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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 508


Page 508 of 524

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

Korea University researchers revive an abandoned depression drug target using structurally novel NK1 receptor inhibitors

Researchers from Korea University report a breakthrough in reviving an abandoned depression drug target by redesigning the molecular structure of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists. New compounds exhibiting antidepressant-like effects have been identified, reducing depressive-like behavior and brain inflammation in mice.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalExperimental & Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Physics of foam strangely resembles AI training

Engineers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that foams exhibit internal motion resembling deep learning in AI systems. The study suggests a common mathematical principle underlying both foams and AI training, with implications for designing adaptive materials and understanding biological structures.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 14, 2026

Jeonbuk National University researchers highlight advancements in chemical looping fluidized bed reactors

Researchers highlight advancements in fluidized bed design, oxygen carrier materials, and performance of chemical looping systems. They emphasize the importance of controlling fluidization regime and developing physical standards for oxygen carriers.

Tyrannosaurus rex grew up slowly: New study reveals the “king of dinosaurs” kept growing until age 40

A new study reveals that Tyrannosaurus rex took 40 years to reach its full-grown size, growing at a slower and steadier pace than previously thought. The analysis provides a clearer picture of the dinosaur's life history, suggesting that its growth phase may have allowed it to fill various ecological roles in its environment.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·TypeObservational study·DateJan 14, 2026

Commercial water dispenser machines may contain more contamination than tap water

A recent study published by Loma Linda University found that commercial water dispensers can harbor bacterial growth, even after disinfection, with some studies identifying contamination as soon as a few days later. The researchers recommend regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent the regrowth of microorganisms.

SourceLoma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center·JournalAIMS Microbiology·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 14, 2026

A CRISPR fingerprint of pathogenic C. auris fungi

A new diagnostic platform enables rapid and accurate detection of drug-resistant C. auris pathogens using CRISPR technology, allowing for more effective treatment and prevention of hospital outbreaks. The dSHERLOCK test can detect the presence of mutations causing antimicrobial resistance in just 40 minutes.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

CBD treatment reverses key effects of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in a mouse model

A preclinical study shows that cannabidiol restores emotional behavior, reduces alcohol-related vulnerability, and reverses gut microbiota alterations caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Female mice particularly benefited from CBD treatment, which normalized their emotional alterations and eliminated vulnerability to alcohol addiction.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Staying single for longer affects young people’s well-being

Young adults who remain single for longer periods experience a decline in life satisfaction and increasing feelings of loneliness, particularly when entering their late twenties. Entering a first romantic relationship improves well-being across several dimensions, but the effects are less pronounced on depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 14, 2026

Your pet's flea treatment could be destroying the planet

A recent study found that common flea and tick control medications used in dogs and cats can contaminate ecosystems with toxic chemicals. Isoxazoline antiparasitic drugs, used globally since 2013, may harm dung-feeding insects, including flies and butterflies, which are crucial for nutrient cycling and soil health.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Researchers discover trigger of tendon disease

A team of researchers has identified the HIF1 protein as a central molecular driver of tendon diseases such as Achilles tendonitis and jumper's knee. Elevated levels of this protein lead to pathogenic remodelling of tendons, making them more brittle and impairing their mechanical function.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 14, 2026

A new AI-based attack framework advances multi-agent reinforcement learning by amplifying vulnerability and bypassing defenses

Researchers developed PDJA, a novel AI-based attack framework that amplifies vulnerability and bypasses defenses in multi-agent reinforcement learning systems. The approach improves attack effectiveness and cross-layer vulnerability exploitation, opening new opportunities for evaluating the robustness of AI-driven autonomous systems.

SourceELSP·JournalArtificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 13, 2026

Are we giving AI a pulse through language?

A study by Iowa State University researchers found that anthropomorphizing language, such as using mental verbs like 'think' or 'know', is less common in news writing than expected. When used, these words often describe what AI requires to function, rather than attributing human-like qualities to the system. The research team identifie...

SourceIowa State University·JournalTechnical Communication Quarterly·TypeNews article·DateJan 13, 2026

‘Cosmic clock’ reveals Australian landscapes’ history and potential future

A new method uses tiny crystals of zircon to study the past evolution of Australian landscapes, offering insights into how the environment responds to geological processes and climate change. The approach provides valuable information on the storage and reworking of sediments near the surface over millions of years.

SourceCurtin University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2026

Food critics or food grabbers? When choosing food, wood mice split into careful examiners who sniff and handle, and quick nut grabbers

Researchers at Nagoya University found that about half of wood mice take time to examine nuts before selecting, potentially increasing their exposure to predators. Despite this risk, the extra time investment pays off as picky eaters are more likely to select undamaged chestnuts.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2026

AI model identifies how every country can improve its cancer outcomes

A machine learning model has identified the most important drivers of cancer survival in nearly all countries, highlighting factors such as national wealth, access to radiotherapy and universal health coverage. The model provides data-driven roadmaps for policymakers to prioritize resources and close survival gaps.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2026

Higher maternal blood pressure increases the risk of pregnancy complications, study concludes

A new study published in BMC Medicine found that higher maternal blood pressure increases the risk of preterm delivery, smaller babies, and gestational diabetes. The research used Mendelian randomization to assess the link between maternal blood pressure and 24 adverse pregnancy outcomes, revealing clear causal effects.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2026

Female sex and higher education linked to escalating prevalence of obesity and overweight in Africa

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Africa has surged, with a significant increase in obesity over the past two decades. Women are nearly five times more likely to be obese than men, while those with tertiary-level education are three times more likely. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted public health interven...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2026

Biochar helps farmland soils withstand extreme rain and drought by steadying carbon loss

Researchers found that biochar can soften the impacts of swings between wet and dry conditions on soil organic carbon breakdown. The study showed that stronger moisture variability speeds up decomposition and boosts microbial activity, but biochar addition helped stabilize the soil system under variable moisture conditions.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2026