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Science News for May 13, 2026


Graphene aerogel‑based flexible pressure sensor for physiological signal detection and human–machine interaction

Developed by researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, this sensor uses anisotropic reduced graphene oxide aerogel to detect subtle physiological signals while maintaining a broad range of force detection. The sensor exhibits record-breaking performance and multi-functional integration capabilities.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateMay 13, 2026

Tranexamic acid prevents severe bleeding in caesarean births

A new trial from China finds that giving tranexamic acid to women with placenta praevia undergoing caesarean birth leads to a significant reduction in severe bleeding after delivery. The treatment also showed no evidence of an increase in serious adverse events.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 13, 2026

Refugees reveal hidden trauma of life in the UK

A new study by the University of East Anglia reveals that refugees who entered the UK as unaccompanied minors experience relentless cycles of intrusive memories, loneliness, and physical pain. Social connection emerges as a powerful buffer against distress, with many participants finding comfort in activities like cricket or prayer.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalTranscultural Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 2026

Semaglutide effective for severe obesity even in young people who have been treatment resistant for many years, finds randomised controlled trial

A randomised controlled trial found semaglutide (Wegovy) significantly reduced BMI by 19% and fat mass in young adults with severe obesity, improving metabolic syndrome severity. The study suggests GLP-1 based treatment as a promising option for managing severe obesity in young people resistant to prior hospital-based care.

The 28th European Congress of Endocrinology (ECE) hosts the largest gathering of endocrine specialists in Europe

The 28th European Congress of Endocrinology (ECE) 2026 brought together over 4,500 delegates from 111 countries to experience the latest endocrine research and developments. The Congress celebrated the Society's 20th Anniversary and featured groundbreaking studies on hormone disruption, bone development, insulin resistance, and polycys...

Reducing fear is critical for improving trust in law enforcement, MSU study finds

A new MSU study found that the perceived likelihood and severity of an incident explain why people fear law enforcement. Researchers suggest that addressing police violence by better preparing officers to recognize and respond appropriately can help mitigate fear, but may take time for public perceptions to change.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology·DateMay 13, 2026

UMass Chan scientists develop gene editing technology capable of rewriting entire chapters of the genome

Researchers have developed a new gene editing technology called 'prime assembly' that allows efficient insertion of large DNA segments into the human genome. This innovation enables treatment of genetic diseases by replacing entire genes, promising substantial progress in treating conditions with multiple mutations.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2026

Alzheimer's therapeutic breakthroughs may be financially inaccessible, warns Trinity College Dublin

A new study estimates the value-based prices of lecanemab and donanemab across 174 countries, finding that current market prices exceed cost-effective prices by significant margins. The research highlights a global equity issue, where patients in low- and middle-income countries may face delayed or no access to these treatments.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 13, 2026

Wearable polygraph detects hidden stress

A small, wireless polygraph system can track multiple physiological signals to capture a real-time view of stress in the body. The device can help clinicians detect stress and potential discomfort in patients, including infants or the elderly who may be unable to communicate.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 13, 2026

Illinois study: Can designer biochar pellets help manage phosphorus in agricultural fields?

A new study examined the capacity of specially designed biochar pellets to absorb and release phosphorus under real-world conditions. The researchers found that while the pellets absorbed phosphorus as expected in laboratory settings, they performed poorly when exposed to agricultural wastewater, which contained competing ions and micr...

More selective breeding might help flat-faced dogs to breathe easier

Researchers used data from over 4,000 Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs to identify heritable traits that contribute to breathing disorders. The study suggests that improving respiratory health through selective breeding may help reduce the prevalence of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in these breeds.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMay 13, 2026

Comparing AI anatomy segmentation models when ground truth is missing

A recent study introduces a practical framework for comparing AI-based anatomy segmentation models in the absence of expert reference annotations. The work focuses on chest CT scans from the National Lung Screening Trial dataset and evaluates how consistently different open-source models label anatomical structures. Key findings includ...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Medical Imaging·DateMay 13, 2026

The first domesticated horses: 6,000 years of a complex story

New research reveals that humans used horses in organized ways as early as the 4th millennium BCE, challenging the accepted timeline of full domestication. The study's findings suggest a more complex and nuanced history of human-horse relationships, highlighting the significant impact of horses on major historical developments.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScience Advance·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 13, 2026

Peruvian hairless dogs discovered at ancient site

A new study published in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology provides physical evidence of Peruvian hairless dogs from the Wari Empire site of Castillo de Huarmey. The site, located on the Pacific coast of northern Peru, yielded dog skeletal remains that were analyzed using standard zooarchaeological methods and isotopic analysis.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJournal of Anthropological Archaeology·DateMay 13, 2026

