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Science News for January 16, 2026


Taking paracetamol during pregnancy does not increase risk of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 studies found no link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and increased risks of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities. Researchers concluded that previously reported links may be due to genetic predisposition or maternal factors rather than the medication itself.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 16, 2026

The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Women’s Health: Taking paracetamol during pregnancy does not increase risk of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities, confirms new gold-standard evidence review

A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 studies confirms paracetamol during pregnancy is not linked to increased risks of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities. The findings suggest alternative maternal factors may be responsible for previously reported associations.

SourceThe Lancet·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 16, 2026

Molecular sieve-confined Pt-FeOx catalysts achieve highly efficient reversible hydrogen cycle of methylcyclohexane-toluene

Researchers developed molecular sieve-confined Pt-FeOx catalysts for efficient reversible hydrogen storage and release, overcoming limitations of traditional metal catalysts. The catalyst exhibited excellent mass transfer performance, improved stability, and high hydrogen production rates.

SourceChinese Chemical Society·JournalCCS Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2026

New review highlights electrochemical pathways to recover uranium from wastewater and seawater

Researchers systematically analyze recent advances in electrochemical strategies designed to extract uranyl from complex aqueous environments. Electro-adsorption, electrocatalysis, and photo-electrocatalysis approaches offer a potentially energy-efficient alternative to traditional chemical separation methods.

Discarded cigarette butts transformed into high performance energy storage materials

Researchers have created a method to convert waste cigarette butts into nitrogen and oxygen co-doped nanoporous biochar with exceptional performance as an electrode material for supercapacitors. The material achieved a specific capacitance of nearly 345 farads per gram, demonstrating its potential for real-world applications.

Harm reduction vending machines in New York State expand access to overdose treatment and drug test strips, UB studies confirm

Two studies by the University at Buffalo found that harm reduction vending machines are well utilized and provide critical services to high-risk individuals. The machines dispense supplies such as naloxone kits, fentanyl test strip packages, and xylazine test strips outside of regular business hours.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2026

Canada losing track of salmon health as climate and industrial threats mount

New research from Simon Fraser University finds that Canada is failing to monitor the health of Pacific salmon populations, with 44% lacking sufficient data. The decline in monitoring is particularly concerning as salmon face the dual threat of climate change and industrial projects set to be fast-tracked by the federal government.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateJan 16, 2026

The Journal of Nuclear Medicine ahead-of-print tip sheet: January 16, 2026

Recent studies published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine explore the use of interim PET scans to predict treatment response and survival in patients with large B-cell lymphoma. Additionally, a phase 2 trial evaluates the safety and effectiveness of a radiopharmaceutical targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in advanced...

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 16, 2026

Model predicts long term mortality risk from prostate cancer

Researchers developed a model that can predict long-term prostate cancer mortality risk using PSA scores, helping doctors and patients make informed decisions about further screening and treatment. The model was tested on over 200,000 patients and showed improved accuracy compared to existing risk calculators.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 16, 2026

Immune-targeting vaccine shows promise intercepting cancer in patients with Lynch Syndrome

Researchers found that NOUS-209 safely stimulated the immune system to target precancerous and cancerous cells in individuals with Lynch Syndrome, providing early evidence of its potential to intercept cancer before it develops. The vaccine-induced T cells were able to kill tumor cells and showed signs of long-lasting immune memory.

Illinois researchers untangle drivers of nitrogen loss in the Upper Mississippi River Basin

Scientists differentiate between human-derived and hydrological contributions to riverine nitrogen pollution, finding that about half of the increase in nitrogen loss is due to human activity. The study suggests tailored solutions for different regions, focusing on reducing fertilizer inputs and managing precipitation.

NTU Singapore scientists find new way to disarm antibiotic-resistant bacteria and restore healing in chronic wounds

Researchers at NTU Singapore have found that a common bacterium produces reactive oxygen species that impairs wound healing. Neutralizing this process with an antioxidant enzyme restores skin cells' ability to migrate and heal, offering a potential solution to tackle antibiotic-resistant strains.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2026

Where are the biomarkers in psychiatry? Psychiatrists take first steps towards establishing a structure for objective mental health diagnosis

Researchers are creating a centralized database to standardize and share biomarker research in anxiety disorders, depression, and psychosis. This initiative aims to advance precision psychiatry by integrating biological, behavioral, and clinical data for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Research suggests nationwide racial bias in media reporting on gun violence

A recent study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, and Northwestern University found significant racial bias in media coverage of gun violence incidents. The study analyzed nearly 36,000 news stories and discovered that reports on incidents in predominantly white neighborhoods focused more on shooters' backgrounds an...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2026

Health impacts of nursing home staffing

A Medicaid policy promoting high nursing home staffing levels was associated with modest improvements in patient health. The study estimates that similar reform nationwide could prevent 6,142 fewer hospitalizations annually.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJan 16, 2026

How can robots learn from humans?

