Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 13, 2026


Do women's brains change during pregnancy?

Pregnancy and new motherhood trigger rapid brain changes that support maternal well-being and the mother-baby bond, according to Carmona's research. The adult brain's plasticity is essential for maternal health, social cognition, and bonding with the next generation.

New monolithic ion trap developed for accessible quantum simulations

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new monolithic segmented 3D ion trap, allowing for the study of complex systems using heavy ions. The trap combines the high-performance features of blade-style traps with the scalability and modularity of microfabricated chip traps, making it more accessible to academic labs.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Applied·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2026

Aspens 'remember' past drought in their leaves

Researchers found that aspens exhibit higher levels of chemical compounds in their leaves after drought exposure, which helps deter herbivores and potentially pathogenic microbes. The study suggests that drought can persist through subsequent growing seasons, influencing aspen recovery and vulnerability to pests and pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Utah·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2026

Study finds diet and culture influences Hispanic children’s exposure to 'forever chemicals'

A new study found that school meal participation and strong English skills are linked to lower levels of certain PFAS in Hispanic children. Eating more animal-based foods and living in the US longer are associated with higher PFAS levels, highlighting the need for community-informed interventions to mitigate exposure.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateOct 13, 2026

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers identify role of newly discovered genetic variant in neurodevelopmental disorder

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified a genetic variant in the MAP2K4 gene associated with neurodevelopmental disorder symptoms such as developmental delay and epilepsy. The study revealed impaired JNK signaling in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons, providing a potential therapeutic target for furthe...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2026

From click to doorstep: the hidden decisions behind e-commerce orders

A systematic review of B2C online order fulfillment highlights the challenges of large product assortments, multiple fulfillment locations, and tight delivery time windows. The study suggests that integrating data analytics, AI, and digital twins can improve fulfillment decisions and create a more connected system.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Management Science and Engineering·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 13, 2026

Robust enzymes

The study reveals that sugar-based molecules play a crucial role in tuning enzyme function, particularly in maintaining activity over a broader temperature range. This suggests that cellular crowding is not just a physical phenomenon, but also a chemical one that influences metabolic enzyme responses to stress.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2026

In situ generation of NKG2D CAR T/NK cells via a tumor-targeted lipoplex for enhancing cancer immunotherapy

Researchers developed a GRM4-targeted lipoplex to generate NKG2D CAR T/NK cells within triple-negative breast cancer, eliminating the need for cells to reach their target. The approach improved safety and antitumor efficacy, increasing CD8+ T cell infiltration, NK cell activation, and tumor growth inhibition.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2026

Clinical trial shows positive results of enhanced CAR T-cell therapy for patients with B-cell blood cancers

A phase I clinical trial at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center demonstrated positive results for enhanced CAR T-cell therapy targeting B-cell blood cancers. The treatment resulted in minimal side effects and improved treatment outcomes for patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant B-cell blood cancers.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·DateOct 13, 2026

NJIT study finds overlooked 'forever chemicals' widespread in New Jersey tap water and bottled beverages

Researchers detected trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in 91% of NJ tap water samples and 80% of bottled beverages, with higher concentrations in sports drinks and electrolyte waters. The study highlights a gap in conventional PFAS monitoring and suggests that ingredients or manufacturing processes may contribute to contamination.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateOct 13, 2026

MedAxiom releases 2026 Cardiovascular Provider Compensation & Production Survey Report, revealing record compensation, rising productivity and growing workforce demands

The 2026 Cardiovascular Provider Compensation & Production Survey Report reveals record compensation and rising productivity in the cardiovascular industry. The report, which includes data from 205 cardiovascular programs and 6,476 physicians and advanced practice providers, provides benchmarks for physician and APP compensation, produ...

