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Science News Archive January 2026


Page 3 of 47

Machine learning reveals how to maximize biochar yield from algae

Researchers developed a machine learning framework that accurately predicts and optimizes biochar production from algae, identifying temperature as the dominant control on biochar yield. The model achieved strong agreement with experimental results and was able to pinpoint key factors influencing biochar production.

How a simple dietary change may slow liver cancer in at-risk patients

A Rutgers-led study found that low-protein diets slowed liver tumor growth and cancer death in mice, uncovering a mechanism by which impaired waste-handling machinery can fuel cancer. The researchers suggest that individuals with elevated ammonia levels due to liver disease or impairment may benefit from reducing protein intake.

Electrifying biology in a bubble

RNA droplets promote reduction and oxidation reactions, crucial for life, according to UC Santa Barbara researchers. The findings support the idea that these droplets acted as proto-enzymes, enabling the development of more complicated organic molecules.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Heat from deep underground could help power global clean energy transition

A recent Stanford University study reveals that EGS can significantly reduce the amount of wind, solar, and battery infrastructure needed for a clean, renewable energy transition. Adding EGS to the renewable energy mix produces substantial infrastructure savings, including reduced land requirements and infrastructure needs.

Stroke telerehabilitation emerges as promising primer for recovery

A new treatment combining cognitive and occupational therapy is being tested to improve stroke recovery, especially for rural patients. The 'cognition-first' approach tackles cognitive difficulties before physical rehabilitation, addressing a significant gap in existing treatments.

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.

How fire-loving fungi learned to eat charcoal

Fungi have evolved unique strategies to digest charcoal and other pollutants, including gene duplication and horizontal gene transfer. These discoveries could lead to new methods for cleaning up contaminated environments.

Plastic pollution promotes hazardous water conditions, new study finds

A new study by University of California San Diego researchers found that fossil fuel plastics can amplify harmful algae blooms by killing off zooplankton, leading to an increase in algal concentrations. In contrast, biodegradable plastics had a smaller impact on zooplankton and algal communities.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

MXene nanomaterials enter a new dimension

Scientists at Drexel University have developed a scalable method for producing one-dimensional MXene nanoscrolls, offering superior electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. The new material shows promise in applications such as energy storage devices, biosensors, and wearable technology.

Mapping the magnetic field of the Milky Way

Researchers mapped the northern sky across different radio frequencies to create a high-quality dataset of the galaxy's magnetic field structure. The data provides insight into how the magnetic field evolved and includes a new three-dimensional model for the reversal in the Sagittarius Arm.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

UBC study finds research in exercise physiology still fails women

A UBC study found that exercise physiology research predominantly focuses on male bodies and voices, while women are underrepresented as participants and researchers. The study highlights the need for greater equity in exercise physiology research to improve understanding of sex-based differences in physiology and treatment.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

One in 1,000 dies: communicating medical numbers

A recent study published in JAMA highlights the importance of effective communication of medical numbers, particularly in preventing nocebo effects. Researchers recommend using positive framing and clear strategies to present numbers in an understandable way, as vague verbal descriptors can amplify fear and unintended expectation effects.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Using AI to retrace the evolution of genetic control elements in the brain

A team of researchers used AI to analyze the activity of genetic control elements in the developing mammalian cerebellum, identifying specific elements unique to the human lineage. The study reveals how these elements may have contributed to key evolutionary innovations in the human brain, including the expansion of the cerebellum.

Scientists empower an AI foundation model to accelerate plant research

A new method called Distributed Cross-Channel Hierarchical Aggregation (D-CHAG) accelerates analysis of hyperspectral data, enabling faster AI-guided discoveries for high-performing crops. The approach reduces computational bottleneck and increases efficiency, making it possible to extract subtle patterns in plant physiology.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Immunotherapy reduces plaque in arteries of mice

A novel antibody-based therapy has been shown to reduce plaque in the arteries of mice, eliminating harmful immune cells that drive inflammation and unstable plaque formation. This immunotherapy could complement traditional methods and help patients with advanced coronary artery disease.

