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Science X provides daily science news on research developments, technological breakthroughs and the latest science innovations.
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Focus apps may help some users resist digital distractions, but evidence for their effectiveness is limited, and lasting improvements in focus often require addressing underlying habits and motivations. doi.org/gnswds
Focus apps claim to improve your productivity. Do they actually work?
It's hardly a revelation that we're living in an era of distraction and smartphone addiction. Our phones interrupt us, hijack our attention, and tempt us into scrolling.
techxplore.com
January 4, 2026 at 6:21 AM
Focus apps may help some users resist digital distractions, but evidence for their effectiveness is limited, and lasting improvements in focus often require addressing underlying habits and motivations. doi.org/gnswds
Economic crises that drive up staple food prices are linked to increased rates of childhood stunting and later obesity, with urban and less-educated populations most affected. doi.org/hbhqrj
Rising food prices linked to childhood stunting and obesity
When food prices skyrocket during an economic crisis, it is primarily urban populations and people with low levels of education who are affected.
medicalxpress.com
January 4, 2026 at 6:20 AM
Economic crises that drive up staple food prices are linked to increased rates of childhood stunting and later obesity, with urban and less-educated populations most affected. doi.org/hbhqrj
A new method called CHANGE-seq-BE enables more sensitive and efficient detection of off-target genome edits from base editors, supporting safer and more precise genome editing applications. doi.org/hbhpzx
A better way to detect off-target genome changes from base editors
Scientists and physicians can better assess precision genome editing technology using a new method made public today by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
phys.org
January 3, 2026 at 5:30 PM
A new method called CHANGE-seq-BE enables more sensitive and efficient detection of off-target genome edits from base editors, supporting safer and more precise genome editing applications. doi.org/hbhpzx
Reinforcement learning using proximal policy optimization enables faster, stable, and model-free training of diffractive optical processors directly on hardware, improving adaptability in real-world conditions. doi.org/hbhpx8
Reinforcement learning accelerates model-free training of optical AI systems
Optical computing has emerged as a powerful approach for high-speed and energy-efficient information processing. Diffractive optical networks, in particular, enable large-scale parallel computation through the use of passive structured phase masks and the propagation of light.
techxplore.com
January 3, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Reinforcement learning using proximal policy optimization enables faster, stable, and model-free training of diffractive optical processors directly on hardware, improving adaptability in real-world conditions. doi.org/hbhpx8
Observations of globular cluster NGC 6569 indicate it is actively losing stars through tidal stripping, contributing to the Milky Way bulge field at a measurable rate. doi.org/hbhpx2
Galactic globular cluster loses stars through tidal stripping, observations reveal
Using the Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT), astronomers have observed a nearby galactic globular cluster known as NGC 6569.
phys.org
January 3, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Observations of globular cluster NGC 6569 indicate it is actively losing stars through tidal stripping, contributing to the Milky Way bulge field at a measurable rate. doi.org/hbhpx2
Irregular collagen structure in uterine scars from prior cesarean deliveries may disrupt normal placental attachment, increasing the risk of placenta accreta spectrum in subsequent pregnancies. doi.org/hbhpxb
Tangled scar tissue may set stage for dangerous placenta condition
Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) used to be a rare pregnancy condition, but it now affects roughly 14,000 pregnancies annually, posing a major cause of maternal death.
medicalxpress.com
January 3, 2026 at 1:40 PM
Irregular collagen structure in uterine scars from prior cesarean deliveries may disrupt normal placental attachment, increasing the risk of placenta accreta spectrum in subsequent pregnancies. doi.org/hbhpxb
Combining CAR-T cell therapy with a SUMOylation inhibitor significantly increased long-term cure rates in mouse models of Burkitt's lymphoma, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy. doi.org/hbhn28
Combination therapy for Burkitt's lymphoma dramatically improves cure rates in mice
Burkitt's lymphoma is a rare and aggressive blood cancer characterized by a translocation of the MYC gene. It occurs most often in children and young adults.
medicalxpress.com
January 2, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Combining CAR-T cell therapy with a SUMOylation inhibitor significantly increased long-term cure rates in mouse models of Burkitt's lymphoma, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy. doi.org/hbhn28
The Pooled Cohort Equations cardiovascular risk score stratifies risk for several ocular diseases, supporting its use in primary care to identify individuals at higher risk for eye conditions. doi.org/hbhnqp
Cardiovascular risk score identifies risk for ocular disease
The Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE) cardiovascular risk score stratifies risk for multiple ocular diseases, according to a study published online in Ophthalmology.
medicalxpress.com
January 2, 2026 at 8:22 PM
The Pooled Cohort Equations cardiovascular risk score stratifies risk for several ocular diseases, supporting its use in primary care to identify individuals at higher risk for eye conditions. doi.org/hbhnqp
Bacteria can survive antibiotics by entering either a regulated dormant state or a disrupted, vulnerable state, highlighting the need for tailored strategies to prevent persistent infections.