Unexpected discovery of new mechanism which helps deadly fungus Candida auris evade treatment

A team of researchers discovered that Candida auris creates multiple versions of its genome, including a gene called CRZ1, which helps the fungus evade antifungal treatment. This finding opens up new avenues for treating the deadly fungus, which has already been linked to high mortality rates and costly outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2026

Highly educated women continue to find partners

Researchers found no marriage squeeze for highly educated women in Switzerland, with consistently high partnership likelihoods above 80%. Meanwhile, men with lower education levels face declining relationship outlooks, while traditional partnership patterns persist in terms of income.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalSwiss Journal of Sociology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2026

A mini-review on CNN-based biomedical image processing: modality, applications, and future trends

This review examines the application of CNNs in medical imaging, covering disease detection, image segmentation, and image registration across various modalities. The authors identify key areas of progress and highlight the need to address data heterogeneity and interpretability to realize the full potential of CNNs in clinical practice.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Healthcare Research·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 13, 2026

Transparent coloring of wood: Balancing natural appearance with functional color design

Transparent coloring of wood offers a way to combine natural character with controlled color, creating opportunities for product design innovation. The review highlights the importance of controlling color, maintaining visual transparency, and ensuring durability under practical conditions.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 13, 2026

Chinese Medical Journal Published the Trends and Burden of Maternal Disorders from 1990 to 2023 in China

China's maternal disorder burden has declined significantly from 1990 to 2023, with substantial reductions in mortality and disability-adjusted life years. Despite progress, hypertensive disorders and indirect maternal deaths remain significant challenges, particularly among older pregnant women and those with chronic conditions.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2026

An approach for novel antiviral compound discovery

Researchers designed a novel compound using AI that computationally blocks SARS-CoV-2's main protease, making it a promising candidate for further laboratory validation. The compound has been shown to induce conformational changes in the enzyme, disrupting viral replication and replication.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2026

Biomass-derived carbon offers a route to more sustainable rechargeable batteries

Biomass-derived carbon has been shown to exhibit promising electrochemical properties, with specific capacities of up to 700 mAh/g in lithium-ion batteries. Techno-economic assessments also suggest reduced production costs and greenhouse-gas emissions compared to conventional alternatives. However, further development is needed to addr...

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 13, 2026

New method for inspecting fuel rods

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute have developed a new technique to visualize corrosion layers in fuel rods in three dimensions, achieving nanometre range resolution. The method, using ptychographic X-ray computed tomography, also revealed that protective oxide layers remain intact despite radiation exposure.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2026

GLP-1 treatment linked to lower risk of hospitalization and death in older adults with fatty liver disease

A Houston Methodist Research Institute study of nearly 88,000 patients found that GLP-1 treatment significantly reduced the risk of liver disease-related complications, hospitalization, and death in older adults with fatty liver disease. Patients receiving GLP-1 therapy had a 28% lower risk of hepatic decompensation and a 45% lower ris...

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalAge and Ageing·DateOct 13, 2026

Using light to reveal hidden quantum properties

Scientists at the Universities of Jena and Regensburg have created an optical technique to study the quantum geometry of ultra-thin materials. By combining optical measurements with an analytical model, they were able to quantitatively estimate the local Berry curvature of the material, providing new insights into its behavior.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2026

New gene-editing technology brings genetic diseases closer to treatment

Researchers at Aarhus University have demonstrated a new form of gene therapy that can correct genetic defects in patients' own stem cells. The technique, called prime editing, builds on CRISPR technology but works in a different way, inserting a small piece of correct DNA at the precise location of the defect. This method has signific...

SourceAarhus University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2026

Bigger data reveals the second, third and fourth switches controlling a gene

Researchers found tens of thousands of e/sQTL signals with high resolution in large-scale studies, revealing more control switches for genes and increasing the understanding of genetic variation and disease connections. The study highlights the importance of collecting tissue samples for larger sample sizes, particularly for non-Europe...

Who’s at risk for painful periods?

