Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2026 - Page 19


Page 19 of 48

“Brain signatures whisper warnings:” Researchers identify age 9 as critical turning point for anxiety and depression

A longitudinal study identified distinct brain-wave patterns emerging from age 9 that can forecast a child's vulnerability to anxiety or depression by age 13. The predictive markers reveal divergent neurodevelopmental trajectories linked to the right and left sides of the brain, respectively.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 19, 2026

Birds clap in the dark to flirt

Researchers have captured the behavior of scissor-tailed nightjars creating a unique sound by snapping their wrists together during courtship and copulation. The study sheds light on lesser-known bird communication methods and raises questions about the nuances of mechanical sounds.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateMay 19, 2026

America’s last-mile delivery divide

A recent study by Iowa State University researchers found that Americans' use of home delivery continues to be split sharply along geographic lines. Urban shoppers are more likely to rely on home delivery than rural households, driven by factors such as traffic congestion and limited parking in cities.

SourceIowa State University·JournalInternational Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management·DateMay 19, 2026

From silkworm to super material

Scientists at Tufts University and Imperial College London develop a new method to transform silk into high-performance solids that preserve its natural strength. The resulting material is remarkably tough and has exceptional properties similar to wood, while also being transparent to visible light.

SourceTufts University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2026

A new imaging approach captures brain activity across nine cell types at once — more than four times what was previously possible

A novel imaging pipeline called Neuroplex enables simultaneous measurements of up to nine distinct neuronal populations in living mice. This approach accelerates the pace of scientific exploration into how the brain controls behavior by overcoming fundamental limitations in miniscope recordings.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2026

Mount Sinai experts to present new research on AI model that predicts lung nodule risk, impact of air pollution during pregnancy, and more at ATS 2026 International Conference

Experts from Mount Sinai will present a new AI model that predicts lung nodule risk and assesses the impact of air pollution during pregnancy. The researchers also explore cognitive consequences of sleep-disordered breathing and reevaluate asthma guidelines to integrate both conditions.

Beyond 0 and 1: a material that can store four magnetic states

Researchers have discovered a ferrotoroidic material that can store information in four distinct magnetic states, allowing for increased storage capacity. The material's non-volatile behavior and ability to control magnetic states using electric and magnetic fields make it an attractive model system for exploring quaternary memory.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2026

Watching carbon capture in action

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have built an instrument that lets them study direct air capture (DAC) in detail. The custom-designed laboratory flow cell enables accurate spatial mapping of the reaction's kinetics in real-time, shedding light on how efficiently the system works and how it should be designed.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateMay 19, 2026

New study: BMI alone does not fully capture health risks linked to obesity

A new study published in eBioMedicine found that integrating measurements such as body fat percentage and waist circumference can help identify individuals at high risk of developing obesity-related diseases. The research team analysed data from 489,311 participants and found that those with an adverse adiposity profile despite normal ...

SourceLund University·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2026

Cracking the code of p53 fragility: Why the genome guardian is prone to failure

Researchers identify energetic frustration in p53's sequence as a key factor in its fragility. The study shows that p53's flexibility comes at a high cost, allowing it to perform roles but making it prone to misfolding and aggregation. This knowledge offers a roadmap for cancer treatment by targeting specific regions sensitive to water.

SourceInstituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INBEB)·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 19, 2026

From waste CO2 to high-value chemicals: a novel copper-based metal-organic framework material powers tandem using inexhaustible sunlight

A novel copper-based MOF material reduces CO2 to carbon monoxide and subsequently produces higher-value compounds, such as N-formamides, under visible light irradiation. The system offers a simpler and potentially greener alternative to conventional routes that rely on precious-metal catalysts and high temperatures.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateMay 19, 2026

Unexpected digital flexibility in monasteries

Researchers found that monasteries are surprisingly adaptable to technological change, using historic forms of organization as a strength in their digital transformation. The study highlights the importance of co-determination and decentralized decision-making processes in successful digitalization.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalResearch Policy·TypeSurvey·DateMay 19, 2026

One in five pregnancies miss timely syphilis screening in Ontario

A study found that one in five pregnancies in Ontario did not receive syphilis screening in the first trimester, with delayed screening more common among equity-deserving populations. The rate of congenital syphilis in Canada increased by 220% since 2018, highlighting the need for improved prenatal screening.

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2026

KAIST-Hanwha solutions establishes ‘eco-friendly bio-platform’ to replace petroleum-derived naphtha​

Researchers at KAIST-Hanwha Solutions have established a new 'eco-friendly bio-platform' that can mass-produce sustainable raw materials for plastics and textiles using waste resources. The platform uses glycerol as a raw material to convert into 1,3-propanediol, a key material for plastics and cosmetics.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 19, 2026

Clinical trial offers hope of better recovery for intensive care survivors

A clinical trial found that a remote multicomponent rehabilitation programme can improve quality of life for patients recovering from intensive care, particularly those ventilated for shorter periods. The online intervention combined symptom management, exercise, psychological support, and peer information, offering hope for better rec...

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 19, 2026

Revealing the invisible: a new baseline for Salish sea diatoms answers a global call

Researchers have published a new checklist of 924 diatom taxa alongside a curated dataset of 11,469 records in the open-access journal Biodiversity Data Journal, providing a long-needed foundation for environmental monitoring across the region. This dataset directly answers a key recommendation from the UN Plankton Manifesto and will s...

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateMay 19, 2026

More than a quarter of Guadalupe fur seals may be losing their fur

An observational study published in Frontiers in Marine Science revealed that Guadalupe fur seals are experiencing significant hair loss due to an alopecia syndrome. The study highlights the need for urgent action to address early mortality and human impact on these vulnerable marine mammals

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2026

Strengthening environmental stewardship practices to improve biodiversity protection worldwide

A new study suggests integrating indigenous and local management practices into scientific and political frameworks could improve biodiversity protection. The research identifies 343 reports of management practices targeting key cultural species, highlighting the importance of custodianship in biodiversity conservation.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalBioScience·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2026