Science News Archive May 2026 - Page 29

Visual measure of illness perception paints a picture of quality of life

A new study suggests that a visual measure of illness perception can effectively convey symptom-related quality of life for patients with chronic lung illnesses. The study found that patients' visual perceptions of their lung disease were equally effective as standard questionnaires and test results in predicting quality of life.

How songbirds learn to sing, one brain connection at a time

Researchers pinpoint a specific connection in the brain where song learning first occurs, finding that it hinges on a highly organized process involving a single type of synapse. The study sheds light on how songbirds learn to vocalize by imitating a tutor and shares similarities with human language development.

Major hurdle in photovoltaic technologies surpassed with use of hydrazide indole additive

The use of 1H-indole-3-carbohydrazide in perovskite solar cells has successfully alleviated the major obstacle of defect-induced nonradiative recombination, leading to improved stability and power conversion efficiency. This additive achieves a critical balance between high performance and long-term durability.

CODA supports international collaboration between Stellenbosch University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology to advance microvascular research in complex chronic disorders

Scientists design "hydrophobic-zincophilic" interface to unlock ultra-stable zinc-ion batteries

Researchers developed a dual-functional coating composed of palladium nanoparticles on a graphitic carbon nitride matrix, which blocks water-induced corrosion and regulates zinc deposition at the atomic level. This 'hydrophobic-zincophilic' design provides a generalizable strategy for high-performance, long-lasting zinc-ion batteries.

Synergistically enhances piezoelectricity and resistivity of high temperature 0.3Na0.5Bi2.5Nb2O9-0.7Bi3TiNbO9 ceramics by (W,Cr) co-doping

Researchers successfully fabricated W,Cr co-doped 0.3Na0.5Bi2.5Nb2O9-0.7Bi3TiNbO9 ceramics, elevating piezoelectric constant to 20.3 pC/N and resistivity to 7.3×10^7 Ω·cm. This is attributed to the incorporation of W/Cr ions disrupting the crystal lattice and generating stable domain structures.

Rare laryngeal leiomyosarcoma successfully treated with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy

A rare case of high-grade laryngeal leiomyosarcoma was successfully treated with extended laryngectomy, left neck dissection, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Complete surgical excision remains the cornerstone of therapy, while multidisciplinary-guided adjuvant treatment may benefit selected high-grade or high-risk patients.

Blood pressure drug can reduce arterial stiffening

Researchers found that amiloride, a common blood pressure medication, improves artery flexibility and lowers blood sugar levels in patients with obesity. The study suggests that amiloride could be a potential strategy to reduce arterial stiffening and cardiovascular risk in these patients.

Insight | Eye Discovery: How AI + multimodal data is redefining the ophthalmic diagnostic paradigm

The article discusses how AI is unlocking hidden potential in multimodal ophthalmic datasets, enabling high-precision screening and early detection of eye diseases. It highlights the integration of various imaging modalities and non-imaging data types to provide a comprehensive diagnostic framework.

Crystalline Ni3S2 nanorods tuned by low‑crystalline NiCoSx with built‑in electric field for efficient overall water splitting

Researchers develop high-performance, bifunctional electrocatalyst using crystalline Ni3S2 nanorods and low-crystalline NiCoSx, enabling efficient overall water splitting. The catalyst's built-in electric field promotes faster electron transfer and optimizes adsorption energies.

Experts call on WHO to revisit its approach to airborne risk in light of hantavirus outbreak

Experts are calling on the World Health Organization (WHO) to adopt a more precautionary approach in responding to emerging respiratory viruses. The recent hantavirus outbreak, which has resulted in three deaths and several cases, highlights the need for improved ventilation, respirator use, and portable HEPA filtration.

Winship administers first U.S. dose of investigational in vivo CAR-T therapy in multiple myeloma trial

Researchers at Winship Cancer Institute have administered the first investigational in vivo CAR-T cell therapy in the US for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, marking a significant milestone in next-generation cellular therapies. The therapy aims to streamline treatment processes and eliminate delays in care.

