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Science News Archive January 2026 - Page 38


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A single gene underlies begomovirus resistance in eggplant

A study at Kindai University has identified a single gene in eggplant that provides resistance to begomovirus infection. This finding holds promise for developing naturally protected crop varieties, reducing the need for insecticides and promoting sustainable food production.

SourceKindai University·JournalTheoretical and Applied Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2026

Mesenchymal stromal cell therapy as breakthrough for rheumatoid arthritis

Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy has been validated as a transformative solution for rheumatoid arthritis through preclinical and clinical evidence. MSCs target RA via immunomodulation, tissue repair, low immunogenicity, and targeted migration, resulting in sustained benefits with minimal side effects.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalRheumatology & Autoimmunity·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 9, 2026

Researchers achieve breakthrough in transition metal fluorides cathodes for thermal batteries

Researchers have developed a new approach to suppressing the shuttle effect in transition metal fluoride cathodes, leading to unprecedented discharge plateau voltage and high-performance thermal battery cathodes. The study focused on thermal batteries and utilized an ion-sieving concept to achieve selective confinement.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2026

Development history of the universe is being rewritten based on a bachelor’s project from NBI

A team of researchers has observed a massive galaxy cluster that challenges existing models of the universe's evolution. The cluster's unusual structure and high density of cold, neutral hydrogen gas suggest a different history than previously thought. This discovery raises questions about the fate of large structures in the universe.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 9, 2026

Clues from the past reveal the West Antarctic Ice Sheet’s vulnerability to warming

Researchers found that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet retreated at least five times during warmer periods millions of years ago, indicating its extreme vulnerability to future warming. The study analyzed deep-sea sediments and identified 14 prominent melt events between 4.65 and 3.33 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Toyama·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2026

Understanding sex-based differences and the role of bone morphogenetic protein signaling in Alzheimer’s disease

A study found that increased bone morphogenetic protein signaling is linked to impaired neurogenesis in Alzheimer's disease, particularly in female mice. The research suggests that activation of BMP signaling may be a key factor contributing to the sex-based differences observed in AD.

SourceWaseda University·JournalBiology of Sex Differences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2026

The secret room a giant virus creates inside its host amoeba

Researchers discovered a subcellular environment within the giant virus Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus that enables efficient translation of viral mRNAs despite mismatched codon usage with its host. This specialized environment alleviates the unfavorable translation condition, allowing for optimal viral replication.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2026

Dynamically reconfigurable topological routing in nonlinear photonic systems

A team of scientists creates a dynamically reconfigurable topological photonic platform that can control local topological properties in real-time using spatially patterned optical pumping. This enables the topological edge mode to be steered, redirected or blocked entirely by adjusting an external pump profile.

Ultrafast sulfur redox dynamics enabled by a PPy@N‑TiO2 Z‑scheme heterojunction photoelectrode for photo‑assisted lithium–sulfur batteries

Researchers have developed a PPy@N-TiO2 Z-scheme heterojunction photoelectrode that harvests sunlight to co-drive sulfur redox, delivering high performance and scalability. The innovation enables efficient lithium-sulfur batteries with potential applications in solar-assisted EV packs and stratospheric drones.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateJan 8, 2026

Study finds more than a quarter of adults worldwide could benefit from GLP-1 medications for weight loss

A new study found that more than one-in-four adults worldwide may be eligible for GLP-1 use, with women and older individuals among the most eligible. The research emphasizes the need to prioritize global access to these medications, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where obesity rates are highest.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 8, 2026

A new Japanese study investigates how tariff policies influence long-run economic growth

A new Japanese study uses a two-country model to investigate the impact of tariff policies on economic growth outcomes across countries. The researchers found that similar trade policies can lead to very different growth outcomes across countries, depending on a country's existing industrial structure.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalEconomic Modelling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 8, 2026

Optimized biochar use could cut China’s cropland nitrous oxide emissions by up to half

A study published in Biochar found that optimized biochar application could reduce China's cropland nitrous oxide emissions by as much as 50 percent. The researchers analyzed data from over a decade of field studies across China and identified optimal biochar strategies to deliver substantial climate benefits.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2026

Study shows federal safety metric inappropriately penalizes hospitals for lifesaving stroke procedures

A new UCLA study finds that the Patient Safety Indicator 04 (PSI 04) metric is fundamentally flawed when applied to emergency stroke care. The researchers argue that the metric incorrectly flags unavoidable complications of severe strokes, rather than problems with the procedure itself.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of NeuroInterventional Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 8, 2026

What does cybersecurity look like in the quantum age?

A recent paper highlights the need for defense mechanisms covering software, programs, and physical components of quantum computing systems. Key findings include the risk of crosstalk, intellectual property theft, and lack of end-to-end protection, emphasizing the need for safeguarding quantum computers from ground up.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 8, 2026

Improving sleep isn’t enough: researchers highlight daytime function as key to assessing insomnia treatments

Researchers developed a smartphone-based assessment approach to detect improvements in daytime insomnia symptoms, detecting treatment effects more powerfully than traditional methods. The new method leverages real-time, multimethod assessment and shows potential for personalizing sleep medicine care.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 8, 2026

University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center researchers develop easy-to-use tool that can identify high- and low-risk metastatic prostate cancer patients earlier

Researchers at UH Seidman Cancer Center have developed a reliable tool to predict early biochemical response in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer patients. This framework enables clinicians to identify high-risk patients at diagnosis, guide early treatment discussions, and potentially improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2026

The places we make memories help us inscribe them

Researchers at Columbia University found that people form stronger memories when in familiar locations, as the brain creates a deeper and richer memory for events. The study also suggests that prior knowledge is crucial in learning and that neuro-imaging can identify gaps in knowledge that need to be repaired.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2026

Unique protein signatures linked to ethnicity and changes in physical activity observed in new study

A new study has identified unique protein signatures linked to ethnicity and changes in physical activity, which may influence cardiometabolic health. The research found that South Asian individuals may face a higher risk of cardiometabolic disorders due to distinct immune, inflammatory, and metabolic pathways.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 8, 2026

UBCO innovation blocks nanoplastics release from landfill leachate

Researchers at UBC Okanagan developed a two-layer membrane filtration system that significantly reduces micro and nanoplastics in landfill leachate. The top layer uses chemical attraction and filtration to capture pollutants, while the lower layer repels remaining particles through electrostatic forces.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 8, 2026

New sensor to detect scopolamine

A new sensor developed by the Universitat Politècnica de València can quickly detect scopolamine, a substance commonly used in chemical submission crimes, with high sensitivity. The sensor uses a molecular cage to trap specific molecules and generates a fluorescent signal proportional to the amount of scopolamine present.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 8, 2026

Why some entrepreneurs are happier than others – and it’s not because of money

A study of over 3,000 entrepreneurs in 18 European countries found that values related to independence, creativity, and novelty are linked to higher life satisfaction and lower psychological distress. In contrast, those motivated by financial success or status experienced lower life satisfaction and greater emotional strain.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 8, 2026