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Science News Archive January 2026 - Page 20


Page 20 of 47

Old diseases return as settlement pushes into the Amazon rainforest

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara found that human activity in the Amazon basin is driving an uptick in yellow fever cases. The proximity of urban areas to forests increases the risk of disease transmission, as does the growing border between forested and urban areas.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalBiology Letters·DateJan 21, 2026

World’s oldest rock art holds clues to early human migration to Australia

The discovery of hand stencil rock art in Sulawesi, Indonesia, dates back at least 67,800 years, pushing back the known history of human settlement in Australia. The findings support the idea that modern humans arrived in Sahul via the northern migration route, with implications for our understanding of Australian Aboriginal culture.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 21, 2026
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.

Dual-scale imaging platform captures metabolic and vascular adaptations in vivo, offering new insights for cancer treatment strategies

A multidisciplinary team developed a dual-scale Capillary-Cell microscope to visualize tumor metabolism and vasculature dynamics. The platform revealed complex relationships between tumor vascular network and metabolic behavior, highlighting distinct adaptations based on local conditions.

SourceBMEF (BME Frontiers)·JournalBME Frontiers·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2026

A new method to unlock vast lithium stores

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly way to extract lithium. The new method uses temperature-sensitive solvent to extract lithium directly from brines found in deposits across the world.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJoule·DateJan 21, 2026

Pregnancy- and abortion-related mortality in the US, 2018-2021

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that abortion bans are associated with a significant increase in pregnancy-related mortality in the United States. The study suggests that restricting access to safe abortion care forces pregnant individuals to take on increased health risks, leading to higher mortality rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 21, 2026

Identifying corrosion initiation sites in aluminum alloys

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new technique to identify pitting corrosion initiation sites in aluminum alloys. The method combines real-time optical microscopy with a boric-borate buffer solution, allowing clear visualization of pit formation locations.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateJan 21, 2026
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.

Metal clumps in quantum state: Vienna research team breaks records

A research team at the University of Vienna demonstrates that massive metallic nanoparticles follow quantum mechanics rules, creating a 'Schrödinger's cat state' and breaking existing records for macroscopic scale tests. The experiment shows that even large objects can exhibit wave-like behavior.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateJan 21, 2026

Childhood ADHD linked to midlife physical health problems

A large longitudinal study of people with childhood ADHD traits found a strong link between the condition and physical health problems in midlife. People with high ADHD traits at age 10 were more likely to have two or more physical health problems by age 46.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2026

Velocity gradients key to explaining large-scale magnetic field structure

A team of scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has identified a new mechanism to describe the generation of large-scale magnetic fields. They found that steady velocity gradients are key to creating ordered, large-scale field structures, resolving a long-standing issue in understanding how these fields are generated.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 21, 2026

New 2.6-million-year-old Paranthropus fossil reshapes understanding of early hominins

A 2.6-million-year-old partial jaw of Paranthropus, discovered in Afar, Ethiopia, expands the known geographic distribution of the genus northward by 1000 km. The fossil reveals that Paranthropus was as widespread and versatile as Homo, challenging previous assumptions about its dietary specialization and competition with other hominins.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJan 21, 2026
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.

Critical Atlantic Ocean currents kept going during last ice age

New research reveals that North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) was only about 1.8°C colder than today during the Last Glacial Maximum, contradicting previous assumptions of near-freezing conditions. The study supports climate model projections and suggests that weakening AMOC could have dramatic consequences for future climate.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateJan 21, 2026

Study reveals genetic factors influencing pregnancy loss

A Johns Hopkins University-led team analyzed genetic data from nearly 140,000 IVF embryos and found robust connections between specific variations in a mother's DNA and her risk of miscarriage. The study identified key genes that govern chromosome pairing and cohesion, shedding new light on human reproduction.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature·DateJan 21, 2026
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Takeaways are used to reward and console – study

A study found that ordering takeaway meals is a popular self-gifting option for both rewarding good days and consoling bad days. The research suggests that this may be due to the convenience of taking away daily cooking duties, while also providing a indulgent treat.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJan 21, 2026

Generative AI use and depressive symptoms among US adults

A recent survey study found a significant association between generative AI use and increased depressive symptoms in US adults. The magnitude of the effect varied by age group, suggesting that further research is needed to understand the causal relationship and underlying factors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 21, 2026

Community water fluoridation: No evidence of negative effects on newborns

A new study analyzing over 11.5 million births found no significant negative effects of community water fluoridation on birth weight or risk of premature birth. The research supports the recommendations for promoting caries prevention and suggests that fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, repairs early damage, and prevents tooth decay.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 21, 2026
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.

