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Science News for September 24, 2026


Chronic pain after caesarean delivery linked to poorer quality of life for months and years after giving birth

A comprehensive review of global evidence finds that chronic postsurgical pain after caesarean delivery is associated with disruption to daily activities, sleep, mood, energy, and sexual wellbeing in the months and years after giving birth. Chronic pain was found to persistently interfere with general activity, walking, normal work, sl...

SourceAAGBI·JournalAnaesthesia·DateSep 24, 2026

Over a third of patients with chest pains could avoid going to emergency departments if ambulance crews use new blood test

A new blood test and scoring system could reduce hospital visits for patients with chest pain by up to 34% by triaging them at home or to their general practitioner. The study found that 165 patients out of 483 assessed by ambulance crews using the test and scoring system were left at home, compared to 19 out of 539 without the test.

Violence against emergency workers is increasing: hospital overcrowding is a major contributor

A survey of 1,300 health professionals worldwide reveals that 75.5% have witnessed violence, with patients and relatives being the main perpetrators. The study highlights overcrowding as a significant contributor to violence, with many respondents reporting psychological harm and diminished quality of care.

SourceEuropean Society for Emergency Medicine (EUSEM)·JournalEuropean Journal of Emergency Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateSep 24, 2026

Study shows how risk of death rises with rate of overcrowding and corridor care in hospital emergency department

Research found that emergency department overcrowding increases patient mortality by one percent for every ten percent increase in occupancy. The study also linked corridor care to increased risk of deaths, highlighting the need for policy makers and hospital managers to prioritize emergency care.

Is the universe twisted? A new check on a possible twist in the universe’s oldest light

Researchers developed a method to test cosmic uncertainty in the universe's oldest light, which could provide evidence for physics beyond the Standard Model. The team compared maps from different detectors to establish the calibration pattern, finding consistency with existing analysis.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2026

Cystic Fibrosis: Triple therapy is particularly effective in early childhood

A study by Charité researchers found that triple therapy restored CFTR channel function to 90% in children with cystic fibrosis, with effects more pronounced in younger children. The therapy improved lung function and quality of life in children as young as 2 years old, offering hope for early treatment in childhood.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 24, 2026

Contaminated soil poses hidden lead threat inside homes

Researchers found 86% of soil samples exceeded the EPA's 200 parts per million residential soil lead hazard level, and nearly 94% exceeded screening levels for multiple sources of lead exposure. In homes without lead-based paint, 80% of floor dust samples exceeded safety thresholds.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 24, 2026

UCLA scientists receive CIRM grants to advance stem cell-based treatments for vision loss, infertility

Researchers aim to understand the conditions that determine the survival of transplanted retinal cells and develop more effective regenerative therapies for geographic atrophy. They also seek to uncover early mechanisms that contribute to infertility and create a more detailed blueprint for human germ cell development.

New type of human jumping gene found in a poxvirus

Scientists at Cornell University discovered a human genetic element in a poxvirus that is both essential for brain function and a jumping gene capable of inserting itself in genomes. The gene, BC200, was found to be expressed in neurons and has been linked to various diseases, including Alzheimer's and tumors.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 2026

AI model uses routine imaging to identify patients at risk for serious treatment-induced lung inflammation

Researchers developed an AI model that uses routine chest CT scans to identify patients at risk of pneumonitis, a potentially life-threatening form of lung inflammation. The model, called CIPHER, achieved high predictive power and maintained strong performance despite differences in patient populations and imaging protocols.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateSep 24, 2026

Prison admissions rose 3% in district attorney election years during 'tough on crime' era

Researchers found a 3% increase in prison admissions during district attorney election years, with the effects being largest in the South and Republican-leaning counties. The study suggests that district attorneys respond to perceived voter preferences, but argues that this approach can lead to inconsistencies in justice.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Public Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2026

UMBC researchers identify promising new target for ovarian cancer treatment

Researchers at the University of Maryland Baltimore County have identified USP15 as a promising new target for ovarian cancer treatment, which appears to rely on the enzyme for survival, division, and spread. Reducing USP15 levels makes cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs, potentially leading to less harm to healthy cells.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalMolecular Therapy Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2026

New analysis shows that uterus transplants help women achieve successful pregnancies

A new analysis of uterus transplant procedures shows that 70% of recipients achieved at least one live birth, with fewer rates of organ rejection and more healthy births. The study also found that transplanted uteruses can support multiple pregnancies before removal, and that children born through the procedure tend to develop normally.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateSep 24, 2026

Weill Cornell Medicine fall grants roundup

Weill Cornell Medicine has received significant funding for various cancer research projects, including precision medicine and drug target discovery. These initiatives aim to improve patient outcomes for challenging cancers, such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer. The funding supports innovative research approaches, including the stu...

