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Science News Archive January 2026 - Page 43


Page 43 of 47

NTU Singapore-led team captures first-ever ‘twitch’ of the eye’s night-vision cells as they detect light, paving the way for earlier detection of blindness-causing diseases

A research team led by NTU Singapore has recorded a tiny mechanical twitch in living human and rodent eyes when rod photoreceptors detect light. This breakthrough could provide a new non-invasive way to assess retinal health and diagnose blinding eye diseases earlier.

SourceNanyang Technological University·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2026

Method developed to identify best treatment combinations for glioblastoma based on unique cellular targets

Researchers developed a new method to identify effective treatment combinations for glioblastoma by analyzing individual cell types and their gene expression signatures. This approach has the potential to personalize cancer treatment and may be useful for other cancers and diseases.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 7, 2026

Higher consumption of food preservatives is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes

A recent study published in Nature Communications found a strong association between higher consumption of food preservatives and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The research, which analyzed data from over 100,000 adults, suggests that even small amounts of preservative additives can have significant health consequences.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 7, 2026

Boosting the cell’s own cleanup

Researchers have identified a new class of small molecules that boost the cell's natural recycling machinery to destroy an immune-modulating enzyme called IDO1. This approach takes a bolder approach than traditional drug design, eliminating disease-causing proteins altogether and opening up new possibilities for cancer treatment.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2026

New expert guidance urges caution before surgery for patients with treatment-resistant constipation

A new update from the American Gastroenterological Association emphasizes careful evaluation before surgery for patients with refractory constipation, which can lead to complications and poor outcomes. The guidance recommends a comprehensive individualized evaluation and suggests non-surgical options before considering surgery.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJan 7, 2026

Gas‑phase construction of compact capping layers for high‑performance halide perovskite x‑ray detectors

Researchers developed a gas-phase method to grow compact capping layers on halide perovskite single crystals, resulting in ultra-sensitive X-ray detectors with record-breaking performance. The new detectors boast improved signal stability, faster response times and lower dark currents.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateJan 6, 2026

N-type SnSe polycrystalline thermoelectric material: High performance enabled by liquid phase sintering

Researchers have optimized the thermoelectric performance of SnSe using liquid phase sintering, introducing excess metallic tin to fill intrinsic vacancies and reduce electron trapping. This process results in a lattice thermal conductivity as low as 0.21 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ at 793 K, achieving an exceptional ZT value of approximately 1.9.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateJan 6, 2026

Dynamic network‑ and microcellular architecture‑driven biomass elastomer toward sustainable and versatile soft electronics

Researchers develop ultralight biomass conductive elastomer that self-foams at room temperature, heals in 5 hours, and recycles five times without property loss. The 'micro-spring' lattice offers a gauge factor of 4.8 under 1% strain, making it suitable for wearable, foldable, and reusable soft electronics.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateJan 6, 2026

The untold story of life with Prader-Willi syndrome - according to the siblings who live it

A new study reveals the emotional challenges faced by siblings of people with Prader-Willi syndrome, including feelings of stress, loneliness, and sadness. Siblings often take on extra responsibilities at home and struggle to cope with their brother or sister's behavior and hunger.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 6, 2026

Smart biochar that remembers pollutants offers a new way to clean water and recycle biomass

Researchers have combined molecular imprinting technology with biochar to create materials that can selectively target specific molecules, achieving high adsorption capacity and selectivity. These smart sorbents show promise for efficient pollution control in complex mixtures and at low concentrations.

Rice genes matter more than domestication in shaping plant microbiomes

A recent study reveals that the specific genetic identity of rice plants determines which microbes they host and how those microbes function. The research found that differences among rice genotypes strongly shape microbial communities in both soil and on leaf surfaces, influencing nutrient cycling, plant health, and soil carbon storage.

