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Science News Archive January 2026 - Page 41


Page 41 of 47

Lack of support for people on weight loss drugs leaves them vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies, say experts

Experts warn that people taking weight loss drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide may not receive sufficient nutritional guidance, leaving them at risk of nutrient deficiencies and muscle loss. The lack of robust evidence surrounding nutritional advice and support has significant implications for overall health and well-being.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalObesity Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 7, 2026

First experimental validation of a “150-year-old chemical common sense” direct visualization of the molecular structural changes in the ultrafast anthracene [4+4] photocycloaddition reaction

The study successfully visualizes the anthracene [4+4] photocycloaddition reaction for the first time, demonstrating controllable, trans-scale photoinduced reaction systems. Direct visualization of intermediate states via single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals a solid solution consisting of monomers and dimers.

SourceKochi University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2026

Dramatic decline in new cases of orphanhood in Uganda driven by HIV treatment and prevention programs

The scale-up of HIV treatment and prevention programs has led to a dramatic decline in orphanhood rates in Rakai, Uganda. Between 2003–04 and 2020–22, orphanhood prevalence dropped from 21.5% to just 6.3%, while new cases attributed to maternal or parental HIV status declined significantly.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJan 7, 2026

Digital modeling reveals where construction carbon emissions really come from

A new study uses digital building models to calculate carbon emissions from material production, transportation, operation, and demolition. The approach demonstrates how targeted reduction strategies can be identified before construction begins, highlighting the importance of local material sourcing and clean heating technologies.

Some antibodies outmaneuver germs from sticking to cells

Researchers discovered that certain antibodies employ unusual tactics to block bacterial adhesion, including creating molecular wedges and conformational traps. These mechanisms could lead to the development of immune therapies targeting glycan-binding cell-attachment proteins produced by bacteria causing urinary tract infections.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2026

NJIT researchers discover long-hidden source of gamma rays unleashed by solar flares

Researchers at NJIT's Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research have pinpointed a previously unknown class of high-energy particles in the Sun's upper atmosphere responsible for generating intense gamma-ray signals during major solar flare events. These particles, energized to millions of electron volts, are linked to bremsstrahlung emissi...

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 7, 2026

New material changes color and texture like an octopus

Researchers at Stanford University have created a flexible material that can change color and texture like an octopus in a matter of seconds, with patterns finer than a human hair. The material uses electron-beam patterning to control topography and visual properties at the nanoscale, opening up opportunities for dynamic camouflage, we...

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateJan 7, 2026

A mystery of episodic memory solved

The study discovered that the human brain uses two separate groups of neurons, called content and context neurons, to form memories. These neurons work together in a coordinated manner, with connections strengthening over time, allowing the brain to reconstruct complete memory contexts from partial information.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature·DateJan 7, 2026

New study shows how the spleen helps the immune system accept a transplant

Researchers identified the spleen as a key control center for transplant tolerance, triggering donor-specific regulatory T cells to calm the immune response. This targeted approach induces controlled, donor-specific state in T cells, preserving body's ability to fight infections while supporting long-term graft acceptance.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2026

Shining a spotlight on cancer

A Mizzou researcher developed an antibody that attaches to and lights up EphA2 protein in cancerous tumors, allowing for non-invasive detection and identification of patients who can benefit from targeted treatments. This innovation could save time and money while advancing precision medicine.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMolecular Imaging and Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2026

Optics research uses dim light to produce bright LEDs

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new technique to convert low-energy light into high-energy LEDs, improving the ability to upconvert green light to blue or ultraviolet light. The method uses plasmonics to boost upconversion on a thin metal film, reducing the power needed by 19 times compared to previous setups.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2026

Creating hallucination-free, psychedelic-like molecules by shining light on life’s basic building blocks

Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new method to create psychoactive-like molecules that mimic the brain's serotonin receptors. The study found five compounds with efficacy ranging from 61% to 93%, but none induced hallucinogenic behavior, offering a potential new therapeutic scaffold for treating psychiatric disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2026

Researchers identify novel therapeutic target to improve recovery after nerve injury

A study published in PNAS reveals that peripheral neuropathy can reduce macrophage immune cells' ability to clear dead cells through efferocytosis, leading to chronic pain. Restoring this process may offer a new therapeutic strategy to prevent inflammatory signaling and improve nerve repair.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2026

Advances in liquid biopsies as a tool for detecting lung cancer mutations

A study published in Molecular Oncology developed a liquid biopsy panel that can detect specific gene mutations in lung cancer patients, offering a potential solution for early detection and guiding patient treatment. The test showed promising results, detecting mutations in 65.6% of samples, including those in frozen samples without s...

LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center researcher led major study identifies proteins linked to prostate cancer

A major study published in Nature Communications has identified dozens of blood proteins linked to prostate cancer risk across different populations, including African, European, Asian, and Hispanic/Latino groups. The research, led by Dr. Lang Wu, aims to improve understanding of the various causes of prostate cancer across populations.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 7, 2026

Landmark Magnet4Europe intervention improves clinician wellbeing and patient safety across Europe

A landmark study published in Medical Care shows that the Magnet4Europe intervention measurably improves nurse and physician wellbeing and strengthens patient safety. By redesigning hospital work environments with the Magnet Model, hospitals saw significant declines in nurses planning to leave and a corresponding drop in intended leavers.

Synchronising ultrashort X-ray pulses

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute have successfully implemented mode-locking to generate coherent trains of X-ray pulses with unprecedented temporal structure. This achievement enables attosecond science and opens up new experimental possibilities, including precise timing of phenomena in gases, liquids, and solids.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2026