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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 482


Page 482 of 519

Should companies replace human workers with robots? New study takes a closer look

A recent study from Binghamton University School of Management reveals that focusing on human-robot collaboration can generate additional economic value and improve a company's ability to capture a greater share of the competitive market. By leveraging robots in collaborative settings, organizations can foster a positive sense of commi...

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 27, 2026

Engineering and the quest for peace

Researchers propose an expansive mode of engineering practice that seeks to reduce conflict through the design of technologies like solar panels and water pipelines. The authors argue that procurement, education, and institutional support are necessary for peace engineering to become the norm.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 27, 2026

Interventions that promote collective climate action

Research finds that framing pro-environmental behavior as patriotic and highlighting successful examples of collective action significantly increase public awareness advocacy, financial advocacy, and political advocacy. This megastudy provides insights to guide those who wish to galvanize the public for collective climate action.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 27, 2026

Identification of the central pathological substrate of bipolar disorder as paraventricular thalamic nucleus

The study reveals that the paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVT) is the central pathological substrate of bipolar disorder, with notable alterations in cell number and gene expression. This discovery highlights the PVT as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for improving patient outcomes.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2026

A new route to synthesize multiple functionalized carbon nanohoops

Researchers develop versatile molecular platform to synthesize multiple functionalized carbon nanohoops, exhibiting high circularly polarized luminescence and other advanced photophysical properties. The breakthrough method enables multi-site functionalization and creation of chiral nanohoops with remarkable optical performance.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2026

New study proposes global framework to safeguard world’s most vulnerable regions amid climate crisis

A new study proposes a global framework to protect the world's most vulnerable regions from catastrophic tipping points due to climate change and human pressure. The research integrates artificial intelligence with Indigenous knowledge to guide sustainable development and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

SourceEcosystem Health and Sustainability·JournalEcosystem Health and Sustainability·TypeCase study·DateJan 27, 2026

Chungnam National University develops AI model to accelerate defect-based material design

Researchers at Chungnam National University have developed an AI model that uses deep learning to predict stable defect configurations in materials. The model, trained on data generated by conventional simulations, can generate results in milliseconds rather than hours, accelerating the material design process.

SourceChungnam National University Evaluation Team·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2026

Applied physics researchers explore impact of mathematically structured sound to selectively interact with cells.

Researchers at Applied Physics explored whether mathematical acoustic signal structure can influence cellular response independent of intensity. Preliminary evidence suggests that cells respond most strongly at different wavelength regimes, suggesting acoustic selectivity may be achievable through signal design.

SourceApplied Physics PBC·JournalBiosystems·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2026

New study redefines our understanding of how memory works

Researchers found no difference in neural activity between successful semantic and episodic retrieval, challenging long-standing research tradition. This overlap suggests that the whole brain is involved in different types of memory, potentially leading to new interventions for diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2026

Prenatal exposure to air pollution is associated with lower cognitive performance in early childhood

A new study found that prenatal exposure to air pollution is associated with lower cognitive performance in newborns, with stronger associations observed for black carbon and PM2.5. The strongest effects were seen in boys, suggesting potential sex-specific vulnerability.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2026

Context matters: Looking at role in fishery sustainability could serve as a foundation to improve fisheries worldwide

Governance arrangements in small-scale fisheries have been shown to impact sustainability. Research led by Mateja Nenadović found that each governance model, whether cooperative or patron-based, is better suited to specific environmental conditions. These findings provide initial building blocks for a theory of governance fit, essentia...

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalFish and Fisheries·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2026

Massachusetts closest to eliminating cervical cancer, Southeastern states lag, new study finds

According to a new study, Massachusetts is close to eliminating cervical cancer due to its low incidence rate of 4.3 cases per 100,000 in recent years. In contrast, the Southeast and Southwest regions have higher rates of 11.2 and 9.9 cases per 100,000, respectively, making it challenging for these states to reach elimination goals.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·DateJan 26, 2026

Exploring the scientific connotation of the medicinal properties of toad venom (Chansu) — 'dispersing fire stagnation and opening orifices to awaken the spirit' — from the microscopic world of 5-HTR drug-target interactions

Researchers decode the molecular mechanisms of toad venom's medicinal properties, revealing a link to serotonin receptor interactions. The study identifies key components and their selective agonist activities on depression-related receptors, shedding light on traditional Chinese medicine's modern interpretation.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateJan 26, 2026

Not just sweet: the sugar branches that shape the brain

A brain-specific enzyme reshapes protein-linked sugar chains to facilitate the formation of complex glycans essential for normal brain function. This process is critical for efficient keratan sulfate formation and has implications for research into glycan-related brain disorders.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2026

Rational electrolyte structure engineering for highly reversible zinc metal anode in aqueous batteries

Researchers develop rational electrolyte structure engineering for highly reversible zinc metal anodes, addressing dendrite suppression, hydrogen evolution reaction inhibition, and interface stability. Advanced electrolyte systems enable long cycle life, high capacity retention, and flexible electronics applications.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateJan 26, 2026

Tracking antibiotic resistance in the environment gets a high tech upgrade

Researchers are using advanced DNA sequencing technologies to monitor environmental reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes and assess their impact on human health. The study highlights the importance of integrating gene detection, host identification, and quantitative analysis to evaluate environmental antibiotic resistance.

Menopause linked to loss of grey matter in the brain, poorer mental health and sleep disturbance

A study from the University of Cambridge found that menopause is associated with reduced grey matter volume in key brain regions, increased anxiety and depression, and difficulties with sleep. Despite hormone replacement therapy (HRT) not mitigating these effects, it can slow reaction times.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPsychological Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 26, 2026

Most common methods of inducing labour similarly effective

A new review of over 100 clinical trials found that 13 common labor induction methods are similarly effective, with low-dose vaginal misoprostol being the most commonly used and safest. However, some methods showed better success rates for specific outcomes, such as oxytocin with amniotomy for achieving vaginal birth within 24 hours.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 26, 2026

Global health impacts of plastics systems could double by 2040

New research suggests that plastics systems' adverse health impacts could double by 2040 due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and toxic chemicals. The study emphasizes the need for systemic change, including government policies and industry transparency, to curb this growing global plastics public health crisis.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2026

New research reveals how the brain turns experience into memory — with help from a tiny protein

A new study from the Stowers Institute has identified a mechanism that makes fleeting moments unforgettable, revealing a critical step in forming long-lasting memories. The research discovered a specific type of chaperone protein that allows proteins to change shape and form functional amyloids that house long-term memory.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2026

Key to human intelligence lies in how brain networks work together

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame investigated how brain networks are organized and work together to form a unified system. They found evidence for system-wide coordination in the brain that is both robust and adaptable, suggesting that intelligence reflects how brain networks are coordinated and dynamically reconfigured.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 26, 2026

Care continuity linked to fewer hospital visits for older adults receiving home-based care

Researchers analyzed electronic health record data from 1,207 patients in Barcelona, Spain, and found that those with higher continuity of care had fewer emergency department visits and hospital admissions. Patients who saw their assigned clinician more often were less likely to use home ambulance services.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 26, 2026

Nearly half of CDC surveillance databases have halted updates, raising concerns about health data gaps

Nearly half of CDC surveillance databases have stopped updating, primarily tracking vaccination-related information and respiratory diseases. Prolonged pauses risk weakening evidence-based decision-making, and the authors recommend clear status updates, reasons for delays, and timelines for resuming data publication.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJan 26, 2026