Hidden Magnetic Order Could Unlock Superconductivity

Physicists announced the discovery of a hidden magnetic order that may be the key to understanding superconductivity, according to a Science Daily report published January 26, 2026. The finding, stemming from research at the Simons Foundation, reveals that subtle magnetic patterns persist beneath the surface of materials even when magnetism appears disrupted. These patterns closely correlate with the temperature at which the pseudogap forms, a state of matter that precedes superconductivity.

The research team utilized an ultra-cold quantum simulator to observe this phenomenon. The discovery suggests that magnetism may play a crucial role in setting the stage for superconductivity.

Vietnam's Leader Focuses on Economic Growth

In other news, To Lam, a prominent figure in Vietnamese politics, is staking his ascent on rapid economic growth in Vietnam, according to Foreign Policy. Lam has reportedly boosted the private sector and dismissed tens of thousands of civil servants in an effort to stimulate the economy. Joseph Rachman, writing for Foreign Policy's Southeast Asia Brief, noted Lam's focus on economic development as central to his political strategy.

Controversy Surrounds U.S. Border Patrol Actions in Minneapolis

Meanwhile, in the United States, the deployment of U.S. Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis has drawn criticism, with some observers drawing parallels to repressive regimes, according to Foreign Policy. Marc Lynch, a professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University, argued that the U.S. response to protests evoked similar tactics employed by authoritarian governments around the world. The presence of U.S. Border Patrol agents, such as those standing guard at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on January 8, has sparked debate about the appropriate use of federal law enforcement in response to domestic unrest.

New Technology Records Gene Regulation Dynamics

In the field of biotechnology, Nature reported the development of CytoTape, a new technology for recording gene regulation dynamics. CytoTape is a genetically encoded protein tape recorder capable of tracking multiple-component dynamics with spatiotemporal resolution and scalability within the same cells. This allows for continuous recording of gene regulation dynamics for up to three weeks, with single-cell, minutes-scale resolution. The technology employs a flexible, thread-like, elongating intracellular protein self-assembly engineered via computation.

Efforts Underway to Save Endangered Trees

Efforts are underway to protect endangered trees on the Yemeni island of Socotra, according to Nature. Mohammed Amar, the Indigenous on-site manager of the Socotra endangered-tree project, is working with scientists from Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic, and other European universities to protect the world's last dragons blood tree forest, as well as other threatened plants like cucumber trees and frankincense trees. Amar acts as a liaison between scientists, Indigenous communities, and local authorities, scouting areas for habitat restoration and collaborating with remote communities. The project is primarily funded by the Franklinia Foundation in Geneva, Switzerland.