Research finds exercise type to target body fat in seniors

A new study published in Maturitas found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is the most effective exercise type for reducing body fat and maintaining muscle mass in seniors. HIIT involved short bursts of intense exercise followed by easier recovery periods, which helped retain lean muscle mass.

SourceUniversity of the Sunshine Coast·JournalMaturitas·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2026

Curtin scientists freeze out ice-age delivery theory for Stonehenge stones

Researchers analyzed over 500 zircon crystals and found no evidence of glaciers transporting the bluestones to Stonehenge. The study strengthens the case for human transport, leaving the exact method a mystery. Advanced mineral fingerprinting techniques provided key insights into geological history.

SourceCurtin University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 21, 2026

Patients struggle to measure blood pressure at home

A study found that one-third of patients in an at-home hypertension management program could not complete weekly readings, highlighting the need for more convenient and less burdensome monitoring tools. The researchers suggest innovative wearable devices that can passively collect blood pressure readings to reduce patient burden.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2026
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.

Engineered nanobodies improved respiratory defenses in preclinical study

Researchers developed engineered bispecific nanobodies that bind viruses to mucus, preventing infection. The approach was effective in preclinical models of multiple respiratory viruses, offering immediate, localized protection.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Massive black hole mystery unlocked by Irish researchers

Researchers at Maynooth University found that chaotic conditions in the early Universe triggered the rapid growth of smaller black holes into super-massive behemoths. This breakthrough resolves a long-standing puzzle, suggesting that 'garden variety' stellar mass black holes can grow at extreme rates.

SourceMaynooth University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 21, 2026

Quantum error correction with logical qubits

A new project aims to develop robust logical quantum bits for scalable and fault-tolerant quantum computing. The snaQCs2025 project combines innovative simulation and integration methods to compensate for error susceptibility of physical qubits, bringing quantum computing closer to practical use.

SourceFraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics·DateJan 21, 2026

ORNL to partner with Type One Energy, UT on world-class facility to validate next-gen fusion

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory is partnering with Type One Energy and the University of Tennessee to establish a world-class high-heat flux facility in East Tennessee. The facility will evaluate how materials react under extreme conditions in a fusion device, accelerating the development of plasma-facing components and enabling the ...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·TypeNews article·DateJan 21, 2026
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Turning industrial exhaust into useful materials with a new electrode

Researchers have designed an electrode that captures airborne CO2 and directly converts it into formic acid, outperforming existing electrodes. The system demonstrated utility in ambient air conditions, making it a promising strategy for integrating CO2 capture into practical industrial applications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateJan 21, 2026

Jeonbuk National University researchers develop novel dual-chemical looping method for efficient ammonia synthesis

Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new dual-chemical looping process that improves the efficiency of ammonia synthesis by 8.4% and reduces global warming potential by up to 15.85 kg CO2-equivalent per kilogram of ammonia produced.

SourceJeonbuk National University, Sustainable Strategy team, Planning and Coordination Division·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 21, 2026
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.

Trauma or toxic? A deep dive into the impact of stress on kids' health

A comprehensive review of childhood stress effects on physical and mental health, cognitive functioning, and developmental outcomes. The study highlights the critical importance of early intervention and supportive policies to mitigate adverse health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnual Review of Psychology·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 21, 2026

New journal section tackles AI, ethics, and digital health communication

The new AI, Health, and Digital Spaces section features an editor’s note emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration between public health experts and AI researchers. It provides a dedicated scholarly home for work integrating domain knowledge with technical innovation.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateJan 21, 2026

Heart disease, stroke deaths down, yet still kill more in US than any other cause

The number of heart disease and stroke deaths in the US has declined, but these conditions still account for over a quarter of all deaths. The latest data from the American Heart Association shows that fewer people are dying from any cause, with death rates improving, but cardiovascular disease remains a major concern.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateJan 21, 2026

A year after undermining Bredt’s rule, UCLA scientists have made cage-shaped, double-bonded molecules that defy expectations

Researchers at UCLA have developed cage-shaped, double-bonded molecules called cubene and quadricyclene that defy expectations by breaking the traditional rules of organic chemistry. The discovery has potential applications in drug development, enabling the creation of more complex 3D structures for new medicines.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 21, 2026
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Creative talent: has AI knocked humans out?

