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Science News for September 15, 2026


Bacillus amyloliquefaciens x60 shows broad-spectrum antagonistic activity against tobacco phyllosphere pathogens and reduces phytopathogen abundance by 85%

The strain exhibited potent antagonistic activity against a broad range of phyllosphere microorganisms, including 13 pathogenic fungi and 12 non-pathogenic fungi. In field trials, X60 achieved 52.35% control efficacy against leaf spot diseases and significantly reduced phytopathogen abundance.

SourceInstitute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalACTA MICROBIOLOGICA SINICA·DateSep 15, 2026

Transcriptomic analysis of the hierarchical response and tolerance mechanism of Penicillium oxalicum Z2 to licorice flavonoid stress

The fungus adapts its metabolic pathways to survive at low flavonoid levels, and activates a separate set of protective genes at high concentrations. This two-layer defense system enables it to maintain growth and enzyme production under stress conditions.

SourceInstitute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalACTA MICROBIOLOGICA SINICA·DateSep 15, 2026

Differences in nematicidal function and mechanisms between two strains of Priestia megaterium

Researchers analyzed the nematicidal activity of two biocontrol bacterial strains, B133 and B104, against Meloidogyne incognita. The study reveals differences in genetic composition and metabolic mechanisms influencing nematicidal activity. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for targeted screening and genetic engineering o...

SourceInstitute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalACTA MICROBIOLOGICA SINICA·DateSep 15, 2026

How disease-causing E. coli quickly finds a new way to grip human cells—revealing a possible target for future treatments

Researchers discovered how E. coli bacteria can quickly adapt to attach to human cells when they lose one of their main attachment mechanisms, and found that this process can lead to stronger attachment and more effective infection. The findings suggest a possible target for future treatments that could prevent bacterial attachment and...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalGut Microbes·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2026

Turning friction heat into a chemical cushion to shape flawless semiconductor crystals

The new method uses a chemical additive to create a sacrificial molecular cushion on the crystal surface, allowing for smoother cutting and reducing defects. This technique slashes subsurface crystal defects to a depth of only 70 nanometers, promising to revolutionize semiconductor manufacturing.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateSep 15, 2026

Savory or sweet? How a new understanding of taste receptors might tickle your taste buds

Researchers from The University of Osaka have discovered the first structure of a pufferfish umami taste receptor, which can detect a surprisingly wide range of amino acids, including both L- and D-amino acids. This breakthrough could lead to new taste experiences for humans and improve the development of umami flavors.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2026

Rolling with the waves

Roll waves play a crucial role in hydraulic engineering, but current design standards overlook their formation. Researchers at Kyoto University discovered a fundamental flaw in existing standards, revealing the importance of understanding unsteady flows like roll waves.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2026

Single material enables efficient charge injection into two types of ultrathin semiconductors, paving the way for smaller, more energy-efficient AI chips

Researchers developed a single-material 'universal charge injector' that injects charge into two types of ultrathin semiconductors using tin diselenide (SnSe2). This technology addresses a major obstacle in atomically thin semiconductors, enabling efficient charge injection and paving the way for smaller, more energy-efficient AI chips.

New optical screen could pave way for cheaper infrared cameras

Researchers have developed a new optical screen that converts infrared light to visible light, making it possible to create cheaper and more compact infrared cameras. The screen, made of tiny structures thousands of times smaller than a human hair, can produce images more than 1000 times brighter than traditional methods.

Professor Graeme Clark awarded Honda Prize

Professor Graeme Clark has been jointly awarded the 2026 Honda Prize for his pioneering work on multichannel cochlear implants, which have restored hearing to over 650,000 people globally. His research and collaboration with industry led to the development of the bionic ear, a device that transmits sound directly to the brain.

