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Science News Archive October 2026 - Page 22


Page 22 of 50

A new path(way) for ALS research opens

Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a new defense mechanism in neurons to prevent TDP-43 protein aggregation, a major cause of ALS. By activating the immunoproteasome, neurons break down TDP-43, reducing aggregation and motor neuron damage.

SourceNagoya University·JournalEMBO Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2026

Steering electrons with extreme ultraviolet light

Researchers demonstrated quantum coherent control in extreme ultraviolet light, enabling electron excitation and manipulation. The technique uses XUV pulses to create competing quantum routes, allowing for control over the outcome, and has potential applications in element-specific imaging and spectroscopy.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2026

Empowering material defect research with machine learning

This review summarizes the application of machine learning in material defect research, including defect-data construction, model selection, and validation. It highlights key findings, such as the importance of matching models to defect physics and the need for independent first-principles or experimental validation.

SourceELSP·JournalAI & Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 19, 2026

Drones help archaeologists find Aboriginal rock art sites hidden in Australia’s rugged Blue Mountains

Researchers used drone-mounted laser scanning to identify three previously unregistered rock shelters containing rock art and stone artefacts in the Blue Mountains. The new methodology enables faster and more accurate location of sites in rugged environments, helping Aboriginal communities protect cultural heritage.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalRemote Sensing·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 19, 2026

High-spin cobalt unlocks a new era of long-life zinc–manganese batteries

Researchers have developed an atomic-level spin-state regulation strategy that overcomes limitations in manganese dioxide cathodes, achieving exceptional capacity and ultralong cycling stability. The optimized cathode delivers a remarkable reversible capacity of 658 mAh g−1 and retains approximately 100 mAh g−1 after 15,000 cycles.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateOct 19, 2026

Sequential exchange creates defect-free COF membranes for high-precision molecular separation

The sequential dynamic imine exchange strategy enables highly crystalline membranes with high permeance, exceptional molecular rejection, and large-area fabrication. This approach offers a versatile platform for high-performance COF membranes targeting nanofiltration, molecular separation, and resource recovery.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateOct 19, 2026

Ultrafast switching of optical properties in a doped semiconductor by intense femtosecond laser pulses

Researchers investigated ITO's optical response to femtosecond laser pulses, finding large changes in transmission and reflection. The material's useful switching response saturates due to electronic band structure limitations, and a distinct high-intensity regime is observed with possible Auger-type electron-electron interactions.

‘Hiding in plain sight’ - new bacteria discovered in DNA samples from prostate cancer patients

Researchers from the University of East Anglia have discovered 18 new bacterial species collected from prostate cancer patients, including previously linked species like Porphyromonas and Treponema. The study provides new insights into microbes in cancer patients and could uncover links that improve understanding of how cancer develops.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2026

Voltage-controlled photonic chip could make smart-glasses displays more efficient

A new photonic chip developed by TDK Corporation has improved the efficiency of smart-glasses displays by switching laser colors faster and using less power. The chip's voltage-controlled design achieved a modulation bandwidth of 10 GHz, sufficient for 4K resolution, and reduced power consumption by over 75 percent.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateOct 19, 2026

From agricultural waste to advanced carbon materials: Scientists reveal why the starting material matters

Researchers introduce an integrated framework linking raw materials, manufacturing processes, and real-world applications to design more reliable and sustainable carbon technologies. The review highlights the importance of understanding biomass composition and processing methods to produce high-performing carbon nanomaterials.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 19, 2026

Manganese-enhanced biochar helps soil retain nitrogen while reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Researchers discovered that adding manganese to biochar strengthens a natural microbial process, boosting nitrogen-conserving microbes and reducing nitrous oxide emissions. Manganese-loaded biochar increased a key nitrogen-conserving process by 2.9 times, reducing emissions by 89%.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2026

Proposed changes to hepatitis B vaccination schedule could significantly increase infections, model suggests

A modeling study suggests that delayed or shared decision-making approaches to hepatitis B vaccination could lead to a 19-83% increase in chronic infections among US children. The current universal birth-dose strategy remains the most effective strategy for preventing childhood infections.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateOct 19, 2026

Building social and emotional skills in preschool improved life for young adults

A new study found that preschool students who received enhanced skill instruction reported better mental health, social adjustment, and quality of life than their peers. The research, published in American Psychologist, suggests that providing young children with social, problem-solving, and language skills can set them on the path for...

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Psychologist·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2026

More people with alcohol-associated liver disease could benefit from routine liver cancer screening than current guidelines assume

A new study suggests that routine liver cancer screening can be cost-effective and life-extending for individuals with alcohol-associated cirrhosis, even at low annual risk levels. The study found that biannual screening can generate significant life-years among both active drinkers and abstinent patients.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2026

Limited waste collection services in rural communities leading to high microplastics levels in Cambodia’s Mekong River

A new study by Desert Research Institute researchers found that communities without waste collection services have higher microplastic concentrations in the river, and improving services can lead to a substantial reduction. The research highlights the importance of integrated waste management and reduced plastic use in protecting river...

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalEmerging Contaminants·DateOct 19, 2026

Ultrasound creates a tube that guides matter through the air

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have developed an ultrasonic tube that guides matter through the air using curved elongated Bessel-like acoustic fields. The device can transport corrosive or sticky substances, as well as delicate, contamination-sensitive materials, with single-drop precision.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2026

UCLA gene therapy pioneer Dr. Donald Kohn elected to National Academy of Medicine

Dr. Donald Kohn, a renowned pediatric bone marrow transplant physician and gene therapy researcher, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine for his groundbreaking work in blood stem cell gene therapies. His lab has made significant contributions to treating ADA-SCID, severe leukocyte adhesion deficiency-I, and other diseas...

Smart farming starts paying off

A University of Bonn study found that smart farming technologies are already profitable on 42% of global cropland, with the potential to increase to 75% with stronger environmental regulations. The benefits of smart farming are greatest in areas with high income and education levels, strict environmental regulations, and large-scale ag...

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2026

Hunger may play a role in alcohol addiction, new study finds

Researchers at Brown University discovered a molecular link between hunger and the formation of reward memories that play a role in alcohol addiction. Hunger drives cravings for alcohol by activating neurons containing octopamine, a fight-or-flight neurotransmitter equivalent to human norepinephrine.

SourceBrown University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2026

Immune system is already active before birth

Researchers have found that neutrophils, white blood cells, are present in many tissues during embryonic development, performing functions similar to adult neutrophils. This discovery suggests that embryonic neutrophils may have roles in tissue development and homeostasis in addition to immune defense.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 19, 2026