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Science News Archive May 2026 - Page 25


Page 25 of 48

Paraprobiotic counteracts damage to male fertility from BPA in plastic

A recent study published in Journal of Functional Foods found that paraprobiotics derived from Enterococcus faecalis FK-23 can protect against sperm toxicity caused by bisphenol A (BPA) exposure. The researchers observed improved sperm motility and reduced oxidative stress markers when rats received FK-23 despite BPA exposure.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2026

Future-proofing robotics: Brain-inspired hardware to overcome AI computing bottlenecks

Researchers are developing brain-inspired hardware that integrates memory and computation, enabling robots to process information in parallel with minimal energy use. The new systems mimic the event-driven processing of the human brain, allowing robots to achieve perception, decision-making, and action with human-like efficiency.

SourceJournal Center of Harbin Institute of Technology·JournalSmartBot·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 14, 2026

A*STAR scientists develop new method to reveal how RNA structure influences health and disease

Researchers developed a new method called sm-PORE-cupine to study individual RNA molecules and reveal how their structures influence gene regulation. The technology provides deeper insight into how RNA structure affects cellular function and could help identify new therapeutic targets for diseases such as viral infections.

"Reading the invisible": POSTECH-led team develops AI framework accounting for hidden defects in metal 3D printing

A research team led by POSTECH developed an AI framework that can predict and account for microscopic defects in metal 3D printing, improving the reliability of metal components. The framework achieves a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of just 9.51 MPa, outperforming conventional approaches.

Information security with smart hydrogels: Photo‑patterning and multi‑stimuli responsive structural color

Researchers developed a novel smart hydrogel framework that can store multiple pages of information, revealed under different environmental conditions. The technology uses light-induced crosslinking and anti-opal structural colors to create a highly secure and aesthetically striking platform for information encryption.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateMay 14, 2026

AI and supercomputer simulations reveal how a bacterial energy-converting enzyme pumps sodium ions, paving the way for new antibiotics

The study revealed that sodium binding and electron transfer drive a precise dual trigger, pumping sodium ions across the cell membrane. This understanding provides a powerful new framework for designing targeted antibacterial drugs.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2026

Screening modestly reduces prostate cancer deaths

Screening with a PSA blood test reduces prostate cancer deaths by approximately 2 for every 1,000 men screened. The review found that 500 men would need to be invited to screening to prevent one prostate cancer death.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 14, 2026

Shining light on cell-to-cell communication

A new nanoscopy technique developed at ANU has uncovered hidden networks used for communication between cells. The breakthrough allows researchers to observe how living cells interact with their environment over several days, revealing three-dimensional behaviours that were previously invisible to conventional microscopes.

SourceAustralian National University·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2026

The Lancet Psychiatry: No clear link between common antidepressant use in pregnancy and autism or ADHD in children, finds most comprehensive study to date

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet Psychiatry found no clear link between common antidepressant use in pregnancy and increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD in children. However, the study suggests that genetic predisposition and other factors may contribute to an increased risk.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 14, 2026

New study reveals best dosage for ADHD medications

A new study has identified the most effective dosages for five commonly used ADHD medications using data from thousands of participants. The research, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, provides a comprehensive view of dosage effects and developed an online tool to help clinicians and patients choose the right dosage.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 14, 2026

Viagra could hold key to halting Peyronie’s disease

A new study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that combining phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors with selective oestrogen receptor modulators may slow or stop disease progression when given early. This combination resulted in improved penile curvature and reduced pain during erections compared to standard care.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateMay 14, 2026

Nationwide study finds reduced triptan use for migraine one year after semaglutide initiation for weight loss among women

A nationwide study in Denmark shows a 7% reduction in triptan use for migraine treatment among women taking semaglutide for weight loss, with no significant change observed among men. The study suggests that weight loss and potential direct effects of GLP-1RA treatments may contribute to reduced migraine medication use.

Trial shows rapid weight loss is much more effective than gradual weight loss in achieving and sustaining clinically meaningful weight loss

A new study published at the European Congress on Obesity found that participants who underwent rapid weight loss lost significantly more weight than those who followed a gradual weight loss plan. After one year, the rapid weight loss group had achieved clinically meaningful weight loss and maintained it better than the gradual weight ...