Researchers developed a new approach to teach robots to learn human grasping skills, enabling adaptive and universal grasping to diverse objects. The framework captures multimodal tactile data and encodes it into high-level semantic grasping states, allowing robots to recognize general states of interaction.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2026

HKUST develops world’s first sub-zero Celsius elastocaloric green freezer, reshaping freezing industry with its zero emissions

Researchers at HKUST developed the world's first sub-zero Celsius elastocaloric freezing device, offering a promising solution to combat climate change. The device achieved a cold-source temperature of -12 ℃ and demonstrated its real-world freezing capability in a package testing outdoors.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2026

Plant diversity shapes chemical communication in ecosystems

Researchers found that diverse plant communities emit more complex chemical signals, which can affect individual plants and the entire ecosystem. The study highlights the importance of biodiversity in maintaining natural signaling systems and supports sustainable agriculture practices to promote plant diversity.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2026

Simulations could make antibody medicines easier to inject

A new coarse-grained simulation approach predicts the consistency of various antibody formulations more efficiently than traditional methods. This enables rational design of experiments and early filtering out of unpromising candidates, ultimately making subcutaneous injection easier.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 16, 2026

Why experts urge caution on melatonin use in children

Melatonin's short-term effectiveness is well-documented for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, but its long-term safety and efficacy remain uncertain. In contrast, evidence for typically developing children is sparse, highlighting the need for better regulation and stronger guidance on melatonin use.

SourceZhejiang University·JournalWorld Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 16, 2026

Bat virome evolution in Indochina Peninsula reveals cross-species origins of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and regional surveillance gaps

A study in the Indochina Peninsula analyzed bat viromes from 197 bats across 16 species, identifying 137 viral strains, including a PEDV-related virus in Cambodian bats. The findings highlight critical surveillance gaps and emphasize the need for enhanced cross-border initiatives to prevent zoonotic outbreaks.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalhLife·DateJan 16, 2026

A brain network disorders study analyzes the epidemiology of neurological disorders in China

The study reveals cerebrovascular disease as the third leading cause of death among adults in China, with a higher risk among men and those residing in northern regions. Dementia and Parkinson's disease also show high prevalence rates, while unique demographic patterns are observed for other neurological disorders.

SourceBrain Network Disorders Editorial Office·JournalBrain Network Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2026

HKU Engineering researchers develop soft, 3D transistors with hosting living cell potential, featured on Science cover

Researchers at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) have developed the world's first soft, 3D transistors capable of hosting living cells, revolutionizing bioelectronics. The breakthrough design uses hydrogel semiconductors and has transformative potential for healthcare, education, and daily life.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2026

Energy learning hyper-heuristic algorithm for cooperative task assignment of heterogeneous UAVs under complex constraints

Researchers developed an energy learning hyper-heuristic algorithm to tackle complex task assignment challenges in heterogeneous UAVs. The algorithm outperforms traditional methods in convergence speed and solution quality, enabling efficient completion of tasks while avoiding obstacles.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalDefence Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 16, 2026

HKUST develops novel "molecular velcro" to boost efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells

Researchers at HKUST developed a robust coating layer that significantly enhances the durability of perovskite solar cells, retaining over 95% of their initial efficiency after 1,100 hours of continuous operation. The 'molecular velcro' interface strategy delivers high-efficiency and low-cost solar technology.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2026

Multifaceted effects of inward foreign direct investment on new venture creation

A recent study by researchers from Waseda University and Zhejiang University found that inward foreign direct investment has distinct nonlinear, spillover, and contingent effects on new venture creation. The study analyzed China's enterprise credit information data between 2013 and 2023 and demonstrated robust support for its hypotheses.

SourceWaseda University·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2026

Pusan National University researchers develop light-activated tissue adhesive patch for rapid, watertight neurosurgical sealing

Researchers have developed a breakthrough light-responsive Janus dural patch using photocurable hyaluronic acid, providing strong wet adhesion and preventing unwanted tissue adhesion. The patch seals wounds within five seconds with minimal swelling and high biocompatibility.

SourcePusan National University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2026

A view into the innermost workings of life: First scanning electron microscope with nanomanipulator inaugurated in hesse at Goethe University

The newly inaugurated cryo plasma-FIB scanning electron microscope with nanomanipulator at Goethe University Frankfurt enables imaging of living cells and provides new insights into cellular structures. Researchers can now visualize protein structures in their natural environment or trace cellular changes in diseases.