On ancient Madagascar, large native herbivores paid the price as introduced livestock spread

A new study reveals that the rapid spread of introduced livestock on Madagascar 1,200 years ago coincided with forest loss and population declines of large native herbivores. The findings suggest that hunting alone did not drive the extinction of giant lemurs and other megafauna.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2026

NYU Langone welcomes top orthopedic surgeons to lead key treatment centers for hip and knee conditions

The institution has appointed three leaders in sports medicine to head key orthopedic centers, including the Center for Patellofemoral Disorders, Knee Preservation Center, and Hip Preservation and Hip Arthroscopy Center. Dr. Sabrina Strickland, Dr. Andreas Gomoll, and Dr. F. Winston Gwathmey will bring exceptional expertise in treating...

Air pollution and cardiovascular disease: mitochondria may be the missing link

Researchers have discovered novel blood biomarkers, long-chain dicarboxylate acids (DCAs) and medium- to long-chain acyl-carnitines (ACs), in mouse and human blood samples exposed to air pollution. These biomarkers provide insights into how air pollution damages cell function and increases the risk of heart disease. The buildup of thes...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2026

RESEARCH: Climate overshoot will leave lasting impacts even after global temperatures fall

A new study by Concordia researchers suggests that temporarily overshooting global warming targets can leave lasting changes in the climate system, including permafrost, sea-level rise, and ocean warming. The study found that the length of time spent above a target is crucial in determining the extent of these changes.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 24, 2026

Dogs segment the speech they hear with a human-like consonant bias

A new study found that dogs, like humans, rely more on consonants than vowels when parsing speech. This bias emerges in dogs with both early and later exposure to human speech, suggesting that statistical learning and not domestication is key. Dogs can detect changes in individual sounds and extract words from continuous human speech, ...

Speech shapes dog brains

Researchers discovered that dog brains synchronize with the rhythm of consonant-structured words, similar to human brains, and show a distinct brain response around 400ms after the start of each word. This finding supports the idea that exposure to speech can lead to a consonant bias in dog brains.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 2026

Stowers scientists uncover a hidden blueprint in aphids, providing a way to predict what AI couldn't solve alone

Researchers at the Stowers Institute used AlphaFold2 and evolutionary data to predict protein structures in aphids, which were previously inaccessible to AI. The study reveals a common architectural plan among 2,400 BICYCLE proteins, showcasing the evolution's role in helping AI predict protein structures.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2026

From spongy wood to strong material: tiny molecules build a better bioplastic composite

Researchers develop bioplastic composite by using small L-lactide molecules to reinforce spongy wood, resulting in 1,333% mass gain and 35.40 MPa compressive strength, limiting water uptake to 20%. This strategy offers strong, dimensionally stable, and biodegradable wood-plastic composites for construction and engineered materials.

SourceHEP Data Cooperation Journals·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2026

Cow manure transformed into biodegradable mulch film: 30% fertilizer reduction still maintains yield, while improving soil and reducing pollution

A study found that biodegradable mulch film made from cow manure reduces fertilizer input by 30% while maintaining yield and improving soil health. The film promotes nutrient activation through microbially-mediated mechanisms, increasing nutrient availability and reducing pollution.

SourceHigher Education Press·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2026

Scoping review finds child-centered play therapy yields measurable yet heterogeneous benefits for autistic children

A systematic review of 13 studies finds that child-centered play therapy improves social interaction, communication, emotional regulation, and repetitive behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder. The review highlights the benefits of AI and virtual reality in personalized intervention, with a proposed two-dimensional child-l...

SourceHigher Education Press·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2026

Hurricane Helene deposited nearly one-fifth of annual microplastics at one North Carolina site

A new study shows that Hurricane Helene deposited nearly one-fifth of annual microplastics at one North Carolina site, intensifying storm-induced microplastic pollution. Microplastic deposition was three to 22 times higher than before the storm, with significant implications for human health and biodiversity.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalIntegrated Environmental Assessment and Management·DateSep 24, 2026

HKUST develops breakthrough liquid-metal smart patch for clinical-grade at-home cardiorespiratory monitoring

A novel wearable device, HELP, tracks breathing and heart activity using liquid-metal technology, enabling clinical-grade home monitoring for chronic respiratory and heart conditions. The patch features a unique analog constriction gate architecture, providing sensitivity and linearity across its entire physical range.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2026

A molecular interlayer boosts MoOₓ-based silicon solar cell efficiency

Researchers developed an ultrathin phosphomolybdic acid interlayer that improves defect passivation, energy-level alignment, and charge transport in MoOₓ-based silicon solar cells. The device achieved a champion efficiency of 24.9% with enhanced open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and minority-carrier lifetime.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateSep 24, 2026

Novel three-phase-coexisting anode boosts green hydrogen production in protonic solid oxide electrolysis cells

Researchers have developed a novel three-phase-coexisting anode that enhances electrochemical activity and stability for high-temperature water splitting. The new design addresses limitations of traditional anodes, enabling high-performance protonic solid oxide electrolysis cells.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalENGINEERING Energy·TypeNews article·DateSep 24, 2026

Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome: Long-term results of gene therapy developed at the San Raffaele-Telethon Institute published in the New England Journal of Medicine

A novel autologous gene therapy for Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome has demonstrated durable clinical benefits in a phase 3 study, with 96% survival at 1 and 5 years. The treatment, etu-cel, has also reduced severe infections and moderate-to-severe bleeding events.