New species of 240-million-year-old prehistoric animal from Tanzania discovered

A new species of 240-million-year-old prehistoric animal from Tanzania has been discovered, which could refine the age of one of the world's most significant fossil sites and reshape the timeline of early dinosaur evolution. The discovery links Tanzanian and South American fossil-bearing rocks, showing they are of equivalent age and co...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2026

Thousands of most vulnerable children and young people missing out on mental health support

A new study found that nearly 50,000 children and young people on child protection plans and 84,000 in care are at risk of mental health difficulties. Only 9-18% of these children had contact with mental health services in a given year, highlighting the need for increased support and referrals.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalChild and Adolescent Mental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2026

Study: Sibling interactions are an untapped resource for early engineering education

Researchers at Binghamton University identified clear roles among siblings on STEM tasks, including colleague, lead engineer, and provocateur roles. Sibling relationships offer a safe space for children to develop engineering skills, and programs should tap into this relationship for effective education.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Engineering Education·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2026

AI models put to the test for spotting stroke damage on routine brain scans

Researchers compared three AI approaches to spot stroke lesions on contrast-free MRI scans, finding that the self-configuring nnU-Net achieved the highest accuracy and was faster than other models. The study highlights the importance of rigorous testing and standardization in developing reliable AI systems for clinical use.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalJournal of Intelligent Systems in Current Computer Engineering·DateSep 15, 2026

Diabetes prevention: epigenetic changes may influence the benefits of a healthy diet

A healthy diet is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, particularly among those with lower epigenetic risk profiles. The study found that diet quality modifies the risk of diabetes independently of genetic predisposition, suggesting personalized prevention strategies may be effective.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalCardiovascular Diabetology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2026

Nine in 10 UK gambling websites breaching data privacy law, study finds

A recent study by Swansea University's GREAT Centre found that nearly nine in 10 UK-licensed online gambling websites are operating in breach of the General Data Protection Regulation. The study's results showed that cookie consent banners on these websites are designed to steer users into handing over their data, with participants thr...

SourceSwansea University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2026

When generative AI meets geroscience: Insilico Medicine decodes landmark biological age reversal study at Nature AI Conference

Insilico Medicine's AI-driven drug candidate, rentosertib, achieved a unanimous reversal of biological age across six independent proteomic aging clocks in a Phase IIa clinical trial. The study demonstrated significant reductions in predicted biological age and reversals of up to six years, with key biological mechanisms involving seno...

Study reveals the work & health insurance roller coaster millions of Americans ride

A new study reveals that workers with variable hours and incomes are more likely to rely on Medicaid or ACA Marketplace plans, which may be affected by 2027 changes. Millions of low- and middle-income workers with irregular schedules will be particularly susceptible to Medicaid disenrollment due to fluctuating work hours.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2026

It bends, but does not break: the Italian Institute of Technology develops a new sustainable treatment for shaping wood

The IIT's new treatment makes wood temporarily flexible, allowing for easy shaping, and uses a green solvent derived from cellulose. The method provides a sustainable alternative to current, more polluting or energy-intensive processes, supporting a circular economy.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2026

Submit a manuscript to the journal Mycology for an article collection on fungal biomanufacturing

The journal Mycology invites submissions for an article collection on fungal biomanufacturing, a field that leverages microorganisms for bioproducts and pharmaceuticals. Guest advisors Yongjun Wei and Boyang Ji will guest edit the collection, bringing expertise in synthetic microbiology and genome-scale metabolic modeling.

BESSY II: High-resolution insights into individual biomolecules and catalysts

Researchers have developed a new technique for nanoscale infrared spectroscopy that allows for the analysis of individual biomolecules and catalysts in aqueous environments. The technique, called nanoscale infrared spectroscopy (s-SNOM), uses ultra-thin silicon-based membranes to protect the sample and allow for high-resolution measure...

