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Science News Archive May 2026 - Page 33


Page 33 of 48

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.

SourceRheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2026

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.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 12, 2026

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

Korea University College of Medicine has established a full-cycle physician-scientist training system from undergraduate studies to graduate school, fellowships, and professorships. The institution will further improve the path of physician-scientists with support from the Korea Health Industry Development Institute.

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

Insilico Medicine's Pharma.AI platform combines with Ribo's expertise in oligonucleotide therapeutics, aiming to boost efficiency and certainty of clinical research. The partnership enables end-to-end empowerment of RNA interference and oligonucleotide therapeutics development.

A financing model for permanent carbon removal

A new regulatory and financial architecture is needed to support novel carbon dioxide removal technologies, such as biochar and direct air capture. A tiered auction framework suggests governments setting targets and minimum quality standards, then running reverse auctions that specify target volumes and price ceilings.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 12, 2026

Bioenergy constraints in the tropics

Climate warming is projected to shift the production of key bioenergy crops to unsuitable locations, potentially leading to deforestation and releasing stored carbon. The study's findings highlight the need for a more nuanced assessment of bioenergy strategies in light of climate change.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 12, 2026

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

A new study by researchers at Oregon State University suggests that restoring landscapes shaped by frequent low-intensity fire does not conflict with spotted owl conservation. The study identified areas suitable for spotted owl nesting and roosting that are more likely to persist through fire, providing insights for land managers to pl...

SourceOregon State University·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateMay 12, 2026

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

A study found that transposable elements, once considered non-functional DNA, contribute to the evolution and expansion of gene regulation during neural development. The findings suggest a two-phase model of TE acquisition during evolution, involving both ancient and more recent expansions that shaped modern gene regulatory networks.

SourceKindai University·JournalGenome Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 12, 2026

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 ...

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.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2026

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.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 12, 2026

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.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2026

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2026

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.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2026

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.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateMay 12, 2026

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...

SourceDoshisha University·JournalJapan Forum·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2026

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2026

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

Researchers discovered a molecular link between multicentric carpotarsal osteolysis (MCTO) and kidney disease, highlighting pathogenic MAFB accumulation and PI3K/AKT signaling. Treatment with imatinib suppressed AKT phosphorylation and attenuated glomerular injury in mice.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 11, 2026

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

The study uses DNA barcodes to track and compare dozens of gold nanoparticle designs in living tumour models, identifying those effective at reaching mitochondria. Two formulations emerged as standout performers, achieving high tumour regression when combined with RNA therapy and photothermal treatment.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 11, 2026

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

Researchers discovered that KD025 restored neural connections and improved memory and visual recognition in mice with schizophrenia-associated gene variants. The drug also reduced ROCK2 overactivity without causing serious side effects common to current medications.

SourceNagoya University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

Old newspapers track porpoise populations across the Baltic Sea

Researchers analyzed centuries-old Swedish newspapers to reconstruct past porpoise distribution patterns in the Baltic Sea. The study found that harbour porpoises once occupied a wider area than they do today, with a loss of about one third of their historic range. Historical records provide valuable insights for conservation efforts.

SourceSwedish Museum of Natural History·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 11, 2026

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalGeroScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2026

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.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

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.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 11, 2026