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Science News Archive October 2026 - Page 45


Page 45 of 50

New Global Capitalism Index (GCI) and rankings reveal remarkable insights across the world’s national and regional economies

The Global Capitalism Index (GCI) provides unprecedented insights into the globe's capitalism conditions, with regional divergences widening and notable improvements in Central Asia and declines in Latin America and Western Europe. The index also highlights the relationship between capitalism and societal outcomes such as well-being, c...

New clues to how lymphatic malformations develop

A study by the University of Osaka has identified shared disease mechanisms in lymphatic malformations, including the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and found that sirolimus, a drug targeting this pathway, is clinically effective across patients. The research also uncovered 10 additional disease-related molecules, including NFATC1, which may r...

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalLaboratory Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2026

Kumamoto University forges quadripartite Japan-Germany alliance with Yamagata University and Fraunhofer institutes to accelerate semiconductor innovation

Kumamoto University has forged a quadripartite alliance with Yamagata University and two Fraunhofer institutes to accelerate semiconductor innovation. The partnership aims to create a dynamic research cluster by combining unique strengths in cutting-edge domains such as semiconductor packaging and printed electronics.

Even brief e-cigarette use can cause lasting lung damage and weaken defenses against respiratory viruses, study finds

A recent study published in JCI Insight found that even brief e-cigarette use can cause lasting lung damage and weaken defenses against respiratory viruses. The research team exposed human lung tissues to e-cigarette vapor and observed damage to the protective barrier, triggered cellular stress, and impaired cell growth and repair.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 5, 2026

New light-element crystal framework paves way for safer all-solid-state batteries

Researchers have discovered a new light-element crystal framework that enables fast lithium-ion conduction and prevents conduction bottlenecks. The framework, composed of RbLi(Li3SiO4)2, boasts a low migration barrier and high ion conductivity, making it a promising material for next-generation all-solid-state batteries.

SourceThe University of Electro-Communications·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 5, 2026

Vanillin provides a sweet solution for chronic wound healing

Researchers have found that vanillin has pronounced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it a potential solution for chronic wound healing. The compound, commonly used in foods for its sweet aroma, has been linked to biological activity and potential biomedical applications.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2026

Keeping kids moving beyond the school bell

A major Adelaide University study found that outside school hours care services that completed the Activated OSHC program showed substantial improvements in physical activity and screen time practices. The program, which provides tips for creating an active environment and reducing screen time, was trialled in 200 services caring for 1...

SourceAdelaide University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeCase study·DateOct 5, 2026

Blue light could cut food poisoning from raw chicken

Researchers at the University of Reading developed a low-cost blue light technology that kills 100% of Campylobacter bacteria in raw chicken, reducing the risk of food poisoning. The technique, called violet-blue photodynamic inactivation, is a viable alternative to chlorination and shows no signs of bacterial resistance.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalMicrobiology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2026

International consensus sets updated framework for CAR T-cell therapy in severe autoimmune diseases

The updated consensus recommendations provide a shared framework to support patient safety and consistency in clinical practice while continuing to build the evidence base. Key findings include careful patient selection, multidisciplinary care, and long-term follow-up as essential for CAR T-cell therapy in autoimmune diseases.

SourceEuropean Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·DateOct 5, 2026

Researchers study how psychopathic traits shape language

Researchers found that psychopathic traits linked to boldness, meanness, and disinhibition are associated with distinct patterns in language. Participants scored higher in disinhibition used more negative words and less positive tone, while higher meanness was associated with more positive tone and achievement-related language.

SourceUniversity of Mississippi·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateOct 5, 2026

Turning invasive plants into powerful filters for fluoride-contaminated water

Researchers developed a nano-magnesium oxide modified pyro-hydrochar material from invasive plant biomass, achieving high fluoride adsorption capacity and stability across a broad pH range. The material combines electrostatic attraction, surface complexation, and hydrogen bonding mechanisms to capture fluoride ions.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalBiochar X·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2026

Accounting professor receives Distinguished Professor Award at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management

Alexander Edwards, an accounting professor at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, has been awarded the Distinguished Professor Award for his highly distinguished accomplishments and exceptional research in taxation and capital markets. The award recognizes his extraordinary level of activity in his research and sch...

American Journal of Public Health study examines political differences in perceptions of vaccine safety and effectiveness

A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health found significant political differences in perceptions of vaccine safety and effectiveness. Respondents perceived the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine as the safest and most effective, while the COVID-19 vaccine received lower ratings. The study highlights the importa...

SourceAmerican Public Health Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 2026

Global review reveals major blind spots in our understanding of climate change impacts on Mediterranean ecosystems

A global review of observed climate change impacts on plant communities in Mediterranean ecosystems reveals major gaps in monitoring and understanding. The study found that evidence of climate change effects is unevenly distributed and lacks modern causal inference approaches, highlighting the need for coordinated research to strengthe...

SourceUniversity of Cape Town - Faculty of Science·JournalEcological Solutions and Evidence·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 5, 2026

Local tipping points in dune landscapes: how does a dune system organize itself?