A large-scale study reveals that generative AI models have reached the threshold of average human creativity, but the most creative individuals still outperform even the best AI systems. The study also highlights the importance of human guidance and parameterization in modulating AI creativity.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 21, 2026

Data-driven analysis reveals three archetypes of armed conflicts

Researchers used machine learning to identify conflict labels from data, discovering three archetypes with distinct geographic, demographic, and economic properties. The study emphasizes the limitations of existing conflict classifications and suggests new approaches for predicting conflict severity.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 21, 2026

Sculpting complex, 3D nanostructures with a focused ion beam

Researchers have developed a new method to fabricate three-dimensional nanoscale devices from single-crystal materials using a focused ion beam instrument. They created helical-shaped devices that behave like switchable diodes, allowing electricity to flow more easily in one direction than the other.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2026
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.

Human activities drive global dryland greening

This study reveals that 29.2% of global drylands have significantly greened from 2001-2024, while only 4.9% experienced significant browning. Human activities, including cropland expansion and irrigation, have a more significant impact on greening than climate or CO₂ fertilization alone.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·DateJan 21, 2026

Magnetic avalanches power solar flares

A team of scientists used Solar Orbiter's instruments to capture a large solar flare in unprecedented detail. The observations revealed that the flare was triggered by initially weak disturbances that quickly became more violent, creating a 'sky' of raining plasma blobs.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2026

Light switches made of ultra-thin semiconductor layers

A nanostructure composed of silver and an atomically thin semiconductor layer can be turned into an ultrafast switching mirror device, displaying properties of both light and matter. This discovery could lead to dramatically increased information transmission rates in optical data processing.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2026

Strategic sex: Alaska’s beluga whales swap mates for long-term survival

A new study reveals how beluga whales in Alaska's Bristol Bay survive through a surprising strategy: they mate with multiple partners over several years. This polygynandrous system helps maintain genetic diversity despite the population's small size and isolation.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2026
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.

DNA tests reveal mysterious beluga family trees

A team of scientists analyzed DNA samples from 623 beluga whales in Bristol Bay, Alaska, revealing a polygynous mating system where males secure few matings per year, but females switch partners frequently across breeding seasons. This unique strategy may help maintain genetic diversity and resilience in the small population.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2026

Immunotherapy success could be predicted with new biomarkers

Researchers discovered that CHD1 and MAP3K7 gene deletion improves tumor vulnerability to immunotherapy. This finding suggests new biomarkers for predicting patient response and opening up personalized cancer care. The study sheds light on why some patients are more or less likely to respond to certain types of cancer treatments.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateJan 20, 2026

“Autoplay got me there”: How YouTube’s algorithm built a following for fascist group Patriotic Alternative

A study by City St George's criminologist Dr Tony Karas found that social media, particularly YouTube, was crucial in the radicalization process for 40 PA activists. The platform's autoplay function nudged them towards more extreme content, often with ethnonationalist views.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalStudies in Conflict and Terrorism·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 20, 2026
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.

Agents team up to strengthen AI safety checks

A new approach uses multiple LLM agents collaborating through iterative interactions to improve AI safety checks, outperforming existing methods in F1-score and achieving better trade-offs between catching harmful and harmless prompts. The system divides work into two teams: generator and analyzer, with logs capturing past mistakes and...

SourceThe University of Electro-Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 20, 2026

Meta-device for precision lateral displacement sensing

Developed by a collaborative team of researchers, the novel metasurface-based platform harnesses quantum interference to enable precise sensing of subwavelength lateral displacement. The system achieves high accuracy while reducing the required number of detected photons, making it suitable for next-generation semiconductor lithography.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJan 20, 2026
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.