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Science News Archive September 2026 - Page 39


Page 39 of 54

Using AI to design better cancer therapies

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center used AI to design better CAR T cell therapies by recognizing specific proteins on cancer cells. The AI approach outperformed existing binders in a proof-of-concept study, leading to a better understanding of why some cancer-targeting proteins work well and others fail.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateSep 9, 2026

American Journal of Public Health highlights the need for stronger governance for ethical implementation of artificial intelligence in public health

The article highlights the need for governance addressing the needs of historically marginalized populations to mitigate AI deployment risks. The authors recommend equity impact assessments, transparency, and sustained investment for AI in public health to protect underserved communities.

SourceAmerican Public Health Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 9, 2026

Taylor Swift becomes bugs

A new genus of insects named Swiftiephylus has been discovered, with four species inspired by Taylor Swift's music and life. The insects are herbivorous, plant-feeders that help with camouflage, and their discovery highlights the importance of taxonomy in conservation.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalInsect Systematics & Evolution·DateSep 9, 2026

Restoring MHC-I expression could strengthen immune responses against CNS cancers

Researchers explored strategies to restore MHC-I expression in CNS cancers to make them more visible to the immune system. Approaches include epigenetic therapies, AAV vectors, PCSK9 inhibition, and modifying the tumor microenvironment. However, efficient delivery, antigen processing, and a limited neoantigen repertoire remain signific...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 9, 2026

Reports of drug seizures by police rose during first year of decriminalization, SFU study finds​

A Simon Fraser University study found that police drug seizures without arrest increased by 2.5-4.1% during BC's first year of decriminalization, with participants who experienced seizures being three times more likely to experience a non-fatal overdose. The study analyzed data from 490 participants and suggests that decriminalization ...

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalBMC Public Health·DateSep 9, 2026

New U‑VBA pipeline standardizes super‑resolution ultrasound for microvascular disease assessment

A new platform enables non-invasive tracking of early microvascular disease changes using ultrasound localization microscopy. The U-VBA framework standardizes analysis of tiny blood vessels, capturing structural and hemodynamic properties, and shows high reproducibility and accuracy in classification of cervical lymph-node conditions.

SourceBMEF (BME Frontiers)·JournalBME Frontiers·DateSep 9, 2026

Safeguarding European plant health: New joint factsheet outlines synergy between Horizon Europe projects FORSAID, CERBERUS and STELLA

The joint factsheet highlights the complementary activities of FORSAID, CERBERUS and STELLA, demonstrating how innovative digital technologies can improve early detection and management of plant pests. The projects share a vision of using AI, remote sensing and citizen engagement to transform Europe's response to pest outbreaks.

Lasker Foundation announces 2026 Lasker Award winners

The Lasker Foundation has announced the 2026 Lasker Award winners, honoring fundamental discoveries in sleep research, revolutionary therapy for hemophilia A, and leadership in Parkinson’s disease research advocacy. Emmanuel Mignot and Masashi Yanagisawa will receive the Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award for discovering orexin...

Improved oxygen kinetics on both cathode and anode of SmBaFe2O5+-based solid oxide fuel cells through Ca2+ doping

A novel cobalt-free electrode material was developed through Ca2+ doping, reducing ionic radius mismatch and optimizing electron transport pathways. The resulting material showed significant improvements in electrical conductivity and reduced polarization resistance, leading to higher power densities and long-term stability.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateSep 9, 2026

Chemists unlock new possibilities for rare-earth metal

Chemists at the University of Iowa have isolated terbium in an atypical state under non-lab conditions, opening up new avenues for its use in quantum technologies and advanced sensors. The breakthrough method could also enable the efficient separation of other rare-earth metals, expanding their applications.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2026

Universitat Jaume I and General Hospital to collaborate with Príncipe Felipe Research Centre scientist María Jesús Vicent on two nanomedicine projects to combat cancer

Two nanomedicine projects will be developed to combat cancer, with the first focusing on cholangiocarcinoma and the second on ovarian cancer. The projects will utilize intelligent nanomedicines capable of adapting to individual tumor characteristics and energy supply, with the goal of more precise and effective therapies.

Three herbal extracts protect mitochondrial function in a cellular model of Parkinson’s disease

Researchers found three herbal extracts protect mitochondrial function in a cellular model of Parkinson’s disease, suggesting a potential treatment. The extracts, including Uncaria rhynchophylla, Gardenia jasminoides, and Scutellaria baicalensis, improved cell viability and mitochondrial function in cells with reduced VPS13C expression.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeNews article·DateSep 9, 2026

New method estimates sea surface temps quickly and accurately

Researchers have developed a method for extrapolating sea surface temperatures from sparse data, significantly outperforming other methods and reducing training time. The Sparse Discrete Empirical Interpolation Method (S-DEIM) uses historical data to estimate a kernel vector, improving accuracy and reducing computational requirements.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Machine Learning and Computation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2026

Distracted dog walkers may be putting wildlife and livestock at risk, study finds

A new study from the University of Surrey found that dog walkers who are distracted by their phones or conversations can miss their pets fouling, disturbing wildlife, or approaching livestock. The researchers suggest that well-placed bins, timely messages, and suitable spaces for off-lead exercise could make responsible choices easier.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalSociety & Natural Resources·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2026

Clever elephants can think before they act

A study published in PLOS One found that Asian elephants can resist impulsive behavior and choose a more effective route to problem-solving, even when it requires adjusting a previously effective approach. This ability may be important for elephants' social interactions and cognition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2026

From material structure to device performance with lead-free layered perovskite optoelectronics

Researchers develop a structure-property-device performance framework for lead-free perovskite optoelectronics, enabling improved device performance through spacer engineering, compositional tuning, and defect passivation. This framework highlights emerging opportunities in AI-assisted materials discovery and industrial-scale processing.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2026

A study in Nature sheds new light on DNA repair in early human embryos, with implications for future gene correction

Researchers have discovered that early human embryos can effectively repair single-strand DNA damage, but the repair of double-strand breaks is less reliable at this stage of development. The study also highlights the limitations of current genome-editing technologies and the need for continuous research.

Nighttime social media posts can reveal the state of sleeplessness across the country, with new "social sensing approach" demonstrated by researchers in analyzing US sleep trends during the COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers used social media data to analyze US sleep trends during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding widespread sleeplessness across the country. The study, published in PLOS One, suggests that nighttime social media posts can be used to track sleep patterns and identify areas of high sleep distress.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateSep 9, 2026

Dolphin milk microRNAs may be substantially similar to those of terrestrial mammals, with preliminary analysis indicating potentially similar lactation despite dolphins' evolution to an aquatic lifestyle

Preliminary analysis suggests dolphin milk microRNAs are substantially similar to those of terrestrial mammals, sharing dominant microRNA families. This finding indicates potentially similar lactation mechanisms in dolphins, despite their adaptation to an aquatic lifestyle

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateSep 9, 2026

James Webb Space Telescope discovers that Chariklo’s invisible rings are changing

Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have detected changes in the ring system of Chariklo, a small body in the Solar System. The rings, which were previously thought to be stable, show opposite changes in opacity, suggesting dynamic behavior and the need for a reevaluation of their formation and evolution.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateSep 9, 2026