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Science News Archive January 2026 - Page 34


Page 34 of 47

FXYD family in health and disease

The FXYD family proteins have diverse physiological and pathological roles, influencing ion transport in different organs and tissues. Altered expression or dysfunction of these proteins is associated with numerous diseases, including cardiovascular, neurological, renal, and cancer disorders.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalGenes & Diseases·DateJan 13, 2026

New study links lipid-related metabolites to depression risk and protection

A landmark study identifies 11 lipid-related metabolites that are causally associated with major depressive disorder (MDD), including 8 protective effects. The research reveals shared genetic signals between lipid metabolites and MDD, clustering in key genomic regions involved in fatty acid metabolism.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalGeneral Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2026

Resonant breathing shows promise as a low-burden intervention to improve autonomic regulation, anxiety and insomnia in acutely ill psychiatric inpatients with severe somatic symptoms

Resonant breathing significantly reduced anxiety and insomnia symptoms and improved heart rate variability in hospitalised psychiatric patients with severe somatic symptoms. The intervention was well-tolerated and required minimal cognitive effort.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalGeneral Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2026

Researchers develop multiphase 'Soggy Sand' electrolyte for high-temperature aqueous zinc metal batteries

Researchers developed a novel aqueous electrolyte, MASSE, which improves AZMBs stability and reversibility at elevated temperatures. The multiphase design suppresses side reactions and promotes uniform zinc ion deposition, enabling stable battery operation in harsh thermal environments.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 13, 2026

Recycling urban soils

Scientists at Technical University of Munich create constructed soils by mixing excavated soil with compost and biochar, resulting in improved fertility and carbon accrual. These new urban soils can be tailored to specific use cases, such as protecting groundwater or enhancing plant growth in green areas.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalBasic and Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2026

City of Hope experts available to provide insight on the American Cancer Society’s new ‘Cancer Statistics, 2026’ report

The American Cancer Society's new 'Cancer Statistics, 2026' report reveals a historic milestone: US cancer survivorship has reached a record 70%, driven by major gains in cancers once considered difficult to treat. However, the report also highlights persistent disparities, concerning increases in cancer among women and younger adults.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalCA A Cancer Journal for Clinicians·DateJan 13, 2026

An abnormally slow heart rate is associated with xylazine-fentanyl overdose; primarily seen in northeastern United States

Researchers identified bradycardia as a symptom of xylazine-opioid overdose, particularly in the Northeast, where xylazine is more prevalent. This finding may aid emergency medicine physicians in detecting xylazine exposure and providing harm reduction counseling.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAddiction·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 13, 2026

Copper-palladium hydride interfaces enable highly efficient electrochemical ammonia synthesis

Researchers developed a copper-palladium bimetallic catalyst that produces high-quality ammonia through an electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction. The catalyst's dynamic Cu-PdH x interface sites exhibit superior intrinsic activity, achieving remarkable production rates and durability.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 13, 2026

Researchers construct robust inter-anchored hydrogen-bond network for long-life aqueous zinc-ion batteries

A team of researchers has developed a robust hydrogen-bond network in electrolytes to enhance the performance of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The new design minimizes the reactivity of water molecules, suppressing deterioration on both electrodes and achieving long-lasting cycling stability with high capacity retention.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 13, 2026

The path to solar weather forecasts

Scientists used multiple space-based instruments to track the evolution of a solar eruption, observing how it reduced background cosmic-ray activity. This approach has potential for improving space-weather forecasting and protecting satellites, astronauts, and power grids.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2026

Korea University study mimics heart mechanics in organoids using three-dimensional magnetic torque

A Korea University study successfully mimics heart mechanics in organoids using three-dimensional magnetic torque, enhancing cardiac differentiation, maturation, and vascularization. This breakthrough could improve drug safety testing by providing more accurate human-relevant models for cardiotoxicity screening.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalActa Biomaterialia·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2026

A “nu” way to measure researcher impact

Researchers introduce a new citation index called 'nu' that balances productivity and citation quality, lying between the h-index and g-index. The authors propose a more balanced assessment of research impact by considering both productivity and citation quality.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 13, 2026

Hanbat National University researchers reveal smart transparent woods that block UV and save energy

Researchers from Hanbat National University develop switchable thermochromic transparent woods for smart windows, blocking UV radiation and reducing thermal conductivity. The material enables energy-autonomous light regulation and protects skin without sacrificing visible light.

