Science News Archive May 2026 - Page 33

Better decision-making, better stress management: Study explains link between resilience and decision-making behavior

A new study finds that individuals with higher resilience tend to place greater weight on positive aspects in cost-benefit decisions, a process mediated by brain activity. This regulated handling of negative information is linked to increased acceptance and improved psychological resilience.

Ivermectin-benzimidazole prescribing following celebrity endorsement

A recent study found that ivermectin-benzimidazole prescribing increased rapidly following a celebrity endorsement in January 2025. This trend was particularly concerning among patients with cancer who may delay conventional treatments for unproven therapies, potentially worsening their disease progression.

Bird collisions with wind turbines can be reduced with warning colors

Researchers have developed a new approach to reducing bird collisions with wind turbines by using warning signals found in nature, such as yellow, red, and black colors. The study found that these colors combined with rotating motion were more frightening to birds than existing patterns used on wind turbines.

Climate change: How oxygen deficiency changes metabolic processes in the ocean

A new study reveals how sulfur compounds are metabolized under oxygen-deficient conditions, with microorganisms like Flavobacteria playing a key role. Taurine, an organic sulfur compound found in red meat and energy drinks, is assimilated only in low-oxygen waters.

Scientists uncover how mid-latitude westerlies contribute moisture to Asian water towers

Researchers identify a 'vertical conveyor' mechanism that transports moisture from the mid-latitudes to the Asian Water Towers through a process of nocturnal decoupling. This process integrates up to 30% of westerlies-advected moisture into the local cycle without precipitation, sustaining near-surface moisture accumulation.

Why do brown bats stop feeding during fireworks? #ASA190

Researchers studied the impact of Capitola, California's annual firework show on local brown bat populations, finding that the noise and lights disrupted their feeding patterns. The study revealed a measurable effect on bats' ability to hunt and catch prey during the display.

Journal of Participatory Medicine invites submissions for a new article type: Participatory education and methods

Korea University’s College of Medicine has been simultaneously selected for the undergraduate and graduate programs of the 2026 Convergence Physician-Scientist Training Project

Insilico Medicine and Ribo enter strategic collaboration agreement: Leveraging AI platform and automated lab for end-to-end empowerment of RNA interference and oligonucleotide therapeutics development

60% of U.S. teens have tried AI chatbots, 11.4% use them almost daily

Program announced for NUTRITION 2026 to be held July 25–28

Anglers and scientists partner to study British Columbia’s salmon food chain

A financing model for permanent carbon removal

Bioenergy constraints in the tropics

DeepAFM: A deep learning method to decode protein motion

SLEEP 2026 marks 40 years of advancing the sleep field at annual meeting in Baltimore

Forest restoration and spotted owl conservation can work together, study finds

‘Mobile’ DNA elements may have expanded gene regulatory networks in brain development

Insulin resistance during pregnancy linked to higher abdominal fat in girls

Research found that girls born to mothers with higher insulin resistance during pregnancy are more likely to have more abdominal fat at age 7. Maternal insulin resistance was not associated with body fat in boys, suggesting girls may be more susceptible to the mother's insulin resistance during late pregnancy.

FDA approves early warning system for sepsis

The FDA has approved an AI-based early warning system for sepsis, developed by Johns Hopkins University researchers, which detects the condition hours faster than doctors and has reduced deaths by nearly 20%. The system, known as Targeted Real-Time Early Warning System, integrates electronic health records with advanced clinical AI to ...

Brain histamine map connects genes to brain function and mental health

A new study has mapped the histamine system in the brain, revealing its role in regulating emotions, stress, and decision-making. The findings provide a framework for understanding how histamine contributes to brain function and could point towards new treatment strategies for histamine-related conditions.

One drug, two cleanup crews: A built-in backup for targeted protein degradation

Researchers discovered a small molecule that degrades SMARCA2/4 by engaging two distinct E3 ligase systems, creating a molecular backup for targeted protein degradation. This dual-engagement effectively increases the robustness of cancer therapies by making it harder for cells to escape treatment.

‘Nature’s algorithm’ found in Chinese money plants

A team of scientists has found a naturally occurring Voronoi pattern in the Chinese money plant, which helps explain how plants create complex patterns on their leaves. This discovery sheds light on how plants solve problems in nature and may provide new insights into the math underlying evolution and development.

