EurekAlert! News by Subject: Tech & Engineering

Tech & Engineering

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 4-Jun-2026 23:16 ET (5-Jun-2026 03:16 GMT/UTC)

12-May-2026

Does agriculture and climate affect feeding activities of soil animals?

University of Göttingen
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Soils are home to some of the most diverse animal communities on Earth. These animals – including nematodes, springtails, mites, earthworms, spiders and other arthropods – drive decomposition, regulate microbial communities and contribute to nutrient cycling. However, little is known about how these animals’ “trophic diversity” – meaning the variety of feeding activities – is affected by land use and climate. An international research team led by the University of Göttingen has now shown that soil animal communities have greater trophic diversity in agricultural ecosystems and in tropical regions. The study analysed carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios from over 17,000 soil samples, covering 28 major groups of organisms from 456 sites across 19 countries. The results were published in Nature Ecology & Evolution.

Journal: Nature Ecology & Evolution

12-May-2026

The timing of trauma leaves a lasting mark on the brain and behavior

Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A research team from the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT-Italian Institute of Technology), in collaboration with the IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini in Genoa (Italy), has demonstrated that traumatic experiences occurring at specific stages of life — particularly from childhood through the early years following adolescence — have persistent effects on brain development and adult behavior. It is not so much the type of trauma that makes the difference, but rather the timing in which it is experienced, which translates into dysfunctional behaviors such as aggression, depression, anxiety, and attention deficits. This discovery could pave the way for more precise and personalized treatments for certain neuropsychiatric conditions.

Journal: Cell Reports Medicine
Funder: Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca

12-May-2026

Pollution from aircraft

Paul Scherrer Institute
Peer-Reviewed Publication

During takeoff and landing, planes emit ultrafine aerosol particles. Some particles also contain lubricating oil, as shown by measurements made by researchers from the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI in the environs of the Zurich Airport. Low-sulphur fuels could be the solution.

Journal: Environmental Science & Technology

12-May-2026

Powerful shrinking technique could enable devices that compute with light

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Peer-Reviewed Publication

MIT researchers made 3D devices with nanoscale features that can perform optical computing tasks using visible light. They developed a technique that creates vacancies throughout a hydrogel, then shrinks the specimen to about 1/2000 of its original volume.

Journal: Nature Photonics
Funder: MIT-Fujikura Partnership Fund, U.S. Army Research Office through the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies at MIT, Lisa Yang and Y. Eva Tan, John Doerr, Open Philanthropy Project, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, U.S. National Institutes of Health

12-May-2026

For most US drivers, EVs offer emissions benefits and cost savings

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In most U.S. zip codes, electric vehicles are cost-competitive with their gas-powered counterparts, according to a new study. And regarding emissions benefits of EVs, individual driving patterns matter as much as regional factors like the local electricity mix.

Journal: Environmental Research Letters
Funder: MIT Martin Family Society of Fellows for Sustainability

12-May-2026

A perspective paper looks at digital transportation’s basic theories

SciOpen
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Digital transportation describes transportation where advanced digital technologies are integrated into the system to improve its efficiency and safety. A perspective paper summarizing the development of transportation and examining digital transportation from a variety of viewpoints was published in the Journal of Highway and Transportation Research and Development on March 31, 2026.

Journal: Journal of Highway and Transportation Research and Development (English Edition)

12-May-2026

Program announced for NUTRITION 2026 to be held July 25–28

American Society for Nutrition
Meeting Announcement

Complimentary press passes are available for qualifying journalists to attend NUTRITION 2026, the annual flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. Join thousands of nutrition researchers and professionals to examine the latest science shaping national conversations July 25–28 in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C.

Meeting: NUTRITION 2026

12-May-2026

60% of U.S. teens have tried AI chatbots, 11.4% use them almost daily

Florida Atlantic University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new national study reveals just how deeply AI chatbots are shaping teen life – and the hidden dangers that may come with them. Surveying more than 3,400 adolescents nationwide, researchers found many teens turn to chatbots not only for entertainment, but also for emotional support, advice, friendship and romantic companionship. Nearly half reported harmful experiences, including manipulation, misinformation and risky interactions, raising urgent questions about safeguards as AI becomes woven into adolescence.

12-May-2026

Bioenergy constraints in the tropics

PNAS Nexus
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A technology designed to mitigate global warming could, paradoxically, contribute to carbon emissions if hotter temperatures lead to a shift in where bioenergy crops are grown.

Journal: PNAS Nexus