A study by Paul Berghuis and colleagues reveals that young dune landscapes exhibit fixed patterns, with marram grass density playing a crucial role in shaping the landscape. The researchers found that the distribution of dune sizes and the speed at which they merge are in line with the physics of phase separation.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 5, 2026

Paper explores systemic racism as the default explanation for disparities

A recent position paper argues that systemic racism is often assumed to be the default explanation for racial disparities in sociology, stifling debate and challenging alternative explanations. This assumption has far-reaching implications, including altering conceptions of harm, justice, and group identity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTheory and Society·TypeContent analysis·DateOct 5, 2026

Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center cuts clinical trial data-entry time by more than half with real-time EHR-to-EDC technology

The Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center has implemented a real-time EHR-to-EDC technology platform, reducing clinical trial data-entry time by over half and improving data accuracy. The platform automatically transfers 70% of data with 100% accuracy, freeing up research teams to focus on patient care and advancing research.

Model traces C. diff spread in hospital oncology units

A new study models C. diff transmission in oncology units, revealing that asymptomatic colonized patients are the primary source of new infections. The model provides a clearer picture of C. diff transmission events and could help inform protocols to prevent future disease transmission.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 5, 2026

Even modest post-infection complications can make expanded vaccine coverage cost effective: New modelling

Researchers developed a system of mathematical equations to examine interactions between interventions and post-infection effects. The team found that even small post-infection costs could shift the optimal vaccine coverage to higher rates, even to elimination levels.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 2026

New editorial calls for investing in hospital nursing workforce to address health impacts of extreme heat

A new editorial emphasizes the need to prioritize nurse staffing and supportive work environments to address the health impacts of extreme heat. The authors argue that building climate resilience requires ensuring bedside nurses have the necessary resources to deliver timely care and continuous surveillance during heat events.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalPublic Health Nursing·DateOct 5, 2026

Programmable rotation of single cells along arbitrary axes via opto-thermo-osmotic torque

Researchers developed a programmable platform capable of rotating single cells along arbitrary axes and switching between distinct rotational modes. The platform uses a plasmonic substrate with localized temperature gradients and depletion forces to confine cells, enabling highly flexible control of forces and torques.

Mental health stigma in Japan may deter care

A study of mental health stigma in Japan found that high levels of social distancing toward people with mental illness serve as a barrier to care. However, a sense of 'mattering' may encourage treatment. Prior treatment experience and beliefs about treatment efficacy were also associated with greater treatment-seeking willingness.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalInternational Journal for Equity in Health·TypeSurvey·DateOct 5, 2026

Potassium brings plasmonics closer to its low-loss limit

Researchers demonstrate that potassium can act as an ultralow-loss plasmonic metal, overcoming the conventional loss-confinement tradeoff. The new fabrication method called slipping-assisted oxide-free crystallization enables centimeter-scale potassium films with low optical damping and strong optical confinement.

Rat sperm freezing without the egg yolk

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a new, egg-yolk-free cryopreservation solution for rat sperm, yielding a fertilization rate of approximately 70% and 36% live births. The solution, combining OptiPrep, ethylene glycol, sericin, and nucleotides, reduces damage to sperm plasma and acrosomal membranes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBiology of Reproduction·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2026

Venomous snakes evolved striking colours to stand out

Researchers found that venomous snakes stand out more against their natural background than non-venomous species, suggesting a link between venom and warning coloration. The study supports the idea that being highly visible may be a survival strategy for some venomous snakes.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 5, 2026

Carbon nanomaterials prime alfalfa roots to speed polyethylene breakdown in soil

Carbon nanomaterials, such as MWCNTs and graphene oxide, can prime alfalfa roots to accelerate polyethylene breakdown in soil, reducing plastic persistence and phytotoxicity. The study identifies key microbial taxa and predicted metabolic functions linked to enhanced breakdown, offering a proof-of-concept strategy for rhizoremediation.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateOct 5, 2026

Pharmaceutical sector stakeholders see changes to EU chemicals legislation as presenting both opportunities and challenges for the green transformation

Reforms to EU chemicals legislation create both opportunities and challenges for the green transformation in the pharmaceutical sector. Stakeholders view regulations as supporting sustainable practices, but also pose challenges, such as diverting resources away from sustainability measures.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalSustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy·DateOct 5, 2026

Risks to unique dialects of birdsong

A new study from Ukraine used satellite imagery to assess the wartime destruction of forests hosting unique bird song dialects of the Common Chaffinch, finding nearly a third have been damaged or destroyed by combat. The study highlights the cultural loss of these dialects, which cannot be restored by replanting the forest, and calls f...

Efficient selective air oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde catalyzed by MN-based systems

Researchers in India have developed a manganese-based catalytic system that selectively converts toluene into benzaldehyde using air as the oxidant, achieving high selectivity for benzaldehyde without over-oxidising it further. The system, composed of manganese acetate, iron chloride, and sodium bromide, outperforms traditional catalys...

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Catalysis·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 5, 2026