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Science News Archive May 2026 - Page 31


Page 31 of 48

A perspective paper looks at digital transportation’s basic theories

A perspective paper on digital transportation explores its basic theories and proposed research directions. The author highlights the need for a comprehensive theoretical framework to guide the development of modern vehicles and digital transformation of transportation infrastructure.

SourceSciOpen·JournalJournal of Highway and Transportation Research and Development (English Edition)·DateMay 12, 2026

GPS data reveals why pedestrians in Phnom Penh rarely walk the shortest route

Research reveals that pedestrians in Phnom Penh prefer shorter, simpler routes with fewer turns due to factors like path efficiency, street vitality, and perceived comfort. The study also found that high-traffic streets are often preferred over crowded footpaths, reflecting a desire for clarity, predictability, and ease of movement.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalTravel Behaviour and Society·DateMay 12, 2026

EASO issues new update of its ‘living’ guidance for appropriate use of pharmacotherapy in obesity management

The updated algorithm incorporates evidence from multiple randomised clinical trials, highlighting the strength of tirzepatide for weight loss and semaglutide for liver disease management. The new guidance also recommends semaglutide for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis remission.

Researchers at Saitama University develop microalgae that photosynthetically produce and secrete biofuel precursors

Researchers at Saitama University have developed cyanobacterial strains that produce free fatty acids and secrete them into the culture medium, enabling efficient production of sustainable aviation fuel and diesel fuel alternatives. The extracellular production strategy reduces energy consumption and minimizes residual cellular waste.

SourceSaitama University·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2026

Gut problems in people with a genetic disorder are not cause by structural problems with the gullet, as previously assumed

Research reveals that persistent upper gut symptoms experienced by people with hEDS are due to heightened sensitivity and altered signalling between the gut and brain, rather than structural abnormalities. The findings highlight the need for a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach to care.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 12, 2026

Cannabis and tobacco co-use increases psychosis chances in high-risk cohorts: Study

A new study published in Nature Mental Health found that using cannabis and tobacco together significantly increases the risk of developing psychotic disorders like schizophrenia among those considered high risk. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 participants and found that co-use was associated with a nearly threefold increased ...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Mental Health·DateMay 12, 2026

Autism spectrum disorder in a child may be linked to mother’s job

A study found associations between mothers' occupations held before conception and ASD diagnosis in offspring, particularly in ground transportation, public administration, and military jobs. The researchers suggest that exposure to toxins and combustion products, as well as high stress at work, may contribute to neurodevelopmental risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2026

Harm from missing incidents among people with dementia

A new analysis of police data reveals that one in 10 missing incidents among people with dementia results in serious harm. The study highlights the need for preventative action to keep people with dementia safe and finds that older age, night disappearances, and longer durations of absence are risk factors for harm.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAge and Ageing·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 12, 2026

People who have lost weight using tirzepatide are seven times more likely to maintain their weight loss if they continue on the maximum dose compared to those who stop treatment

Patients on tirzepatide at maximum dose have seven times higher odds of maintaining weight loss compared to those who stop treatment. Those on the lower 5mg dose have four times higher odds, according to a new study published in The Lancet.

Study shows that most weight loss achieved using injectable obesity drugs can be maintained by switching to daily oral orforglipron (ATTAIN-MAINTAIN)

New research finds that participants in the ATTAIN-MAINTAIN trial maintained a significant percentage of weight loss when switched from injectable tirzepatide or semaglutide to daily oral orforglipron treatment. The study shows that nearly all weight loss achieved on injectable therapies can be maintained by switching to oral therapies.