January research news from the Ecological Society of America

A recent study published by the Ecological Society of America highlights the impact of rainstorms on environmental DNA in streams. Researchers found that rainfall can wash away genetic material from land-based species and deposit it into nearby waterways, providing a fuller picture of who is present. In another study, scientists discov...

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.

Underwater 3D printing could transform maritime construction

A Cornell University team is developing a method to 3D-print concrete underwater, which could revolutionize on-site maritime construction and repair of critical infrastructure. The technology aims to minimize ocean disruption while creating more efficient and effective construction methods.

York U study finds forever chemical plumets in urban atmosphere during pandemic

Researchers found significant decline of atmospheric trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in Toronto during COVID-19, suggesting its sources and enabling future reduction strategies. The decrease is attributed to short-lived chemical precursors emitted into the atmosphere, offering new hope for mitigating this persistent pollutant.

What ice-fishing competitions reveal about human decision-making

A large-scale field experiment with Finnish ice fishers found that experienced anglers rely more on their own knowledge when successful and on social information when unsuccessful. The study also showed that age, gender and environmental factors influence decision-making strategies.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Scientists solve the mystery of why termite kings and queens are monogamous

Researchers found that termites evolved from cockroach ancestors that became dependent on cooperation and food sharing within colonies. Monogamy and high relatedness were crucial for the evolution of complex social systems in termites, with genes involved in sperm motility being lost due to the absence of sperm competition.

ORNL and Kyoto Fusioneering partner to build critical fusion infrastructure

ORNL and Kyoto Fusioneering have established a public-private partnership to develop cutting-edge experimental infrastructure for testing next-generation tritium breeding blanket systems. The UNITY-3 facility will be sited at ORNL and complement existing facilities in Japan and Canada, advancing mutual research and commercial goals.

How does Long COVID develop? New piece of the puzzle found

A big data study has identified a specific molecular state of immune cells as associated with the severity of fatigue and respiratory symptoms in Long COVID patients. This finding offers exciting starting points for further research into genetic risk factors and individualised medicine.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

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.

The “Grand Canyon” of the Atlantic

A team of scientists discovered the King's Trough Complex, a colossal submarine canyon off Portugal's coast, formed by tectonic processes and hot mantle material. The structure extends over 500 kilometers, with Peake Deep as one of the deepest points in the Atlantic Ocean.

How uranium from mining enters the environment

A study investigates uranium exposure in children living near gold mining dumps and finds higher levels of uranium in their hair compared to children from reference sites. The study collected over 400 hair samples and analyzed them alongside information on the children's age, gender, and living conditions.

Strategic tree planting brings meaningful carbon reductions

A new study suggests that strategic tree planting in Canada's northern forests could remove at least five times the country's annual carbon emissions, totaling around 19 gigatons by 2100. This would be a significant step towards Canada's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and meeting its commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement.

Male or female? How evolution rewired sex determination in one frog species

A recent study reveals how one frog species evolved its own distinct genetic system for determining sex. In the frog species Xenopus laevis, a gene called dm-w prompts female development, while without its influence, frogs become male. The evolution of this gene arose recently in these frogs and differs from humans and other vertebrates.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

New England Journal of Medicine publishes phase 3 PATINA trial data demonstrating a significant progression-free survival benefit with palbociclib in metastatic HR+, HER2+ breast cancer

The PATINA trial demonstrates a significant progression-free survival benefit with palbociclib in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer. The study showed a median progression-free survival of 44.3 months, compared to 29.1 months in the control arm.

Electric eel biology inspires powerful gel battery

Researchers at Penn State develop a hydrogel-based battery that mimics the electrical processes of electric eels, producing higher power densities than previous designs. The battery is non-toxic, flexible, and environmentally stable, making it suitable for biomedical applications.