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Science News Archive May 2026 - Page 18


Page 18 of 48

Targeted therapy improves mobility in children with rare bone disorder

A phase 2 clinical trial found that burosumab safely restored normal phosphate levels and improved physical function in patients with severe fibrous dysplasia. Key findings include reduced pain, fatigue, and mobility impairment, as well as significant improvements in children's mobility and independence.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 20, 2026

Overcoming a blind spot in cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have developed a new method to enhance anti-cancer immunity by redirecting non-specialized immune cells to present a broader range of tumor antigens. This approach, leveraging understanding of dendritic cell biology, has shown promise in reducing tumour growth and amplifying responses in mice.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Cancer·DateMay 20, 2026

Little blue buttons’ long journey

Researchers estimate blue buttons can survive for several years drifting on the ocean surface, much longer than previously estimated. The float that keeps them afloat grows new rings from its outermost layer, expanding over time.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2026

EuroPCR 2026 – Outcomes with left atrial appendage closure vs. direct oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation across different age groups

A subgroup analysis of the CHAMPION-AF trial reveals that left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) efficacy and safety are not affected by age, suggesting it can be considered for suitable candidates regardless of age. The choice between LAAC and DOAC should be made on an individualized basis in a shared decision-making process with patients.

SourcePCR·DateMay 20, 2026

Do advance directives affect end-of-life care?

Older patients with accessible advance directives in electronic health records had 25% less potentially burdensome end-of-life care and 31% fewer hospital deaths compared to those without these directives. The associations were attenuated among patients with dementia and Black patients, highlighting the need for targeted research.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 20, 2026

Vitamin C may help prevent cancer

A University of Waterloo study uses mathematical modelling to explore how Vitamin C affects digestion-related cancer risk. The research suggests that consuming Vitamin C-rich foods like leafy greens may decrease cancer risk, while taking supplements after meals could have a moderate positive effect.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateMay 20, 2026

Handwriting speed among possible signs of cognitive decline in older people

A new study found that handwriting speed and stroke organization can be indicative of cognitive decline in older adults. The research used digital tools to record writing speed and number of strokes in complex tasks, and found that participants with cognitive impairment showed distinct patterns in their handwriting movements.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

Advanced construction techniques and domestic layouts discovered in Roman-Byzantine villages of Syria

Archaeological studies of Roman-Byzantine villages in Syria reveal advanced construction techniques and domestic layouts that can inform future restoration projects. The findings offer an extensive analysis of building materials used in the construction of a village called Ba'ude.

SourceUniversity of Sharjah·JournalBulletin of the American Society of Overseas Research·TypeSurvey·DateMay 19, 2026

Princeton study reveals need for domestic efforts and international sourcing to secure future of electric vehicle batteries in the US

A Princeton study projects persistent shortfalls in critical EV battery materials if domestic production expansion, demand-side strategies, and international sourcing are not aligned. Domestic expansion can meet projected demand for some key materials, but significant uncertainties remain.

Earlier sexual debut may shape aging later in life

A new study suggests that an earlier first sexual intercourse may be associated with a less favorable multidimensional aging profile, including shorter longevity and higher frailty. The researchers found that genetic differences in early sexual debut were linked to poorer health outcomes later in life.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalHealthcare and Rehabilitation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 19, 2026

MXene‑assembled liquid metal hybrid microparticles for multifunctional and stretchable printed electronics

Researchers created a multifunctional material platform by integrating 2D MXene nanosheets with liquid metal, enabling both high conductivity and electrochemical activity. The MXene-assembled liquid metal hybrid microparticles (MLHMs) demonstrated excellent interfacial adhesion and stability, making them suitable for real-world dynamic...

