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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 479


Page 479 of 519

Serum interleukin-8 for differentiating invasive pulmonary aspergillosis from bacterial pneumonia in patients with HBV-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure

A study found that serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels can differentiate invasive pulmonary aspergillosis from bacterial pneumonia in patients with HBV-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure. IL-6 levels were significantly higher in IPA patients compared to non-infection controls.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJan 28, 2026

A randomized trial evaluating an unmedicated acne-concealing hydrogel patch on the appearance of acne and its psychological impact on quality of life

A randomized, open-label trial evaluated an unmedicated acne-concealing hydrogel patch on appearance and psychological impact. The treatment group experienced significant reductions in lesion size and severity, as well as improved quality of life scores.

SourceJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·JournalJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2026

Bitter taste receptors at the interface between nutrition, the endocrine system, and health

Research shows that bitter taste receptors can be activated by steroid hormones, influencing physiological processes. The study found that certain hormone types, like progesterone and testosterone, activate these receptors, which may play a role in pregnancy-related taste changes or stress-induced physiological responses.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2026

TF-rs1049296 C>T variant modifies the association between hepatic iron stores and liver fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

A study found that the TF-rs1049296 C>T variant is associated with a higher risk of significant liver fibrosis in patients with MASLD, particularly in those with RES iron deposition. The variant was also linked to increased risk of SF in mixed hepatocellular/RES iron deposition patterns.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJan 28, 2026

Understanding how smart polymer solutions transition to gels around body temperature

A team of researchers from Chiba University discovered the structural evolution of poloxamer mixtures at different temperatures, enabling customized gelation behavior. Their findings support precise design of sustained-release formulations for localized therapies, enhancing drug retention and minimizing side effects.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2026

Do men develop cardiovascular disease earlier than women?

A recent study analyzed data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study and found that men developed coronary heart disease 10 years before women. The study indicates that this sex gap remains, with men having a higher cumulative incidence of cardiovascular disease and its subtypes.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 28, 2026

Fecal microbiota transplantation improves response to immunotherapy in advanced kidney cancer: TACITO study published in Nature Medicine

A new study found that fecal microbiota transplantation can enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy in patients with advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The research showed improved clinical outcomes, including longer progression-free survival and higher response rates, in patients who received donor-derived fecal microbiota t...

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 28, 2026

Being a night owl may increase your heart risk

Middle-aged and older adults who were more active in the evenings had poorer cardiovascular health compared to their peers who were more active during the day. This study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found that evening chronotypes are associated with behaviors that can affect cardiovascular health, such ...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 28, 2026

Fast-growing trees are taking over the forests of the future and putting biodiversity and climate resilience under pressure

The world's forests are becoming homogenized, with fast-growing tree species dominating landscapes. Biodiversity is declining as slow-growing, specialized species disappear, compromising ecosystem stability and carbon storage. Active ecosystem management is essential to halt the loss of these threatened species.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Plants·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 28, 2026

Research Spotlight: a new “lab-on-a-disc” device paves the way for more automated liquid biopsies

Researchers developed an innovative centrifugal system called SpinEx that separates plasma, enriches EVs, and labels proteins in one device. The technology enables fast and automated EV isolation from small blood volumes, accurately distinguishing cancer from non-cancer samples and identifying specific tumor types.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 28, 2026

Parental firearm injury linked to increased mental health burden in children

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that children whose parents were injured by firearms experience substantial mental health impacts, with a 42% increase in psychiatric diagnoses and 60% increase in mental health visits. Early, targeted interventions are needed to address this growing need.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 28, 2026

How does TikTok shape young peoples' dietary preferences?

A study found that TikTok influences dietary habits by leveraging algorithmic mechanisms, entertainment content, and users' emotional connections. The platform affects food preferences, dining choices, and recipe evaluations among young people.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Consumer Studies·DateJan 28, 2026

Does screen time affect teens’ sleep and lifestyle habits?

A study of 700 teens found that screen time negatively affects sleep quality and beliefs about healthy lifestyles. The researchers suggest reducing screen exposure, increasing social interaction, and promoting alternative activities to promote healthier lifestyles and better sleep.

