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Science News for September 17, 2026


KAIST technology behind toothbrushes and sportswear advances into high-performance graphene fiber research

Recent advances in high-performance graphene fibers based on graphene oxide liquid crystals have improved strength and thermal conductivity. Researchers at KAIST and worldwide have developed technologies to overcome limitations, leading to applications in consumer products and emerging fields.

Regular exercise has greater impact on reducing risk of type 2 diabetes in younger adults, but the highest absolute benefit in older adults, finds UK Biobank study

A UK Biobank study found that higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity are associated with a substantially lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly among younger adults. Encouraging older adults to be physically active could prevent more cases of type 2 diabetes due to their high overall risk.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Diabetes·JournalDiabetes Obesity and Metabolism·DateSep 17, 2026

Right dose of biochar boosts vegetable yields and nitrogen efficiency in Southern China

A two-year field study found that moderate biochar application improves soil quality, strengthens microbial activity, and helps vegetable crops make better use of nitrogen fertilizer. Biochar application rates above 20 t ha⁻¹ did not produce additional yield benefits and could disturb nutrient balance or microbial conditions.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalNitrogen Cycling·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2026

Microplastics may help antibiotic resistance travel farther through livestock waste

A new review suggests that microplastics can act as mobile carriers for antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes, creating hotspots where resistance can persist and spread. The review calls for integrated treatment methods to control microplastics, antibiotics, and resistance genes.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalAgricultural Ecology and Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 17, 2026

Hot new dataset focuses on human health

The High-resolution Urban Meteorology for Impacts Dataset for Atlanta Metropolitan Region (HUMID-Atlanta) analyzes the effects of urban heat stress on human health, providing a new tool for city governments and health officials to minimize heat impacts. The dataset helps identify the mix of weather and infrastructure that leads to spik...

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalScientific Data·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 17, 2026

In hottest summer on record, 2 in 3 Americans say climate change is increasing heat-related illnesses

A survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that climate change is increasingly affecting Americans' daily lives, from electricity bills to outdoor activities and sleep. The survey also reveals that 76% of respondents report that extreme outdoor heat affected their daily activities at least sometimes in the past year.

Scientists map mysterious “blue place” of the brain and discover longest brain cell in mouse and cells used for learning

Researchers mapped the locus coeruleus (LC) neurons, discovering they transmit multiple signals through distinct routes with great precision. They found that LC neurons in the dorsal part send connections to the cerebral cortex and forebrain, while those in the ventral area communicate with the brainstem and spinal cord.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2026

REM and deep sleep, not just total sleep time, associated with disease risk

A new study found that greater amounts of REM and deep sleep were associated with lower risks of dozens of diseases, while less than 5 hours of total sleep was linked to high risks of disease. The study analyzed data from 95,559 UK Biobank participants and identified significant associations between sleep patterns and incident diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 17, 2026

Blood test trends may help identify patients at increased risk of cancer

A study found that trends in 26 blood tests were associated with cancer risk in patients with unexplained weight loss. Researchers identified specific trends linked to lung and prostate cancers, suggesting that monitoring changes in routine blood test results could identify patients who would benefit from additional cancer testing.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 17, 2026

Mt. Mantap nuclear testing triggered delayed seismicity via fault reactivation

A new study reveals that North Korea's underground nuclear tests at Mt. Mantap have triggered persistent and organized seismic activity via fault reactivation. The explosions have the potential to reactivate seismically quiet faults and produce earthquakes that may be difficult to distinguish from naturally occurring tectonic activity.

Introducing RADAR, a generalist AI tool for abdominal CT diagnosis

A new AI model called RADAR demonstrates substantial performance in abdominal CT diagnosis, outperforming existing systems across various diseases and clinical settings. The model achieves high accuracy in diverse patient cohorts, clinical settings, and imaging protocols, showcasing its potential for an expert-level generalist system i...

New process for making MXenes via vapor-phase synthesis could expand technological applications

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a new process for making MXenes via vapor-phase synthesis, which could enable their use in energy, electronic, and quantum technologies. The new method bypasses traditional chemical etching steps and uses abundant precursors, resulting in lower-cost and higher-quality MXene materials.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2026

Glucose patterns captured by continuous glucose monitors linked to cardiometabolic risk in adults without diabetes

Researchers found that glucose patterns captured by CGM devices among adults without diabetes are related to markers of cardiometabolic risk, including hypertension and cholesterol levels. Higher average glucose and higher glucose variability were associated with increased cardiometabolic risk.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 2026

Networks could benefit from more disorder

Researchers found that intentionally designed differences can make systems more stable, including power grids and biological networks. The study suggests that scientists and engineers could harness disorder to build more robust systems, revealing a potential explanation for the prevalence of variation in natural networks.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 17, 2026

