Science Daily·Monday, January 12, 2026

Science Daily - Monday, January 12, 2026

10 stories~15 min

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Stories Covered

A hidden brain signal may reveal Alzheimer’s long before diagnosis

Researchers have discovered a brain activity pattern that can predict which people with mild cognitive impairment are likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Using a noninvasive brain scanning technique and a custom analysis tool, they detected subtle changes in electrical signals tied to memory processing years before diagnosis. The findings point to a new way of spotting Alzheimer’s early—by listening directly to how neurons behave.

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A new crystal makes magnetism twist in surprising ways

Florida State University scientists have engineered a new crystal that forces atomic magnets to swirl into complex, repeating patterns. The effect comes from mixing two nearly identical compounds whose mismatched structures create magnetic tension at the atomic level. These swirling “skyrmion-like” textures are prized for their low-energy behavior and stability. The discovery could help drive advances in data storage, energy-efficient electronics, and quantum computing.

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Astronomers discover stars don’t spread life’s ingredients the way we thought

Scientists observing the red giant star R Doradus have found that starlight isn’t strong enough to drive its stellar winds, overturning a long-standing theory. The dust grains around the star are simply too small to be pushed outward by light alone. This raises new questions about how giant stars spread life-essential elements through space. Researchers now suspect dramatic stellar motions or pulsations may play a key role instead.

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Physicists thought this mystery particle could explain everything. See what happened

Scientists at Fermilab’s MicroBooNE experiment have ruled out the existence of the elusive sterile neutrino, a particle proposed for decades to explain puzzling neutrino behavior. Their high-precision measurements showed neutrinos behaving exactly as expected—without any sign of a hidden fourth type. While this closes off a popular theory, it marks a turning point for the field, pushing researchers toward new ideas and more powerful experiments. The result also lays critical groundwork for the m

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The oxygen you breathe depends on a tiny ocean ingredient

Microscopic ocean algae produce a huge share of Earth’s oxygen—but they need iron to do it. New field research shows that when iron is scarce, phytoplankton waste energy and photosynthesis falters. Climate-driven changes may reduce iron delivery to the oceans, weakening the base of marine food chains. Over time, this could mean fewer krill and fewer whales, seals, and penguins.

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Decoding the perfect steak: The hidden DNA behind Wagyu’s legendary marbling

A groundbreaking cattle genome has given researchers their clearest look yet at what makes Wagyu beef so special. By uncovering hundreds of new genes and hidden genetic variations, scientists can now pinpoint traits linked to marbling, health, and productivity with far greater accuracy. The advance could boost profits for beef producers while improving breeding outcomes across many cattle breeds. It also sets the stage for even more comprehensive livestock genomes in the future.

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How Ozempic and Wegovy are quietly cutting America’s food bills

Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are changing how Americans spend money on food. A large Cornell study found households cut grocery spending by over 5% within six months, with even bigger drops at fast-food restaurants. Snack foods and sweets saw the steepest declines, while only a few categories like yogurt and fruit rose slightly. The effects linger for at least a year among continued users.

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Why music brings no joy to some people

A small group of people experience no pleasure from music despite normal hearing and intact emotions. Brain imaging reveals that their auditory and reward systems fail to properly communicate, leaving music emotionally flat. Researchers developed a questionnaire to measure how rewarding music feels across emotions, mood, movement, and social connection. The findings suggest pleasure isn’t all-or-nothing and may depend on how specific brain networks connect.

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A little-known health syndrome may affect nearly everyone

Most U.S. adults have risk factors tied to a little-known condition called CKM syndrome, which connects heart disease, kidney problems, diabetes, and obesity into one powerful health threat. When these issues overlap, the danger rises far more than when they occur alone. Despite low awareness, people are eager to learn how CKM is diagnosed and treated. Experts say understanding how these systems work together could prevent serious, life-threatening events.

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War has pushed Gaza’s children to the brink – “like the living dead”

A new study warns that war in Gaza has pushed children to the edge, leaving many too hungry, weak, or traumatized to learn. Education has nearly collapsed, with years of schooling lost to conflict, hunger, and fear. Researchers say children are losing faith in the future and in basic ideas like peace and human rights. Without urgent aid, Gaza faces the risk of a lost generation.

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