Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2026 - Page 14


Page 14 of 48

Overpopulation can impair fertility. New study explains why

A new study finds that overcrowded animals produce an enzyme that damages DNA in eggs, leading to reduced fertility and increased genetic mutations. The research, published in Nature Communications, provides insights into the underlying mechanisms of population density's impact on reproduction.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The secret to keeping ticks at bay this summer: Woodchips

Researchers found that treating woodland trails with woodchips and insecticide significantly reduced the density of blacklegged ticks, a primary vector of Lyme disease. The study demonstrated that both deltamethrin-treated and untreated woodchip interventions can effectively reduce tick populations in recreational contexts.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalTicks and Tick-borne Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2026

Could artisan cheeses that please, ease diseases?

Scientists have identified three British cheeses with beneficial bacteria that could aid human health. The cheeses contain probiotics, anti-inflammatory compounds, and dietary fibers, making them a potential vehicle for delivery of beneficial gut bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalACS Food Science & Technology·DateMay 21, 2026

MRI approach improves assessment of common valve disease

Researchers developed a new cardiac MRI-based measurement, eRVEF, to assess tricuspid regurgitation and improve mortality risk prediction. The study found that eRVEF predicted adverse outcomes better than traditional measures.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJACC Cardiovascular Imaging·DateMay 21, 2026

Stem cells at the root of tooth aging

Researchers have discovered a link between tooth aging and the decline of dental pulp stem cells' regenerative capacity. A unique subset of DPSCs, expressing NFATC1 protein, is essential for tooth regeneration. Eliminating this subset can lead to senescence and reduced ability to regenerate after injury.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMay 21, 2026

“Why only copper?”… KAIST reveals key limitation of catalysts that convert carbon into fuel​

Researchers fabricated alloy catalysts made by mixing gold, silver, and palladium to analyze what substances these catalysts convert CO₂ into. Existing catalyst theories predicted that if the electronic reactivity of a catalyst is similar to that of copper, then it should produce multi-carbon compounds like ethylene and ethanol.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 21, 2026
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Heart failure trajectories after guideline-directed medical therapy

A cohort study found two-thirds of newly diagnosed heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction didn't undergo left ventricular ejection fraction reassessment, limiting treatment opportunities. Guideline-directed medical therapy was also underutilized among persistent heart failure patients who benefit most from it.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 21, 2026
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Cell-specific quantification of sodium concentrations in brain tissue

A team of neurobiologists has developed a method to visualize individual cells' sodium content in brain tissue, revealing differences between and within astrocyte sub-units. These findings suggest that astrocytes are not uniform in their function and may play a role in various brain disorders.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 21, 2026

Tiny black holes: crystals of space and time

Researchers from Vienna and Frankfurt have developed a mathematical formula describing critical collapse, where spacetime organizes into a regular structure that may form a black hole. This phenomenon is similar to the formation of ice crystals in liquid water.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 21, 2026

Immuno-infrared sensor detects Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s in blood

A new immuno-infrared sensor can detect misfolded biomarkers for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases in blood samples, providing an early indication of neurodegenerative processes. The technology has broad application potential and holds promise for clinical use and population-wide screening.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

The duration of depression may influence how severely the disease alters the brain

Researchers linked duration and severity of depression to differences in functional brain connections, paving the way for personalized treatments. Changes in brain networks, particularly the Central Executive Network and Default Mode Network, were associated with varying degrees of depressive symptoms.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 21, 2026

Using the power of AI to make genetic diagnosis easier

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed MARRVEL-MCP, a new computational tool that uses artificial intelligence to analyze and interpret genetic data in everyday language. This enables faster and more accessible genetic diagnoses, especially for non-experts.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 21, 2026
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.

Long-serving CEOs may weaken innovation, study finds

A new study from the University of East London found that long-serving CEOs can become less innovative unless challenged by strong independent boards. Independent directors play an important role in encouraging companies to continue investing in innovation, especially during difficult periods.