Autism-risk mutations reveal two opposing patterns of brain gene activity

Researchers identified two opposing patterns of brain gene activity in mice carrying autism-risk mutations, which vary by sex and respond differently to experimental drugs. The patterns, which are shared across multiple analyses, suggest that many different genetic mutations converge into a limited number of molecular brain states.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2026

How compressive strain and oxygen content steer nickelate films toward high-temperature superconductivity

The study reveals that compressive strain and oxygen content drive a microscopic evolution towards superconductivity in Ruddlesden-Popper nickelates. Electronic states associated with interlayer orbitals become delocalized, long-range magnetic order loses coherence, and robust short-range magnetic correlations persist.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateSep 17, 2026

A blink into brain development: Eye-blink rate as a window into executive function and prefrontal development in early childhood

Researchers found that higher eye-blink rates in 3-6 year-olds are associated with improved cognitive flexibility and activation in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The study suggests that spontaneous eye-blink rate could be a non-invasive indicator for tracking executive function and brain development in early childhood.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCommunications Psychology·DateSep 17, 2026

SUNY College of Optometry foundation features AI and myopia leaders at inaugural Advancing Vision Summit on September 25

The summit explores the intersection of AI, eye care, and public health, with a focus on artificial intelligence, oculomics, population health, and myopia management. The event brings together leaders from healthcare, technology, and optometry to discuss innovative approaches to improve eye health and expand access to care.

How representative are our parliaments?

A new research project, led by Lea Elsässer, investigates the role of class backgrounds in shaping political representation and decision-making in parliaments. The study aims to understand how different educational and occupational trajectories influence opportunities to access political power and legislative behavior.

Wayne State launches WISE Program to strengthen digital literacy and social connection in Black older adults

The WISE Program pairs Wayne State students with Black older adults for 10-week initiatives that promote digital literacy, social connection, and meaningful relationships across generations. Students and older adults participate in guided life-story activities and work one-on-one to develop practical digital skills.

Perinatal depression and infant mortality

A Rutgers-led study of over 414,000 births in New Jersey found a substantially higher risk of infant mortality among infants born to mothers with depressive symptoms. Infants born to mothers with depressive symptoms had nearly three times the risk of death before the age of 1 compared to their counterparts.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 2026

Chemists overturn 40-year assumption about a key class of superconductor

Researchers used 3D imaging to explore cuprate superconductors, finding a patchwork of different crystal structures throughout their bulk, with boundaries hundreds of times wider than expected. This discovery may explain why some materials perform better than others and requires reinterpretation of existing bulk measurements.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2026

One-third of older adults with cognitive disorders taking prescription drugs that could harm them

A recent study found that one-third of older adults with cognitive disorders are taking prescription drugs that could harm them, increasing risk of premature death and poor mental health. However, exposure to these drugs decreased significantly between 2011 and 2022, with a 11-year decline in inappropriate medication use

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 2026

SKKU cracks the genetic code behind psoriasis through big data analysis of 1.1 million people

Researchers analyzed genomic data from 1.1 million people and identified 125 genetic susceptibility loci linked to psoriasis. They also pinpointed 50 promising therapeutic target genes through single-cell transcriptomic analysis, paving the way for personalized immune-modulating treatments.

Identifying old-growth forests in Northern Europe requires common scientific criteria

Old-growth forests in Northern Europe are vital for biodiversity, climate regulation, and cultural heritage, but face threats from logging and habitat destruction. A new review provides science-based indicators for identifying and protecting these ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of considering the forest as a whole.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalWisdom Letters·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 17, 2026

How accurately can we measure the ocean’s deepest point?

Researchers mapped the Challenger Deep using the EM124 multibeam echosounder, finding a preferred estimate of 10,927 m, which highlights the importance of sound-speed models, vessel speed, and survey conditions. The study's dataset is publicly available, allowing for further validation and comparison with other observations.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalScientific Data·TypeObservational study·DateSep 17, 2026

Detecting "pressure anisotropy" using zirconia nanoparticles

Researchers investigate tetragonal zirconia nanoparticles under hydrostatic and anisotropic pressure, revealing transformations in crystal structure that could be used to detect pressure anisotropy. This approach has potential applications in various fields, including food processing, medicine, and materials research.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalEuropean Journal of Inorganic Chemistry·DateSep 17, 2026

Francisco Rivadulla receives the Antonio Casares Rodríguez Medal from the Royal Galician Academy of Sciences

Francisco Rivadulla, a researcher at the Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS), has been awarded the Antonio Casares Rodríguez Medal for his groundbreaking work in solid-state chemistry and condensed-matter physics. The recognition highlights the centre's contribution to advancing chemistry and tra...

