Trends in county-level childhood vaccination exemptions in the US
This study reveals an increase in nonmedical childhood vaccination exemptions from 2010 to 2024, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, with wide regional disparities.
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Controlling magnetic materials
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have developed a method to control the frequency of collective magnetic oscillations in materials, known as magnons. By applying laser pulses and a weak magnetic field, they can increase or decrease frequencies by up to 40%, enabling faster data writing and transfer.
Novel liquid biopsy technology lowers barriers for more efficient cancer diagnostics
A new liquid biopsy technology, Bridge Capture, has been developed to overcome the challenges of sensitive and cost-efficient cancer diagnostics. It detects rare variant allele frequencies with superior sensitivity compared to existing methods.
Discovery of eleven novel factors essential for mouse zygote development
A research team has identified eleven novel factors essential for mouse zygote development, which modulate embryonic development through precise mechanisms. These findings suggest the existence of previously unrecognized regulatory factors and indicate potential for molecular-level control of embryo development.
SourceKanazawa Medical University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026
How a unique class of neurons may set the table for brain development
A new MIT study reveals that somatostatin-expressing neurons follow a unique trajectory when forming connections in the visual cortex, establishing conditions needed for sensory refinement. These inhibitory neurons help usher in the critical period by setting baseline inhibition levels.
A nanomaterial flex — MXene electrodes help OLED display technology shine, while bending and stretching
Researchers developed a flexible OLED display that can be stretched to 1.6 times its original size while maintaining most of its luminescence. The technology uses MXene nanomaterial and an exciplex-assisted phosphorescent layer, improving the OLEDs' ability to efficiently produce light under strain.
Dopamine under control: precision regulation of inhibition shapes learning, memory and mental health
New research reveals dopamine's precise role in fine-tuning inhibitory circuits in the hippocampus, crucial for learning and memory. The study highlights the importance of neural silence and adaptation through inhibitory plasticity, transforming dopamine from a reward signal to a microscopic architect of local networks.
Why can a computational model of the heart created at UPF help doctors operate on and treat patients with arrhythmia?
Researchers have developed a new computational model that can analyze factors affecting the success of device installation and patient evolution. The model enables precise calculation of anticoagulant doses needed post-operation, reducing risk and improving safety for patients with atrial fibrillation.
SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalJACC Case Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 14, 2026
Woolly rhino genome recovered from Ice Age wolf stomach
Scientists successfully sequenced a woolly rhinoceros genome from a 14,400-year-old tissue sample found in an ancient wolf's stomach. The study reveals that the species likely died out due to rapid population collapse rather than gradual decline.
SourceStockholm University·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026
Major river deltas are sinking faster than sea-level rise
A recent study found that nearly every major river delta is experiencing subsidence, with at least some portion sinking faster than the sea level in 18 of the 40 deltas examined. This phenomenon poses a significant threat to the lives of over 236 million people, particularly in regions such as the Mekong and Nile river systems.
Cities@Heart - Tackling heart health and inequality in European cities
The Cities@Heart project aims to improve cardiovascular health in cities through integrated whole-city approaches, targeting obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The consortium will design, pilot, and evaluate city-level strategies to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease on urban environments and improve quality-of-life.
New research shows how AI tools are expanding individual capabilities while contracting scientific attention
AI tools enable scientists to publish more papers, receive citations, and become leaders earlier, but also narrow the scope of science by concentrating attention on data-rich domains. This 'lonely crowds' phenomenon reduces interaction among researchers, leading to overlapping research and a contraction in knowledge extent.
Prenatal and early-life pollution exposures may influence childhood blood pressure patterns, ECHO study finds
A new study from the ECHO Program found that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) before and after birth may influence childhood blood pressure patterns. High blood pressure in children is a growing concern worldwide, with nearly 80% increase over two decades.
SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 14, 2026
Global research team uncovers mechanism by which metabolites guide cellular decisions
Researchers at CIC bioGUNE discovered a mechanism that reformulates our understanding about polyamine actions in health and disease. Polyamines alter the phosphoproteomic landscape, affecting protein function and alternative splicing.
Should younger and older people receive different treatments for the same infection?
Salk Institute scientists found distinct disease courses and tolerance mechanisms in younger and older mice with sepsis, indicating a need for age-tailored therapies. The study suggests that future treatments may focus on controlling infection-generated damage rather than just targeting the pathogen.
Scientists uncover new quantum state that could power future technologies
Researchers have discovered a new quantum state of matter that combines quantum criticality and electronic topology, paving the way for advancements in computing, sensing, and materials science. This hybrid state has potential applications in real-world technologies due to its durable and highly sensitive qualities.
