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Science News for January 22, 2026


UNM researchers analyze moon record, challenging Earth’s water origins

A new study suggests that the Moon's surface record sets a hard limit on the possibility of late meteorite delivery being the dominant source of Earth's oceans. The researchers analyzed oxygen isotopes in lunar regolith samples, finding that even generous assumptions about impactor flux would only supply a small fraction of Earth's water.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 22, 2026

Study finds fisheries management—not predator recovery—drives catch levels in the North Sea

Research led by University of Miami researchers shows that effective fisheries management can coexist with predator recovery, contradicting previous assumptions. The study found that fishing effort, not predator recovery, drives fishery yields in the North Sea.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateJan 22, 2026

Hidden symmetries enable efficient quantum state transfer

Physicists report the first experimental observation of quantum state transfer enabled by hidden symmetries in a network of laser-written optical waveguides. This discovery dramatically expands the design space for quantum circuits, opening the gates towards new classes of networks for secure quantum communication and cryptography.

Breakthrough in development of reliable satellite-based positioning for dense urban areas

Researchers have developed a GNSS-only method that consistently outperforms existing methods in dense urban areas, enabling safer and more reliable autonomous navigation. The approach uses a probabilistic framework to estimate position without relying on carrier-phase integer ambiguity resolution.

SourceMeijo University·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 22, 2026

How molecules move in extreme water environments depends on their shape

Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to study how organic molecules move with supercritical water inside carbon nanotubes. Aromatic compounds significantly slowed down their own motion and surrounding water, while alkanes moved relatively freely. Temperature played a key role in overcoming transport limitations.

Desperate race to resurrect newly-named zombie tree

A recently identified tree species in Australia, Rhodamnia zombi, is facing extinction due to myrtle rust, a fungal disease that attacks and kills its young shoots. Researchers are working on finding clean cuttings and propagating them to grow resistant seedlings, which may hold the key to resurrecting the 'zombie' tree.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalAustral Ecology·DateJan 22, 2026

UH study highlights need for conservative approach to unexplained unintentional weight loss evaluation

A recent study from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center found that diagnostic abnormalities were no more likely to occur among adults with unintentional weight loss than among comparison patients. In most cases, the weight loss was not linked to a serious underlying condition, with only a .7% overall rate of cancer.

Drexel study finds early intervention helps most autistic children acquire spoken language

A recent study led by researchers at Drexel University's Autism Institute found that early intervention is key to helping most non-speaking autistic children develop spoken language. The study suggests that duration of the intervention rather than intensity may be more effective in achieving outcomes for these children.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 22, 2026

UMass Amherst researchers identify top risk factors for pedestrian-vehicle crashes at Massachusetts bus stops

Researchers used machine learning to evaluate 1,773 bus stops across Massachusetts, identifying 13 crash-relevant characteristics and proposing countermeasures. The study found that bus stop types in mixed-use arterial corridors and dense urban cores have the highest prevalence of crashes.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalData Science for Transportation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 22, 2026

UC Irvine and Jefferson Health researchers find differences between two causes of heart valve narrowing

Researchers found structural and functional differences between mitral annular calcification and rheumatic mitral stenosis, which may lead to inaccurate diagnoses and treatment. The study suggests using disease-specific diagnostic criteria and management guidelines for patients with MAC-related stenosis.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 22, 2026

Patient recruitment begins for major real-world digital weight management study

The W8Buddy study, a major real-world evaluation of digitally delivered specialist weight management pathways, is recruiting 450 participants from 4 Specialist Weight Management Services across England and Wales. The study aims to assess the long-term health benefits and economic impact of digital tools for obesity care.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBMJ Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 22, 2026

For immediate release: High BMI could increase dementia risk, study finds

A new study found that high body mass index (BMI) increases the risk of vascular-related dementia. The researchers believe treating or preventing high blood pressure may help reduce this risk. Early weight-loss interventions could potentially prevent dementia, especially vascular-related dementia.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2026

Mount Sinai review maps the path forward for cancer vaccines, highlighting promise of personalized and combination approaches

Researchers at Mount Sinai detail how decades of cancer vaccine research have converged into more precise and effective immunotherapies. Decades-long clinical trials show personalized neoantigen vaccines are safe and capable of generating robust immune responses across various cancers.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 22, 2026

National Foundation for Cancer Research CEO Sujuan Ba Named One of OncoDaily’s 100 Most Influential Oncology CEOs of 2025

Sujuan Ba, CEO of the National Foundation for Cancer Research, has been recognized as one of OncoDaily's 100 Most Influential CEOs in Oncology in 2025. Under her leadership, NFCR has strengthened its role as a strategic accelerator of cancer research, supporting innovative science and fostering cross-sector collaboration.