Bacteria reveal second 'shutdown mode' for surviving antibiotic treatment
A new study reveals that bacteria can survive antibiotic treatment through two fundamentally different "shutdown modes," not just the classic idea of dormancy.
phys.org
January 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Bacteria can survive antibiotics by entering either a regulated dormant state or a disrupted, vulnerable state, highlighting the need for tailored strategies to prevent persistent infections.
Analysis of dosage-sensitive genes indicates a single ancestral whole-genome duplication in seed plants, with no evidence for an additional duplication event in early angiosperms.
Flowering plant origins: Dosage-sensitive genes suggest no whole-genome duplications in ancestral angiosperm
Angiosperms, also known as flowering plants, represent the most diverse group of seed plants, and their origin and evolution have long been a central question in plant evolutionary biology.
phys.org
January 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Analysis of dosage-sensitive genes indicates a single ancestral whole-genome duplication in seed plants, with no evidence for an additional duplication event in early angiosperms.
New fossil analysis identifies key skeletal features in Sahelanthropus tchadensis, supporting evidence that this 7-million-year-old species walked upright and is among the earliest known bipeds. doi.org/hbhnf5
Evidence of upright walking found in 7-million-year-old Sahelanthropus fossils
In recent decades, scientists have debated whether a seven-million-year-old fossil was bipedal—a trait that would make it the oldest human ancestor.
phys.org
January 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM
New fossil analysis identifies key skeletal features in Sahelanthropus tchadensis, supporting evidence that this 7-million-year-old species walked upright and is among the earliest known bipeds. doi.org/hbhnf5
Ancient genomes of human herpesvirus 6A and 6B, recovered from remains over 2,500 years old, provide direct evidence of their long-term evolution alongside humans.
First ancient herpesvirus genomes document their deep history with humans
For the first time, scientists have reconstructed the ancient genomes of human betaherpesvirus 6A and 6B (HHV-6A/B) from archaeological human remains more than two millennia old.
phys.org
January 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Ancient genomes of human herpesvirus 6A and 6B, recovered from remains over 2,500 years old, provide direct evidence of their long-term evolution alongside humans.
Wood-derived lignin and plant-based sensitizers have been shown to enable safer, effective thermal paper coatings, offering a promising alternative to bisphenol-based developers.
Wood-derived chemicals offer safer alternative for thermal receipt paper coatings
Every day, millions of people use thermal paper without thinking about it. Receipts, shipping labels, tickets, and medical records all rely on heat‑sensitive coatings to make text appear.
phys.org
January 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Wood-derived lignin and plant-based sensitizers have been shown to enable safer, effective thermal paper coatings, offering a promising alternative to bisphenol-based developers.
The protein p53 influences blood vessel growth by triggering distinct cellular responses depending on its levels, with both low and high p53 reducing new vessel formation. doi.org/hbgkhk
How the 'guardian of the genome' impacts blood vessel growth
The protein p53, best known as the "guardian of the genome" for its role in preventing cancer, can affect blood vessels in different ways.
phys.org
January 2, 2026 at 5:49 PM
The protein p53 influences blood vessel growth by triggering distinct cellular responses depending on its levels, with both low and high p53 reducing new vessel formation. doi.org/hbgkhk
Experiments show that under crowded conditions, excitons in quantum materials can rapidly switch partners, leading to a dramatic increase in their mobility and potential for new device applications. doi.org/hbhnb6
Sudden breakups of monogamous quantum couples surprise researchers
Quantum particles have a social life, of a sort. They interact and form relationships with each other, and one of the most important features of a quantum particle is whether it is an introvert—a fermion—or an extrovert—a boson.
phys.org
January 2, 2026 at 5:40 PM
Experiments show that under crowded conditions, excitons in quantum materials can rapidly switch partners, leading to a dramatic increase in their mobility and potential for new device applications. doi.org/hbhnb6
For the first time, both the mass and distance of a rogue planet have been measured, providing new insight into these free-floating planetary objects and their origins. doi.org/qk2b
Astronomers measure both mass and distance of a rogue planet for the first time
While most planets that we are familiar with stick relatively close to their host star in a predictable orbit, some planets seem to have been knocked out of their orbits, floating through space free of any particular gravitational attachments.
phys.org
January 2, 2026 at 5:20 PM
For the first time, both the mass and distance of a rogue planet have been measured, providing new insight into these free-floating planetary objects and their origins. doi.org/qk2b
A new system enables personal computers and mobile devices to collaborate with data centers for large language model services, reducing infrastructure costs and improving efficiency. doi.org/hbhnbh
Turning PCs and mobile devices into AI infrastructure can slash operational costs
Until now, AI services based on large language models (LLMs) have mostly relied on expensive data center GPUs. This has resulted in high operational costs and created a significant barrier to entry for utilizing AI technology.
techxplore.com
January 2, 2026 at 5:10 PM
A new system enables personal computers and mobile devices to collaborate with data centers for large language model services, reducing infrastructure costs and improving efficiency. doi.org/hbhnbh
Both Antarctic icefish and Asian noodlefish independently evolved to lack red blood cells and hemoglobin, highlighting diverse evolutionary solutions to oxygen transport in fish. doi.org/hbhnbb
Two white-blooded fish, two paths: Icefish and noodlefish independently lose red blood cell function
Antarctic icefish are famous for living without red blood cells, but they are not alone. A species of needle-shaped, warm-water fish called the Asian noodlefish also lacks hemoglobin and red blood cells.
phys.org
January 2, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Both Antarctic icefish and Asian noodlefish independently evolved to lack red blood cells and hemoglobin, highlighting diverse evolutionary solutions to oxygen transport in fish. doi.org/hbhnbb
A new AI model predicts B cell reactivity to neoantigens, enabling the design of personalized cancer vaccines that may provide long-term immune memory and reduce cancer recurrence.