Human islet function, diabetes risk defined by heterogeneous endocrine cell composition

A comprehensive study analyzed human pancreatic islet cells from 299 nondiabetic donors, revealing the impact of endocrine cell composition on islet function and diabetes risk. The study found that the presence of delta cells, which secrete somatostatin, is associated with poorer insulin secretion.

Antibody spurs nerve fiber regrowth following spinal cord injury

A novel antibody, NG101, accelerates the regeneration of damaged spinal cord tissue by neutralizing a protein that blocks nerve fiber growth. This therapy enables new nerve fibers to form functional connections, allowing patients to become more independent and potentially recover arm and hand function.

Personalized vaccine shows promise against aggressive brain cancer

A personalized vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in treating glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain cancer. The vaccine elicited robust and broad immune responses that appeared to increase recurrence-free survival in patients after surgery.

Researchers measure energy below a zeptojoule–enough for a red blood cell to move a nanometer

Scientists have successfully measured incredibly small amounts of energy using a novel calorimeter technique, achieving a world-first in sensitivity. The breakthrough could pave the way for counting individual photons and detecting elusive dark-matter axions in space.

Improving the reliability of circuits for quantum computers

Researchers from MIT developed a technique to detect and precisely measure second-order harmonic corrections in superconducting quantum circuits. This analysis revealed the source of these distortions, which can cause quantum circuits to perform differently than expected.

People who score higher on autistic traits may be more likely to label their feelings as a way of coping with uncertainty

Research at Nagoya University suggests that individuals with higher autistic traits use labeling as a way to cope with uncertainty, reducing emotional stress. The study found a link between autistic traits and lower anxiety levels when people are able to put their feelings into words.

Gene-edited stem cell transplant shows promise for aggressive blood cancers

Researchers at WashU Medicine conducted a clinical trial showing that genetically engineered donor stem cells can prevent toxic side effects and improve treatment options for patients with AML and MDS. The study found that removing the CD33 protein from donor stem cells helped target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells untouched.

Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome: New name to improve diagnosis and care of condition affecting 170 million women worldwide

Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is a complex hormonal disorder impacting 1 in 8 women globally, affecting weight, metabolism, mental health, skin, and the reproductive system. The name change aims to improve diagnosis and care for this previously misunderstood condition.

BIPM, RIKEN and Shimadzu launch collaboration to explore the role of transportable optical frequency standards

The collaboration aims to explore the role of transportable optical frequency standards in international time and frequency metrology. Transportable OFS are considered a promising approach to support comparisons of independent realizations of the second, with the goal of achieving consistent contributions to Coordinated Universal Time.

Intestinal stem cells can fight back against salmonella scientists discover

Researchers identified a defense mechanism in intestinal stem cells that actively responds to Salmonella infection, differentiating into antimicrobial Paneth cells to limit bacterial persistence. The study suggests that stem cell differentiation is part of an intrinsic protective program preserving intestinal function during infection.

Support local people to protect world’s nature, new report urges, as deadline for global conservation target looms

A new report by University of Cambridge researchers highlights the human context of conservation efforts, finding that protecting 30% of the world's land and seas by 2030 will impact nearly half of the global population. The team suggests substantial investment and local involvement are crucial for successful implementation.

New meta-analysis finds no increased risk to children’s brain development from fathers’ use of valproate

A comprehensive review of existing research shows no evidence that men's use of valproate increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. The analysis combines data from large population-based studies in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Taiwan.

Loss of the X chromosome is associated with reduced chance of natural pregnancy

A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that women with a higher proportion of LOX cells in their white blood cells had a lower likelihood of achieving natural pregnancy. The researchers suggest combining AMH analysis with LOX measurement may improve prediction of natural conception.

Metabolism-inspired hydrogels replicate heartbeat-like motion and photosynthesis

Researchers design polymer networks to replicate dynamic behaviors inspired by biological systems. Self-oscillating gels exhibit rhythmic motion similar to a beating heart, while artificial photosynthetic gels convert light into chemical energy.

Smart AI gives electric vehicle batteries 23 per cent longer life – without increasing the charging time

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed an AI method that adapts fast charging to the health of the battery, increasing its lifespan by almost 23%. The new strategy uses reinforcement learning and takes into account the battery's chemistry and state of health.

A sticky solution to a pesky agricultural problem

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a water-based pesticide formulation that outperforms conventional methods in delivering agricultural pesticides. The new solution uses nanostructured cellulose nanocrystals to stabilize pesticide droplets without chemicals or solvents.