Illinois study: How a potential antibiotics ban could affect apple growers

A new study from the University of Illinois examines how apple growers might respond to a potential ban on antibiotics, finding that proactive growers will benefit if the ban is enforced, but may struggle if it doesn't materialize. The study also shows that crop value can mitigate the negative impact of regulatory uncertainty.

Hydrogen bonds turn sweetener into lignin bodyguard, boosting biomass yield 42%

Mannitol outperforms other green additives in slowing re-polymerisation of cellulose-lignin linkages, cutting molecular weight and raising hydrogenolysis monomer yield. The additive forms an average of 28 hydrogen bonds per simulation box, effectively capping sites where carbocations normally form.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2026

This form of therapy can save enormous amounts of money by getting people with mental health problems back to work more quickly

A new treatment method combining metacognitive therapy and job focus has been shown to significantly reduce absenteeism due to mental illness. By getting people back to work faster, it can save society up to three times as much as it costs.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 22, 2026

Rethinking where life could exist beyond earth

Astronomers may need to look beyond the traditional habitable zone for liquid water and potentially life-friendly conditions. A new study suggests that tidally locked worlds, even those orbiting closer to cool M- and K-dwarf stars than previously thought, could sustain liquid water on their night side.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 22, 2026

Nash equilibria: The hidden math behind predator–prey behaviors

Researchers used game theory and individual-based models to show how attack and defense strategies emerge as stable patterns, providing a theoretical framework for understanding predator–prey interactions. The study highlights the importance of sensory abilities for survival and challenges traditional views of predator-prey relationships.

SourceUniversity of Toyama·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 22, 2026

China can meet its rapidly growing cooling demand without heating the planet

A new study shows that China can significantly limit its cooling-related climate impacts by transitioning to cleaner refrigerants and adopting high-efficiency cooling technologies. This integrated approach could phase down cumulative HFC consumption by 12.6 Gt CO2e from 2022 to 2060, avoiding up to 0.015°C of global warming.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateJan 22, 2026

Treating cancer with medication before surgery continues to increase, report shows

The report shows a notable increase in medication treatments, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy, used before surgery to treat many cancers. Neoadjuvant systemic therapy increased notably for certain cancers, including gynecologic cancers, pancreatic cancer, and rarer abdominal lining cancers.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 22, 2026

Study reveals weight loss medications may improve outcomes for chronic sinus disease patients

A new study published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery found that GLP-1R agonists are associated with reduced need for revision sinus surgery and biologic therapies in obese patients. The study analyzed data from over 100 million patient records and showed a 36% reduction in revision surgery rates at one-year follow-up.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·JournalOtolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery·DateJan 22, 2026

A new optical centrifuge is helping physicists probe the mysteries of superfluids

Researchers have successfully controlled the rotation of molecules suspended in liquid helium nano-droplets using a new optical centrifuge. This breakthrough enables scientists to study the behavior of exotic, frictionless superfluids and understand how molecules interact with the quantum environment at various rotational frequencies.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2026

Carbon-ion therapy spares surgery for early breast cancer

A study published by the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology found that carbon-ion radiotherapy provided durable tumor control with minimal side effects while preserving breast appearance in carefully selected patients who were unable or unwilling to undergo surgery. The treatment resulted in excellent local control ...

SourceThe National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 22, 2026

Moffitt study develops new tool to predict how cancer evolves

Researchers developed a new method to predict how cancer cells evolve by gaining or losing whole chromosomes, mapping favorable or harmful changes. ALFA-K quantifies how whole-genome doubling helps cancer cells survive high levels of chromosomal instability, laying the groundwork for evolution-aware approaches to cancer treatment.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2026

New research reveals how dread shapes decision-making

A new study from the Universities of Bath and Waterloo finds that people are more emotionally affected by anticipating negative future outcomes than positive ones, shaping economic behaviour. Individuals with stronger negative anticipatory emotions are more likely to avoid risk and less willing to wait for delayed outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalCognitive Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 22, 2026

Aging zoo animals threaten long-term species conservation goals of modern zoos

Research from Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that many zoo mammal populations are becoming demographically fragile due to declining birth rates and increasing numbers of older individuals. This trend poses a threat to species conservation goals, as stable and resilient populations are crucial for addressing biodiversity loss.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2026

Litter invades the mangroves of tropical countries

Mangroves in tropical countries are being overwhelmed by land- and sea-based waste, posing a significant threat to environmental balance, biodiversity, and human well-being. The study highlights the urgent need for measures to reduce single-use plastic packaging to mitigate this problem.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2026

Quantum measurements with entangled atomic clouds

A research team has demonstrated how quantum mechanical entanglement can be used to measure several physical parameters simultaneously with increased precision. By distributing atoms into up to three spatially separated clouds, the effects of entanglement act at a distance, reducing measurement uncertainties and canceling disturbances.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2026

