Science

Latest Science News

đź“…January 8, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Breakthroughs in plant imaging, AI health tech, starless galaxies, diabetes proteins, malaria housing, and naval AI sensing dominate today's key science news.
1

Breakthrough Enables Real-Time Observation of Plants Breathing

University of Illinois scientists developed 'Stomata In-Sight,' a system to watch stomata movements while measuring gas exchange in real time. This could lead to drought-resistant crops using less water. Published January 7, 2026 in Plant Physiology.Source 1

2

January AI Unveils Enterprise Platform for Consumer Health at CES 2026

January AI launched APIs for food recognition, glucose prediction without sensors, and personalized recommendations. Recognized for innovations like TIME’s Best of 2025, it aids health systems in lifestyle insights. Announced at CES 2026.Source 2

3

Starless Galaxy 'Cloud-9' Discovered at AAS Meeting

NASA's Hubble examined Cloud-9, a theorized dark matter-dominated galaxy without stars, first detected by radio telescopes. Presented by Rachael Beaton at the American Astronomical Society in Phoenix. Published in Astrophysical Journal Letters on January 7, 2026.Source 11

4

TRPM5 Protein 'Switch' Discovery Paves Way for Diabetes Drugs

Northwestern University found a control switch in TRPM5 protein regulating taste, blood sugar, and gut health. This could enable new therapies for metabolic disorders. Reported recently.Source 8

5

KEMRI Breakthrough: Low-Cost Housing Reduces Heat and Malaria Risk

Kenya Medical Research Institute showed electricity-free housing modifications cut indoor heat and malaria transmission. Findings published January 5, 2026 in Nature Medicine. Targets affordable solutions in endemic areas.Source 9

6

Naval Research Lab Advances AI in Hyperspectral Imaging for Coastal Monitoring

NRL's CHROMA experiment uses AI for hyperspectral unmixing to detect threats and monitor infrastructure in coastal zones. Data from ROCX collected in September aids naval missions. Enhances object identification accuracy.Source 7

7

Implantable Artificial Kidney Earns FDA Breakthrough Designation

Nephrodite’s device, aimed at freeing patients from dialysis, is the first implantable kidney to receive FDA breakthrough status. Highlighted in CITI Program readings on January 7, 2026. Advances longevity tech.Source 5

8

C&EN Predicts 2026 Trends: GLP-1 Expansion, AI in Drug Discovery, Science Shifts

Expect GLP-1 drugs beyond weight loss, permeable AI growth in biology, and geopolitical changes in chemical industries. Europe's sector may spur action; US faces funding woes. Outlined for 2026.Source 3

9

Researchers Call for Trial Design Overhaul in 2026 Toward Root-Cause Therapies

Experts urge shifting from isolated interventions to holistic trials addressing disease causes via gene therapy and adaptive designs. Examples include Alzheimer’s Phase 2 frameworks. Published recently.Source 6

10

300 Teen Scientists Honored in Regeneron STS 2026

Society for Science recognized 300 high schoolers for innovative STEM research in the oldest prestigious competition. Announced January 7, 2026. Highlights emerging talent.Source 10

11

$68M+ Funding Opportunities in AI, Bioeconomy, Deep-Tech for January 2026

Calls include Paul Instrument Fund for novel physics tools and bioeconomy grants in South Africa. Focus on real-world implementation across global regions. Total pool exceeds $68 million.Source 4

12

AI-Driven Medical Imaging Trends Set for 2026 Growth

Expect advances in anomaly detection and faster diagnostics via AI optics in medical, industrial fields. UQG Optics highlights key developments ahead. Improves accuracy and efficiency.Source 12