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Science News for September 30, 2026


A bioinspired perceptual sensor for spatiotemporal decoding of haptic and pain stimuli in prostheses

A bioinspired perceptual sensor was developed to decode haptic and pain stimuli in prostheses, integrating a piezoelectric haptic pathway with a neuromorphic pain pathway. The system provides real-time haptic localization and spatiotemporal pain accumulation, supporting closed-loop robotic avoidance and prosthetic rehabilitation feedback.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateSep 30, 2026

New simulations connect the first stars to cosmic fingerprints still visible today

Researchers used advanced simulations to investigate how the first stars and galaxies formed, connecting observations of young galaxies with chemical clues preserved in ancient stars. The study suggests that simplified models may underestimate the influence of stellar radiation and complex chemical processes on gas surrounding galaxies.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalThe Open Journal of Astrophysics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 30, 2026

AI scientist autonomously generates and validates new biological discoveries

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology created an AI scientist capable of generating scientific hypotheses, designing experiments and interpreting results. The AI system, Eve, identified promising biological questions, recommended experiments and evaluated outcomes, and iteratively refined its understanding based on new evide...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 30, 2026

Pancreatic cancer burden rises in both China and the US, but patterns diverge

A new study finds that high fasting glucose has surpassed tobacco use as the leading risk factor for pancreatic cancer in the US, while China faces a dual metabolic-tobacco burden. China recorded more absolute cases, but lower age-standardized rates, with a peak burden at ages 60-74.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Pancreatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2026

Giant fluctuations of focused light reveal hidden correlations in complex media

A new study reveals giant fluctuations in the enhancement factor of focused light, providing a sensitive probe of hidden correlations in complex scattering media. The researchers found that these fluctuations carry a fingerprint of the journey of light through the material, allowing them to learn about the material itself.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2026

Novo Nordisk Foundation renews commitment to investigate genomic mechanisms of disease at Broad Institute in collaboration with Danish scientists

The Novo Nordisk Foundation has renewed its $53 million commitment to the Broad Institute's Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease. This funding will accelerate research into the genetic and biological mechanisms underlying type 2 diabetes and obesity, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic targets. The center will expand on it...

Global groundwater drought recovery patterns

A global study analyzed high-resolution groundwater models to determine drought recovery patterns, finding 57% of locations exhibit resilient systems. Vulnerable regions face frequent, successive drought events, while unstable areas show reduced recovery capacity and strong impacts.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalEnvironmental Research Water·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 30, 2026

Dinos snacked on seafood washed up on ancient beaches, fossil study shows

A new study found that dinosaurs and their prey likely ate seaweeds, which provides an explanation for the high carbon isotope signatures in their teeth. The research used fossils from coastal sites along the Western Interior Seaway and determined that the extra carbon source must have been low in the food chain to affect both aquatic ...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2026

Lattice parameter as a unified parameter governing magnetic ground states in Tsai-type compounds

Researchers discovered a unified structural descriptor for magnetic ground state selection in Tsai-type compounds using the lattice parameter, revealing a nearly monotonic inverse correlation between electron concentration and lattice parameter. This study provides a practical framework for exploring and designing materials with novel ...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2026