SourceWiley·JournalBrain and Behavior·DateJan 28, 2026

International differences exist in knowledge gaps and most common perimenopause symptoms

A new study based on data from over 17,000 women across 158 countries found inconsistent knowledge of perimenopause symptoms and actual experiences. Commonly recognized symptoms included hot flashes, sleep problems, and weight gain, but women most reported experiencing fatigue, physical and mental exhaustion, and irritability.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 28, 2026

Blood test detects lingering lung damage after COVID 19

A study published in EBioMedicine found changes in blood samples from almost 1,000 people hospitalized for COVID-19 may pinpoint patients at risk of long-term lung disease. The study identified elevated levels of certain molecules, which could lead to the development of simple blood tests to detect ongoing lung problems.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2026

Native fungi from almond orchards show promise as sustainable defenders against a devastating crop disease

Researchers found that naturally occurring fungi on and within almond trees can strongly suppress Colletotrichum godetiae, the primary cause of almond anthracnose in the Mediterranean Basin. Several species of Trichoderma and Neurospora intermedia proved effective in suppressing pathogen growth and reducing spore production.

Treatment initiation is possible with a positive liquid biopsy in primary central nervous lymphoma patients with difficult-to-access lesions

Researchers successfully diagnosed and treated ten PCNSL patients using liquid biopsy, detecting hotspot MYD88 L265P mutations in circulating tumor DNA. This method offers a reliable alternative to surgical biopsies for patients with difficult-to-access lesions or frailty, enabling timely treatment initiation.

SourceNiigata University·JournalNeuro-Oncology Advances·DateJan 27, 2026

AAVLINK: Potent DNA-recombination method for large cargo delivery in gene therapy

The AAVLINK method harnesses Cre/lox-mediated intermolecular DNA recombination to enable efficient full-length gene reconstitution and robust expression of therapeutic genes. This approach overcomes the limited packaging capacity of adeno-associated viruses, offering a strategy for delivering large gene cargoes in gene therapy.

A tiny fish is helping clinicians avoid unnecessary multi-million-dollar treatment for babies suspected of having spinal muscular atrophy

Researchers developed a rapid zebrafish-based functional assay to determine the pathogenicity of novel SMN1 mutations, potentially informing urgent clinical decisions. The test showed that many previously uncertain variants were harmless, reducing distress for families and saving lives.

SourceGriffith University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeCase study·DateJan 27, 2026

Delivery of magnetic energy to the brain is a cost-effective treatment option for patients with depression, finds a new study

A new study finds that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a cost-effective treatment option for moderate and severe forms of depression. TMS reduces depressive symptoms, eases pressures on informal carers, and helps people get back to work, recovering its costs over time through savings to the NHS.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBMJ Mental Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 27, 2026

What causes chronic pain? New study identifies key culprit in the brain

Researchers have discovered a neural circuit hidden in an understudied region of the brain plays a critical role in turning temporary pain into chronic pain. Silencing this pathway can prevent or halt chronic pain, offering new hope for treating severe chronic pain with injections or infusions targeting specific brain cells.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNeuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2026

Atlantic nurse sharks show faster growth patterns in Biscayne Bay than nearby Bimini, Bahamas

A new study reveals significant differences in growth patterns between nurse sharks off the coast of Miami and those living just across the Gulf Stream. The research found that juvenile nurse sharks in Biscayne Bay grow more rapidly and reach smaller maximum sizes than their counterparts in Bimini, Bahamas.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalEnvironmental Biology of Fishes·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2026

Paracetamol and ibuprofen safe in first year of life

A landmark study supports the safety of paracetamol and ibuprofen in young children, finding no link to eczema or bronchiolitis. The study, which analyzed data from over 4,000 babies, confirms that both medications are safe to use in the first year of life.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 27, 2026

Artificial nighttime lighting is suppressing moth activity

A study by University of Exeter researchers found that moths move significantly less under artificial light compared to natural night conditions. The results suggest that light pollution has widespread effects on nocturnal moth activity, irrespective of lighting type, with implications for moth populations and ecosystem services.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateJan 27, 2026

International team led by HonorHealth Research Institute and U of A develop 3D chip platform for laboratory testing in cancer research

Researchers created a 3D chip platform called ASTEROIDS that mimics human physiology and enables precise testing of new drugs and personalized medicine models. The technology has the potential to reduce animal testing in cancer research and improve human clinical outcomes.

SourceHonorHealth Research Institute·JournaliScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 27, 2026