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Science News for May 4, 2026


Seaweed integration boosts efficiency and cuts waste in aquaculture, study finds

Researchers found that cultivating seaweed species alongside marine finfish can significantly reduce key waste products from fish farming. The study provides guidance for aquaculture producers to incorporate seaweed into existing and prospective integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalAquaculture International·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

Online autism diagnoses found to be effective

A new telehealth tool developed by UCR professor Katherine Meltzoff expands access to autism diagnoses for older children with more verbal speech. The study showed promising results in matching the accuracy of traditional in-person evaluations, offering a potential solution to long-standing barriers.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2026

A critical Atlantic Ocean current shows two-decade slowdown, study finds

A two-decade slowdown of a critical Atlantic Ocean current has been found, potentially reshaping weather patterns across the globe. The weakening Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) may lead to more extreme storms, changes in rainfall, and colder winters in some regions.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2026

Why are mountain forests in Mexico and Central America hotspots for oak trees? New study led by The Morton Arboretum shows most definitive answer yet

A new study by The Morton Arboretum reveals that oaks rapidly diversified in the Americas when they encountered high-elevation terrain, forming a unique biodiversity hotspot. This is supported by data from 322 of the world's approximately 450 oak species, with Mexico and Central America home to at least 160 different oaks.

SourceThe Morton Arboretum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2026

Minor federal fines offer little deterrence to insurers for Medicare Advantage violations, study finds

Researchers analyzed 13 years of federal data on Medicare Advantage enforcement actions, finding that CMS rarely used severe tools like contract terminations or suspensions. Instead, they relied on small fines, which may do little to change behavior and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 4, 2026

Engineers track eye movements to advance student simulation training, enhance clinical preparedness in Meridian

Researchers are using eye-tracking technology at MSU-Meridian to study how students process and respond in high-pressure training scenarios, helping design the next generation of medical training tools. The project aims to identify key gaps in student performance and improve clinical outcomes by comparing data with clinical professionals.

SourceMississippi State University·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2026

Inexpensive material compresses light, paving the way for photonic microcircuits in the terahertz range

Researchers developed a new photonic material using lead iodide, enabling high-speed data transmission in the terahertz frequency range. The material confines light within submicrometer regions, paving the way for integrated photonic circuits that could replace or complement electronic circuits.

Lower volume bowel preparation as effective and safe as higher volume regimen for inpatient colonoscopy

A randomized controlled trial found that a 1 L PEG-ascorbate regimen provided effective and high-quality bowel cleansing, while being associated with a greater willingness to repeat the regimen compared to 2 L and 4 L PEG regimens. The findings support adopting a low-volume regimen to improve completion rates and patient tolerability.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMay 4, 2026

It’s complicated: New research reveals more about the social networks of baboons and African monkeys

A new study provides groundbreaking information about the social structures of primates, revealing that single-level societies are more like soccer leagues with exclusive teams competing for resources. Multi-level societies, on the other hand, resemble schools with students divided into classes but interacting regularly.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2026

Sharks may help improve climate forecasts, study finds

A new study demonstrates that animal-borne sensors, such as those on tagged sharks, can enhance ocean forecast accuracy in regions with limited observational data. By incorporating shark-collected temperature and depth data into a seasonal climate model, forecast errors decreased substantially, particularly in coastal and shelf regions.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

Cannabis microdosing more common than psychedelics among US adults, national survey finds

A national survey found that millions of US adults have microdosed substances like cannabis, psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA, with cannabis being the most commonly microdosed. The study also revealed patterns tied to mental health and policy environments, suggesting that changes in drug policy may influence access to these substances.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 4, 2026

Here’s why your face doesn’t perceive itchiness the same way your body does

A new study reveals that facial itch sensations differ from those on the body due to distinct trigeminal and spinal pain pathways. The researchers found a functional divergence in neuropeptide signaling and central circuit engagement between the two systems, which was independent of peripheral innervation density.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

Moderate UV light is best to boost the vitamin D content of edible mushrooms, McGill study finds

Researchers at McGill University found that moderate UV light exposure enhances vitamin D₂ levels in edible mushrooms without compromising quality attributes. The study provides standardized guidance for industry to follow, highlighting a clear gap in species-specific and unified UV treatment guidelines.

