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Science News for May 20, 2026


Faster gene screening method targets deadly fungus

Researchers at the University of Guelph developed a faster way to identify potential drug targets against Candida albicans using CRISPR interference. The new system reduced the time from laboratory discoveries to clinical applications by years, focusing on hundreds or thousands of genes simultaneously.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

Teen attitudes to exercise shape fitness years later

Research shows that intrinsic motivations, such as enjoying physical activity and feeling healthy, consistently matter most in predicting aerobic fitness. Teenagers who value these factors are significantly fitter at 17 than those motivated primarily by winning or external rewards.

SourceFlinders University·JournalChild Care Health and Development·TypeSurvey·DateMay 20, 2026

Finding the early signs of Alzheimer's disease

New research from the University of Otago has uncovered a specific biomarker in blood plasma associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study found that elevated levels of ptau181 were linked to subjective cognitive concerns, but not objective decline or structural brain integrity measures.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalGeroScience·TypeCase study·DateMay 20, 2026

The Lancet MedZero: a single platform for carbon data across every product in healthcare

The Lancet MedZero platform offers product-level carbon data for hospitals and health systems worldwide, enabling evidence-based decision-making and supporting climate action. With over 14,000 entries launched, the platform aims to help healthcare institutions reduce waste, improve patient care, and tackle climate change.

A review of microwave dielectric ceramics: From fundamental mechanisms and property regulation to advanced preparation, applications, and data-driven discovery

Recent advancements in microwave dielectric ceramics research focus on property characterization, theoretical mechanisms, sample preparation, applications, and data-driven discovery. Key findings include the development of standardized resonant methods for evaluating low-loss materials and advanced cold sintering processes enabling co-...

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateMay 20, 2026

SKKU research team awakens “hidden oxygen” to produce green hydrogen… pioneering next-generation water-splitting catalyst technology

Researchers at SKKU have created a highly efficient water-splitting catalyst that activates 'lattice oxygen' to break the oxygen evolution reaction bottleneck. By controlling atomic spacing, they enabled robust metal-oxygen interactions, achieving lower energy levels than precious metal catalysts.

Critical Path Institute launches New Approach Methodologies Developer Coalition to advance human-relevant tools for drug development

The coalition aims to accelerate validation and qualification of human-relevant methodologies, such as complex in vitro models and microphysiological systems, for drug discovery and development. By aligning developers around shared qualification standards, the coalition reduces duplicative validation efforts and helps regulators evalua...

Study identifies new marker to find patients with advanced prostate cancer more likely to benefit from combination immunotherapy

Researchers discovered a new gene expression signature linked to prolonged overall survival in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who responded to combined immune checkpoint inhibitors. The biomarker has the potential to help identify patients most likely to benefit from this treatment combination.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2026

We can help the body fight entire viral families

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that combining key vaccine ingredients could give the body the tools it needs to fight the entire family of arenaviruses with a single vaccine. This approach may protect against life-threatening infections from Lassa virus, Junin virus, and many other arenaviruses.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

Early birth safer for mother and baby in high blood pressure pregnancies

A new Cochrane review finds planned early birth for pregnant women with high blood pressure cuts maternal complications by nearly half and reduces the risk of stillbirth. The practice is found to be safe across both high- and low-income settings, without increasing the likelihood of caesarean section.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 20, 2026

Reusable catheters a safe choice that could save NHS millions, study finds

A new study by the University of Southampton has found that reusable catheters are just as safe for patients as single-use ones and do not increase the risk of urinary tract infections. The study followed hundreds of patients for a year and discovered that those who tested reusable catheters used 35 per cent fewer antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalInternational Journal of Nursing Studies·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 20, 2026

Healthcare is facing a moral emergency, argue experts

The BMJ argues that healthcare has lost its human, moral, and relational foundations. Experts say reconnecting with these values is crucial for improving patient outcomes and staff well-being. By prioritizing kindness, compassion, and leadership, healthcare can rebalance its focus from technical power to individualized care.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 20, 2026

ISSCR Consortium urges FDA to maintain flexible, science-driven framework for new approach methodologies in drug development

The ISSCR Consortium supports the FDA's draft guidance on using new approach methodologies (NAMs) in drug development, emphasizing the need for a flexible and science-driven framework. The consortium recommends clarifying biological complexity alignment with context of use and expanding recognition of computational modeling and hybrid ...

