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Science News Archive May 2026 - Page 36


Page 36 of 48

Risk of congenital anomalies higher in babies born to mothers with endometriosis

Research in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that babies born to mothers with endometriosis are at a higher risk of congenital anomalies. The study included over 1.4 million births and found an increased risk of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genital, and musculoskeletal anomalies as well as neoplasms and tumours.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2026

Hormone health climbs the policy agenda as endocrine leaders meet for European Society of Endocrinology’s first Summit of the Presidents

The summit brought together endocrine leaders to identify opportunities to work closely together on increasing the visibility of endocrine health in policy decisions. Early findings from a workforce survey revealed challenges including long patient waiting times and retention concerns among early-career clinicians.

Longevity-linked APOE2 gene variant helps neurons repair DNA and resist aging

The APOE2 gene variant is linked to exceptional longevity and reduced Alzheimer's risk, thanks to its ability to help human neurons keep their DNA intact and resist cellular senescence. This study reveals a previously underappreciated function of the gene, shifting attention away from its role in cholesterol transport.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2026

Diabetes, weight-loss drugs not a perfect fit?

A new international study found that genetic variations in the PAM gene can reduce the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor medications, such as Ozempic. Researchers discovered that 44% of people with these genetic variants experienced reduced glucose lowering properties, and only 11% achieved recommended glucose levels.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2026

New post-hoc analysis examined daily oral orforglipron in adults over 65 with obesity, with or without diabetes

A new post-hoc analysis examined daily oral orforglipron treatment for obesity, with or without diabetes, in users aged 65 years and over. The study found that orforglipron significantly reduced body weight and improved blood sugar markers compared to placebo, with a similar safety profile to the overall ATTAIN clinical trial population.

8,500 steps a day can help dieters keep weight off

A systematic review and meta-analysis of existing research found that increasing daily step count to around 8,500 can help prevent weight regain in people with overweight or obesity. Participants who increased their steps during the weight loss phase and maintained this level over time lost less weight and regained less weight.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMay 9, 2026

Over half of parents in England frequently pestered by their children to buy junk food while food shopping, national survey suggests

A national survey in England found that over half of parents are frequently pressured by their children to buy unhealthy products, leading to almost three-quarters of these purchases. The study suggests the current food environment influences these requests, driven by instore and media marketing.

Tiny sensor harnesses light to feel touch

Researchers have developed a tiny sensor that can measure forces and twisting motions using light, enabling robots and medical devices to 'feel' what they are touching. The new sensor could make delicate medical procedures more controlled and reduce the risk of accidental damage.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateMay 8, 2026

Iron minerals help decide whether dissolved organic matter becomes microbial food or long-term carbon

A new study shows that minerals and microbes should not be treated as separate controls on dissolved organic matter. Iron oxides selectively sort organic molecules, changing what remains available for microbial degradation, with major consequences for biodegradation.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2026

A biochar-based material offers a promising route for uranium recovery from seawater

Researchers developed a new composite material that can capture uranium from water while converting part of it into a less toxic chemical form. The study found that the material achieved high uranium removal capacity and showed dual adsorption and reduction mechanism, making it a promising strategy for recovering uranium from seawater.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2026

Rewiring the urge to smoke

Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center found that stimulating a specific brain region regulates self-control reduced how much people smoked, with participants showing significant reductions in smoking and cravings after treatment

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 8, 2026

Ethics & Human Research, May-June 2026

The development of digital twins, computational models of people's biological systems, has accelerated, but its ethics hasn't kept pace. Key findings include the need for a balanced approach to predict disease, personalize care, and test treatments while ensuring human rights and dignity.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalEthics & Human Research·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 8, 2026

Smartwatches and GPS show promise for tracking environmental impacts on health in real time

A pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of combining wearable devices, smartphone location data, and real-time surveys to capture individuals' environmental exposures and their immediate physical and emotional effects. The integrated approach reveals patterns in heart rate variability, mood shifts, and physiological responses linked...

SourceThe Graduate Center, CUNY·JournalJMIR Formative Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2026

Children with rare, debilitating brain diseases suffer from mutations in a little-known protein complex

Researchers have mapped the structure and mechanics of a critical cellular machine that malfunctions in people with rare genetic disorders. The discovery could lead to new treatments and faster diagnoses for children with conditions like infantile encephalopathy, corpus callosum hypoplasia, and Kenny-Caffey syndrome.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2026

UPF awards the title of Doctor Honoris Causa to Helga Nowotny and Maria Leptin, key figures in the consolidation of a European research model

Pompeu Fabra University has awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa to Helga Nowotny and Maria Leptin for their contributions to consolidating a European research model. The award highlights the importance of fundamental research, interdisciplinarity, and scientific independence in achieving European values.

New book ‘AI TO EYE’ brings together 40+ voices from science, art, and media to ask: how do we really want to live with AI?

The book captures the AI moment through a chorus of perspectives from science, business, art, journalism, and media, challenging and complementing each other to reveal tensions and contradictions. It paints a vivid picture of how AI is reshaping our self-understanding and what it discloses about us.

SNU professor Sangwoo Seo’s research team develops next-generation CRISPR biocontainment technology for controlling microbial survival without DNA cleavage

Researchers develop irreversible CRISPR base editing system to permanently block microbial survival, reducing environmental risk and genetic instability. The technology has broad applications in industrial biotechnology and biopharmaceutical fields.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2026

Printed oxygen "highways" shatter the 2D transistor speed limit

A research team has successfully removed the primary obstacle to post-silicon computing by creating a record-breaking electronic connection for atomic-thin materials. The new GaOx layer enables 'hybrid tunnelling' mechanism, reducing contact resistance and allowing transistors to operate at much lower voltages without sacrificing speed.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMay 8, 2026

Novel CuBi₂S₄/Al₂WO₆/Ti₃C₂ MXene ternary photocatalyst achieves efficient visible-light driven reduction of nitrate, CO₂, and water

A new photocatalyst was developed that can efficiently reduce nitrate, CO₂, and water under visible light. The catalyst achieved high reductions in efficiency, with selectivities for nitrogen gas, methane, and hydrogen reaching 80%, 70%, and 60%, respectively.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalENGINEERING Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2026

From motion to memory: SNU researchers create soft machines that amplify movement and remember touch

Researchers at Seoul National University developed a new mechanical system that amplifies motion and remembers external triggers through magnetic attraction and elastic restoring force. The system, called Elasto-Magnetic Instability (EsMI), enables large-amplitude vibration and efficient energy conversion.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2026

Numerical simulation study on the reaction mechanism of atmospheric pressure non-equilibrium CO₂–H₂O plasma discharge

Researchers present a comprehensive numerical simulation of atmospheric pressure non-equilibrium plasma discharge in CO₂–H₂O plasmas. The study reveals dominant reaction pathways, including electron-impact dissociation and ionization, which affect streamer dynamics and reaction pathways.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalENGINEERING Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2026

Expanded tuberculosis screening does not speed up treatment initiation or improve survival in hospitalized patients with HIV

A clinical trial found that adding molecular tests on urine and stool samples did not speed up treatment initiation or reduce mortality in hospitalized patients with HIV. The study showed no significant difference in treatment initiation within 72 hours between the expanded screening group and the standard group.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 8, 2026