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Science News Archive January 2026 - Page 31


Page 31 of 47

New molecular design strategy improves efficiency and selectivity in electrocatalytic reactions

Researchers at YOKOHAMA National University have designed a new class of mediators that more actively control electrocatalysis reactions, promoting efficient C-N bond formation. The mediators utilize redox-triggered halogen bonding to dynamically capture and organize substrates, leading to improved reaction efficiency and selectivity.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 14, 2026

In patients’ homes, medical students learn what textbooks miss - new study

A new study found that year-long home visits with older adults helped first-year medical students develop stronger communication skills and challenge their age-related stereotypes. The program, which included gentle physical activity and open conversation, also promoted empathy and a patient-centered mindset among the students.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalMedical Education Online·TypeObservational study·DateJan 14, 2026

Quantum physics: new state of matter discovered

Scientists have found a way to describe topological states in materials where the particle picture breaks down. The discovery sheds light on a new type of behavior, exhibiting spontaneous Hall effect and quantum-critical fluctuations. This finding opens up possibilities for storing quantum information and developing novel sensors.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

“Recipe book” for reprogramming immune cells

Researchers have created a library of over 400 immune-related factors to reprogram rare immune cell populations. This technique allows for the systematic discovery of 'recipes' for specific immune cells, offering hope for unresponsive patients and advancing immunotherapy.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Study shows how kidnapping of athlete's father influenced society, president across continents

A study from the University of Kansas found that the kidnapping of Luis Manuel Díaz, father of Colombian soccer star Luis “Lucho” Díaz, resulted in coverage that portrayed his son as a national hero and cast doubt on peace negotiations. The media framing of the story had broader implications for the Total Peace initiative and the Petro...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalSport in Society·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 14, 2026

Can a hashtag help prevent atrocities? Study shows social media can be a powerful tool

A new study by Binghamton University Professor Eric Wiebelhaus-Brahm found that social media hashtags can help identify early warning signs of violence and amplify local voices. The research examined social media campaigns in Canada and Syria, analyzing over 5,000 posts tied to #TruthAndReconciliation and #SaveSyria.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Comparative Policy Analysis Research and Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 14, 2026

Your voice gives away valuable personal information, so how do you keep that data safe?

Researchers at Aalto University warn that speech technologies can extract valuable personal information, posing risks for insurance premiums, advertising, and harassment. To mitigate this, engineers are developing protective measures, such as separating private info from necessary data transmission and using acoustic technologies to en...

SourceAalto University·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·DateJan 14, 2026

Self-healing composite can make airplane, automobile and spacecraft components last for centuries

Researchers developed a self-healing composite that can repair itself over 1,000 times and extend the lifetime of conventional fiber-reinforced composite materials by centuries. The material targets interlaminar delamination, which occurs when cracks cause fiber layers to separate from the matrix.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Application of orthogonal CNOP-I in a convection-allowing ensemble prediction system based on CMA-MESO for improving extreme precipitation skill

Researchers improve extreme precipitation forecast accuracy using a novel CNOP-I scheme in a convection-allowing ensemble prediction system. The new method captures nonlinear evolution characteristics of weather systems, leading to more accurate predictions and reduced uncertainty.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJan 14, 2026

Rare earth praseodymium single atoms

Researchers have created tubular CN materials with atomically dispersed Pr single atoms, exhibiting excellent activity for photocatalytic H2O2 production from pure water under visible light. The optimized catalyst achieved a high yield of 227.37 μmol g’ h’  without requiring sacrificial agents.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalActa Physico-Chimica Sinica·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Robust semi-supervised learning in open environments

Researchers develop techniques to address label space mismatch, feature space mismatch, and distribution mismatch in open environments. A new evaluation benchmark and performance metrics are also introduced for comprehensive evaluation of robust semi-supervised learning methods.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

New study reveals precursors for forecasting summer clustered extreme precipitation events in Northeast China

Researchers have identified four synoptic patterns contributing to summer clustered extreme precipitation events in Northeast China, including eastward-moving low-altitude vortex and southwesterlies. The study provides a robust assessment of prerequisite conditions for these events and offers insights into short-term forecasting.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJan 14, 2026

Korea University researchers revive an abandoned depression drug target using structurally novel NK1 receptor inhibitors

Researchers from Korea University report a breakthrough in reviving an abandoned depression drug target by redesigning the molecular structure of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists. New compounds exhibiting antidepressant-like effects have been identified, reducing depressive-like behavior and brain inflammation in mice.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalExperimental & Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Physics of foam strangely resembles AI training

Engineers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that foams exhibit internal motion resembling deep learning in AI systems. The study suggests a common mathematical principle underlying both foams and AI training, with implications for designing adaptive materials and understanding biological structures.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 14, 2026

Jeonbuk National University researchers highlight advancements in chemical looping fluidized bed reactors

Researchers highlight advancements in fluidized bed design, oxygen carrier materials, and performance of chemical looping systems. They emphasize the importance of controlling fluidization regime and developing physical standards for oxygen carriers.

Tyrannosaurus rex grew up slowly: New study reveals the “king of dinosaurs” kept growing until age 40

A new study reveals that Tyrannosaurus rex took 40 years to reach its full-grown size, growing at a slower and steadier pace than previously thought. The analysis provides a clearer picture of the dinosaur's life history, suggesting that its growth phase may have allowed it to fill various ecological roles in its environment.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·TypeObservational study·DateJan 14, 2026

Commercial water dispenser machines may contain more contamination than tap water

A recent study published by Loma Linda University found that commercial water dispensers can harbor bacterial growth, even after disinfection, with some studies identifying contamination as soon as a few days later. The researchers recommend regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent the regrowth of microorganisms.

SourceLoma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center·JournalAIMS Microbiology·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 14, 2026

A CRISPR fingerprint of pathogenic C. auris fungi

A new diagnostic platform enables rapid and accurate detection of drug-resistant C. auris pathogens using CRISPR technology, allowing for more effective treatment and prevention of hospital outbreaks. The dSHERLOCK test can detect the presence of mutations causing antimicrobial resistance in just 40 minutes.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

CBD treatment reverses key effects of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in a mouse model

A preclinical study shows that cannabidiol restores emotional behavior, reduces alcohol-related vulnerability, and reverses gut microbiota alterations caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Female mice particularly benefited from CBD treatment, which normalized their emotional alterations and eliminated vulnerability to alcohol addiction.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Staying single for longer affects young people’s well-being

Young adults who remain single for longer periods experience a decline in life satisfaction and increasing feelings of loneliness, particularly when entering their late twenties. Entering a first romantic relationship improves well-being across several dimensions, but the effects are less pronounced on depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 14, 2026