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Science News Archive January 2026 - Page 21


Page 21 of 47

Multifunctional dipoles enabling enhanced ionic and electronic transport for high‑energy batteries

Researchers have developed a new battery technology that uses dipole interactions to enhance ionic and electronic transport, leading to improved energy storage, increased safety and wider temperature capabilities. The innovative design provides a roadmap for next-generation high-energy batteries.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateJan 20, 2026

Social environment impacts sleep quality

Researchers found that mice higher in their social hierarchy benefited from isolation, while those lower did not. The team also discovered that being alone can disrupt the brain's ability to stabilize its internal rhythms during sleep, which may be relevant to human mental health.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

Heteroatom‑coordinated Fe–N4 catalysts for enhanced oxygen reduction in alkaline seawater zinc‑air batteries

Researchers have developed heteroatom-coordinated Fe–N4 single-atom sites to create square-pyramidal 'Cl–Fe–N₄' catalysts that repel chloride ions. The Cl–Fe bond shortens the Fe–N bond length and lowers the *OH-to-H₂O rate-limiting step, delivering a record 5.8 mA cm⁻² limiting current density.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateJan 20, 2026

Theoretical study of laser-enhanced nuclear fusion reactions

Theoretical study reveals that low-frequency lasers significantly enhance fusion efficiency, increasing tunneling probabilities and bridging the gap between low-temperature and high-temperature conditions. The study provides a unified framework for analyzing laser-assisted fusion across different laser frequencies and intensities.

SourceNuclear Science and Techniques·JournalNuclear Science and Techniques·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 20, 2026

Cannabis legalization is driving increases in marijuana use among U.S. adults with historically lower consumption rates

A new study found that recreational cannabis legalization in the US is driving increases in cannabis use among adults with historically lower consumption rates. Adults aged 60 years and older, female, white, or college-educated were most responsive to legalization, with significant increases in use.

SourceBoston College·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

Not all memories are created equal: Study by NUS and Duke shows how motivation shapes our memory

Researchers propose a neuroscience framework explaining how motivation fundamentally reshapes memory. Two motivational moods - an interrogation-driven mood supported by dopamine and an imperative-driven mood supported by noradrenaline - are associated with different neural contexts, determining the type of memory formed.

Optimized kinetic pathways of active hydrogen generation at Cu2O/Cu heterojunction interfaces to enhance nitrate electroreduction to ammonia

Scientists optimize kinetic pathways of active hydrogen generation at Cu2O/Cu interfaces to enhance nitrate electroreduction to ammonia. The Co₀.₁₀-Cu₂O/Cu catalyst exhibits exceptional performance, achieving high yields and selectivity in NITRR.

Over 1 million estimated to have glaucoma in UK

A new study estimates that over 1.6 million people in the UK will be living with glaucoma by 2060, with nearly 50% higher prevalence than previous estimates. The researchers call for expanded eye health services and increased awareness campaigns to detect early cases and prevent vision loss.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2026

Researchers study whether intentionally manipulating blood carbon dioxide levels might enhance brain health

A team of researchers found that intentionally raising and lowering blood CO2 levels through rhythmic exposure or controlled breathing may boost the glymphatic system's effectiveness. This approach could preserve brain function, improve cognition, and reduce cognitive decline in Parkinson's patients.

New design playbook could unlock next generation high energy lithium ion batteries

Researchers have synthesized and analyzed recent global advances in cation disordered rocksalt cathode materials, a promising alternative to today’s dominant lithium ion battery cathodes. The study provides a clear framework for overcoming long standing performance challenges that have so far limited commercial adoption.

National childhood type 1 diabetes screening is effective and could prevent thousands of emergency diagnoses, UK study shows

A UK-wide childhood screening program for type 1 diabetes has been shown to be effective in detecting early stages of the disease. By identifying children at risk, families can prepare for a potential diagnosis and receive timely treatment, reducing the need for emergency hospitalizations.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 20, 2026

Bubble netting knowledge spread by immigrant humpback whales

Researchers found that the spread of group bubble-net feeding amongst humpback whales is crucial to the success of the population's ongoing recovery. The technique has been seen in Alaskan waters and is now spreading into the Canadian Pacific population, likely due to immigrant whales bringing the knowledge with them.