SourceMcGill University·JournalFood Research International·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 4, 2026

Medical information provided to AI is often incomplete

A recent study found that people provide less detailed medical information when communicating with AI chatbots compared to human doctors. This lack of detail can result in incorrect medical advice and lower the quality of diagnosis. The study suggests that intelligent design of user interfaces and actively requesting missing details ma...

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 4, 2026

AI falls short in predicting weather extremes

Researchers from UNIGE and KIT found that traditional numerical models remain more reliable for predicting extreme phenomena than AI-based forecasts. The study highlights the limitations of AI weather models in extrapolating beyond their training domain, making them less effective for record-breaking events.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateMay 4, 2026

Study finds benefits in being older college student while working

A new study from the University of Kansas reveals that older college students who work full-time while studying tend to have higher graduation rates and better retention. The research, which analyzed over 7,000 post-traditional students, found that being older and working full-time positively predicted six-year graduation rates, while ...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalThe Journal of Continuing Higher Education·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 4, 2026

First psychiatric admission marks the beginning of a long-term illness for most patients

A 20-year follow-up study by the University of Copenhagen reveals that nearly all patients who initially admitted to hospital psychiatry returned, with significant consequences on their education, family life, and health. The researchers emphasize the importance of early and comprehensive assessments to provide better support and preve...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalEuropean Psychiatry·DateMay 4, 2026

AI fails to make inroads with cybercriminals, study finds

A study analyzing 100 million posts from underground cybercrime communities found that most cybercriminals lack the skills to use AI effectively, and its adoption has limited benefits for their work. However, AI coding assistants are mostly useful for already skilled actors, and poorly secured agentic AI systems pose a significant risk.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2026

New guidelines help long-term care communities support residents’ intimacy and dignity

A new paper outlines a practical framework for supporting residents' sexual health in long-term care, emphasizing autonomy, safety, and person-centered care. The framework establishes a Sexual Health Committee to develop policies and guide staff on sensitive aspects of care.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalAnnals of Long-Term Care Clinical Care and Aging·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 4, 2026

Singapore researchers advance phage therapy in fight against antimicrobial resistance

Researchers identified how Mycobacterium abscessus evades treatment and proposed a strategy to overcome resistance, offering a pathway towards more effective treatments. A combination therapy targeting both smooth and rough variants proved more effective than single-phage treatment.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

How plants rebalance their energy under stress

When proteins become unbalanced, plant cells use a molecular recycling system to break down defective proteins. Central regulators NAC53 and NAC78 adjust this activity in response to stress, activating genes that strengthen protein breakdown while suppressing photosynthesis.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

Tree bark could help clean water and air

Researchers at RMIT University have discovered that eucalyptus bark can be converted into a highly porous form of carbon that traps pollutants, providing a practical solution to clean polluted water and air. The findings highlight the potential of turning waste materials into useful environmental resources.

SourceRMIT University·JournalBiomass and Bioenergy·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

For the first time, the direction of neural signals in the brain has been determined non-invasively from neuronal spontaneous activity using functional MRI

For the first time, researchers have identified the direction of neural signals in the brain using functional MRI. The study showed that feedforward and feedback nervous impulses each have unique signatures that can be detected with a new method called uFLARE.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

Space logistics on the right track

A team of researchers at Bielefeld University has developed a precise mathematical approach to plotting routes through space and time. The new method could help make space missions more efficient and also improve transportation systems on Earth.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalINFORMS Journal on Computing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 4, 2026

Nonprofit hospitals spend billions on management consultants with no clear effect

A new study found that nonprofit hospitals spent at least $7.8 billion on management consulting services between 2010-2022, but saw no significant changes in finances, staffing, operations, or patient outcomes. The study suggests greater transparency and public accountability for how hospitals use tax-subsidized dollars.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 4, 2026

Researchers get a better picture of power failures during extreme wind events

A new physics-based simulation framework predicts the likelihood of failure for different transmission tower designs across entire networks with 96% accuracy. The model accounts for various factors, including wind speed and direction, and rainfall intensity, to help power companies identify vulnerable towers and reduce power outage risks.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEngineering Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 4, 2026

