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Science News Archive September 2026 - Page 5


Page 5 of 54

Lunar satellites could anchor Earth's GPS: study finds a fix for drifting navigation constellations

A new study reveals that adding lunar satellites to China's BeiDou-3 navigation constellation can eliminate navigation constellations' drift. The team achieved stable orientation for 60 days and low user range error, demonstrating the effectiveness of lunar satellites as an anchor for the network.

Pilot Study: Blueberries modify gut microbiome in older adults with mild depression

A pilot study found that daily blueberry consumption reduced depressive symptoms in older adults, with minor changes in gut microbiome markers. Fiber and anthocyanins in blueberries have potential to modify the gut microbiome and metabolites relevant to depression.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalThe journal of nutrition health & aging·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 29, 2026

Research Spotlight: Exercise as medicine—how exercise protects joints in aging-related osteoarthritis

Researchers discovered that moderate-intensity exercise significantly improved cartilage health and tissue resilience in aging-related osteoarthritis. The molecular cargo of extracellular vesicles was found to be enriched with microRNA-29, which restored youthful characteristics in cartilage cells and reduced joint degeneration features.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2026

Could earlier recognition of cerebral visual impairment in the NICU help more children thrive?

A new clinical practice guideline aims to standardize the identification and management of infants at increased risk for cerebral visual impairment (CVI). The guideline recommends comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation and referral to developmental services within the first six months of life to access interventions as early as possible.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature·TypeSurvey·DateSep 29, 2026

Shared smiles may shape infants’ emotional development

Two new studies suggest that smiling and positive interactions with caregivers help babies develop emotion regulation skills and physiological foundations of emotional well-being. Researchers found increases in heart-rate variability when both the baby and caregiver were positively engaged, indicating a unique effect of mutual positive...

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPhilosophical Collections of the Royal Society of London·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2026

circLPAR3 drives chemotherapy resistance in prostate cancer

Researchers identified circLPAR3 as a key mediator of docetaxel resistance in prostate cancer, promoting tumor growth under chemotherapy by suppressing ferroptosis. The study highlights circLPAR3 as a promising biomarker for treatment response and suggests targeting its regulatory network could help overcome chemotherapy resistance.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalGenes & Diseases·DateSep 29, 2026

Same plant species, different chemistry

Researchers at Bielefeld University propose a precise and unambiguous way to define chemotypes within a plant species, highlighting genetic and environmental factors influencing chemical composition. This systematic approach aims to improve understanding and practical applications of chemotypes in medicinal plants and agriculture.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalTrends in Plant Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 29, 2026

Genetic audit of wheat: researchers determine the actual variability of a gene responsible for bread quality

Researchers conducted a genetic audit to verify the variability of the GLU-B1 gene in wheat, finding that most alleles were duplicated or triplicated. They developed a master set of wheats covering the gene's variability, providing a tool for breeders to improve wheat quality and quantity.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Cereal Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2026

A balloon offers a fresh eye on desert dust’s journey to the tropopause

A new study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences uses balloon-borne instruments to track the journey of desert dust to the tropopause layer over the northern Tibetan Plateau. The research provides valuable observational data for evaluating dust-transport models and highlights the importance of sustained balloon observations.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 29, 2026

Rethinking liquid hydrogen storage with metal-organic frameworks

Researchers from UNIST, Ewha Womans University, TUM, and ILL report a significant increase in liquid hydrogen storage time using metal-organic frameworks. The study found that IRMOF-20 can retain about 97% of liquid hydrogen's theoretical volumetric capacity for over 221 days, more than three times as long as neat liquid hydrogen.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2026

Researchers solve mystery of how plants sense touch

Researchers have identified the molecular signaling pathway that links mechanical stimulation to changes in plant genes and growth. A chain of three specific proteins becomes activated within a minute, sending signals that affect hundreds of genes and contribute to changes in plant growth.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2026

A UC3M study analyzes the different interpretations and enduring relevance of the Odyssey throughout history

The study examines how the Odyssey has been systematically reinterpreted in light of historical and cultural dilemmas, showcasing its impact on modern human experience and characterization of scientific concepts. Female figures like Circe and Penelope are reimagined as symbols of autonomy and resistance in contemporary literature and t...

A breath of life beyond bronchodilation

A retrospective case series of 5 patients with severe COPD-associated pulmonary hypertension found modest improvements in pulmonary hemodynamics and exercise capacity after 6 months of nebulized ensifentrine, without exacerbations or worsening oxygenation. The study suggests a potential therapeutic role for ensifentrine in this under-t...

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Respiratory Medicine Journal·DateSep 29, 2026

Neuroproteins are potential diagnostic tool for sick foals

Researchers at North Carolina State University have identified two neuroproteins, BDNF and S100B, as potential biomarkers for diagnosing Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome (NMS) in foals. The study found that levels of these proteins and neurosteroids in blood serum were associated with NMS, suggesting a link to the disease's pathophysiol...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2026

Ensuring the quality of scientific datasets

Researchers at the University of Vienna developed a new method to automatically detect anomalies in large scientific datasets. The method, called Simulation-Based Benfordness Estimation, uses Benford's Law to identify irregularities and improve data quality, leading to more reliable research and AI applications.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPatterns·DateSep 29, 2026

AI competency model for aerospace engineering managers: a multi-attribute decision-making approach

A closed-loop modeling and assessment framework for aerospace engineering managers' AI competency is proposed, capturing governance priorities and multi-attribute interdependencies. The framework, comprising five dimensions and twenty attributes, provides a traceable decision-support tool for selection, performance management, and care...

Humanitarian relief failure in Gaza: Outsourcing aid doesn’t outsource legal responsibility

A new paper has questioned the effectiveness of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's aid distribution model, citing inhumane treatment and potential violations of international law. The model, which relied on private security contractors, led to crowding, stampedes, and shootings at aid distribution sites, causing thousands of civilian c...

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of Conflict and Security Law·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 29, 2026

New special issue of Biological Diversity call for papers decoding biodiversity through evolutionary mechanisms

This special issue explores the formation, evolution, and maintenance of biological diversity across all branches of the tree of life. Researchers can submit papers on topics such as speciation, adaptive evolution, and eco-evolutionary feedbacks, with a focus on developing a unified evolutionary framework for understanding biodiversity.

Biological Diversity launches special issue on resilient nature: ecosystem responses and ecological restoration under global change

This special issue investigates biodiversity loss, ecosystem stability, and resilience in the face of climate disruption and global change. It welcomes contributions on ecological restoration, nature-based solutions, and adaptive management to address biodiversity conservation and ecosystem function.

American College of Lifestyle Medicine issues new position statement linking human health and planetary health

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine has released a new position statement asserting the interconnected threats of climate change, biodiversity loss, and chronic disease. Lifestyle medicine's six pillars can benefit both individual and environmental health, improving health outcomes while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pol...

SourceAmerican College of Lifestyle Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine·DateSep 29, 2026