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Science News Archive January 2026 - Page 22


Page 22 of 47

Game-changer for rare sugars: alkaline media unlocks high yield of rare sugars from bacteria

Scientists discovered two bacterial strains producing rare sugars, which were characterized as heteropolysaccharides with notable antioxidant activity. Alkaline media significantly enhanced EPS yields by up to 238.92%, while optimizing environmental factors may further enhance bioactivity.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalSystems Microbiology and Biomanufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

AI-driven ultrafast spectrometer-on-a-chip: A revolution in real-time sensing

A newly developed silicon spectrometer-on-a-chip achieves accurate, noise-resilient hyperspectral sensing by using a reconstructive method and artificial intelligence. The device is sensitive across a broad spectral range, including the crucial near-infrared spectrum, and can capture fleeting light–matter interactions.

HonorHealth Research Institute stroke patient is the first in Arizona to receive a new treatment to clear blocked blood vessels in the brain

A stroke patient at HonorHealth Research Institute is the first in Arizona to receive a new investigational treatment targeting platelets. BB-031 extends the treatment window and increases patients' safety. This represents a completely new approach to treating ischemic stroke.

SourceHonorHealth Research Institute·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 20, 2026

New expert consensus statement affirms lifestyle interventions for the treatment and prevention of major depressive disorder

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine has published a new expert consensus statement affirming the importance of lifestyle interventions in treating and preventing major depressive disorder. The statement highlights the benefits of physical activity, optimal nutrition, and stress management as integral components of MDD care.

SourceAmerican College of Lifestyle Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine·DateJan 20, 2026

Study reveals potential therapeutic target for treating glaucoma

Researchers have identified a metabolically sensitive cell subtype in the eye's drainage system that shows early signs of dysfunction in a genetic mouse model of glaucoma. The study provides what the editors say are fundamental findings highlighting a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or slowing the development of glaucoma.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

Cleaner ship fuel is reducing lightning in key shipping lanes, research finds

Research from the University of Kansas finds that cuts in sulfur emissions from oceangoing vessels have led to a reduction in lightning stroke density along heavily trafficked shipping routes in the Bay of Bengal and South China Sea. The drop in sulfates from ships can cause fewer cloud condensation nuclei, resulting in weaker convecti...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateJan 20, 2026

Novel therapy using engineered immune cells to kill prostate cancer earns $1.8 million Department of Defense grant

Researchers at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine are developing a novel therapy using engineered immune cells to target advanced prostate cancer. The therapy, which uses genetically modified natural killer cells producing the IL-24S 'Superkine', has shown promise in early-stage studies.

Limiting urban sprawl requires establishing clear targets and limits to expansion, new Concordia study proposes

Cities need clear limits on urban sprawl to achieve sustainability. A new Concordia study proposes combining greenbelts with densification policies to limit sprawl and promote sustainable development. The study found that without additional policies, greenbelts alone are insufficient to halt urban sprawl.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEnvironmental Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 20, 2026

Enabling electronic skin to “read” more accurately and reliably — low-crosstalk tactile arrays empower highly reliable braille recognition

A new low-crosstalk iontronic e-skin design suppresses mechanical strain propagation while maintaining sensitivity, enabling stable and reliable multi-point spatial perception. This system achieves efficient Braille recognition with auditory feedback, providing a promising technological pathway for assistive tactile sensing applications.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

Surprisingly in sync: Sunlight and sediments

A new study using sediment drill cores reveals a link between solar cycles and the stability of fast ice in Antarctica. The research team found that changes in solar activity disrupt zonal winds over the Southern Ocean, leading to the retreat of sea ice along the coast.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

High pressure makes ceramics stronger

Researchers have created nano-polycrystalline tantalum diboride monoliths under high pressure conditions, achieving dense microstructure with fine grains. This results in enhanced hardness and fracture toughness, making the material nearly 45% harder than comparable specimens.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalAdvanced Powder Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

Heidelberg physicists bridge worlds of quantum matter

Researchers at Heidelberg University developed a new theoretical framework that connects two fundamental domains of modern quantum physics, describing the emergence of quasiparticles in systems with both mobile and static impurities. The new theory explains how quasiparticles form even in systems with extremely heavy impurities.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 20, 2026

Replacing animal products with plant-based foods—even ultra-processed ones—reduces diabetes and heart disease risk, finds new review

A new review by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that ultra-processed plant-based foods like breads and cereals lower type 2 diabetes and hypertension risk. Whole grains and plant-based meat alternatives also have health benefits due to their fiber, micronutrients, and phytochemicals.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalBMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 20, 2026

Researchers link Alzheimer’s disease protein to development of preeclampsia

Researchers have discovered that amyloid-β deposits in preeclamptic placentas can disrupt placenta formation, leading to the development of high blood pressure and organ damage. The study found that these deposits impair the ability of placental cells to undergo syncytialization, a critical step in placenta formation.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

Nationwide UVA-led study finds Montessori preschool boosts learning at a lower cost

A nationwide study led by the University of Virginia found that public Montessori preschool programs improved children's reading, math, and social skills, with stronger results in older students. The study also revealed that Montessori programs were more cost-effective, saving districts $13,127 per child.

SourceUniversity of Virginia College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2026

The sophisticated communication of pūkeko

Researchers discovered that pūkeko combine individual sound elements to create complex call sequences, expanding their range of expression. The team found that certain sound elements have specific roles in calls and sequence combinations, allowing for nuanced communication about context, state of arousal, and more.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJan 20, 2026

Probiotics combined with antidiabetic drugs overcome the “drug black hole,” achieving enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity

Researchers discovered a probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis B960, that enhances the glucose-lowering effects of glibenclamide with minimal degradation. This combination therapy reduces fasting blood glucose levels and improves pancreatic function while alleviating hepatotoxicity.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJan 20, 2026

Global Virus Network warns measles resurgence

The Global Virus Network warns of a global measles resurgence, with over 2,242 confirmed cases in the US and 95,000 measles deaths globally in 2024. GVN urges governments, healthcare providers, and public health agencies to promote MMR immunization, strengthen surveillance systems, and combat vaccine misinformation.

Global scripts, local classrooms: Education’s tightrope in the Middle East

The article explores how Middle Eastern education systems adapt to global models while maintaining local cultures. It highlights the challenges of policy borrowing, teacher learning communities, and classroom critiques of test-driven systems in the region. The studies show that education is an ongoing negotiation, shaping identity, equ...

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·DateJan 20, 2026

Study: Cigarette filters are an underestimated source of microplastic pollution

A recent study from the University at Buffalo has found that cigarette filters release up to two dozen microfibers upon first contact with water, posing a significant threat to wildlife and human health. The researchers estimated that over 71 million to 1.4 billion cigarette butt microfibers are released into New York waters every day.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateJan 20, 2026

Insights to innovation: Insilico Medicine AI-driven practice published on Springer Nature in latest AI for Drug Discovery Volume

The article highlights Insilico Medicine's exclusive contributions to two chapters in the latest AI for Drug Discovery Volume, showcasing its expertise in real-life application of AI in early drug target-related tasks. The company's roadmap to 2030 using Quantum Machine Learning (QML) algorithms is also presented, with successful case ...

Being close to someone with a gambling problem raises your own risk – new study

A new study by the University of Bath and Tampere University found that individuals exposed to problem gambling within family or friend networks are more likely to develop their own gambling issues. Strong family relationships significantly reduce this risk, whereas friendships do not provide a comparable protective effect.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 20, 2026