A recent study found that 57% of girls who started their periods at age 9-10 reported painful periods, with those experiencing more physical puberty symptoms more likely to report pain. Sleep disturbances were associated with the amount of pain that interfered with daily life, but were not predictive of future period pain.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateOct 13, 2026

Alpine peatlands under pressure

A cross-border analysis of Alpine peatlands reveals widespread signs of disturbance, with many bogs smaller than previously mapped. The findings highlight the need for targeted conservation and restoration interventions to protect these critical ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2026

Study finds no difference between phenobarbital and benzodiazepine for treating alcohol withdrawal syndrome

Researchers analyzed health records of 24,643 adult patients across 754 hospitals in the US, comparing phenobarbital to diazepam for alcohol withdrawal treatment. The study found no significant differences in outcomes between the two medications, suggesting similar effectiveness and safety profiles.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2026

A Concordia study of 64 bariatric surgery candidates found no significant differences in cardiometabolic health between people with distinct dietary patterns

A new study found no significant differences in cardiometabolic health between people with distinct dietary patterns before bariatric surgery. Despite differences in nutrient intake, both groups had similar health markers, suggesting that a Western dietary pattern may be a bigger concern.

SourceConcordia University·JournalObesity Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2026

Frequent and unintentional daytime napping linked to higher dementia risk in older adults

A study of nearly 1,000 older Americans found that frequent and unintentional daytime napping are linked to a higher risk of developing dementia. Napping habits, not just nighttime sleep, may signal or contribute to dementia risk. The study suggests that monitoring napping behaviors could serve as an early and accessible marker to help...

The University of Colorado Anschutz receives the largest federal research award in campus history, up to $120 million, to advance new treatments and diagnostics for severe hemorrhage

CU Anschutz will evaluate emerging technologies and therapeutics for severe hemorrhage, including novel blood products and diagnostic technologies. The award aims to improve care for patients experiencing severe bleeding, including trauma patients and those with postpartum hemorrhage.

Why story and play time really matter

A first-of-its-kind study tracks brain activity of toddlers and parents during activities that support child development, revealing that toddlers' brains are more engaged during parent interaction than screen viewing. The research found similar brain patterns across children with and without autism, suggesting that quality interaction ...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalBrain and Language·TypeObservational study·DateOct 13, 2026

Mount Sinai awarded five-year, $20.7 million vaccine development agreement to advance next-generation technologies against respiratory threats

Researchers at Mount Sinai develop Vaccine Immunoengineering for Targeted Antigen Presentation and Layered Control (VITAL) to create improved vaccines against respiratory pathogens. The program aims to explore new strategies for generating long-lasting immune protection against a range of virus variants.

A new approach to kidney matching could save lives

Researchers propose a voluntary program that targets waitlisted candidates aged 65 or older with 'marginal' kidneys, prioritizing them over younger patients. The redesign aims to improve access to harder-to-place kidneys, potentially preventing over 190 deaths annually.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalManagement Science·DateOct 13, 2026

Study finds pregnancy stress may change placenta signals linked to fetal brain development

Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that chronic stress during pregnancy changes how the placenta communicates with the developing fetus, affecting early brain development. Prenatal stress alters placental signaling and opposes maternal immune activation effects in the fetal brain.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 13, 2026

KAIST controls where 2D semiconductor crystals begin to grow, addressing a key challenge in stacking AI chips

A KAIST research team developed a technology to precisely control the location of nucleation in 2D semiconductor crystals, allowing for deterministic growth at desired positions. This approach enables high-quality semiconductors directly at the required positions on a chip, reducing grain boundaries and improving semiconductor quality.