FAU study maps first brain blueprint of a fly’s split-second great escape

A new study at Florida Atlantic University maps the neural wiring system linked to a fly's split-second escape behaviors, revealing a decentralized communication strategy. The findings provide insight into how brains process information at extraordinary speed and may represent a conserved blueprint shared across species.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournaliScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 13, 2026

UW researchers decipher beluga calls to bolster conservation efforts

Researchers at the University of Washington decoded over 1,700 beluga whale calls in Cook Inlet, revealing insights into their social behavior, communication patterns, and vulnerability to human noise. The study suggests that shipping noise may be disrupting critical calf-mother communication, threatening the population's recovery.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 13, 2026

Water-assisted alignment plus secondary cold lsostatic pressing: achieving high-performance pure h-BN ceramics by pressureless sintering

Researchers developed a new process for pressureless sintering of high-density h-BN ceramics, achieving properties comparable to hot-pressed counterparts. The 'water lubrication and secondary cold isostatic pressing-assisted pressureless sintering process' yielded outstanding in-plane thermal conductivity and dielectric constant.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateMay 13, 2026

Rice researchers develop realistic ‘mock’ samples to speed cervical cancer test development

A team of Rice University bioengineers has developed a new way to create highly realistic mock patient samples that could help accelerate the development of faster and more accessible cervical cancer screening tests. The approach combines multiple factors, including viral DNA levels and cell counts, to mimic real clinical specimens.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Medical Virology·DateMay 13, 2026

Visual measure of illness perception paints a picture of quality of life

A new study suggests that a visual measure of illness perception can effectively convey symptom-related quality of life for patients with chronic lung illnesses. The study found that patients' visual perceptions of their lung disease were equally effective as standard questionnaires and test results in predicting quality of life.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention·DateMay 13, 2026

How songbirds learn to sing, one brain connection at a time

Researchers pinpoint a specific connection in the brain where song learning first occurs, finding that it hinges on a highly organized process involving a single type of synapse. The study sheds light on how songbirds learn to vocalize by imitating a tutor and shares similarities with human language development.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2026

CODA supports international collaboration between Stellenbosch University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology to advance microvascular research in complex chronic disorders

The Complex Disorders Alliance (CODA) is funding research on microvascular dysfunction and immune-mediated clotting processes in complex chronic disorders. Professor Resia Pretorius of Stellenbosch University and Dr. Mikki Tal of MIT are collaborating to expand understanding of these conditions.

Scientists design "hydrophobic-zincophilic" interface to unlock ultra-stable zinc-ion batteries

Researchers developed a dual-functional coating composed of palladium nanoparticles on a graphitic carbon nitride matrix, which blocks water-induced corrosion and regulates zinc deposition at the atomic level. This 'hydrophobic-zincophilic' design provides a generalizable strategy for high-performance, long-lasting zinc-ion batteries.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalENGINEERING Energy·TypeNews article·DateMay 13, 2026

Synergistically enhances piezoelectricity and resistivity of high temperature 0.3Na0.5Bi2.5Nb2O9-0.7Bi3TiNbO9 ceramics by (W,Cr) co-doping

Researchers successfully fabricated W,Cr co-doped 0.3Na0.5Bi2.5Nb2O9-0.7Bi3TiNbO9 ceramics, elevating piezoelectric constant to 20.3 pC/N and resistivity to 7.3×10^7 Ω·cm. This is attributed to the incorporation of W/Cr ions disrupting the crystal lattice and generating stable domain structures.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateMay 13, 2026

Crystalline Ni3S2 nanorods tuned by low‑crystalline NiCoSx with built‑in electric field for efficient overall water splitting

Researchers develop high-performance, bifunctional electrocatalyst using crystalline Ni3S2 nanorods and low-crystalline NiCoSx, enabling efficient overall water splitting. The catalyst's built-in electric field promotes faster electron transfer and optimizes adsorption energies.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·DateMay 13, 2026

Experts call on WHO to revisit its approach to airborne risk in light of hantavirus outbreak

Experts are calling on the World Health Organization (WHO) to adopt a more precautionary approach in responding to emerging respiratory viruses. The recent hantavirus outbreak, which has resulted in three deaths and several cases, highlights the need for improved ventilation, respirator use, and portable HEPA filtration.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalBMJ·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 13, 2026

The strong coordination effect on FeNi-MOF derived catalyst for durable oxygen evolution reaction over 3000 h at operando condition

A novel FeNi-MOF-derived catalyst resists dissolution under extreme conditions, achieving record-breaking performance in oxygen evolution reaction. The catalyst's stability is attributed to the ligand effect of BPDC, which enriches electron density around Fe atoms and strengthens metal-oxygen bonds.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateMay 13, 2026

