Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive September 2026 - Page 19


Page 19 of 54

Liquid crystal takes page from steel in surprising phase transition

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that an organic semiconductor can transform from a liquid crystal to a solid crystal through a rapid, highly coordinated process resembling a Martensitic transformation. The transformation preserves much of the molecular organization, suggesting a new way to produce highly ordered organic ...

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2026

New study: Personality is key in hiring effective leaders

A new study from Michigan State University found that certain personality characteristics, such as achievement motivation and self-discipline, are important for effective leadership. However, the study suggests that organizations may need to re-evaluate their hiring practices to focus on the characteristics that are most relevant for s...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateSep 21, 2026

Teaching autistic children to ‘think like a reporter’ calms overly sensitive brain activity

A UCLA study found that teaching autistic children to 'think like a reporter' using cognitive reappraisal reduces brain activity in sensory regions and increases activity in areas regulating emotional responses. The technique, already used in cognitive behavioral therapy, shows promise in easing sensory difficulties in daily life.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 21, 2026

Family medicine residents working in teams continuing quality improvement projects across classes are more likely to change patient care

Family medicine residents working in teams and continuing quality improvement projects across classes are more likely to change patient care. Graduates in programs with formal curriculum and accessible data infrastructure show improved clinical skills and tangible clinical change.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 21, 2026

Combining PEth alcohol biomarker and self-reported measures may help identify dangerous patient alcohol use

A study combining phosphatidylethanol biomarker tests and self-reported measures of alcohol use found that 5.8% of patients below hazardous threshold had elevated PEth levels, while AUDIT and self-reported measures varied in flagging risky consumption. The findings support a multimethod approach to screening in primary care.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 21, 2026

“Learning tour” connects primary care clinicians with practice based-research network resources

The Northern New England CO-OP Practice and Community-Based Research Network organized 36 learning tours, reaching 82 primary care sites and 300 clinicians between 2023 and 2025. The tours increased CO-OP network membership by 102% and annual meeting attendance by 37%, driving clinician engagement in practice-based research.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 21, 2026

Batteries that safely break down in the GI tract could improve ingestible devices

Researchers at MIT have created tiny, bioresorbable batteries that can power ingestible electronic devices, such as RFID tags and capsules that stimulate ghrelin production, for up to three days. The batteries, made from magnesium and molybdenum trioxide, can be fully broken down and absorbed by the body, reducing environmental impact.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·DateSep 21, 2026

RNA therapy may help preserve muscle during GLP-1 weight loss

A new RNA therapy promotes thermogenesis, turning white fat into beige fat that burns energy, and preserves lean muscle mass when combined with GLP-1s. This treatment improves glucose tolerance and other measures of metabolic health, offering a potential solution to the loss of muscle mass associated with GLP-1 weight loss.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2026

Dads of daughters may be more attentive partners

Researchers found that fathers of daughters show higher levels of attachment, commitment, trust, and intimacy toward the child's mother than fathers of sons. Having a daughter appears to be protective of the primary parent relationship, altering men's psychologies in interesting ways.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeSurvey·DateSep 21, 2026

Engaging the core could be regulating blood flow in the brain

A new study in mice reveals that abdominal muscles used during normal movement can increase blood flow in the brain by creating ultrafast constrictions of major veins. The research suggests a previously underappreciated aspect of normal brain physiology, highlighting the connection between movement and blood flow.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2026

SKKU research team opens new avenue for Alzheimer’s disease treatment by restoring brain immune balance

A research team at Sungkyunkwan University has identified a mechanism to restore a disrupted brain immune environment and reduce abnormally elevated neuronal activity in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. Modulating an immune protein in the brain may provide a new therapeutic strategy for the disease.

Machine learning helps design 3D-printed metastructure for broadband microwave absorption

Researchers developed a 3D-printed metastructure that absorbs microwaves over a broad frequency range while supporting loads and removing ice through electrical heating. The structure is made from a composite material and features a layered design that enables microwave absorption across a wide range of angles.

Explainable AI improves prediction of lymph node metastasis in thyroid cancer

Researchers developed an explainable AI approach to assess thyroid cancer risk, estimating lymph node metastasis and highlighting imaging features behind predictions. The approach showed good performance in independent tests, achieving high diagnostic accuracy and improving radiologist collaboration.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Imaging Informatics in Medicine·DateSep 21, 2026

X-ray light is like guitar music

Scientists have created a method to continuously tune X-ray light frequency, allowing for precise control over X-ray emission. By shifting the laser frequency, researchers can select exactly the energy needed, eliminating the need for fixed frequency settings.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2026

First ‘backwards’ planet discovered around a small star challenges ideas about how planets form

Researchers have discovered a retrograde planet orbiting a small star, a rare occurrence that raises new questions about planetary formation and evolution. The GJ 3090 b planet's unusual orbit may be the result of its host star acquiring a second disk of gas and dust, which could have shaped its planetary system billions of years ago.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateSep 21, 2026

€8 million Horizon Europe grant to launch next-generation initiative to detect, assess and respond to pandemics - Pandemics AI Consortium (PANDAI)

The University of Oxford has been awarded €8m to develop an AI model for pandemic detection, assessment and response. The PANDAI project aims to transform the detection, assessment, prediction and response to global disease threats by combining epidemiology expertise with artificial intelligence tools.