Yo-yo effect: Health risks depend on starting weight

Repeating weight loss and gain increases the risk of obesity in people of normal weight, particularly those with a predisposition. In contrast, individuals with obesity experience minor or no negative effects on weight and body composition. Future studies should investigate the long-term effects of weight cycling in both groups.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Reviews Endocrinology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 13, 2026

Aging exacerbates tenofovir-induced mitochondrial toxicity

Researchers used a 3D silk matrix model to study human primary kidney stem cells and found that aging increases susceptibility to tenofovir-induced mitochondrial toxicity, oxidative stress, senescence, and apoptosis. Tenofovir was more toxic to older cells, causing mitochondrial damage and functional injury.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalGenes & Diseases·DateOct 13, 2026

Long-term viral hepatitis control and changing patterns of liver cancer mortality in Japan

Japan has seen substantial reductions in HBV- and HCV-related disease burden and hepatocellular carcinoma mortality thanks to sustained national control measures. The prevalence of HBV and HCV has fallen drastically across Japan, with a significant shift in the relative distribution of liver cancer causes.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 13, 2026

AI platform allows real-time conversation between patients and their medical devices

A new AI-driven platform allows patients to interact with their medical devices in real-time, enabling them to ask questions, report symptoms, and receive personalized alerts. The platform has been shown to improve seizure detection and provide valuable insights into patient behavior and disease management.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 13, 2026

Reaching net zero sooner limits long-lasting El Niño-like shift in the Pacific

A new climate model suggests that reaching net zero sooner would limit long-lasting changes to El Niño and the tropical Pacific. Stopping emissions would not immediately reverse all the changes already set in motion, but rather, changes to ocean temperatures, winds, and rainfall patterns could endure for hundreds of years.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2026

How to accurately predict the future trajectories of mixed-flow vehicle platoons in traffic oscillation scenarios?

Researchers developed a hybrid AI model that combines physical driving laws with individual human behavior patterns to improve vehicle movement predictions. The model, CPIDLM, reduces distance prediction errors by 16.7% compared to existing methods, providing a more reliable foundation for autonomous vehicles.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalCommunications in Transportation Research·DateOct 13, 2026

Autonomous vehicles learn to cooperate in complex traffic

Researchers develop COIN, a collaborative interaction-aware reinforcement learning framework for multi-agent self-driving systems, to improve safety and efficiency in complex traffic scenarios. The framework achieves promising results in various evaluations, demonstrating its potential for safer and more efficient autonomous driving.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalCommunications in Transportation Research·DateOct 13, 2026

Turning Foundation models into “driving mentors”: found-RL enables efficient reinforcement learning for autonomous driving

Found-RL integrates vision-language models into reinforcement learning for autonomous driving, achieving competitive driving performance while maintaining real-time policy inference. The platform allows large foundation models to provide semantic feedback without slowing down high-frequency simulation training.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalCommunications in Transportation Research·DateOct 13, 2026

Scientists discover ‘D-rex’, a giant fungus from Chinese forests whose unique lineage dates back 65 million years

A new species, Dianjunus rex, has been discovered in Chinese forests, producing vertical fruiting bodies up to 50 cm high and weighing up to 2.2 kg. The fungus represents a new family, Dianjunaceae, which arose around 65 million years ago, shortly after the mass extinction of the dinosaurs.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Fungal Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2026

Optical skyrmions can control the motion of magnetic skyrmions

Researchers from Waseda University successfully controlled the motion of magnetic skyrmions using optical skyrmions, a topological pattern in light. The study provides a new framework for controlling magnetic skyrmions with light, opening routes for optomagnonics and spintronics technologies.

SourceWaseda University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2026

Human stem-cell model reveals a shared origin for tissue-resident macrophages

Researchers have developed a human stem-cell model that recreates early immune-cell development and shows how a single progenitor population can give rise to specialized macrophages across different organs. The model provides a platform to study how these processes change in disease, and how they might eventually be harnessed therapeut...

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2026

New model informs lighting design that works better for aging eyes

Researchers developed a new model that accounts for age-related changes in color vision, guiding lighting designs that make it easier for older adults to perceive colors. The model estimated how easily a person would distinguish similar colors based on illumination light's spectrum and age-adjusted sensitivities of the eye's three cone...

