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Science News Archive January 2026 - Page 37


Page 37 of 47

Energy efficiency and social justice: assessing the social risks of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

A new study assesses the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive through a social justice lens, highlighting how renovation policies can widen existing social inequalities. The Composite Building and Social Vulnerability Index reveals markedly different levels of vulnerability across EU countries.

SourceELSP·JournalAdvanced Manufacturing·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 11, 2026

Label attention meets deep learning: a novel model for ICD-11 automatic classification of Chinese EMRs

A novel deep learning model, LA-TextCNN-BiLSTM, has been developed to improve the accuracy of automatic disease classification using ICD-11 for Chinese Electronic Medical Records (EMRs). The model achieved an 83.86% accuracy rate and demonstrated robust performance in multi-label classification.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalInformatics and Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 11, 2026

Enhanced stability and linearly polarized emission from CsPbI3 perovskite nanoplatelets through A-site cation engineering

Researchers have developed a strategy to enhance the stability of CsPbI3 perovskite nanoplatelets by incorporating formamidinium, which improves bulk thermodynamic stability and surface ligand binding. This approach leads to highly oriented superlattices with improved linear polarization of light emitted.

Microplastics detected in rural woodland

Researchers detected up to 500 microscopic plastic particles per square meter per day in a rural woodland area, almost twice as much as in an urban location. The study reveals that trees and vegetation capture airborne microplastic particles from the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2026

Protecting older male athletes’ heart health

Veteran male athletes over 50 are more likely to experience abnormal heart rhythms during training if they have scarring in their hearts. Exercise itself is not the cause, but can act as a trigger for dangerous heart rhythms in those with underlying heart issues.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2026

Bayesian neural network evaluation method on the neutron-induced fission product yields of Thorium-232

Researchers developed a Bayesian neural network framework to predict thorium-232 fission yields, addressing sparse data gaps and incorporating physical constraints. The approach demonstrates strong agreement with experimental measurements and offers a systematic method for nuclear data evaluation with quantified uncertainties.

SourceNuclear Science and Techniques·JournalNuclear Science and Techniques·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 10, 2026

Environmental “superbugs” in our rivers and soils: new one health review warns of growing antimicrobial resistance crisis

A new review highlights the growing threat of environmental antimicrobial resistance, which can spread through wastewater plants, farms, and oceans. The authors call for integrated surveillance to track resistance genes and prioritize traits that drive health risk, such as mobility, host pathogenicity, and multi-resistance.

Hidden hotspots on “green” plastics: biodegradable and conventional plastics shape very different antibiotic resistance risks in river microbiomes

A new study reveals that biodegradable plastics like PLA introduce a transient but intense risk window during breakdown, while conventional plastics like PVC pose a persistent threat as long-lived hubs for antibiotic resistance. The research highlights the need for considering the full life cycle of plastispheres in risk assessments.

Triple threat in greenhouse farming: how heavy metals, microplastics, and antibiotic resistance genes unite to challenge sustainable food production

A new review highlights the challenges of composite pollution in facility agriculture, where heavy metals, microplastics, and antibiotic resistance genes interact to affect soil organisms, crop growth, and consumer health. The authors call for more integrated assessment frameworks and sustainable control strategies.

Using the physics of radio waves to empower smarter edge devices

Researchers at Duke University have created a new method to use analog radio waves to boost energy-efficient edge AI, enabling devices to run powerful AI models without heavy chips or distant servers. The approach, called Wireless Smart Edge networks (WISE), achieves nearly 96% image classification accuracy while consuming significantl...

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2026

Engineered biochar enzyme system clears toxic phenolic acids and restores pepper seed germination in continuous cropping soils

A team of scientists developed a simple biochar-based technology to strip self-toxic chemicals from pepper growing soils and restore healthy seed germination. The engineered material, HRP CBC, consistently outperformed other treatments in removing toxic phenolic acids and achieving at least 50% removal within two hours.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2026

Ultrasound-responsive in situ antigen "nanocatchers" open a new paradigm for personalized tumor immunotherapy

Researchers developed ultrasound-responsive in-situ antigen nanocatchers that efficiently capture tumor antigens, activating dendritic cell maturation and migration. This system achieved high primary tumor inhibition rates and complete distant tumor regression in a mouse model, providing a universal personalized immunotherapy platform.

