Latest Science News
Key Alzheimer’s Gene ADAMTS2 Identified in African American Brain Study
Scientists at Boston University uncovered that the gene ADAMTS2 is significantly more active in Alzheimer’s patients' brains from over 200 African American donors compared to healthy ones. Surprisingly, the same gene ranked highest in an independent study of White individuals, suggesting a shared biological pathway across races
. This discovery could lead to new treatment strategies for the disease.
2026 Marked as Landmark Year for Space Exploration, Medicine, and AI
The year 2026 is pivotal for global science, featuring the first crewed Moon flight in over 50 years and breakthrough cancer advancements. Progress in AI and other fields highlights a transformative period for humanity's scientific frontiers
. International efforts are accelerating discoveries across disciplines.
NASA Prepares Spacewalks for ISS Solar Array Installation
On January 6, NASA astronauts will conduct spacewalks outside the International Space Station to install a new solar array. This upgrade supports ongoing operations amid a busy year of missions
. It underscores preparations for sustained human presence in space.
Mars Mission to Study Atmosphere Loss for Future Habitation
A 2026 mission will explore Mars' space weather, thin atmosphere, and magnetic crust to understand how it lost its thick atmosphere. Data will help mitigate risks for long-term human habitation reliant on artificial life support
. This is crucial for safe planetary settlement.
China’s Xuntian Space Telescope Launches for Galaxy Surveys
China's Xuntian telescope, orbiting independently from Tiangong station, features a 2-meter aperture for imaging nearly one billion galaxies. It offers 350 times Hubble's field of view using five instruments including a survey camera and spectrograph
. The 10-year mission will advance cosmology and exoplanet studies.
ESA Hera Mission Rendezvous with DART Impact Asteroid System
ESA's Hera spacecraft will perform the first rendezvous with a binary asteroid system, studying NASA's DART impact aftermath. This refines planetary defense techniques against potential threats
. The mission advances our understanding of asteroid deflection.
Quadrantid Meteor Shower Peaks on January 3
The Quadrantid meteor shower reaches peak on January 3, though a nearly full Moon will limit visibility mainly to Northern Hemisphere viewers. This annual event offers a spectacular display despite lunar interference
. Observers should seek dark skies for best viewing.
Jupiter at Opposition on January 10 for Optimal Viewing
Jupiter will be at opposition on January 10, appearing brightest and most visible all year. This positions it ideally for telescope observations
. Astronomy enthusiasts have a prime opportunity to study the gas giant.
New Climate Research on CO2 and Aerosol Reductions for 2°C Goals
Research by Jin et al. examines synergistic reductions of CO2 and aerosols to navigate mid-term warming risks for 2°C climate futures. Published in Advances in Climate Change Research, it highlights pathways to limit global warming
. Findings aid policy for sustainable targets.
Rodney Brooks’ 2026 Predictions: Quantum Computers as Analog Simulators
Rodney Brooks predicts quantum computers will emulate physical systems for specialized problems like materials science, akin to 21st-century analog computers. Impact focuses on physics computations rather than general computing
. This scorecard updates AI and robotics forecasts.
Predictions: Humanoid Robots Face Dexterity Challenges Beyond 2036
Deployable dexterity in humanoid robots will remain inferior to human hands past 2036 without new mechanical systems, per Rodney Brooks. They pose safety risks near humans due to limitations
. Hype exceeds current technical feasibility.
Climate Study on Trends in Downward Surface Shortwave Radiation
McKinnon & Simpson analyze observed and modeled trends in downward surface shortwave radiation over land, identifying drivers and discrepancies. Published in Geophysical Research Letters, it addresses climate observation gaps
. Results inform Earth system models.