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Science News Archive May 2026 - Page 46


Page 46 of 48

A toy model to understand how AI learns

Researchers have developed a simplified mathematical model of learning in neural networks, shedding new light on how these systems produce their responses. The toy model, inspired by physics principles, captures key features of complex systems and offers insights into the surprising efficiency and stability of modern AI systems.

SourceSissa Medialab·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 5, 2026

‘They weren’t burned by accident’: burned stone, child’s bones, and lost jewelry could reveal prehistoric mining camp high in the Pyrenees

Archaeologists uncover evidence of ancient copper smelting in a mountain cave, spanning over 2,000 years. Human remains and lost jewelry suggest the site may have been a burial ground, while fire played a deliberate role in processing the green mineral fragments.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Archaeology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 5, 2026

Seaweed integration boosts efficiency and cuts waste in aquaculture, study finds

Researchers found that cultivating seaweed species alongside marine finfish can significantly reduce key waste products from fish farming. The study provides guidance for aquaculture producers to incorporate seaweed into existing and prospective integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalAquaculture International·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

Online autism diagnoses found to be effective

A new telehealth tool developed by UCR professor Katherine Meltzoff expands access to autism diagnoses for older children with more verbal speech. The study showed promising results in matching the accuracy of traditional in-person evaluations, offering a potential solution to long-standing barriers.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2026

A critical Atlantic Ocean current shows two-decade slowdown, study finds

A two-decade slowdown of a critical Atlantic Ocean current has been found, potentially reshaping weather patterns across the globe. The weakening Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) may lead to more extreme storms, changes in rainfall, and colder winters in some regions.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2026

Why are mountain forests in Mexico and Central America hotspots for oak trees? New study led by The Morton Arboretum shows most definitive answer yet

A new study by The Morton Arboretum reveals that oaks rapidly diversified in the Americas when they encountered high-elevation terrain, forming a unique biodiversity hotspot. This is supported by data from 322 of the world's approximately 450 oak species, with Mexico and Central America home to at least 160 different oaks.

SourceThe Morton Arboretum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2026

Minor federal fines offer little deterrence to insurers for Medicare Advantage violations, study finds

Researchers analyzed 13 years of federal data on Medicare Advantage enforcement actions, finding that CMS rarely used severe tools like contract terminations or suspensions. Instead, they relied on small fines, which may do little to change behavior and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 4, 2026

Engineers track eye movements to advance student simulation training, enhance clinical preparedness in Meridian

Researchers are using eye-tracking technology at MSU-Meridian to study how students process and respond in high-pressure training scenarios, helping design the next generation of medical training tools. The project aims to identify key gaps in student performance and improve clinical outcomes by comparing data with clinical professionals.

SourceMississippi State University·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2026

Inexpensive material compresses light, paving the way for photonic microcircuits in the terahertz range

Researchers developed a new photonic material using lead iodide, enabling high-speed data transmission in the terahertz frequency range. The material confines light within submicrometer regions, paving the way for integrated photonic circuits that could replace or complement electronic circuits.

Lower volume bowel preparation as effective and safe as higher volume regimen for inpatient colonoscopy

A randomized controlled trial found that a 1 L PEG-ascorbate regimen provided effective and high-quality bowel cleansing, while being associated with a greater willingness to repeat the regimen compared to 2 L and 4 L PEG regimens. The findings support adopting a low-volume regimen to improve completion rates and patient tolerability.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMay 4, 2026

It’s complicated: New research reveals more about the social networks of baboons and African monkeys

A new study provides groundbreaking information about the social structures of primates, revealing that single-level societies are more like soccer leagues with exclusive teams competing for resources. Multi-level societies, on the other hand, resemble schools with students divided into classes but interacting regularly.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2026

Sharks may help improve climate forecasts, study finds

A new study demonstrates that animal-borne sensors, such as those on tagged sharks, can enhance ocean forecast accuracy in regions with limited observational data. By incorporating shark-collected temperature and depth data into a seasonal climate model, forecast errors decreased substantially, particularly in coastal and shelf regions.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

Cannabis microdosing more common than psychedelics among US adults, national survey finds

A national survey found that millions of US adults have microdosed substances like cannabis, psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA, with cannabis being the most commonly microdosed. The study also revealed patterns tied to mental health and policy environments, suggesting that changes in drug policy may influence access to these substances.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 4, 2026

Here’s why your face doesn’t perceive itchiness the same way your body does

A new study reveals that facial itch sensations differ from those on the body due to distinct trigeminal and spinal pain pathways. The researchers found a functional divergence in neuropeptide signaling and central circuit engagement between the two systems, which was independent of peripheral innervation density.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

Moderate UV light is best to boost the vitamin D content of edible mushrooms, McGill study finds

Researchers at McGill University found that moderate UV light exposure enhances vitamin D₂ levels in edible mushrooms without compromising quality attributes. The study provides standardized guidance for industry to follow, highlighting a clear gap in species-specific and unified UV treatment guidelines.

SourceMcGill University·JournalFood Research International·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 4, 2026

Medical information provided to AI is often incomplete

A recent study found that people provide less detailed medical information when communicating with AI chatbots compared to human doctors. This lack of detail can result in incorrect medical advice and lower the quality of diagnosis. The study suggests that intelligent design of user interfaces and actively requesting missing details ma...

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 4, 2026

AI falls short in predicting weather extremes

Researchers from UNIGE and KIT found that traditional numerical models remain more reliable for predicting extreme phenomena than AI-based forecasts. The study highlights the limitations of AI weather models in extrapolating beyond their training domain, making them less effective for record-breaking events.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateMay 4, 2026

Study finds benefits in being older college student while working

A new study from the University of Kansas reveals that older college students who work full-time while studying tend to have higher graduation rates and better retention. The research, which analyzed over 7,000 post-traditional students, found that being older and working full-time positively predicted six-year graduation rates, while ...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalThe Journal of Continuing Higher Education·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 4, 2026

First psychiatric admission marks the beginning of a long-term illness for most patients

A 20-year follow-up study by the University of Copenhagen reveals that nearly all patients who initially admitted to hospital psychiatry returned, with significant consequences on their education, family life, and health. The researchers emphasize the importance of early and comprehensive assessments to provide better support and preve...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalEuropean Psychiatry·DateMay 4, 2026