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Science News for September 18, 2026


Running marathons with type 1 diabetes can be safe, shows small study using continuous glucose monitoring devices

Researchers assessed glucose levels, carbohydrate intake, and continuous glucose monitoring accuracy during the 2025 Poznań Marathon. Participants with type 1 diabetes completed the race with performance comparable to controls, highlighting the potential for safe marathon participation with proper glucose management.

Deep learning helps scientists design materials that can both detect and capture toxic sulfur gases

Researchers developed a multitask deep learning framework to predict how strongly a material adsorbs sulfur gases and how effectively it senses them. The approach accelerated the discovery of materials for gas detection and purification, highlighting specific material candidates with strong sensing responses to toxic gases.

Dual-metal fluorescent probe enables ultrasensitive, color-changing uranium detection with a smartphone

Researchers have developed a fluorescent sensing platform that can detect uranyl ions at very low concentrations while producing a color change that can be analyzed with a smartphone. The probe achieves ratiometric detection with built-in self-calibration, providing accurate quantification of uranium contamination in water.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalSustainable Carbon Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2026

Proven radiotracer highly effective in detecting rare, aggressive kidney cancer

A new radiotracer, 18F-FDG PET/CT, has been shown to be highly effective in detecting rare and aggressive kidney cancer, renal medullary carcinoma (RMC). The tracer identified lesions in 98% of RMC patients and led to a change in treatment plan for 21% of patients with active disease, highlighting its potential to improve patient care.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateSep 18, 2026

Scientists map the hidden protein network that helps red blood cells adapt to oxygen

Researchers identified 3,775 proteins in red blood cells and mapped thousands of physical interactions, revealing a dynamic network that adapts quickly to low-oxygen conditions. The study provides new insight into how red blood cells respond to high-altitude exposure and strenuous exercise, as well as pathological hypoxia.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2026

Loss of Y chromosome in men could be early warning sign of cancer

Researchers found that the loss of the Y chromosome in healthy-seeming tissue can serve as an early indicator of cancer development. The study analyzed 1,000 tissue samples from 405 men and discovered that Y chromosome loss increased in normal tissue adjacent to tumors, particularly in organs like the colon, rectum, and esophagus.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJCI Insight·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 18, 2026

A machine learning model distinguishes levels of psychological resilience in healthcare workers with 75% accuracy

A machine learning model accurately predicted healthcare workers' psychological resilience with 75% accuracy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study identified stress, anxiety, and depression as key factors weakening resilience, while coping strategies like social support and meditation were associated with greater resilience.

SourceUniversidad Tecnica Particular de Loja·JournalDiscover Artificial Intelligence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 18, 2026

Kids involved with child protective services miss much more school than their peers

Research from Ohio State University found that students with CPS contact are more likely to miss school and feel disconnected from their schools. Despite school connectedness interventions, these students still face attendance gaps, emphasizing the need for a broader toolkit addressing poverty, housing, and health disparities.

SourceOhio State University·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateSep 18, 2026

New form of plastic pollution discovered on the shores of vulnerable coral reefs

Researchers have found 'plasticorals', coral rubble fused with plastic, on the shores of vulnerable coral reefs in Okinawa, Japan. This discovery highlights a potential threat to critical marine environments, as plastic pollution can disrupt coral propagation and harbor coral pathogens.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 18, 2026

University Hospitals researchers find major increase in the use of MRI before prostate biopsy

Researchers found a major increase in the use of MRI before prostate biopsy, with usage rising from 14% in 2017 to 64% in 2026. This shift is closely tied to the publication of major trials and the adoption of guidelines. The study suggests that MRI use is becoming more widespread, especially among men with prior negative biopsies.

Anti-transgender legislation causes psychological distress even in states with trans-friendly laws, according to VCU research

New VCU research found that individuals with trans identities experience psychological distress from anti-transgender laws, even in states with trans-friendly laws. The study also highlights the importance of individual support systems and societal support in mitigating psychological distress.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateSep 18, 2026

University of Cincinnati emergency medicine physicians safely eliminate thousands of unnecessary CT scans

A targeted quality improvement campaign by University of Cincinnati emergency medicine physicians safely reduced unnecessary head and cervical spine CT scans in low-risk trauma patients, saving patients $6.2 million in healthcare costs and avoiding significant radiation exposure. The campaign, which included continuing education sessio...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalWestern Journal of Emergency Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 18, 2026

Large study finds no added risk of rare artery tear following chiropractic neck care

Researchers analyzed over 862,000 adults with new neck pain or headache and found no increased risk of cervical artery dissection among those receiving chiropractic care. The study suggests chiropractic spinal manipulation is safe for neck pain treatment, but clinicians should remain alert to warning signs of artery tear.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalChiropractic & Manual Therapies·DateSep 18, 2026

Global mortality and disability burden from 1990 to 2021: contrasting patterns across development levels and the roles of population growth and ageing

Global mortality and disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) burdens increased from 1990 to 2021, with neurological disorders showing the largest increase in mortality rates. Non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, dominated DALY rates, while population growth and ageing contributed to changing disease burdens.

