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Science News Archive October 2026 - Page 29


Page 29 of 50

BU researchers develop simple, noninvasive way to assess collagen in the skin of scleroderma patients

Researchers at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine have developed a camera-based technique called spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) to assess skin changes in scleroderma patients. SFDI, which measures how light bounces back from the skin without touching it, found that light readings were different in peopl...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2026

Trees: On your marks, get set, grow!

Researchers found that beech seedlings that were slightly taller than their immediate neighbours at the end of their first year of life had a higher chance of survival two decades later. This suggests that even small initial differences in size contribute to long-term growth and survival.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2026

Finding the right starting place for chemistry’s most difficult molecules

A cross-disciplinary team at the University of Pittsburgh has developed a method to improve how researchers model transition metals, which are crucial for creating new materials and catalysts. The team's approach uses a combination of coupled cluster theory and Kohn-Sham density encoding to achieve high accuracy in simulations.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2026

Many states with higher burden of alcohol use disorder among women have fewer treatment facilities tailored to their needs

A new study found that states in New England, the Midwest, and West have a higher prevalence of alcohol use disorder among women, but fewer services that address women's unique concerns and common barriers to alcohol treatment. The study highlights the need for treatment programs tailored to women's needs, as research shows that these ...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalSubstance Use & Addiction Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2026

Study identifies brain pathways linked to sustained improvement in those receiving deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression

A study found that stimulation of specific brain connections, including the cingulum bundle, forceps minor, and medial uncinate fasciculus, is associated with sustained clinical improvement in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The findings support connectome-based targeting for deep brain stimulation and may help researcher...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2026

Turning agricultural waste into soil-building substances: Manganese-modified biochar gives fungi a powerful boost

A new study reveals how manganese-modified biochar helps beneficial fungi break down agricultural residues and accelerate the formation of valuable humic substances. The combination accelerates plant fiber decomposition and promotes the formation of more complex humic materials.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2026

Two paths to healthier soils: Scientists reveal how straw and biochar store carbon differently

Researchers found that straw stimulates microbial activity and carbon transformation, while biochar improves soil structure and physical protection of carbon. Both straw and biochar combinations increased soil organic carbon by 19% compared to manure alone, providing two complementary carbon sequestration strategies.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2026

A better way to get ALS treatments into the brain

The study, published in the journal Extracellular Vesicles, found that tiny vesicles produced by neural stem cells can carry medicines to the brain and spinal cord despite the blood-brain barrier. In mice, nasal delivery delayed disease onset, improved movement, and protected motor neurons.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateOct 14, 2026

Social service agencies need safeguards when using AI

A new study proposes frameworks for AI-safeguarding to ensure fair and effective use in social service agencies, highlighting the need for human oversight and bias reviews. The research aims to prevent AI from perpetuating existing biases and unfairly targeting marginalized groups.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of the Society for Social Work and Research·TypeCase study·DateOct 14, 2026

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation announces American Foundation for Suicide Prevention as 2026 Pardes Humanitarian Prize in Mental Health Recipient

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation awards the 2026 Pardes Humanitarian Prize in Mental Health to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for its sustained investment in rigorous scientific research and its humanitarian impact on suicide prevention. The Prize recognizes AFSP's contributions to advancing the understanding of...

Most patients won't endorse AI medical responses without a clinician's review, Columbia Nursing study in JAMA Network Open finds

A Columbia University School of Nursing study found that 63% of patients would not endorse AI-generated medical responses without a clinician's review. Patients prefer fast AI-generated responses for logistical tasks, but wait up to 48 hours for a doctor's review on medical questions.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 14, 2026

Neighborhood conditions linked to childhood cancer survivors’ long-term health

A new study from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that childhood cancer survivors living in socially or environmentally vulnerable neighborhoods are more likely to develop chronic health conditions. The study identified a doubled risk of overall chronic health condition burden compared to the least vulnerable neighborhoods.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2026

What happens when brain tumors return? International study tracks genetic changes behind recurring cancers

A recent study has identified unique genetic changes in brain tumors that recur after treatment, offering new insights into resistance to therapy. The research, conducted across 10 countries, found that different types of gliomas undergo distinct genetic changes, with some associated with poorer outcomes.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 14, 2026

University of Cincinnati study shows proof-of-concept for hydrocephalus gene therapy

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a proof-of-concept gene therapy that targets and reduces the production of cerebrospinal fluid, potentially providing a minimally invasive treatment for hydrocephalus. The therapy uses an adeno-associated virus to deliver therapeutic genetic material into a patient's cells, wit...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalFluids and Barriers of the CNS·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2026

Invisible no more: New treatment avenue unlocked for deadliest lung cancer

Researchers have discovered a previously overlooked immune cell that can recognize and kill small cell lung cancer, a form of cancer with limited treatment options. The study found that patients with higher levels of these cells lived longer, uncovering a hidden immune defense that could be exploited to attack these hard-to-treat tumours.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCancer Cell·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2026

Ebola vaccine induces T cell cross-reactivity against Bundibugyo virus in humans

Researchers have found that a single dose of the licensed Ebola vaccine can induce T cell cross-reactivity against the Bundibugyo virus, a closely related but distinct virus. This cross-reactivity may provide a level of protection against severe disease, although more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2026

A poor-quality diet might exacerbate the effect of genetic predisposition to diabetes, stroke and heart attack in Asian Indian populations, per study of 1,020 men and women from Chennai.

