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Science News Archive January 2026 - Page 6


Page 6 of 47

Markers at birth may help predict type 1 diabetes

Scientists at the University of Florida and Linköping University discovered protein markers in umbilical cord blood associated with future insulin-dependent diabetes. The study suggests that these markers can be used to predict type 1 diabetes in early childhood, potentially allowing for targeted interventions and lifestyle changes.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 28, 2026

Older adults who are afraid of falls use protective strategies when turning to keep their balance

Researchers found that older adults who are afraid of falls employ adaptive strategies, such as limiting side-to-side body sway or swaying more slowly, to stabilize during turns. This suggests that these slower movements may not be indicative of poor balance but rather a means to stay steady and safe during complex maneuvers.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 28, 2026

Using AI to uncover the secret lives of fungi

A new study using AI-powered BioBERT model accurately identifies fungal lifestyles, switching between helpful partner for plants to aggressive decomposers. The tool has nearly 90% accuracy and can scan thousands of papers in minutes, flagging species that may switch roles.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalResearch Ideas and Outcomes·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 28, 2026

California Office of Traffic Safety awards $850,000 grant to the UC Irvine School of Medicine to broaden the UC Traffic Safety Collaborative Program

The UC Irvine School of Medicine has been awarded a $850,000 grant by the California Office of Traffic Safety to broaden the UC Traffic Safety Collaborative Program. The program aims to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities in California through education, research, and enforcement.

American Meteorological Society expands access to scholarly publications to support IPCC seventh assessment report

The American Meteorological Society has partnered with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to provide IPCC authors with access to peer-reviewed scientific publications. This collaboration ensures equitable access to critical climate science for researchers worldwide, particularly those from developing countries and fac...

DAC expands early detection implementation network to advance early detection of cognitive impairment in primary care settings

Two U.S. healthcare systems, Tufts Medicine and University of Utah Health, will implement the DAC-SP Early Detection Blueprint across ten primary care sites to improve early detection of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The initiative aims to refine a replicable model for early detection that can be adopted nationwide.

In rare cases, autoantibodies can cause severe reactions to a live-attenuated virus Chikungunya vaccine that has been discontinued in the U.S.

A new study suggests that preexisting autoantibodies in a small subset of the population can cause severe reactions to the live-attenuated Chikungunya vaccine. Researchers recommend screening people with these autoantibodies before vaccination, especially for those over age 65.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2026

Innovative ‘poop pills’ show promising results in clinical trials for multiple types of cancer

Two Canadian clinical trials have shown that fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) can improve the response to immunotherapy in patients with lung cancer and melanoma. FMT capsules were found to reduce toxic side effects of kidney cancer treatment, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.

SourceLondon Health Sciences Centre Research Institute·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 28, 2026

Study finds multiple sources of pollution in Virginia's Lake Anna

A University of Virginia study reveals phosphorus pollution in Lake Anna comes from multiple sources, including homes and abandoned mines. Elevated levels of arsenic, lead, and copper were found near mining sites, highlighting the need for broader strategies to address nutrient and metal pollution.

SourceUniversity of Virginia College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateJan 28, 2026

Clinical trial of early morning shift workers shows promise of new drug for reducing excessive sleepiness

A new clinical trial found that solriamfetol helped early morning shift workers with shift work disorder stay more alert and report better overall functioning. The study, published in NEJM Evidence, enrolled 78 early-morning shift workers and showed significant improvement in sleepiness and daily activities after four weeks of treatment.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 28, 2026

Diagnosis of cardiomyopathy is on the rise

A new study from Uppsala University reveals a substantial increase in cardiomyopathy diagnoses in Sweden between 2004 and 2023, associated with high excess mortality rates. The study highlights the need for improved detection and targeted treatments to address this growing public health concern.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 28, 2026

Hearing angry or happy human voices is linked to changes in dogs’ balance

A study found that dogs experience changes in balance when hearing angry or happy human voices. Angry voices were most strongly associated with destabilization, while happy voices led to both stabilization and destabilization in some cases. The research suggests that emotional arousal may play a role in the dogs' responses.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2026

Your neighborhood, plus emotional stress, may be aging you prematurely

A recent study found that living in a disadvantaged neighborhood is associated with biological symptoms of accelerated aging. The researchers also discovered that emotional distress accounts for a significant portion of these effects. Anxiety appeared to be a major mediator between exposure and epigenetic aging.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series B·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 28, 2026

New JAMA Commentary calls for evidence-backed dietary guidelines

The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans have been criticized for prioritizing meat, dairy, and processed foods over fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine argues that the guidelines ignore scientific evidence and are influenced by industry interests.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 28, 2026

Universal method could transform the future of bone transplantation

Researchers at Lund University developed a universal method for creating cell-free cartilage structures that guide bone repair without triggering strong immune responses. The successful test in animal models paves the way for human trials and the potential to transform the future of bone transplantation.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2026

Light changes a magnet’s polarity

Scientists at University of Basel and ETH in Zurich successfully changed the polarity of a ferromagnet using a laser beam. The breakthrough method could be used to create adaptive electronic circuits that can be controlled by light.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2026

CNIC scientists uncover a novel mechanism involved in inflammation resolution

A study published in Immunity reveals that type I interferons (IFN-I) help resolve inflammation by inducing changes in macrophage mitochondria, improving their ability to remove dead cells. The researchers found that treatment with IFN-I increases macrophage uptake of apoptotic cells and reduces the expression of inflammatory genes.

How your lifestyle can affect your risk of dementia

A new study from Lund University finds that modifiable risk factors like smoking and high blood pressure can damage brain blood vessels and increase dementia risk. Living a healthy lifestyle may help delay symptom onset in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer s Disease·TypeCase study·DateJan 28, 2026

Study identifies PARG as a new target to enhance chemotherapy in colorectal cancer

A study led by researchers from the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute has identified PARG as a new target to enhance chemotherapy in colorectal cancer. Inhibition of PARG significantly increases the cytotoxic effect of chemotherapy, leading to enhanced cell death and apoptosis in different colorectal cancer models.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2026

Caesarean sections for sale

A systematic review of 12 million births in 25 European countries found that private hospitals have a significantly higher caesarean section rate than public hospitals. Among low-risk first-time mothers, the increase in caesarean sections is attributed to non-medical factors such as local routines and financial incentives.

SourceLund University·JournalEuropean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 28, 2026

New ERC Proof of Concept for CiQUS: ZEST, an innovative solution for sustainable energy storage

CiQUS researcher María Giménez López leads ZEST project to develop hybrid battery based on zinc, bromine, and manganese dioxide, offering safer and scalable solutions. The project aims to create stable, efficient, and cost-effective energy storage systems with industrial partners like Fraunhofer ISE.