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Science News Archive January 2026


Page 30 of 47

Increasing muscle elasticity improves heart failure

Researchers discovered that inhibiting a protein called RBM20 can improve heart filling and flexibility in mice with heart failure. The study also found positive impacts on energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, antioxidant balance, and blood flow.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Expert panel highlights opportunities for improving cancer studies

A workshop by the Cancer Medicines Forum identified gaps in knowledge about optimal cancer drug use, including dosage, duration, and treatment sequence. The forum recommends studies to generate evidence for cancer treatment decisions during drug development and after marketing authorization.

Helping AI systems recover from mistakes and find optimal solutions

Researchers developed EnCompass, a framework that enables programmers to improve agents' performance by allowing easy recovery from errors and testing different search strategies without major code rewriting. This improves the organization of core logic in complex AI systems.

An unexpected breakthrough in flat optics

A team from Harvard and University of Lisbon found that silica, a low-refractive index material, can be used for making metasurfaces despite long-held assumptions. They discovered that by carefully considering the geometry of each nanopillar, silica behaves as a metasurface, enabling efficient design of devices with relaxed feature sizes.

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.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Has progress stalled on gender equality at work?

The study emphasizes the importance of reorganizing work to support prevention rather than perpetual recovery, particularly in the face of climate change and technological disruption. It also highlights the need for gender equity in technology design and governance to prevent job displacement and undervaluation of women's work.

Ancient teeth are treasure troves of data on Iron Age lifestyles

A study of ancient teeth from Pontecagnano reveals details about childhood growth and health, as well as adult diets that included cereals, legumes, and fermented foods. The analysis provides insights into the lifestyle and adaptations of the Iron Age Italian community.

Scientists identify target to treat devastating brain disease

Researchers at OHSU have identified specific sites on the NMDA receptor that could potentially reverse the progression of the disease if blocked, offering new hope for treatment and early detection. The discovery was made using near-atomic imaging and raises the potential for a blood test to detect the condition.

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.

Oliver Zielinski selected as Fellow of The Oceanography Society

Oliver Zielinski's contributions to oceanography have significantly advanced understanding and stewardship of the ocean through innovative research and leadership. He has led applications of artificial intelligence for environmental monitoring and mentored early-career scientists.

Pregnant women with IBD show heightened inflammation in vaginal mucosa

A new study found pregnant individuals with IBD have higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in their vaginal mucosa than healthy controls. However, a higher intake of vegetables and lower added sugars was associated with lower inflammation and increased beneficial microbe Lactobacillus crispatus.

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.

Common: being wrong. Less common: admitting it

Researchers at the University of Houston found that admitting intellectual errors can increase public trust in science. In a classroom setting, professors who admit mistakes were rated higher by students for warmth, competence, and teacher effectiveness. This study highlights the importance of intellectual humility in building respect.

Beyond the pandemic: how coworking spaces survive in rural areas

Coworking spaces in rural areas, such as Catalonia and Rhineland-Palatinate, have adapted to funding models that include private investment, public subsidies, and user contributions. These spaces often serve as pillars of the community, fostering social connections and local development.

Hydrogel cilia set new standard in microrobotics

Scientists created biologically realistic artificial cilia using hydrogel, enabling precise control over their motion. The tiny structures can be powered by low-voltage electrical signals and have shown remarkable durability and versatility.

Study finds alpha-2 receptor drugs reduce heavy alcohol drinking

Researchers found that guanfacine, a selective alpha-2 adrenergic drug, reduced heavy alcohol consumption and improved certain cognitive deficits without sedation. The study suggests that stimulating alpha-2 receptors may restore balance to the noradrenergic system, reducing drive to drink while improving prefrontal cognitive functions.

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.

Plant discovery could lead to new ways of producing medicines

Scientists at the University of York discovered a plant gene that produces a powerful alkaloid, securinine, in a unique process driven by bacterial-like genes. This finding allows for the mass production of valuable compounds in labs, reducing reliance on rare plants and harsh chemicals.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Quality of life of parents of premature infants

The study reveals parental quality of life is compromised during the premature infant's hospitalization period. A family-centered approach with tailored support from the neonatal intensive care unit and postdischarge period can protect and promote parental well-being.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Controlling magnetic materials

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have developed a method to control the frequency of collective magnetic oscillations in materials, known as magnons. By applying laser pulses and a weak magnetic field, they can increase or decrease frequencies by up to 40%, enabling faster data writing and transfer.

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.

Discovery of eleven novel factors essential for mouse zygote development

A research team has identified eleven novel factors essential for mouse zygote development, which modulate embryonic development through precise mechanisms. These findings suggest the existence of previously unrecognized regulatory factors and indicate potential for molecular-level control of embryo development.

How a unique class of neurons may set the table for brain development

A new MIT study reveals that somatostatin-expressing neurons follow a unique trajectory when forming connections in the visual cortex, establishing conditions needed for sensory refinement. These inhibitory neurons help usher in the critical period by setting baseline inhibition levels.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Woolly rhino genome recovered from Ice Age wolf stomach

Scientists successfully sequenced a woolly rhinoceros genome from a 14,400-year-old tissue sample found in an ancient wolf's stomach. The study reveals that the species likely died out due to rapid population collapse rather than gradual decline.

Major river deltas are sinking faster than sea-level rise

A recent study found that nearly every major river delta is experiencing subsidence, with at least some portion sinking faster than the sea level in 18 of the 40 deltas examined. This phenomenon poses a significant threat to the lives of over 236 million people, particularly in regions such as the Mekong and Nile river systems.

Cities@Heart - Tackling heart health and inequality in European cities

The Cities@Heart project aims to improve cardiovascular health in cities through integrated whole-city approaches, targeting obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The consortium will design, pilot, and evaluate city-level strategies to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease on urban environments and improve quality-of-life.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Scientists uncover new quantum state that could power future technologies

Researchers have discovered a new quantum state of matter that combines quantum criticality and electronic topology, paving the way for advancements in computing, sensing, and materials science. This hybrid state has potential applications in real-world technologies due to its durable and highly sensitive qualities.

How psoriasis affects joints

A team of researchers has discovered that special immune cells in psoriasis patients migrate to the joints and trigger inflammation. The study reveals a crucial link between skin and joint diseases, providing an early warning signal for future treatments.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Nightingales strike the right chord

Researchers found that male nightingales precisely match pitch, but also adjust note length to achieve a trade-off strategy. They exhibit flexibility in how closely they match pitch versus duration depending on the combination heard. This ability requires rapid processing and neural flexibility.

Work hours, stress, and burnout among resident physicians

A nationwide study found that longer work hours were associated with increased stress and decreased self-perceived competency, but not with burnout. The study suggests that a comprehensive approach beyond work hour restrictions is needed to support resident well-being in training.

UTA study focuses on safer opioid prescribing

A new study by the University of Texas at Arlington examines how updated CDC guidelines can help nurse practitioners reduce opioid misuse and protect patients. The guidelines emphasize individualized care, clinical judgment, and ongoing reassessment to ensure safe prescribing practices.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Breakthrough in retinal organoid research

Scientists have developed a method to create functional retinal organoids that contain human retinal ganglion cells and allow the development of light-signal pathways. The vascularized organoids demonstrated improved cell survival, increased functional maturity, and the ability to respond to hypoxia.

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.