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Science News Archive January 2026 - Page 23


Page 23 of 47

Could glial cells be the missing link in treating neurodegeneration?

Research highlights glial cells as dynamic regulators of brain health, playing both protective and harmful roles in neural function. Promising therapeutic targets include oligodendrocyte dysfunction, mitochondrial transfer, and extracellular vesicle engineering.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalNeuroprotection·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 20, 2026

Physicists employ AI labmates to supercharge LED light control

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have successfully employed artificial intelligence labmates to improve the control of LED lights, leading to a fourfold increase in steering efficiency. The AI platform uses a combination of machine learning and equation-learning techniques to optimize experiments and achieve new insights int...

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 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.

SGLT2 inhibitors vs GLP-1 receptor agonists for kidney outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes

A comparative effectiveness study found that SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a lower risk of chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury compared to GLP-1 receptor agonists. These findings suggest that SGLT2 inhibitor treatment may be an effective strategy for preventing kidney disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 20, 2026

Community water fluoridation not linked to lower birth weight, large US study finds

A large US study has found no association between community water fluoridation and lower birth weight, a widely accepted indicator of infant health. The study analyzed over 11 million singleton births across 677 counties and found small changes in birth weight that were not statistically significant.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 20, 2026

Ice, ice, maybe: There’s always a thin layer of water on ice — or is there?

A recent study has reconciled the debate over the existence and thickness of a microscopically thin liquid layer, known as premelting film, on ice surfaces. The research suggests that this layer is restricted to a limited thickness near the equilibrium point due to water's unusual density properties.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJan 20, 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.

Machine learning lends a helping ‘hand’ to prosthetics

A team of researchers has created an object identification system for prosthetic hands to guide appropriate grip strength decisions in real time. The system uses a camera and EMG sensor to determine the user's intent and predict the required grip strength, enabling users to focus on daily tasks without complex training or calibration.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalNanotechnology and Precision Engineering·DateJan 20, 2026

Noninvasive brain scanning could send signals to paralyzed limbs

Researchers have successfully decoded movement signals from patients' brains using electroencephalography (EEG) devices. However, decoding specific signals for lower limb movements remains challenging due to the limited depth of brain activity detection.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateJan 20, 2026

Detecting the signal cycle of the deep Earth’s dynamic processes based on GRACE satellite and CHAOS-7 model data

Variations in Earth's gravity field on interannual to decadal timescales reveal discrepancies that cannot be fully explained by surface processes. Comparative analyses of gravity and magnetic field data reveal a close connection between the two systems, with periodic signals associated with core mass transfer.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalEarth and Planetary Physics·DateJan 20, 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.

Sniffing out cancer: Trained dogs can detect hemangiosarcoma by scent

Researchers at Penn Vet have shown that trained dogs can identify the odor of hemangiosarcoma, a malignant cancer of blood vessel cells, with an accuracy rate of 70%. Early detection could lead to better outcomes, including prevention of disease spread and earlier removal of the spleen or initiation of chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalThe Veterinary Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

Updated "Treating and Preventing Adolescent Mental Health Disorders" published by Oxford

The updated edition provides a comprehensive overview of major mental health conditions that emerge during adolescence, discussing treatment strategies and prevention methods. The book emphasizes the importance of addressing stigma, promoting evidence-based treatments, and integrating positive youth development into policy agendas.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·DateJan 20, 2026

Understanding unusual chirality-driven anomalous Hall effect via first-principles calculations

Researchers present novel theoretical framework explaining non-monotonic temperature dependence and sign reversal of chirality-related AHE in highly conductive metals. The study reveals clear picture of unusual transport phenomena, forming foundation for rational design of next-generation spintronic devices and magnetic quantum materials.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 20, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Quartz-enhanced laser spectroscopy sensing

Researchers have developed two spectroscopic techniques based on quartz tuning fork detection, Quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) and light-induced thermoelastic spectroscopy (LITES), to improve gas sensing technology. QEPAS techniques enhance system signal strength using high-power lasers, novel excitation sources, and...

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

New study finds that water makeup of Jupiter’s Galilean moons set at birth

A new international study finds that Io and Europa's contrasting water makeup was established at birth, contradicting the idea that it evolved over time. The research suggests that Io formed from dry materials and Europa accreted from ice-rich building blocks.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 20, 2026

Air pollution may increase the risk of the neurodegenerative disease ALS

A Swedish study published in JAMA Neurology found that prolonged air pollution exposure is associated with a higher risk of developing motor neuron disease, including ALS. Long-term exposure to even low levels of air pollutants was linked to faster disease progression and increased mortality rates.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2026
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

“My thoughts end up in the wrong place. They start to get all jumbled up where I should be concentrating.”

Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology conducted an interview study with two students with inattentive ADHD to understand their experiences with autonomous learning. The study found that despite challenges, both students reported increased motivation and joy when given the freedom to choose their learning activit...

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2026

Sweet signals: Tracking crucial cell messengers for the first time

Scientists at The Francis Crick Institute have developed a method to characterise and track proteoglycans, complex sugar-protein molecules that sense external messages. This breakthrough allows researchers to study their role in cell growth and response to environmental changes.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

Study finds elevated alcohol involvement in suicides of lesbian, gay and bisexual women

A new study from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found significantly higher blood alcohol levels and intoxication rates among LGB women who died by suicide compared to heterosexual women. The study highlights alcohol use as a potentially modifiable target for suicide prevention efforts among this population.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 20, 2026

BioPathNet: New AI uncovers hidden patterns in biomedical knowledge graphs

BioPathNet is an AI method that analyzes large biomedical knowledge graphs to identify hidden connections between genes, diseases, and drugs. The model proposes hypotheses that can be tested experimentally or clinically, providing a hypothesis-generating tool for researchers.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 20, 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.

A new way to decipher quantum systems

A team from UNIGE developed a new approach to characterise quantum states without direct measurements, using transport measurements based on particle flow. This method opens up possibilities for open quantum devices and sensors in various fields, including healthcare and geophysics.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeNews article·DateJan 20, 2026

Community water fluoridation and birth outcomes

A large cohort study found no association between community water fluoridation and adverse birth outcomes, providing reassurance about its safety during pregnancy. The study highlights the importance of rigorous causal designs in evaluating public health interventions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 20, 2026

A geometric twist boosts the power of robotic textiles

EPFL researchers develop a new textile actuator design, the X-Crossing geometry, which boosts force and flexibility in wearable robots. The innovation enables lightweight fabrics with seamless cooperation between fibers, achieving remarkable strength and compression capabilities.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 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.

Study suggests pathway for life-sustaining conditions in Europa’s ocean

Researchers propose that dense, nutrient-rich ice can separate from surrounding ice and descend into the ocean, addressing a longstanding habitability problem on Europa. The study suggests a novel idea inspired by crustal delamination, which could be a consistent means of recycling ice and providing nutrients to the ocean.

SourceWashington State University·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 20, 2026

Hollings researchers reveal why some pancreatic tumors behave differently

A study led by Aaron Hobbs and Rachel Burge reveals the distinct cell signaling and tumor microenvironment behind a slower-growing pancreatic tumor mutation. G12R KRAS mutations lead to better patient outcomes, including earlier diagnoses and longer survival times.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

DNA ties gut motility to vitamin B1

A new study found that genetic differences in vitamin B1 transport and activation are linked to bowel movement frequency, highlighting potential new pathways for research on gut motility disorders. The analysis also supports the idea of a biological overlap between bowel movement frequency and IBS.

SourceCIC bioGUNE·JournalGut·DateJan 20, 2026

Chronic kidney disease poisons patients’ hearts, scientists discover

Researchers identify circulating extracellular vesicles produced in diseased kidneys as the culprit behind toxicity in the heart. The discovery could lead to the development of a blood test to identify patients at high risk for serious heart problems and novel treatments to prevent and treat heart failure.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalCirculation·DateJan 20, 2026

Researchers discover potential new target to treat Parkinson’s disease

A team of researchers has discovered a potential new target for treating Parkinson's disease by blocking the interaction between toxic proteins that damages brain cells. The treatment, CS2, improves mobility and cognitive performance in various study models, including human brain tissue and mice models.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalMolecular Neurodegeneration·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Mapping comedic timing, ta-da!

A new computational framework detects repeated material across performances and maps its timing to visualize performance dynamics. The analysis reveals structural features, including consistently-placed new material and dense sections of tightly-timed content pillars.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 20, 2026

SEOULTECH researchers reveal strong public support for hydrogen fuel cell trucks

A study by Seoul National University of Science & Technology found that expanding hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty trucks could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 8.74 million tons. Public willingness to pay for this transition amounts to KRW 572.4 billion, far exceeding the prevailing carbon credit price.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalTransport Policy·TypeSurvey·DateJan 20, 2026

Artificial light at night extends pollen season

A study analyzing 12 years of data found that artificial light at night was associated with earlier pollen season starts, longer seasons, and more severe allergen exposure. The effect on pollen season duration was larger than the effect on season start date.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 20, 2026

Global societies unite to address environmental threats to heart health

The joint statement highlights the significant impact of environmental stressors on cardiovascular disease, with an estimated 4-6 million deaths per year. It calls for urgent action to adopt stricter air quality and noise standards, phase out fossil fuels, and regulate toxic chemicals.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJan 20, 2026

Push and pull in models of human migration

Researchers incorporated factors like conflicts, natural hazards, and income inequality into human migration models, improving accuracy for South Sudan and US commuting patterns. The updated model outperforms a standard radiation model in predicting migrations.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 20, 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.

