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Science News for September 22, 2026


Cancer incidence remains higher in people with type 2 diabetes, with the gap widening in recent years

A nationwide study in Denmark found that cancer incidence is 12% higher among men with type 2 diabetes and 22% higher among women with type 2 diabetes compared to those without diabetes. Obesity-related cancers, such as colorectal and postmenopausal breast cancer, are particularly prevalent among people with type 2 diabetes.

Can a species evolve fast enough to avoid extinction under a changing climate?

A new study by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that climate change may be more challenging for species to adapt to than previously thought, a new study suggests. The study of black-browed albatrosses found that limiting greenhouse gas emissions can improve the species' chances of survival, reducing projected extinction p...

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2026

Target identified in treatment of neuroHIV

A new study by UC Riverside scientists has identified MAPK14, a brain protein, as the driving force behind neuroHIV damage, which causes dementia, neuropathy, and memory problems. By targeting this protein, researchers hope to develop a treatment for neuroHIV, a condition affecting millions worldwide.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2026

The brain on the edge of chaos. What keeps our vision under control?

Researchers developed a model of the primary visual cortex, introducing feedback mechanisms to constrain chaos and reduce neural activity variability. The model showed a 93 percent reduction in variability, allowing the brain to remain flexible while reliably processing visual information.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Computational Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2026

When danger is about, mice look to their friends

Researchers found that mice moved closer to a familiar companion when hearing a warning signal, but not with a stranger. This suggests a brain circuit that links social memory to threat response, with the hippocampus acting as a gatekeeper for familiar interactions.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2026

FIU study finds brain differences linked to obesity risk in preschoolers

A new study from Florida International University found that preschoolers with a higher body mass index (BMI) showed differences in brain regions involved in reward, taste, and hunger. The study suggests that the relationship between obesity risk and brain development may begin years earlier than previously thought.

SourceFlorida International University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2026

Boosting cancer screenings in high-risk groups

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that women with high smoking histories and previous cancer diagnoses were more likely to be overdue for breast cancer screening. Integrating a simple reminder into lung cancer screening programs can address the 'critical gap in preventive care', increasing adherence to recommended screen...

Pitt prototype puts potholes on notice

A startup collaboration between Silly Surfacing and the University of Pittsburgh's IDEA Lab has led to the development of a pothole-filling robot, utilizing 3D scanning, mapping, and computer vision to repair road damage. The system uses a time-of-flight camera and can fill a pothole at full scale.

AI as a tool in flavor research

Researchers developed an AI-based method to predict bitterness of peptides, enabling de novo design of bitter peptides for improved flavor control. The method used a combination of a protein language model and an artificial neural network to analyze structural data, resulting in the identification of new bitter-tasting peptides.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·Journalnpj Science of Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2026

SKKU research team LED by professor Inki Kim develops ultra-sensitive nanoplasmonic biochip housing Parkinson's patient-derived "Mini-brain"

A research team led by Professor Inki Kim has developed an ultra-sensitive nanoplasmonic biochip that verifies the efficacy of Parkinson's disease treatments in real time. The technology combines a stem cell-derived 'mini-brain' with a nanoplasmonic sensor to measure dopamine levels without damaging the tissue.

From swarming bacteria to tissue cells, living matter breaks classic physical rules of motion, BGU study finds

Living matter breaks symmetry when cellular flows form and break down collective patterns, challenging conventional liquid-crystal physics. The researchers developed an active 'nemato-polar' model, introducing polar self-propulsion into a nematically ordered system, which spontaneously creates a permanent spiral trajectory.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2026

Exploring land use in mining

A new satellite-based tool, SHABA, analyzes spatial and temporal vegetational dynamics to detect changes in vegetation around mining sites. The tool, developed by a research team at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, has the potential to quantify the global environmental impact of mining.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2026

Infectious disease epidemics are associated with global losses in human resources for health, with low- and middle-income countries impacted relatively more, according to analysis over 20 years and 194 countries

Analysis of 20 years and 194 countries reveals epidemic disasters disproportionately affect health workforce equality in low- and middle-income countries. Global losses in human resources for health are estimated due to infectious disease epidemics, with significant impacts on healthcare systems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2026

Circuit-model blind quantum computation with key decoupling

A key-decoupled circuit-model blind quantum computation protocol enhances privacy protection in delegated quantum computing while reducing operational burden. The protocol uses independent encryption and decryption keys to conceal the target operation within its Pauli equivalence class.

