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Science News Archive January 2026 - Page 8


Page 8 of 47

How do native and non-native plants affect endangered plant species in cities?

A study analyzing data from Berlin's Flora Protection Program found that biological threats, especially from highly competitive native species, pose a greater threat to urban biodiversity than non-native species. Threats related to agriculture, nutrient inputs, and urban development are also significant drivers of decline.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJan 28, 2026

How does TikTok shape young peoples' dietary preferences?

A study found that TikTok influences dietary habits by leveraging algorithmic mechanisms, entertainment content, and users' emotional connections. The platform affects food preferences, dining choices, and recipe evaluations among young people.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Consumer Studies·DateJan 28, 2026

Does screen time affect teens’ sleep and lifestyle habits?

A study of 700 teens found that screen time negatively affects sleep quality and beliefs about healthy lifestyles. The researchers suggest reducing screen exposure, increasing social interaction, and promoting alternative activities to promote healthier lifestyles and better sleep.

SourceWiley·JournalBrain and Behavior·DateJan 28, 2026

Men’s heart attack risk climbs by mid-30s, years before women

A new study found that men's coronary heart disease risk begins to diverge from women's in the mid-30s, with differences emerging as early as age 50.5 versus 57.5 years. This suggests that heart disease prevention and screening should start earlier in adulthood for men.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 28, 2026
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New study signals major advance in the future of precision cancer care

Researchers developed a new framework called SOLVE to overcome data challenges in precision cancer treatment. By jointly modeling known and unknown factors, SOLVE provides a robust tool for biomarker discovery and investigating tumor responses.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBiology Methods and Protocols·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 28, 2026

International differences exist in knowledge gaps and most common perimenopause symptoms

A new study based on data from over 17,000 women across 158 countries found inconsistent knowledge of perimenopause symptoms and actual experiences. Commonly recognized symptoms included hot flashes, sleep problems, and weight gain, but women most reported experiencing fatigue, physical and mental exhaustion, and irritability.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 28, 2026

Long COVID brain fog far more common in US than India, other nations

A large international study found that patients with long COVID-19 in the US report higher rates of brain fog, depression, and cognitive symptoms compared to those in India and Nigeria. The study suggests that lower stigma and greater access to neurological and mental health care may contribute to these differences.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJan 28, 2026

Investigational blood biomarker panel may improve detection of pancreatic cancer

A four-biomarker blood panel including aminopeptidase N, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, and thrombospondin-2 has been shown to enhance the detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma compared to CA19-9 alone. The panel correctly detected 91.9% of pancreatic cancers across all stages.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJan 28, 2026

Big data make hidden genetic drivers of type 2 diabetes visible

A global genomics study reveals that genetic variants influence gene activity and protein abundance in multiple tissues, not just blood samples. This analysis identifies causal evidence for 676 genes linked to type 2 diabetes.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJan 27, 2026
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Blood test detects lingering lung damage after COVID 19

A study published in EBioMedicine found changes in blood samples from almost 1,000 people hospitalized for COVID-19 may pinpoint patients at risk of long-term lung disease. The study identified elevated levels of certain molecules, which could lead to the development of simple blood tests to detect ongoing lung problems.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Fungus unlocks hidden phosphorus from massive industrial waste

A team of researchers has found that a common soil fungus can extract large amounts of residual phosphorus from phosphogypsum, a byproduct of phosphoric acid production. The study shows that more than 40% of the phosphorus locked inside this waste material can be recovered through a biological process.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2026

Native fungi from almond orchards show promise as sustainable defenders against a devastating crop disease

Researchers found that naturally occurring fungi on and within almond trees can strongly suppress Colletotrichum godetiae, the primary cause of almond anthracnose in the Mediterranean Basin. Several species of Trichoderma and Neurospora intermedia proved effective in suppressing pathogen growth and reducing spore production.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2026

Treatment initiation is possible with a positive liquid biopsy in primary central nervous lymphoma patients with difficult-to-access lesions

Researchers successfully diagnosed and treated ten PCNSL patients using liquid biopsy, detecting hotspot MYD88 L265P mutations in circulating tumor DNA. This method offers a reliable alternative to surgical biopsies for patients with difficult-to-access lesions or frailty, enabling timely treatment initiation.

SourceNiigata University·JournalNeuro-Oncology Advances·DateJan 27, 2026
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

AAVLINK: Potent DNA-recombination method for large cargo delivery in gene therapy

The AAVLINK method harnesses Cre/lox-mediated intermolecular DNA recombination to enable efficient full-length gene reconstitution and robust expression of therapeutic genes. This approach overcomes the limited packaging capacity of adeno-associated viruses, offering a strategy for delivering large gene cargoes in gene therapy.

SourceShenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2026

A tiny fish is helping clinicians avoid unnecessary multi-million-dollar treatment for babies suspected of having spinal muscular atrophy

Researchers developed a rapid zebrafish-based functional assay to determine the pathogenicity of novel SMN1 mutations, potentially informing urgent clinical decisions. The test showed that many previously uncertain variants were harmless, reducing distress for families and saving lives.

SourceGriffith University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeCase study·DateJan 27, 2026

Altered brain connection found in people with ME/CFS and Long COVID

A new Griffith University study found altered brain connection in people with ME/CFS and Long COVID, leading to cognitive difficulties such as memory problems and slowed thinking. The research used ultra-high field MRI technology to investigate the disruption in brain connectivity during a mentally demanding task.

SourceGriffith University·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·TypeCase study·DateJan 27, 2026

Delivery of magnetic energy to the brain is a cost-effective treatment option for patients with depression, finds a new study

A new study finds that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a cost-effective treatment option for moderate and severe forms of depression. TMS reduces depressive symptoms, eases pressures on informal carers, and helps people get back to work, recovering its costs over time through savings to the NHS.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBMJ Mental Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 27, 2026
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

What causes chronic pain? New study identifies key culprit in the brain

Researchers have discovered a neural circuit hidden in an understudied region of the brain plays a critical role in turning temporary pain into chronic pain. Silencing this pathway can prevent or halt chronic pain, offering new hope for treating severe chronic pain with injections or infusions targeting specific brain cells.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNeuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2026

Researchers identify genetic blueprint of mania in bipolar disorder

The study found that mania accounts for more than 80% of the genetic variation in bipolar disorder. The researchers identified 71 genetic variants linked specifically to mania, including 18 regions of genes that had never previously been associated with bipolar disorder.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2026

Counting the carbon cost of E-waste

A groundbreaking field-based research study from Nankai University found the average carbon emission of dismantling a single unit of E-waste increased from 1.2513 kgCO2 to 1.3335 kgCO2 between 2013 and 2020, highlighting the urgent need for more efficient recycling technologies.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Atlantic nurse sharks show faster growth patterns in Biscayne Bay than nearby Bimini, Bahamas

A new study reveals significant differences in growth patterns between nurse sharks off the coast of Miami and those living just across the Gulf Stream. The research found that juvenile nurse sharks in Biscayne Bay grow more rapidly and reach smaller maximum sizes than their counterparts in Bimini, Bahamas.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalEnvironmental Biology of Fishes·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2026

Tests uncover unexpected humpback sensitivity to high-frequency noise

Researchers at University of Queensland conducted hearing tests across ocean off Australian coast, finding humpbacks react to higher frequency sounds than expected. The study provides direct evidence humpbacks are highly sensitive to higher frequencies at the upper end of human hearing range.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2026

Grant to expand self-cloning crop technology for Indian farmers

A $4.9 million Gates Foundation grant will support the development of self-cloning crops in India, improving agricultural productivity and accessibility for smallholder farmers. The project aims to expand synthetic apomixis technology into staple crops like pearl millet and Indian mustard.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJan 27, 2026

Paracetamol and ibuprofen safe in first year of life

A landmark study supports the safety of paracetamol and ibuprofen in young children, finding no link to eczema or bronchiolitis. The study, which analyzed data from over 4,000 babies, confirms that both medications are safe to use in the first year of life.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 27, 2026
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Artificial nighttime lighting is suppressing moth activity

A study by University of Exeter researchers found that moths move significantly less under artificial light compared to natural night conditions. The results suggest that light pollution has widespread effects on nocturnal moth activity, irrespective of lighting type, with implications for moth populations and ecosystem services.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateJan 27, 2026

International team led by HonorHealth Research Institute and U of A develop 3D chip platform for laboratory testing in cancer research

Researchers created a 3D chip platform called ASTEROIDS that mimics human physiology and enables precise testing of new drugs and personalized medicine models. The technology has the potential to reduce animal testing in cancer research and improve human clinical outcomes.

