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Science News for May 27, 2026


Continued improvement in China’s air quality in 2025 despite challenges of high-impact events

China's air quality has shown significant improvement in 2025, with a decrease in PM2.5 and O3 concentrations compared to the 2022-2024 average. However, high-impact air pollution events such as severe pollution episodes, dust storms, and compound pollution events remain major challenges.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMay 27, 2026

Plant-forward and low-insulinemic diets may help reduce weight gain and obesity risk during menopause, long-term study finds

A large study of nearly 40,000 women found that plant-based diets with lower insulinemic potential can help women manage their weight and reduce the risk of obesity during menopause. Women who followed a diet rich in whole grains, nuts, legumes, and vegetables had a significantly lower risk of developing obesity.

New method to improve health research in rural areas

A new study by Griffith University introduces 'target trial emulation,' a rigorous and practical approach to conducting research in rural areas. This method utilizes real-world data from routine care to produce robust evidence, addressing workforce constraints and limited infrastructure.

SourceGriffith University·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2026

Unlocking the chemical blueprint for next-generation water filters

A comprehensive review of biochar-hydrogel composites reveals that their effectiveness lies in the surface chemistry of advanced composite materials. The study identifies function-specific performance and emphasizes the need for standardized durability testing to ensure long-term stability and scalability.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 27, 2026

The hidden carbon sponges: Karst reservoirs proven to be powerful climate allies

Researchers have found that karst reservoirs are exceptionally effective at capturing and storing atmospheric carbon due to a unique combination of geology and biology. The study reveals that these ecosystems produce a large amount of organic carbon, which is then efficiently converted and locked away in a highly stable form.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2026

Listening to the Sun reveals previously hidden changes to solar cycle

Researchers use helioseismology to track sound waves inside the Sun, finding a gradual change in structure just beneath the surface that spans multiple cycles. This discovery reveals a shift towards more tightly confined magnetic activity near the surface, with implications for space weather predictions.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2026

You are what you eat — or are you?

A new mathematical model developed by Arizona State University researchers estimates how much of the calories people absorb from food, considering the role of gut microbes. The model, DAMM, suggests that short-chain fatty acids produced by gut microbes contribute to an average of about 140 calories per day.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2026

Quantum research points to future energy and computing technologies

QuVET researchers explore how quantum wave functions move through ultra-thin materials, which could improve solar energy technologies and enable new forms of quantum control. They also manipulate quantum states in materials only a few atoms thick, opening possibilities for energy conversion and future quantum technologies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2026

USC robot learns music by ear, opening new possibilities in medicine and therapy

A robotic hand developed at USC can hear a melody once and play it back after just two minutes of self-taught practice on a keyboard. The system, called the Musician Hand, mimics the way the brain and body coordinate fine motor skills through trial and error, offering a new model for machines — and medicine — to approach complex moveme...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 27, 2026

Wistar Institute and Temple scientists identify metabolic target to overcome chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer

Researchers at The Wistar Institute and Temple University have identified a metabolic target that can help overcome chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer. Elevated alpha-ketoglutarate activates an enzyme called TMLHE, which drives carnitine production and loosens the DNA-histone complex, allowing cells to access and fix damaged DNA.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2026

New study finds neighborhood-level sampling could close equity gap in wastewater disease surveillance

Researchers at Syracuse University found that larger populations with more vulnerable communities struggle with early detection due to dilution. Taking wastewater samples upstream from large treatment plants can detect outbreaks in smaller sub-communities before dilution makes it more difficult.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2026

Introduced wild pigs linked to fewer invasive plants, while native deer show the opposite pattern

A new study from Aarhus University found that introduced wild pigs are associated with lower abundance and species richness of invasive plants, but native white-tailed deer are linked to reduced abundance of native tree seedlings. The research suggests that ecological impact depends on feeding behavior, functional traits, and environme...

