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Science News Archive May 2026


Page 46 of 48

A toy model to understand how AI learns

Researchers have developed a simplified mathematical model of learning in neural networks, shedding new light on how these systems produce their responses. The toy model, inspired by physics principles, captures key features of complex systems and offers insights into the surprising efficiency and stability of modern AI systems.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

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.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Gerald Joyce elected to American Philosophical Society

Gerald Joyce's election to the American Philosophical Society honors his pioneering work in directed evolution and foundational questions about life and molecules. He has made significant contributions to cancer, asthma, and skin diseases through his research on DNA enzymes.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Plants walk a fine line between growth and defense

Researchers discovered that plants use a surprising multi-layered system to regulate salicylic acid levels and keep their immune system in check. This system involves enzymes that break down the hormone, which are then flagged for elimination, limiting how much salicylic acid they can destroy.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Can dopamine bend time to shape memory?

Researchers found that dopamine signaling at event boundaries can distort time perception, making memories of distinct events feel more separate. This process allows the brain to construct a more organized format for memory retrieval.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New AI model reads DNA sequences to reconstruct ancestry

The new AI model uses genetic mutation patterns to trace ancestral relationships between species, including humans and mosquitoes. The tool can predict when gene pairs last shared a common ancestor and is faster than traditional statistical methods.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Why risk perception matters for quitting smoking

A recent study found that risk perceptions of e-cigarettes rose sharply during and after the EVALI outbreak, lingering even after scientists identified the cause. This shift in perception was more pronounced among non-white participants, potentially exacerbating existing health disparities.

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.

Study finds major gaps in dementia care across Mississippi

A new study by University of Mississippi researchers finds significant shortages in adult day services across the state, leaving thousands without daily support. The state would need an additional 910 centers to meet demand, with funding being a primary cause of shortages.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Research aims to identify underlying causes for linked mental-health issues

A study by Kelsie Forbush and colleagues used Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology to better understand how psychological conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder are connected. The findings suggest that HiTOP's symptom dimensions may support more precise, personalized mental health care.

No digital content is safe from generative AI, researchers say

Researchers discovered that simple artificial intelligence tools can bypass security techniques meant to protect authentic content from use in deepfakes and facial identity theft. The study found that attackers can easily defeat existing image protection using off-the-shelf AI models and simple commands.

Grant backs early-career research on metabolism and food choices

A National Institutes of Health grant supports Mary Elizabeth Baugh's research into how metabolic health influences brain systems that shape eating behaviors. The study aims to understand the interactions between metabolic signals and brain circuits engaged in everyday learning and eating behavior.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Climate change increases spillover risk of rodent-borne arenaviruses

A new study projects that climate change will drive rodent-borne arenaviruses into new regions of South America, posing a future threat to millions of people. The researchers built an interactive platform to understand the complex relationships between climate, land use, and human exposure.

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...

Brown fat could help protect against cardiovascular disease in obesity

Researchers discovered brown adipose tissue protects against atherosclerosis and inflammation in humans with obesity, showing lower arterial inflammation and healthier blood profiles. Higher brown fat activity correlates with reduced vascular inflammation and improved cardiovascular health.

Two NYU Faculty Elected to National Academy of Sciences

Andrea H. Brand, a NYU Grossman School of Medicine professor, was elected for her research on nervous system development and gene regulation. Eero P. Simoncelli, a Center for Neural Science director, was recognized for his work on brain representation and sensory processing in humans and machines.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Maintaining a healthy heart may require regular doses of positivity

A recent study found that positive psychology interventions such as mindfulness and gratitude journaling can consistently improve blood pressure and inflammation markers within weeks. The researchers suggested that ongoing reinforcements are necessary to stay on course for long-term benefits.

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.

New study gives voice to older homeless women navigating streets and shelters

A new study by Boston University School of Social Work highlights the daily struggles faced by older homeless women, including managing health conditions and fighting to maintain dignity in dehumanizing shelter environments. The research found that these women often experience accelerated aging due to poor nutrition and harsh living co...

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

HSP90B1 promotes radiotherapy resistance in glioma

A study found that HSP90B1 upregulates in gliomas and correlates with poor prognosis and tumor malignancy. It enhances tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while protecting cells from radiotherapy-induced apoptosis by modulating DNA damage repair factors.

The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Ahead-of-Print Tip Sheet: May 4, 2026

Recent research published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine has made significant advancements in brain imaging and cancer treatment. A new wearable brain imaging system, SmartBrain, enables real-time imaging beyond the lab, capturing high-resolution images of brain activity without requiring patients to remain still.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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 ...

How do rats determine whether to approach or avoid distressed peers?

Researchers identified a key brain pathway in rats that helps them decide whether to approach stressed pups or avoid stressed adult peers. The insular cortex and prefrontal cortex work together to process social information, with the pathway playing a crucial role in making these decisions.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.