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Science News Archive January 2026 - Page 46


Page 46 of 47

A forecasting model analysis on impact of the Inflation Reduction Act for non-insulin diabetes drugs on Louisiana Medicare costs

A forecasting study found that the Inflation Reduction Act will save approximately $400 million on Louisiana Medicare diabetes drug costs over five years. Patients are expected to switch from non-negotiated to negotiated drugs due to lower costs, resulting in significant savings.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalPharmacoeconomics and Policy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 5, 2026

Microbes may hold the key to brain evolution

A groundbreaking study from Northwestern University found that changes to the gut microbiome can change the way the brain works across different primate species. The researchers discovered patterns of gene expression associated with conditions like ADHD and schizophrenia in mice with microbes from smaller-brained primates.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2026

Smartphone use during school hours by US youth

This study found that US youth spent more than an hour using smartphones during school hours, primarily for social media use. Objective findings from a large sample confirm previous self-report studies, highlighting the need for responsible smartphone use among adolescents.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 5, 2026

Metal–metal bonded molecule opens new path toward quantum computing materials

Researchers have discovered a unique cobalt-based molecule that can function as a spin quantum bit, providing a new design strategy for molecular materials used in quantum information technologies. The molecule exhibits slow magnetic relaxation and delocalized electron spins, allowing it to stabilize the quantum state.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2026

How a fungus leads to tissue growths in maize

A University of Bonn study has shown how the fungus Ustilago maydis takes over the plant's lateral root formation function, leading to massive tissue growths that divert energy and resources from defense. The findings provide valuable insights for breeding more resistant varieties of maize.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJan 5, 2026

Prevalence and determinants of polypharmacy in Côte d´Ivoire: Findings from a retrospective insurance claims analysis

A retrospective insurance claims analysis found a high prevalence of polypharmacy among children under 15 in Côte d'Ivoire, with regional disparities evident. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to reduce polypharmacy risks and costs across all regions.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalPharmacoeconomics and Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2026

Worms as particle sweepers

Researchers discovered that centimeter-long aquatic worms can spontaneously collect and organize particles in their environment through natural undulating motion. This behavior emerges from the flexibility of the worms and does not require a brain or complex interaction.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review·DateJan 5, 2026

Linear relationship between reactivity and the reciprocal of uranium concentration in thermal-spectrum molten salt reactors

Researchers have discovered a linear relationship between reactivity and the reciprocal of uranium concentration in thermal-spectrum molten salt reactors. This finding has significant implications for criticality calculations, fuel loading prediction, and reactivity measurement.

SourceNuclear Science and Techniques·JournalNuclear Science and Techniques·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 5, 2026

Ben-Gurion University chemists develop smart plastic-like materials that use light or gentle heat to activate

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have developed a new type of plastic-like material that can be activated with light or gentle heat. The materials, known as latent monomers, remain inactive for weeks before solidifying into a durable plastic-like substance. This switchable system could give rise to hundreds of new plastic-like mate...

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2026

Location, location, location: Model IDs best spots for offshore energy projects

Researchers developed a portfolio optimization framework to maximize offshore energy production by identifying optimal locations for wind turbines and marine hydrokinetic technologies. The study found that combining these technologies in suitable locations can significantly reduce costs and increase energy stability.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnergy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 5, 2026

Landmark study uncovers new mechanism behind common pediatric anesthetic's potential neurotoxicity

Researchers discovered that sevoflurane impairs neurogenesis and cognitive function by inhibiting fatty acid β-oxidation in neural stem/progenitor cells. Enhancing FAO activity in NSPCs attenuates sevoflurane-induced neurogenesis impairment, suggesting a new mechanism of sevoflurane neurodevelopmental toxicity.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2026

Seeing roots push deeper: RootXplorer automates high-throughput phenotyping for soil-compaction resilience

A new platform, RootXplorer, enables accurate whole-root-system assessment of soil penetration, critical for breeding crop varieties resilient to soil compaction and drought. The system uses a standardized approach to mimic mechanical impedance and identify genotypes with contrasting tolerance to compaction.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2026

Value evaluation by multi-criteria decision analysis for orphan medicinal product

A study applies a multi-criteria decision analysis framework to evaluate three orphan medicinal products, laronidase, emicizumab, and dimethyl fumarate, with highly consistent quantitative scores. The framework offers a transparent and multi-faceted approach to evaluating high-impact drugs for rare diseases within reimbursement systems.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalPharmacoeconomics and Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2026

Understanding fuel cell catalysts

Researchers at Fritz Haber Institute have made significant strides in understanding fuel-cell catalysts under industrially relevant conditions. They discovered that the rate-limiting steps and their degree of rate control change as a function of overpotential and pressure, challenging traditional views on multi-step reactions.

SourceFritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2026

January 2026 issues of APA journals feature new research on autism, pediatric anxiety, psychedelic therapy, suicide prevention and more

The January 2026 issues of four American Psychiatric Association journals feature groundbreaking research on externalizing disorders, pediatric anxiety, autism, and inflammation-related depression. The studies also explore the potential benefits of psychedelic therapy in suicide prevention.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 5, 2026

Neuroscientists devise formulas to measure multilingualism

Researchers created a calculator to assess multilingualism, using formulas that consider age of language acquisition and self-rated proficiency. The tool yields scores indicating language dominance and degree of multilingualism, offering a clear and transparent way to understand individual language strengths.

SourceNew York University·JournalBilingualism Language and Cognition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2026

A CRISPR screen reveals many previously unrecognized genes required for brain development and a new neurodevelopmental disorder

A CRISPR screen identified 331 essential genes for brain cell generation, including PEDS1 linked to a severe developmental disorder. The study provides a new approach to identifying genes involved in neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and offers insights into gene inheritance patterns.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 5, 2026

Geometry shapes life

Researchers at ISTA have found that the zebrafish embryo's geometry is essential for its development, guiding cell division and gene activation. The study's findings could improve IVF embryo assessments by understanding how the embryo interprets its geometry.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2026

Longest observation of an active solar region

A team of researchers successfully observed the birth and decay of a highly active solar region, known as NOAA 13664, over three solar rotations. The study provides new insights into the formation and effects of superactive regions on the sun, shedding light on their potential impact on Earth's technology and environment.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateJan 5, 2026

AI meets physics to redefine seismic imaging

A new synthesis of seismic research shows that AI combined with physical principles is rapidly transforming how scientists image the Earth's shallow and crustal structures. The study highlights the need for physics-guided AI frameworks that balance computational efficiency with interpretability.

SourceZhejiang University·JournalBig Data and Earth System·DateJan 4, 2026

Turning crop waste into precision weapons against waterborne pathogens

Researchers have developed a novel class of biomass-derived carbon dots that selectively eradicate Staphylococcus aureus in water. The nanomaterials preferentially bind to pathogen-specific cell wall components, triggering localized oxidative stress and membrane damage while sparing non-target bacteria. This approach offers a sustainab...

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateJan 4, 2026