to expand freedom.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalThe Hastings Center Report·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 11, 2026

Study reveals common mutation linked to autoimmune diseases may protect people from viral infections

A recent study from the University of Kansas found that a common mutation in the PTPN22 gene may provide a survival advantage against viral infections, including coronavirus. The mutation was previously associated with an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases such as diabetes and lupus.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2026

Noninvasive “deep brain” stimulation technique shows early promise for Parkinson’s

A novel noninvasive brain stimulation approach, TIs, significantly improved movement in patients with Parkinson's disease compared to a sham treatment. The technique targets the subthalamic nucleus and produced clinically meaningful improvements in bradykinesia and tremor.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 11, 2026

Metasurface spectral AI chip diagnoses dry eye–related gland disorder with 96% accuracy-Ultrafast “in-sensor computing” captures molecular fingerprints of meibomian gland tissue in milliseconds

A new AI chip using spectral convolutional neural networks (SCNN) analyzes meibomian gland tissue for diagnosis of dry eye disease, outperforming traditional methods and capturing molecular information in a single measurement.

SourceChinese Society for Optical Engineering·JournalPhotoniX·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

Testosterone treatment improved sexual and physical function for men after prostate cancer surgery

A randomized clinical trial found that testosterone treatment significantly improved sexual activity, sexual desire, and quality of life scores in men after prostate cancer surgery. The treatment also improved body composition and aerobic performance without increasing the risk of biochemical recurrence.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 11, 2026

Brewer’s spent grain transformed into biodegradable paper: A circular economy solution developed in Ecuador

Researchers in Ecuador create biodegradable paper from brewer's spent grain, achieving mechanical properties similar to commercial papers. The process has economic viability at $3.28 per square meter, reducing reliance on virgin raw materials and closing material loops.

SourceEscuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral·JournalGreen Technologies and Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

Ultra-compact silicon photonic "vernier caliper" spectrometer achieves picometer-scale resolution over a broad bandwidth

Researchers developed a compact silicon photonic 'Vernier Caliper' spectrometer with near-uniform resonator responses across a broad wavelength range. The device resolves fine spectral peaks as little as 0.74 pm, outperforming commercial benchtop spectrometers in accuracy.

SourceChinese Society for Optical Engineering·JournalPhotoniX·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

Bitter tasting herbal extracts stimulate gastric cells

Researchers at Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology found that bitter-tasting herbal extracts stimulate proton secretion in human gastric cells, with polyphenol-rich extracts showing the strongest effects. The study identified three human bitter taste receptor subtypes as key mediators of this response.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

Elke Deuerling elected as Leopoldina member

Elke Deuerling, a molecular biologist at the University of Konstanz, has been elected as a member of the Leopoldina, the German National Academy of Sciences. Her work on proteostasis, the regulation of cellular protein levels, has significantly contributed to the understanding of protein protection in delicate formation phases.

All-surface 3D carbon circuitry on glass: A maskless laser printing breakthrough for next-generation semiconductor packaging

A global research team developed an 'All-Surface' 3D laser patterning technique to directly draw highly conductive carbon circuitry on transparent glass. This technology overcomes conventional 2D lithography limits, enabling the fabrication of complex 3D interconnected electrodes and redistribution layers.

SourceChinese Society for Optical Engineering·JournalPhotoniX·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

New research examines “remorse bias” in legal decision-making

Two studies by Rutgers University professor Colleen Berryessa explore how expressions of remorse are interpreted in the legal system, finding that it can lead to serious inequities in legal outcomes. The research highlights the need for greater awareness and education within the legal system to better understand how remorse is assessed.

SourceRutgers University Newark School of Criminal Justice·JournalAnnual Review of Law and Social Science·DateMay 11, 2026

CDI convenes leaders in translational immunology

The Applied Immunological Research Symposium (AIRS) brought together renowned scientists to share groundbreaking findings on T cell exhaustion and its connection to vaccine interception. Keynote speaker Rafi Ahmed presented data showing how blocking PD-1 reawakens a core population of 'stem-like' T cells, unleashing them to fight disease.

Core-shell catalyst improves exhaust treatment efficiency and durability for NGVs

Researchers developed a core-shell Pd@CeO2/γ-Al2O3 three-way catalyst for stoichiometric NGV exhaust treatment, achieving high conversion rates and low temperature activity. The core-shell design strengthens metal-support interactions, increases oxygen vacancies, and optimizes the Pd-CeO2 interface as a primary active site.