CPRIT awards UT MD Anderson over $19 million for cancer research and faculty recruitment

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has been awarded $19 million by CPRIT to support young cancer survivors, groundbreaking research, and faculty recruitment programs. The funding will enable UT MD Anderson to recruit world-class scientists and clinicians, pursue new discoveries, and accelerate cancer treatment advancements.

How Atlantic herring rewired reproduction to survive a new sea

A recent study reveals that Atlantic herring rewired its reproduction to survive in the Baltic Sea's low-salinity waters through four key genetic adaptations. These adaptations enabled the species to reproduce successfully despite the challenging environmental conditions, highlighting the importance of gene function and regulation in e...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2026

Seeing deeper without losing detail

Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington are developing a new technology to enable clear, detailed imaging of biological structures far beneath the skin's surface. This innovation has the potential to improve disease detection and diagnosis, particularly in areas such as cancer and vascular diseases.

In middle-aged and older adults, migraine with aura associated with higher stroke risk

Migraine with aura is linked to a 73% increased risk of ischemic stroke in middle-aged and older adults. The study found no association between migraine without aura and an increased risk of stroke. Men under age 72 with migraine also face a significantly higher risk of stroke, contradicting previous research in younger individuals.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology Open Access·DateMay 20, 2026

Cows recognize a familiar human face

Researchers found that cows stared longer at unfamiliar faces and could match a known handler's voice with their image. The animals' heart rates showed no emotional response to the faces or voices.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

Nearly 60% of college students with a psychosis diagnosis are not receiving the recommended mental health treatment

A new study found that nearly 8 in 10 college students with psychosis needed mental health support, but only 4 in 10 received the recommended combination of therapy and antipsychotic medication. This indicates potential barriers to accessing care, including stigma.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·TypeSurvey·DateMay 20, 2026

Climate change is destroying Arctic cultural heritage sites

Researchers found significant erosion damage to graves in a 17th-century whaling site in Svalbard, with textiles nearly completely degraded over 30 years. The study reveals the physical cost of climate change on Arctic cultural heritage sites and the need for revised policies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2026

New study aids earlier diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in patients with low-risk pancreatic cysts

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients with low-risk pancreatic cystic lesions have a high risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The study highlights the need for long-term personalized surveillance strategies for these patients, which could enable earlier detection and treatment of the disease.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2026

Turning waste into wealth: high-acid-value waste oil upgraded to high-performance natural ester insulating oil in one efficient process

A multi-stage coupled refining process converts high-acid-value waste cooking oil into high-performance natural ester insulating oil with improved physical, chemical and electrical properties. The process increases the oil's dielectric dissipation factor and power frequency breakdown voltage.

SourceHEP Data Cooperation Journals·JournalJOURNAL OF ENGINEERING STUDIES·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

Breaking the bottleneck in in vivo and in situ monitoring: Science Bulletin reports a host-based antifouling gold nanotube sensor for the selective detection of mechanically sensitive serotonin release in intestinal mucosa

Researchers developed a flexible electrochemical sensing platform that captures dynamic small-molecule chemical signals in the gut. The platform reveals a new mechanism underlying enhanced intestinal mechanosensation under microbe-related stimulation, enabling real-time monitoring of serotonin release.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

Immobilized cell technology enables continuous production of nylon precursor cadaverine

Researchers developed a method to produce nylon precursor cadaverine continuously using immobilized cells entrapped in carrageenan gel and crosslinked with polyethylenimine. This approach enhances enzyme stability, allowing for a titer of 112 g/L and productivity of 44.8 g/g DCW/h, surpassing previous batch processes.