KRICT demonstrates direct CO2-to-gasoline and naphtha production at 50 kg per day

A Korean research team has successfully developed a technology that converts carbon dioxide (CO₂) into liquid hydrocarbons such as gasoline and naphtha. The direct CO2-to-gasoline and naphtha production achieves pilot-scale production of 50 kg per day, overcoming conventional intermediate steps.

1 in 3 women unaware surgery can fix pelvic prolapse, survey finds

Pelvic organ prolapse affects up to half of all women, causing incontinence and chronic pain. A new survey reveals one in three women suffer in silence due to common misconceptions about the condition.

Can volunteers replace professional language teachers in Japan?

A study by Associate Professor Bettina Gildenhard explores the tensions between personal initiatives, national language policies, and professionalism in volunteer-led Japanese language classes. The research highlights the need for a balanced approach, increasing investment in professional language educators while supporting volunteer i...

New tectonic plate boundary could be forming in Zambia, scientists say

Researchers analyze helium isotope readings from geothermal springs in Zambia's Kafue Rift to confirm the presence of a weakness in the Earth's crust that has broken through to reach the mantle. The discovery could have significant economic implications for geothermal energy and potentially influence the future shape of Africa.

Molecular basis of multicentric carpotarsal osteolysis (MCTO) nephropathy: Pathogenic MAFB accumulation and PI3K/AKT signaling

More than two million Australian middle-aged men drinking at risky levels

Dynamic cumulative effect of ballast settlement considering sleeper void using 3D train–ballasted track model

Rethinking bladder cancer surveillance: Can fewer procedures be just as effective?

DNA ‘barcodes’ help NUS researchers pinpoint gold nanoparticles that can strike cancer at its power source

Existing drug shows promise for cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia — memory and decision-making problems that affect over 80% of patients

Two proteins, one goal: New findings on stem cell differentiation

Age-related loss of fPRDM16 drives persistent pulmonary fibrosis by disabling collagen clearance

Old newspapers track porpoise populations across the Baltic Sea

Data hidden in tuberculosis screening tests sheds light on patients’ overall mortality

A study by UCLA Health researchers linked low immune responses to higher mortality rates in patients, using tuberculosis screening tests as a tool. The results suggest that these tests can predict mortality in various patient groups, including those undergoing organ transplants and cancer patients on immunotherapy.

Cannabis compounds may boost metabolic health while supporting weight loss

Researchers have identified potential mechanisms linked to reduced type 2 diabetes risk in chronic cannabis users. A team led by Nicholas V. DiPatrizio found that specific compounds within cannabis regulate metabolism, leading to significant weight loss and improved glucose regulation in obese mice.

Novel vision-language model to support diagnosis using computed tomography scans

Researchers developed a novel diagnostic support framework using visual question answering to generate interpretable findings from chest CT images. The system demonstrated strong agreement with reference descriptions and provided clinically meaningful outputs.

Researchers suggest new design principle for lithium conversion battery catalysts

Researchers challenged thermodynamic-based framework for catalyst design and proposed new principle focusing on declining efficiency of solid-phase electron transport. They designed homonuclear cobalt-cobalt dual-atom catalyst DA-CoCo, significantly enhancing charge transport in solid intermediates, validating the new design principle.

Brighter, more stable red LEDs for next-generation micro-LED displays

The study demonstrates a significant improvement in red light emission from Eu-doped gallium nitride grown on a semipolar crystal plane. The approach selectively promotes the formation of highly efficient luminescent centers, resulting in brighter and more stable red LEDs for next-generation micro-LED displays.

Kumamoto University Professor Emeritus Eiichi Araki awarded Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon for landmark discoveries in diabetes research

Professor Eiichi Araki's pioneering research on insulin signaling has led to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of diabetes. His discoveries remain foundational for researchers striving to overcome insulin resistance and improve treatment options.

New report says UK must rethink regulation of emerging biotechnologies or risk losing public trust in innovation and stifling research progress

A new report by Nuffield Council on Bioethics warns of governance gaps in neural organoid research, threatening public trust and scientific progress. The organization calls for new approaches to regulating emerging biotechnologies and sector-wide best practice guidance.

How much biochar is enough? New study maps safe and effective use across global ecosystems

A new review highlights the importance of using the right amount of biochar in different ecosystems, with recommended application ranges varying from 5 to 40 tonnes per hectare. Biochar can enhance ecological functions by increasing water-holding capacity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting beneficial microbial activity.