The liver–nervous system axis emerges as a new therapeutic frontier in MASLD
A new review proposes a broader perspective on metabolic liver disease, suggesting that the nervous system may play an active role in its development and progression. The
Science News Archive October 2026 - Page 10
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Postal Service delays put tens of thousands of WA ballots at risk of rejection, UW research finds
Research by the University of Washington estimates that mail delays could double the percentage of ballots arriving too late to be counted, disproportionately impacting rural voters. The delays, caused by the Postal Service's Regional Transportation Optimization program, may reject 20,000 or more ballots in the 2026 general election.
CRF appoints Dr. Lauren Ranard as Director of the Cardiac CT Core Laboratory
Dr. Lauren Ranard, a recognized leader in structural heart disease and cardiovascular computed tomography, will oversee advanced imaging analyses supporting multicenter clinical trials. The appointment strengthens CRF's advanced cardiovascular imaging capabilities.
Embolism treatment developed at U-M receives FDA clearance
The Hēlo Thrombectomy System, developed by a team of neurosurgeons and engineers at the University of Michigan, has been cleared by the FDA for removing lung clots in patients with chronic venous thromboembolism. The device uses a combination of suction and agitation to gently pull on the clot, stretch and thins it, and vacuums it out ...
Lean Six Sigma framework for developing doctoral research problem statements outlined in University of Phoenix white paper
A new white paper outlines a Lean Six Sigma framework for developing doctoral research problem statements, emphasizing authoritative evidence, comparability, and methodological alignment. The framework adapts the Define and Measure logic to help researchers establish a defensible Background of the Problem and Problem Statement.
AI medical scribe cuts clinician documentation time, with greater reduction among more frequent users
A quality improvement study found that AI medical scribes significantly reduced clinician documentation time, with the greatest benefits seen among frequent users. However, the study also found that the tool did not improve same-day note completion or reduce after-hours documentation, limiting its productivity benefits.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateOct 26, 2026
Researchers create new database to track origins of water from space
Researchers have created a new database, WISO-SAT, to standardize and share decades of satellite data on water isotopes. This database allows scientists to easily compare data from eight satellite missions and study global water cycle processes, including cloud formation, moisture transport, and El Niño.
Crowd-sourced collabs: Using AI, social media to find potential brand partners
A novel framework uses AI and social media to identify promising brand collaborations, providing practical guidance for brand managers. The framework has been tested and validated, showing a nearly 90% chance of correctly identifying favorable brand pairs.
Big wins
CAMINO's additive manufacturing capabilities are helping Sandia National Laboratories redesign components and adapt to design changes, resulting in faster and cheaper production. The center's manager, Mohan Karulkar, notes that CAMINO's facilities can host students and faculty from the University of Texas at Austin, facilitating workfo...
“Porous anchor” that strongly bonds dissimilar materials formed simply by coating and drying
Researchers at NIMS developed a novel bonding method using a porous layer to strongly bond dissimilar materials. The technology achieves a bonding strength exceeding 7 MPa by combining chemical affinity and physical interlocking, making it suitable for industries such as next-generation mobility and soft robotics.
SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2026
Land consolidation can lift economies while deepening biodiversity and social deficits, global review finds
A global synthesis of 148 land-consolidation cases across 28 countries shows that consolidating farmland into larger operations can deliver economic gains while deepening biodiversity loss and social inequality. Most assessments remain single-dimensional, obscuring cross-dimensional trade-offs.
SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateOct 26, 2026
Seeing Rembrandt through the eyes of a machine
Researchers use explainable AI to uncover patterns hidden in centuries-old paintings, providing a new tool for investigating painting authenticity. The AI framework identifies statistical patterns across characteristics like edges, color, and brushstrokes to produce a score estimating how strongly a painting aligns with Rembrandt's work.
SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2026
UT San Antonio School of Dentistry now prepping students from Day 1 with a complete digital workflow for teaching, performing dental restorations
The UT San Antonio School of Dentistry has implemented a complete digital workflow for dental restorations, starting from the first year of the DDS program. This cutting-edge technology, provided by Austria-based manufacturer Amann Girrbach, enables students to master both digital and analog techniques side by side, and from the very s...
Insilico Medicine reports 40% ORR at 130 mg for Pan-TEAD inhibitor ISM6331 designed using generative AI in heavily pretreated mesothelioma at ESMO 2026
Insilico Medicine announced promising Phase 1 data for ISM6331, a pan-TEAD inhibitor designed using generative AI, showing a 40.0% objective response rate at 130 mg once daily in heavily pretreated mesothelioma. The drug also demonstrated disease control in more than two-thirds of evaluable participants.