How psoriasis affects joints
A team of researchers has discovered that special immune cells in psoriasis patients migrate to the joints and trigger inflammation. The study reveals a crucial link between skin and joint diseases, providing an early warning signal for future treatments.
Weight management process designed by CU Anschutz faculty show population weight gain reversal
A new weight management process called PATHWEIGH has been developed by CU Anschutz faculty to help patients with weight management. The program mitigates population weight gain by 0.58 kg over 18 months and increases the likelihood of a patient receiving weight-related care by 23%.
SourceUniversity of Colorado School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 14, 2026
New study reveals skin-boosting lipids hidden in rice bran by-products
Researchers have identified three new skin-protective compounds called oryzaceramides A, B, and C from rice bran by-products. These acylated glucosylceramides play a crucial role in maintaining epidermal integrity and demonstrate significant skin barrier-enhancing effects.
Nightingales strike the right chord
Researchers found that male nightingales precisely match pitch, but also adjust note length to achieve a trade-off strategy. They exhibit flexibility in how closely they match pitch versus duration depending on the combination heard. This ability requires rapid processing and neural flexibility.
Work hours, stress, and burnout among resident physicians
A nationwide study found that longer work hours were associated with increased stress and decreased self-perceived competency, but not with burnout. The study suggests that a comprehensive approach beyond work hour restrictions is needed to support resident well-being in training.
UTA study focuses on safer opioid prescribing
A new study by the University of Texas at Arlington examines how updated CDC guidelines can help nurse practitioners reduce opioid misuse and protect patients. The guidelines emphasize individualized care, clinical judgment, and ongoing reassessment to ensure safe prescribing practices.
Gambling harms and suicide risk under the spotlight in new university study
A new research project at Staffordshire University is examining the barriers that prevent people from seeking help for problem gambling. The study aims to understand how experiences of shame differ across genders and cultures, highlighting the need for effective prevention strategies.
New research highlights deforestation and economic traps created by flue-cured tobacco in Zimbabwe
A new study reveals the devastating impacts of flue-cured Virginia tobacco production on the environment and farmers' lives in Zimbabwe. The research highlights the destruction of 60,000 hectares of Miombo woodland each year and an economic context that prevents farmers from diversifying into less damaging crops.
Breakthrough in retinal organoid research
Scientists have developed a method to create functional retinal organoids that contain human retinal ganglion cells and allow the development of light-signal pathways. The vascularized organoids demonstrated improved cell survival, increased functional maturity, and the ability to respond to hypoxia.
New TRC4 grant at UT Health San Antonio aims to reduce opioid treatment for burn victims by 90%
Researchers seek to improve burn trauma care by targeting a signaling kinase enzyme with a new-generation inhibitor. The goal is to reduce opioids needed for pain relief and scarring, improving patient recovery from trauma injury.
Can biology reveal parental manipulation?
Researchers have identified biological markers that could indicate parental alienation, a form of child manipulation. These markers relate to hormone activation, neurotransmitters, inflammation, and other stress-related processes.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 14, 2026
Scientists demonstrate first-time use of AI for genetic circuit design
Researchers developed a new technique called CLASSIC that enables large-scale testing of complex DNA circuits in human cells. The approach uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze vast numbers of complete circuits at once, providing scientists with a clearer picture of the rules governing genetic part behavior.
New molecular design strategy improves efficiency and selectivity in electrocatalytic reactions
Researchers at YOKOHAMA National University have designed a new class of mediators that more actively control electrocatalysis reactions, promoting efficient C-N bond formation. The mediators utilize redox-triggered halogen bonding to dynamically capture and organize substrates, leading to improved reaction efficiency and selectivity.
In patients’ homes, medical students learn what textbooks miss - new study
A new study found that year-long home visits with older adults helped first-year medical students develop stronger communication skills and challenge their age-related stereotypes. The program, which included gentle physical activity and open conversation, also promoted empathy and a patient-centered mindset among the students.
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalMedical Education Online·TypeObservational study·DateJan 14, 2026
Quantum physics: new state of matter discovered
Scientists have found a way to describe topological states in materials where the particle picture breaks down. The discovery sheds light on a new type of behavior, exhibiting spontaneous Hall effect and quantum-critical fluctuations. This finding opens up possibilities for storing quantum information and developing novel sensors.
