21-Apr-2026 Steep rise in pickleball‑related eye injuries strikes older adults the most, according to Houston Methodist-led study Houston Methodist Pickleball‑related eye injuries are on the rise in the United States, according to a newly-published Nature study led by Houston Methodist. The findings underscore a public health concern tied to one of America’s fastest‑growing sports. In addition, the research also revealed that dodgeball and kickball continue to cause significant eye-related trauma, primarily among younger individuals. Journal Nature
21-Apr-2026 Pitt researchers highlight the health benefits of rising early University of Pittsburgh Being an early bird or a night owl may be defined by your genetics, but research suggests that those who rise early may receive some protection against conditions such as type 2 diabetes in return. Journal The Journal of Physiology Funder WoodNext Foundation, United Therapeutics Corporation, Pulmonary Hypertension Association
20-Apr-2026 Non-contact detection of post-regurgitation deep inhalation in calves using infrared thermography and deep learning-based nostril segmentation Osaka Metropolitan University An Osaka Metropolitan University research team proposed a non-contact approach for characterizing post-regurgitation deep inhalation in calves using infrared thermography and deep learning-based nostril segmentation. Journal BMC Veterinary Research
19-Apr-2026 Centipede consumption boosts growth and gut health in endangered crocodile lizards South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences A new study in Biological Diversity reveals that centipede consumption enhances growth and gut microbiome homeostasis in juvenile crocodile lizards by enriching beneficial fermentative bacteria and elevating short chain fatty acid production, underlining the critical role of dietary diversity in the conservation of endangered reptiles. Journal Biological Diversity Funder National Natural Science Foundation of China
17-Apr-2026 ‘Forever chemicals’ detected in dolphin milk Texas A&M University In a new study from the Texas A&M Superfund Research Center, the researchers examined archived dolphin milk samples collected between 1991 and 1993 to determine the presence of PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals.” The Texas A&M Superfund Research Center is a multi-institution center funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health and Sciences and led by the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS). Journal Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
17-Apr-2026 Reimagining modern botanic gardens: From nature-culture-science hubs to healing physic gardens South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences New research redefines the role of botanic gardens as vital healing spaces for human health and planetary conservation. Journal Biological Diversity
17-Apr-2026 Fighting malaria more effectively with climate data Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) In many parts of East Africa, small pools of water that form after heavy rainfall are ideal breeding sites for the Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit malaria. Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have analyzed how such environmental conditions affect the effectiveness of mosquito nets. They combined high-resolution climate and hydrology models with malaria data from Kenya to enable better assessments of when and where the nets are especially effective at preventing infections. Their results have been published in Scientific Reports. (DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-33539-w) Journal Scientific Reports
17-Apr-2026 Why some rural communities suffer more from environmental disasters KeAi Communications Co., Ltd. Environmental disasters affect both urban and rural communities, but rural communities suffer more severely. In a study in a rural community in Odisha, India, examining everyday factors such as income, housing, education, and access to basic services, the authors show how rural communities are exposed to the dangers of cyclones and how targeted actions can help communities recover faster and become more resilient. Journal Journal of Safety Science and Resilience Funder Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University
16-Apr-2026 Biochar’s climate benefits may depend on microplastics in soil, study finds Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University Microplastics are increasingly found in agricultural soils worldwide, raising new questions about how they interact with widely promoted climate solutions such as biochar. A study reveals that these tiny plastic particles can significantly alter how biochar affects soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, and microbial life. Journal Biochar
