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Science News Archive September 2026 - Page 42


Page 42 of 54

Quebec wildfire smoke left forest moths with deformed wings, Concordia research finds

A new study by Concordia researchers reveals that exposure to wildfire smoke during larval development causes higher rates of wing deformities in spruce budworm and forest tent caterpillar moths. The moths also become heavier, a result that may reflect higher mortality among smaller, weaker individuals.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2026

Illinois study reveals another reason to save the world’s trees

A new analysis from the University of Illinois suggests that tree cavities can stay cooler than the outside air, providing crucial thermal protection for animals. The study finds that tree cavities can buffer animals from temperature extremes, including hot and cold days, and offers insights into forest management decisions worldwide.

SourceCollege of ACES at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateSep 8, 2026

Helium lifts new quantum computing concept

A team led by Jacob Covey has developed a new design for high-powered, stable quantum computers using helium-3, an isotope with fermionic quantum properties. This design offers a major advance over previous lithium-based designs, with faster tunneling rates and controllable motional qubits.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPRX Quantum·DateSep 8, 2026

New research traces the evolution of wastewater and environmental surveillance in carceral settings and analyzes the ethical, medical, legal challenges

A team of researchers found that carceral wastewater and environmental surveillance lacks full human subjects protections and traditional public health guidelines, leading to a fragmented regulatory landscape. The practice has enabled heightened monitoring and punitive restriction without necessary safeguards, posing concerns for incar...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateSep 8, 2026

Invention may bring smart bionic eye in sight

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a working prototype that combines sensing, memory and information processing in a single system, reducing energy consumption. The neuromorphic vision innovation can dramatically reduce data and energy required for complex visual tasks.

SourceRMIT University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2026

Bacterial trial fails to demonstrate early asthma prevention

A national trial found that treating young children with an oral bacterial extract did not reduce the risk of severe wheezing and respiratory illnesses that can precede asthma. The ORBEX trial, led by the University of Arizona, tested the preventive potential of OM-85, a treatment that had shown promise in earlier, smaller studies.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Lancet·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2026

Making the case for psychology in primary health-care settings

The integration of psychology into primary care in Canada has the potential to improve access to care, support physicians, and save billions of dollars. Studies have shown that integrated primary care reduces wait times, patient engagement, and improves outcomes for mental health conditions.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalCanadian Psychology/Psychologie canadienne·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 8, 2026

3D-printed rock avalanche

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a 3D-printed model of a rock avalanche to study the movement of mixtures of water, ice, and rock. The model, which is 1:577 in scale, was used to test various scenarios and measure parameters such as depth of runoff and impact dynamics.

SourceETH Zurich·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 8, 2026

Climate-driven losses in seaweed carbon sequestration outpace habitat restoration gains

Seaweed forests globally are experiencing rapid declines due to climate change, with an estimated 25 million hectares lost by 2050. Restoration efforts may not be enough to compensate for these losses, with tens of thousands of projects needed at a significant cost. The study highlights the need to focus on preventing habitat loss as a...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 8, 2026

PLOS Ecosystems publishes its first issue

The new journal aims to publish research on key topics focused on ecosystems, biodiversity, and policy. Its first issue includes papers on pollution, climate, and biodiversity, and is overseen by a diverse group of academic editors.

SourcePLOS·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 8, 2026

Untangling the meta-biomaterial puzzle one property at a time

Researchers at Delft University of Technology have developed a method to decouple properties in meta-biomaterials, allowing for tailored biomedical engineering applications. By separating mechanical and morphometric properties, scientists can systematically investigate how individual material characteristics affect cell behavior and ti...

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2026

Eat like me to look like me

Researchers analyzed 300 social media posts tagged #healthylifestyle, #nutrition and #cleaneating, finding widespread messaging on restrictive food rules, moralized views of food and unrealistic dietary ideals. The study highlights the need for healthy eating to be flexible, enjoyable and sustainable.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Technology in Behavioral Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 8, 2026

Stress-assisted dynamic recrystallization: Why an ultra-strong high-entropy alloy suddenly softens above 650 °C

Researchers investigated the softening transition of a NiCoCr-based high-entropy alloy and found that stress-driven grain boundary migration is the primary driving force behind catastrophic softening. The study provides a quantitative framework to deconvolute stress-driven and thermally driven contributions to high-temperature softening.

SourceMaterials Futures·JournalMaterials Futures·DateSep 8, 2026

HKU chemists harness light to build 3D molecular structures for drug discovery

Researchers at HKU have developed a new light-driven method for constructing three-dimensional molecular building blocks. This approach broadens the range of starting materials and suppresses unwanted polymerisation, overcoming key limitations of existing synthetic methods. The findings have the potential to improve characteristics of ...

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2026

HKU study reveals how atmospheric dryness constrains typhoon rainfall leading to lower-than-expected increases

A new study led by HKU reveals that increasing atmospheric dryness suppresses rainfall in tropical cyclones, constraining expected increases in typhoon rainfall. The study proposes a unified framework for understanding tropical cyclone rainfall, accounting for precipitation efficiency and atmospheric dryness.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2026

IrMn‑cluster‑based artificial metalloenzymes with radiosensitized systemic antitumor responses to prevent malignant tumor metastasis and recurrence

Researchers develop IrMn-cluster-based artificial metalloenzyme that integrates enzyme-mimetic catalysis, radiosensitization, and immune modulation to overcome cancer therapy limitations. The IMM accelerates ROS and O2 generation, relieving tumor hypoxia and activating systemic immune responses.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateSep 8, 2026

HKU ecologists warn that marine heatwaves pose an underestimated threat to public health

Researchers warn that marine heatwaves can intensify extreme weather, disrupt fisheries and aquaculture, and threaten coastal livelihoods, ultimately posing risks to human health. Marine heatwaves also have significant psychological impacts on communities, causing grief, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2026

ERC Starting Grant for Meret Huber

Meret Huber receives EUR 1.5 million in EU funding for her project Plant Metabolites as Keystone Traits (METABOKEY), investigating how plant metabolites shape ecological communities. The research aims to answer whether certain plant compounds can act as 'keystone traits' and determine ecosystem structure over generations.

More injuries following the policy change of body-checking in women’s ice hockey – but the players are positive about the change

Injuries in Swedish women's ice hockey have almost doubled after the introduction of body-checking, with shoulder and knee injuries being the most common types. Despite this, players are optimistic about the change, with concerns over fatigue and recovery time also raised.

SourceLund University·JournalEuropean Journal of Sport Science·TypeCase study·DateSep 8, 2026

Cosmic radiation at flight altitudes rises when the sun is less active

A new study found that cosmic radiation levels at commercial flight altitudes rise as solar activity falls, with levels potentially increasing by 40-60% during solar minimum conditions. The researchers also found a clear vertical pattern in radiation levels, with a peak around 17-20 km above Earth.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 8, 2026