The strong coordination effect on FeNi-MOF derived catalyst for durable oxygen evolution reaction over 3000 h at operando condition

Mouth stem cells could help beat brain cancer defences

Researchers found that mouth stem cell proteins can slow down aggressive brain cancer growth, reduce tumour size and enhance chemotherapy effectiveness. The study suggests a new strategy to disrupt the body's defense systems against cancer.

CHEST and APCCMPD announce recipient of 2026 Collaborative Fellow Scholarship

Matthew Simpson, MD, receives 2026 Collaborative Fellow Scholarship from CHEST and APCCMPD to improve diversity in medical education. He aims to develop innovative approaches to teaching and mentorship.

Digging deeper: The overlooked carbon fortress beneath our feet

A comprehensive review reveals that deep soil layers store over 50-60% of the total carbon in top meter of soil. The subsoil environment is characterized by low oxygen and limited microbial activity, making it a stable target for long-term carbon removal strategies.

OICR supports four new studies seeking cancer insights from existing patient samples and data

Four new OICR-funded studies using CATALYST will advance cancer insights by reanalyzing existing patient samples and data. The initiatives aim to improve cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment by building on previous research.

Closed-loop recycling: Improving plastics recycling from end-of-life vehicles

Whip it good: How Olympic weightlifting relies on a barbell’s ‘whip’ #ASA190

How effective are torpedo bats, exactly? #ASA190

Combined short-term effects of air pollutants linked to 146,500 premature deaths per year in Europe

Pragmatic parental support to mitigate burnout among pregnant and postpartum trainees

A simple X-ray measure linked to survival in lung cancer surgery patients

Popular weight loss and anti-inflammatory drugs may help prevent common heart rhythm disorder

Asymmetric droplet coalescence on fibers reveals mechanisms of secondary droplet formation

Of the geometry of light

Too little sleep—and too much—associated with faster aging

Young intrepid researcher uncovers hidden diversity in snow and glacier ecosystems across remote Antarctic island

Microwave‑assisted method enables rapid, robust zeolite coatings on silicon carbide supports

Parental support package dramatically reduced burnout in child-bearing physician trainees

Surrounded by stardust

The goal of a Tobacco-Free Generation will not progress without stronger EU support

National coalition announces initiative to help community pharmacies expand HIV prevention services

Chinese Neurosurgical Journal reports KRAS gene as key driver for brain arteriovenous malformation

Sunlight and PVC pipes create a hidden driver of antibiotic resistance

Pediatric surgery program cuts opioid use by 56%

Diseases can spread between apartments via shared ventilation, study shows

Researchers reveal new clues about H. erectus evolution while advancing paleoproteomics

The Chinese Children's Congenital Heart Disease Genome Research Project identifies novel pathogenic genes and elucidates genetic mechanisms

When heavy fermions meet ferromagnetism: Giant transverse charge and heat responses in CeCrGe₃

Study may help predict response to chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer

Patients with congenital heart defects are more likely to suffer a heart attack at an earlier age

The secret sauce for sweeter, stronger crops | Fungus-powered farming: Bigger harvests, better taste

Researchers “reprogram” materials by quickly rearranging their atoms

Applying bundles of best practices improves outcomes of pediatric surgery, clinical trial finds

Non-coding gene linked to core social and behavioral traits in Autism, major SickKids-led study finds

Everyday air pollution linked to poorer brain function, study finds

Providing a cellular ‘all-clear’ signal to resume protein synthesis

Honeybees teach drones how to navigate

Wine’s leftovers could help wean chicken farms off antibiotics

Thermal ‘tug-of-war’ enables memory with 66× lower energy consumption

Governments may shape what AI chatbots say by shaping the web they learn from, new Nature study finds

Meet the semiconductor that stretches like a rubber band and heals itself — no sci-fi required

From plastic waste to chemical building blocks: a sustainable path for polyethylene upcycling

Protected area managers across Europe are adapting to climate change

Fire that scorched African mountain range was unprecedented in the last 12,000 years, research shows

Researchers identify the mechanism by which genome-doubled tumors evade the immune system in breast cancer

A marine-inspired sunscreen ingredient made by E. coli

New technique could uncover the secrets of ‘ringing’ black holes

Noninvasive brain-computer interfaces are bringing robotic assistance closer to everyday life