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Science News Archive September 2026 - Page 53


Page 53 of 54

Cancer cachexia: How a tumor protein drives wasting in the body

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have identified a tumor protein called ADAMTSL4 as a key driver of cancer cachexia, a wasting process that affects muscle and fat tissue. The protein locally activates the TGF-β signaling pathway, triggering a catabolic program that promotes muscle and fat breakdown.

Team develops sample preparation method for large-scale glycoproteomics

A research team has developed a reliable and economical method for studying proteins with sugar molecules attached to them in blood and tissue samples. The method uses commercially available magnetic particles and has the potential to aid in disease diagnosis and treatment.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2026

Beyond threat lies the reward

Researchers at Hokkaido University found that dopamine signaling in the brain's striatum region enables animals to adapt to threats by shifting their focus towards rewards. After repeated exposure, dopamine activity decreases, allowing attention to shift towards opportunities for learning and reward-seeking behavior.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateSep 1, 2026

Targeted suppression of autoimmune response in MS

A new MS therapy uses peptide-coupled red blood cells to redirect the immune response, potentially stopping the disease without suppressing the immune system. The clinical trial shows promising results, with the therapy showing good tolerability and safety.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 1, 2026

Bees see the world in more ways than previously thought

Researchers have discovered that smaller bee species, such as bumblebees and solitary bees, possess sharper eyesight than previously believed. They can detect objects with higher visual resolution and fine detail than worker honey bees. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that large eyes are the key to sharp vision in bees.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 1, 2026

Large, long-term study finds ANA positivity in Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease does not predict rheumatic disease

A large, long-term study of 140 patients with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease found that ANA positivity is common but transient, with minimal risk of progression to lupus or other connective tissue diseases. The study's findings provide reassuring evidence that patients with KFD can be reassured of their excellent prognosis.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalRheumatology & Autoimmunity·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2026

Three distinct BMI trajectories identified in people with type 2 diabetes

A recent study identified three distinct BMI trajectories among people with type 2 diabetes, with stable, increasing, and decreasing trajectories associated with different comorbidities and healthcare service use. Increasing BMI was linked to a clustering of chronic diseases, while weight loss was not always indicative of better health...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalDiabetes Research and Clinical Practice·DateSep 1, 2026

New study urges clinicians to address sex-based disparities in pneumonia management

A new study highlights biological sex-driven disparities in pneumonia management, including underrepresentation in diagnostic tests and antibiotic underexposure for women. The study advocates for tailoring antimicrobial therapy more precisely and integrating sex- and gender-aware research protocols to reduce inequities.

SourceJournal of Intensive Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2026

Frontiers in Science: Medical AI could move from treatment to prevention

The authors propose a spectrum of clinical autonomy, ranging from advisory tools to navigator systems that work with minimal human oversight, to enable early prediction and prevention of disease. However, challenges related to clinical validation, integration, data quality, and regulatory approval limit widespread deployment.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 1, 2026

Microwave-driven conversion of waste plastics to high-value chemicals:Progress, challenges, prospects

Researchers at Tsinghua University have developed microwave catalytic systems for the conversion of waste plastics into high-value chemicals. The technology achieves efficient and rapid conversion of various types of plastics, including polyesters, polyolefins, and others, with high yields and selectivity. The study highlights the pote...

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalCarbon Future·DateSep 1, 2026

Novel ultra-fast oxidation testing method at 2300 ℃ reveals “structural-functional element synergy” in multi-principal component diborides

Researchers developed a rapid-heating furnace to test oxidation resistance of diboride ceramics at 2300 ℃. The Ti-containing composition exhibited superior oxidation resistance, with a dense outer layer and porous inner layer that buffered thermal stress accumulation.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateSep 1, 2026

Non-freezing high-active glassy polar nanoregions enable near-zero strain hysteresis in lead-free piezoelectric ceramics

Researchers at Guizhou University developed a lead-free ceramic material with near-zero strain hysteresis by introducing Sb³⁺ at the B-site and creating high-activity glassy polar nanoregions. The material exhibits a nearly linear strain loop under positive electric fields, demonstrating its potential for actuator applications.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateSep 1, 2026

New screening strategy for low-conductivity rare-earth tantalates could guide thermal-barrier coating design

Researchers developed a new screening strategy for low-conductivity rare-earth tantalates to improve thermal-barrier coating design. The new approach, which considers mean sound velocity and unit-cell volume, reveals a composition with lower lattice thermal conductivity at x = 0.8, contrary to the conventional point-defect parameter.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateSep 1, 2026

Breaking traditional ceramic aerogel processing limits: Room-temperature “ceramic papermaking” coupled with high-temperature CVI creates multiscale SiC fiber/nanowire aerogels for broadband EMW absorption and thermal protection integration

Scientists have developed a novel multiscale ceramic aerogel structure for thermal protection and EMW absorption, exhibiting ultralow density and exceptional thermal insulation. The aerogel demonstrated outstanding thermal shielding and

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateSep 1, 2026

Field ecology's working conditions shape both safety and science

A new viewpoint argues that field ecology's working conditions can heighten vulnerability to harassment, particularly for women of color and LGBTQ+ researchers. The author calls for prevention measures, including clear codes of conduct and team involvement, to ensure research team safety and prevent distortions in knowledge production.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 1, 2026

Investment in blood cancer research has saved nearly 26 million years of life, but major gaps in survival remain

Advances in blood cancer treatment have saved 25.8 million life-years, with significant gains for Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients. However, Black patients and those with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) continue to experience worse outcomes, highlighting the need for continued research investment.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateSep 1, 2026

Men with low or high testosterone may have higher risk of irregular heartbeat

A review of existing evidence on testosterone and heart health found that both low and high testosterone levels increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. The risk appears to follow a U-shaped pattern, with the lowest risk in the middle of the normal testosterone range. This suggests that treatment should be individualized and monitored.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateSep 1, 2026

Non-police safety practitioners reduce crime

Non-police safety practitioners in San Francisco reduced crime and disorder, particularly behavioral health-related incidents and drug crime, through consistent relationships and referrals to services. The program achieved significant reductions in crime rates by intervening early and preventing escalation.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateSep 1, 2026

Anti-influenza therapies that target the host

Researchers have discovered a novel approach to treating influenza by targeting the host's machinery, rather than the virus itself. By binding to a key protein called nucleolin, two new drugs have been shown to trap and inhibit the replication of both pandemic and seasonal flu strains.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateSep 1, 2026

Researchers discover dozens of genes tied to OCD and tic disorders

A Rutgers-led international team identified 36 genes linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and chronic tic disorders, providing a detailed biological understanding of how these conditions develop. The findings suggest that many of the genes are shared between the conditions and can be targeted using whole-network approaches.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 1, 2026

Electrifying discoveries: Researchers film the first moments on the way from light to electricity

Researchers successfully film the generation of electrical energy from light, providing a fundamental understanding of the physical processes involved in organic solar cells. The study, published in Physical Review X, reveals the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of excitons in the first moments of their existence.

SourceUniversity of Graz·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2026

To promote climate action, emotion matters more than information

A UNIGE study shows that climate communication campaigns designed to appeal to people's emotions, such as evoking a sense of wonder, are more effective at inspiring climate action than those relying solely on scientific facts. Messages that include images and draw on moral or ethical considerations also achieve better results.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeNews article·DateSep 1, 2026