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Science News Archive September 2026 - Page 40


Page 40 of 54

Ice Age origins of one of humanity’s oldest drug habits

A Griffith University team discovered evidence of ancient betel nut use, dating back 25,000 years, which challenged the current timeline of drug use origins. The researchers found skeletal remains with unusual dental wear patterns, indicating early humans habitually sucked whole betel nuts, causing severe periodontal disease.

SourceGriffith University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 9, 2026

Legionnaire's disease incidence has risen significantly in the U.S. over the last two decades, with warming temperatures, precipitation, sunlight levels, and road traffic exposure to the soil-dwelling Legionella bacteria likely driving this increase

Legionnaire's disease incidence in the US has increased over the last two decades, primarily driven by rising temperatures, precipitation, and road traffic exposure. The study suggests that warming temperatures and increased exposure to the soil-dwelling Legionella bacteria are likely contributing factors to this increase.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateSep 9, 2026

Research provides clues to spleen’s role in coronary artery disease

Researchers found associations between splenic features and coronary artery disease in a large dataset, suggesting new targets for prevention and treatment. The study used artificial intelligence and imaging scans to identify CAD-relevant splenic features, shedding light on novel mechanisms linking the spleen to heart disease.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 9, 2026

A multidisciplinary group of researchers from the University of Exeter and the UK Health Security Agency encourage consideration of potential interactions between urban green spaces, vector-borne diseases, and climate change

A multidisciplinary group of researchers examines potential interactions between urban green spaces, vector-borne diseases, and climate change to inform 21st century public health decisions. The study highlights the need for balancing benefits of urban green spaces with risks of vector-borne diseases under climate change.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·DateSep 9, 2026

Helping distributed sensor networks cooperatively locate multiple targets

Researchers developed MASTER, a distributed optimization method that addresses the challenge of matching measurements from different sensors in cooperative localization. The method produces smaller localization errors than existing methods, especially with more sensors participating, and works with various sensing data types.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2026

New route for designing topological magnets based on the layer number

Researchers at Tohoku University have discovered a systematic strategy for designing topological magnets by varying the number of layers in a crystal structure. The new approach, based on homologous series, could lead to new materials with unique magnetic and topological properties for applications in spintronics and quantum technologies.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 9, 2026

Spinal cord stimulation eases pain and improves sensation in people with diabetic nerve damage

A clinical trial found significant improvements in pain and sensation in people with treatment-resistant painful diabetic neuropathy after receiving spinal cord stimulation. The study also observed early evidence of increased density of small nerve fibers in the skin, which may indicate potential long-term benefits.

3D magnetic field experiment at BESSY II takes spintronics a step further

Researchers at BESSY II have made a breakthrough in spintronics by controlling spin patterns in magnetic material FNPP. By applying a tiny external magnetic field, the team was able to modify and create desired structures in a controlled manner, advancing the development of functional magnetic materials.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2026

Widespread COVID death underreporting around the world raises broader questions about the reliability of official information

A new study estimates that 45%–55% of governments misreported COVID mortality, with underreporting common than overreporting. Countries with stronger institutional checks and balances show less underreporting, emphasizing the importance of verification in protecting the reliability of official information.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of Economic Growth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2026

An atlas reveals the hidden "physical code" in the DNA sequence

Researchers have created the first comprehensive atlas of DNA's physical properties, revealing how its sequence influences genome regulation and evolution. The study analyzed 2,080 unique DNA fragments and found that certain sequences can preserve physical properties necessary for DNA function, potentially influencing genome evolution.

Quantum entanglement on a chip reaches audio frequency

Researchers from Shanxi University and Nanjing University demonstrate two-mode squeezed light in the audio-frequency band on a chip, achieving quantum entanglement between generated optical modes. The system enables stable quadrature measurements across multiple frequency channels, paving the way for future chip-scale quantum sensors a...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2026

Thousands of new findings contribute to a global virus map

A global virus atlas has been created by mapping RNA viruses in 102 cities worldwide, identifying nearly 55,000 different types, 80% of which were unknown to science. This data can be used for biological risk assessment, crime scene investigations, and environmental monitoring, providing a unique viral fingerprint for each location.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 9, 2026

New study identifies a vulnerability in small cell lung cancer – potential therapeutic approach via targeted inhibition

A study from the University of Cologne identified a critical dependency in small cell lung cancer that can be exploited therapeutically. Targeted inhibition of the NMD pathway offers a promising approach to treat SCLC by accumulating mutated proteins and presenting abnormal peptides on the cell surface, making it detectable to the immu...