SourceHEP Data Cooperation Journals·JournalSystems Microbiology and Biomanufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

Protein engineering overcomes substrate inhibition in industrial biocatalyst

Researchers used molecular docking and computational modeling to identify a superior mutant of L-amino acid deaminase, overcoming substrate inhibition at high concentrations. The mutant showed significantly enhanced catalytic efficiency and high-substrate tolerance, demonstrating a powerful approach for optimizing industrial biocatalysts.

SourceHEP Data Cooperation Journals·JournalSystems Microbiology and Biomanufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

Squeezed and sped up: viscous stress primes glioblastoma cells for invasion

Researchers discovered that long-term exposure to high viscosity environments makes glioblastoma cells smaller and more deformable, allowing them to invade healthy tissue more effectively. The study found that viscosity is not just a passive barrier but an active driver of aggressive behavior.

Shandong University researchers develop multi‑scale feature fusion and weighted ensemble learning method for accurate promoter identification across cell lines

Shandong University researchers have developed MuSE-Promoter, a deep learning framework that integrates multiple complementary ways of looking at DNA sequences. The method consistently outperforms state-of-the-art tools in challenging cross-cell-line transfer and promoter-enhancer discrimination tasks.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 20, 2026

IMH-NTU study identifies blood-based markers that may help predict development of psychosis in at-risk Asian youths

Researchers have identified blood-based proteomic biomarkers that may help predict the development of psychosis in at-risk Asian youths. The study, which used data from the Longitudinal Youth at Risk Study (LYRIKS), found that models developed using the LYRIKS dataset performed better than those based on Caucasian protein patterns.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

Tumor microenvironment features may predict immunotherapy response in rare cancers

A study identified key tumor microenvironment features that can predict immunotherapy response in rare cancers, offering new insight into treatment options. The findings suggest that analyzing the tumor microenvironment beyond genomic analysis may help improve treatment selection for patients with rare cancers.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 20, 2026

π-Electron reorganization for narrowband red emitters

Scientists propose a strategy to control π-electron delocalization in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, enabling the synthesis of narrow-spectrum emission materials. This approach results in red emitters with high efficiency, narrow spectral width, and record-high performance in OLED devices.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

UM School of Medicine receives $2.9 million in federal funding for advanced microscopy to accelerate neuroscience discoveries

The University of Maryland School of Medicine has received a $2.9 million federal grant to establish an advanced microscopy facility, enabling researchers to study cellular processes with nanoscale precision. The facility will house cutting-edge instruments like the MINFLUX microscope, which can visualize molecular events in brain cell...

Modern medicine makes gut microbial diversity plummet

A study reveals that medical exposure can rapidly change the human microbiome, with gut microbes shifting toward patterns more commonly seen in urban populations. The research found a decline in microbial diversity and a shift towards bacterial groups more common in industrialized societies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2026

Measuring shame through a combination of self-report, language and body posture may be clinically helpful

Researchers found a combination of measuring shame—self-report, language, and body posture—are necessary to predict stress and avoidance behaviors in healthcare settings. This multi-modal approach provides a way to examine the different ways individuals experience and express shame.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Health Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 20, 2026

A well-liked best friend can reduce an isolated child’s exclusion but not their withdrawal, Concordia study finds

A new study by Concordia researchers found that well-liked friends can help reduce peer exclusion, but not social withdrawal in isolated children. The study tracked 252 fifth- and sixth-grade students over eight weeks and found that friendships with high-status peers reinforced existing social status, rather than improving inclusion.

SourceConcordia University·JournalChild Development·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 20, 2026

Paligenosis: dual potential of mature cell plasticity in regeneration and tumorigenesis

Paligenosis is a three-stage process involving autophagy, stemness gene induction, and proliferation. It ensures efficient regeneration in tissues like the stomach and pancreas, but its dysregulated activation can drive metaplasia and cancer. The review discusses biomarker prospects for distinguishing adaptive repair from malignant drift.

SourceHigher Education Press·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

Turning road rights into green power corridors: multi-scenario and multi-credibility interval estimation of provincial expressway PV potential

This study evaluates provincial expressway PV potential using a multi-scenario and credibility interval model, revealing that slopes exceed service areas in generating power. The research provides a standardized tool for assessing expressway PV potential worldwide, supporting the construction of zero-carbon green power corridors.

