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Science News Archive January 2026 - Page 39


Page 39 of 47

What if ADHD risk isn’t fixed at birth, but shaped by how early environments interact with a child’s sensitivity?

A longitudinal study of 125 children found that early environmental factors can predict ADHD, with infants showing high motor activity benefiting from rich home environments. This sensitivity is linked to better cognitive functioning and fewer ADHD symptoms in later childhood.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalInfant and Child Development·TypeObservational study·DateJan 8, 2026

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers develop novel approach for guiding immunotherapies toward treating “cold” tumor cells

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers have developed a method to help cancer immunotherapies reach 'invisible' tumors. HLA-Shuttle is an engineered protein complex that restores antigen presentation in immunologically 'cold' neuroblastoma cells, identifying previously unknown targets across 30 genes linked to neuroblastoma.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2026

AI approach takes optical system design from months to milliseconds

A research group at Penn State introduced a new, high-speed design process for nanoscopic materials used in advanced optical systems. The method uses large language models (LLMs) to predict how metasurfaces will influence light, bypassing traditional simulation processes that required extensive domain knowledge and time.

SourcePenn State·JournalNanophotonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2026

Shared genes may influence both artery calcification and bone density

A new study identifies shared genetic factors influencing both coronary artery calcification and bone mineral density, suggesting common underlying biology rather than a direct causal link. The findings highlight potential targets for interventions supporting both cardiovascular and skeletal health as people age.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalBone·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 8, 2026

“Gifted word learner” dogs can pick up new words by overhearing their owners’ talk

A new study by Shany Dror and colleagues reveals that 'gifted word learner' dogs can learn new words by overhearing their owners' conversations, similar to 18-23-month-old children. These dogs demonstrate exceptional language abilities, mapping new words to objects even when they are not presented simultaneously.

Handheld ‘pocket microscope’ sees molecules directly -- no staining required

A new 'pocket microscope' technology enables direct molecular imaging with femtogram precision, transforming pathology workflows and opening new frontiers in space biology. The deep-ultraviolet ptychographic pocket-scope (DART) provides label-free spectroscopic contrast without external labels.

Scientists trace facial gestures back to their source. before a smile appears, the brain has already decided

A new study published in Science uncovers how the brain prepares and produces facial gestures through a temporally organized hierarchy of neural codes. The research found that multiple brain regions work in parallel, each contributing different timing-based codes to generate coherent facial gestures.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2026

Can the rural digital economy facilitate synergistic governance of carbon emission reduction and pollution in animal husbandry?

The rural digital economy significantly promotes the synergistic control of livestock carbon emissions and pollution. The core mechanism of action is reflected in three aspects: green technology progress, alleviating information asymmetry, and promoting production agglomeration. Policy and market factors also play a crucial role in mod...

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2026

Global data gaps highlight why citizen science has now become essential for official statistics

The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis argues that citizen science should be integrated into national and global statistical systems to address growing data gaps. This approach has the potential to support 60% of SDG indicators dependent on household survey data, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Family background strongly linked to financial misconduct by corporate executives

A study conducted at the University of Oulu found that senior corporate executives are more likely to commit financial crimes if their parents have previously been charged and convicted. The researchers analyzed nearly 76,000 CEOs and board members and found a strong association between parental convictions and executive misconduct.

SourceUniversity of Oulu, Finland·JournalJournal of Accounting Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 8, 2026

Lipids have their own VIP drivers

Researchers from Université de Genève have identified the transporters responsible for each lipid, revealing the complex mechanisms behind their cellular targeting. This study provides valuable insights into lipid biology and its link to various diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2026

New study reveals a “Chinese-style STEM” model achieving deep curriculum integration in Shanghai school

A new study reveals a Chinese-style STEM model successfully integrates subject areas to cultivate innovation and practical skills, benefiting all students without increasing burden. The Deep Integration Teaching Model, developed by Shanghai Jing'an Education College, offers a replicable blueprint for schools worldwide.

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeCase study·DateJan 8, 2026

How to improve drought tolerance in popcorn maize?

Researchers evaluated genetic effects of 25 traits in popcorn inbred lines under water-stressed conditions, revealing key mechanisms for improving yield stability. The study identified physiological markers such as NDVI and SPAD for drought tolerance screening, highlighting potential breeding strategies to enhance drought tolerance in ...

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2026

Study: How can we stop the spread of flu?

A new study found that airborne transmission of the flu is a major factor in its spread, but ventilation and air movement can reduce transmission. The study used a controlled environment to investigate how the flu spreads through the air between infected and uninfected people.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 8, 2026

How do biodegradable plastic films affect microplastics and soil microorganisms in paddy fields?

A study found that biodegradable plastic films increase the formation of smaller, thinner film-like fragments in soil microorganisms, promoting efficient degradation and altering microbial community composition. Microbial gene sequencing revealed changes in functional genes and genus distributions related to polymers' degradation.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2026

How the brain creates facial expressions

Researchers at Rockefeller University have made a breakthrough in understanding how the brain controls facial expressions, discovering a complex network of neural circuits involved. Contrary to long-held assumptions, both lower-level and higher-level brain regions are involved in encoding different types of facial gestures.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateJan 8, 2026