Global Scans · Science · Weekly Summary

• [New] In 2026, life-science R&D will cross a meaningful inflection point as AI-augmented molecular design becomes not just a promising capability but the default mode of early discovery. Drug Discovery News Magazine
• [New] Science fiction can give audiences a window into humanity, exploring how things like alien life, advanced technology and space travel might impact the world. CBR
• [New] The warnings, published today in Science, come alongside calls for coordinated global action to counter the risk, including swarm scanners and watermarked content to counter AI-run misinformation campaigns. The Guardian
• [New] The value of rapidly disseminating science-based vaccine promotion in terms of within-country health benefits likely underestimates the benefits of responding to shared global vulnerabilities with shared investments in mutually beneficial solutions such as vaccination. JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
• [New] The reluctance to embrace THR in Asia is often framed as precautionary, but critics argue it reflects an ideological resistance to nicotine rather than a science-based assessment of risk. Vaping Post
• [New] The U.S.-ASEAN Science, Technology, and Innovation Cooperation Program remains active but is scheduled to end in 2027. Default
• [New] The AI approach could offer a model for exploring other space science archives. Scientific American
• [New] Nations that invest in STEM literacy and translational research - the bridge between theoretical science and real-world application - will set the pace of global development. Intelligent Living
• [New] 2026 must be the year India demonstrates that climate action, grounded in science and executed through industry, finance, and policy, is not a constraint on growth, but a strategic opportunity to reshape it. Grant Thornton Bharat
• [New] Target A7 of the Global Framework on Chemicals recognises the need to phase out Highly Hazardous Pesticides where risks cannot be managed and where safer, affordable alternatives are available, while acknowledging that transitions must be science-based, evidence-led and locally adapted. CropLife International
• [New] A massive Myanmar quake exposed how ancient faults can unleash their full power-reshaping earthquake science and risk forecasts worldwide. ScienceDaily
• [New] NASA plans to continue launching science and discovery missions, including placing the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope into operation before the end of the year. / USA SciTechDaily
• [New] By 2026, breakthroughs across energy, data science, materials, and infrastructure are expected to significantly reshape the global climate landscape, often outpacing regulatory frameworks. Mexico Business
• [New] 2) China and open source will remain hardware constrained, falling markedly behind in SOTA level reasoning (math / science) ~18 months, but closer in performance on specific tasks like coding, long-context, and agentic workflows (~6 months). both flesh and more
• [New] Dedicated budgetary support for clinical research and evidence-based nutrition will be crucial to strengthening consumer trust and enhancing the global credibility of Indian-made supplements, firmly positioning India as a trusted, science-led hub for preventive health and long-term well-being. The Indian Express
• [New] In 2026, expect clearer claims and stronger science as consumers seek targeted support for energy, sleep, immunity, stress resilience, and metabolic health. Lakanto USA
• [New] Companies might conduct science in Tel Aviv or Zurich; co-develop parts with Korean or Japanese partners; test designs near Shenzhen; and mass-produce in the Yangtze River Delta or Mexico's Bajio. Swiss Institute of Artificial Intelligence
• [New] We can expect cutting-edge science, environmental storytelling, and bold exploration. Live Science
• [New] In 2026 Cannabis marketing and content will continue to move away from the stoner content further towards science-based content. Cannabis Health News
• [New] Xuntian's 2-meter primary mirror and extremely wide field of view will allow it to conduct large-scale sky surveys, study galaxies, search for exoplanets and map cosmic structures, making it one of the most ambitious Chinese space science projects to date. Moneycontrol
• Among the myriad experiments packed into Artemis II's science payloads will be AVATAR (A Virtual Astronaut Tissue Analog Response), a system designed to mimic individual astronaut organs. Scientific American
• The higher the temperature rise, the higher the costs of shielding society against climate cataclysm, warns the IPCC, the world's top climate science authority. The Daily Star
• The Semiconductor Industry Association reports tens of thousands of open roles across design engineering, fabrication, materials science and technician disciplines, with shortages expected to intensify as new facilities become operational. DEV Community

Last updated: 02 February 2026