Science News Archive May 2026 - Page 36

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.

Glutamic acid helps fresh-cut potatoes stay fresh by silencing browning genes

Researchers found that glutamic acid induces two transcriptional repressors, StbZIP53-like2 and StERF091, which suppress polyphenol oxidase genes linked to browning. This cooperative regulatory module alleviates browning in fresh-cut potatoes.

Carbon dots intercalated MXene for flexible organic hydrogel absorbers with synergistically enhanced dielectric loss

This innovative material combines the mechanical flexibility of an organic hydrogel with exceptional microwave absorption properties. The synergy between MXene and carbon dots provides a powerful tool for managing electromagnetic pollution in wearable electronics.

Single atoms, big impact: Rethinking hydrogen peroxide production without precious metals

Researchers have developed an electrochemical route to produce hydrogen peroxide directly from oxygen and water under ambient conditions. Single-atom electrocatalysts play a crucial role in steering oxygen reduction chemistry towards the desired two-electron pathway.

A precision nanoparticle strategy to combat multidrug-resistant pneumonia

Researchers develop hemoglobin-based nanoparticles to deliver tigecycline directly to Klebsiella pneumoniae infection sites, improving survival rates and reducing bacterial burden. The novel strategy overcomes dose-limiting toxicity and enhances pharmacokinetics of the antibiotic.

Findings from the first randomised trial assessing RNA therapy in heart failure

The HF-REVERT trial found that CDR132L improved secondary endpoints, including LVEF and NT-proBNP, but not the primary endpoint of LVESVI. Target engagement was confirmed by decreased plasma levels of microRNA-132. The therapy was well-tolerated with no significant safety concerns.

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.

New positive data on old drugs: Digitalis reduces heart failure events

Researchers found that low-dose digoxin and digitoxin reduced worsening heart failure events in patients with mild-to-moderate heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. The treatment was generally well-tolerated and safe, offering a cheap and effective option for managing the condition.

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.

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.

From touch to vision: A bioinspired multisensory framework brings human-like perception to robots

The study introduces a triboelectric-driven framework that unifies visual, tactile, auditory, olfactory, and gustatory inputs within a self-powered architecture. The system demonstrates high-accuracy cross-modal recognition and adaptive sensory reconfiguration, offering a new pathway toward energy-autonomous robotic cognition.

A new photocatalytic strategy separates reactant activation from product release

Researchers develop a light-driven antenna-reactor photocatalyst that achieves highly efficient alkyne semihydrogenation under ambient conditions. The system promotes efficient hydrogen dissociation while steering the reaction toward selective semihydrogenation, enabling near-complete conversion with excellent selectivity.

The ‘Ozempic Era’ could shift blame for obesity from individuals to the food industry

The 'Ozempic Era' suggests a paradigm shift in understanding obesity, blaming commercial food systems rather than individual failings. Emerging medical data on GLP-1 agonists may drive policy responses to regulate ultra-processed foods.

Study shows that a 1% reduction in annual working hours is associated with a 0.16% decrease in obesity rates across OECD countries

A new study found that reducing annual working hours by 1% is linked to a small decline in obesity rates across 33 OECD countries, with the impact being stronger for men than women. Higher income levels and urbanization also showed significant correlations with lower obesity prevalence.

Pooled analysis of trails reveals semaglutide shows good efficacy in older adults aged over 65 years

A pooled analysis of trials reveals semaglutide's safety and efficacy in individuals aged 65 years and older with obesity. The study found significant reductions in body weight and improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors, with a lower proportion of adverse events compared to placebo.

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.

Almost half of adults worldwide eat out at least once a week—exacerbating the obesity epidemic, suggests study in 65 countries

A study of 65 countries found that consuming food away from home is consistently associated with obesity. Eating out is driven by sociodemographic factors such as sex, age, income, and education, and is linked to higher energy intake and body mass index.

Large-scale Nordic study discovers link between polycystic ovary syndrome and heart disease

Supplemental prenatal progesterone reprogrammes gene linked to brain development in males

Digoxin in patients with symptomatic rheumatic heart disease

Efficacy and safety of digitalis glycosides in heart failure

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

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

Study shows for benefits on obesity-linked conditions of losing more weight with GLP-1 treatment

Lab-grown diamond device might change how we measure radiation doses

New study finds higher dementia risk in insulin-requiring diabetes

AI-driven wearable patches help identify undetected hormone disruption in unexplained infertility

Tiny sensor harnesses light to feel touch

Ground-breaking study finds immigrants face a host of hurdles in the workforce

Lonely Jupiter-like planet tells us more about gas giants

Employment of people with disabilities declines but remains near all-time high

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

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

Discovery of brain-body connection offers clues for Parkinson’s and alcohol use disorder

Drones match farm planning effectiveness of more expensive tech, study finds

Rewiring the urge to smoke

Old plant populations offer new clues to climate resilience

Hertz Foundation announces 19 recipients of the 2026 Hertz Fellowship

Study finds cancer location determines how testosterone regulates tumor growth

ORNL names Kate Evans associate lab director for biological, environmental systems science

Ethics & Human Research, May-June 2026

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

Gentoo penguin is actually four distinct species, one new to science. Three are threatened.

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.

Antarctica sea ice collapse driven by triple whammy of climate chaos, scientists find

A new study reveals Antarctica's sea ice collapse is driven by a triple whammy of climate chaos, resulting in record-breaking lows. The Southern Ocean's transformation led to the loss of vast areas of ice equivalent to Greenland, destabilizing global ocean currents and accelerating global warming.

Plant stress and unique cAMP signaling

Researchers have discovered that plants utilize two forms of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) to regulate normal cellular functions and respond to stress, while maintaining cross-talk between the pathways. This redundancy enables plants to adapt more robustly to a wider range of environmental factors.

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.

Study finds multiple PFAS, the man-made ‘forever chemicals’, in 98.5% of people tested in US study

A new study found that nearly every person in the US has multiple man-made chemicals, known as PFAS, in their system. The study examined over 10,500 samples and found that 98.8% contained at least one PFAS, with many carrying multiple types.

Good vibrations for quantum communications

Scientists have successfully demonstrated atomic spin qubit interaction with a single-quantum sound wave, opening up new possibilities for quantum information storage and sensing applications. The experiment uses phonons to interact with atomic defects in diamond, enabling precise measurement of forces and temperatures.

Deep learning helps engineer stronger continuous fiber composites

Researchers developed a deep learning method that optimizes both material layout and fiber direction for continuous fiber composite structures, reducing design time by up to 99.7% while maintaining strong accuracy. The ResUNet-GAN framework produces high-performance structural layouts directly from design parameters.

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.

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.

Could patchouli oil save your skin from mosquito bites?

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.

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.

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.

Multiscale modeling and operational challenges in autothermal CO₂-to-methanol reactors

Researchers identify three major bottlenecks: multiscale modeling complexity, operational multi-stability, and scale-up difficulties in autothermal reactors for CO₂ hydrogenation to methanol. This mismatch can produce multiple operating regimes, making temperature control challenging.

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.

SNU researchers developed “intelligent artificial muscle” integrating sensing and actuation

The SNU research team created an LCE-based artificial muscle that integrates sensing and actuation functions, mimicking biological muscle-tendon complexes. This breakthrough technology enables robots to delicately manipulate objects and recognize their properties.