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Science News for May 31, 2026


Presence of Staphylococcus aureus amplifies zinc oxide nanoparticle toxicity in skin cells

The study found that S. aureus significantly intensifies ZnO nanoparticle-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory signaling, and cellular damage. The authors suggest that considering the skin microbiota is crucial for evaluating nanoparticle safety.

SourceJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·JournalJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2026

Snap-loading cells into uniform microcapsules

The new method allows for scalable production of cell-containing capsules, maintaining cell viability and enabling studies on dynamic interactions. Researchers can customize capsule size and properties, making the technique useful for drug screening, regenerative medicine, and basic cell biology research.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2026

Defect-engineered TiO2/Zn0.5Cd0.5S S-Scheme heterojunction for photocatalytic H2 evolution

Researchers have developed a defect-engineered TiO2/Zn0.5Cd0.5S S-Scheme heterojunction for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution, achieving superior efficiency and stability. The synergistic integration of oxygen vacancy and S-scheme charge transfer pathways enhances light absorption, electron separation, and redox capacity.

Pisiform homojunction with energy band bending induced via co‑implantation design enabling fast‑charging sodium‑sulfur battery

Researchers develop a new material design to overcome kinetic and stability issues in sodium-sulfur batteries, enabling fast-charging capabilities. The innovative pisiform homojunction creates a p-n interface that accelerates polysulfide conversion and stabilizes battery performance.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateMay 31, 2026

Largest study of prostate cancer in Brazil’s public health system reveals racial inequalities in diagnosis and treatment

A recent study analyzing 670,000 patients found a higher frequency of advanced disease among non-white men and differences in access to modern therapies. The study also revealed significant racial inequalities in treatment costs, with white patients receiving 16.2% more funding.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 31, 2026

ASCO: Targeted therapy combo nearly doubles time without disease progression for patients with advanced colorectal cancer

A Phase 3 trial showed a 56% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death for patients with BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer treated with a targeted therapy combination. The treatment improved median progression-free survival and overall survival, with nearly 75% of patients alive at 18 months.

SNMMI Abstract of the Year: PET imaging links brain metabolism patterns to effectiveness of Alzheimer's disease treatment

A study found that a specific pattern of brain metabolism visualized with PET imaging can predict which patients are most likely to benefit from Alzheimer's disease therapy. Patients with this pattern experienced stabilized cognitive performance, while those with other patterns had significant cognitive decline.

New SPECT imaging approach distinguishes inflammation from fibrosis to optimize treatment for lung disease

A new SPECT/CT imaging approach can accurately differentiate between inflammation and fibrosis in interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients. Researchers used the molecular imaging agent ⁹⁹ᵐTc-maraciclatide to visualize inflammation, which is crucial for determining treatment decisions.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMay 31, 2026

New study improves scientists’ ability to reconstruct how the climate and ocean circulation changed in the past

Researchers have developed a way to improve records of past high-latitude ocean change by analyzing tiny plankton shells called foraminifera. The new calibration tool extends the key temperature tool into colder seas, enabling more accurate reconstructions of climate and ocean circulation changes.

SourceiC3 Polar Research Hub·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2026

Dual PET imaging detects tumor progression and heart inflammation during cancer treatment

Researchers developed a novel PET imaging approach to detect immune-related adverse events in patients receiving immunotherapy. The approach uses CCR2-targeted radiotracer to visualize both tumor progression and cardiac inflammatory responses. Co-treatment with itacitinib improved tumor response while reducing cardiac inflammation.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMay 31, 2026

Shannon Youngblood, EdD, MSRS, CNMT, RT(CT)(ARRT), takes office as president of the SNMMI Technologist Section

Shannon Youngblood has been elected as the new president of the SNMMI Technologist Section. She will focus on amplifying visibility through advocacy, building a more inclusive workforce through educational opportunities, and streamlining professional development to stay current with advancements in theranostics and cardiac PET-CT.

Richard E. Carson, Ph.D., receives SNMMI 2026 Paul C. Aebersold Award for Outstanding Achievement in Basic Nuclear Medicine Science

Dr. Richard E. Carson has made significant contributions to the understanding and application of nuclear medicine, particularly in neuroscience and neuropsychiatric disorders. His work led to the development of diverse tracer kinetic modeling techniques and innovative imaging systems like NeuroEXPLORER.

Global rules could cut costs and speed access to GLP-1 drugs

A study from UC San Francisco researchers reveals that regulatory differences around the world are slowing the development and adoption of biosimilars. The lack of standardization in biosimilar approval processes is a major obstacle for these cheaper alternatives to expensive biologics, which could lower costs for patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 31, 2026

Institutional special needs plans and end-of-life outcomes for nursing home residents with dementia

Institutional Special Needs Plan (I-SNP) enrollment was associated with significantly fewer hospitalizations for nursing home residents with dementia at the end of life, according to a retrospective cohort study. Effect sizes were larger for UnitedHealthcare (UHC) I-SNPs vs non-UHC plans. Plan maturity and volume likely impact success.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMay 31, 2026

Perioperative apalutamide in high-risk localized or locally advanced prostate cancer reduces risk of metastasis and death

A phase 3 clinical trial found that apalutamide plus hormone therapy before and after surgery reduced the risk of metastasis or death by 20% compared to hormone therapy alone. Patients treated with this regimen had a higher pathologic response rate and experienced delayed subsequent therapy.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 31, 2026

RAS(ON) inhibitor doubles median overall survival in results of phase 3 trial for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer

A phase 3 trial shows daraxonrasib, an oral RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitor, improves overall and progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The treatment also demonstrated substantial tumor shrinkage or disappearance in patients with a known RAS G12 mutation.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 31, 2026