Physical exercise may improve stem cell donation

A pilot study suggests that physical exercise can support stem cell donation by releasing specific types of blood stem cells into the bloodstream. The exercise stimulus increases stem cell numbers only moderately, but may offer a more targeted approach than medication.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateMay 11, 2026

Telemedicine has not led to increased use of medical care or higher health care costs

A new study found that telemedicine has not led to increased visits and medical spending across all payer types, easing concerns about ballooning costs. However, it also found that rural areas and commercially insured patients had higher spending, but these changes were not statistically significant.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2026

Molecules shed light on dark matter

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have made new constraints on dark matter particles using precision measurements of barium monofluoride molecules. The study found bounds on hypothetical Z' bosons that mediate electron-nucleus interactions, potentially shedding light on dark matter.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 11, 2026

Efficient design and experimental verification of Gd2Zr2O7-based thermal barrier coating materials based on first-principles calculations

Researchers developed a novel ultra-high-temperature, highly insulating, and corrosion-resistant TBC material using first-principles calculations. The material exhibits excellent mechanical and thermophysical properties, including low thermal conductivity, high coefficient of thermal expansion, and excellent toughness.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateMay 11, 2026

Smarter search for fuel-cell catalysts using machine learning

Researchers have developed a new computational workflow combining generative AI with atomistic simulations to identify promising platinum alloy catalyst structures for hydrogen fuel cells. The method produces high-performing candidates from several material combinations, addressing a longstanding challenge in catalyst design.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

Brain-controlled hearing system proves itself in first human studies

Researchers at Columbia University's Zuckerman Institute have developed a brain-controlled hearing system that can help people focus on one conversation among many. The system, which leverages the brain's natural ability to filter through background noise, dynamically isolates specific conversations in real-time.

SourceThe Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

New AI tool developed by Stowers Institute and Helmholtz Munich scientists predicts how cells choose their future — helping uncover hidden drivers of development

Researchers developed RegVelo, an AI framework that models cellular dynamics and gene regulation to predict cellular fate decisions. The model traces developmental trajectories and simulates regulatory interactions, providing insights into hidden drivers of development and potential therapeutic targets.

CRISPR system inhibits hepatitis E virus

The CRISPR/Cas13d system effectively targets and degrades hepatitis E virus RNA, reducing viral replication and infectious virus production. A limited combination of short guide RNAs can cover most viral variants, providing a promising approach to combatting the rapid adaptability of viruses.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJHEP Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

KAIST demonstrates ultralow-noise microwave and millimeter-wave signal generation using microcomb-based photonic chip​

Researchers at KAIST demonstrated a chip-scale photonic approach for generating ultralow-noise and highly stable microwave and millimeter-wave signals based on optical frequency combs. The study enabled direct transfer of optical-reference stability to the microcomb, achieving record-breaking performance in low-offset frequencies.

Study identifies product-category differences in language associated with click-through rates in Japanese Instagram advertisements

Researchers analyzed a large dataset of Japanese Instagram ads to identify linguistic patterns linked to click-through rates. The study found that word choices for supplement and cosmetic ads differed significantly, with risk-related words boosting CTR in supplement ads, while motion-related language increased CTR in cosmetic ads.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPLOS One·DateMay 11, 2026

The precise bioenergetic map of ocular tissues: Research on TCA cycle intermediate distribution and sexual dimorphism

The study utilizes high-sensitivity LC-MS to quantify TCA cycle intermediates in mouse ocular tissues, revealing dual differences in metabolic characteristics based on spatial distribution and biological sex. Key findings include tissue-specific metabolic phenotypes and sexual dimorphism of metabolic profiles.

SourceEye Discovery·JournalEye Discovery·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 11, 2026

Reasoning like a human: New prompting strategy boosts AI accuracy in healthcare advice

A new study by Technische Universität Berlin reveals that teaching Large Language Models to mimic human intuition and reasoning improves their ability to provide accurate medical care-seeking advice. The 'human reasoning blueprint' approach increased overall accuracy across all models, with significant gains in self-care advice.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJMIR Biomedical Engineering·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2026

A new study explains how carbon dioxide cools the upper atmosphere—and warms earth below

Researchers from Columbia University have developed a theory explaining how carbon dioxide cools the stratosphere, even as it warms Earth's surface and lower atmosphere. The study reveals that CO2 molecules interact with infrared light in a specific 'Goldilocks zone' that expands with increasing atmospheric CO2 levels.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2026

How jellyfish bycatch could be valuable collagen source for cosmetics and biotech

Research suggests that jellyfish bycatch can provide high-quality collagen without compromising quality. This circular bioeconomy solution offers new economic opportunities for small-scale fisheries while reducing waste. The collaboration with fishers revealed a willingness to participate in recycling jellyfish bycatch, but also highli...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeCase study·DateMay 11, 2026

Risk of congenital anomalies higher in babies born to mothers with endometriosis

Research in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that babies born to mothers with endometriosis are at a higher risk of congenital anomalies. The study included over 1.4 million births and found an increased risk of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genital, and musculoskeletal anomalies as well as neoplasms and tumours.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2026