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2026

SwRI-led team develops improved model for mapping the Sun

A Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)-led team has developed an improved model for predicting solar events by incorporating activity on the far side of the Sun. The new model provides a more accurate map of the entire surface of the Sun, helping scientists to better understand and forecast solar activity.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2026

How literature can inspire us to forgive

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that 'internal focalization' in literature can promote forgiveness of both fictional and real-life characters. By giving readers access to a character's inner thoughts, this technique elicits empathy and forgiveness, suggesting stories may be a prescription for better emotional hea...

SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 13, 2026

How cells make their command center accessible

Research teams at ETH Zurich have solved the puzzle of nuclear envelope assembly, showing that Torsin-1A and CLCC1 complexes work together to enable membrane fusion. This finding offers a new therapeutic approach for primary dystonia, a rare movement disorder affecting about six in 100,000 people worldwide.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 13, 2026

A “Discovery Compact” for science

The authors propose a 'Discovery Compact' that includes predictable, multi-year funding, support for the scientific workforce, and translation research policy to accelerate discovery-to-application. The compact also emphasizes government anticipatory governance, scientific integrity, and public accountability.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateOct 13, 2026

Even highly curable childhood cancers take a substantial toll on families, according to new study from JNCCN

Families of children with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) experience substantial and lasting challenges, including household employment changes and marital status changes, beginning early after diagnosis. These challenges persist throughout treatment and have significant financial, social, and emotional impacts on families.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateOct 13, 2026

ACLM launches two solutions to advance nutrition and lifestyle medicine education, helping meet federal and state requirements

ACLM launches a new medical school curriculum and an updated food-as-medicine course to help medical schools meet federal and state nutrition education requirements. The curriculum provides 40 hours of nutrition instruction and a longitudinal educational experience that helps students understand how nutrition influences chronic disease.

Boys' academic underachievement and attitudes about effort

A survey of 15-year-olds worldwide suggests that boys' underperformance may be due to negative attitudes towards academic effort, with larger gaps in more developed countries. Boys are less likely to agree that trying hard is important, and their responses correlate with individual academic performance, especially in reading.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateOct 13, 2026

Exposure to ‘safer’ plastic additive during pregnancy linked to smaller birth size

A new study has linked exposure to the safer plastic additive DINCH during pregnancy to lighter and smaller newborns. Higher levels of DINCH in the urine of pregnant women resulted in a 27-gram reduction in newborn birth weight, highlighting potential risks of chemical additives on fetal development.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalEnvironment International·TypeObservational study·DateOct 13, 2026

CASPR and Allegheny County announce major new randomized clinical trial: GLP-1RA recovery and stability trial

A $13.3 million randomized clinical trial is testing whether weekly semaglutide can reduce alcohol and opioid use, and reduce justice involvement among adults with alcohol and opioid use disorder. The study aims to improve employment, health, and housing outcomes among participants, and will enroll up to 1,200 adults with the conditions.

Digital Science research security report finds short-term researcher ties may fall outside U.S. disclosure rules

A new report from Digital Science raises concerns about the adequacy of U.S. research security policies for short-term researchers, finding nearly half held U.S. affiliations for 24 months or less. The report proposes a risk-calibrated approach to strengthen research security without restricting international collaboration.

SourceDigital Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2026

Continuously evolving cells help pancreatic cancer evade treatment and spread

Researchers analyzed nearly half a million cells from dozens of patients' tumors to understand how pancreatic cancer cells continuously evolve over time. The study found that specific genetic changes, such as increased activity of the MYC gene, enable cancer cells to resist therapy and spread rapidly.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2026

Structure in the unstructured: New phenomenon discovered in the solar wind

A new mechanism of plasma turbulence in the solar wind was discovered, revealing a clear structure in unstructured space plasma. The findings, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, show that turbulent magnetic fields exhibit a clear reversal of magnetic field rotation sense over a certain wavelength.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2026

Physicians have disabilities too: New research calls for a more accessible medical workforce

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that 5% of practising physicians report disabilities, with mental health, visual, and mobility disabilities being the most common. The research emphasizes the importance of accessible work environments and equitable policies to promote the well-being and retention of p...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeSurvey·DateOct 13, 2026