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Science News for May 29, 2026


Could violence prevention programs decrease tobacco use among teens? Yes, research suggests

A study by Brown University researchers found that exposure to violence is strongly associated with increased tobacco and e-cigarette use among adolescents. The study analyzed data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System and found that each form of violence exposure was linked to increased risk of using both substances.

SourceBrown University·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2026

Researchers from NYU Langone Health’s Perlmutter Cancer Center present latest findings at 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting

Researchers from NYU Langone Health's Perlmutter Cancer Center presented new clinical findings on Merkel cell carcinoma, showing improved outcomes with pembrolizumab treatment. Additionally, a national study found that lung cancer screening has widened income-related gaps in survival rates, highlighting the need for equal access to care.

A double agent causes surprises

Researchers at University of Würzburg discovered that inhibiting an enzyme involved in sugar metabolism makes cells more susceptible to cell death. The 'double agent' inhibitor blocks the enzyme while attacking another protective protein, leading to a paradoxical effect.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2026

Finding new ways to measure the local sustainability of rural tourism

Researchers developed a sustainability index to assess tourism's impact on counties' well-being, finding mixed results with some positive economic and environmental gains but also concerns around housing affordability and violent crime. The tool provides insights for policymakers and destination managers to establish baselines, compare...

SourcePenn State·JournalTourism Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2026

Transition to electric vehicles in Brazil and Mexico driven by domestic politics and global pressures, study shows

A new study by the University of Exeter reveals that Brazil and Mexico's EV growth has been shaped by factors beyond emissions and efficiency. The research highlights how domestic coalitions, market size, and foreign technology influences have driven policy decisions in both countries.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPolitics and Governance·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2026

University of Toronto researchers aim to improve access to high-quality research and biomanufacturing tools in resource-limited settings

Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a suite of low-cost, portable biotechnology tools to improve access to laboratory research and diagnostics in resource-limited settings. The decentralized biomanufacturing systems enable local production of high-value biological materials, reducing reliance on fragile internationa...

SourceUniversity of Toronto - Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2026

Interfacial engineering for high‑output, mechanically robust fully stretchable moisture‑electric generators

Researchers develop a highly adhesive hydrogel that reinforces the interaction between functional layers and electrodes, improving electrical output performance and mechanical stability. The resulting device exhibits ultra-long-term stable operation, anti-drying, anti-freezing, and anti-swelling properties.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateMay 29, 2026

Citizens as political actors, not individual consumers: new study calls for tighter advertising regulations

A new study suggests that commercial marketing logics can hinder the effectiveness of promoting degrowth, a concept proposing an equitable reduction in production and consumption. Instead, non-commercial messaging led by institutions empowering communities is proposed as a more effective approach to shaping values and worldviews.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·TypeSurvey·DateMay 29, 2026

Brain scans reveal two distinct subtypes of autism with different underlying biology

Researchers identified two reproducible autism subtypes characterized by reduced brain connectivity (hypoconnectivity) or increased connectivity (hyperconnectivity), linked to synaptic pathways and immune-related systems, respectively. The study provides a biological foundation for precision medicine approaches.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2026

Perioperative anaphylaxis: Etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges, immediate management, prevention strategies, and future perspectives

Perioperative anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition that requires high suspicion due to its masked presentation. Immediate management involves stopping potential triggers, administering aggressive fluids, and epinephrine, with post-event investigation including skin testing and drug provocation tests.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalExploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine·DateMay 29, 2026

Clinical characteristics of unilateral Meniere's disease patients without endolymphatic hydrops as revealed by magnetic resonance imaging

Research reveals significant differences in hearing and vestibular function in unilateral Meniere's disease patients without endolymphatic hydrops. The study provides a foundation for future subtype classification and personalized clinical management by combining symptoms, functional tests, and MRI findings.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalENT Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2026

New report offers solutions for the disparity between how mutual funds and ETFs are taxed

A new report from Brookings Institution scholar Elena Patel suggests that the current tax code treats mutual funds and ETFs differently, penalizing mutual fund investors. The difference in timing allows ETF investments to outperform mutual fund investments, even when holding the same stocks and bonds. The report proposes strategies to ...

SourceBrookings Institution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2026

Columbia-led team develops open-source framework to accelerate health AI research

A new open-source framework called MEDS has been developed by a Columbia-led team to streamline and accelerate artificial intelligence research using health data. The framework standardizes data format and provides interoperable tools to support machine learning model development, reducing technical barriers and promoting reproducibility.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNEJM AI·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 29, 2026

RNA therapy as a novel treatment strategy for genetic heart failure

Researchers used RNA therapy to target a genetic mutation causing heart failure, reducing protein aggregation and improving cellular abnormalities. The study provides insight into the biological mechanisms underlying treatment response and may accelerate the development of personalized treatments for genetic heart disease.

SourceUniversitair Medisch Centrum Groningen·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2026

Cumulative radiation exposure poses hidden risk for older adults in research studies, new study warns

Researchers developed a systematic screening protocol to address this gap, and found it made a meaningful difference in protecting participant safety. The study highlights the need for standardized lifetime radiation screening before enrolling participants in imaging research studies.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalOchsner Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 29, 2026

ACEP, ACR and ASA applaud final IDR operations rule as major step forward for No Surprises Act implementation

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and American College of Radiology (ACR) applaud the final IDR operations rule as a major step forward for No Surprises Act implementation. The rule reflects meaningful policy changes that address persistent challenges and advances a more fu...