SourceELSP·JournalQuantum Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2026

Preventive tuberculosis treatment wanes after one year in high-burden countries, but lasts for at least 8 to 13 years in low- and medium-burden countries

Researchers found strong initial protection from TB preventive treatment (TPT) in 24 countries, but long-term protection varied depending on TB disease burden. In high-burden settings, protection waned after just one year, while in low- and medium-burden settings, it lasted at least 8 and 13 years, respectively.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 22, 2026

FDA approves first gene therapy treatment for Sanfilippo syndrome type A, developed at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital

The FDA approved FAYUVI, a gene therapy treatment for pediatric patients with Sanfilippo Syndrome Type A, following years of research at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute. The treatment, developed by Nationwide Children's Hospital, is the fourth gene therapy to gain FDA approval from the institution.

Behavioral problems in trauma-exposed youth linked to later smoking, drug and alcohol use and poor diet

Experiencing childhood trauma increases likelihood of smoking, substance use, and unhealthy eating habits due to behavioural problems in adolescence. Early interventions addressing these mental health difficulties may reduce long-term physical health consequences of childhood trauma.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2026

EdUHK scholar co-authors meta-analysis study: Digital textbooks significantly boost students’ intrinsic learning motivation

A meta-analysis of 27 studies confirms that digital textbooks (DTs) significantly enhance students' intrinsic learning motivation compared to traditional paper textbooks. DTs' accessibility, multimodal features, and interactive tools effectively meet students' core psychological needs, fostering deeper engagement and understanding.

SourceThe Education University of Hong Kong·JournalJournal of Computer Assisted Learning·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 22, 2026

Injectable nanoparticles make blind retinas respond to light

A team of researchers has developed nanoparticles that can activate nerve cells in degenerated retinas, potentially leading to a new type of retinal prosthesis. The nanoparticles, made from graphitic carbon nitride, trigger electrical and chemical processes that activate nerve cells and prompt signals towards the brain.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateSep 22, 2026

Waist-to-height ratio as a practical screening tool for pediatric MASLD across diverse populations and genetic backgrounds

A new study suggests that waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a reliable screening tool for pediatric metabolic steatotic liver disease (MASLD), with a threshold of 0.48 performing well across most ethnic groups. Genetic risk scores added little benefit, indicating that a simple tape measure may suffice for initial screening.

SourceZhejiang University·JournalWorld Journal of Pediatrics·DateSep 22, 2026

“Scan the map first, then zoom in”: DGIST develops radar technology for autonomous robots that reduces computational load by 88%

Researchers at DGIST developed Adaptive Grid-Refinement MUSIC technology to reduce computational load for high-resolution angle estimation in autonomous robots. The technology achieves a 88% reduction in unnecessary search computations while maintaining detection performance, making it suitable for real-world applications.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of Electrical Engineering and Technology·DateSep 22, 2026

Researchers uncover dual role of B7-H3 in tumor immune suppression

Researchers identified a previously unknown pathway that prostate tumors leverage to suppress the immune system, reshaping the tumor microenvironment to resist treatment. Combining B7-H3-targeted therapy with MEK inhibition improved antitumor responses and prolonged survival in preclinical models of castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Emory Goizueta Brain Health Institute part of nationwide NIH study on links between environmental factors and Alzheimer's disease

The Neighborhoods Study, a nationwide NIH-funded research initiative, investigates the relationship between social and environmental factors and Alzheimer's disease risk. Emory Goizueta Brain Health Institute is part of the study, which aims to understand how environmental exposures influence brain health and dementia risk.