Study finds that missionaries pull from same language toolkit to describe experiences
A study by University of Connecticut researchers found that missionaries consistently draw on the same language toolkit to describe their experiences abroad and difficulties returning home. They used metaphors, personification of God, and biblical vernacular to make sense of their transitions.
Infant gut bacteria may be the key to preventing asthma and allergies
Researchers have identified a previously unknown mechanism that can reduce the risk of allergies and asthma in children. Certain bifidobacteria produce a substance called 4-hydroxyphenyl lactate (4-OH-PLA), which dampens immune responses to allergens, reducing the production of IgE antibodies.
Scientists discover how fast the world’s deltas are sinking
New research reveals that land subsidence caused by humans is the main culprit behind delta sinking, posing increased flooding risk to 236 million people. The study identifies groundwater extraction as the dominant cause of subsidence, highlighting the need for urgent local interventions.
“Recipe book” for reprogramming immune cells
Researchers have created a library of over 400 immune-related factors to reprogram rare immune cell populations. This technique allows for the systematic discovery of 'recipes' for specific immune cells, offering hope for unresponsive patients and advancing immunotherapy.
Study shows how kidnapping of athlete's father influenced society, president across continents
A study from the University of Kansas found that the kidnapping of Luis Manuel Díaz, father of Colombian soccer star Luis “Lucho” Díaz, resulted in coverage that portrayed his son as a national hero and cast doubt on peace negotiations. The media framing of the story had broader implications for the Total Peace initiative and the Petro...
Can a hashtag help prevent atrocities? Study shows social media can be a powerful tool
A new study by Binghamton University Professor Eric Wiebelhaus-Brahm found that social media hashtags can help identify early warning signs of violence and amplify local voices. The research examined social media campaigns in Canada and Syria, analyzing over 5,000 posts tied to #TruthAndReconciliation and #SaveSyria.
SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Comparative Policy Analysis Research and Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 14, 2026
Copenhagen researchers make the front page of Nature: Solving the mystery of the universe's ‘little red dots’
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have explained the mysterious 'red dots' seen in James Webb Space Telescope images as young black holes. The discovery provides insight into how the universe's first black holes were born and sheds light on their early development.
Presenting the world's strongest battery in Davos: News tip to the media from Chalmers University of Technology
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have achieved a new breakthrough in structural battery composites, a material that stores energy while also carrying mechanical loads. This innovation has the potential to make electric vehicles lighter and more efficient, as well as be applied to aircraft.
A pendulum-based system allows energy to be extracted from ocean currents
Researchers have designed a pendulum-based system that extracts energy from ocean currents using water-induced vibrations. The device achieves around 15-17% efficiency, comparable to other cylinder vibration systems, but with a simpler structure, potentially suitable for tidal and river environments.
SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalJournal of Fluids and Structures·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026
Champion of transparency and rigor in science wins 2026 APE Award for Innovation in Scholarly Communication
Dr Anita Bandrowski has been awarded the 2026 APE Award for Innovation in Scholarly Communication for her innovative work on open research infrastructure. Her efforts have improved scientific transparency and reproducibility through the use of persistent identifiers, increasing discoverability to over a million RRIDs.
Lowering deer densities can help restore Scotland's lost Highland mountain woodlands, new research shows
A six-year study found dwarf birch trees in blanket bogs survived with higher rates of growth and survival at lower deer densities. The study suggests that lowering deer densities can help restore lost mountain woodlands in the Scottish Highlands.
SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalForest Ecology and Management·TypeObservational study·DateJan 14, 2026
Your voice gives away valuable personal information, so how do you keep that data safe?
Researchers at Aalto University warn that speech technologies can extract valuable personal information, posing risks for insurance premiums, advertising, and harassment. To mitigate this, engineers are developing protective measures, such as separating private info from necessary data transmission and using acoustic technologies to en...
Why don’t antibiotic-making bacteria self-destruct?
Researchers discovered that Paenibacillus produces lariocidin, a powerful antibiotic, but the bacteria avoid its effects due to an enzyme called lrcE. This enzyme modifies lariocidin, preventing it from binding to the bacterial ribosomal RNA and protecting the producer.