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 27, 2026

Italians and Dutch share the same gestural instinct for teaching

Researchers found that Italian and Dutch adults increased use of two-handed representational gestures when teaching children, suggesting a shared communicative strategy for young learners. This finding supports theories of folk pedagogy and highlights the importance of multimodal scaffolding in human cultural transmission.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2026

Researchers link specific microbiomes to archaeological bone degradation

A study published in PLOS One analyzed microbial communities in well-preserved and degraded bones from medieval cemeteries in Norway. The researchers found distinct microbial communities associated with different levels of degradation, suggesting that microbes play a role in bone preservation and decay.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2026

Clear disclosure of social media sponsorships is linked to better advertising awareness among adolescents, but critical thinking is needed to curb purchase intent, per study of over 3,000 Taiwanese students

A recent study of over 3,000 Taiwanese students found that adolescents who received clear disclosure of social media sponsorships demonstrated improved advertising literacy. However, this improvement was tempered by a need for critical thinking to curb purchase intent among the young participants.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateMay 27, 2026

Scientists reveal how dividing cells precisely trigger spindle formation

Researchers discovered a step-by-step process underlying SPD-5 activation, which regulates where and when spindle fibers form in C. elegans. This finding provides insights into the fundamentals of cell division regulation and may lead to new treatments for diseases caused by incorrect chromosome segregation.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2026

Scientists identify key structural units in neutral boron oxide clusters

Scientists have discovered key structural units—BO, BO₃, and B₂O₅—in neutral boron oxide clusters that are essential building blocks of the two-dimensional vitreous network. These findings provide important insights into the microstructure and growth mechanisms of vitreous materials.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 27, 2026

More than two decades after 9/11, the children of World Trade Center responders are still experiencing mental health ill-effects

A new study finds that adult children of World Trade Center responders with PTSD are experiencing intergenerational transmission of trauma and ongoing mental health issues more than two decades after the 9/11 attacks. The research highlights the lasting impact of trauma on families and communities affected by the disaster.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·DateMay 27, 2026

Scientists find groundbreaking potential for tissue regrowth and immortality in the ocean

Researchers found that discarded sea cucumber tissue can grow, diversify cells, and reorganize itself in natural seawater, challenging assumptions of tissue immortality. This discovery has profound implications for biomedical sciences and engineering, with potential applications in tissue regrowth and anti-microbial healing.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2026

New fences can save restored saltmarsh

Restored saltmarshes can disappear if fences are not kept in good repair, new research reveals. A study at Rumney Great Wharf found that sedimentation fields, which use brushwood fencing to trap mud and encourage marsh plants to take root, need ongoing maintenance.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateMay 27, 2026

Ancient bird species found in China's Liaoning: Extra-long tail feathers for elaborate courtship – interview with university of Chicago PhD candidate Alexander D. Clark

The study reveals a new species of bird, Plumadraco bankoorum, with exceptionally long tail feathers, estimated to be twice its body length. The findings suggest that males used these feathers in courtship displays, such as up-and-down bobbing or raised postures to show off their plumage.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2026

“Fake news” is more easily identified when discussed in a group, per small study of 100 Italian college students

A small study of 100 Italian college students reveals that discussing fake news in a group enhances its identification, thanks to collective critical thinking and social cues. The research suggests that shared discussions can improve fake news detection, making it easier for individuals to distinguish between true and false information.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateMay 27, 2026

Researchers develop first gas-solid hydride ion battery for efficient ambient hydrogen storage

The team developed the world's first gas-solid hydride ion prototype battery (g-HIB), which uses hydrogen gas and a metal as electrodes. The battery can store hydrogen under ambient temperature and pressure through an innovative mechanism, offering high efficiency and practicality.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJoule·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 27, 2026

Perfect randomness realised for the first time

Scientists have successfully created perfect randomness using quantum physics, a breakthrough that could revolutionize digital security. By amplifying imperfect randomness, they can generate perfectly random numbers for encryption and other applications, rendering existing systems vulnerable to attacks.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateMay 27, 2026

