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Science News for January 1, 2026


From DNA to harvest: genomic prediction sharpens rapeseed breeding accuracy

A study demonstrates how optimized genomic prediction models can reliably forecast complex agronomic traits in rapeseed. The research achieves high prediction accuracy for multiple economically important traits, particularly flowering time and yield components.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateJan 1, 2026

KAIST Awakens dormant immune cells inside tumors to attack cancer​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a new therapeutic approach that converts dormant immune cells inside tumors into potent anticancer agents. By reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages, they created CAR-macrophages that recognize and kill cancer cells while activating surrounding immune responses.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 1, 2026
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Researchers create cells that help the brain keep its cool

Scientists at Lund University have created a new method to directly reprogram glial cells into parvalbumin neurons, which can help regulate brain activity and potentially treat disorders such as schizophrenia and epilepsy. The breakthrough could lead to therapies that replace lost or damaged brain cells in the future.

SourceLund University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 1, 2026

Methylurea-built SEI unlocks long-life anode-free aqueous zinc batteries

Researchers developed a methylurea-assisted electrolyte that forms a robust solid electrolyte interphase directly on the zinc surface, dramatically improving zinc reversibility. This engineered SEI enables long-life anode-free zinc batteries with unprecedented cycling life and exceptional durability.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournaleScience·DateJan 1, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

ASTRO relaunches its foundation with a renewed focus and clearer identity to reflect accelerated progress in radiation oncology

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has rebranded its research foundation as Speed of Light – The ASTRO Foundation, marking a renewed focus on advancing research and improving patient care. The new initiative aims to strengthen research collaborations and investments to drive progress in radiation oncology.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateJan 1, 2026

Dual-salt synergy in interface regulation: in situ atomic force microscopy reveals the stabilization mechanism for lithium metal batteries

Researchers found that combining LiDFOB and LiPF₆ in a dual-salt electrolyte regulates electrode interfaces, forming a double-layer cathode electrolyte interphase and a LiF-rich solid electrolyte interphase. This design lowers interfacial impedance, promotes uniform Li deposition, and enhances durability under cycling.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·DateJan 1, 2026
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

The global burden of leukemia, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis of prevalence, DALYs, and risk factors from the global burden of disease study

Leukemia prevalence increased by 28.0% globally from 1990 to 2021, alongside a 16.2% decline in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most prevalent subtype, while acute myeloid leukemia (AML) contributes the largest proportion of DALYs.

SourceFAR Publishing Limited·JournalMed Research·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 1, 2026

AI-powered R&D acceleration: Insilico Medicine and Hisun Pharma nominate a preclinical candidate just 8 months after forming a strategic collaboration

Insilico Medicine and Hisun Pharma successfully nominated a preclinical candidate using AI-powered R&D in just 8 months after forming a strategic collaboration. The collaboration showcased the acceleration and efficiency gains that AI can bring to drug development, enabling the companies to enhance innovation in early-stage drug discov...

SourceInSilico Medicine·DateJan 1, 2026

First breathing ‘lung-on-chip’ developed using genetically identical cells

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have created a human 'lung-on-chip' model with genetically identical cells from a single donor, simulating breathing motions and lung disease. The device, built by AlveoliX, holds promise for testing treatments for infections like tuberculosis and delivering personalized medicine.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 1, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

EAST Tokamak experiments exceed plasma density limit, offering new approach to fusion ignition

Researchers at EAST have successfully accessed a theorized 'density-free regime' for fusion plasmas, achieving stable operation at densities beyond conventional limits. This breakthrough provides new insights into overcoming one of the most persistent physical obstacles on the path toward nuclear fusion ignition.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 1, 2026

How people moved pigs across the Pacific

A new study found that people have moved pigs across the Pacific for millennia, introducing invasive species to Indonesia and beyond. The research used genomic analysis to track pig movements, revealing a complex history of human activity in the region.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalScience·DateJan 1, 2026

Pigs settled Pacific islands alongside early human voyagers

A genomic study reveals that pigs in the Pacific islands descended from domestic pigs brought by Austronesian-speaking groups from Southeast China and Taiwan about 4,000 years ago. This suggests that humans played a significant role in introducing pigs to new regions, with limited genetic mixing with local populations.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 1, 2026
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Joint ground- and space-based observations reveal Saturn-mass rogue planet

A Saturn-mass rogue planet has been detected via microlensing event observation from both Earth and space, enabling direct measurement of its mass and distance. The discovery provides key findings on the diverse pathways of planetary ejection, shedding light on how planets can form and become isolated.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 1, 2026

A Coral reef’s daily pulse reshapes microbes in surrounding waters

Researchers found coral reefs impose daily rhythms on nearby microbes, reshaping their composition and abundance. This daily pattern is stronger than seasonal differences, suggesting time of day is a critical factor in studying reef-associated microbial communities.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 1, 2026

First Editorial of 2026: Resisting AI slop

The first Editorial of 2026 discusses AI's impact on the scientific community. The journals use select AI tools, with encouraging results in data sharing among published research articles.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 1, 2026