The secret to a perfect crystal may be an extra turn

Researchers have developed a strategy to eliminate directional bias in magnetic particle assembly, using a slight rotation of the magnetic field beyond 360 degrees. This allows for isotropic interactions, identical in every direction, enabling the formation of uniform crystalline materials.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateSep 22, 2026

High speed, low light conditions tied to unbuckled driving

A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that seatbelt usage is more closely tied to situational factors such as driving at night or high speeds than demographic characteristics. The study analyzed data from 1,000 participants and found that 30% of buckling behavior could be attributed to situational factors.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalTraffic Injury Prevention·DateSep 22, 2026

Oak silkworm eggs use a natural chemical defence to keep parasitic wasps away

Research reveals that naturally laid oak silkworm eggs produce a volatile compound called 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (2EH) that acts as a natural repellent, reducing parasitism. This discovery provides a new perspective on how insects protect their offspring and could have practical applications for optimizing biological control programmes.

SourceInsect Science, Chinese Academy of Science·JournalInsect Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2026

Atmospheric particles slow global warming over India

A recent study found that atmospheric particles, including aerosols and clouds, have contributed to the slower warming trend in India over the past three decades. The researchers discovered that aerosol loading and cloud cover have resulted in significant surface cooling, which would have been nearly twice as large without these factors.

SourceOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research (OLAR)·JournalOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2026

Ant diversity of the Xisha islands: Community structure, exotic species colonization, and ecological functions in a tropical coral archipelago

This study presents the first complete ant fauna inventory for the Xisha Islands, revealing 21 ant species and 70% native taxa. Exotic species, including globally invasive fire ants, are significantly boosted by human disturbance, while vegetation type has negligible influence. Most Xisha ants are ground-dwelling omnivores, forming mut...

SourceSouth China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalBiological Diversity·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2026

Researchers in Denmark aim to find new solutions in the fight against antibiotic resistance

A new study by Danish researchers proposes a paradigm shift in understanding antibiotic resistance, highlighting the importance of environmental factors such as temperature, oxygen levels, and pH. This new knowledge may lead to more targeted treatments and better monitoring of resistance in humans, animals, and the environment.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalTrends in Microbiology·DateSep 22, 2026

Professor Dong Zhang’s team at Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital reveals a new mechanism underlying the potent anti-tumor activity of TCRαβ+CD4-CD8- double-negative T cells

Research by Professor Dong Zhang's team identifies IFITM1 as a key regulator of mitophagy, essential for maintaining the anti-tumor activity of double-negative T cells. This mechanism provides a promising strategy for optimizing TCRαβ+CD4-CD8- T cell therapies.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateSep 22, 2026

Emissions from the past decade have made Europe’s recent heat waves worse

Researchers used AI and climate models to analyze the impact of past decade emissions on Europe's heat waves, finding strong evidence that emissions intensified the region's recent heat waves. The study suggests that even with successful emission reductions, extreme heat waves will continue to worsen.

SourceStanford Doerr School of Sustainability·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2026

Women with enlarged breast tissue more likely to experience chronic migraine, neck pain and sleep apnea, study finds

Researchers found a potential link between breast tissue size and several common neurological and sleep disorders, including chronic migraine and neck pain. Women with macromastia were 40% more likely to have chronic migraine, twice as likely to experience neck pain, and more than twice as likely to have cervical radiculopathy.

SourceWake Forest University School of Medicine·JournalHeadache The Journal of Head and Face Pain·DateSep 22, 2026

Explaining an apparent rise in smoking-related mortality

A recent study found that the age-specific mortality risk of smoking is relatively stable over time, with the main contributor being the aging population. As a result, the overall increase in smoking-related mortality risk can be attributed to the shift towards older smokers, who are more susceptible to the health effects of smoking.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateSep 22, 2026

Forecasting mass shootings

A Bayesian agent-based model forecasts mass shootings by analyzing three key factors: motivated perpetrators, access to firearms, and suitable target populations. The model assigns higher risks to areas with a history of shootings, suggesting access to firearms is a critical limiting factor in mass shooting risk.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateSep 22, 2026

Scientists discover method that could lead to longer-lasting batteries

Researchers from the University of East London have developed a new method to predict how different chemicals behave, which could help identify the most promising battery materials. The method, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, uses X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and computer modeling to predict the behavior ...

SourceUniversity of East London·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 22, 2026