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Science News Archive January 2026 - Page 3


Page 3 of 47

Machine learning reveals how to maximize biochar yield from algae

Researchers developed a machine learning framework that accurately predicts and optimizes biochar production from algae, identifying temperature as the dominant control on biochar yield. The model achieved strong agreement with experimental results and was able to pinpoint key factors influencing biochar production.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2026

MXene nanomaterials enter a new dimension

Scientists at Drexel University have developed a scalable method for producing one-dimensional MXene nanoscrolls, offering superior electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. The new material shows promise in applications such as energy storage devices, biosensors, and wearable technology.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2026

Mapping the magnetic field of the Milky Way

Researchers mapped the northern sky across different radio frequencies to create a high-quality dataset of the galaxy's magnetic field structure. The data provides insight into how the magnetic field evolved and includes a new three-dimensional model for the reversal in the Sagittarius Arm.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeSurvey·DateJan 29, 2026

New map of the Milky Way’s magnetism offers insights into cosmic evolution

Researchers have created the first broadband map of Faraday rotation, revealing a complex magnetic field in the Milky Way. The dataset, DRAGONS, captures polarized radio emissions across a wide range of frequencies, allowing astronomers to see magnetic structures invisible before.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·TypeObservational study·DateJan 29, 2026

UBC study finds research in exercise physiology still fails women

A UBC study found that exercise physiology research predominantly focuses on male bodies and voices, while women are underrepresented as participants and researchers. The study highlights the need for greater equity in exercise physiology research to improve understanding of sex-based differences in physiology and treatment.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalApplied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 29, 2026

Pharmacogenomic study with Estonian Biobank participants reveals functional impact of rare CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 variants

A pharmacokinetic recall study involving 114 Estonian Biobank participants reveals functional impact of rare CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 variants. These variants significantly affect how drugs are processed in the human body, emphasizing the need to look beyond common pharmacogenetic markers.

SourceEstonian Research Council·Journalnpj Genomic Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 29, 2026

For the first time, a study characterizes the sounds of the flying gurnard, offering clues to its communication

A new study characterizes the sounds produced by flying gurnards, revealing two distinct types of grunt-like sounds that differ in duration, frequency, and rhythm. The researchers also found that juveniles under 10 cm in length produce sounds from an early developmental stage.

SourceFaculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon·JournalJournal of Zoology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2026

Immunotherapy reduces plaque in arteries of mice

A novel antibody-based therapy has been shown to reduce plaque in the arteries of mice, eliminating harmful immune cells that drive inflammation and unstable plaque formation. This immunotherapy could complement traditional methods and help patients with advanced coronary artery disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateJan 29, 2026

Tracking Finland’s ice fishers reveals how social information guides foraging decisions

A new study reveals that human foragers heavily rely on social information when making decisions during ice fishing competitions. They adapt their behaviors based on what they observe from others, such as where competitors fish and how long they stay. This finding provides insight into how groups collectively respond to environmental c...

Early recognition and surgical management key in necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck

Early recognition and surgical management are crucial in treating necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck, a rare but life-threatening soft tissue infection. The authors emphasize the urgent need for coordinated care, including immediate surgery, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and airway protection to reduce mortality rates.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeNews article·DateJan 29, 2026

York U study finds forever chemical plumets in urban atmosphere during pandemic

Researchers found significant decline of atmospheric trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in Toronto during COVID-19, suggesting its sources and enabling future reduction strategies. The decrease is attributed to short-lived chemical precursors emitted into the atmosphere, offering new hope for mitigating this persistent pollutant.

SourceYork University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2026

Heat, Sweat, and Motion: A wearable hydrogel for real-time cardiorespiratory monitoring

Researchers developed a stretchable, skin-like hydrogel sensor to monitor heart rate and breathing during intense physical activity. The dual-network hydrogel maintains stable performance in high temperatures and humidity, enabling accurate real-time tracking of pulse and respiration.

The Frontiers of Knowledge Award goes to Joan Daemen and Vincent Rijmen for designing the cryptographic system that protects the security of electronic devices and digital connections worldwide

The Rijndael algorithm, created by Daemen and Rijmen in 1997, has become the international standard for encrypting data, safeguarding websites, laptops, mobile phones, and more. Its security has withstood 25 years of attacks, making it a crucial backbone of trust in the digital world.

How uranium from mining enters the environment

A study investigates uranium exposure in children living near gold mining dumps and finds higher levels of uranium in their hair compared to children from reference sites. The study collected over 400 hair samples and analyzed them alongside information on the children's age, gender, and living conditions.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalEnvironmental Geochemistry and Health·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2026

Strategic tree planting brings meaningful carbon reductions

A new study suggests that strategic tree planting in Canada's northern forests could remove at least five times the country's annual carbon emissions, totaling around 19 gigatons by 2100. This would be a significant step towards Canada's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and meeting its commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 29, 2026

Male or female? How evolution rewired sex determination in one frog species

A recent study reveals how one frog species evolved its own distinct genetic system for determining sex. In the frog species Xenopus laevis, a gene called dm-w prompts female development, while without its influence, frogs become male. The evolution of this gene arose recently in these frogs and differs from humans and other vertebrates.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2026

From blood tests to skin sensors: How aptamers enable real-time biomarker tracking

Aptamer-based wearable electrochemical sensors offer a promising alternative for continuous biomarker monitoring, providing dynamic insights into health status. These sensors leverage aptamer properties for high sensitivity and reversible binding, enabling real-time tracking of physiological signals.

The ACHILLES project will train a new generation of researchers in experimental haemato-oncology to tackle leukemia and lymphoma

The ACHILLES project trains researchers in experimental haematological oncology, developing advanced models, analysis tools, and therapeutic targets for leukaemia and lymphoma. The project aims to bridge basic and preclinical research with clinical practice, improving survival rates and accessibility to innovative treatments.

Bone marrow metastasis of non-hematolymphoid malignancies: a 10-year retrospective experience from a single academic institution

This study analyzed clinical and pathological characteristics of bone marrow metastasis from non-hematolymphoid malignancies. Prostate and breast carcinomas were the most common malignancies associated with BMM, and anti-neoplastic treatments improved overall survival.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Pathology·DateJan 29, 2026

New England Journal of Medicine publishes phase 3 PATINA trial data demonstrating a significant progression-free survival benefit with palbociclib in metastatic HR+, HER2+ breast cancer

The PATINA trial demonstrates a significant progression-free survival benefit with palbociclib in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer. The study showed a median progression-free survival of 44.3 months, compared to 29.1 months in the control arm.

SourcePrECOG, LLC·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 29, 2026

Electric eel biology inspires powerful gel battery

Researchers at Penn State develop a hydrogel-based battery that mimics the electrical processes of electric eels, producing higher power densities than previous designs. The battery is non-toxic, flexible, and environmentally stable, making it suitable for biomedical applications.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2026