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Science News Archive October 2026 - Page 17


Page 17 of 50

Rice researchers modify Nobel-prize winning material to recover valuable rare earth elements from industrial wastewater

Rice researchers have developed an ultraporous material capable of pulling several valuable and rare earth elements from complex waste streams. The material, modified with a molecule called phosphonomethyliminodiacetic acid, allows for the recovery of critical minerals from industrial wastewater, a potential step toward recycling.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 21, 2026

Laboratory study shows needle-free mRNA vaccine protects against COVID and flu

Researchers at Rutgers University developed a needle-free mRNA vaccine that protected mice against COVID-19 and flu, offering a potential new delivery method. The vaccine combined a high-pressure liquid jet with adjuvants to strengthen the immune response, and showed improved efficacy and safety compared to traditional mRNA vaccines.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2026

Polymer insights, biological impact

Researchers have discovered that polyion clustering plays a crucial role in liquid-liquid phase separation, challenging decades-old assumptions in the field. This process is essential for the formation of biomolecular condensates, which perform vital tasks necessary for life.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2026

UMSOM faculty co-author pivotal review paper in Nature outlining framework to develop tools to detect immune rejection in the earliest stages

Researchers outlined a roadmap for developing state-of-the-art precision diagnostic tests to detect early signs of injury and rejection in xenotransplantation. The framework includes enhanced tissue diagnostics, continuous monitoring, and advanced research platforms to improve long-term outcomes for patients.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 21, 2026

Estonian Biobank survey uses self-reported side effects to explore causes of side effects of medicines and vaccines

A recent study from the Estonian Biobank surveyed nearly 46,000 participants to explore the causes of side effects from medicines and vaccines. The results show that side effects are common, affecting 29% of respondents, with women more likely to experience them. The study also found that side effects can influence treatment decisions,...

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 21, 2026

Solar storms around a black hole

Researchers have discovered magnetic reconnection eruptions and Coronal Mass Ejections near supermassive black holes, similar to solar storms. The 'Neupert effect' was observed in the galaxy NGC 3783, indicating the same physical processes underlying solar storms occur in black hole environments.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateOct 21, 2026

IIT Gandhinagar startup Oreejoy wins Boeing BUILD National Finals for AI-powered wearable device

Oreejoy's AI-powered wearable device uses pressure sensing, signal processing, and artificial intelligence to assess mobility and provide personalized sensory cues for people with neurological disorders. The startup aims to make effective diagnostics and rehabilitation more accessible, improving quality of life for patients undergoing ...

National Academy of Medicine elects Kennedy Krieger's CEO and president; chief science officer to its membership

Drs. Bradley Schlaggar and Amy Bastian, both renowned experts in developmental neuroscience, have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine. Their groundbreaking work has been recognized for its impact on clinical care and public policy. As leaders in their fields, they will advance science and inform policy to improve health ou...

Drug-free approach shown to reduce depression relapse among new and expectant moms

A free online program, Mindful Mood Balance for Moms, has been shown to reduce depression relapse among new moms and moms-to-be. The program, which includes audio-guided practices, videos, and advice from peers and professionals, has been found to lower the risk of depression relapse by 26% among participants. The study, published in t...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 21, 2026

VCU research propels wearable technology that could enhance health monitoring

A cold-spray technique has been developed to deposit sensors directly onto human skin and other flexible surfaces, providing strong adhesion and mechanical robustness. This innovation could lead to low-cost, expandable, and high-performing wearable sensors that enable continuous health monitoring and customized healthcare.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalACS Applied Electronic Materials·DateOct 21, 2026

Study advances mechanistic insight into tuberculosis vaccine’s link to reduced dementia risk

Researchers found that mice genetically engineered to have dementia symptoms who received BCG vaccine showed reduced neurofibrillary tangles, sustained immune cell activation, and memory loss compared to untreated mice. BCG vaccination was also linked to reduced inflammation and improved cognitive function in the mice.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2026

Explaining the dark side of social media use

A study published in PLOS One suggests that attachment anxiety and vulnerable narcissism are associated with problematic social media use. Adults with anxious or fearful attachment styles and high levels of vulnerable narcissism tend to experience higher levels of compulsive social media use.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeSurvey·DateOct 21, 2026

‘Digital twins’ of immune system in pregnancy identify drugs to prevent early labor, Stanford Medicine-led study finds

Researchers identified two common drugs, aspirin and lansoprazole, that may prevent early labor when given together during pregnancy. The study used a digital twin system to simulate the immune system of individual pregnant women and found that the combination had a large effect on delaying labor.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 21, 2026

Drug substance reduces blood vessel malformations in the brain

Researchers identified a substance that reduces blood vessel lesions in the brain, a disease causing fragile blood vessel structures that can lead to hemorrhages and stroke. The substance, dabrafenib, is already used to treat brain tumors in children and could replace surgery as a treatment option for CCM.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2026

Sifting the truth from AI-generated content should now be a core responsibility for public health institutions

Global health experts warn that public health institutions must verify the accuracy of AI-generated content to ensure public health information is trustworthy. The authors argue that knowledge is a public good and that sifting truth from AI-generated content is now a core responsibility for public health institutions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 21, 2026

Clinical trial data spotlights tightrope between preventing graft-versus-host disease and infections after stem cell transplant

A new analysis of clinical trial data highlights the delicate balance between preventing graft-versus-host disease and infections in stem cell transplant recipients. The study found that two immune-suppression treatments, cyclophosphamide and tacrolimus, have different effects on T cell immunity and the risk of complications. This rese...

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 21, 2026

New architecture for antifungal drug precisely combats fungal infections in mice without the usual toxicity

Researchers have created a new antifungal drug, mandimycin M16, which selectively targets fungal ergosterol without disrupting human cholesterol. This breakthrough could lead to safer and more effective treatments for fungal infections, including multidrug-resistant strains.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 21, 2026

Nearly half of on-duty firefighter deaths are heart related

According to a study published in JACC: Advances, cardiac events are responsible for nearly half of all on-duty firefighter deaths in the US. The findings suggest that annual health screenings may miss heart conditions that put firefighters at risk of sudden cardiac death, such as coronary artery disease and heart muscle enlargement.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 21, 2026

Air pollution and temperature variability are associated with higher blood glucose levels

A European study found associations between air pollution, temperature variability, and blood glucose levels in people without diabetes. Greater exposure to air pollution, particularly PM10 particles, and increases in temperature and temperature variability were linked to higher blood glucose levels.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalEnvironment International·TypeObservational study·DateOct 21, 2026

Two-in-one tool tracks viral RNA inside live infected cells in real time

A team of researchers from Penn State has developed a fluorescent molecular tag that tracks viral RNA and host interactions in real-time, allowing for the study of Zika and chikungunya viruses. The tool, called Mango-II, provides insight into the viral-host cell interaction, a key step to developing effective antiviral strategies.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 21, 2026