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Science News Archive September 2026 - Page 7


Page 7 of 54

How the visual cortex wires itself: targeted from the start, refined over time

A new study published in Cell Reports found that the visual cortex establishes targeted, region-specific neural connections early in postnatal development, challenging the exuberant growth model. The research team mapped the connections of thousands of neurons using advanced viral and molecular tracing techniques, revealing a refined w...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2026

Engineers develop a smart shoe that could help track changes in how people walk

Rutgers engineers have developed a smart shoe that automatically analyzes how a person walks, tracking movement and calories burned with 95.4% accuracy. The prototype powers the analysis with energy generated from the wearer's footsteps, offering a potential solution to the 'energy-intelligence bottleneck' in existing health wearables.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 2026

Researchers suggest tile-based radiation therapy as standard of care to lower risk of recurrence in brain metastases

Researchers found implanting collagen tiles during brain surgery to deliver targeted radiation therapy improves tumor control, lowers recurrence risk, and increases overall survival. Patients treated with tile-based radiation therapy had a 1.3% rate of recurrence at the surgical site compared to 15.4% in the control group.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 28, 2026

New UMSOM research shows promising results for health care professionals using ketogenic diet therapy to treat mental illness

A new study from UMSOM shows that an immersive training program can improve healthcare provider confidence in using ketogenic dietary treatment plans for patients with mental health conditions. The program, which combines guided education and firsthand experience, increased confidence in explaining benefits and risks to patients.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateSep 28, 2026

Supervised physical therapy improves short-term knee pain and function after ACL surgery in young adults

A randomized clinical trial found that supervised physical therapy after ACL surgery yielded greater improvements in pain, function, and muscle strength compared to a self-directed exercise program. Researchers concluded that supervised exercise therapy combined with education offers meaningful short-term benefits for young adults with...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 28, 2026

Withdrawal med use points to increasing danger of medetomidine

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that medetomidine withdrawal cases have quadrupled in recent years due to its increased potency in the illicit opioid supply. Patients experiencing withdrawal symptoms, including tachycardia and organ damage, require specialized treatment, including dexmedetomidine ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 2026

Modifying heart cell metabolism unlocks self-repair system after heart attack

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys discovered that blocking an energy transfer enzyme shifts mammalian hearts into a regenerative state, promoting regeneration and improving recovery after a heart attack. By modulating heart cell metabolism, scientists can potentially awaken the heart's dormant regenerative abilities.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2026

Children from six cultures reliably help their peers – but in different ways

A new study by an international team provides the first systematic cross-cultural comparison of children's helping behaviour. Across six cultures, children consistently helped peers, with younger children providing practical assistance and older children offering information to solve problems. Cultural differences emerged, with some gr...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2026

New possibilities uncovered for efficiently converting sunlight into clean energy

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new material that uses light to produce hydrogen from water, offering a cleaner alternative to current methods and potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This breakthrough could simplify the production of fuel cells and chemicals, while also providing a more sustainable en...

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2026

How much do Americans spend on GLP-1 medications? VCU medical students measure drug affordability

A study by VCU medical students found that nearly 1 in 5 GLP-1 users spent at least 10% of their household income on the medications, while 7% of patients spent an average of 7% of their household income annually. The researchers emphasize the need for solutions to make GLP-1 medications more affordable, particularly among uninsured an...

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 28, 2026

Study foresees heightened measles epidemic risk for Florida

A University of Maryland study predicts that repealing Florida's measles vaccine mandate could spark the largest measles epidemic in the US in nearly 500 years. The study shows that even without mandate removal, Florida's vaccine-induced herd immunity threshold is below the level needed to protect against sustained transmission.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 28, 2026

NRG Oncology Trial Finds No Difference in NeurocoNRG Oncology trial finds no difference in neurocognitive outcomes, but improved overall survival with stereotactic radiosurgery for SCLC brain metastases

A Phase III trial found stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) improved overall survival in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) brain metastases without significant difference in neurocognitive outcomes compared to hippocampal-avoidant whole brain radiotherapy (HA-WBRT).

Experimental mRNA therapy dramatically extends treatment window for acetaminophen overdose in preclinical models

Researchers developed an experimental mRNA therapy that reduces liver injury in mice, even when given at a much later point in time than the currently available antidote. The therapy harnesses a newly identified protective mechanism that helps liver cells survive acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2026

CityUHK researchers advance spatial omics to routine clinical use

Researchers from CityUHK have developed a sequencing-free approach for spatial omics analysis, enabling routine clinical use. The method, Spectrum-FISH, preserves spatial information in freshly prepared tissue samples and offers advantages in affordability and scalability.

SourceCommunications and Institutional Research Office, City University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2026

Non-invasive nerve stimulation shows potential for treating uncontrolled high blood pressure

A new non-invasive technique that stimulates nerves through the ear has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated for patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure. The study found that the treatment reduced blood pressure in patients with more severe hypertension, suggesting further investigation is needed to determine its effectiveness.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalHypertension·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2026

The right timing of treatment keeps resistant cells in check

A new study from the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light reveals that physical processes in growing tumors and microbial biofilms play a crucial role in determining the optimal timing of treatment cycles. The researchers used a 'Real-To-Sim-To-Real' approach, combining microbial model systems and computer simulations, to show...

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2026

Penn Medicine and IBA launch joint venture to advance proton therapy and radiation oncology program development worldwide

The new company will provide integrated advisory and lifecycle support services to help healthcare organizations develop and sustain successful proton therapy programs. Penn Medicine and IBA will combine their expertise to create a unique platform for delivering exceptional care to patients and building sustainable oncology programs.

To find a host cricket, this parasitic fly listens to more than the beat

A new study reveals that female Ormia ochracea flies evaluate cricket songs based on multiple temporal features, including sound pulses and pauses. The flies recognize relevant songs based on combinations of these features, rather than just pulse rate, and use this information to find a suitable host for their developing offspring.

SourceSt. Olaf College·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2026

Today’s urban inequality goes far beyond legacy of ‘redlining,’ study shows

A recent study by Emory University researchers analyzed socio-economic data and environmental indicators in Portland, Oregon, to understand current urban patterns of privilege and disadvantage. The study found that redlining, while a significant factor, is not the only contributor to urban inequality, and that gentrification and displa...

SourceEmory University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 2026

Tracking researchers in Ukraine through war and armed conflict:

A new study reveals that researchers in Ukraine's war-affected regions have been relocating to other parts of the country and abroad, with some areas experiencing net losses of scholars. The findings challenge the assumption that scholars freely choose their destinations, highlighting the complex dynamics of scholarly mobility during c...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Demographic Research·JournalPopulation and Development Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 2026

Study shows rising rates of reported intentional substance exposures at school among elementary- and middle-school-aged children

A new study found substantial increases in reported intentional substance exposures at US schools among elementary- and middle-school-aged children, with high school-age teens experiencing the highest rates of serious medical outcomes and hospital admissions. Pharmaceutical exposures in this age group were associated with substantially...

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalThe American Journal of Emergency Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 2026