Asymmetric droplet coalescence on fibers reveals mechanisms of secondary droplet formation

A study investigates coalescence of sessile and pendant droplets on fibers, revealing a three-stage process: liquid bridge formation, oscillation decay, and stable morphology formation. The findings provide direct guidance for controlling polydisperse droplet emissions in industrial fiber coalescers.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalENGINEERING Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2026

Of the geometry of light

A German-Japanese research team applies quantum geometry to non-Hermitian photonic systems, introducing a new degree of complexity. They develop a method to measure the quantum metric directly, enabling the creation of programmable artificial potentials for light and new design possibilities for photonic systems.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2026

Surrounded by stardust

Researchers from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf analyze ancient Antarctic ice to reveal the Local Interstellar Cloud's role in storing and supplying iron-60. The findings confirm a long-past stellar explosion as the source of this rare radioactive isotope, shedding new light on the origins of the Cloud.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2026

Chinese Neurosurgical Journal reports KRAS gene as key driver for brain arteriovenous malformation

A study published in Chinese Neurosurgical Journal reports KRAS gene overexpression associated with brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) pathogenesis. The research found altered gene expression profiles linked to cell adhesion, signaling, and mitochondrial function, suggesting KRAS-driven molecular alterations play a role in bAVM de...

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2026

Diseases can spread between apartments via shared ventilation, study shows

A study found that airborne viruses can spread between separated indoor spaces through shared bathroom ventilation systems. The study, conducted in a high-rise building in Spain, confirmed COVID-19 transmission through vertical ventilation shafts, highlighting the risk of disease transmission in older buildings.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPLOS One·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 13, 2026

Applying bundles of best practices improves outcomes of pediatric surgery, clinical trial finds

A multicenter clinical trial found that implementing ERPs improved outcomes for children undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, with reduced time to regular diet after surgery and decreased opioid use. Hospitals with strong quality improvement culture and commitment to ERPs saw the most success in implementation.

Honeybees teach drones how to navigate

A team of scientists has developed a novel navigation strategy inspired by honeybees, allowing small robots to travel far away from home and return successfully. The 'Bee-Nav' system uses a neural network to process panoramic images of the environment, enabling lightweight, safe robots to navigate on their own.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2026

From plastic waste to chemical building blocks: a sustainable path for polyethylene upcycling

Researchers create tandem catalytic strategy to efficiently upcycle polyethylene into aromatic chemicals without precious metals or external hydrogen acceptors. The process achieves high aromatics yield and demonstrates excellent stability, offering a promising solution for managing plastic pollution and reducing fossil resource reliance.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2026

A marine-inspired sunscreen ingredient made by E. coli

Researchers engineered E. coli microbes to produce the UV-protective compound gadusol, increasing yield by nearly 93 times and showing promise in antioxidant tests. The compound may become an attractive ingredient for sunscreens and skin-care products, offering a greener alternative to traditional ingredients.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2026

Machine learning and big data reshape solid‑state hydrogen storage research

Researchers have developed a multimodal database and applied machine learning to identify promising materials for solid-state hydrogen storage. The Digital Hydrogen S platform reveals persistent gaps in existing materials, but ML models achieve high accuracy predicting hydrogen storage capacity and formation enthalpy.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalENGINEERING Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2026

Gold nanoparticles that behave like a liquid

A research team found that small changes in organic molecules on nanoparticle surfaces can trigger large-scale structural transformations. This discovery could provide a powerful method for tuning material properties and enable the development of smart and adaptive materials.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 13, 2026

Efficacy of sequential transarterial chemoembolization after stereotactic body radiation therapy versus radiation therapy alone for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma

A study of 152 patients with recurrent HCC compared the efficacy of sequential transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) versus SBRT alone. The combination showed a favorable trend toward improved survival without increased severe toxicity.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateMay 13, 2026

Vortex-induced triboelectric nanogenerator for multidirectional wind energy harvesting enables efficient wind energy harvesting under low wind speed and high humidity

Researchers developed a VIV-TENG that utilizes vortex-induced vibration to generate electricity from airflow, achieving stable output under multidirectional airflow and maintaining performance in humid environments. The device can harness low-speed wind energy and power small electronic devices.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournaliEnergy·DateMay 13, 2026

Many Americans pessimistic about AI’s impact – and want more regulation

A new survey finds that Americans are broadly pessimistic about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), with only 17% believing it will have a positive impact on the United States over the next decade. Nearly two-thirds (65%) say the government has done too little to regulate AI, and there is bipartisan support for regulation.

