Latest Science News
Bacterial Sensor Pills Detect Gut Diseases Noninvasively
Researchers developed oral microsphere sensors with blood-sensing bacteria to detect gastrointestinal bleeding quickly from stool samples using magnets. The hydrogel protects bacteria during digestion while allowing heme detection, glowing upon interaction.
This could replace invasive colonoscopies for early disease detection.
Nasal Drops Target Aggressive Brain Tumors
Washington University and Northwestern researchers created nano-engineered nasal drops delivering tumor-fighting medicine for glioblastoma. The spherical nucleic acids activate the brain's STING immune pathway, eradicating tumors in animal models with long-term immunity when combined with T-cell drugs.
This noninvasive method boosts immune response against hard-to-reach brain cancers.
CRISPR Base Editing Targets Genetic Diseases in Human Trials
Asian American pioneer Liu's 2026 research yields results from human trials on base and prime editing for sickle cell and hereditary blindness, avoiding CRISPR's DNA breaks. These precise alterations promise safer gene therapies.
Compact Genome Editing for Immune Rejuvenation
Feng Zhang at Broad Institute advances 'compact' CRISPR with smaller enzymes like NovaIscB for liver T-cell improvement via mRNA. This follows 2025 studies and targets rejuvenation therapies.
Quantum Error Correction with Logical Qubits
Chow's team demonstrates scalable logical qubits in the Starling architecture, enabling commercial quantum-classical hybrid algorithms beyond the 1,121-qubit Condor chip. This breakthrough advances practical quantum computing.
Solid-State and Anode-Free Batteries Revolutionize Energy Storage
Meng's work at Argonne focuses on safer, denser solid-state batteries and sodium-ion alternatives using abundant salt for affordable grid storage in developing nations. These eliminate liquid electrolytes for faster charging.
RNA Phase Separation Therapy for ALS and Huntington’s
Ankur Jain at MIT develops small molecules to dissolve RNA aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases, treating them as material science issues. This opens new therapeutic windows for previously untreatable conditions.
SMILE Mission Launches to Study Sun-Earth Interactions
ESA and Chinese Academy's Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) has an earliest launch on April 8, 2026, to probe solar wind effects. JAXA’s MMX also launches in April to land on Phobos and sample Martian moons.
Hera Arrives at Didymos Asteroid System
ESA's Hera spacecraft reaches the binary asteroid in April 2026 to study DART impact aftermath, deploying cubesats for planetary defense data. This refines strategies against near-Earth objects.
Bromine-Based Flow Batteries Advance Grid Storage
A new bromine flow battery design overcomes obstacles for long-lasting, affordable energy storage, as reported January 1, 2026. This enhances renewable energy viability.
Moss Forensics Solves Crimes with Micro-Environmental Clues
Moss fragments reveal precise locations in crimes due to species-specific habitats, aiding cases across countries including locating a buried child. Researchers urge law enforcement to use this forensic tool more.
Deep Earthquake in Chile Supercharged by Underground Anomaly
A 7.4-magnitude quake in northern Chile ruptured hotter deep rock layers via a rare chain reaction, defying expectations for weaker deep events. This challenges seismic models.
Saturn-Sized Rogue Planet Weighed After Galactic Ejection
Astronomers measured a wandering Saturn-mass planet flung from its system, providing insights into planetary disruptions. This rare direct mass determination advances rogue planet studies.