SourceFondazione Telethon·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 24, 2026

Tethered balloon peers inside clouds to reveal hidden aerosol and electrical effects

A tethered balloon campaign revealed a strong link between aerosols and cloud droplets, with more aerosols containing more droplets and smaller average sizes. The study also found weak electrical activity in clouds without lightning, with no clear linear relationship to droplet number or size.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 24, 2026

Loss-enabled steering of photon propagation

Researchers demonstrated nonreciprocal dynamic degeneracy splitting in a gyromagnetic photonic crystal, enabling directional transport and imaging. This breakthrough enables structured loss in momentum space to act as a channel-selection rule, pointing toward complex-band dynamical engineering.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2026

State HIV prevention policies may benefit racial and ethnic groups unequally

State policies aimed at reducing discrimination and increasing social acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals are more effective among white adults in using HIV prevention measures, but their impact is weaker among Black and Latino populations. Practical steps to expand resources and community-based prevention services may be necessary to add...

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalAIDS and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2026

Heavily immunosuppressed patients undergoing anticancer immunotherapy face increased risk of severe infections

A retrospective analysis of 20,000 patient records found that patients receiving immunotherapy and multiple immunosuppressive therapies were at higher risk of severe infections. Treatment with multiple immunosuppressive therapies was associated with increased rates and severity of infection.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeObservational study·DateSep 24, 2026

Novel CAR-T therapy shows promising safety and durable responses in hard-to-treat multiple myeloma

A Phase 1 clinical trial found that an investigational CAR-T therapy, anito-cel, led to high response rates and durable benefits in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Serious side effects were uncommon, and no delayed neurological complications were reported.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 24, 2026

Study reveals complex, nonlinear process of health behavior change among women with polycystic ovary syndrome

A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior identified three stages of health behavior change among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), including intention, adoption, and maintenance. The study highlights factors that support or hinder progress, such as self-efficacy, social support, and environmental con...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2026

A new polymer could enable gastrointestinal transit monitoring without ionizing radiation

Researchers have developed a new method to monitor gastrointestinal transit without ionizing radiation, using water-soluble polymer tracers detected by fluorine-19 magnetic resonance imaging. This breakthrough enables more frequent monitoring and reduces radiation exposure, particularly for pregnant women and children.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2026

Beyond cell transplants: The next frontier in mesenchymal stem/stromal cell therapy and regenerative medicine

A comprehensive review reveals that Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (MSCs) function as master regulators of the body's internal microenvironment, driving tissue regeneration through immunomodulatory and paracrine properties. MSCs can sense changes in the host microenvironment in real-time and adjust their regulatory phenotypes and secre...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 24, 2026

Outrunning the vortices: Picosecond pulses push superconductors beyond their critical-current limit

Scientists outrun vortex dynamics to explore the intrinsic current limit of superconductors, discovering new properties in NbN and YBCO. By applying ultrashort currents, they access regimes normally hidden by slower processes, opening possibilities for probing and controlling superconductors.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2026

Dual optimization and control of VLEO relay systems via multiplexed/classical multimodel MPC

Researchers propose a bi-objective optimization framework for VLEO satellites based on a data-relay multi-satellite system, balancing computational feasibility and control precision. The proposed method outperforms conventional controls in terms of attitude control accuracy and extends the downlink window through relay satellites.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace Science & Technology·DateSep 24, 2026

Fighting depression with humour. SWPS University study: Laughter can bring relief, but not any moment is right

A SWPS University study investigated the potential of using humour to treat depressive states, finding humour can improve mood and boost resilience, but not during acute phase, when it can worsen mood. The study highlights the importance of tailored humour interventions and caution when using humour with individuals with depression.

SourceSWPS University·JournalClinical Psychology Review·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 24, 2026

Study proposes safer alternative for hormone replacement therapy during menopause

Researchers developed a safer alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy, targeting only one estrogen receptor to promote metabolic protection and prevent tumor growth. The approach restored metabolic balance, improved liver function, and reduced risk of diseases like diabetes and high cholesterol.

