Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2026 - Page 516


Page 516 of 524

Scientists trace facial gestures back to their source. before a smile appears, the brain has already decided

A new study published in Science uncovers how the brain prepares and produces facial gestures through a temporally organized hierarchy of neural codes. The research found that multiple brain regions work in parallel, each contributing different timing-based codes to generate coherent facial gestures.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2026

Can the rural digital economy facilitate synergistic governance of carbon emission reduction and pollution in animal husbandry?

The rural digital economy significantly promotes the synergistic control of livestock carbon emissions and pollution. The core mechanism of action is reflected in three aspects: green technology progress, alleviating information asymmetry, and promoting production agglomeration. Policy and market factors also play a crucial role in mod...

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2026

Global data gaps highlight why citizen science has now become essential for official statistics

The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis argues that citizen science should be integrated into national and global statistical systems to address growing data gaps. This approach has the potential to support 60% of SDG indicators dependent on household survey data, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Family background strongly linked to financial misconduct by corporate executives

A study conducted at the University of Oulu found that senior corporate executives are more likely to commit financial crimes if their parents have previously been charged and convicted. The researchers analyzed nearly 76,000 CEOs and board members and found a strong association between parental convictions and executive misconduct.

SourceUniversity of Oulu, Finland·JournalJournal of Accounting Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 8, 2026

Lipids have their own VIP drivers

Researchers from Université de Genève have identified the transporters responsible for each lipid, revealing the complex mechanisms behind their cellular targeting. This study provides valuable insights into lipid biology and its link to various diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2026

New study reveals a “Chinese-style STEM” model achieving deep curriculum integration in Shanghai school

A new study reveals a Chinese-style STEM model successfully integrates subject areas to cultivate innovation and practical skills, benefiting all students without increasing burden. The Deep Integration Teaching Model, developed by Shanghai Jing'an Education College, offers a replicable blueprint for schools worldwide.

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeCase study·DateJan 8, 2026

How to improve drought tolerance in popcorn maize?

Researchers evaluated genetic effects of 25 traits in popcorn inbred lines under water-stressed conditions, revealing key mechanisms for improving yield stability. The study identified physiological markers such as NDVI and SPAD for drought tolerance screening, highlighting potential breeding strategies to enhance drought tolerance in ...

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2026

Study: How can we stop the spread of flu?

A new study found that airborne transmission of the flu is a major factor in its spread, but ventilation and air movement can reduce transmission. The study used a controlled environment to investigate how the flu spreads through the air between infected and uninfected people.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 8, 2026

How do biodegradable plastic films affect microplastics and soil microorganisms in paddy fields?

A study found that biodegradable plastic films increase the formation of smaller, thinner film-like fragments in soil microorganisms, promoting efficient degradation and altering microbial community composition. Microbial gene sequencing revealed changes in functional genes and genus distributions related to polymers' degradation.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2026

How the brain creates facial expressions

Researchers at Rockefeller University have made a breakthrough in understanding how the brain controls facial expressions, discovering a complex network of neural circuits involved. Contrary to long-held assumptions, both lower-level and higher-level brain regions are involved in encoding different types of facial gestures.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateJan 8, 2026

How does a shelled amoeba move?

A team of researchers at Hokkaido University characterized the unique mechanics of Arcella, a shelled single-celled amoeba, to move skillfully across various surfaces. They found that differences in traction stress distribution control straight-line and sideways movement.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the Japan Academy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2026

Patients with clonal hematopoiesis have increased heart disease risk following cancer treatment

Researchers found that patients with clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) had a significantly higher incidence of heart failure and ischemic cardiovascular disease after cancer treatment. CHIP, a condition characterized by age-related variants in blood stem cells, puts patients at increased risk for heart complications.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJan 8, 2026

Interim safety of RSVpreF vaccination during pregnancy

A recent study found that the RSVpreF vaccine does not pose a significant risk to pregnant women, providing reassurance for those who wish to be vaccinated. The interim report presents data from a large cohort of pregnancies with vaccine-seeking behavior, and results suggest no notable adverse effects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 8, 2026

Multiscale theoretical calculations empower robust electric double layer toward highly reversible zinc anode

Researchers have developed a multiscale framework to engineer robust electric double layers, enhancing the performance of zinc anodes in aqueous rechargeable batteries. The study achieves over 4,700 cycle life and 90% capacity retention after 800 cycles using a low-cost sugar-derived additive.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateJan 8, 2026

Stem cell engineering breakthrough paves way for next-generation living drugs

Researchers at University of British Columbia have successfully grown specialized immune cells called helper T cells from stem cells in a controlled laboratory setting. This breakthrough could lead to more accessible and effective off-the-shelf treatments for various conditions, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious di...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2026

Hybrid parasites threaten progress against one of the world’s most widespread neglected diseases

New research reveals hybrid schistosomes are undermining existing disease control strategies by emerging faster than previously recognized. These hybrids can display altered biological traits linked to virulence and transmission potential, complicating diagnosis and treatment.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 8, 2026

Doing good pays off: Environmentally and socially responsible companies drive value and market efficiency

A global study of 2,636 firms across 31 countries found that stronger ESG disclosure and performance correspond to higher intrinsic value. This aligns with theoretical analysis and signaling theory, highlighting the need for companies to communicate substantive progress honestly.

SourceKyushu University·JournalBusiness Strategy and the Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 8, 2026

Mapping proteins in African genomes reveals new paths to fight type 2 diabetes

Researchers mapped nearly 400 genetic regions regulating circulating proteins, identifying 18 with a likely causal link to T2D. These findings provide new insights into disease biology and could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses, as well as treatments tailored to African populations.

Research paves the way for safer colonoscopy bowel prep for people with compromised gut health

A new study found that bowel preparation procedures for colonoscopies can disrupt the gut environment, making mice more susceptible to infection and inflammation. The researchers hope to understand whether these procedures may put people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at risk of exacerbation.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 8, 2026