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Science News Archive January 2026 - Page 11


Page 11 of 47

Massachusetts closest to eliminating cervical cancer, Southeastern states lag, new study finds

According to a new study, Massachusetts is close to eliminating cervical cancer due to its low incidence rate of 4.3 cases per 100,000 in recent years. In contrast, the Southeast and Southwest regions have higher rates of 11.2 and 9.9 cases per 100,000, respectively, making it challenging for these states to reach elimination goals.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·DateJan 26, 2026

Exploring the scientific connotation of the medicinal properties of toad venom (Chansu) — 'dispersing fire stagnation and opening orifices to awaken the spirit' — from the microscopic world of 5-HTR drug-target interactions

Researchers decode the molecular mechanisms of toad venom's medicinal properties, revealing a link to serotonin receptor interactions. The study identifies key components and their selective agonist activities on depression-related receptors, shedding light on traditional Chinese medicine's modern interpretation.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateJan 26, 2026

Not just sweet: the sugar branches that shape the brain

A brain-specific enzyme reshapes protein-linked sugar chains to facilitate the formation of complex glycans essential for normal brain function. This process is critical for efficient keratan sulfate formation and has implications for research into glycan-related brain disorders.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2026

Rational electrolyte structure engineering for highly reversible zinc metal anode in aqueous batteries

Researchers develop rational electrolyte structure engineering for highly reversible zinc metal anodes, addressing dendrite suppression, hydrogen evolution reaction inhibition, and interface stability. Advanced electrolyte systems enable long cycle life, high capacity retention, and flexible electronics applications.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateJan 26, 2026

Tracking antibiotic resistance in the environment gets a high tech upgrade

Researchers are using advanced DNA sequencing technologies to monitor environmental reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes and assess their impact on human health. The study highlights the importance of integrating gene detection, host identification, and quantitative analysis to evaluate environmental antibiotic resistance.

Menopause linked to loss of grey matter in the brain, poorer mental health and sleep disturbance

A study from the University of Cambridge found that menopause is associated with reduced grey matter volume in key brain regions, increased anxiety and depression, and difficulties with sleep. Despite hormone replacement therapy (HRT) not mitigating these effects, it can slow reaction times.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPsychological Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 26, 2026

Most common methods of inducing labour similarly effective

A new review of over 100 clinical trials found that 13 common labor induction methods are similarly effective, with low-dose vaginal misoprostol being the most commonly used and safest. However, some methods showed better success rates for specific outcomes, such as oxytocin with amniotomy for achieving vaginal birth within 24 hours.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 26, 2026

Global health impacts of plastics systems could double by 2040

New research suggests that plastics systems' adverse health impacts could double by 2040 due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and toxic chemicals. The study emphasizes the need for systemic change, including government policies and industry transparency, to curb this growing global plastics public health crisis.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2026

New research reveals how the brain turns experience into memory — with help from a tiny protein

A new study from the Stowers Institute has identified a mechanism that makes fleeting moments unforgettable, revealing a critical step in forming long-lasting memories. The research discovered a specific type of chaperone protein that allows proteins to change shape and form functional amyloids that house long-term memory.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2026

Key to human intelligence lies in how brain networks work together

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame investigated how brain networks are organized and work together to form a unified system. They found evidence for system-wide coordination in the brain that is both robust and adaptable, suggesting that intelligence reflects how brain networks are coordinated and dynamically reconfigured.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 26, 2026

Care continuity linked to fewer hospital visits for older adults receiving home-based care

Researchers analyzed electronic health record data from 1,207 patients in Barcelona, Spain, and found that those with higher continuity of care had fewer emergency department visits and hospital admissions. Patients who saw their assigned clinician more often were less likely to use home ambulance services.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 26, 2026

Nearly half of CDC surveillance databases have halted updates, raising concerns about health data gaps

Nearly half of CDC surveillance databases have stopped updating, primarily tracking vaccination-related information and respiratory diseases. Prolonged pauses risk weakening evidence-based decision-making, and the authors recommend clear status updates, reasons for delays, and timelines for resuming data publication.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJan 26, 2026

Study compares ways to support opioid deprescribing in primary care

A study compared four approaches to supporting opioid deprescribing in primary care clinics, finding that clinics with both clinic workflow support and prescriber coaching had the largest reduction in average opioid dose. Clinics that received education alone showed significant increases in urine drug testing and treatment agreements.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 26, 2026

Linking financial incentives to improved blood sugar levels may support type 2 diabetes management

A randomized controlled trial found that contingent discount financial incentives on medication expenses can improve glycemic control and encourage engagement with ongoing monitoring among patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. After six months, the intervention group showed greater improvements in long-term blood sugar level...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 26, 2026

Team-based primary care strategy cuts hepatitis C virus treatment delays by four months

A family medicine interdisciplinary team improved hepatitis C virus treatment outcomes by streamlining medication access and reducing administrative burdens. The team's strategy, implemented at an urban clinic in Ohio, resulted in a significant reduction of treatment delays from over 6 months to under 2 months.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 26, 2026

Discrimination linked to diminished immune system function

Researchers found that people experiencing everyday discrimination have elevated levels of "exhausted" white blood cells, indicating chronic stress may hamper the immune system. This study suggests social experiences like discrimination shape immune health at the cellular level and contribute to biological aging.

SourceNew York University·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·DateJan 26, 2026

AI sheds light on mysterious dinosaur footprints

A new AI-powered app, DinoTracker, uses advanced algorithms to analyze dinosaur footprints and predict their makers. The system achieved 90% agreement with human expert classifications, revealing surprising similarities between ancient dinosaur tracks and modern birds.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 26, 2026

New data show reduced overall PFAS exposures in subarctic ocean

A new study from Harvard found that North Atlantic pilot whales have 60% lower concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their bodies since the phaseout of these chemicals. The researchers measured bulk organofluorine levels as a proxy for total PFAS concentrations, including newer types of PFAS.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 26, 2026

SERIDA develops a remote sensing model to improve the control of fossorial water vole populations in agricultural areas of Northwestern Spain

A new remote sensing model, developed by SERIDA, identifies areas where fossorial water voles are present or could expand with high accuracy (97%). The tool helps public administrations plan early warning systems and resource management for pest vole populations.

SourceFundacion para el Fomento en Asturias de la Investigacion Cientifica y la Tecnologia·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 26, 2026

New study may offer hope to women suffering menopausal hot flashes, night sweats

A new study from the University of Victoria found that higher insulin levels at age 47 predicted younger onsets of hot flashes and night sweats. Insulin may be a stronger predictor of hot flashes when taking other metabolic variables into account, while body mass index (BMI) appeared more closely associated with estrogen level changes.

SourceUniversity of Victoria·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2026