Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive September 2026 - Page 22


Page 22 of 54

New form of plastic pollution discovered on the shores of vulnerable coral reefs

Researchers have found 'plasticorals', coral rubble fused with plastic, on the shores of vulnerable coral reefs in Okinawa, Japan. This discovery highlights a potential threat to critical marine environments, as plastic pollution can disrupt coral propagation and harbor coral pathogens.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 18, 2026

University Hospitals researchers find major increase in the use of MRI before prostate biopsy

Researchers found a major increase in the use of MRI before prostate biopsy, with usage rising from 14% in 2017 to 64% in 2026. This shift is closely tied to the publication of major trials and the adoption of guidelines. The study suggests that MRI use is becoming more widespread, especially among men with prior negative biopsies.

Anti-transgender legislation causes psychological distress even in states with trans-friendly laws, according to VCU research

New VCU research found that individuals with trans identities experience psychological distress from anti-transgender laws, even in states with trans-friendly laws. The study also highlights the importance of individual support systems and societal support in mitigating psychological distress.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateSep 18, 2026

University of Cincinnati emergency medicine physicians safely eliminate thousands of unnecessary CT scans

A targeted quality improvement campaign by University of Cincinnati emergency medicine physicians safely reduced unnecessary head and cervical spine CT scans in low-risk trauma patients, saving patients $6.2 million in healthcare costs and avoiding significant radiation exposure. The campaign, which included continuing education sessio...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalWestern Journal of Emergency Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 18, 2026

Large study finds no added risk of rare artery tear following chiropractic neck care

Researchers analyzed over 862,000 adults with new neck pain or headache and found no increased risk of cervical artery dissection among those receiving chiropractic care. The study suggests chiropractic spinal manipulation is safe for neck pain treatment, but clinicians should remain alert to warning signs of artery tear.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalChiropractic & Manual Therapies·DateSep 18, 2026

Global mortality and disability burden from 1990 to 2021: contrasting patterns across development levels and the roles of population growth and ageing

Global mortality and disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) burdens increased from 1990 to 2021, with neurological disorders showing the largest increase in mortality rates. Non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, dominated DALY rates, while population growth and ageing contributed to changing disease burdens.

SourceScience China Press·JournalMedicine Plus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 18, 2026

Characterization of nanoparticles and fluorescent recombinant extracellular vesicles using three different generations of high-sensitivity flow cytometers

This study compares three flow cytometers for characterizing nanoparticles and extracellular vesicles. The results show that sensitivity varies between instruments and that sample concentration affects particle discrimination. The study provides practical guidance for selecting detection strategies and sample concentrations.

SourceHEP Data Cooperation Journals·JournalExtracellular Vesicles and Circulating Nucleic Acids·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2026

How 30,000 archaeological treasures were saved from imminent destruction during Syria’s civil war

A new study sheds light on the rescue of approximately 30,000 priceless artifacts from the Deir ez-Zor Museum during Syria's civil war. The operation, led by Professor Maamoun Abdulkarim, demonstrates the importance of decision-making, institutional resilience, and trust in protecting cultural heritage during wartime.

SourceUniversity of Sharjah·JournalMuseum Management and Curatorship·DateSep 18, 2026

High-voltage electrostatic fields “empower” tomato seedling cultivation: why does a positive electric field better “understand” the plant’s heart?

Research reveals that positive electric fields better understand the plant's physiological network, promoting growth and improving photosynthetic efficiency. The study found that +HVEF enhanced stomatal conductance, increased chlorophyll content, and activated key photosynthetic enzymes.

SourceHigher Education Press·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2026

How adult chimpanzees teach young ones to use tools

A study reveals that adult chimpanzees, particularly mothers, facilitate tool use and transfer in young ones to acquire skills. The researchers found that mothers use teaching methods, such as passing tools and fruits, to help their offspring learn tool-use behaviors. The study also highlights the importance of social learning mechanis...

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2026

The attraction of bowing

A study published in Japanese Psychological Research found that bowing motions are interpreted consistently within each cultural population, regardless of racial and physical appearance. Among Japanese participants, bowing was found to increase attractiveness ratings substantially, whereas among participants from other countries, the e...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJapanese Psychological Research·DateSep 18, 2026

Researchers identify brain circuit linked to food cravings during pregnancy

Researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center have identified a brain mechanism that may help explain how pregnancy changes the motivation to seek certain highly palatable foods. The study found that serotonin neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus become less active during pregnancy, increasing food-craving-like behavior in animal...

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 18, 2026

New doping method could boost the performance of organic semiconductors

Researchers at Concordia University have developed a new doping method that can create up to 100 times more mobile electrical charges in organic semiconductors, potentially making the material much more conductive. The degradation-assisted doping approach uses Lewis acids to break down and recycle dopants, improving the performance of ...

SourceConcordia University·JournalNature Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 18, 2026

The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Ahead-of-Print Tip Sheet: September 18, 2026

New research in nuclear medicine advances detection and treatment of clear cell renal cell carcinoma with high accuracy, while SSTR antagonists show potential for imaging and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors. Alternative beta-emitting radionuclides are also being explored for targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateSep 18, 2026

Engineering phytoremediation for removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from various environmental matrices

This technology uses specialized plants and soil treatments to remove or contain PFAS chemicals from soil and water, making cleanup safer and more effective at contaminated sites. The approach combines mobilization, stabilization, and seed selection strategies to optimize PFAS removal or containment.

GrantsMate

GrantsMate, an AI-driven research support platform, streamlines research workflows by integrating funding discovery, collaborator identification, and institutional policy guidance. The platform provides personalized recommendations and a conversational interface to simplify research administration and improve funding prospects.

Time’s running out to catch giant planet’s strange orbit

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered a rare, hot Jupiter with an eccentric orbit that provides a unique opportunity to study this class of planet. The planet, TOI-1355 b, orbits its star in just two Earth days and will soon disappear from view due to its rapidly changing orbit.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2026

In ‘From Code to Cloud,’ Maura and Fadi Deek carry forward the teaching legacy of NJIT professor James McHugh

The new textbook, 'From Code to Cloud: Developing Web Applications,' brings together the work of NJIT professors Maura and Fadi Deek and alumnus Wei Yao Ph.D. '24, in completion of a project initiated by late professor James McHugh. The book emphasizes fundamental concepts needed to understand web application development, covering topi...

Bio-inspired whiskers enable tiny drones to navigate in darkness using touch

Researchers at Delft University of Technology developed a lightweight whisker-based tactile sensor that enables tiny drones to navigate and explore their surroundings through gentle touch. The system uses artificial whiskers inspired by rodent vibrissae to provide continuous feedback about the environment during contact.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2026