SourceScience China Press·JournalMedicine Plus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 18, 2026

Characterization of nanoparticles and fluorescent recombinant extracellular vesicles using three different generations of high-sensitivity flow cytometers

This study compares three flow cytometers for characterizing nanoparticles and extracellular vesicles. The results show that sensitivity varies between instruments and that sample concentration affects particle discrimination. The study provides practical guidance for selecting detection strategies and sample concentrations.

SourceHEP Data Cooperation Journals·JournalExtracellular Vesicles and Circulating Nucleic Acids·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2026

How 30,000 archaeological treasures were saved from imminent destruction during Syria’s civil war

A new study sheds light on the rescue of approximately 30,000 priceless artifacts from the Deir ez-Zor Museum during Syria's civil war. The operation, led by Professor Maamoun Abdulkarim, demonstrates the importance of decision-making, institutional resilience, and trust in protecting cultural heritage during wartime.

SourceUniversity of Sharjah·JournalMuseum Management and Curatorship·DateSep 18, 2026

High-voltage electrostatic fields “empower” tomato seedling cultivation: why does a positive electric field better “understand” the plant’s heart?

Research reveals that positive electric fields better understand the plant's physiological network, promoting growth and improving photosynthetic efficiency. The study found that +HVEF enhanced stomatal conductance, increased chlorophyll content, and activated key photosynthetic enzymes.

SourceHigher Education Press·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2026

How adult chimpanzees teach young ones to use tools

A study reveals that adult chimpanzees, particularly mothers, facilitate tool use and transfer in young ones to acquire skills. The researchers found that mothers use teaching methods, such as passing tools and fruits, to help their offspring learn tool-use behaviors. The study also highlights the importance of social learning mechanis...

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2026

The attraction of bowing

A study published in Japanese Psychological Research found that bowing motions are interpreted consistently within each cultural population, regardless of racial and physical appearance. Among Japanese participants, bowing was found to increase attractiveness ratings substantially, whereas among participants from other countries, the e...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJapanese Psychological Research·DateSep 18, 2026

Researchers identify brain circuit linked to food cravings during pregnancy

Researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center have identified a brain mechanism that may help explain how pregnancy changes the motivation to seek certain highly palatable foods. The study found that serotonin neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus become less active during pregnancy, increasing food-craving-like behavior in animal...

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 18, 2026

New doping method could boost the performance of organic semiconductors

Researchers at Concordia University have developed a new doping method that can create up to 100 times more mobile electrical charges in organic semiconductors, potentially making the material much more conductive. The degradation-assisted doping approach uses Lewis acids to break down and recycle dopants, improving the performance of ...

SourceConcordia University·JournalNature Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 18, 2026

The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Ahead-of-Print Tip Sheet: September 18, 2026

New research in nuclear medicine advances detection and treatment of clear cell renal cell carcinoma with high accuracy, while SSTR antagonists show potential for imaging and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors. Alternative beta-emitting radionuclides are also being explored for targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateSep 18, 2026

Engineering phytoremediation for removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from various environmental matrices

This technology uses specialized plants and soil treatments to remove or contain PFAS chemicals from soil and water, making cleanup safer and more effective at contaminated sites. The approach combines mobilization, stabilization, and seed selection strategies to optimize PFAS removal or containment.

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Time’s running out to catch giant planet’s strange orbit

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered a rare, hot Jupiter with an eccentric orbit that provides a unique opportunity to study this class of planet. The planet, TOI-1355 b, orbits its star in just two Earth days and will soon disappear from view due to its rapidly changing orbit.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2026

In ‘From Code to Cloud,’ Maura and Fadi Deek carry forward the teaching legacy of NJIT professor James McHugh

The new textbook, 'From Code to Cloud: Developing Web Applications,' brings together the work of NJIT professors Maura and Fadi Deek and alumnus Wei Yao Ph.D. '24, in completion of a project initiated by late professor James McHugh. The book emphasizes fundamental concepts needed to understand web application development, covering topi...

Bio-inspired whiskers enable tiny drones to navigate in darkness using touch

Researchers at Delft University of Technology developed a lightweight whisker-based tactile sensor that enables tiny drones to navigate and explore their surroundings through gentle touch. The system uses artificial whiskers inspired by rodent vibrissae to provide continuous feedback about the environment during contact.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2026

Chronic stress may trigger hidden inflammation that damages the heart

A large-scale study found that chronic stress triggers hidden inflammation in the heart, leading to structural changes and increased risk of heart attacks and stroke. Higher levels of inflammation were associated with socioeconomic disadvantage, psychological distress, and established risk factors like smoking and excess body fat.

SourceMedical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Medical Sciences·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateSep 18, 2026