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Science News Archive October 2026 - Page 49


Page 49 of 50

Simply telling teenagers ‘just don’t send nudes’ does not work and can deepen shame, researchers warn

Current responses to teenagers sharing sexual images are often fragmented, punitive, and poorly equipped to address evolving threats like sextortion and deepfakes. Researchers propose a new approach called 'safe uncertainty,' which prioritizes restoring safety, dignity, and trust in cases of image-based sexual abuse.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalSexualities·TypeObservational study·DateOct 1, 2026

Catalog of mitochondria across life’s family tree unearths new roles for the cell’s powerhouse

Researchers have built a comprehensive catalog of mitochondrial proteins across six eukaryotic organisms, including five parasites and one plant, providing insights into the organelle's evolution and functions. The study suggests new therapeutic targets for neglected tropical diseases and sheds light on the origins of mitochondria in e...

Staphylococcus aureus is highly resistant and virulent in milk

Staphylococcus aureus grows differently in milk and serum, with thicker membranes and increased pigment production in milk, making it more virulent and resistant to antibiotics. This unique relationship between milk lipids and bacterial severity suggests a need to adapt treatment protocols for mastitis infections.

Sometimes it helps to take a step back

A study found that family caregivers who write immediately after a stressful event or while with the care recipient tend to focus on emotional expression, whereas those who wait or change their environment exhibit more objective reflection and problem-solving. The researchers hope their findings will encourage caregivers to recognize t...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2026

Mount Sinai study uncovers how loss of the critical tumor suppressor p53 enables mutant cells to expand through normal tissue

A Mount Sinai study reveals that loss of p53 can reorganize Wnt signaling into a radial gradient, allowing mutant cells to expand through normal tissue. The researchers found that the spatial organization of Wnt signaling, rather than its overall activity, plays a critical role in this process.

Science or strategy? Researchers call for transparency over the Anthropocene rejection

A commentary paper by Max Planck Institute researchers argues that the IUGS decision to reject the Anthropocene proposal was based on compromised evaluation and invalid voting processes. The authors demand transparency and procedural legitimacy, citing the importance of geoscience informing societal understanding of Earth system change.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalEarth's Future·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 1, 2026

Alzheimer’s disease and aging reshape brain communication in different ways

A new study from Lund University reveals that Alzheimer's disease changes brain communication in distinct patterns from normal aging, with early alterations detectable before cognitive symptoms emerge. The study analyzed brain imaging from over 1,000 people, showing that connectivity patterns between brain regions change in coordinated...

SourceLund University·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 1, 2026

Study links 90+-day spaceflights to higher rates of hip fractures in astronauts

Researchers found a higher incidence of hip fractures in astronauts after long-duration spaceflights, occurring at a younger age than expected in non-astronauts. The study suggests the need for expanded assessment of long-term skeletal health in astronauts to safeguard their health ahead of planned long-duration space missions.

SourceElsevier·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 1, 2026

Following ancient rain toward the origins of life on Mars

A new map shows where atmospheric formaldehyde on early Mars is likely to have reached the surface, potentially providing clues to the origins of life on the planet. Water vapor played a crucial role in formaldehyde formation and delivery, with water-rich regions predicted to receive more formaldehyde than drier areas.

SourceTohoku University·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·DateOct 1, 2026

"Mom says a pink flight jacket is ok"

A new study examines the Instagram activity of three women astronauts and science influencers, finding that personal experiences, identity, and platform-specific tools contribute to shaping their messages. The researchers identified six broad topics, seven message frames, and five types of communication tactics, highlighting the strate...

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Science Communication·TypeCase study·DateOct 1, 2026

When does the molecule emerge from the column?

The new approach can make predictions even for new systems and unknown molecules, outperforming previous methods that required extensive training on the target system. The method can be used to identify unknown small molecules in natural product research, environmental analysis, food chemistry, and pharmaceutical research.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Methods·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 1, 2026

Q&A: The safety and sterilization of pharmaceuticals manufacturing

Pharmaceutical products can become contaminated with microorganisms, posing serious health risks. Sterilization processes vary in time and cost, with heat sterilization and gamma irradiation being traditional methods. Aseptic processing and sterile filtration are also used to produce sterile drug products.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiotechnology Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2026

Largest-ever jaguar analysis identifies how jaguar populations are connected across the Americas

A comprehensive assessment of jaguar connectivity across the Americas has identified key habitats and movement corridors that could guide conservation efforts. The study found a vast connected landscape spanning across 11 countries, with major connectivity gaps in parts of Mexico, Central America, and the Atlantic Forest.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 1, 2026

Even high-altitude forests in Switzerland are now weakened by frequent droughts, making natural hazards more dangerous

Researchers found that Swiss forests are no longer shielded from the worst effects of summer droughts, despite growing at high altitudes. The study, published in Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, reveals that the number of trees per stand is reduced due to drought, causing a progressive decline of these precious forests.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Forests and Global Change·TypeObservational study·DateOct 1, 2026