Self-healing composite can make airplane, automobile and spacecraft components last for centuries
Researchers developed a self-healing composite that can repair itself over 1,000 times and extend the lifetime of conventional fiber-reinforced composite materials by centuries. The material targets interlaminar delamination, which occurs when cracks cause fiber layers to separate from the matrix.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026
Application of orthogonal CNOP-I in a convection-allowing ensemble prediction system based on CMA-MESO for improving extreme precipitation skill
Researchers improve extreme precipitation forecast accuracy using a novel CNOP-I scheme in a convection-allowing ensemble prediction system. The new method captures nonlinear evolution characteristics of weather systems, leading to more accurate predictions and reduced uncertainty.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJan 14, 2026
Rare earth praseodymium single atoms
Researchers have created tubular CN materials with atomically dispersed Pr single atoms, exhibiting excellent activity for photocatalytic H2O2 production from pure water under visible light. The optimized catalyst achieved a high yield of 227.37 μmol g’ h’ without requiring sacrificial agents.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalActa Physico-Chimica Sinica·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026
SwRI’s Dr. Michael Davis named SPIE Fellow
Dr. Michael Davis, an astrophysicist at Southwest Research Institute, has been recognized by SPIE as a Fellow for his work on space instruments and UV imaging. He is the optics and detector scientist for NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and Juno mission to Jupiter.
RetinaDA: a diverse dataset for domain adaptation in retinal vessel segmentation
A new dataset called RetinaDA has been created to improve retinal vessel segmentation models' ability to generalize across different domains. The dataset was designed with domain gaps in mind, incorporating fundus images from various imaging devices, protocols, and clinical environments.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026
Hidden heart-care gaps among Asian American patients
A study of 800+ US hospitals and 700,000 patients reveals disparities in care among Asian American subgroups. Filipino and Vietnamese patients are least likely to receive guideline-recommended heart failure care.
Insilico Medicine integrates Nach01 Foundation Model with Microsoft Discovery to enable AI-native, enterprise-ready drug discovery workflows
Insilico Medicine's multimodal foundation model, Nach01, accelerates drug discovery by integrating molecule generation, property prediction, and downstream analysis within a secure Azure environment. This integration enables unified, AI-native workflows for computational drug discovery.
Robust semi-supervised learning in open environments
Researchers develop techniques to address label space mismatch, feature space mismatch, and distribution mismatch in open environments. A new evaluation benchmark and performance metrics are also introduced for comprehensive evaluation of robust semi-supervised learning methods.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026
Exposure to “forever chemicals” linked to higher risk of gestational diabetes, major review finds
Exposure to PFAS is associated with insulin resistance and altered insulin secretion, identifying pregnancy as a key vulnerable period. Gestational diabetes increases the risk of pregnancy complications and long-term health risks for both mother and child.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateJan 14, 2026
Spacer isomerization engineering: a key strategy for high-performance single-component organic solar cells
Researchers developed a spacer isomerization strategy to enhance exciton dissociation efficiency and charge transport in single-component organic solar cells. The approach delivers remarkable performance, thermal stability, and high power conversion efficiency.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalActa Physico-Chimica Sinica·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026
Study suggests bamboo has ‘superfood’ potential
A recent review of bamboo consumption found promising health benefits, including improved metabolic health, reduced inflammation, and antioxidant activity. However, caution is advised due to potential risks associated with raw or improperly prepared bamboo.
Cosmogenic krypton enables reconstruction of landscapes millions of years old
Scientists have developed a new way to track landscape development over millions of years using cosmogenic krypton in zircon minerals. This method reveals how climate, tectonics, and sediment transport are linked, providing insights into the Earth's surface history.
SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 14, 2026
Blood test predicts which patients with lung cancer will benefit from newly approved immunotherapy drug
A new blood test has been developed to predict which patients with lung cancer will benefit from the newly approved immunotherapy drug tarlatamab. The test, based on circulating tumor cells, correctly identified 85% of patients who responded to the drug and 100% of those who did not.
New study reveals precursors for forecasting summer clustered extreme precipitation events in Northeast China
Researchers have identified four synoptic patterns contributing to summer clustered extreme precipitation events in Northeast China, including eastward-moving low-altitude vortex and southwesterlies. The study provides a robust assessment of prerequisite conditions for these events and offers insights into short-term forecasting.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJan 14, 2026
Detailed map reveals groundwater levels across the U.S.
Researchers at Princeton University and the University of Arizona created a detailed map of groundwater levels across the US using direct measurements and AI methods. The map estimates 306,000 cubic kilometers of water, more than 13 times the volume of all Great Lakes combined.
SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 14, 2026
Schottky junction phototherapy mediated by graphene quantum dots for superior antibacterial performance and rapid wound healing
Researchers develop a nanocomposite using gold nanoparticles and graphene oxide quantum dots to create superior antibacterial properties. The material enables rapid wound healing by promoting reactive oxygen species generation and enhanced biocompatibility.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalActa Physico-Chimica Sinica·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026