SourceHEP Data Cooperation Journals·JournalJOURNAL OF ENGINEERING STUDIES·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

Teaching children to be better, more critical internet users

A digital literacy program designed by McGill researchers improved students' ability to evaluate websites and identify credible sources. The program targeted key skills such as searching for information and addressing conflicting data. Students showed significant improvements in their global performance across all skill categories.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Experiential Education·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

Carbon unlocking of transportation infrastructure: assessment and regional disparities across 30 provinces in China

A study assesses carbon unlocking levels in China's transportation infrastructure across 30 provinces. The results show a clear regional pattern, with eastern provinces leading and western provinces lagging behind. Key driving factors include green patents, R&D investment, and low-carbon regulation.

SourceHEP Data Cooperation Journals·JournalJOURNAL OF ENGINEERING STUDIES·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

Extending healthspan through public health and longevity medicine

The editorial highlights the growing importance of public health interventions to extend healthspan alongside lifespan. Key findings include the need for integrated strategies addressing environmental, metabolic, social, and behavioral exposures that accelerate biological aging and increase vulnerability to chronic disease. The authors...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 20, 2026

No meaningful health impacts from exposure to wind turbines

A recent study published in PNAS has found no meaningful health impacts from exposure to wind turbines. The researchers analyzed data from over 120,000 households and found no correlations between turbine installation and health problems such as headaches, depression, or sleep disturbances.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 20, 2026

Space storms light up Japan’s sky

A team from Hokkaido University found that red auroras can extend to extremely high altitudes even during moderately intense storms, suggesting these storms may be stronger than conventional indices indicate. This could have implications for satellite operations and space weather forecasting.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Space Weather and Space Climate·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2026

Food and drink litter dominates global plastic pollution

A global study of marine litter has identified food and beverage plastics as the leading contributors to ocean pollution, with plastic packaging, caps, and bottles dominating shoreline debris worldwide. The research highlights the urgent need for reduced plastic production and more efficient waste management practices.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalOne Earth·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 20, 2026

New field evidence from Canada shows old wells can leave a hidden leakage footprint

A study in British Columbia, Canada found that old oil and gas wells continue to leak methane into the environment, leaving a broader signature than surface measurements alone reveal. The researchers used multiple measurement domains, including shallow geophysical measurements and soil geochemical analysis, to detect persistent leakage.

SourceHeriot-Watt University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

AI system automates coding for scientific research

A new AI system, Empirical Research Assistance (ERA), can automatically write scientific software programs that outperform human-written ones. ERA combines a large language model with search strategies to explore and refine thousands of pieces of code, reducing the time required for exploration from months to hours or days.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 20, 2026

Overturning a 200-year belief: new surface design enabling two distinct wetting states on a single substrate

Researchers at NIMS have discovered a phenomenon where droplets on a single solid surface exhibit both 'sticky' and 'repellent' states simultaneously. By controlling the number of hydrogen bonds between the solid surface and oil, they can create a universal surface design principle that causes this phenomenon.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

Fast-food waste driven by wrong orders: study

A review of food waste in Australia's quick service restaurants found order mistakes as the biggest driver of waste, with better staff training crucial for reduction. The study recommends ongoing training and making food waste metrics part of performance evaluations to mitigate back-of-house food waste.

Study: Hospital wastewater reveals drug-resistant fungus strains months before patients show symptoms

Researchers used wastewater surveillance to detect drug-resistant Candida auris strains up to five months before patients showed symptoms, opening a new frontier for hospitals. The study found higher detection rates and concentrations of the pathogen in hospital wastewater compared to community-scale treatment plants.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2026

Multi-camera stereo-digital image correlation: a review

This review highlights key advances in multi-camera stereo-DIC, including measurement-area expansion, measurement-uncertainty control, and high-speed measurement. The technique has been applied to various scenarios, such as large-FOV measurements, panoramic measurements, and displacement monitoring during progressive collapse processes.