Chang'e-5 Regolith studies reveal nanoscale space-weathering processes

Researchers studied Chang'e-5 lunar regolith, identifying nanoscale evolution of surface materials through impact-induced silicate phase separation and formation of metallic iron. The findings provide new insights into spectral evolution of the Moon and processes responsible for forming lunar impact glass.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2026

A study identifies the endocannabinoid system as a potential therapeutic target in severe acute pancreatitis

A study identified alterations in the endocannabinoid system associated with severe acute pancreatitis, including decreased circulating levels of 2-AG. Restoring 2-AG levels reduced inflammation and lung damage, highlighting the system's role in the disease's pathophysiology.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2026

A new simulation- and AI-based approach reduces the time and data needed for brain MRI scans

A new simulation- and AI-based approach reduces the time and data needed for brain MRI scans, achieving a high level of accuracy with only 10% of the data required. This breakthrough could translate to a significant reduction in scan time, enabling more patients to be treated in the same amount of time.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 27, 2026

Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research launches new international visiting student program with Virginia Tech

The Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research has launched a new international visiting student program with Virginia Tech, providing six graduate and undergraduate students from the US with three-month research opportunities in Mainz. The Poly-ABROAD Program aims to strengthen international scientific exchange in polymer and materials...

AI model of early child development also explains how language evolves

A new AI model developed by researchers at the University of Witwatersrand has successfully simulated human-like language development in children. The model, which uses deep linear neural networks, demonstrates how language structures and becomes more complex over time, mirroring how humans learn and transmit knowledge.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateMay 27, 2026

Eosinophils and cancer: Unexpected allies?

Research highlights the dual role of eosinophils in cancer, with higher counts associated with reduced risk and improved treatment response to immunotherapy. The immune-activating effects of eosinophils may help predict treatment outcomes and anticipate complications.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalJournal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research·DateMay 27, 2026

Hearing aids for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss

A recent study published in JAMA examines the effectiveness of hearing aids for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, highlighting the benefits and limitations of both prescription and over-the-counter devices. The research suggests that personalized fitting and follow-up care are crucial for optimal outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 27, 2026

Projected US cardiovascular disease burden from heat exposure for future greenhouse gas scenarios

A new study projects that climate change will significantly increase the risk of heat-related cardiovascular disease in the US by 2050. The Pacific Northwest and Southern/Midwestern states are expected to experience the highest and steepest increases, respectively. Targeted interventions for vulnerable communities are crucial to mitiga...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMay 27, 2026

Living bandage accelerates healing across multiple wound types

Researchers have developed a cell-based delivery platform that uses encapsulated engineered cells to secrete cytokines directly within the wound environment, supporting accelerated wound healing in rodent and porcine excisional wound models. The approach is designed to maintain therapeutic levels of signaling molecules at the wound site.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2026

Colorectal cancer risk linked to gut microbiome alterations

A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that gut microbiome alterations persist even after adenoma removal, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. The researchers discovered that diet and physical activity were closely tied to CRC-associated gut microbes, suggesting lifestyle habits may contribute to sustained risk.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2026

What does caffeine do to our sleep?

Research using EEG reveals that caffeine can reduce slow-wave activity and shift brain patterns towards wakefulness, even if sleep duration appears normal. This can lead to a vicious cycle of fatigue and poorer sleep quality, highlighting the need for personalized approaches to caffeine consumption.

SourceWroclaw Medical University·JournalNutrients·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 27, 2026

Fungal surges marked Cretaceous mass extinction that ended age of dinosaurs

Researchers found a clear spike in fungal microfossils following the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. This global event, occurring tens of thousands of years before the extinction, suggests that volcanism may have contributed to the mass extinctions in that period.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2026

The Universitat Jaume I and GEA Biotechnology develop an antifungal aqueous suspension to prevent fungal infections in crops and fruit during the pre- and post-harvest stages

A new antifungal aqueous suspension has been developed by Universitat Jaume I and GEA Biotechnology to prevent fungal infections in crops and fruit. The formulation, based on biodegradable chitosan microcapsules, offers a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic fungicides.

