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Science News Archive January 2026 - Page 12


Page 12 of 47

The hidden dangers of nanoplastics

Researchers have found that nanoplastics interact with environmental microbes, strengthening bacteria and antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. This can lead to challenges for water treatment and distribution systems. More research is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalWater Research·DateJan 26, 2026

University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies releases white paper on designing higher education for women balancing caregiving, work and learning

The University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies has released a new white paper highlighting the challenges faced by women who balance caregiving, work, and learning. The paper calls on institutions to build life-aligned learning models that reduce cognitive load and expand opportunity for 'sandwich generation' moms.

From experience-based simulations to predictive science

Researchers propose a new design principle for QM/MM simulations, enabling the objective and automatic determination of the quantum-mechanical region based on electronic-state changes. This approach addresses long-standing challenges in multiscale molecular simulations, demonstrating consistent applicability across different systems.

SourceChuo University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 26, 2026

First global consensus on managing vertebral fractures in advanced chronic kidney disease

Vertebral fractures are a devastating complication of advanced kidney disease, associated with increased risk of further fractures and cardiovascular events. The first global consensus statement offers practical recommendations for clinicians to identify and manage vertebral fractures in patients with chronic kidney disease stages G4–G5D.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 26, 2026

Ibiza at an ecological disadvantage compared with other Mediterranean locations, according to a study by the MarPITIUS25 project

A recent study by the MarPITIUS25 project reveals that Ibiza's coastline has lower biodiversity, biomass, and adult fish populations compared to other Mediterranean locations. The study highlights the impact of environmental pressures such as wastewater discharges, desalination plants, microplastics, and intense tourism on the ecosystem.

Energy-efficient reactor captures and recycles methane to produce clean hydrogen and carbon nanotubes

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed an energy-efficient reactor that captures and recycles methane to produce clean hydrogen and high-performance carbon nanotubes. The process uses a multi-pass floating catalyst chemical vapour deposition reactor with process gas recycling, significantly reducing energy requirements.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 26, 2026

Study shows younger children experience persistent symptoms following concussion

A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital finds that similar to older children and adults, about one fourth of children under six years old who experience a concussion will develop prolonged symptoms. Younger children are more likely to sustain brain injuries due to their size differences and weaker muscles.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 26, 2026

Determining an efficient method for measuring coastal currents

Researchers compared three methods to measure surface currents over large areas, identifying an ideal drone-based technique that uses short aerial videos and mathematical analysis of wave patterns to determine current speed and path. This approach offers several advantages, including reduced costs and ease of deployment.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology·DateJan 26, 2026

Texas A&M study suggests link between viral infection and ALS

A Texas A&M University study has identified a mouse strain that responds to a viral infection in a way similar to humans with ALS. The researchers found that the initial viral infection triggers lasting damage to the spinal cord and its nerves and muscles, even after the virus is cleared.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 26, 2026

To ensure success, consumers’ nutrition literacy levels should factor into fda’s new front-of-package labeling

A recent study found that the proposed 'Nutrition Info Box' label works best for consumers with higher nutrition literacy, but may not be effective for those with lower literacy levels. The study suggests that a different label design could help bridge this gap and support healthier eating habits.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 26, 2026

Study shows athletes with better jumping ability generate faster golf club head speed

Researchers from the University of Kansas discovered that taller, leaner athletes with improved jumping ability generate faster club head speeds. The study developed golf-specific load velocity profiles to help athletes and coaches develop plans for improvement, focusing on exercises like squats and building lean mass.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalInternational Journal of Strength and Conditioning·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 26, 2026

AI learns from animals: New approach to improve surgical imaging

Researchers developed an AI approach that enables knowledge transfer across species boundaries, allowing AI to learn from animal image data and apply it to human tissue. The method, called xeno-learning, overcomes the need for large amounts of annotated human image data, making surgical procedures safer and more precise.

New screening tool adapted for U.S. older adults to detect oral frailty

Researchers developed an English version of a Japanese oral health screening tool to identify age-related decline in oral and swallowing function among U.S. older adults. The adapted Oral Frailty Index-8 (OFI-8) assesses eight key areas, with a score of four or more indicating high risk of oral frailty and warrants further evaluation.

Oxytocin attenuates metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease via AMPK/SREBP1c/FAS-mediated suppression of hepatic lipogenesis

Researchers investigated the therapeutic potential and molecular mechanisms of oxytocin in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Oxytocin attenuates lipid accumulation and accelerates lipid metabolism by regulating the AMPK/SREBP1c/FAS axis.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJan 26, 2026

A new Johns Hopkins Medicine study suggests that certain sex hormones could play an important role in understanding long-term heart health — especially for men living with type 2 diabetes

Researchers found that higher testosterone levels reduced risk, while increased estradiol levels increased cardiovascular risk in male participants. In contrast, women with diabetes showed no significant link between hormone levels and cardiovascular outcomes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJan 26, 2026

Scientists use AI to develop a precise, safe and fast way to keep CRISPR technology in-check

Researchers at Monash University have developed an AI-powered approach to create highly accurate and specific anti-CRISPR molecules, enabling faster development of gene editing tools for various applications. This breakthrough addresses the inconsistent performance and safety risks associated with CRISPR technology.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2026

AI tools improve diagnostics and patient outcome prediction in resource-limited healthcare settings

Researchers adapted an AI model to predict neurological recovery after cardiac arrest in a resource-limited setting, achieving 80% accuracy. AI holds promise across various healthcare applications in low-and middle-income countries, including improved diagnostics and clinical decision-making.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 26, 2026

KAIST proposes a new dementia treatment strategy by repositioning molecules without changing their chemical composition​

KAIST researchers propose a new approach to treating Alzheimer's disease by repositioning molecules without changing their chemical composition. The study demonstrates that subtle differences in molecular arrangement can regulate multiple disease-inducing factors, leading to significant improvements in memory deficits and cognitive imp...

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 26, 2026

A skin biopsy to detect a rare neurodegenerative disease

Researchers at UNIGE successfully determined the structure of abnormal protein deposits from a skin biopsy, paving the way for earlier diagnosis and potentially more accessible treatment options. The study's breakthrough opens up new avenues for studying neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateJan 26, 2026

Great power rivalry is reshaping global supply chains, new study shows

A new study from the Stockholm School of Economics shows how growing rivalry between major powers is pushing firms to rethink their sourcing, production capacity, and supplier relationships. Companies are diversifying suppliers, reducing dependence on single countries for critical inputs, and relocating or duplicating production to dif...

SourceStockholm School of Economics·JournalProduction Planning & Control·TypeCase study·DateJan 26, 2026