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Science News Archive May 2026 - Page 14


Page 14 of 48

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

“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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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