KRAS degradation induces rapid lung cancer regression in preclinical mouse models

Researchers discovered that degrading mutant KRAS protein leads to greater lung cancer regression and more durable antitumor responses than conventional inhibitors. The study also identifies resistance mechanisms distinct from those previously described, offering new insights into targeted protein degradation therapies.

Tropical primary forest plants up-regulate root exudation to adapt to long-term high nitrogen deposition

A research team found that tropical forest plants increase root carbon exudation to stimulate phosphatase activity, mineralize organic P, and release organic acids to dissolve mineral-bound P. This adaptation helps alleviate P limitation under long-term N enrichment, sustaining productivity.

SourceSouth China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2026

Unintended consequences: Graphic anti-smoking ads may nudge people toward vaping

Research from Washington State University found that graphic anti-smoking ads can lead smokers to vape instead of quit due to the lack of comparable health warnings on e-cigarettes. The study suggests that consumers may perceive e-cigarettes as a safer option when exposed to vivid images of smoking's health consequences.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·TypeSurvey·DateMay 27, 2026

Virtual-reality path integration for predicting risk of neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers found that impaired virtual reality path integration was closely tied to brain structure and biomarkers associated with neurodegeneration. This suggests that VR-based navigation errors may reveal hidden changes in the brain long before symptoms arise, making it a promising behavioral marker for preclinical Alzheimer's disease.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalAlzheimer s Research & Therapy·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2026

Mount Sinai opens Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness, a new model of coordinated care across the lifespan

The Mount Sinai Health System has opened the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness, which brings together multidisciplinary clinical expertise, structured care pathways, and leading-edge research to deliver personalized, comprehensive care for women. The Center offers guided multi-visit experiences and coordinated care o...

Turning ocean water into drinking water, without waste

Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a solar-thermal desalination process that produces fresh water in an energy-efficient way, eliminating brine and requiring no chemical additives. The technology extracts nearly 100% of salts in solid form, producing table salt and precious minerals like lithium.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateMay 27, 2026

Heart health impacted the risk of severe COVID-19 infection during the pandemic?

A new study found that adults with higher Life's Essential 8 scores were nearly half as likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19. Better heart health was linked to a lower risk of severe COVID-19 infection, suggesting that a healthy lifestyle may help prepare the body for real-life stress tests like infectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 27, 2026

Did heart health impact the risk of severe COVID-19 infection during the pandemic?

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that adults with better Life's Essential 8 scores had lower odds of becoming severely ill or dying from COVID-19. The research suggests that having a healthy heart helps prepare the body for real-life stress tests, such as infectious diseases like COVID-19.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 27, 2026

The strange quantum property of tomorrow’s insulator

A European team has successfully observed the 'quantum metric' in a three-dimensional topological insulator, a unique geometric property that enables free electrical conductivity on its surface. This breakthrough could lead to better control of next-generation materials and pave the way for faster data transfer and superconductivity.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Materials·TypeNews article·DateMay 27, 2026

Nearly 3 out of 10 health and social care workers in Europe may be exposed to cancer risk factors

A new ISGlobal study found that nearly 30% of health and social care workers in Europe were exposed to at least one cancer risk factor, with radiation, diesel engine exhaust emissions, and certain chemicals being the main risks. The study highlights the need for prevention strategies tailored to real working conditions in this field.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateMay 27, 2026

Intrinsic high elasticity in pristine glass via melt-quenching

Researchers develop transparent oxide glass with Young's modulus exceeding 130 GPa without chemical strengthening, opening new industrial opportunities for applications in electronic devices and optical components. The innovative material can be produced using scalable industrial techniques.

SourceNational Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology·JournalJournal of the Ceramic Society of Japan·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2026

North America and Europe could become hotspots for chikungunya virus due to climate change

Climate change is likely to spread chikungunya virus into temperate regions like northeastern North America, central Europe, and East Asia, with the Asian tiger mosquito playing a key role in transmission. Public health officials should prepare by tracking mosquitoes, training doctors, and strengthening control measures by 2040.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2026