An AI to predict the risk of cancer metastases

Scientists at UNIGE created an AI tool called MangroveGS that can accurately predict the risk of cancer metastasis and recurrence. The algorithm uses gene expression signatures from colon cancer cells to identify key factors influencing metastatic potential, paving the way for more precise care and discovery of new therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell Reports·TypeNews article·DateJan 22, 2026

AI is already writing almost one-third of new software code

A new study reveals that around one-third of all newly written software functions in the United States are already being created with AI support, with productivity gains mainly driven by experienced developers. The study found wide regional gaps, with the US leading at 29% AI-assisted code, while China and Russia lag behind.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 22, 2026

Phytoconstituents, mechanisms and delivery systems in polyherbal formulations for anti-aging skincare

Researchers explore polyherbal formulations combining multiple plant extracts to combat skin aging, featuring seven key plants with their bioactive phytoconstituents. These formulations offer a synergistic advantage, enhancing efficacy while reducing toxicity risks associated with single compounds.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 22, 2026

Leading cancer deaths in people younger than 50 years

Cancer mortality rates have decreased for breast cancer and leukemia, despite increasing incidence, while colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of death among US young adults. Colorectal cancer surpasses lung, breast, and prostate cancers as the leading cancer-related death in people under 50 years old.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 22, 2026

Morphological traits and key factors in skin pigmented spots development

Skin pigmented spots feature immune cell infiltration, branched blood capillaries, and a disrupted skin barrier, necessitating innovative skincare strategies. The study highlights the need for multi-action ingredients that soothe inflammation, normalize blood vessels, and maintain a healthy skin microbiome.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·DateJan 22, 2026

Increased soil salinity alters global inorganic carbon storage

A new study finds that soil salinization influences inorganic carbon storage, particularly in regions with elevated salinity. The research reveals a conditional relationship between salinity and inorganic carbon, highlighting the need to incorporate soil chemical processes into global carbon assessments.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2026

ISSCR develops roadmap to accelerate pluripotent stem cell-derived therapies to patients

The ISSCR has released a comprehensive roadmap for developing pluripotent stem cell-derived therapies, outlining critical scientific, manufacturing, and regulatory guidance. The Best Practices document provides a risk-based, end-to-end development strategy to support informed decision-making across seven essential areas.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJan 22, 2026

Palaeontology: Ancient giant kangaroos could hop to it when they needed to

Research published in Scientific Reports found that ancient giant kangaroos could withstand the strain of hopping due to robust hindlimbs. The study's findings suggest that these animals were unlikely to rely solely on hopping for locomotion over longer distances, but may have used short bursts of hopping to evade predators.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 22, 2026

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the head and face showing predilection for the cheek region

A retrospective study of 161 cases found that dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) of the head and face favors the cheek region, particularly in older patients. The dominant site accounted for 65.38% of all head-and-face DFSPs, suggesting regional anatomic or biological factors influence tumor development.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery·TypeCase study·DateJan 22, 2026

Breath carries clues to gut microbiome health

Researchers have found that chemicals in exhaled breath can reveal the composition of the bacteria living in the intestines, providing a potential non-invasive test for monitoring and diagnosing gut health issues. Breath samples from children with asthma were able to predict the presence of the bacterium linked to the condition.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2026

The mechanism of black ginseng extract in alleviating inflammatory aging

The study demonstrated that black ginseng extract reduces MMP-1 expression and suppresses PGE2 levels in human foreskin fibroblasts, promoting skin homeostasis. It also identified rare ginsenosides as key molecules involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of BGE.

SourceJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·JournalJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2026

Scientists discover why some Central Pacific El Niños die quickly while others linger for years

A new study reveals that strong Central Pacific El Niños self-destruct due to negative feedbacks from distant oceans, while weaker events survive by forming a lasting partnership with the North Pacific climate pattern. This discovery enables forecasting months in advance with over 80% accuracy.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJan 22, 2026

Quality and quantity? The clinical significance of myosteatosis in various liver diseases

Myosteatosis is a key predictor of poor clinical outcomes across a spectrum of liver diseases, with associations to severe disease phenotypes, hepatocellular carcinoma, and increased mortality. Nutritional intervention, exercise prescription, and potential management strategies are proposed to address this condition.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJan 22, 2026

New imaging technology detects early signs of heart disease through the skin

Researchers developed a new imaging technology called fast-RSOM that captures detailed images of the smallest blood vessels directly through the skin. This technology can detect early signs of cardiovascular risk, enabling doctors to intervene sooner and guide personalized therapies.

Insilico Medicine to present three abstracts at the 2026 Crohn’s & Colitis Congress highlighting clinical, preclinical safety, and efficacy data for ISM5411, a novel gut-restricted PHD1/2 inhibitor for inflammatory bowel disease

Insilico Medicine presents three abstracts at the 2026 Crohn's & Colitis Congress highlighting clinical, preclinical safety, and efficacy data for ISM5411. The first-in-human Phase 1 results show no serious adverse events or deaths reported, with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile supporting gut restriction.

