EurekAlert! News by Subject: Tech & Engineering - News by Subject: Tech & Engineering

Tech & Engineering

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 4-Apr-2026 08:15 ET (4-Apr-2026 12:15 GMT/UTC)

Prescription drug promotion by social media influencers

JAMA Network
Peer-Reviewed Publication

About The Study: This systematic scoping review study of prescription drug promotion by influencers found that such promotion carried risks of inaccurate or misleading advice, often amplified through personal and emotionally resonant narratives in an environment with limited oversight and enforcement. Despite the small and fragmented evidence base, these findings highlight the urgent need for updated regulatory guidance, standardized and enforceable disclosure requirements, stronger platform accountability, and targeted digital literacy initiatives. Policymakers and researchers should act proactively to safeguard public health.

Journal: JAMA Network Open

Virtual reality shown to improve medical students' understanding of head and neck anatomy

American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study published in OTO Open, the open-access journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), finds that a standardized virtual reality (VR) educational experience improved medical students' knowledge and confidence in head and neck anatomy—and did so regardless of students' prior experience with VR or video gaming.

Journal: OTO Open

Biosensor detects early fungal outbreaks, advances plant biotechnology

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new biosensor developed at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory detects the emerging presence of fungus on plants at the molecular level, paving the way for next-generation crop protection and the development of stress-tolerant plants. The innovation advances technology for the U.S. agricultural and biomanufacturing sectors.

Journal: Plant Biotechnology Journal
Funder: U.S. Department of Energy

Toward sustainability in polyolefins: upcycling and redesign strategies

Higher Education Press
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Toward sustainability in the polyolefin field, this perspective focuses on two key aspects: (1) the mechanical or catalytic upcycling of polyolefin waste into valuable products and feedstocks; and (2) the redesign of polyolefins for more efficient production, improved properties, and enhanced degradability for sustainability.

Journal: Engineering

JMIR Publications analyzes the gap between AI law and patient reality in health care

JMIR Publications
Peer-Reviewed Publication

JMIR Publications today announced the release of a timely new article in its News and Perspectives section, examining the legal and ethical complexities of the right to explanation for patients in the era of artificial intelligence.

Journal: Journal of Medical Internet Research

Researchers hunt for easier detection of lymphatic disorders

University of Texas at Dallas
Grant and Award Announcement

University of Texas at Dallas researchers are leading an effort to identify which molecules in the body could signal the presence of lymphatic diseases. The project is part of the Lymphatic Imaging, Genomics, and pHenotyping Technologies (LIGHT) program performers to develop the first comprehensive diagnostic toolkit to allow health care providers to detect lymphatic disorders earlier and as part of routine physical exams.

Funder: Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health

Beyond disposal: redefining biodegradable plastics as high-value resources for carbon neutrality

Higher Education Press
Peer-Reviewed Publication

While often dismissed as simple waste, biodegradable plastics are actually high-value resources that are easier to process than traditional plastics. By converting waste into energy and fertilizers, researchers demonstrate how these materials can achieve both economic goals and carbon neutrality, moving beyond the focus on simple disposal.

Journal: Engineering

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