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Science News for September 29, 2026


Kidney disease in Nicaragua linked to adolescents and young women, and those without occupational heat exposure

A new study reveals metabolic-associated kidney disease among young girls and women, and those without heat exposure in Nicaragua. The research found a greater prevalence of poor kidney health among young girls and women than previously known, and risk factors for kidney disease are present at younger ages.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalBMC Nephrology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 2026

New AI platform could help cancer survivors get personalized support between doctor visits

A new AI platform, Precision AI for Survivorship and Supportive Care, aims to personalize evidence-based support for cancer survivors navigating persistent side effects and other challenges after treatment. The platform uses machine-learning models to identify patterns associated with symptom burden and unplanned healthcare utilization...

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalTranslational Behavioral Medicine·DateSep 29, 2026

Personalized support and navigation increased genetic testing of hereditary cancers among immediate family members

A new study found that personalized support and navigation services significantly increased genetic testing of hereditary cancers among immediate family members, with 73% uptake among at-risk relatives. The study revealed that with navigation support, genetic testing uptake for BRCA increased from 51% to 73% among family members in six...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 29, 2026

Researchers advance promising therapy for fatty liver disease

Researchers have identified a promising new therapeutic target, MAP4K4, and developed an experimental compound, GPPD, that reduces fat buildup, inflammation, and scarring in preclinical models. The therapy has shown encouraging safety and efficacy in preclinical testing, offering a potential new treatment option for patients with metab...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJHEP Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2026

Weekly cisplatin shows similar burden of acute treatment side effects as every 3-week schedule for patients with p16-negative head and neck cancer on NRG oncology trial

The NRG-HN009 trial found that weekly cisplatin induced a similar overall burden of serious acute treatment-related toxicity compared to the standard every-three-week schedule in patients with p16-negative locally advanced head and neck cancer. The two treatment approaches resulted in different profiles of side effects.

Study: Obscure 1967 guide for LSD use still relevant as psychedelics gain in popularity

A study published in the journal Psychedelics found that 18 of 19 tips from an obscure 1967 guide for LSD use were agreed upon by survey participants, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal trust, personal responsibility, and psychological preparation for safe and meaningful psychedelic experiences. The study highlights the releva...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPsychedelics·TypeSurvey·DateSep 29, 2026

University of Toronto physicists identify ‘octupolar’ magnetism, with implications for quantum technologies

Physicists at University of Toronto have identified 'octupolar' magnetism, a complex form of magnetism with eight poles, using light to probe atomic vibrations. This discovery opens up new avenues for quantum technology development, including controllable memory elements and computing devices.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 29, 2026

Prenatal exposure to depression linked to neurodevelopmental disorders

A new study found that children of mothers with depression have a higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, regardless of antidepressant exposure. The study followed over 167,000 children and found a significant association between maternal depression and special educational needs in children.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 2026

Kidney-sparing embolization reduces patient risks of acute injury and death compared to surgery

A new study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found that kidney-sparing embolization is associated with lower rates of acute kidney injury and in-hospital mortality compared to nephrectomy in patients with high-grade kidney injuries. The study analyzed 849 cases and found that embolization reduced in-hos...

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateSep 29, 2026

Wild tomatoes still hold the flavor we bred away: new map shows breeders where to look

A new study by the Boyce Thompson Institute has created a detailed map of the genetic controls behind tomato flavor and traits, allowing breeders to target specific genes for developing tastier and more nutritious tomatoes. The research used hybrid plants to compare gene activity in cultivated tomatoes and three wild relatives, pinpoin...

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalGenome Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2026

Making X-ray movies for ultrafast dynamics in nanomatter

Scientists at ETH Zurich develop method to disentangle X-ray diffraction patterns from two snapshots captured by a single detector exposure, enabling ultrafast structural changes in nanoscale objects to be observed. This breakthrough opens the door to studying rapid changes in nanoparticles.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2026

Beyond temperature: How people experience urban heat

A study examines how urban heat impacts everyday life, health, and social interactions in Mexico City, revealing a clear threshold beyond which heat becomes a public concern. The research combines satellite observations, social media data, and geographic analysis to understand the human dimension of urban heat.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing·DateSep 29, 2026

Lunar satellites could anchor Earth's GPS: study finds a fix for drifting navigation constellations

A new study reveals that adding lunar satellites to China's BeiDou-3 navigation constellation can eliminate navigation constellations' drift. The team achieved stable orientation for 60 days and low user range error, demonstrating the effectiveness of lunar satellites as an anchor for the network.