People with obesity may have a higher risk of dementia

A new study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found a causal link between high body mass index (BMI) and dementia. High blood pressure was identified as a driving factor behind the increased risk. Researchers suggest that preventing or treating obesity and high blood pressure could help reduce dementia risk.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 22, 2026

Global prevalence, temporal trends, and associated mortality of bacterial infections in patients with liver cirrhosis

Bacterial infections are common and severe complications in patients with liver cirrhosis, with a global prevalence of 35.1% reported. The most common infection sites were the gastrointestinal tract, ascites fluid, and urinary tract, with gram-negative organisms more frequent than gram-positive organisms.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJan 22, 2026

To explain or not? Need for AI transparency depends on user expectation

A new study by Penn State researchers found that the level of transparency in artificial intelligence (AI) systems affects users' trust. When systems meet or exceed users' expectations, trust increases without needing detailed explanations. However, when expectations are not met, users require more information and a deeper understandin...

SourcePenn State·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateJan 22, 2026

Expert consensus on clinical applications of fecal microbiota transplantation for chronic liver disease (2025 edition)

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) holds promise in treating chronic liver diseases by restoring gut-liver axis balance. The consensus recommends FMT for various etiologies, excluding drug-induced liver injury, with strict donor selection and management guidelines to ensure safety.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJan 22, 2026

Brain network disorders study provides insights into the role of molecular chaperones in neurodegenerative diseases

A study reviews decades of research on Hsp70's role in neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting its protective effects and potential therapeutic value. The review reveals that different Hsp70 isoforms interact with co-chaperones and cellular pathways to determine protein clearance.

SourceBrain Network Disorders Editorial Office·JournalBrain Network Disorders·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 22, 2026

Reimagining proprioception: when biology meets technology

A new theory of proprioception challenges traditional understanding by incorporating frontier bionic evidence. The proposed framework reconceptualizes proprioception as a dynamic augmentable interface, enabling functional movement and potentially improving rehabilitation outcomes in sports injuries and neurological diseases. Researcher...

SourceJournal of Sport and Health Science·JournalJournal of Sport and Health Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 22, 2026

CNU research explains how boosting consumer trust unlocks the $4 billion market for retired EV batteries

A team of researchers from Chonnam National University explores how boosting consumer trust can increase adoption of second-life EV battery tech. They found that transparent safety inspections and tailored messaging can improve adoption outcomes.

Making blockchain fast enough for IoT networks

Researchers develop Dual Perigee, a lightweight algorithm that streamlines network connections to enable secure and low-latency data sharing in IoT networks. The study reduces block-related delays by 48.54% compared to standard approaches.

SourceChiba University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Network and Service Management·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2026

Chungnam National University study finds climate adaptation can ease migration pressures in Africa

A study by Chungnam National University finds that climate adaptation can significantly reduce migration from drought and armed conflict in Africa. Countries with stronger adaptive capacity experience lower migration levels during crisis conditions, highlighting the importance of policies addressing environmental and security threats.

Living walls boost biodiversity by providing safe spaces for urban wildlife

A new study has found that living walls can significantly enhance urban biodiversity by attracting pollinators and other wildlife. The research revealed that soil-based living walls with plants in soil attracted more wildlife than those with artificial substrates, and specific plant species like ivy and honeysuckle were most effective.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalUrban Science·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2026

New AI method revolutionizes the design of enzymes

Researchers have developed a new AI method called Riff-Diff to construct artificial biocatalysts, resulting in enzymes that are significantly faster, more stable and versatile. The technology allows for precise design of protein structures around active centres, making enzyme design more accessible to the wider biotechnology community.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 22, 2026

MAN PPK2: A “universal” enzyme for the production of RNA building blocks

A team of researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo developed a novel enzyme, MAN, that efficiently converts common nucleotide substrates into RNA nucleotides with remarkable efficiency. This method simplifies the production of RNA building blocks by using inexpensive and stable polyphosphate as a phosphate donor.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2026

Sniffing out the cause of keratoderma-associated foot odor

Researchers at Kobe University have identified a specific bacterial strain, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum, as the primary causes of foot odor in Nagashima-type palmoplantar keratosis. Topical application of benzoyl peroxide reduces odor by decreasing C. tuberculostearicum levels.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2026

Tuning color through molecular stacking: A new strategy for smarter pressure sensors

Researchers have developed a new way to produce fluorescence by using molecular stacking, which can lead to the creation of smarter and more sensitive pressure sensors. The study focused on two crystalline organoboron compounds that exhibit piezofluorochromism, changing color in response to pressure.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2026