AI model predicts B cell reactivity to neoantigens for improved cancer vaccines
Neoantigens are unique markers that distinguish only cancer cells. By adding B cell reactivity, cancer vaccines can move beyond one-time attacks and short-term memory to become a long-term immunity that "remembers" cancer, effectively preventing recurrence.
medicalxpress.com
January 2, 2026 at 4:24 PM
A new AI model predicts B cell reactivity to neoantigens, enabling the design of personalized cancer vaccines that may provide long-term immune memory and reduce cancer recurrence.
A new chemical system enables on-demand hydrogen fuel production using stored solar energy, achieving high output rates even in darkness and eliminating the need for high-pressure hydrogen storage.
On-demand hydrogen fuel production goes dark-mode
Hydrogen, the lightest element on the periodic table, is a master of escaping almost any container it's stored in. Its extremely small size allows it to squeeze through atomic-scale gaps in the storage materials, which is one of the major issues hindering hydrogen energy from becoming mainstream.
techxplore.com
January 2, 2026 at 4:23 PM
A new chemical system enables on-demand hydrogen fuel production using stored solar energy, achieving high output rates even in darkness and eliminating the need for high-pressure hydrogen storage.
A specific ratio of immune proteins in the brain has been identified as a potential biomarker for tracking multiple sclerosis progression and targeting treatment strategies. doi.org/hbhm76
Potential biomarker linked to multiple sclerosis progression and brain inflammation
A new University of Toronto-led study has discovered a possible biomarker linked to multiple sclerosis (MS) disease progression that could help identify patients most likely to benefit from new drugs.
medicalxpress.com
January 2, 2026 at 4:12 PM
A specific ratio of immune proteins in the brain has been identified as a potential biomarker for tracking multiple sclerosis progression and targeting treatment strategies. doi.org/hbhm76
Juvenile Caribbean spiny lobsters in the Florida Keys are drawn by social cues into limestone holes inhabited by red groupers, resulting in significantly higher mortality due to a natural ecological trap.
How juvenile lobsters fall into a deadly natural trap in the Florida Keys
In the shallow waters of the Florida Keys, juvenile Caribbean spiny lobsters are unwittingly meeting their doom by stumbling into naturally occurring ecological traps, according to a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
phys.org
January 2, 2026 at 4:10 PM
Juvenile Caribbean spiny lobsters in the Florida Keys are drawn by social cues into limestone holes inhabited by red groupers, resulting in significantly higher mortality due to a natural ecological trap.
High-dose risankizumab led to rapid and durable skin clearance in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, with reduced tissue resident memory T cells and no new safety concerns at one year. doi.org/hbhm7s
High-dose risankizumab trial tests staying power against psoriasis
Oregon Medical Research Center in Portland, Oregon, has led a phase 2 trial in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis that paired higher-than-approved doses of risankizumab with extended follow-up and found high early skin clearance alongside reduced lesional tissue-resident memory T cells at Week 52.
medicalxpress.com
January 2, 2026 at 3:38 PM
High-dose risankizumab led to rapid and durable skin clearance in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, with reduced tissue resident memory T cells and no new safety concerns at one year. doi.org/hbhm7s
Analysis of all 960 Chess960 starting positions shows that white retains a significant first-move advantage in nearly every case, indicating the game’s inherent asymmetry persists despite randomization. doi.org/qk2c
Chess960's random setups still favor white, new study reveals
Chess is a relatively simple game to learn but a very difficult one to master. Because the starting positions of the pieces are fixed, top players have relied on memorizing the "best" opening moves, which can sometimes result in boring, predictable games.
phys.org
January 2, 2026 at 3:37 PM
Analysis of all 960 Chess960 starting positions shows that white retains a significant first-move advantage in nearly every case, indicating the game’s inherent asymmetry persists despite randomization. doi.org/qk2c
A rapid point-of-care hepatitis C test offers faster diagnosis and treatment initiation, but high costs may limit widespread adoption unless reimbursement rates increase. doi.org/hbhm7h
Costs pose hurdle for promising new hepatitis C lab test
A new rapid test for hepatitis C could help identify many more patients who could be cured of the deadly disease, but its use may be limited unless insurers' reimbursement rises to cover its high cost, according to researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle.
medicalxpress.com
January 2, 2026 at 3:24 PM
A rapid point-of-care hepatitis C test offers faster diagnosis and treatment initiation, but high costs may limit widespread adoption unless reimbursement rates increase. doi.org/hbhm7h