Treatment of anxiety for adults in primary care settings

The American Medical Association (AMA) has developed guidelines for treating anxiety disorders in adults in primary care settings. Behavioral therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are recommended treatments.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 4, 2026

Beetles are likely dispersal vectors for “towering” nematodes

Scientists have discovered a previously undescribed nematode species, Caenorhabditis apta, which forms 'towers' that can attach to fruit flies and other insects. The study found that two sap-feeding beetles are likely the primary vectors of this new species, highlighting the importance of understanding how nematodes spread in the wild.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Animal Behavior·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2026

Hospital-based shootings in the US, 2000-2024

Hospital-based shootings in the US have increased over 25 years, with large hospitals and urban areas being high-risk settings. The study emphasizes the need for hospital-specific prevention strategies, including weapons screening technology, to address rising firearm violence.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 4, 2026

Providing food baskets to people with tuberculosis is cost-effective and could avert over 100,000 deaths annually in India

Researchers found that providing food baskets to households affected by TB can prevent 10,470 years of poor health or early death for every 10,000 patients. The intervention is estimated to be cost-effective, costing $141 per health gain, and could avert approximately 120,000 TB deaths per year nationwide.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalBMJ Global Health·DateMay 4, 2026

Nir Barzilai, MD, Richard J. Hodes, MD, and Marianna Sadagurski, Ph.D., to receive 2026 Scientific Awards of Distinction from the American Federation for Aging Research

Nir Barzilai, MD, and Richard J. Hodes, MD, will receive the George M. Martin Lifetime Achievement in Mentoring Award and Irving S. Wright Award of Distinction, respectively, for their contributions to aging research. Marianna Sadagurski, PhD, is the recipient of the Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award in Aging Research.

Hidden math link helps designers build fantastic shapes

Researchers at Princeton University developed a system to mimic natural structures' microstructural patterns and mechanical properties. By combining origami and tensegrity, they found that the same equation describes both engineering structures, enabling designers to create irregular shapes with less computational complexity.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

A simple filter swap could advance marine eDNA biomonitoring

Researchers discover that using filters with larger pore sizes significantly improves the recovery of eukaryotic DNA in seawater samples, allowing for more accurate detection of marine life. This breakthrough could enhance the application of environmental DNA analysis in biomonitoring and conservation efforts.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalMetabarcoding and Metagenomics·DateMay 4, 2026

Scientists unlock new way to engineer next generation glass

Researchers fine-tune a new type of glass made from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that efficiently trap gases like CO2 and hydrogen. The discovery provides a new design framework for making customized MOF glasses with tailored properties, enabling applications in gas separation, chemical storage, and advanced coatings.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

Renewable energy is more cost effective than direct air capture at reducing carbon, new study finds

A new study published in Communications Sustainability reveals that investing in renewable energy yields more combined climate and public health benefits than direct air capture. The analysis models the health and climate benefit of cost-equivalent deployments of DAC, solar, and onshore wind across US grid regions from 2020 to 2050.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalCommunications Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 4, 2026

Novel wheat hybrids increase resistance to major fungal disease by up to 70%

Researchers have identified a novel genetic locus in the common agricultural weed Elymus repens that provides significant resistance to Fusarium Head Blight, a destructive fungal disease threatening global food security. The novel Fhb.Er-1StL locus has been successfully transferred into wheat, reducing diseased plant spikelets by up to...

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

New Canadian recommendations aim to make screening for alcohol misuse easier

The new recommendations provide a practical approach for clinicians to initiate conversations about alcohol use and identify potential problems earlier. The guidelines update offer easy-to-use tables with tips on reducing alcohol use, helping clinicians focus on patients' unique needs while saving time when circumstances allow.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 4, 2026

‘Fitspiration’ posts may do more harm than good for young adults – international study, led by Olympian, suggests

A new study suggests that fitspiration content on social media can lead to negative self-esteem, unhealthy dieting, and exercise habits among young adults. Researchers analyzed 26 studies involving 6,111 individuals across seven countries, finding that even brief exposure to idealized images can trigger harmful comparisons.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHealth Communication·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 4, 2026