Europe advances genomic surveillance of CCRE with landmark multi-country study

The CCRE survey provides the most comprehensive genomic picture to date of carbapenem- and/or colistin-resistant Enterobacterales across European hospitals. The results reveal heterogeneous yet increasingly concerning epidemiological patterns, suggesting a high risk that carbapenem-resistant E. coli could become endemic in Europe.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 2026

New health security operations center will monitor infectious disease risks during this summer’s World Cup gatherings

The Health Security Operations Center will monitor infectious disease transmission and deliver timely information to health officials, health systems, and the public. Drawing on data from wastewater monitoring, hospitalizations, and real-time health reports gathered from host cities, the HSOC aims to anticipate and mitigate large-scale...

OIST Innovation Accelerator opens applications for 2027–2028 cohort focused on bioconvergence and sustainability

The OIST Innovation Accelerator supports entrepreneurial researchers developing deep technologies with strong potential for commercialization in the Japanese market. Up to four research-driven ventures will be selected to participate in a 10-month residency, each receiving up to ¥10 million in project funding.

Flu signals in wastewater offer an early warning for community outbreaks

A University of Osaka-led team developed a wastewater-based epidemiology approach to estimate influenza incidence, predicting community outbreaks about one week earlier than publicly available data. The method also enables separate estimation of influenza A and B trends, supporting more detailed monitoring of seasonal outbreaks.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalWater and Environment Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMay 13, 2026

“Even recognizing puddles at night”... KAIST surpasses the limits of autonomous driving​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a next-generation polarization sensor that can read the direction of light and change its own response, enabling high-accuracy object recognition in dark environments. This technology has the potential to improve autonomous driving and medical diagnostics with low energy consumption.

Combined short-term effects of air pollutants linked to 146,500 premature deaths per year in Europe

A multi-pollutant analysis in Europe reveals that short-term exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) is associated with around 79,000 preventable deaths, followed by nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and coarser particles (PM2.5-10). The study estimates 146,500 premature deaths per year linked to overall air pollution.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 13, 2026

Longevity-linked APOE2 gene variant helps neurons repair DNA and resist aging

The APOE2 gene variant is associated with exceptional longevity and reduced Alzheimer's risk. Research reveals that APOE2 helps human neurons maintain genomic integrity and resist cellular senescence, driving neurodegeneration. This study offers a mechanistic answer to the protective mechanism behind APOE2's role in aging.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2026

Better batteries begin with optimized slurry processing

A new method using rheo-impedance spectroscopy links slurry shear conditions to battery performance, enabling data-driven optimization and improved manufacturing efficiency. The study found an optimal 'sweet spot' in processing conditions that balances breaking up particle clusters with maintaining electrical pathways.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Power Sources·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2026

Routine scans may reveal tumor aggressiveness in head and neck cancer – without additional tests

A new study suggests that medical imaging can capture the molecular activity of particularly aggressive head and neck tumors, opening new possibilities for more precise diagnosis and treatment planning. The research team found that tumors driven by activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway exhibit distinct patterns on PET/CT scans.

SourceUmea University·JournalMolecular Cancer·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 13, 2026

New study reveals strict selection patterns in social relationships

Researchers found that humans are extremely selective when choosing friends and partners, evaluating all identity characteristics positively before entering a relationship. The study used data from high school friendships and marriages to validate its findings, revealing that factors like grade level, ethnic background, and age play a ...

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 13, 2026

The ionic path to all-solid-state batteries

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered that varying particle sizes in solid electrolytes reduces tortuosity and enhances ion transport pathways, leading to improved battery performance. This breakthrough could significantly enhance the charging and discharging capabilities of electric vehicles.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Energy Storage·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2026

Rewiring rumination: A targeted brain-based approach to depression

A new study uses real-time fMRI neurofeedback to train people to regulate rumination, a common symptom of depression, by restoring healthy neural coupling between the posterior cingulate cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The approach shows promise in reducing depressive symptoms while leaving anxiety intact.

SourceATR Brain Information Communication Research Laboratory Group·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2026

The cinema effect: Turning films into a gateway to science

The Science & Cinema format combines short movie clips with expert commentary to reflect on how science is portrayed on screen. The events engaged diverse audiences, including those not already interested in the topic, triggering reflection and emotional connections.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Science Communication·TypeObservational study·DateMay 13, 2026

Osteoporosis could prove deadly in postmenopausal women

A new study suggests that postmenopausal women with low femoral bone mineral density are at a higher risk of death, with a 47% increased risk compared to those with normal bone density. The study, published in Menopause, also reveals an inverse relationship between bone mineral density and mortality risk within specific ranges.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 13, 2026