SourceUniversity of East London·JournalCorporate Governance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 21, 2026

Missed opportunities in the search for extraterrestrial life

False-negative results may lead to overlooking environments that could harbor life beyond current detection capabilities. Researchers emphasize the need for targeted research strategies, combining laboratory experiments with modeling research and fieldwork to address these risks.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 21, 2026

Public support for the energy transition is driven by emotions

A UNIGE team developed an AI-based model to predict public support for decarbonization measures, highlighting the decisive role of emotions, beliefs about policy impacts, perceptions of fairness, and social norms. The research confirms that transparent communication is essential for accelerating the energy transition.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Energy·TypeNews article·DateMay 21, 2026

Lossy acoustic metamaterials for higher-order Weyl exceptional ring

A research team has successfully realized a non-Hermitian higher-order Weyl exceptional ring semimetal in a lossy acoustic metamaterial. The material hosts Weyl exceptional rings with dual topological charges, giving rise to Fermi arc surface states and surface-dependent skin effect.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 21, 2026
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.

Himalayan rivers are shifting their course faster due to climate warming

Climate change is accelerating Himalayan river migration rates by nearly doubled, with increased risk of flooding, erosion, and damage. The study reveals that thawing frozen ground and glacier melt are driving these changes, posing implications for water security and infrastructure planning.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2026

Record-breaking ice loss in Central Asia in 2025

Central Asian glaciers experienced record-breaking ice loss in 2025 due to exceptionally warm spring and summer temperatures and reduced snowfall frequency. The study shows that 64% of glaciers lost their most negative mass balance since at least 1991, highlighting increasing vulnerability to climate warming.

SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateMay 21, 2026

New passivation strategy boosts perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell performance

Researchers have developed a new passivation strategy to improve the efficiency and operational stability of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells. The method uses polystyrene nanospheres as a template to deposit an insulating layer, suppressing electrical leakage and achieving high power conversion efficiencies.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

AI helps create miniprotein switches for drug targets

Researchers at UW Medicine Institute for Protein Design and Skape Bio used AI methods to create on-demand molecules that can toggle GPCRs. The approach enables precise control of GPCR signaling in cells, offering new insights into bodily functions and potential medicines for diseases.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026

Electrical spinal cord stimulation: Study provides data for improved therapy

Researchers identify conceptual weaknesses in established methods, suggesting targeted nerve and muscle activations for non-invasive electrostimulation. The study advocates for reconsidering high-frequency pulse usage to exhaust full potential for restoring motor function after paralysis.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMay 21, 2026
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.

Bioinspired dual‑scale crack manipulation enabling 325%‑stretchable metal film conductors for AI‑empowered electronic skins

Researchers develop a leaf-inspired strategy to create ultra-stretchable metal films by manipulating cracks, governing electromechanical performance. The bioinspired conductors offer a low-cost, robust, and highly tunable solution for AI-integrated healthcare monitors and soft robotic skins.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateMay 21, 2026

Early detection of type 1 diabetes in children is broadly feasible

Researchers have found that screening for early-stage type 1 diabetes in children can be implemented sustainably in general pediatric practice, identifying most children who will later develop stage 3 clinical type 1 diabetes. The study suggests that families without a family history of the disease should also be screened.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalJAMA·DateMay 21, 2026

Social mammals live longer – but bigger groups don’t add many extra years

A recent study found that social living is associated with longer lifespan in mammals, but the benefits of group-living level off after pairs. The researchers analyzed life-history traits and body mass, finding that both pair- and group-living species live longer than solitary ones.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 21, 2026

Targeting inflammation may help overcome drug resistance in colon cancer

A new preclinical study suggests that targeting tumor-specific inflammatory processes could enhance the efficacy of some anticancer therapies and prevent drug resistance. The researchers found that tumors treated with KRAS inhibitors often developed inflammation-related gene expression changes, which contributed to drug resistance.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateMay 21, 2026
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Is organic farming the solution to enhance natural drought resilience in crops?

Researchers at the University of Malaga demonstrate that organic farming enriches specific groups of soil microorganisms, particularly bacteria from the genus Bacillus, which help plants cope with drought. This sustainable agricultural management system can lead to more resilient crops in dry areas and reduce fertilizer use.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026

The complete evolution of spin glass from order to chaos

Scientists at OIST create well-ordered antiferromagnetic crystal with controlled chemical disorder, tracking evolution from order to disorder. They clarify the definition of spin glass, offering a new baseline for studying exotic materials.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026

Study reveals overlooked breadth of chimpanzee culture

A long-term study identifies dozens of previously overlooked cultural behaviors in wild chimpanzees, doubling previous estimates. Chimpanzees learn basic skills like foraging and grooming through social learning, with a focus on identifying and processing food, suggesting that cultural transmission plays a key role in their development.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Animal Behavior·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2026
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.