Women’s heart health care starts at puberty: new shared framework from leading medical societies
A new 'Female Life Stage' framework outlines four distinct stages based on female biology, offering windows of opportunity to prevent heart disease and stroke. The framework allows for earlier recognition of risk, earlier prevention, and better continuity of care beginning in childhood.
How deeply do spiders sleep?
Scientists investigated sleep behavior in Australian jumping spider Portia fimbriata, finding two clearly distinguishable sleep stages, including REM-like state with eye movements and muscle twitches. This comprehensive confirmation of sleep behavior in a spider opens up new perspectives for comparative behavioral and neurology research.
Shiny lava planet challenges astronomers' expectations
A team of astronomers used the James Webb Space Telescope to observe the lava planet TOI-561 b, discovering evidence of a substantial global atmosphere. The planet's atmosphere appears to reflect a significant amount of incoming starlight, cooling the planet and preventing extreme temperatures.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2026
International tumor board explores personalized treatment strategies for colon cancer without measurable disease
The case report highlights the challenges of monitoring residual disease in stage IIIc colon cancer, where conventional imaging shows no measurable tumor but circulating tumor DNA and DNA methylation patterns suggest molecular residual disease. Molecular profiling and international collaboration may help guide treatment decisions in su...
Researchers discover new strategy to target obesity and reduce the risk of cancer
Targeting fat cells with sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitors could be a new strategy to combat obesity and lower the risk of its comorbidities like cancer. The researchers found a significant reduction in body weight, improved glucose tolerance, and reduced lipid accumulation in the liver.
It's not (just) the heat, it's the humidity: Examining the impact of intensifying humid heat on pregnancies
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences examines the impact of humid heat on pregnancies in Nigeria, finding that increasing humid heat is strongly associated with an increased likelihood of early pregnancy terminations and changes in conception rates. The study's findings highlight the need for pub...
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2026
Research Alert: Marine molecule may help combat “brain-eating” amoeba
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have isolated a marine-derived compound that demonstrates significant potency against the parasite that causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a disease with a fatality rate exceeding 97%. The compound, rutamycin B, achieves full potency within just four hours, outpacing curren...
Extreme weather drives support for green voting in Europe
A new study found that extreme heatwaves change how Europeans feel about climate change and influence their voting choices. The research highlights the demographic heterogeneity of the effects, with less-educated men showing the largest attitudinal and voting shifts.
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2026
Rare gene variants linked to dental differences that shape our smiles
Research has uncovered rare gene variants linked to dental differences, including missing teeth, unusual shapes, and tooth presence at birth. The study sheds light on tooth development and evolution, revealing how a single gene regulates tooth formation across vertebrate species.
Fake references are not only a medical problem: Columbia Nursing audit finds them across physics, engineering, and computer science journals
A Columbia University audit found fabricated citations in 25.6 per 10,000 papers in physics, 18.4 in materials science, and 11.1 in computer science. The problem affects about 8,500 published papers with at least one fabricated reference, with most containing one or two fabricated references.
SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2026
Fast but accurate – a new speed record for quantum gates
A team of researchers has developed a method to suppress unwanted multiphoton transitions in qubits, enabling faster and more accurate quantum gate operations. The new R2D method reduces the probability of unwanted transitions by a factor of over 20, setting a new benchmark for quantum gates.
KAIST uses wireless neural chip to track brain changes in real time after Alzheimer’s drug administration
Researchers at KAIST have developed an implantable neural chip that integrates neurotransmitter sensing, light stimulation, and wireless monitoring. The chip was tested in miniature pigs and showed an increase in neurotransmitter signal following drug administration, followed by a gradual return to baseline.
Chinese Neurosurgical Journal reports early neurological outcomes after awake craniotomy
A retrospective study of 30 patients undergoing awake craniotomy found that 30% experienced new or worsened neurological dysfunction within 48–72 hours after surgery. Early functional and cognitive score reductions were common, while new-onset aphasia occurred in 10% of patients. The findings highlight the importance of interpreting ea...
SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2026
Breast cancer care falls short for Black patients and people with a learning disability, warns first-UK study of its kind
A nationwide UK study found that Black patients and people with a learning disability face longer waiting times in breast cancer care, with Black patients having a 29% lower odds of being diagnosed through routine screening. Patients with a learning disability waited 18% longer for a diagnosis, on average, and both groups faced longer ...
Recreational football can improve health in people with diabetes and prediabetes
A new guide, Football for Diabetes, adapts football training for people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, focusing on individual abilities and enjoyment. The 12-week training programme combines warm-up, ball exercises, and small-sided games to benefit physical and mental well-being.