Pilot Study: Blueberries modify gut microbiome in older adults with mild depression

A pilot study found that daily blueberry consumption reduced depressive symptoms in older adults, with minor changes in gut microbiome markers. Fiber and anthocyanins in blueberries have potential to modify the gut microbiome and metabolites relevant to depression.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalThe journal of nutrition health & aging·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 29, 2026

Research Spotlight: Exercise as medicine—how exercise protects joints in aging-related osteoarthritis

Researchers discovered that moderate-intensity exercise significantly improved cartilage health and tissue resilience in aging-related osteoarthritis. The molecular cargo of extracellular vesicles was found to be enriched with microRNA-29, which restored youthful characteristics in cartilage cells and reduced joint degeneration features.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2026

Could earlier recognition of cerebral visual impairment in the NICU help more children thrive?

A new clinical practice guideline aims to standardize the identification and management of infants at increased risk for cerebral visual impairment (CVI). The guideline recommends comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation and referral to developmental services within the first six months of life to access interventions as early as possible.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature·TypeSurvey·DateSep 29, 2026

Shared smiles may shape infants’ emotional development

Two new studies suggest that smiling and positive interactions with caregivers help babies develop emotion regulation skills and physiological foundations of emotional well-being. Researchers found increases in heart-rate variability when both the baby and caregiver were positively engaged, indicating a unique effect of mutual positive...

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPhilosophical Collections of the Royal Society of London·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2026

circLPAR3 drives chemotherapy resistance in prostate cancer

Researchers identified circLPAR3 as a key mediator of docetaxel resistance in prostate cancer, promoting tumor growth under chemotherapy by suppressing ferroptosis. The study highlights circLPAR3 as a promising biomarker for treatment response and suggests targeting its regulatory network could help overcome chemotherapy resistance.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalGenes & Diseases·DateSep 29, 2026

Same plant species, different chemistry

Researchers at Bielefeld University propose a precise and unambiguous way to define chemotypes within a plant species, highlighting genetic and environmental factors influencing chemical composition. This systematic approach aims to improve understanding and practical applications of chemotypes in medicinal plants and agriculture.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalTrends in Plant Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 29, 2026

Genetic audit of wheat: researchers determine the actual variability of a gene responsible for bread quality

Researchers conducted a genetic audit to verify the variability of the GLU-B1 gene in wheat, finding that most alleles were duplicated or triplicated. They developed a master set of wheats covering the gene's variability, providing a tool for breeders to improve wheat quality and quantity.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Cereal Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2026

A balloon offers a fresh eye on desert dust’s journey to the tropopause

A new study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences uses balloon-borne instruments to track the journey of desert dust to the tropopause layer over the northern Tibetan Plateau. The research provides valuable observational data for evaluating dust-transport models and highlights the importance of sustained balloon observations.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 29, 2026

Rethinking liquid hydrogen storage with metal-organic frameworks

Researchers from UNIST, Ewha Womans University, TUM, and ILL report a significant increase in liquid hydrogen storage time using metal-organic frameworks. The study found that IRMOF-20 can retain about 97% of liquid hydrogen's theoretical volumetric capacity for over 221 days, more than three times as long as neat liquid hydrogen.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2026

Researchers solve mystery of how plants sense touch

Researchers have identified the molecular signaling pathway that links mechanical stimulation to changes in plant genes and growth. A chain of three specific proteins becomes activated within a minute, sending signals that affect hundreds of genes and contribute to changes in plant growth.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2026

A UC3M study analyzes the different interpretations and enduring relevance of the Odyssey throughout history

The study examines how the Odyssey has been systematically reinterpreted in light of historical and cultural dilemmas, showcasing its impact on modern human experience and characterization of scientific concepts. Female figures like Circe and Penelope are reimagined as symbols of autonomy and resistance in contemporary literature and t...

A breath of life beyond bronchodilation

A retrospective case series of 5 patients with severe COPD-associated pulmonary hypertension found modest improvements in pulmonary hemodynamics and exercise capacity after 6 months of nebulized ensifentrine, without exacerbations or worsening oxygenation. The study suggests a potential therapeutic role for ensifentrine in this under-t...