SourceHonorHealth Research Institute·JournaliScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 27, 2026

FAU leaps ahead as state’s first university to host an onsite quantum computer

Florida Atlantic University will be the first university in Florida to host a large, dedicated quantum computer on site, aiming to accelerate and solidify the state's position as a leader in quantum computing. The university will collaborate with D-Wave Quantum Inc. to advance quantum computing education, research, and applied innovation.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·DateJan 27, 2026
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Clinical trial seeks improved survival for head and neck cancer patients

A new Phase II trial will examine whether giving chemotherapy or chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy before surgery can improve survival compared to surgery alone. The trial aims to identify a treatment that will help patients live longer without the cancer returning.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 27, 2026
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Research findings may lead to earlier diagnoses of genetic disorder

Virginia Tech researchers identified a malformed area in the corpus callosum and pattern of bad connections that may help doctors diagnose Leigh syndrome earlier. The study found that developmental defects can be seen before symptoms appear, suggesting potential for earlier intervention.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2026

COVID-19 viral fragments shown to target and kill specific immune cells in UCLA-led study

A recent study by a UCLA-led team reveals that leftover COVID-19 viral fragments can selectively accumulate on and penetrate star-shaped surfaces of dendritic cells and T cells, killing these immune cells. In contrast, the omicron variant's smaller fragments have little effect on these cells.

SourceCalifornia NanoSystems Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2026

Badged up for success

Graduate students at MUSC are earning digital badges in science communications, highlighting their ability to explain complex scientific concepts to the public. This program is part of a larger shift towards providing graduate students with valuable skills that apply to multiple career paths in science.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Science·TypeSurvey·DateJan 27, 2026
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Tapping the engines of cellular electrochemistry and forces of evolution

Researchers have found a way to harness the electrical energy generated by protein condensates, constantly shifting membrane-less organelles that govern cell function. This discovery could lead to bioelectrochemical devices for cleaning pollutants and fighting infection.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 27, 2026
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

NYU launches Simons Center for Computational Geophysical Flows

The center will develop cutting-edge computational methods, including AI algorithms, to tackle fundamental geophysical problems. By studying weather and climate on Earth and other planets, the hub aims to shed light on many events that have historically been difficult to forecast.

SourceNew York University·DateJan 27, 2026

Scientists develop first gene-editing treatment for skin conditions

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a topical CRISPR-based therapy that can correct faulty genes in human skin, potentially treating genetic skin conditions like ARCI and eczema. The treatment, using lipid nanoparticle technology, restores up to 30% of normal skin function.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2026

Speeding, hard braking reduced in insurance plans that base rates on driving behavior, offer rewards

Drivers who participated in a program based on their driving habits showed reduced speeding, hard braking, and rapid acceleration by up to 25%. They continued these safe habits even after the program ended. The programs were equally effective in improving safety scores.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 27, 2026

How too much of a good thing leads to neurodegenerative disease

Overactive valosin-containing protein (VCP) disrupts the nuclear pore complex, leading to abnormal TDP-43 trafficking and neuronal damage in neurodegenerative diseases. Inhibiting VCP activity may offer new therapeutic strategies for treating these conditions.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2026
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

UH psychologist explores reducing anxiety among survivors of sexual assault

A UH psychologist's study finds that anxiety sensitivity and pain-related anxiety are linked to mental health problems and clinically significant alcohol use among survivors of traumatic sexual assault. The investigation highlights the importance of addressing both types of anxiety in reducing the risk of lifelong challenges.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalThe Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease·DateJan 27, 2026

Claiming your business page on review platforms can have unintended effects on customer reviews, study shows

A study from Florida International University finds that claiming a business page on review platforms like Yelp can lead to a significant drop in average ratings, with a 10% decrease in five-star reviews and a 9.5% rise in one-star reviews. The study also reveals that these lowest-rated reviews become substantially longer and more crit...

SourceFlorida International University·JournalInformation Systems Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2026

Inflammation and autoimmune-like dysfunction may play a role in heart failure

A recent study from Penn State College of Medicine researchers found that helper T cells, typically involved in fighting infections, become overly activated in failing human hearts, causing damage. The activation of these T cells highlights the impact of inflammation and immune dysfunction in heart failure.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2026

Project seeks to develop retinal screening for Alzheimer’s

A new research project aims to develop an eye drop that can detect the fluorescent signal of a protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. If successful, this low-cost and accessible screening tool could help identify patients in their earliest stages of the disease, enabling them to receive early treatment.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateJan 27, 2026
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Mount Sinai study finds antibody-producing immune cells can help shape cancer immunotherapy

A Mount Sinai study found that antibody-producing immune cells called IgG1 plasma cells help patients respond to PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have transformed cancer care. The researchers identified IgG1 plasma cells as a critical factor in determining clinical outcomes.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 27, 2026