EdUHK study finds digital literacy a moving shield against cyberbullying

A new EdUHK study shows that adolescents with lower digital literacy levels are more vulnerable to cyberbullying. Those who develop stronger digital literacy skills after experiencing cyberbullying tend to navigate threats and protect themselves effectively.

SourceThe Education University of Hong Kong·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateMay 21, 2026

Vitamin B12-based therapy shows tumor-targeting potential against glioblastoma

A new study reveals that nitrosylcobalamin, a vitamin B12 analog, selectively crosses the blood-brain barrier and targets glioblastoma tissue, demonstrating broad antitumor activity. The therapy also shows synergistic activity with existing treatments, offering a promising new strategy for treating this deadly brain cancer.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeNews article·DateMay 21, 2026

Study sheds light on how early pancreas lesions become cancerous

Researchers have discovered that precursor lesions in the pancreas, often considered a step towards cancer, do not undergo malignant transformation if they lack a specific microenvironment. The team used advanced technologies to isolate and analyze single cells from over 150 donated pancreases, finding that the microenvironment surroun...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026

A promising new strategy for treating dry eye disease

Researchers developed a new eye drop treatment that significantly reduced dry eye disease characteristics, such as inflammation and loss of goblet cells. The treatment uses a rexinoid compound that boosts the protective role of resident macrophages, promoting debris-clearing and immune balance.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026

WSU study finds high prevalence of hantavirus in some areas of the Pacific Northwest

A recent study by WSU researchers reveals nearly 30% of rodents in the Palouse region showed evidence of past infection with Sin Nombre virus, a deadly respiratory disease. The study also produced the first full genome sequences of SNV strains from the Northwest, highlighting high genetic diversity and viral reassortment.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2026
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.

Preschool teachers test children's social skills

Researchers developed a new 9-question test to evaluate preschool children's social skills. The test was found to be stable and reliable, with correlations between teachers' assessments being good.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Education·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2026

Survey highlights persistent uncertainty on STI vaccines

A nationally representative survey of empaneled adults found that most Americans understand how STIs spread, but there are significant gaps in public knowledge about which infections can be prevented through vaccination. The survey also revealed strong awareness of common transmission pathways and some basic facts about STIs.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·TypeSurvey·DateMay 21, 2026

Buying your way to better health comes at the expense of others

A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that private health insurance uptake is linked to poorer health in the population, particularly among those with low education levels. The researchers suggest that policymakers should implement strategies to mitigate this negative effect.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalHealth Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 21, 2026
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.

Machine learning personalizes depression treatment with the help of wearable technology

A machine-learning guided lifestyle coaching program based on data collected via personal devices reduced depressive symptoms by six weeks. Participants who implemented the program experienced significant reductions in depressive symptoms and the treatment effect persisted during three months after the intervention ended.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNPP—Digital Psychiatry and Neuroscience·DateMay 21, 2026

Toward power-generating displays: a single device that harvests and emits light

Researchers have developed a single device that can harvest light and emit bright visible light, achieving high efficiency in both power conversion and electroluminescence. The device uses a novel organic semiconductor material with controlled energy flow, enabling it to operate at standard lithium-ion battery voltages.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026

Bone cells use Vitamin K signals to regulate osteoclast fusion

Researchers identified a vitamin K-dependent GAS6 pathway that controls osteoclast maturation and bone resorption in mice. Osteoblasts use Vitamin K signals to regulate osteoclast fusion via the GAS6 pathway.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Structured lifestyle programs may help slow aging in older adults, study finds

Researchers found that structured lifestyle programs with coaching and accountability can reduce frailty in older adults by promoting healthy habits. The two-year US POINTER trial showed significant improvements in overall health and frailty scores among participants who followed the structured program.

SourceWake Forest University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series A·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 21, 2026