From hidden natural product to potential drug lead
Researchers at HZI and HIPS discovered a new class of compounds with possible relevance for cancer research from myxobacteria. The compounds, called myxoglucamides, have an unusual structure and bind to the human protein AKR1C3, which is overproduced in several types of cancer.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2026
Brain stimulation temporarily changes perception of sexualized images of women
Researchers found that mild electrical stimulation to the brain improved recognition of upright sexualized images of women, bridging the gap with objects, and removed gender-based biases in perception. The study uses transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to directly target the brain's processing of images.
Weight-loss surgery produces lasting diabetes remission, long-term study finds
A long-term study found that 58% of participants assigned to metabolic-bariatric surgery achieved diabetes remission, compared to 3% on medical and lifestyle management. Researchers identified factors associated with remission, including shorter diabetes duration and greater early weight loss.
SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 26, 2026
Beyond the calcification: VUB-imec researchers identify the tissue surrounding individual breast microcalcifications as a key source of diagnostic information in 3D micro-CT images
A study of 3504 individual breast microcalcifications reveals that the surrounding tissue microenvironment provides stronger diagnostic information than the calcified core alone for distinguishing benign from malignant breast lesions. The results suggest that radiomic biomarkers focusing exclusively on mineralised deposits may overlook...
SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalBreast Cancer Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2026
Mayo Clinic study explores cerebrospinal fluid DNA testing when brain tumor diagnosis is uncertain
A Mayo Clinic study found that analyzing DNA in cerebrospinal fluid can provide an alternative source of information for brain tumor diagnosis when imaging or biopsy is uncertain. In 20 patients, tumor-associated DNA was detected, providing additional evidence for clinicians to consider.
Watch the universe emerge from the dark ages, with Lumina
The new simulation, Lumina, captures the emergence of two huge transformations in cosmic history: hydrogen re-ionization and helium re-ionization. Hydrogen re-ionization was likely driven by light from early galaxies and stars, while helium re-ionization was fueled by energetic early supermassive black holes.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 26, 2026
New food pyramid aims to bridge nutrition advice across cultures
A new international food guide pyramid promotes a plant-based diet with an emphasis on quality carbohydrates, distinguishing between saturated and unsaturated fats. The guide aligns with traditional healthy dietary patterns and highlights the importance of locally available staples and sustainable food environments.
Growing up poor does not automatically shape how politicians understand inequality, study finds
A new study examines how former Israeli lawmakers connect their childhood experiences to their views on poverty, ethnicity, and political responsibility. The research finds that personal stories can create a sense of connection but do not necessarily lead to a shared understanding of inequality's causes or solutions. Former lawmakers f...
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalRepresentation·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2026
SwRI-led study uses Webb to compare interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS with icy bodies in our solar system
A Southwest Research Institute-led study used NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to examine ice grains streaming from interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. The observations suggest that the icy building blocks of planets around other stars may share a common range of physical properties with those in our own solar system.
SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2026
AI-powered handheld device counts male and female litchi flowers in the orchard
A new AI-powered handheld device, FQGR-Net, can simultaneously identify and count female and male litchi flowers from images, achieving high accuracy and counting rates in orchard trials. The device's portable analyzer enables non-destructive monitoring in natural growth states, supporting precision agriculture and yield estimation.
SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·DateOct 26, 2026
Duke pathology research identifies potential new target for preventing brain metastasis
Researchers at Duke University have identified SERINC2 as a critical driver of brain metastasis, a leading cause of cancer death. By promoting phosphatidylserine accumulation, SERINC2 activates AXL signaling, allowing cancer cells to invade and create new tumors in the brain.
Shedd Aquarium concludes three-year marine science partnership with Bahamian institutions to train the next generation of ocean stewards
Shedd Aquarium concludes a three-year partnership with Bahamian institutions to train the next generation of ocean stewards. The program provided hands-on marine ecology training to 52 Bahamian students, giving them direct experience with Bahamian ecosystems.
New guideline provides recommendations on managing shift work disorder
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has released a new clinical practice guideline for managing shift work disorder in adults, recommending individualized treatment based on symptom profile, work schedule, and patient preferences. The guideline highlights the limited quality of evidence for many interventions and underscores the nee...
SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 26, 2026
CATER researchers explore use of thermal energy storage for nuclear power plants
CATER researchers investigate thermal energy storage for nuclear power plants to increase flexibility and reduce stress on equipment. By storing excess heat, TES can regulate energy output and increase the value of electricity produced, making it an attractive solution for a changing energy market.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida College of Engineering and Computer Science·JournalJournal of Energy Resources Technology Part A Sustainable and Renewable Energy·DateOct 26, 2026
High dose oxytocin protocol linked to lower postpartum hemorrhage rates
A high-dose oxytocin protocol has been linked to lower postpartum hemorrhage rates, particularly among vaginal births, with a 40% relative reduction in hemorrhage rates. The study found a significant decrease in overall hemorrhage rates, blood loss, and medication use, but further research is needed to confirm the benefits.
