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Science News for May 25, 2026


Mixture-of-experts framework improves cross-subject EEG emotion recognition

A new DGMoE framework enhances EEG-based emotion recognition by modeling individual differences, achieving high accuracy rates on public datasets. The framework's two-stage selection mechanism and graph-convolution-based expert modules improve robustness and generalization to unseen subjects.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalIntelligent Sports and Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 25, 2026

Discovery of catalysts that prevent boil-off losses in liquid hydrogen production

Researchers developed high-performance catalysts that convert ortho hydrogen to para hydrogen before liquefaction, reducing energy release and partial vaporization of liquid hydrogen. This innovation is expected to contribute to the development of a hydrogen economy in Japan.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2026

From isolated dams to basin governance platforms: China’s dam reforms suggest a new model for hydraulic governance

A three-layer framework for rethinking how dams are managed at basin scale emphasizes engineering safety as the baseline, followed by multiobjective joint operations that translate ecosystem needs into operating rules. Digital-intelligent governance forms the frontier, coupling auditable governance with AI-enabled decision support.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater & Ecology·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 25, 2026

Zincophilic–hydrophobic interface design for dendrite‑free aqueous zinc‑ion batteries

Researchers have developed a dual-functional interface that combines zincophilicity and hydrophobicity to stabilize the zinc metal anode in aqueous zinc-ion batteries. This design allows for dendrite-free batteries with improved safety and cycle life, making it a promising candidate for the next generation of energy storage technologies.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateMay 25, 2026

Researchers propose new enzyme-based criteria to verify polysaccharide purity

Researchers have developed a new approach to verify polysaccharide purity using enzyme diagnostic criteria, which outperforms existing methods in identifying complex mixtures. This study provides a reliable framework for polysaccharide research laboratories to adopt, ensuring accurate biological data and therapeutic potential.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGlycoscience & Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2026

Machine learning helps farmers use biochar more precisely to manage soil phosphorus

A new study uses machine learning to predict how pristine biochar affects soil phosphorus availability under different conditions. The model identifies key factors such as pyrolysis temperature and application rate that influence phosphorus regulation, suggesting a more precise approach to biochar use.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2026

New magnesium alloy design improves stability and ion transport in solid-state batteries

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new magnesium alloy anode that balances interfacial reactions for improved battery efficiency. The optimized Mg-Sn alloy demonstrated significant improvements in electrochemical performance, including stable cycling behavior and enhanced ion transport.

Colombian breakthrough in sustainable livestock farming: Pioneering study estimates carbon emissions from bovine genetics

Researchers at Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT developed a new biophysical allocation method to distribute emissions among cattle farm products, providing a more accurate calculation than traditional methodologies. The study found that producing a single bovine embryo generates up to 37.5 kg of CO2 equivalent.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalThe International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment·DateMay 25, 2026

Rock-paper-scissors game reveals new thermal transport phenomenon: Robust temperature localization and topological phase transition

A novel thermal transport phenomenon is discovered in an actively controlled system, where heat continuously accumulates towards one boundary, forming a robust temperature localization profile. The phenomenon exhibits remarkable robustness against external disturbances and topological transitions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 25, 2026

Land-use changes in Southeast Asia linked to 13,000 excess deaths and US$7.8 billion in economic losses: NTU Singapore study

A study led by NTU Singapore found that land-use changes across Southeast Asia contribute to thousands of excess deaths annually due to worsening air quality. The estimated 13,000 excess deaths in 2018 were linked to forest degradation and deforestation, accounting for nearly 30% of the total deaths.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 25, 2026

The secret ingredient is time: The role of timing in brain development

The study reveals that rats have a larger deep layer in their brains due to the prolonged expression of Wnt signaling genes, resulting in extended deep layer neuron production. This finding suggests that 'heterochrony' in neurogenesis is responsible for the interspecific diversity in the neuronal composition of the mammalian cortex.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2026

From contaminant to accelerator: 6:2 Cl-PFESA reshapes microbial communities and exacerbates hidden antibiotic resistance threats

The study reveals that PFESA exposure significantly increases antibiotic resistance gene proliferation by restructuring extracellular polymeric substances and triggering cellular stress responses. This enhances the persistence of resistant taxa in microbial communities, posing a risk to human health.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater & Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2026

Superficial S atom optimized active sites in NiFe layered double hydroxides for electrocatalytic urea oxidation

Researchers developed S-NiFe-LDH catalysts with sulfur doping to optimize active sites for efficient urea oxidation. The incorporation of sulfur lowers the thermodynamic barrier, enhancing activity and kinetics. This work presents a cost-effective strategy for advancing sustainable hydrogen production.

NUS CDE researchers develop safer all-solid-state sodium battery with low-cost 2D material

Researchers have overcome key safety and durability barriers in sodium-ion batteries by using a simple additive of graphitic carbon nitride. The additive promotes flexible, disordered zones where sodium ions move more freely and reduces polarisation, improving battery efficiency and stability. This breakthrough opens a scalable pathway...

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2026

As light dances slantly with high-energy electrons: First decoding of its polarization cipher

Scientists have successfully decoded the polarization cipher of high-energy electrons, demonstrating a new pathway to creating highly polarized gamma-ray sources. The study's findings confirm key predictions of quantum electrodynamics and open up new design options for mid- to high-energy gamma-ray sources.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2026

From tea to kombucha

Researchers found that different types of tea create kombuchas with distinct chemical profiles, flavors, and aromas. Green and oolong teas produced kombuchas with high antioxidant activity, while black and pu-erh teas resulted in earthier flavors.

Senolytic drug combination delays early intervertebral disc degeneration in mice

Researchers developed a senolytic therapy using dasatinib and quercetin, which preserved disc structure and reduced inflammation, highlighting JUN signaling as a key pathway. This preclinical study provides evidence for a potential therapeutic strategy to slow disease progression in individuals with genetic susceptibility.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2026

The 700-million-year history of our blood cells

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has reconstructed the family tree of blood cells over a 700-million-year span, revealing their evolutionary history. They found that early blood cells emerged around the same time as multicellular animals and were macrophage-like.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2026

Why some cancers are worse than others

Researchers found that smaller tetraploid cancer cells are more aggressive and tumorigenic, associated with worse prognosis and lower survival rates in several cancer types. This discovery challenges the conventional understanding of tetraploidy's role in cancer progression.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2026

The absence of gender and racial minorities often goes unnoticed in the workplace and the classroom

A new international psychology study found that people frequently fail to notice the absence of women, colleagues of color, or men in various settings. Participants were more likely to notice the presence of a single minority group member than the complete absence of any group.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2026

Too much proximity may affect team well-being

A study by Jan Schmutz and Andrea Cantisani found that frequent contact didn't necessarily lead to positive social relationships. In fact, increased proximity was linked to conflict, mistrust, and reduced performance. The researchers also observed subgroups forming within the team based on language or nationality.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2026

Cell therapy boost for advanced liver disease treatment

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have developed a pioneering cell therapy that tackles scarred tissue and restores liver function. The treatment shows promise as a potential alternative to liver transplants for those in end-stage liver disease, with 70% of patients living without needing a transplant after four years.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 25, 2026

m1A epitranscriptomic control of NUPR1 by YTHDF1 exacerbates metabolic dysregulation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

This study investigates the role of YTHDF1 in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its epitranscriptomic control of NUPR1. The researchers found that YTHDF1 promotes hepatic steatosis by enhancing NUPR1 mRNA stability, leading to elevated NUPR1 protein levels and exacerbating NAFLD progression.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateMay 25, 2026