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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 509


Page 509 of 524

Implant provides lasting relief for treatment-resistant depression

A study found that a small, implanted vagus nerve stimulation device produced substantial and sustained improvements in depressive symptoms, quality of life, and daily function in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The device showed lasting benefits even after two years, with nearly one-third of participants who didn't respo...

SourceWashU Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 13, 2026

Pennington Biomedical researchers explore factors behind body’s ability to regulate weight

Pennington Biomedical researchers investigated competing body weight regulation models, analyzing the interaction of energy intake and expenditure. The study highlights the need to test state-of-the-art technology and could help explain why losing weight is challenging for some individuals.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalNature Reviews Endocrinology·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 13, 2026

LLM treatment advice agrees with physician recommendations in early-stage HCC, but falls short in late stage

Large language models (LLMs) provide treatment recommendations for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that align with clinical guidelines. However, their performance is limited in late-stage disease, where they prioritize tumor factors over liver function. LLMs should be used as a supplement to clinical expertise.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 13, 2026

Deep learning model trained with stage II colorectal cancer whole slide images identifies features associated with risk of recurrence – with higher success rate than clinical prognostic parameters

A deep learning model trained on stage II colorectal cancer whole slide images accurately identified features linked to recurrence risk. The study found the model surpassed clinical prognostic parameters in predicting patient outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2026

Novel immunotherapy demonstrates early potential to overcome resistance to immune checkpoint therapy

A Phase I study led by Timothy Yap demonstrates the potential of linavonkibart to target and prevent activation of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFβ1), overcoming treatment resistance in multiple cancers. The trial showed manageable safety profiles and objective responses in heavily pre-treated patients, suggesting a promising ne...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 13, 2026

Caught in the act: Scientists observe infections by cancer-causing retroviruses in koalas as they occur

Researchers analyzed the genome of over 100 koalas and found that two retroviruses are causing cancer deaths. They also discovered that some Koala Retrovirus (KoRV) integrations may be beneficial to koala health, increasing longevity or reproductive output.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2026

Female athlete health, well-being focus of updated report

A new consensus statement provides evidence-based guidance for screening, diagnosis, treatment, and return-to-play protocols for female athletes. The updated report includes a first-of-its-kind adolescent model of the Female Athlete Triad, addressing energy deficiency in growing adolescents.

SourcePenn State·JournalSports Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 13, 2026

Wyss Institute-led collaboration awarded by ARPA-H PRINT program to engineer off-the-shelf, universal, transplant-ready graft for liver failure

A multidisciplinary team of world-leading experts is developing an off-the-shelf engineered product that could address liver failure in millions of patients. The ImPLANT project aims to create synthetic biology-based gene circuits in human induced pluripotent stem cells to drive cell differentiation into all required liver cell types.

Fat surrounding the colon interacts with the immune system

Research reveals that fat located near the colon contains an unusually high number of inflammatory fat cells and immune cells, suggesting a unique function in communicating with the immune system in the gut region. This tissue may be an adaptation to the gut microbiome and could contribute to amplifying or sustaining inflammation.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2026

Organisms in the Atacama Desert soil are remarkably diverse

A new study reveals that resilient nematodes can persist in the Atacama Desert's hostile soil, with population diversity correlating to water profile and temperature fluctuations. The findings suggest that biodiversity in arid regions may be higher than previously assumed, but also warn of ecosystem damage.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2026

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B Volume 15, Issue 12 Publishes

This issue features revolutionary research in drug design, artificial intelligence for radiopharmaceuticals, hiPSC-derived liver organoids, and precision malignancy therapy. Groundbreaking studies showcase the potential of graph neural networks, AI-driven advancements, and innovative treatments.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalActa Pharmaceutica Sinica B·DateJan 13, 2026

KAIST detects ‘hidden defects’ that degrade semiconductor performance with 1,000× higher sensitivity​

A KAIST research team developed a new analysis method to detect electronic traps in semiconductors with high sensitivity. The technique enables precise identification of defect sources, improving semiconductor performance and lifetime while reducing costs. The results demonstrate a 1,000x higher sensitivity than existing techniques.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 13, 2026

Children’s Hospital Colorado research outlines first pediatric classifications for suicide risk in adolescents and kids

Researchers have identified five classifications of youth who have died by suicide, highlighting the importance of earlier detection and interventions. These classifications will improve primary care providers' understanding of specific risk factors and warning signs, enabling targeted prevention efforts.

SourceChildren's Hospital Colorado·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 13, 2026

Researchers from the UJI Optics Group correct image aberrations in real time in single-pixel microscopy using a deformable lens

Researchers from the UJI Optics Group have developed a new method to correct image aberrations in single-pixel microscopy using a deformable lens. This approach combines an adaptive lens with a sensor-less method that evaluates image sharpness directly from the data, producing sharper images close to the physical resolution limit witho...

SourceUniversitat Jaume I·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2026

Scientists put teeth into water-driven gears

Researchers created a gear mechanism that relies on fluids to generate rotation, offering potential for new mechanical devices with improved flexibility and durability. The invention holds promise by eliminating the need for interlocking teeth and allowing for controlled rotation speed and direction.

SourceNew York University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 13, 2026

The hidden warming challenge in climate action

A new study suggests that current climate actions may not effectively curb global warming acceleration, as aerosol reduction weakens cooling effect. Climate policy assessments need to consider additional climate effects from co-reduced aerosols and their risks.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2026

Minimum wage increases are linked to safer pregnancies

A Rutgers University study finds that state-level minimum wage increases are associated with lower rates of maternal hypertensive disorders, a leading cause of maternal mortality. The research found a $1 increase in the minimum wage to be linked to 64 fewer cases per 100,000 women over five years.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 13, 2026

AI surpasses mathematical limits to decode the mysteries of non-Hermitian topology

A team of researchers developed an AI algorithm capable of classifying complex topological phases of matter without relying on traditional mathematical tools. The breakthrough tackles the notoriously difficult realm of non-Hermitian systems and suggests that AI can surpass human capabilities in certain domains of abstract reasoning.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2026

New mechanism links Epstein-Barr virus to MS

A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals the Epstein-Barr virus can damage the brain and contribute to multiple sclerosis through molecular mimicry. The researchers found that cross-reactive T cells are significantly more common in people with MS, and targeting these cells may lead to new treatments.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateJan 13, 2026

Vulnerable populations shoulder larger number, higher intensity of environmental burdens

New research shows that vulnerable populations in the US are exposed to a larger number and higher intensity of environmental burdens. The study found strong relationships between concentrated environmental burdens and vulnerable communities, with communities of color and those with limited English fluency facing the greatest risks.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 13, 2026

WhatsApp data show: We often deceive ourselves

A study by Bielefeld University used anonymized WhatsApp metadata to show that personalized feedback can help people understand their communication habits. Many participants adjusted their views on response speed and chat participation after seeing data-based visualizations.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 13, 2026

Bringing human dexterity to robots by combining human motion and tactile sensation

A team of researchers from Keio University has developed a novel system that uses Gaussian process regression to model and reproduce complex human motions. This enables robots to adapt to touch and interact with objects in dynamic environments, improving their dexterity and versatility.

SourceKeio University Global Research Institute·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2026