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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 506


Page 506 of 524

Reporting workplace sexual harassment ‘not worth it’

A recent study suggests that two in five Australians who experienced workplace sexual harassment did not report it. Researchers argue that fear of retaliation, lack of trust in the system and feelings of powerlessness are major barriers to reporting. Despite legal reforms, most people still feel uncomfortable coming forward.

SourceFlinders University·JournalWork & Stress·TypeSurvey·DateJan 14, 2026

A visible light-catalyzed delayed aryl migration strategy for precise ipso-, para-difunctionalization of aromatic amines

Researchers developed a novel photoredox catalytic radical-polar cross-reaction to achieve precise bifunctionalization of inert C–N bonds and para-C–H bonds in olefin-substituted aniline derivatives. The strategy utilizes sulfur dioxide to capture Meisenheimer intermediates, suppressing the classical free radical aryl migration pathway.

SourceChinese Chemical Society·JournalCCS Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Maternal microbiome compound may hold key to preventing liver disease

A study from the University of Oklahoma suggests that maternal indole supplementation can significantly reduce the risk of fatty liver disease in children. The research found that offspring whose mothers received indole maintained healthier livers and had lower blood sugar levels, even after exposure to a Western-style diet later in life.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Same moves, different terrain: How bacteria navigate complex environments without changing their playbook

Researchers found that bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, use a 'run-and-tumble' movement pattern to move through different environments, despite the complexity of their surroundings. This behavior is similar to walking through mud, where the underlying movement pattern remains the same, but with changes in speed and efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPRX Life·DateJan 14, 2026

UH Seidman Cancer Researchers: What is the ideal duration of hormone therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer?

Researchers from University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center found that the optimal duration of hormone therapy for prostate cancer treatment varies by disease risk. For high-risk patients, longer courses of ADT provide diminishing benefits while increasing the risk of non-prostate cancer death.

UVA engineer named IEEE Fellow for Breakthroughs in Energy-Harvesting Wireless Systems and Age of Information Research

Jing Yang, a University of Virginia professor, has been recognized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for her pioneering work on energy-harvesting wireless communications and Age of Information optimization. Her research aims to improve efficiency, timeliness, and sustainability in modern wireless networks.

Study finds radiation therapy administered before surgery rarely shrinks retroperitoneal sarcoma tumors

A new study from Fox Chase Cancer Center confirms that preoperative radiation therapy does not reduce surgical complexity in patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma. The research suggests that most patients benefit from proceeding directly to surgery, as skipping radiation has no significant impact on tumor size or surgical outcomes.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJournal of Surgical Research·DateJan 14, 2026

Sequestered in immune cells, barium titanate nanoparticles stimulated by ultrasound launch inflammatory response

Boston College researchers used piezoelectric nanoparticles to trigger macrophages, a key part of the body's immune response. The study suggests that this method could be used to activate immune cells specifically at an infection or tumor site, avoiding side effects associated with systemic administration of drugs.

SourceBoston College·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

An unexpected breakthrough in flat optics

A team from Harvard and University of Lisbon found that silica, a low-refractive index material, can be used for making metasurfaces despite long-held assumptions. They discovered that by carefully considering the geometry of each nanopillar, silica behaves as a metasurface, enabling efficient design of devices with relaxed feature sizes.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

1 in 5 surveyed UK adults who have experienced the death of a pet report it as more distressing than experienced human deaths, with significant rates of prolonged grief disorder symptoms also being reported following pet loss

A recent study found that approximately 1 in 5 surveyed UK adults who experienced the death of a pet report it as more distressing than experiencing human deaths. The study also discovered significant rates of prolonged grief disorder symptoms following pet loss.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateJan 14, 2026

Avocados may become easier to grow in India—but not if global emissions remain high

A new study suggests that avocado growing areas in India will moderately expand northward and to higher elevations under low to moderate global emissions. However, if global emissions continue to rise, suitable zones may fragment and destabilize by 2070. The researchers call for conservation and climate-resilient cultivation strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 14, 2026

Has progress stalled on gender equality at work?

The study emphasizes the importance of reorganizing work to support prevention rather than perpetual recovery, particularly in the face of climate change and technological disruption. It also highlights the need for gender equity in technology design and governance to prevent job displacement and undervaluation of women's work.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Economic and Labour Relations Review·DateJan 14, 2026

New synaptic formation in adolescence challenges conventional views of brain development

Researchers from Kyushu University found that the brain forms new, high-density clusters of synapses on specific segments of dendrites during adolescence, challenging the 'adolescent synaptic pruning' hypothesis. This discovery may offer new hope for understanding the biological basis of schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental condi...

SourceKyushu University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Pregnant women with IBD show heightened inflammation in vaginal mucosa

A new study found pregnant individuals with IBD have higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in their vaginal mucosa than healthy controls. However, a higher intake of vegetables and lower added sugars was associated with lower inflammation and increased beneficial microbe Lactobacillus crispatus.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateJan 14, 2026

Common: being wrong. Less common: admitting it

Researchers at the University of Houston found that admitting intellectual errors can increase public trust in science. In a classroom setting, professors who admit mistakes were rated higher by students for warmth, competence, and teacher effectiveness. This study highlights the importance of intellectual humility in building respect.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPublic Understanding of Science·DateJan 14, 2026

Study finds alpha-2 receptor drugs reduce heavy alcohol drinking

Researchers found that guanfacine, a selective alpha-2 adrenergic drug, reduced heavy alcohol consumption and improved certain cognitive deficits without sedation. The study suggests that stimulating alpha-2 receptors may restore balance to the noradrenergic system, reducing drive to drink while improving prefrontal cognitive functions.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournaleNeuro·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Seoul National University-Drexel University team achieves world's highest efficiency fully stretchable OLEDs with 17% external quantum efficiency

The research team developed a novel design combining an exciplex-assisted phosphorescent layer and MXene-contact stretchable electrode, achieving record-high efficiency fully stretchable OLEDs. The device maintained stable luminance and efficiency under large tensile strains, demonstrating reliable operation.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Quality of life of parents of premature infants

The study reveals parental quality of life is compromised during the premature infant's hospitalization period. A family-centered approach with tailored support from the neonatal intensive care unit and postdischarge period can protect and promote parental well-being.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 14, 2026