Older Americans are taking more medications, with 1 in 5 at risk for a major drug interaction

A recent USC-led study reveals that over 1 in 5 older adults are at risk for major drug interactions, despite a decline in their prevalence. Polypharmacy and dietary supplement polypharmacy have increased, with antidepressants, statins, and antiplatelet therapies being the most commonly used medications involved in these regimens.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateSep 24, 2026

Nearly one in five people with sight loss report encountering bogus treatments

A study of 955 adults with diagnosed eye conditions found that nearly 19% reported receiving or encountering treatments they believed to be 'bogus'. The survey highlights the importance of clear and evidence-based communication between clinicians and patients in navigating the complex environment of health information and commercial tr...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 24, 2026

KIER develops breakthrough separation membrane enabling selective ion transport completely free of water crossover

Researchers developed a palladium membrane that selectively transports hydrogen ions in water, enabling selective ion transport without water crossover for eco-friendly ammonia synthesis. This breakthrough addresses the primary barrier to implementing green ammonia synthesis through electrochemical devices.

Broadband distributed amplifier for data centers, measurement systems and sensors

Researchers at Fraunhofer IAF have developed a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) with a gain of 11 ± 2 dB in the frequency range between 4 and 420 GHz. The MMIC achieves low noise and high output power, making it suitable for high-bandwidth applications such as optical data transmission.

SourceFraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics·JournalIEEE Microwave and Wireless Technology Letters·DateSep 24, 2026

Terasaki Institute researcher Dr. Yangzhi Zhu advances tear bioelectronics with smart contact lens for serotonin monitoring

Researchers developed a soft, reusable smart contact lens that measures serotonin levels in tears, shedding light on stress-related physiological changes. The device, part of a broader tear bioelectronics platform, detects serotonin at low concentrations, enabling the tracking of small changes in stress levels.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2026

Pumpkin enzyme could help reduce the immunoreactivity of peanut allergens

Researchers found that a natural enzyme derived from figleaf gourd can significantly reduce the immunoreactivity of peanut proteins, pointing to a potential new approach to developing food ingredients with reduced allergenic potential. Enzymatic hydrolysis can alter protein properties, reducing antibody recognition, but not eliminating...

SourceWroclaw Medical University·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2026

ASU astronomers uncover black hole jets reaching far beyond their galaxies and deciding their fate

Researchers discovered that black hole jets can shape galaxy environments, influencing growth and evolution by disrupting gas and preventing cooling. The jets' impact is felt hundreds of thousands of light-years from the galaxy's center, affecting the formation of new stars and galaxy fate.

SourceArizona State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateSep 24, 2026

Chronic stress linked to differences in cognitive decline across certain demographic groups, study finds

A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that chronic stress and social support levels are associated with changes in cognitive abilities across different demographic groups. Higher social support was linked to less decline in attention over time, while women and Hispanic participants with higher chronic stress ...

How calcium channels in muscle cells open together

A team of researchers has captured the first high-resolution 3D images of RyR1 calcium channels in muscle cells, revealing synchronized opening and the role of neighboring channels. The study may explain mechanisms behind serious muscle diseases, such as malignant hyperthermia and congenital myopathies.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2026

ECOG-ACRIN launches a landmark trial to evaluate chemotherapy benefit in high-risk early-stage breast cancer

A new trial will determine whether chemotherapy provides additional benefit for patients with high anatomic risk but low genomic risk. The RxFINE-Low trial will enroll 2,000 postmenopausal women and men with high anatomic risk breast cancer and low genomic risk, and follow them for up to 10 years.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 24, 2026

Changing counterions gives molecular materials new electronic behaviors

Researchers at Ritsumeikan University developed a way to control molecular shape, electron transfer, assembly, and pressure-responsive properties by changing counterions. The findings reveal counteranions can modulate ultrafast electron transfer and pressure-responsive photophysical properties, enabling the creation of smart materials.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2026

AI can help correct medical misinformation — when it uses the right tone

New research from Washington State University found that AI corrections are most persuasive when delivered in a tone that matches a user's level of anthropomorphism. An empathetic tone can be more effective in decreasing misperceptions, especially when the tone aligns with a user's beliefs about AI agents.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Interaction·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2026

MANA reveals atomic-scale rails for guiding superconducting vortices

Researchers at MANA discovered that atomic-scale steps can guide superconducting vortices, moving them 1,000 times more easily along the steps than across them. This finding opens possibilities for controlling vortex motion and heat flow in future superconducting technologies.

Molecular mechanism of short-term synaptic plasticity was discovered

Researchers have discovered the molecular mechanism of synaptic facilitation, a process that strengthens synaptic transmission and is thought to be the basis for instantaneous memory. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that a calcium binding protein called Synaptotagmin 7 plays a crucia...

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2026