SourceChinese Chemical Society·JournalCCS Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2026

Study: ADRIATIC clinical trial results suggest durvalumab may offer a new path in small cell lung cancer care

A new study suggests that durvalumab may offer a promising treatment option for limited-stage small cell lung cancer patients, extending overall and progression-free survival. However, the therapy's high cost poses significant challenges to sustainability and access in the real-world setting.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalJCO Global Oncology·DateJan 9, 2026

States with abortion restrictions have worse outcomes for patients using fertility treatment

A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that states with abortion restrictions have worse maternal health outcomes for patients using fertility treatment. The research analyzed over 400,000 births conceived through fertility treatments and found a statistically significant increase in serious maternal health complications.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJan 9, 2026

The Age of Fishes began with mass death

Researchers from OIST found that the Late Ordovician Mass Extinction drove an unprecedented richness of vertebrate life, with gnathostomes dominating all others. The study linked the mass extinction pulses to increased speciation after millions of years, highlighting their role in shaping the evolution of vertebrates.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 9, 2026

Johns Hopkins Children’s Center study tracks declines in annual checkups as teens become young adults

A new study by Johns Hopkins Children's Center researchers found that as teens transition to young adults, they often skip yearly wellness visits with pediatricians or primary care providers. The study suggests that parents, pediatricians, and other primary care providers should encourage annual wellness visits to advance efforts in pr...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJan 9, 2026

Commercially viable biomanufacturing: designer yeast turns sugar into lucrative chemical 3-HP

Scientists developed a cost-effective method to produce 3-Hydroxypropanoic acid (3-HP), an industrial chemical used in disposable diapers, microplastics, and acrylic paint. The new process using engineered microbes to ferment plant sugars into 3-HP has been validated for commercial potential.

Illinois Tech researcher finds where lithium ions reside in new solid-state electrolyte that could lead to improved batteries

Researchers at Illinois Tech developed a new material with high ionic conductivity and low activation energy, enabling the efficient storage and release of energy. The material's unique structure allows lithium ions to move freely, even at cold temperatures, making it promising for applications in electric vehicles and energy storage.

SourceIllinois Institute of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2026

TB harnesses part of immune defense system to cause infection

Researchers have discovered that TB bacteria manipulate the immune system's Dectin-1 receptor to facilitate its survival. The study found that when this pathway is absent, both human and mouse cells can control MTB infection. This breakthrough provides new insight into why humans and animals are susceptible to contracting tuberculosis.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2026

Why it is so hard to get started on an unpleasant task: Scientists identify a “motivation brake”

Researchers at ASHBi found a 'motivation brake' in the brain's ventral striatum and ventral pallidum pathways. This circuit dampens drive to act when tasks are stressful or unpleasant, impacting daily life and social functions. The discovery sheds light on conditions like depression and schizophrenia.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2026

Whale hunting began 5,000 years ago in South America, a millennium earlier than previously thought

New research reveals that Indigenous communities in southern Brazil hunted large whales 5,000 years ago, long before previously thought. The study provides strong evidence of active hunting and sheds light on the economies, technologies, and lifeways of postglacial societies along the Atlantic coast of South America.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2026

Whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy strengthens the immune system in newborns

A study found that vaccinating pregnant women increases protection for infants against whooping cough, a highly contagious disease. The research team also showed that whole-cell pertussis vaccines provide longer-lasting protection than acellular vaccines, and recommends vaccination during pregnancy as a double-layered defense.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 9, 2026

Mount Sinai researchers help create largest immune cell atlas of bone marrow in multiple myeloma patients

Researchers analyzed nearly 1.5 million immune cells from bone marrow samples of 335 newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients, revealing previously hidden patterns in immune system behavior. The study provides unprecedented insight into immune dysfunction in myeloma and could lead to improved tools for predicting patient relapse risk.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Cancer·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 9, 2026

Forest biomass becomes surprise carbon hero—if industry can cut costs and scale up

A data-rich review suggests that forest biological resources can offset up to 750 gigatonnes of CO₂ by mid-century if processing efficiency rises and green premiums fall. Engineered beams, biochar, and bioethanol can store carbon for decades, offering a 74% lifecycle GHG cut versus gasoline.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 9, 2026

Health issues linked to cosmetic jab complications

A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that patients with underlying conditions such as type 1 diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of complications from cosmetic botulinum toxin injections. The researchers recommend restricting administration to medically qualified professionals.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalAesthetic Surgery Journal·TypeSurvey·DateJan 9, 2026