Global happiness researchers reveal keys to a good life
According to a recent paper, relationships with loved ones are a reliable predictor of happiness, accounting for 40% of one's overall happiness. Researchers also emphasize the importance of conscious choices, self-awareness, and adaptation in developing well-being.
From natural selection to de novo design: Generative AI ushers in "Breeding 5.0" for crops
Generative AI enables precise design breeding by proposing novel DNA sequences, proteins, and regulatory elements tailored to specific biological functions. The DESIGN framework bridges generative AI and crop molecular design into a closed-loop system for future food security.
Comparative evaluation of isocyanurate-based resin performance towards organic contaminants in a fixed-bed adsorption system
The study compares ICY-AM and ICYAN-PA resins for removing organic contaminants from wastewater. ICYAN-PA delivers superior dynamic performance under fixed-bed conditions, while ICY-AM performs better under batch tests due to its stronger intrinsic affinity towards caffeine.
SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEnvironmental Surfaces and Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2026
Universal gene circuit boosts microbial production of 3-hydroxypropionic acid
A new gene circuit uses bacteria's natural signals to regulate production, achieving 27% higher yield than traditional methods. The system also improves bacterial growth and resource consumption.
SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEngineering Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2026
How breakthroughs in neuroscience take shape: insights from 16 years of the Brain Prize
The Brain Prize record examines how neuroscience advances through 5 interacting modes and 3 trajectories, including foundational technologies, multiscale mechanisms, and disease-oriented research. Major advances are assembled through sustained interactions among tools, theories, mechanisms, and clinical contexts.
Immunotherapy combo extends survival for patients with aggressive small cell lung cancer, based on trial results presented by Dana-Farber at ESMO Congress 2026
The DeLLphi-305 trial showed that tarlatamab, a bispecific T-cell engager, plus durvalumab as first-line maintenance therapy extended median overall survival by over eight months and reduced the risk of death by 58% compared to durvalumab alone. This study demonstrates the potential of this immunotherapy combination in extending surviv...
Multispectral dispersive-refocused imaging enables label-free virtual staining of 10μm-thick tissue sections
A new approach combines multispectral priors with deep-learning to generate high-fidelity virtual H&E images of unstained 10μm-thick sections, retaining more cellular structures and depth-dependent features than conventional 4μm sections.
How the brain holds information in mind
Working memory relies on the interaction of vast networks involving the claustrum, a small brain structure that helps keep a trace of information for tens of seconds. Inhibiting the claustrum leads to a marked drop in working memory performance, impairing the brain's ability to guide behavior.
How carbonate rock weathering helps soil hold on to carbon
A new study finds that carbonate rock weathering increases microbial necromass accumulation and protects it from decomposition, leading to higher soil organic carbon concentrations. This process is critical for climate regulation, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity maintenance.
How upper and lower molars part ways before teeth take shape
Researchers found that upper and lower molars share a common primordium, which separates into distinct domains around E9.5 to E9.75. Disrupted cell movement, rather than cell numbers, contributes to jaw fusion and missing molars.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2026
Location of rare cancer impacts survival, study suggests
A new study found that the location of rare leiomyosarcoma tumors affects patient survival rates. Researchers analyzed 11,700 patients and discovered that tumors in certain locations had poorer outcomes, particularly for black patients and those from lower-income households. The study suggests that accounting for tumor location when an...
Team of researchers from the Technion and Germany demonstrates optical control of electrons in an out-of-equilibrium topological state
Researchers from the Technion and Germany have demonstrated direct control of electrons in a
SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2026
Genome organization: More diverse than previously thought
Researchers have discovered three distinct types of large chromosomal domains in the roundworm C. elegans, challenging previous assumptions about genome organization. These domains differ in structure and likely serve distinct functions, with potential implications for gene regulation and cellular function.
Adaptive load balancing for distributed SDN controllers
A novel load balancing mechanism, TACC, adapts to real-time traffic patterns by dynamically adjusting probe intervals, achieving superior load balancing and response time variance reduction. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of TACC in outperforming baseline methods and improving SDN performance.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2026
New study reveals how brain function changes when we learn a new task
A new study using wearable brain imaging and OPM-MEG scanner technology has shown how brain function changes when learning a new task, such as playing a musical instrument. The study found that participants who showed the greatest changes in brain activity also showed the greatest improvements in their ability to play.
Addressing the side effects of endocrine therapy: a new care pathway combining digital support and human expertise
A new care pathway combining digital tools and personalized human support is being tested to improve symptom management and autonomy for patients receiving endocrine therapy. The HOPE trial shows an average reduction in symptom burden of 3.41 points among participants in the new pathway, but results fell short of statistical significance.