SourceHanbat National University Industry–University Cooperation Foundation·JournalAdvanced Composites and Hybrid Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2026

A new diet option for mild-to-moderate Crohn’s disease

A new diet option has been shown to improve both physical symptoms and biological indicators of mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease. Participants in the fasting mimicking group experienced significant declines in fecal calprotectin, a protein indicating gut inflammation, and showed clinical benefits even after just one cycle.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 13, 2026

Rhythm contains important information for the cell

Cells use a complex rhythm to respond to different types of stress, such as starvation or salt stress, with insulin-driven protein DAF-16 acting as a key regulator. The research may contribute to understanding diseases like diabetes and cancer, as well as aging.

SourceAMOLF·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2026

Recovering tropical forests grow back nearly twice as fast with nitrogen

A new study reveals that tropical forests can regrow up to 95% faster when given sufficient nitrogen, allowing them to absorb more carbon dioxide. This finding suggests that targeting nitrogen pollution from farms and factories may be crucial in helping young forests recover and act as natural climate solutions.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2026

Common eye ointment can damage glaucoma implants, study warns

A new study from Nagoya University in Japan has found that petrolatum-based eye ointments can cause MicroShunt glaucoma implants to swell and potentially rupture. The study suggests that clinicians should avoid using these ointments on patients with the implant, particularly when it is exposed outside the conjunctiva.

SourceNagoya University·JournalGraefe s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology·DateJan 13, 2026

Chang'e-6 samples reveal how giant asteroid impact affected lunar interior

The study analyzed Chang'e-6 samples from the South Pole-Aitken Basin, finding significantly heavier potassium isotopic compositions than previous lunar basalts. This suggests that a giant impact event had a profound influence on the Moon's deep interior, affecting its thermal history and geochemical properties.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 12, 2026

Study finds non-hallucinogenic psilocybin neural receptor

A Dartmouth study identifies a novel target for using psilocybin to treat depression and anxiety without hallucinations. The serotonin 1B receptor is found to promote the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, providing a potential new approach for developing safer and more cost-efficient medications.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2026

Achieving wide‑temperature‑range physical and chemical hydrogen sorption in a structural optimized Mg/N‑doped porous carbon nanocomposite

Researchers have developed a novel porous carbon nanocomposite that achieves wide-temperature-range physical and chemical hydrogen sorption. The material, made with Mg/N-doped porous carbon, delivers high gravimetric and volumetric capacity at sub-ambient temperatures, outperforming compressed hydrogen.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateJan 12, 2026

Boron-containing Z-type and bilayer benzoxene

The study reports the synthesis of two novel boron-hexane Z-type and bilayer benzobenzenes, exhibiting narrow-spectrum fluorescence and amplified spontaneous emission properties. The researchers demonstrate their potential application as gain mediators in luminescent functions and spin properties.

SourceChinese Chemical Society·JournalCCS Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2026

Work hard, play hard?

A study published in Drug and Alcohol Review journal reveals that workplace factors like long hours, work-related stress, and shift work do not solely drive high-risk drinking. Personal and social factors have an even greater impact on alcohol consumption among workers. The research analyzed over two decades of data from the Household ...

SourceFlinders University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 12, 2026

Born in brightness, leading to darkness

Researchers at Kyoto University observe a peculiar supernova explosion, SN 2022esa, which reveals the birth of a black hole binary. The study provides new direction for understanding massive star evolution and black hole formation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2026

Wood becomes smart glass: Photo- and electro-chromic membrane switches tint in seconds

A team of researchers has developed a dual-response cellulose–WO3 composite film that can switch tint in seconds and survive 200 cycles. The membrane is made from wood and can be roll-coated on existing paper machines, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional smart glass.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2026

Lifesaving breakthrough in bacterial behavior

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about how bacteria swim upstream to cause infections, pointing to new designs for biomedical devices that can prevent contamination. The study found that wider channels with faster counterflows are more prone to invasion, but sharp corner designs can inhibit bacterial growth.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNewton·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2026