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Science News Archive September 2026 - Page 44


Page 44 of 54

Two-inch wafer-scale Micro-QLED fabrication technology

Researchers developed a feasible fabrication strategy for 2-inch Micro-QLED wafers using solvent engineering and photolithography-template assisted processing. The technology enables large-area uniform quantum-dot films and resolves high-resolution and high-brightness limitations of existing microdisplay technologies.

Evidence of ancient wildfires near the South Pole

A team of researchers has found evidence of recurring wildfires in Cretaceous Antarctica near the South Pole, which promoted the spread of early peatlands. The ancient co-evolution of fire and peatland formation provides valuable insight into the development and preservation of raised bogs, now threatened by climate change.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateSep 7, 2026

A "warm-west/cold-east" North Pacific sea surface temperature dipole, working in concert with anomalies in other key ocean regions, reveals when subseasonal forecasts of East Asian winter cold surges can be trusted

A 'warm-west/cold-east' North Pacific sea surface temperature dipole signals the start of high-skill forecasting periods for East Asian winter cold surges. Forecasts that account for matching SST anomalies in key regions reach 100% accuracy rates during La Niña conditions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateSep 7, 2026

Fungal infections: A surprising downside of the immune response

Researchers discovered that immune cells' vesicles, meant to destroy pathogens, actually promote the survival of Candida albicans in the bloodstream. The vesicles, carrying antimicrobial molecules, shield the fungus from immune attack by altering its surface, making it harder for immune cells to recognize.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2026

Switching chiral phonons with electricity

Scientists at PSI discovered chiral phonons, which exhibit handedness, and now show that an electric field can control their handedness. The researchers created a tiny device using ferroelectric barium titanate and demonstrated the ability to switch the handedness of phonons at room temperature and low voltage.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2026

Cambridge scientist uncovers how much protein we actually need and the best sources (for both planetary and public health)

A new paper from Cambridge scientist Dr Chris Macdonald explores the benefits of higher-protein diets, including lower mortality risk, improved mental health, and enhanced cognition. The study also reveals the best plant-based sources of protein, with tofu ranking highest overall.

SourceLucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge·JournalFrontiers·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 7, 2026

New molecules against hard-to-treat tumors

Researchers developed small molecules that activate macrophages to attack cancer cells, weakening the tumor's defenses against the immune system. The molecules, called Phagocytic Synapse Enhancers, were tested in cell cultures and animal models and showed promising results, slowing tumor growth and extending survival.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 7, 2026

National program linked to more equal access to drug that prevents cerebral palsy in premature babies

A national care improvement programme has led to more equitable access to antenatal magnesium sulphate, a treatment that reduces the risk of cerebral palsy in premature babies. The programme's rollout has narrowed regional and socioeconomic gaps in treatment rates, benefiting mothers and babies across England.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBMJ Open Quality·TypeObservational study·DateSep 7, 2026

New computational method pushes cryo-EM beyond traditional resolution limits

Researchers developed PASR, a computational method that recovers higher-frequency structural information from cryo-EM datasets, improving map quality and enabling higher-resolution reconstructions. The approach may reduce microscope usage time and data-storage demands for analyzing large, flexible, or heterogeneous biological complexes.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalIUCrJ·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2026

Scientists reveal how blood cells release key signalling lipid

Researchers from NUS Medicine and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered how blood cells release S1P, a key signalling lipid, into the bloodstream. S1P plays a crucial role in keeping blood vessels healthy and supporting normal cell function. The study used cryo-electron microscopy and computer simulations to capture a d...

Pumping antibiotics out: A new route to bacterial drug resistance

Researchers at the University of Osaka have identified a previously unknown mechanism that allows the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae to export the antibiotic fosfomycin. The discovery provides new clues to drug resistance and could lead to the development of more effective treatments for bacterial infections.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2026

Researchers uncover molecular strategy for efficient triplet generation

Triplet excited states in organic molecules play crucial roles in various applications. Researchers have identified a molecular strategy for balancing competing requirements in organic donor-acceptor systems, controlling conformational dynamics to determine triplet generation efficiency. The study reveals that an intermediate donor-acc...

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 7, 2026

Nature Biotechnology | Insilico’s AI-driven IPF candidate rentosertib shows potential for biological age reversal, as assessed by six proteomic aging clocks

Researchers evaluated biological age using six internationally recognized proteomic aging clocks, finding a reduction in predicted biological age among patients treated with rentosertib. The drug also showed promising dose-dependent reversal of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), a measure of lung function declining with age.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 7, 2026

Making polymers fluoresce with stress

A simple blending strategy enables reversible fluorescence in block copolymers, allowing visualization of mechanical stress without altering material properties. The approach preserves mechanical properties and offers a practical route for stress-sensing functions in existing polymer materials.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2026

New low-temperature coating strategy for tougher and conductive lightweight magnesium

Researchers developed a low-temperature steam-assisted process to create durable, conductive spinel coatings on magnesium alloys for harsh acidic environments. The coating achieved ultralow corrosion current density and high sheet resistance, making it suitable for next-generation energy storage and conversion technologies.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalSurface and Coatings Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2026

A neural brake on adult glioma progression

A new study reveals that inhibitory brain circuits can suppress adult glioma growth by reducing calcium activity inside tumor cells. Inhibitory neurons form synaptic contacts with glioma cells and reduce tumor cell proliferation and survival in preclinical models.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2026

Deconstructing LSD for therapeutic discoveries

University of California, Davis researchers successfully synthesized new compounds with reduced hallucinogenic and cardiotoxic effects, identifying one compound with antipsychotic-like effects. By systematically deconstructing LSD, they uncovered the importance of the phenethylamine-like traits in producing hallucinogenic effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2026

How climate change may amplify earthquake impacts in the Arctic

A recent GEOMAR study found that climate change can trigger cascading natural hazards in the Arctic. The research team investigated an earthquake that triggered a rock avalanche on Jan Mayen island, revealing the devastating impact of permafrost degradation on the region's slopes and glaciers.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 7, 2026

Smoking has declined overall, but vaping has increased and people are starting to smoke at a younger age

Research from Austria and Ireland shows that nicotine addiction remains a major health concern, with vaping and smoking increasing among children and young people. The studies found that smoking has declined, but vaping has risen, particularly among those under 18, and that people are taking up smoking at a younger age. The findings hi...

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 7, 2026

Borderline low hemoglobin levels, usually considered normal, are linked to a higher risk of death

A prospective cohort study found that adults with hemoglobin levels 1 to 3 g/dL above the World Health Organization's anemia thresholds had lower mortality compared to those with levels below and above this range. The study suggests that further investigation of borderline anemia is warranted.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 7, 2026

Smoking leads to increased loneliness

A large Europe-wide study has found that smoking leads to increased loneliness, with current smokers reporting higher levels of loneliness and social isolation. The study suggests that smoking damages psychosocial health in addition to physical effects, and highlights the need to challenge the social norms surrounding smoking.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 6, 2026