Building a global scientific community: Biological Diversity Journal announces dual recruitment of Editorial Board and Youth Editorial Board members

The journal Biological Diversity is seeking experts in various disciplines to address the global biodiversity crisis. The editorial board will comprise senior scholars, while the youth editorial board will include early-career researchers. The dual structure aims to combine strategic wisdom and innovative energy.

From ancient herb to modern medicine: new review unveils the multi-targeted healing potential of Borago officinalis

A comprehensive review reveals the therapeutic effects of Borago officinalis, a plant with diverse compounds targeting inflammation and metabolic pathways. The study highlights its potential in treating cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiological Diversity·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 6, 2026

How the parasite that ‘gave up sex’ found more hosts – and why its victory won’t last

A research team at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute has discovered a genetic mechanism that allows certain parasites to infect multiple hosts, but at the cost of long-term survival. The study sheds light on how parasitic infections emerge and spread, with potential implications for public health surveillance and treatment strategies.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2026

High levels of Chagas disease parasite found in bugs near U.S.-Mexico border

A UTEP study has discovered a significant increase in parasitic infection rates among kissing bugs in the Borderlands, raising concerns about local transmission of Chagas disease. The research suggests that the disease is becoming an increasingly public health issue for the Southwest, affecting approximately 6 million people worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalEpidemiology and Infection·DateJan 6, 2026

AI-powered ECG analysis offers promising path for early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, says Mount Sinai researchers

Researchers at Mount Sinai have developed an AI-powered ECG analysis tool that shows promise in detecting Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) early. The model achieved high accuracy rates across diverse populations, including a subgroup with irregular heartbeat and smoking exposure.

‘Forever chemicals’ may increase liver disease risk in adolescents by as much as 3-fold

A new study found that higher levels of PFAS in the blood are linked to an increased risk of early onset of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in adolescents. MASLD affects up to 40% of children with obesity and increases long-term risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and liver cancer.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2026

Seeing thyroid cancer in a new light: when AI meets label-free imaging in the operating room

Researchers combined Dynamic Optical Contrast Imaging (DOCI) with machine learning to identify thyroid cancer during surgery. The AI analysis framework accurately classified samples across three categories and generated tumor probability maps for precise location identification.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2026

How to make communities more resilient to climate change

Researchers at North Carolina State University propose a 'compounded resilience' strategy to help local governments prepare for and adapt to climate change. By incorporating policies that improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance infrastructure, communities can become more resilient and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 6, 2026

Science army mobilizes to map US soil microbiome

A massive US-wide project is cataloging the soil microbiome, discovering over 1,000 new bacterial strains and unlocking secrets of ecological functions and antimicrobial resistance. The BioDiversity and Informatics for Genomics Scholars consortium spans 40+ sites across the country, leveraging long-read sequencing technology.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 6, 2026

New clinical standards strengthen antimicrobial stewardship in tuberculosis care

The new clinical standards for antimicrobial stewardship in tuberculosis care aim to integrate TB into existing AMS frameworks, strengthening surveillance and resistance monitoring. The standards prioritize effectiveness, safety, and resistance prevention, promoting structured expert consultation services and targeted testing.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalIJTLD OPEN·TypeSurvey·DateJan 6, 2026

Early detection and targeted blood purification could prevent kidney failure in ICU patients, new review finds

Early recognition of cast nephropathy through novel biomarkers can guide timely treatment, while tailored extracorporeal therapies show promise in preventing irreversible kidney damage. The review emphasizes the need for standardized biomarker-guided pathways and multicenter trials to advance personalized kidney support.

SourceJournal of Intensive Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 6, 2026

Supramolecular self-assembly with dual functions of GSH-synthesis inhibition and consumption for efficient chemodynamic therapy

A team of researchers has developed a method for preparing supramolecular prodrug assemblies to enhance chemodynamic therapy efficacy by consuming glutathione (GSH) and inhibiting its synthesis. The approach allows for the simultaneous release of dual functional molecules from self-assemblies, amplifying cellular oxidative stress.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGlycoscience & Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2026