Nanodiamonds by laser shock

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf successfully produce high-purity, ultra-small nanodiamonds using laser compression, offering a scalable and sustainable alternative to conventional methods. The diamonds can be used in various applications, including medicine, energy technology, and catalysis.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalDiamond and Related Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2026

WA scientist helps crack black hole ‘burp’ mystery

Astronomers have long suspected black holes follow the same physics regardless of size, but proving it was difficult due to supermassive black hole evolution. WA scientist Dr Adelle Goodwin helped crack the code by studying tidal disruption events, finding two distinct jet-launching phases

SourceCurtin University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 2026

New-type NdFeB composite SERS substrate: Gradient magnetic field regulates hot spot enhancement of raman signal

Scientists create gradient magnetic field-controllable SERS substrate, enabling zone-specific Raman signal enhancement and improved detection performance. The NdFeB substrate regulates particle distribution, forming effective nanogaps and maximizing SERS enhancement efficiency.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2026

New study uncovers how the malaria parasite boosts its transmission potential under stress conditions

Researchers uncover molecular mechanism by which Plasmodium falciparum increases gametocyte production in response to stress, enabling rapid transmission to mosquitoes. The study identifies key regulators, including GDV1 and AP2-HS, that trigger a regulatory feedback loop to control gametocyte production.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2026

Understanding catalyst failure mechanism guides efficient sulfur conversion in all-solid-state batteries

Researchers developed a high-entropy sulfide catalyst that preserves its structure and suppresses atomic migration, enabling high sulfur utilization and conversion efficiency. The study proposes a failure-mechanism-guided approach to catalyst design, pointing to unresolved questions in all-solid-state sulfur chemistry.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2026

There’s no one-size-fits-all for treating older adults with cancer, according to new NCCN patient resource

The new NCCN Guidelines for Patients with Cancer explain the importance of assessments to tailor cancer care to every person, regardless of age. The guidelines stress the need for support and validation for older adults, who face unique issues such as memory function and treatment interactions with other medications and conditions.

Brain adapts to give deaf people a better visual ‘danger radar’

Research found that the brains of deaf individuals redistribute neural resources to prioritize peripheral vision, enabling them to detect movement and events outside their central field of view. This adaptation allows deaf adults to excel at monitoring their surroundings, potentially providing an advantage in detecting danger.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 17, 2026

New technique could make MRI more precise

Researchers at the University of Stuttgart have developed a new technique that allows for simultaneous excitation and detection in MRI, reducing dead time and enabling precise imaging of rapidly decaying signals. This method has potential applications in medical imaging, materials research, and safety inspections, and could lead to new...

SourceUniversitaet Stuttgart·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 17, 2026

Multi-source observations improve thunderstorm gust identification

A new physics-inspired model, PI-TGNet, can generate regional thunderstorm-gust identification maps every 10 minutes with high accuracy. The model integrates ground-based weather stations, weather radar, and satellite observations to learn characteristic wind-speed changes before thunderstorm gusts.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateSep 17, 2026

A tiny bacterium with a huge impact

Researchers discovered that gut bacteria produce vaccenic acid, a substance that activates the LRH-1 receptor, improving metabolic health and reducing inflammation. The study highlights the crucial role of the gut microbiome in regulating physiological processes and overall metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateSep 17, 2026

Unexpected findings on fatigue in teenage girls

Researchers at Lund University found that heavy menstrual bleeding, skipping meals, and daily nicotine use are linked to higher levels of self-reported tiredness in teenage girls. Iron deficiency was not found to be a cause of fatigue in the study.

SourceLund University·JournalActa Psychologica·TypeCase study·DateSep 17, 2026

What kills Schrödinger’s cat?

An underground experiment has tested a theory linking gravity to quantum decoherence, ruling out a pioneering model. The Gran Sasso National Laboratory provided an ideal environment to detect subtle fluctuations predicted by the theory, but no signal was detected, shedding light on the interplay between gravity and quantum mechanics.

SourceFoundational Questions Institute, FQXi·JournalNew Journal of Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2026

Study identifies candidate treatment targets for high-grade glioma in children and young adults

Researchers have identified candidate treatment targets for high-grade glioma in children, adolescents, and young adults, with distinct tumor biology and outcomes across patient groups. The study found that kinases, including CDK8, ATM, and ATR, may suppress oxidative phosphorylation and are potential targets for therapy.

AI isn’t as good at recognizing objects as people are

A recent study published in iScience found that AI-powered machines have difficulty recognizing objects from their overall shapes when aspects of an image are distorted. Humans, on the other hand, are able to leverage the global shape cue for visual object recognition, a skill that current AI models do not replicate.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2026

Study maps where humans are driving harmful nutrient levels along coasts

A new study found that human activities contribute more harmful nitrogen to coastal waters than all natural sources combined, posing a threat to marine life and human health. The research identifies areas of greatest concern and suggests strategies to reduce nutrient loads, including advanced technology, improved fertilizer management,...

SourceWashington State University·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 2026