Women see AI as riskier than men do

A study found that women are more averse to risk in general and personally exposed to AI risks, but support AI use nearly as strongly as men when benefits are guaranteed. Women's skepticism towards AI is linked to higher risk orientation and exposure to AI-related jobs.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 20, 2026

Full value added tax on meat: a first step towards pricing the environmental damages caused by diets

A study suggests that implementing a full value-added tax on meat could reduce the environmental impacts from diets by 3 to 6 percent, depending on category. The research team analyzed consumption patterns and used an input-output model to estimate the associated impact on climate and ecosystems.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 20, 2026
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Hidden mpox exposure detected in healthy Nigerian adults, revealing under-recognized transmission

Researchers found that some healthy Nigerian adults showed clear evidence of new immune boosting consistent with recent mpox exposure without recorded diagnoses. This suggests that exposure may occur without recognized disease, highlighting the need for monitoring populations by testing blood samples for antibodies.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2026

Ancient ‘spaghetti’ in dogs’ hearts reveals surprising origins of heartworm

A global DNA study suggests that Australian heartworms may share ancestry with parasites from Asia, potentially linking their origin to dingoes that migrated from the continent thousands of years ago. The research has implications for developing treatments given the rise in drug resistance to heartworm disease.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2026

New quantum boundary discovered: Spin size determines how the Kondo effect behaves

A research team at Osaka Metropolitan University successfully realized a new type of Kondo necklace with increased localized spin size, demonstrating a clear phase transition to magnetic order. The study shows that the Kondo interaction promotes magnetism when the localized spin is larger than 1/2.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

A self-assembling shortcut to better organic solar cells

Osaka Metropolitan University scientists have created a molecule that naturally forms p/n junctions, structures vital for converting sunlight into electricity. The new design offers a promising shortcut to producing more efficient organic thin-film solar cells.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

A two-week leap in breeding: Antarctic penguins’ striking climate adaptation

A decade-long study found that Antarctic penguin species are adapting to a changing environment by advancing their breeding seasons. Gentoo penguins showed the greatest change, with an average advance of 13 days per decade, making them vulnerable to declining food availability and ecosystem collapse.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJan 20, 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.

Climate risks to insurance and reinsurance of global supply chains

A new report highlights the growing impact of climate-related disruptions on global supply chains, which are increasingly exposed to climate-related shocks. The sector's inability to manage systemic risk may undermine stability and amplify climate stress unless substantial changes are made to business models and regulation.

SourceStockholm Environment Institute·DateJan 20, 2026

Why do T cells attacking tumors become fatigued?

Active aldehydes promote toxic lipid peroxidation, impairing FAO and activating glycolysis in killer T cells, accelerating exhaustion. This vicious cycle exacerbates T cell differentiation and dysfunction.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2026

Beyond chemistry: How mechanical forces shape brain wiring

A recent study reveals that tissue stiffness regulates the production of key signaling molecules in the brain, using the mechanosensitive protein Piezo1. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding development and tackling diseases such as cancer.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 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.

Farmers’ voices in European protests

A study of European farmers' protests reveals a wide range of concerns including environmental regulations, which differ between countries. Farmers in Germany criticized bureaucracy, while French farmers focused on financial pressures, Belgian farmers expressed a broad mix of concerns, and Dutch farmers voiced dissatisfaction with policy.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalFood Policy·TypeSurvey·DateJan 19, 2026

Research spotlight: Preventive HIV drugs under prescribed to young women at increased risk

Research reveals disparities in access to PrEP among young cisgender females and males, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve HIV prevention. The study analyzed data from over 7,000 visits to a Boston-based clinic, finding that only 17% of visits received PrEP for under-age females.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalSexually Transmitted Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 19, 2026
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New review maps solutions to ammonia toxicity that threatens biogas production

The review synthesizes over a decade of research on ammonia inhibition in anaerobic digestion, highlighting emerging tools to stabilize biogas production from nitrogen-rich wastes. Biological and material-based solutions, digital technologies, and synthetic biology are discussed as potential mitigations.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 19, 2026