Share proton therapy across national borders and plan five new centres in Romania, Greece, Italy, Northern Ireland and Poland to maximise access for patients in Europe

A new study aims to make proton therapy available to more patients in Europe by planning five new centres across Romania, Greece, Italy, Northern Ireland, and Poland. Currently, 59% of European cancer patients have access to the treatment, but this can be increased to 87% with strategic location and expansion.

SourceEuropean Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 14, 2026

Obesity and dietician societies combine to issue consensus recommendations on use of incretin drugs in obesity therapy

The European Association for the Study of Obesity, dietitian societies, and patients' organizations have issued a new consensus statement on using incretin drugs to treat obesity. The statement highlights the importance of medical nutritional therapy (MNT) and reinforces healthy dietary patterns. It also emphasizes the need to monitor ...

JMIR Biomedical Engineering invites submissions on “Sex and Gender in Biomedical Engineering: Toward Equitable Outcomes in Workforce and Modeling.”

This section explores how recognizing sex as a biological variable and gender as a sociocultural construct can lead to more precise computational models and safer medical technologies. The aim is to foster an equitable and effective biomedical engineering field where technologies meet the needs of all populations.

Ochsner Children’s cardiologist named one of several principal investigators in $15 million initiative to treat heart valve disease

Dr. Craig Sable, a pediatric cardiologist at Ochsner Children's, is part of a landmark research network aiming to advance early detection and treatment of valvular heart disease. The SHIELD Center, funded by the American Heart Association, utilizes AI technology to scale echocardiography screening for earlier RHD diagnosis.

Researchers solve longstanding problem in measuring semiconductor defects

A new method by Auburn University researchers and partners at Sandia National Laboratories accurately detects atomic-scale defects in electronic materials, improving technologies such as electric vehicles and high-power electronics. The technique uses a physics-based framework to remove measurement uncertainty.

SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2026

Historical DNA connects 1.3 million living relatives to 17th-century Maryland settlers and may have identified the colony’s second governor

A study of 49 colonists from St. Mary's City, Maryland, reveals over 1.3 million living genetic relatives of founding settlers. The research team used DNA to propose possible identities for previously unknown individuals buried in the city's Chapel Field cemetery.

Source23andMe Research Institute·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2026

Study is first to detect, track multiple cancer-causing viruses in wastewater

A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology detects all known cancer-causing viruses in wastewater across Texas, revealing increased abundance of viruses such as HPV and EBV. The approach enables tracking of vaccine-preventable viruses like HPV-16 and HPV-18, which could inform vaccination programs.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2026

Hidden small RNA determines if cholera bacterium can infect humans

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a small RNA embedded within the V. cholerae gene as the key factor controlling its ability to infect humans. Variations in this RNA controlled about 85% of genes related to human infection, enabling the bacteria to evade immune barriers and colonize the gut.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2026

Childhood disadvantage can limit the social benefits of intelligence later in life, new research shows

A new study by Professor Chris Dawson found that childhood disadvantage is linked to lower levels of trust in others, with intelligence having half the effect on social benefits. The study analyzed data from over 24,000 people across the UK and suggests that stable childhood environments may be crucial in shaping life chances.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2026

Digital environments generate moderate levels of psychological overload among university students

A scoping review of 7 international studies with 3,744 students found that psychological discomfort is currently at low or moderate levels, but student satisfaction with digital tools directly relates to better mental health. Risk factors include 'false' omnipresence, digital fatigue, and social isolation.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalCogent Education·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 14, 2026

Building density, not trees, was strongest predictor of home loss in los angeles firestorms, finds new Cal Poly study

A new study by Cal Poly faculty found that building density, not urban trees, was the strongest predictor of home loss in Los Angeles firestorms. The study examined 15,082 structures and 52,893 tree canopies within the Eaton and Palisades fire scars.

SourceCalifornia Polytechnic State University·JournalUrban Forestry & Urban Greening·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2026

New study provides rule of thumb to estimate land sustainability in river deltas

Researchers found two distinct growth patterns in river deltas, uniform and composite, which can help engineers estimate land build-up based on channel length. This insight will aid coastal restoration and flood protection efforts by directing limited resources to areas where they can make the most impact.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2026