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2026

From signal fluctuations to concentration fingerprints: Statistical SERS intensity distributions enable reliable quantitation

Researchers developed a statistical SERS strategy to turn signal fluctuations into concentration fingerprints, enabling more reliable ultrasensitive quantitation. By analyzing the full continuous SERS intensity distribution, the team achieved 100% identification accuracy across diverse chemical and biological applications.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2026

Home advantage or pastures new? Shorebirds in the high Arctic rarely return to the same breeding ground

A new study by Max Planck Institute researchers found that shorebirds breeding in Arctic tundra return to breeding sites far less often than those in other habitats. The study, which analyzed decades of field data, suggests that geography plays a key role in a shorebird's decision to return or settle elsewhere.

Dresden researchers develop on-premise medical AI agent for reliable clinical decision support

Dresden researchers create an on-premise medical AI system that supports diagnoses and clinical decision-making, while protecting sensitive patient data and enabling clinicians to assess AI-generated result reliability. The system achieves high diagnostic accuracy in standardized tests, with consistent answers indicating correct diagno...

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 15, 2026

Printing balanced vegetarian dishes from rice and lentil flours

A team from Singapore University of Technology and Design developed a method to print balanced vegetarian dishes from rice and lentil flours using 3D food printing. The researchers found that freezing the prints before cooking helped preserve their shape and structure, and different cooking methods produced distinct textures and flavors.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalInnovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies·DateSep 15, 2026

Reducing infections after heart surgery could save Medicare $441 million per year

A new study by Michigan Medicine found that heart surgery infection rates vary significantly across U.S. hospitals, with some experiencing nearly double the risk of others. By reducing infections, hospitals could prevent 2,600 infections and reduce Medicare spending by $441 million annually.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2026

Beyond the gut: Necrotizing enterocolitis drives neurodevelopmental impairment through gut-derived inflammation

A comprehensive review reveals that necrotizing enterocolitis fundamentally alters brain development in premature infants, leading to lasting cognitive, motor, and behavioral impairments. The study highlights the role of gut-derived inflammation in driving brain injury and identifies promising new avenues for intervention.

SourceZhejiang University·JournalWorld Journal of Pediatric Surgery·DateSep 15, 2026

Global sexual and reproductive health and rights under threat, warn CUNY SPH experts and collaborators

Experts warn that proposed UN reforms will weaken global commitments to gender equality and undermine decades of progress on maternal health and gender-based violence. The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy has launched a special collection examining threats to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Discovery on neural wiring could unlock paths toward treatment of spinal cord injury, stroke

A team of researchers at Brown University's Carney Institute for Brain Science has discovered a genetic atlas of neuronal development, which could provide a potential step forward for understanding how to repair broken neural connections. The study found that neurons use a genetic switch in the cell body to control axon growth, allowin...

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2026

Bubbles the food-stealing dolphin finds shortcut to easy meal

Researchers observed Bubbles, a common bottlenose dolphin, using a novel feeding strategy to steal food from fish on the Great Barrier Reef. In 11 documented instances, he harassed fish until they regurgitated their food, then feasted on the remains. This behavior may help Bubbles avoid the energy cost of catching his own food.

SourceUniversity of the Sunshine Coast·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2026

Breakthrough optimization of chlamydospore fermentation for cladophialophora guangxiense HX2

Researchers optimized liquid fermentation for Cladophialophora guangxiense HX2, increasing chlamydospore yield by 145.13% and shelf life, promising a novel approach for low-cost biocontrol agents. The findings provide critical process parameters for large-scale fermentation and field application.

SourceInstitute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalACTA MICROBIOLOGICA SINICA·DateSep 15, 2026

Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone ranks No. 1 in New York for pediatric pulmonology and lung surgery

Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone has been ranked as the No. 1 children's hospital in New York State for pediatric pulmonology and lung surgery. The hospital offers advanced pulmonary care, including pediatric lung transplant expertise, and innovative treatments for complex respiratory and thoracic conditions.

252 million young children in developing countries are undernourished, multidimensionally poor, or both, new global study finds

A new global study finds nearly half of children under 5 in developing regions are poor, undernourished, or both. The report highlights the urgent need for multisectoral approaches to address child poverty, with over 96 million children experiencing four to five deprivations, including undernutrition and out-of-school status.

