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Science News Archive May 2026 - Page 47


Page 47 of 48

AI fails to make inroads with cybercriminals, study finds

A study analyzing 100 million posts from underground cybercrime communities found that most cybercriminals lack the skills to use AI effectively, and its adoption has limited benefits for their work. However, AI coding assistants are mostly useful for already skilled actors, and poorly secured agentic AI systems pose a significant risk.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2026

New guidelines help long-term care communities support residents’ intimacy and dignity

A new paper outlines a practical framework for supporting residents' sexual health in long-term care, emphasizing autonomy, safety, and person-centered care. The framework establishes a Sexual Health Committee to develop policies and guide staff on sensitive aspects of care.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalAnnals of Long-Term Care Clinical Care and Aging·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 4, 2026

Singapore researchers advance phage therapy in fight against antimicrobial resistance

Researchers identified how Mycobacterium abscessus evades treatment and proposed a strategy to overcome resistance, offering a pathway towards more effective treatments. A combination therapy targeting both smooth and rough variants proved more effective than single-phage treatment.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

How plants rebalance their energy under stress

When proteins become unbalanced, plant cells use a molecular recycling system to break down defective proteins. Central regulators NAC53 and NAC78 adjust this activity in response to stress, activating genes that strengthen protein breakdown while suppressing photosynthesis.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

Tree bark could help clean water and air

Researchers at RMIT University have discovered that eucalyptus bark can be converted into a highly porous form of carbon that traps pollutants, providing a practical solution to clean polluted water and air. The findings highlight the potential of turning waste materials into useful environmental resources.

SourceRMIT University·JournalBiomass and Bioenergy·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

For the first time, the direction of neural signals in the brain has been determined non-invasively from neuronal spontaneous activity using functional MRI

For the first time, researchers have identified the direction of neural signals in the brain using functional MRI. The study showed that feedforward and feedback nervous impulses each have unique signatures that can be detected with a new method called uFLARE.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

Space logistics on the right track

A team of researchers at Bielefeld University has developed a precise mathematical approach to plotting routes through space and time. The new method could help make space missions more efficient and also improve transportation systems on Earth.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalINFORMS Journal on Computing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 4, 2026

Nonprofit hospitals spend billions on management consultants with no clear effect

A new study found that nonprofit hospitals spent at least $7.8 billion on management consulting services between 2010-2022, but saw no significant changes in finances, staffing, operations, or patient outcomes. The study suggests greater transparency and public accountability for how hospitals use tax-subsidized dollars.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 4, 2026

Researchers get a better picture of power failures during extreme wind events

A new physics-based simulation framework predicts the likelihood of failure for different transmission tower designs across entire networks with 96% accuracy. The model accounts for various factors, including wind speed and direction, and rainfall intensity, to help power companies identify vulnerable towers and reduce power outage risks.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEngineering Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 4, 2026

Treatment of anxiety for adults in primary care settings

The American Medical Association (AMA) has developed guidelines for treating anxiety disorders in adults in primary care settings. Behavioral therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are recommended treatments.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 4, 2026

Beetles are likely dispersal vectors for “towering” nematodes

Scientists have discovered a previously undescribed nematode species, Caenorhabditis apta, which forms 'towers' that can attach to fruit flies and other insects. The study found that two sap-feeding beetles are likely the primary vectors of this new species, highlighting the importance of understanding how nematodes spread in the wild.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Animal Behavior·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2026

Hospital-based shootings in the US, 2000-2024

Hospital-based shootings in the US have increased over 25 years, with large hospitals and urban areas being high-risk settings. The study emphasizes the need for hospital-specific prevention strategies, including weapons screening technology, to address rising firearm violence.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 4, 2026

Providing food baskets to people with tuberculosis is cost-effective and could avert over 100,000 deaths annually in India

Researchers found that providing food baskets to households affected by TB can prevent 10,470 years of poor health or early death for every 10,000 patients. The intervention is estimated to be cost-effective, costing $141 per health gain, and could avert approximately 120,000 TB deaths per year nationwide.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalBMJ Global Health·DateMay 4, 2026

Nir Barzilai, MD, Richard J. Hodes, MD, and Marianna Sadagurski, Ph.D., to receive 2026 Scientific Awards of Distinction from the American Federation for Aging Research

Nir Barzilai, MD, and Richard J. Hodes, MD, will receive the George M. Martin Lifetime Achievement in Mentoring Award and Irving S. Wright Award of Distinction, respectively, for their contributions to aging research. Marianna Sadagurski, PhD, is the recipient of the Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award in Aging Research.

