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Science News Archive May 2026 - Page 44


Page 44 of 48

Computational tools offer new opportunities for understanding catalysis

Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä emphasize the importance of multiscale modeling in understanding and developing electrochemical processes. The study highlights the need for a thorough understanding of methods used and reactions studied, as computational tools can reliably model phenomena on different scales.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 5, 2026

Polymer ‘bristles’ could help repel proteins — and germs — from surfaces in medical settings

Researchers at University of Toronto Engineering have developed a non-toxic coating made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) that prevents proteins from sticking to surfaces. The liquidlike surface covered in PDMS bristles resisted protein adhesion even better than polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateMay 5, 2026

The many forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Researchers uncover role of glia in ALS pathogenesis, finding altered functioning of TDP-43 protein and MYC factor responsible for abnormality. The study provides new anchors to understand clinical heterogeneity of ALS and suggests potential biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2026

As sargassum floods Florida beaches, FIU researchers uncover new use as food-grade ingredient

Researchers at Florida International University have discovered that sargassum seaweed can serve as a valuable ingredient in everyday foods due to its high content of alginate. The study shows extraction yields of roughly 45% and demonstrates the potential for sargassum as an alternative source to traditionally harvested seaweeds.

SourceFlorida International University·JournalFood Hydrocolloids·DateMay 5, 2026

A safe staffing policy for pennsylvania could prevent deaths and produce savings to help fund improved staffing, new study finds

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that safer nurse staffing levels in Pennsylvania hospitals could prevent up to 3,040 hospital deaths annually and reduce costs by an estimated $239 million. The study analyzed data from over 547,000 patients and nearly 2,800 nurses across 132 hospitals statewide.

AI-powered lab discovers brighter lead-free nanomaterials in 12 hours

A new autonomous laboratory named PoLARIS has identified brighter, lead-free light-emitting nanomaterials in just 12 hours. By analyzing the optical properties and adjusting variables, PoLARIS has improved the brightness of these materials, enabling faster discovery of safer optical nanoplatelets for various applications.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2026

Move over cassette tapes, adhesive tape has memory, too

Ordinary adhesive tape stores a sequence of multiple memories with tunable strength, allowing for simple mechanical calculations. Researchers developed an automated device to create these memories by peeling the tape past designated distances.

SourcePenn State·JournalNew Journal of Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2026

AI speeds chemists' search for better disinfectants

Researchers used AI to design new molecules for disinfectants, leveraging a dataset of hundreds of existing quaternary ammonium compounds. The approach yielded 11 promising compounds with activity against antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, offering a potential solution to the growing threat of 'superbugs'.

SourceEmory University·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 5, 2026

Fungi utilize ancient antimicrobial proteins to attack hosts and their microbiomes

Researchers discovered that fungal effector proteins evolved from ancient antimicrobial proteins to weaken host immune systems and manipulate the surrounding microbiome. These findings provide new insights into how fungi attack both hosts and beneficial microorganisms, with potential applications in agriculture and medicine.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2026

Running, weightlifting, or a “combo”? Latest review unveils the “optimal exercise pattern” for cardiovascular health

A systematic review finds that a combination of aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises significantly improves cardiovascular outcomes in healthy adults. The optimal exercise duration is found to be between 40-60 minutes per week, with evening aerobic exercise showing greater health benefits.

SourceScience China Press·JournalMedicine Plus·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 5, 2026

Fair careers in academia

The study found that researchers value the university's commitment to diversity and anti-discrimination measures and are broadly satisfied with their working conditions. However, respondents identified areas for improvement, including the need for structured institutional support and clear procedures to prevent discrimination. The find...

Soil carbon residence time regulates the age of dissolved organic matter in global rivers

A new study reveals that soil carbon residence time governs riverine dissolved organic matter's age, with climate, hydrology, and soil processes controlling carbon cycling in rivers. The research provides a high-resolution global atlas of riverine DOC, showing that ancient carbon sources are locally important but modern terrestrial org...

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 5, 2026

Analyses of human lungs reveal seven subphenotypes of pneumonia

A new study has identified seven distinct subphenotypes of pneumonia based on pulmonary histopathology, revealing different patterns of inflammation and damage in the lungs. These findings suggest a foundation for developing targeted therapies for patients with varying disease profiles.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 5, 2026

New toolkit for obesity care helps clinicians integrate lifestyle interventions with obesity medications

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine released a new toolkit to help clinicians integrate lifestyle interventions with obesity medications. The toolkit provides practical guidance and patient education across the full course of medication use, addressing concerns about the lack of adequate lifestyle counseling. It aims to align ra...

How does the body stop bleeding?

Researchers at University of Leeds discover how platelet myosin is normally kept inactive, but genetic mutations push it out of balance leading to disease. This breakthrough sheds light on the role of platelet myosin in blood clotting and shedding new hope for treating bleeding disorders.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMay 5, 2026

How life could arise from molecules

Complex systems exhibit emergent properties due to water's unique polarity, enabling DNA to store information and proteins to adopt specific structures. This order forms the basis for complex molecules to develop unpredictable properties, driving the evolution of life.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 5, 2026

New survey finds that a majority of Americans are concerned about high blood pressure, the ‘silent killer’

A majority of Americans, 60%, are concerned about high blood pressure, with nearly half having the condition. A new survey found that 65% are willing to try a plant-based diet to manage their blood pressure. Plant-based foods like fruits, veggies, beans, and whole grains can help maintain healthy blood pressure.