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Phys.org / Complex life on planets orbiting the galaxy's most common stars may be unlikely

In a blow to anyone dreaming that complex life may exist elsewhere in the universe, a new study suggests we're unlikely to find it around many of the most common stars in the galaxy.

Jan 12, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Neutral stances on hot topics can damage your reputation, study finds

People shouldn't be afraid to say what they think, and new research from the University of Virginia bears that out.

Jan 17, 2026 in Other Sciences
Medical Xpress / Ion channel offers promising avenue for new Parkinson's drugs

Lysosomes are the recycling centers of human cells. Larger molecules are broken down inside the membrane-enclosed vesicles. Malfunctions can lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's.

Jan 16, 2026 in Medical research
Phys.org / Sideways discovery rewrites the rules of antigen presentation

A new discovery about how cells communicate with each other in the body's immune system has revealed deeper insights for an international team of scientists into fundamental immune system function.

Jan 16, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Massive impact could be the cause of our lopsided moon

Our nearest neighbor, the moon, is still something of a mystery to us. For decades, scientists have wondered why it appears so lopsided, with dark volcanic plains on the near side (the side we see) and rugged, cratered mountains ...

Jan 13, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Tech Xplore / Tougher solid electrolyte advances long-sought lithium metal batteries

A solid—rather than liquid—electrolyte between the opposite electrodes of a battery should, in theory, enable a rechargeable lithium metal battery that is safer, packs much more energy, and charges considerably faster ...

Jan 16, 2026 in Engineering
Phys.org / Cells use dual strategies to fine-tune inflammatory gene activation

Inflammation has to fight pathogens fast—but it can't get out of control. Researchers at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) have now deciphered in more detail how the organism masters this balancing act. Their work ...

Jan 16, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Utah's other Great Salt Lake is underground, ancient, deep....and fresh

Under the Great Salt Lake playa lies a potentially vast reservoir of pressurized freshwater that has accumulated over thousands of years from mountain-derived snowmelt, according to new research from University of Utah geoscientists. ...

Jan 15, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / When tropical oceans were oxygen oases

Research reveals when and why ancient tropical seas transitioned from oxygen oases to marine dead zones, providing clues to the long-term evolution of oceanic environments.

Jan 16, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / How mountain terraces have helped Indigenous peoples live with climate uncertainty

Indigenous communities have lived with changes to the climate for centuries. Their adaptations over those many years are based on their close observation of weather, water, soils and seasonal change, and they have been refined ...

Jan 17, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / Plant diversity shapes chemical communication in ecosystems

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology and the University of Kiel have provided experimental evidence showing that reducing plant species diversity alters plant chemical signals across whole communities ...

Jan 16, 2026 in Biology
Medical Xpress / Alpha-2 receptor drugs reduce heavy alcohol drinking, study finds

Alcohol use is widespread and alcohol use disorder (AUD) causes substantial harm. AUD affects 29 million individuals and causes more than 140,000 deaths annually in the U.S. alone. Individuals with AUD also often struggle ...

Jan 17, 2026 in Neuroscience