Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2026 - Page 26


Page 26 of 48

New Astrobiology special collection explores emerging scientific evidence for land-based origins of life

The collection examines how volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and terrestrial environments may have provided chemical complexity necessary for nonliving chemistry to transition into evolving protocell populations. Researchers propose that fluctuating terrestrial environments were essential for early evolution, leading to the emergence ...

SourceSAGE·JournalAstrobiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2026

AI model predicts 10-year stroke risk based on routine cardiology test

A new AI model, ECG2Stroke, can predict the risk of a stroke up to 10 years into the future using only electrocardiogram (ECG) data and a patient's age and sex. The model was trained on over 200,000 patients and showed accuracy in predicting cardioembolic strokes, which are preventable with blood thinners.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 14, 2026

Steroid use falls, but creatine use climbs rapidly

A new study from the University of Michigan found that US teens are using less anabolic steroids and more creatine supplements, which may be driven by social media trends promoting extreme fitness practices. The rapid increase in creatine use among adolescents is concerning due to limited evidence on its safety and efficacy in youth.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateMay 14, 2026

Why babies are dying and how we can stop it

A groundbreaking study found that infections cause 44% of neonatal deaths across multiple sites in Africa and South Asia, with over 80% preventable under current or improved facility-based conditions. The study highlights the urgent need to strengthen infection prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMay 14, 2026

Houston Methodist researchers develop AI platform to decode how cells ‘talk’ in cancer, Alzheimer's and other complex diseases

The AI platform, Co-Intelligent Single-cell Spatial Cell-cell Communication (iS2C2), analyzes complex data to identify communication networks in the body. It uncovers previously underappreciated pathways contributing to disease progression, potentially leading to new treatment targets.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·DateMay 14, 2026

A new method could help Washington shellfish farmers control a pesky shrimp

Researchers have developed a non-chemical method to kill burrowing shrimp in targeted areas, reducing their population by up to 98%. The technique uses vibration and pressure to compact sediment and trap shrimp, starved of oxygen, leading to their death. The method shows promise for shellfish farmers struggling with the invasive species.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Shellfish Research·DateMay 14, 2026

NTU Singapore scientists develop near-invisible solar cells that could turn windows into power generators

Researchers at NTU Singapore created perovskite solar cells that are 10,000 times thinner than human hair and achieved high power conversion efficiencies. These semi-transparent cells could be integrated into buildings, vehicles, and wearable devices without changing their appearance.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2026

A fresh approach to peppermint

Researchers at UC Davis have found over 250 new genetically distinct variants of peppermint through gamma radiation-induced mutations. These variants can be used to identify key genes for breeding or selecting new varieties with improved disease resistance.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2026

Restructuring hospitals to help the elderly

Researchers at Kyoto University found that hospital restructuring improved local capacity for elderly hospital admissions and enabled more efficient bed management. The study suggests that reorganization can alleviate regional healthcare disparities in the elderly population.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBMC Health Services Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2026

Young people are aware of and normalize hidden design features of video games that encourage spending

A study by UOC researchers reveals that young people are not fooled by monetization systems in video games; they often accept them as part of the gaming experience. The study highlights various systems that encourage consumption, such as loot boxes and virtual currencies, and shows a consistent relationship between these mechanisms and...

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalEntertainment Computing·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 14, 2026

Which medicines can most affect driving?

Researchers developed a new scale to estimate the risk of using medicines while driving, combining factors such as adverse effects and dosage. The FMB scale offers greater resolution than existing systems like DRUID, allowing for more precise identification of medicines with similar profiles.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalTherapeutic Advances in Drug Safety·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 14, 2026

Implantable living materials autonomously deliver therapeutics using contained engineered bacteria

Researchers have introduced an implantable 'living material' that contains bacteria sensing infections and releasing therapeutic molecules on demand. Engineered living cells can autonomously sense disease and deliver treatment directly at affected sites, offering a new class of medicine that sustains itself in vivo.

KAIST develops real-time diagnostic smart dressing patch to end the fear of diabetic foot amputation​

A real-time diagnostic smart dressing patch has been developed by KAIST to monitor diabetic foot wounds. The patch combines an optoelectronic sensor with a functional dressing to analyze glucose concentration, acidity, and temperature changes in real-time, enabling patients to check their condition using a smartphone.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 14, 2026

Large-scale eDNA survey reveals "hidden" factors that affect regional fish communities

A large-scale eDNA survey revealed five biogeographic boundaries along the Japanese coast, where fish composition changes significantly due to ocean currents. The study detected 1,220 coastal fish species, providing new insights into how climate change and human activities impact regional ecosystems.

The hidden force of growth

Researchers found that self-propelled particles can spontaneously form clusters when navigating a dense colony of dividing cells. The growing medium creates an environment that transforms the particles' behavior, making them behave like active Brownian particles and attracting them to each other without explicit interaction.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateMay 14, 2026

Engaging young minds: Augmented reality helps children with STEM

Researchers found that augmented reality smart glasses improved engagement and academic outcomes for Year 1 and 2 students in an Australian primary school. The AR technology used immersive visual learning environments to teach science topics, resulting in enhanced cognitive development and social interaction.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Science Education and Technology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2026