SourceAdvanced Devices & Instrumentation·JournalAdvanced Devices & Instrumentation·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 20, 2026

AI foundation models offer a new vision for eye care

The review highlights the potential of vision and vision-language foundation models in ophthalmology, achieving strong diagnostic performance and adaptability with limited labeled data. However, challenges such as algorithmic bias, overfitting, and limited interpretability remain to be addressed for real-world adoption

SourceZhejiang University·JournalAdvances in Ophthalmology Practice and Research·DateMay 20, 2026

[Research Article] Uncertainty quantification in geospatial AI/ML applications: methods, metrics, and open-source support with an air quality use case

The study systematically evaluates popular Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) methods and metrics for AI/ML-based geospatial applications. It demonstrates that Deep Ensembles and Bayesian Neural Networks achieved the best performance, while highlighting framework-specific differences between TensorFlow and PyTorch.

SourceBig Earth Data·JournalBig Earth Data·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 20, 2026

Overcoming the limits of hydrogen storage and transport… KAIST develops next-generation ammonia protonic ceramic fuel cell​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a new catalyst structure that improves the performance and durability of ammonia-based protonic ceramic fuel cells. The technology achieved world-class performance, recording a maximum power density of 2.04 W/cm², and demonstrated stable operation for over 255 hours.

The fungus that spoils nearly everything

New research reveals gray mold's unique approach to attacking plants, sensing chemical defenses and flavors to adjust its attack accordingly. This understanding could shift disease prevention strategies, allowing for more effective use of genetic or chemical countermeasures.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2026

Thermal imaging reveals altermagnetic domains in RuO2 for first time, opening path to new spintronic applications

A research team has achieved a major breakthrough in characterizing altermagnets, a newly discovered class of magnetic materials. They successfully visualized magnetic domains in RuO2 using lock-in thermography and the spin-dependent Peltier effect, resolving long-standing challenges in this emerging field.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

Targeted therapy improves mobility in children with rare bone disorder

A phase 2 clinical trial found that burosumab safely restored normal phosphate levels and improved physical function in patients with severe fibrous dysplasia. Key findings include reduced pain, fatigue, and mobility impairment, as well as significant improvements in children's mobility and independence.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 20, 2026

Overcoming a blind spot in cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have developed a new method to enhance anti-cancer immunity by redirecting non-specialized immune cells to present a broader range of tumor antigens. This approach, leveraging understanding of dendritic cell biology, has shown promise in reducing tumour growth and amplifying responses in mice.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Cancer·DateMay 20, 2026

Little blue buttons’ long journey

Researchers estimate blue buttons can survive for several years drifting on the ocean surface, much longer than previously estimated. The float that keeps them afloat grows new rings from its outermost layer, expanding over time.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2026

EuroPCR 2026 – Outcomes with left atrial appendage closure vs. direct oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation across different age groups

A subgroup analysis of the CHAMPION-AF trial reveals that left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) efficacy and safety are not affected by age, suggesting it can be considered for suitable candidates regardless of age. The choice between LAAC and DOAC should be made on an individualized basis in a shared decision-making process with patients.

SourcePCR·DateMay 20, 2026

Do advance directives affect end-of-life care?

Older patients with accessible advance directives in electronic health records had 25% less potentially burdensome end-of-life care and 31% fewer hospital deaths compared to those without these directives. The associations were attenuated among patients with dementia and Black patients, highlighting the need for targeted research.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 20, 2026

Vitamin C may help prevent cancer

A University of Waterloo study uses mathematical modelling to explore how Vitamin C affects digestion-related cancer risk. The research suggests that consuming Vitamin C-rich foods like leafy greens may decrease cancer risk, while taking supplements after meals could have a moderate positive effect.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateMay 20, 2026

Handwriting speed among possible signs of cognitive decline in older people

A new study found that handwriting speed and stroke organization can be indicative of cognitive decline in older adults. The research used digital tools to record writing speed and number of strokes in complex tasks, and found that participants with cognitive impairment showed distinct patterns in their handwriting movements.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026