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Science News Archive May 2026 - Page 39


Page 39 of 48

Ultrahigh-energy cosmic messengers may carry ultraheavy secrets

Research suggests that some ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays could consist of atomic nuclei heavier than iron, losing energy more slowly as they travel through intergalactic space. This finding could help narrow down the possible sources of these particles and impact how we search for their origins.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 7, 2026

Trafficked pangolin DNA reveals hotspots of illegal wildlife trade

A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that small samples of trafficked pangolin DNA can track illegal trade routes and hotspots, including southwest Cameroon, Myanmar, and Africa. The research highlights the interconnectedness of domestic and international markets, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to disrupt traffick...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 7, 2026

Cooling without pumps: New measurement data for modular reactors

Researchers at Paul Scherrer Institute used high-speed cameras to document the physical processes inside a system on the scale of a nuclear power plant. They found that gases separate in the lower section, and condensation is determined by diffusion, not larger currents. The cooling process is highly dependent on local conditions.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNuclear Engineering and Design·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2026

Genomic insights unlocked: adaptive divergence of Capsella bursa-pastoris across altitudinal gradients

A research team has identified two distinct genetic lineages corresponding to low- and high-altitude habitats in Capsella bursa-pastoris. Genome-wide scans detected 54 candidate genes under positive selection, highlighting temperature seasonality and precipitation as key drivers of adaptive divergence.

SourceSouth China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalBiological Diversity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 7, 2026

The merits and pitfalls of metaphor use in science communication

Researchers explore two popular metaphors for describing climate-related issues: the ocean conveyor belt and tipping point metaphors. While they have scientific origins and helped foster interdisciplinary communications, oversimplification can lead to misunderstanding. Dr. Gerrit Lohmann suggests integrating communication research with...

SourceOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research (OLAR)·JournalOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 7, 2026

Planning for hydrogen under geopolitical uncertainty

A new study analyzes three scenarios for green hydrogen production and trade, highlighting the need for policymakers and businesses to address uncertainties in global supply chains. The Fuel Switch scenario assumes stable alliances, but may misdirect investment; Industrial Relocation shifts production to low-cost regions with abundant ...

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalNature Reviews Clean Technology·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 7, 2026

Research shows soil temperature modulated millet agriculture in Neolithic East Asia

Researchers found that mid-Holocene soil cooling reduced thermally suitable zones for millet cultivation, contributing to a southward displacement of farming. Soil temperatures recovered after around 6,000 years ago, facilitating millet expansion and late Neolithic development.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 7, 2026

Brexit did not just shake Britain - it sent financial shockwaves across Europe

New research from the University of Surrey found that Brexit-related events significantly increased volatility spillovers between European markets. The analysis shows that large financial markets tend to transmit volatility to smaller ones, with France emerging as the most persistent transmitter of volatility across the EU.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalInternational Journal of Finance & Economics·DateMay 7, 2026

Seasonal COVID-19 vaccination in 2025/26 reduced risk of illness by half in Canada

A Canadian study found that seasonal COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduced the risk of illness in 2025/26, with vaccine protection extending beyond its target strain. The vaccine was particularly beneficial for people aged 65 or older, offering 53% effectiveness against severe COVID-19.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 7, 2026

Scientists reveal how cells “back up” DNA replication to survive severe damage

Researchers found that DNA helicase HELQ promotes replication fork reversal to protect cells from toxic DNA crosslinks. This process enables stalled replication forks to reverse and stabilize, minimizing mutations and cell death. The study identifies HELQ as a critical regulator of genome integrity under replication stress.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2026

Researchers reconstruct path and intensity of China's Guangzhou 'April 27' tornado using multi-source data

Researchers from South China University of Technology reconstructed the path and intensity of a devastating EF3-level tornado that occurred in Guangzhou, China on April 27, 2024. The study used a combination of UAV remote sensing, ground-based surveys, and mesoscale numerical simulation to analyze the tornado's damage mechanisms.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalAdvances in Wind Engineering·TypeSurvey·DateMay 7, 2026

Copper cold plates could slash data-center energy usage

Researchers have designed copper cold plates with optimized fins that deliver up to 32% better cooling performance, reducing pressure drop by up to 68%. This technology could lead to significant energy savings in data centers, where it is estimated to contribute only around 1.1% of total energy usage.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2026

New TGen clinical test for multiple myeloma consolidates multiple analyses and provides detailed information in 3 days

JAYseq, a whole-genome sequencing assay, provides detailed information on genetic changes and cell surface proteins to guide personalized treatment strategies. The test enables the identification of high-risk markers and assesses the presence of specific cell surface proteins targeted by advanced immunotherapies.

Drug contamination traces may linger in cars, even after ventilation

Researchers at Flinders University found that methamphetamine contamination on car surfaces can persist despite ventilation, with textile or soft surfaces still at risk. The study highlights the complexity of managing meth contamination in contained spaces and emphasizes the need for public health safeguards when buying or using vehicles.

SourceFlinders University·JournalForensic Chemistry·TypeObservational study·DateMay 7, 2026