Ultrasound-guided endoscopic retrieval of a deeply embedded cervical fish bone after failed open exploration: A minimally invasive salvage technique

A minimally invasive salvage technique using ultrasound-guided endoscopic retrieval successfully removes a deeply embedded cervical fish bone after failed open exploration. The method provides real-time navigation and higher accuracy with no radiation or significant trauma.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalENT Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2026

Short-term fluctuations to complete resolution in pulsatile tinnitus following the modified sigmoid sinus wall reconstruction surgical technique using bone cement

Researchers from Fudan University published a study on modified sigmoid sinus wall reconstruction using bone cement, demonstrating a 96.2% overall success rate for symptom resolution. Symptoms typically resolved within four weeks, providing evidence for optimizing surgical techniques and material selection.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalENT Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2026

One magnetic elastomer, two modes: Move on command, vanish on demand

Researchers developed a dual-mode magnetic elastomer that can move and degrade using a single material platform. The material's degradation process involves rapid temperature rise, triggering degradation without additional heating, while maintaining mechanical properties needed for soft robotic applications.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2026

When ‘sloppy’ decisions are actually smart

Researchers found that people who are less precise in their decision-making can outperform those who are more rational in certain social situations. This is because 'sloppy' decisions can help individuals avoid the pitfalls of highly sensitive learners, who prioritize short-term gains over long-term benefits. In contrast, in other situ...

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2026

Lost in an orange blur

A study by Kyoto University researchers found that the bright orange tail of tadpoles serves as a lure to distract predators, allowing them to avoid more vulnerable parts of their body. The team observed that dragonfly nymphs were more likely to attack the tails than other body parts.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAmphibia-Reptilia·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2026

Free contraception policy sharply reduces patient costs in B.C., especially for young adults

The study found that out-of-pocket spending on prescription contraception dropped by 83% within two years of universal coverage, with the largest financial gains for people in their 20s. The policy also led to increased uptake of long-acting reversible contraceptives and reduced unintended pregnancy rates.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2026

Brain scans reveal two distinct subtypes of autism with different underlying biology

Researchers identified two distinct subtypes of autism based on brain connectivity patterns, one characterized by reduced connectivity linked to synaptic pathways and the other by increased connectivity associated with immune-related systems. The study's findings offer a biological basis for personalized care and support.

SourceThe Child Mind Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 29, 2026

JMIR Analysis: Consumer Wearables Emerge as the New Health Care Gatekeepers

The emergence of consumer wearable platforms in the clinical healthcare space is transforming patient care. With AI-driven interpretation of physiological data, these platforms can detect health changes before users do, influencing treatment decisions and specialist referrals. However, this shift raises significant regulatory risks due...

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 29, 2026

Location matters: Balancing renewable energy and biodiversity in Norway

A new study suggests that expanding Norway's renewable energy could increase habitat loss by up to 28% by 2050. However, avoiding construction in species-rich habitats and using previously developed land can help curb those losses. Meanwhile, rooftop solar has a lower impact on biodiversity compared to ground-mounted solar plants.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalCleaner Energy Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 29, 2026

Lifestyle can protect childhood cancer survivors

Two new international studies found that healthy lifestyles can have a protective effect on childhood cancer survivors, reducing the risk of chronic health problems. The studies suggest that physical activity, a healthy weight, and other lifestyle factors can significantly reduce the burden of disease in adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2026

‘Shoot for the moon?’ aim a bit lower, researchers say

A new study suggests that aiming for the 'average plus' rather than the highest possible outcome can lead to better results in business, politics, and personal endeavors. By setting a finite satisfaction threshold above average but not too high, individuals can strike a balance between being ambitious and avoiding disappointment.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalPhysical Review E·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2026

Invasive pythons & hurricanes drive opposite population shifts in endemic Florida rodents

A long-term study found that invasive Burmese pythons led to a dramatic decline in woodrat populations, while cotton mouse populations surged following Hurricane Irma's landfall. The study highlights the disproportionate impact of invasive predators on endemic ecosystem engineers and underscores the need for targeted conservation efforts.

SourceSouth China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalBiological Diversity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2026

NEJM/ASCO: Teclistamab extends survival, deepens remissions in relapsed multiple myeloma in landmark international trial

In a landmark international trial, teclistamab outperformed standard treatments in extending survival and remission for patients with relapsed multiple myeloma. Nearly 70% of patients remained disease-free after 18 months, and nearly two-thirds achieved complete remission.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 29, 2026

Using a single atom as a “camera” - visualization of light intensity and polarization beyond the resolution limit of optical microscopes -

Researchers use a single rubidium atom trapped in an optical tweezer as a scanning probe to image fine structures of light patterns with spatial resolution surpassing the diffraction limit. The technique successfully visualizes both light intensity and polarization distributions at the nanoscale.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2026

The left and right ventricles differ in their ability to withstand the effects of cardiac arrest

Researchers found that the right ventricle is better able to withstand loss of blood perfusion and oxygen supply during cardiac arrest, leading to longer preservation of its native electrical activity. The study's findings support the use of surface ECG signals to predict neurological recovery after hospital admission.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2026

‘We cannot ban our way out of a youth mental health crisis’: social media bans for teenagers lack evidence and pose risks, scientists say

A study found that no social media restriction experiments have included people under the age of 16, making it impossible to know how bans will affect young people. Bans may also backfire by invading privacy, hurting marginalized people, and forcing teens to circumvent the ban.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Developmental Psychology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 29, 2026