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateMay 19, 2026

Paving the way for zero-carbon shipping: Novel ammonia engine combustion mode cuts greenhouse gases by over 70%

A breakthrough solution has been unveiled for decarbonizing the transportation sector, particularly heavy-duty marine shipping. The Ammonia Thermal Atmosphere Compression Ignition (TACI) combustion mode achieves highly efficient, stable and clean ammonia diffusion combustion under mild operating conditions.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalENGINEERING Energy·TypeNews article·DateMay 19, 2026

Breaking the bonds: A unified strategy for solar-driven upcycling of biomass and waste plastics

Researchers develop bond-centric framework to selectively activate C-H and C-C bonds in biomass and plastics for sustainable valorization. The review proposes a roadmap for industrialization, focusing on precise bond discrimination, high solar-to-chemical energy conversion efficiencies, and hybrid systems.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalENGINEERING Energy·TypeNews article·DateMay 19, 2026

Children of parents with severe mental illness face higher risk of cognitive difficulties

A new study led by Murdoch University found that children of parents with severe mental illness are more likely to experience cognitive difficulties. The study analysed data from over 1.5 million people and found that offspring tended to perform lower across several cognitive domains, particularly where a parent had schizophrenia or bi...

SourceMurdoch University·JournalPsychological Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 19, 2026

Intrepid tails – fluke photos confirm humpback whales mount 14,000km open ocean crossing to breeding grounds

Scientists have documented humpback whales travelling over 14,000km between their breeding grounds in eastern Australia and Brazil, setting new records for the greatest distances ever confirmed. The findings highlight the value of citizen science and suggest climate-driven changes may be making such crossings more likely.

SourceGriffith University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMay 19, 2026

Cost of emergency hospital admissions for mental health problems in young people almost quadruples over a decade

The total cost of emergency admissions for mental health among children and young people in England rose from £22.5 million to £87.3 million between 2012/13 and 2021/22, driven by increases in admission rates and lengths of stay. Eating disorders and self-harm were the two most costly conditions, with over 80% of total mental health co...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2026

Sedative choice in pediatric intensive care may influence long-term neurocognitive outcomes

A new study suggests that the specific sedatives used during critical illness in early childhood may have long-term implications for a child's neurocognitive development. The research found that treatment with dexmedetomidine, rather than opioids and benzodiazepines alone, was associated with better neurocognitive outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 19, 2026

New research enables a robot to chart a better course

A new open-source trajectory-planning system, MIGHTY, has been developed by researchers at MIT and the University of Pennsylvania. The system enables robots to generate smooth flight paths while reacting to obstacles in real-time, making it suitable for applications such as search-and-rescue, last-mile delivery, and industrial inspection.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateMay 19, 2026

Three-minute video game identifies patients with depression

A low-cost game that can identify patients with depression in just three minutes has been developed by NYU Langone Health researchers. The game uses neurobiological studies to measure how patients' decisional reference points respond to changes in their environment, providing clues about what is happening in their brains.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2026

Violence against women remains high — particularly for marginalized groups

A recent study by UC Berkeley researchers found that rates of violence against women have remained largely unchanged in California, with Black and multiracial women facing the highest risks. The study analyzed 763,000 assault injuries in California from 2005-2022 and found persistent racial disparities.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 19, 2026

AI can seem more human than real humans in a classic Turing test, study finds

A new study from UC San Diego suggests that advanced large language models (LLMs) can exhibit human-like tone, humor, and fallibility in conversations, making it increasingly difficult for humans to distinguish between them and actual humans. This has major implications for how we think of AI, as the Turing test is no longer just about...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2026

Oral GLP-1s without fasting or reduced efficacy

Researchers at Duke University developed a new approach to deliver GLP-1 medications orally that maintains efficacy without requiring fasting. The technique uses an elastin-like polypeptide-based delivery system that protects the peptide from stomach acid and releases it in the intestines, bypassing the stomach's destructive acids.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell Biomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2026

Researchers map genetics of blood lipids with unprecedented precision

A study published in Nature Communications identified over 50 previously unknown genes that affect lipid composition in the human body. These findings may provide a better understanding of aging processes and pathological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular dysfunctions.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2026