Great Salt Lake’s ancient past reveals how quickly fresh water can disappear

Researchers at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences traced 240,000 years of lake history, finding two brief freshwater phases, including Lake Bonneville, which lasted longer and was fresher than an earlier lake phase. The study suggests that the lake's future is threatened by human water use and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPaleoceanography and Paleoclimatology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2026

NUS study: ESG assessments overlook forest loss

A NUS study examines the relationship between corporate deforestation and ESG scores, finding that ratings track public image, not actual deforestation. The study suggests that incorporating satellite-based environmental data into sustainable investing frameworks could improve ESG assessments.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2026

Why do some heatwaves last through the night in the Yangtze River Basin?

Compound heatwaves over the Yangtze River Basin show a 10-30 day rhythm, with a two-stage process of increased moisture and anticyclonic conditions favoring warm and humid lower atmosphere. This results in intense daytime heating and unusually warm nights, highlighting the importance of early signals for heatwave prediction.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateSep 15, 2026

American College of Lifestyle Medicine recognized by Fast Company for innovative project on type 2 diabetes remission

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine earned an honorable mention in the Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards for its Project Remission, a digital film series exploring lifestyle medicine's role in type 2 diabetes remission. The project features clinicians and industry leaders integrating the six pillars of lifestyle medicine ...

A third of Americans cannot name the three branches of government

According to the 2026 Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey, 35% of U.S. adults cannot name all three branches of government, while 65% can name the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The survey also found that 73% cite freedom of speech as the only First Amendment right they can name, with 24% naming none of the rights.

FAU study pinpoints non-fatal overdose hotspots in Palm Beach County

A new FAU study pinpoints non-fatal overdose hotspots in Palm Beach County, revealing associations between overdose locations and built-environment features. Outdoor overdoses were more likely to occur near gas stations, major transportation corridors, and in non-residential areas, with housing instability emerging as a strong factor.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 15, 2026

Drought-flood alternation under climate change

Climate change is increasing the frequency of both droughts and floods, with back-to-back extreme events stressing crops and reducing yield. The area affected by such events is also likely to increase, with low-income populations facing the steepest relative increases in exposure.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateSep 15, 2026

Cardiovascular disease tops cancer as leading cause of death among Hispanic adults in U.S.

A new American Heart Association scientific statement reveals that cardiovascular disease has surpassed cancer as the leading cause of death among Hispanic adults in the U.S. due to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The statement highlights the need for culturally tailored prevention strategies, equitable acce...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateSep 15, 2026

Pre-European Indigenous Australian population was much larger than previously thought and decimated after arrival of First Fleet

A new study calculates the pre-colonial Indigenous population was up to 2.22 million, significantly higher than previous estimates. The research also estimates 2.06 million excess deaths between 1788 and 1861, highlighting the devastating impacts of colonization.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2026

Subangstrom Fe-N bond tuning increases C-H oxidation activity nearly 23-fold

Researchers developed a strategy to precisely regulate the Fe-N bond distance in single-atom catalysts, resulting in a nearly 23-fold increase in C-H oxidation activity. The subtle change in bond distance influenced the electronic structure of the Fe center and led to enhanced catalytic performance.

Watching sports on YouTube Doesn’t mean you’ll get off the couch, new SEOULTECH research shows

College students who engage with sports content online are no more likely to participate in real-world physical activity, according to a SeoulTech study. The research suggests that YouTube sports content could be improved to encourage viewers to engage in sustained physical activity with practical features.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalPerformance Enhancement & Health·TypeSurvey·DateSep 15, 2026

IEEE study explores new photonics breakthrough: topology imprinting in nonlinear metasurfaces

A recent study explores topology imprinting in nonlinear metasurfaces, enabling precise control of light at the nanoscale. This approach can generate complex structured light fields while preserving their unique structures across different wavelengths, paving the way for compact next-generation photonic technologies.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Photonics Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 15, 2026