Design tweaks promote responsible AI use for environmental protection, research shows

Researchers found that action-based friction, which required users to search for existing image resources, increased users' ecological responsibility in their AI use. The study also showed that cue-based friction, such as persuasive messaging about AI's environmental impacts, did not tend to affect users' intentions to use AI responsibly.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience Communication·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2026

First observation of the moment lithium batteries breakdown... Key clue to extending EV range​

Scientists have identified the fundamental cause of performance decline in lithium metal batteries, which can lead to improved driving range and longer battery lifespan. The research team discovered that 'dead lithium' - electrically disconnected lithium - forms when irregular lithium deposition or stripping occurs, posing safety risks.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 12, 2026

Study shows use of obesity drugs alongside behavioral intervention is associated with reduced “food noise”

Research by Dr. Hanim Diktas at Pennington Biomedical Research Center shows that combining GLP-1 receptor agonists with behavioral intervention leads to a greater reduction in 'food noise', a persistent thought about food disrupting daily life and healthy behaviors. The study found significant decreases in food noise for participants u...

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2026

Smarter sensors save time and energy

Researchers at Texas A&M University developed electrochromic hyperspectral embedding (ECHSE) to integrate intelligence into optical sensors. This technology enables faster data analysis and reduces energy consumption for applications such as surgical robots and space exploration.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 2026

Scientists dispute hypothesis that climate change will unleash massive ag pest populations

A new study challenges the hypothesis that climate change will lead to massive ag pest populations, suggesting a more complex relationship between warming and pest dynamics. The research found that some species thrive in warmer climates while others decline or show no response.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2026

Birds can suffer serious harm from heatwaves

A new study by Lund University researchers identifies knowledge gaps and proposes tools to analyze the risks of extreme weather on birds. Birds are vulnerable due to their diurnal nature and lack of burrowing capabilities, making them more susceptible to heatwaves.

SourceLund University·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 12, 2026

The fog is alive!

Researchers found bacteria thriving in fog droplets, breaking down pollutants like formaldehyde. The discovery suggests fog is a temporary water habitat for microbes that clean the air we breathe. Further studies are needed to understand the impact on drinking water and weather forecasting.

SourceArizona State University·JournalmBio·DateMay 12, 2026

Depression dampens anticipation, not enjoyment

Researchers found that people with depression experience reduced desire for food rewards during anticipation, but not during consumption. The study suggests that anhedonia in depression is characterized by altered expectation and motivational processes, which may be targeted in therapeutic approaches.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateMay 12, 2026

Boise State University researchers develop breakthrough technology to detect ‘forever chemicals’ faster, cheaper, and on-site

Researchers at Boise State University have developed a portable device capable of detecting PFAS in water samples in real-time and at trace levels. The ENVIR-OGT technology uses specialized transistors combined with machine learning to detect PFAS chemicals rapidly and accurately, directly at the point of sampling.

SourceBoise State University·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 12, 2026

UC San Diego researchers launch free ‘digital twin’ for end-to-end testing of applications over wireless networks

The UC San Diego team developed an open-source digital twin platform called Tiny-Twin, which enables fast and realistic testing of applications over wireless networks. The platform allows researchers to test complete applications, such as video streaming, without needing specialized hardware or proprietary data.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 12, 2026

Human childbirth is not uniquely difficult among mammals

A new study reveals that human childbirth is not the only mammalian experience with birth difficulties. Research shows that many other mammals, from domestic livestock to wild species, face similar complications and mortality rates. This challenges long-held assumptions about human childbirth being uniquely difficult.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalBiological Reviews·DateMay 12, 2026

Icing injuries may slow recovery and prolong pain, study finds

A study published in Anesthesiology found that icing can delay recovery time and prolong pain in some cases, highlighting a paradox between short-term pain relief and full recovery. The research suggests that anti-inflammatory strategies may be helpful but also interfere with biological processes required for full recovery.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAnesthesiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2026

New position statement highlights the growing role of genicular artery embolization for knee osteoarthritis

A new position statement from the Society of Interventional Radiology highlights the growing role of genicular artery embolization (GAE) in treating symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. GAE is a safe and durable joint-preserving intervention that targets inflammatory and neurovascular drivers of KOA-related pain.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateMay 12, 2026

Frequent exposure to media on real-world gun violence is linked to mental health risks

Research from Rutgers University finds that absorbing real-world firearm content can be tied to depression and poor mental health outcomes among American adults. Higher levels of depression and more days of poor mental health were associated with frequent exposure to real-world firearm violence through media, such as social media and c...

SourceRutgers University·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 12, 2026