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Science News Archive September 2026 - Page 47


Page 47 of 54

Study: Sound waves, water droplets transform paper waste into higher-value chemical compound

Researchers have developed a fast and simple way to turn lignin, a plentiful plant-based byproduct of the paper making industry, into potentially more valuable renewable chemicals. The new method uses tiny water droplets energized by sound waves to break down Kraft lignin in just 20 minutes at room temperature.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2026

Bats as a form of biological pest control

A study found that bats, not bird numbers, contribute to pest control in macadamia nut production. Higher bat activity reduces insect damage and increases yields, with natural habitats playing a crucial role in supporting beneficial organisms.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgriculture Ecosystems & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2026

These coastal wildflowers thrive in salt-laden air that kills other plants

Researchers have found that coastal wildflowers, such as the yellow monkeyflower, have evolved multiple adaptations to withstand salt spray, including altered pore structures and ability to bead up and roll off salt droplets. This knowledge could point to ways to make other plants, including crops, more resilient to salt exposure.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2026

As food costs rise, Massachusetts adults back greater access to affordable plant-based proteins, new statewide poll finds

A new statewide survey in Massachusetts found strong support for expanding access to affordable plant-based proteins, with 74% backing the Bean New Deal Bill. The bill would expand access to plant-based protein options in public institutions and incorporate nutrition education related to plant-based proteins.

Varicella zoster virus can cause serious disease beyond chickenpox and shingles

Researchers uncover the broad range of diseases caused by varicella zoster virus, including neurological and systemic issues, and highlight the need for better understanding and treatment of its manifestations. The virus can reactivate years after chickenpox and affect every organ, making diagnosis and treatment challenging.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalNature Reviews Disease Primers·DateSep 3, 2026

Marshall study identifies potential new target for treating atherosclerosis

Researchers at Marshall University have identified a cellular signaling pathway in fat cells that may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis, offering a potential new target for treatment. Blocking this pathway in fat cells reduced the formation of atherosclerotic plaque and decreased inflammation in blood vessels.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2026

Views from a physician and veterinarian: How to improve barriers to pet care when owners are hospitalized

Pet owners hospitalized often face barriers to pet care, and experts advocate for comprehensive family-centered care recognizing the human-animal bond. The human-animal bond can become even more consequential when people become seriously ill, highlighting the need for healthcare systems to address this critical relationship.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 3, 2026

New guidance introduces framework for assessing cardiovascular risk and fitness for duty in tactical athletes

The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association have introduced a new framework, Tactical Clinical Management (TCM), to evaluate cardiovascular risk and fitness for duty in tactical athletes. This guidance addresses the unique needs of professionals working in high-risk environments, where sudden incapacitation can af...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 3, 2026

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers find C. difficile colonization in infants reshapes gut development

A new study by CHOP researchers reveals that C. difficile colonization in infants can lead to a remodeling of the developing epithelium and a reshaping of the mucosal immune system, potentially increasing the risk of some viral infections in adulthood. Early life exposure to C. difficile may have profound effects on healthy development...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 3, 2026

Psilocybin prevents chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in mice

Researchers found that psilocybin durably prevented chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in mice, preserving nerve function and tumor-killing effects. The study's findings have potential disease-modifying approaches to chronic pain and may reframe CIPN as a failure of resilience that can be addressed with early intervention.

Magnetic material with macroscale, three-dimensional formation of nano-interfaces that turn heat into electricity

Researchers developed a composite material with three-dimensional nano-interfaces, enabling thermoelectric conversion in a macroscale material. The spin Seebeck effect was successfully observed in an insulator, providing a new material design paradigm for thermal energy utilization.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2026

BESIII achieves world's most precise measurement of Lambda hyperon electric dipole moment

The BESIII Collaboration has achieved the world's most precise measurement of the Lambda hyperon electric dipole moment using quantum-entangled Lambda-anti-Lambda pairs. The result improves experimental sensitivity by three orders of magnitude, providing a new way to probe charge-parity violation in particles containing strange quarks.

Chemists design extra-sticky adhesives that degrade on command

Scientists at Virginia Tech have designed two types of degradable adhesives: one made from lipoic acid that outperforms duct tape, and another with a bottlebrush polymer that is four times stronger. Both can be broken down into their original components within minutes, making them ideal for recyclable applications.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 3, 2026

Bio-Based Fe-MOF nanoreactor builds a redox-cycling strategy for breast cancer therapy

Researchers developed a bio-based Fe-MOF nanoreactor that combines natural-ligand chemistry with multimetallic redox catalysis, biomimetic targeting and MRI visibility. The nanoplatform produced a strong ROS response, increased apoptosis, and tumor inhibition in breast cancer cells and mice.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2026

Eating jetlag and the risk of cardiovascular disease

A new study suggests that eating jetlag, which disrupts the body's biological rhythm, may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in men. The study found that each additional hour of eating jetlag was associated with a 14% increased risk of cardiovascular disease and a 21% increased risk of coronary heart disease.

Green and efficient maize varieties could raise global yields while reducing nitrogen losses

Researchers have identified genetic hotspots and real-world adoption gaps in developing green and efficient maize varieties. These varieties have been shown to increase global yields by 10.1% and improve nitrogen utilization efficiency by 16.7%, while reducing reactive nitrogen losses by 26.6%. However, realizing the full potential of ...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 3, 2026

Ancient Dujiangyan water wisdom inspires AI microfluidic chip to spot hidden sub-resistant bacteria

Researchers developed a portable AI-assisted microfluidic platform to detect sub-resistant bacteria, combining machine learning with the ancient 'six-four water diversion' principle. The platform provides a more refined view of bacterial drug response and can identify sub-resistant populations that conventional tests may overlook.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2026