A study of 1,020 men and women from Chennai found that a poor-quality diet may exacerbate the genetic risk of high blood cholesterol levels in Asian Indian adults. Genetic predisposition to diabetes, stroke, and heart attack may be worsened by a diet lacking essential nutrients.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateOct 14, 2026

When LLMs enable personalized learning, they might enhance students' creativity, particularly by boosting analyzing and creating abilities, per observational study of 533 Indonesian students

An observational study of 533 Indonesian students found that LLMs enable personalized learning, which may enhance creativity by boosting analyzing and creating abilities. The study used Bloom's taxonomy framework and peer interaction to elevate higher-order thinking skills.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateOct 14, 2026

Analysis of Italian paintings reveals the cultural and culinary significance of the thorny oyster, combining with other historical texts and testimonies to uncover its "forgotten history"

Researchers analyzed Italian paintings to discover the thorny oyster's cultural and culinary importance, shedding light on its 'forgotten history'. The study combined historical texts and testimonies to uncover the oyster's significance in art, archives, and cultural knowledge.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateOct 14, 2026

Teens’ body dissatisfaction linked to childhood body fat levels

A UK study of over 13,000 children found that those with higher childhood body fat levels were more likely to experience body dissatisfaction in adolescence. The study suggests that both boys and girls with higher BMI or fat mass index trajectories in childhood are at risk of body dissatisfaction.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2026

Stanford scientists discover a way to reverse coral bleaching at record speed

A study published in Science Advances reveals that bleached corals can fully recover within seven weeks through contact with healthy corals, opening new possibilities for restoration. The discovery could inspire the development of new methods to rapidly restore corals, which face severe threats from climate change.

SourceStanford Doerr School of Sustainability·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2026

The science behind the world’s fastest autonomous racing drone

Researchers at Delft University of Technology have developed an AI system that enables a racing drone to navigate demanding courses at extreme speed using only a single camera. The system, called MonoRace, uses a compact neural-network-based control to achieve high-performance autonomous flight under real-world conditions, outperformin...

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2026

Bering Land Bridge base camp reveals what life was like nearly 14,000 years ago

A team of researchers discovered an early base camp in Beringia, revealing life in the region 13,800 years ago. The camp featured a unique hafted-biface form, osseous tools, and well-preserved activity areas, showcasing human hunting of megafauna such as mammoth, bison, and caribou. These findings provide important insights into the ev...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2026

Vaccinating moms protects offspring from deadly superbug

A vaccine given to pregnant mice protected their newborn pups from a severe bloodstream infection caused by the dangerous bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae. The study, published in Science Advances, points to a promising new strategy for protecting vulnerable infants from the drug-resistant superbug by harnessing maternal immunity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2026

Plant cell receptor balances signals from food and foe

Scientists at the Salk Institute have discovered a plant cell receptor called SRF3 that restores iron balance and prevents immune overreaction to microbial invasion. This study provides crucial insights into plant resilience and could shape future agricultural efforts to feed a growing global population.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 14, 2026

Large clinical study in China uncovers “clocks” of human aging that may predict chronic disease and mortality

A comprehensive study of 18,476 Chinese participants reveals 'clocks' of human aging that can predict chronic disease and mortality. The research provides clinically relevant metrics for health monitoring and disease prevention, shedding light on aging's impact on metabolism.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 14, 2026

Editorials and Viewpoints: Scientists explore the latest threats and promising technologies in the fight against antimicrobial resistance

The fight against antimicrobial resistance is threatened by drug-resistant tuberculosis, highlighting the need for preventative frameworks and holistic control measures. New AI technologies and strategies are being developed to tackle the threat, including the use of genomic surveillance and streamlined clinical trial designs.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 14, 2026

Small-molecule therapy for Alzheimer’s disease shows promise in mice and an early clinical trial

A new small molecule therapy targets the brain's microglia cells to protect neurons, reducing markers of neuronal damage and inflammatory signaling. The therapy, VG-3927, is well-tolerated and penetrates the central nervous system, reducing levels of a marker of TREM2 in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 14, 2026

Late Pleistocene site in Alaska yields evidence of a trans-Beringian cultural connection

The discovery at Shég' Xdaltth'i' provides evidence for a trans-Beringian cultural link between Alaska and other western sites, dating back 13,800 years. The site's tools and artifacts, including hafted-biface forms and pre-Clovis material, suggest a connection between Beringian and Paleoindian cultures.