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalMolecular Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2026

Breaking the selectivity-permeability trade-off: Potassium channel-inspired composite membrane enables efficient Mg²⁺/Li⁺ separation

Researchers developed a potassium channel-inspired composite membrane for efficient Mg²⁺/Li⁺ separation, overcoming the selectivity-permeability trade-off of traditional membranes. The membrane achieved high Mg²⁺ rejection rates and excellent Li⁺ permeability, with stable separation performance in complex water bodies.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateSep 9, 2026

Sea cucumber-inspired self-healing hydrogel paves the way for next-generation wearable tactile sensors and human-machine interaction

A team of researchers has developed a sea cucumber-inspired ionotronic hydrogel that combines intrinsic adhesion, room-temperature self-healing, and interfacial capacitive sensing. The hydrogel exhibits exceptional stretchability, high ionic conductivity, and strong adhesion to various substrates.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateSep 9, 2026

Engineering bacterial surfaces with glucan nanofilms creates a potent vaccine platform against invasive fungal infections

Researchers developed a synthetic bacterium-based vaccine platform that leverages engineered bacterial surfaces to assemble glucan nanofilms for enhanced antifungal immunity. The vaccine platform induces immune cell activation, increases antigen presentation markers, and promotes protective antifungal responses.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateSep 9, 2026

The brain’s rhythm signals may help memory circuits communicate

A new study suggests that slow electrical rhythms traveling along individual nerve fibers may help coordinate communication between key memory centers in the hippocampus. Researchers detected theta-band signals in individual axons connecting hippocampal subregions, linked to stronger bursts of activity in downstream neurons.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2026

The kissing bug that crossed the Atlantic

A kissing bug native to the southwestern US and northwestern Mexico was found in a Lisbon hotel room, highlighting the risks of Chagas disease transmission. The insect's 5,000-mile journey across the Atlantic has raised concerns about the potential for the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi to be introduced to Europe.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalParasites & Vectors·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2026

First touch, faster play: Study reveals the body and ball movements associated with quicker soccer passing

The study found that faster receive-to-pass transitions were linked to avoiding rapid foot approaches, maintaining upright body posture, and limiting ball rebound. This research provides a new biomechanical perspective on the soccer 'first touch' and may help translate coaching concepts into measurable movement characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalFootball Studies·DateSep 9, 2026

Public confidence in Fauci declines since spring, but still exceeds RFK Jr.

According to the Annenberg Public Policy Center survey, Americans' confidence in Dr. Anthony Fauci has declined to 50% since spring 2026, with a 5 percentage point decrease from 55% in April 2026. However, Fauci still maintains higher confidence than Kennedy, the secretary of health and human services, with a 12 percentage point gap.

Current blood pressure thresholds may miss critically injured children

A national study of over 230,000 pediatric trauma patients found that signs of hemodynamic instability may appear earlier than current standards indicate, highlighting the need for more accurate blood pressure thresholds. The study suggests that clinicians may need to recognize and respond to signs of circulatory instability at higher ...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2026

AI tracks immune responses without relying on databases of known antibody sequences

Researchers developed a new analysis method, LM-QASAS, combining antibody language models with B-cell receptor repertoires to identify candidate sequences responding to an immune stimulus. The method successfully tracked the rise, peak, and decline of immune responses in new individuals, even for emerging infectious diseases.

SourceKobe University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2026

MDPI revives Open Access Journal of Italian Medical Laboratory

The Open Access Journal of Italian Medical Laboratory (JDReAM) has been revived by MDPI, aiming to promote high-quality, interdisciplinary research in medicine. The journal, led by Prof. Michele Maffia and Prof. Prisco Piscitelli, publishes research addressing human health and disease from various scientific perspectives.

SourceMDPI AG·DateSep 9, 2026

Combined screening and online cognitive-behavior skills-building program reduces burnout, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts in nurses

A randomized clinical trial found that nurses experiencing mental distress benefited from combining mental health screening with a digital cognitive-behavior skills-building program, resulting in significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. The program also improved healthy lifestyle beliefs and behaviors.

SourceWiley·JournalWorldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing·DateSep 9, 2026

Is stroke risk higher after a cancer diagnosis?

New research reveals a significant increase in stroke risk within 3 months of cancer diagnosis, with pancreatic and lung cancers showing the highest rates. The study, published in CANCER, found that younger patients and those with advanced cancer are particularly at risk.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateSep 9, 2026