Science

Latest Science News

đź“…January 4, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Latest science news highlights mental health genetics, neutron star explosions, Alzheimer's warnings, exoplanet discoveries, and upcoming 2026 breakthroughs in space and AI.[13 words]
1

Massive Genetics Study Reveals Overlaps in Mental Disorders

A global study analyzing genetic data from over six million people uncovered deep genetic connections across 14 psychiatric disorders, explaining why diagnoses often overlap. This reshapes understanding of mental illness.Source 3 Researchers emphasize the shared genetic roots challenge traditional diagnostic boundaries.Source 3

2

Unstable Atoms Rewrite Neutron Star Explosion Models

Scientists precisely measured two unstable atomic nuclei crucial for X-ray bursts on neutron stars, revealing faster nuclear reactions than previously thought. This impacts models of element formation in these cosmic events.Source 3 The findings refine predictions for stellar nucleosynthesis.Source 3

3

Clogged Brain Drains Signal Early Alzheimer's Risk

Researchers found blocked brain 'drains' visible on standard MRI scans appear early in those at risk for Alzheimer’s, linked to toxic protein buildup causing memory loss. This could enable earlier interventions.Source 3 The blockages correlate with cognitive decline progression.Source 3

4

JWST Discovers Lava World with Thick Atmosphere

James Webb Space Telescope data on super-Earth TOI-561 b provides strongest evidence yet of a rocky exoplanet with a substantial atmosphere, despite extreme heat ruling out known life forms. The ancient planet's enduring atmosphere offers hope for habitability elsewhere.Source 5

5

Vera C. Rubin Observatory to Map Universe in Detail

The new telescope in Chile will scan the entire sky every three days starting early 2026, generating massive data on moving objects and creating the most detailed 3D universe map.Source 1 It will collect more optical data in a year than all prior telescopes combined.Source 1

6

UK Cancer Blood Test Trial Results Expected in 2026

A trial with over 140,000 participants tests a blood test detecting 50 cancer types via DNA fragments before symptoms, identifying tumor origins. Promising outcomes could lead to nationwide rollout.Source 1

7

ESA's PLATO Satellite to Hunt Earth-Like Exoplanets

Launching in 2026, PLATO with 26 cameras will monitor 200,000 stars for habitable Earth-like planets with liquid water potential.Source 1 This advances exoplanet detection capabilities.Source 1

8

India's Aditya-L1 Sun Mission Amid Solar Maximum

India's first solar mission launches during the 11-year solar cycle peak, studying sunspots, flares, and storms to enhance space weather predictions.Source 1

9

Shape-Shifting Molecules Enable Neuromorphic Computing

New molecular devices switch between memory, logic, and learning functions, supported by a theoretical model predicting behavior from structure. This paves the way for energy-efficient AI hardware integrating computation into materials.Source 6

10

mRNA Treatment Counters Immune Cell Aging in Mice

An experimental mRNA therapy reverses aging in immune cells in mice, potentially advancing anti-aging and immunotherapy research.Source 7 The approach targets cellular senescence mechanisms.Source 7

11

AI Chip Smaller Than Grain of Salt Processes at Light Speed

Researchers developed a tiny AI chip on optical fiber tips using diffractive neural networks for ultra-low energy image decoding, promising advances in medical imaging and quantum tech.Source 2

12

Why Humans Lost Ability to Make Vitamin C

Study shows vitamin C-deficient mice resist parasitic schistosomiasis, suggesting evolutionary loss protected against ancient parasites, explaining reliance on dietary sources.Source 5