Latest Science News
JWST Detects Potential Exomoon Nursery Around Gas Giant
James Webb Space Telescope observations of gas giant CTHab reveal a debris disk with hydrogen cyanide, acetylene, and carbon compounds, indicating active exomoon formation. Researchers discerned these chemicals in infrared light, teasing out planetary light from its star.
This marks evidence of an exomoon-building zone.
University of St Andrews Cracks 80-Year-Old Chemical Puzzle
Scientists discovered a molecular 'reshuffle' in the [1,2]-Wittig rearrangement, enabling control of chirality for selective drug manufacturing. A catalyst steers initial asymmetry, followed by a chirality-maintaining reshuffle, published in Nature Chemistry on January 6.
This could transform pharmaceutical production and advanced materials.
Self-Destructing Plastic Mimics DNA for Environmental Breakdown
New plastics formulated to degrade after a set time into harmless natural chemicals, addressing plastic pollution. They mimic DNA chemistry, breaking down reliably unlike prior attempts.
This breakthrough targets bottles and microplastics prevalent today.
Fiber Optic Cables Enable High-Accuracy Earthquake Detection
Fiber optic cables detect earthquakes with precision by sensing vibrations and environmental changes. Nokia Bell Labs advances turn infrastructure into intelligent systems for early warnings.
This enhances real-time disaster response capabilities.
Harvard's SmartEM Speeds Brain Connectomics Sevenfold
AI-enhanced SmartEM scanning boosts single-beam electron microscopes for high-resolution brain mapping. Developed with MIT and others, it democratizes connectomics, previously limited to expensive multi-beam machines.
Published in Nature Methods, following 2025's Method of the Year recognition.
Microscopic Robots Smaller Than Salt Grains Think and Swim Autonomously
University of Pennsylvania created light-powered robots with tiny computers that sense temperature, decide, and move independently. They detect 0.33°C changes, follow paths, and survive months without external controls.
Reported in Science Robotics and PNAS, opening microscale robotics.
Nokia Advances Stable Topological Qubits for Quantum Computing
Topological qubits promise longer coherence, enabling simulations of molecules, drugs, and climate models. Nokia Bell Labs research overcomes traditional qubit instability limitations.
This could revolutionize scientific computation and security.
Clarivate Highlights 11 Blockbuster Drugs to Watch in 2026
Therapies like Eli Lilly's Orforglipron for obesity/T2DM and GSK's Exdensur for asthma poised for impact. Focus on metabolic, oncology, and rare diseases with oral innovations improving adherence.
Report combines forecasts, clinical data, and expert insights.
JWST Reveals Ancient Monster Stars as Little Red Dots
James Webb observations identify supermassive stars in early universe 'Little Red Dots,' shedding light on black hole origins. These massive stars may explain rapid black hole formation.
Study advances understanding of cosmic dawn.
NASA's Mars Sample Return Mission Officially Cancelled
Congress supports Trump administration in killing the project to return Martian rocks to Earth. The mission faced cost overruns and delays.
This ends a key planetary science effort announced January 6.
New Research Explores Lung Cancer and COPD Overlap
Studies investigate why lung cancer and COPD frequently co-occur, potentially leading to better diagnostics and treatments. Advances personalized lung disease approaches.
Research highlights shared mechanisms for prevention.