Hidden math link helps designers build fantastic shapes

Researchers at Princeton University developed a system to mimic natural structures' microstructural patterns and mechanical properties. By combining origami and tensegrity, they found that the same equation describes both engineering structures, enabling designers to create irregular shapes with less computational complexity.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

A simple filter swap could advance marine eDNA biomonitoring

Researchers discover that using filters with larger pore sizes significantly improves the recovery of eukaryotic DNA in seawater samples, allowing for more accurate detection of marine life. This breakthrough could enhance the application of environmental DNA analysis in biomonitoring and conservation efforts.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalMetabarcoding and Metagenomics·DateMay 4, 2026

Scientists unlock new way to engineer next generation glass

Researchers fine-tune a new type of glass made from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that efficiently trap gases like CO2 and hydrogen. The discovery provides a new design framework for making customized MOF glasses with tailored properties, enabling applications in gas separation, chemical storage, and advanced coatings.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

Renewable energy is more cost effective than direct air capture at reducing carbon, new study finds

A new study published in Communications Sustainability reveals that investing in renewable energy yields more combined climate and public health benefits than direct air capture. The analysis models the health and climate benefit of cost-equivalent deployments of DAC, solar, and onshore wind across US grid regions from 2020 to 2050.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalCommunications Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 4, 2026

Novel wheat hybrids increase resistance to major fungal disease by up to 70%

Researchers have identified a novel genetic locus in the common agricultural weed Elymus repens that provides significant resistance to Fusarium Head Blight, a destructive fungal disease threatening global food security. The novel Fhb.Er-1StL locus has been successfully transferred into wheat, reducing diseased plant spikelets by up to...

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

New Canadian recommendations aim to make screening for alcohol misuse easier

The new recommendations provide a practical approach for clinicians to initiate conversations about alcohol use and identify potential problems earlier. The guidelines update offer easy-to-use tables with tips on reducing alcohol use, helping clinicians focus on patients' unique needs while saving time when circumstances allow.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 4, 2026

‘Fitspiration’ posts may do more harm than good for young adults – international study, led by Olympian, suggests

A new study suggests that fitspiration content on social media can lead to negative self-esteem, unhealthy dieting, and exercise habits among young adults. Researchers analyzed 26 studies involving 6,111 individuals across seven countries, finding that even brief exposure to idealized images can trigger harmful comparisons.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHealth Communication·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 4, 2026

Central nervous system a key player in diabetes pain

More than 50% of people with diabetes develop diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which causes painful sensations like burning, tingling, or shooting pains. The brain and spinal cord can also contribute to pain, as their pain-blocking systems are less effective in people with diabetes.

SourceMurdoch University·JournalJournal of Diabetes·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 3, 2026

NUS scientists unveil a faster way to “train” bacteria for complex tasks, like munching plastics

Researchers at NUS create Lytic Selection and Evolution (LySE) platform, harnessing modified bacteriophage to rapidly create and test genetic changes. After five cycles, plastic degradation improved by over 50%, demonstrating a faster and more controllable method for training bacteria to consume plastics.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2026

Aging well in a digital world

A new study highlights the importance of involving older people in technology design to ensure devices are useful, respectful, and culturally appropriate. Co-design helps build trust and ensures technologies support older people's autonomy and dignity.

SourceFlinders University·JournalDigital Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 3, 2026

KAIST: AI learns to say “I’m not sure” … reducing overconfidence and improving reliability​

A new approach has been proposed to address the problem of overconfidence in AI, enabling it to recognize situations involving unfamiliar or unseen knowledge. By incorporating key principles of brain development, AI can develop the ability to distinguish 'what it knows' from 'what it does not know', a crucial step towards meta-cognition.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 3, 2026

Sustained reduction in abdominal fat preserves cognitive function

A long-term MRI study finds that lower accumulation of visceral fat is associated with preservation of key brain structures, better cognitive performance, and slower brain atrophy. The study suggests that glucose control and insulin sensitivity mediate the relationship between abdominal fat and brain aging.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 3, 2026

Non-destructive homogeneity measurement for transparent cylindrical materials without slicing

A new method for measuring homogeneity in transparent cylindrical materials has been developed, allowing for non-destructive inspection without slicing. This approach significantly reduces costs and improves quality control, making it suitable for industries such as semiconductor manufacturing and medical imaging.

Wafer-level manufactured meta-aspheric lens enables ultracompact wide-FOV near-infrared imaging

A team of scientists developed a wafer-level-manufactured meta-aspheric lens that achieves simultaneous wide field-of-view, ultrathin form factor, and high imaging quality. The design enables compact near-infrared imaging systems with robust performance in eye tracking, blood vessel imaging, and computational pixel super-resolution tasks.

New treatment with fewer side effects reduces breast density

A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that low doses of endoxifen reduce breast density to the same extent as tamoxifen without causing severe side effects. The results suggest a lower dose may be sufficient for therapeutic effect while being better tolerated.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 3, 2026