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Respiratory Medicine Journal·DateSep 29, 2026

Neuroproteins are potential diagnostic tool for sick foals

Researchers at North Carolina State University have identified two neuroproteins, BDNF and S100B, as potential biomarkers for diagnosing Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome (NMS) in foals. The study found that levels of these proteins and neurosteroids in blood serum were associated with NMS, suggesting a link to the disease's pathophysiol...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2026

Ensuring the quality of scientific datasets

Researchers at the University of Vienna developed a new method to automatically detect anomalies in large scientific datasets. The method, called Simulation-Based Benfordness Estimation, uses Benford's Law to identify irregularities and improve data quality, leading to more reliable research and AI applications.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPatterns·DateSep 29, 2026

AI competency model for aerospace engineering managers: a multi-attribute decision-making approach

A closed-loop modeling and assessment framework for aerospace engineering managers' AI competency is proposed, capturing governance priorities and multi-attribute interdependencies. The framework, comprising five dimensions and twenty attributes, provides a traceable decision-support tool for selection, performance management, and care...

Humanitarian relief failure in Gaza: Outsourcing aid doesn’t outsource legal responsibility

A new paper has questioned the effectiveness of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's aid distribution model, citing inhumane treatment and potential violations of international law. The model, which relied on private security contractors, led to crowding, stampedes, and shootings at aid distribution sites, causing thousands of civilian c...

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of Conflict and Security Law·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 29, 2026

New special issue of Biological Diversity call for papers decoding biodiversity through evolutionary mechanisms

This special issue explores the formation, evolution, and maintenance of biological diversity across all branches of the tree of life. Researchers can submit papers on topics such as speciation, adaptive evolution, and eco-evolutionary feedbacks, with a focus on developing a unified evolutionary framework for understanding biodiversity.

Biological Diversity launches special issue on resilient nature: ecosystem responses and ecological restoration under global change

This special issue investigates biodiversity loss, ecosystem stability, and resilience in the face of climate disruption and global change. It welcomes contributions on ecological restoration, nature-based solutions, and adaptive management to address biodiversity conservation and ecosystem function.

American College of Lifestyle Medicine issues new position statement linking human health and planetary health

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine has released a new position statement asserting the interconnected threats of climate change, biodiversity loss, and chronic disease. Lifestyle medicine's six pillars can benefit both individual and environmental health, improving health outcomes while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pol...

SourceAmerican College of Lifestyle Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine·DateSep 29, 2026

Fish gill-inspired aerogel tackles long-standing issue in solar desalination

A novel biomass-based aerogel combines two natural salt-management strategies to maintain high performance in highly concentrated brine, outperforming conventional evaporators. The material, inspired by marine fish gills, regulates ions and water transport efficiently, enabling continuous desalination even in extreme conditions.

SourceShinshu University·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2026

Major trial examines no-sugar sweetened soft drinks

A new study published in British Journal of Nutrition found that no-sugar sweetened soft drinks are equivalent to water for long-term weight management. The 104-week trial showed that diet beverages do not disrupt appetite regulation or cause metabolic harm, providing evidence to inform global guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateSep 29, 2026

The doomed German B8 nuclear project

The German B8 nuclear project, led by Werner Heisenberg, aimed to produce fissile material before Nazi Germany completed its own reactor. The project's failure was attributed to material shortages, including a lack of heavy water and uranium, making a working bomb highly unlikely.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateSep 29, 2026

AI’s social norms and their implications for society

Large language models (LLMs) evaluate humans based on cooperation and social norms, with most models favoring cooperation and punishing bad behavior. The LLMs' judgements often depend on the recipient's gender and cultural background, and may be influenced by prompting interventions.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateSep 29, 2026

HKUST develops novel cartilage-inspired polymer nanocoating to substantially extend battery lifespan

Researchers at HKUST developed a biomimetic nanocoating inspired by human cartilage to suppress battery degradation and extend lifespan. The coating enables batteries to retain high capacity after thousands of charge-discharge cycles, opening a pathway toward next-generation nickel-rich lithium-ion batteries.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2026

Molecular simulations reveal how an enzyme’s shape guides molecular recognition

Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology used molecular simulations to investigate how an enzyme's shape affects molecular recognition and ligand retention. They found that enzyme shape influences ligand retention, with 75.6% of trajectories in the closed group retaining ligands compared to 55.1% in the open group.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalACS Omega·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 29, 2026

Blood could serve as a main source for finding cancer-specific proteins needed to develop personalized treatment

Researchers developed a blood-based approach to identify cancer-specific proteins, which may enable personalized immunotherapy. The study found that circulating tumor DNA analysis identified 63.25-97.4% of neoantigens found in tumor tissue, and T cells isolated from blood samples recognized and reacted to these neoantigens.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Discovery·DateSep 29, 2026