SourceUniversity of St. Andrews·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2026

Continuous care from community-based midwives reduces risk of preterm birth by 45%

A study published in BJOG found that continuous care from community-based midwives significantly reduced the risk of preterm birth among Black, Asian, and other ethnic minority backgrounds and socially deprived areas. Women who received this care had a lower risk of preterm birth, increased spontaneous vaginal delivery rates, and bette...

SourceKing's College London·JournalBJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 20, 2026

To show LGBTQ+ support, look beyond Pride Month

A study by Cornell University researchers found that LGBTQ+ employees and customers perceive allyship gestures more authentically when displayed outside Pride Month. The study suggests a one-size-fits-all approach to allyship is not effective, highlighting the importance of timing in shaping perceptions.

SourceCornell University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·TypeSurvey·DateJan 20, 2026

Bring a friend: Financial and peer support increase women’s reproductive agency in India

A new study from the University of Illinois explores a program providing financial and peer support to women in Uttar Pradesh, India. The study found that women who brought a female peer to a family planning clinic were more likely to use modern contraception and experience stronger reproductive agency.

AI tool helps you learn how autistic communication works

A new AI-based learning tool, NeuroBridge, aims to bridge the communication gap between neurotypical and autistic individuals. The interactive LLM tool evaluates user responses to match autistic communication preferences, teaching users about cross-neurotype communication styles and their interdependent nature.

SourceTufts University·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

Seawater microbes offer new, non-invasive way to detect coral disease, WHOI-led study finds

A new study demonstrates that changes in seawater microbiome adjacent to corals reveal disease presence more clearly than microbes living within coral tissue itself. This approach could form the basis of an early warning system, allowing managers to respond before disease causes irreversible damage.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalCell Reports Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

How cities are changing social behavior in urban animals

A comprehensive review by Bielefeld University researchers reveals that urbanisation significantly impacts animal social behaviour, including changes in communication, aggression and group stability. The study found that 92% of reviewed papers report a significant effect of urbanization on social behavior.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalBiological Reviews·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 20, 2026

Registrations open for São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Immigration, Environmental Violence and Colonialism

The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Immigration, Environmental Violence and Colonialism is an interdisciplinary laboratory fostering critical training and collective knowledge production. Up to 100 students will be selected for the course, which will feature internationally renowned researchers as speakers.

University of Toronto Engineering researchers create first-ever tool to generate emissions budgets for 1,000 cities worldwide

The University of Toronto Engineering researchers have created the first-ever tool to provide construction-related greenhouse gas emissions budgets for 1,000 cities globally. The open-source model helps cities navigate between the need for new housing and infrastructure and the need to keep global warming below two degrees. The model c...

NRG Oncology adds new leadership members to Brain Tumor, Breast Cancer, Genitourinary Cancer, Lung Cancer, Medical Oncology, Medical Physics, Protocol Operations Monitoring, Publications, and Translational Science committees

NRG Oncology has added several new leadership members to its Brain Tumor, Breast Cancer, Genitourinary Cancer, Lung Cancer, Medical Oncology, and Translational Science committees. Deborah K. Armstrong will lead the NRG Medical Oncology Committee, while Daniel P. Cahill will serve as Surgical Oncology Vice Chair of the NRG Brain Tumor C...

World enters “era of global water bankruptcy”; UN scientists formally define new post-crisis reality for billions

The United Nations University reports that many regions are living beyond their hydrological means, with critical water systems already bankrupt. The study defines 'water bankruptcy' as persistent over-withdrawal from surface and groundwater relative to renewable inflows and safe levels of depletion. This has resulted in a growing list...

SourceUnited Nations University·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2026