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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 427


Page 427 of 518

CityUHK research team develops 3D-printed biomimetic “mechanoelectrical” smart materials inspired by sea urchin spines

A research team led by Professor Lu Jian has discovered a naturally occurring porous ceramic structure within sea urchin spines that possesses an unexpected capability for mechanoelectrical perception. Inspired by this natural architecture, they combined biomimetic structural design with advanced 3D printing technology to replicate and...

CityUHK and global climate experts warn that El Niño could hammer the Hong Kong economy hard and reduce life expectancy

A recent study found that strong El Niño events cause deeper, longer-lasting harm to human health than previously understood, shortening life expectancy and generating major economic costs. The study reveals that vulnerable populations face heightened risks, with El Niño events contributing to excess mortality.

SourceCommunications and Institutional Research Office, City University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 1, 2026

NUS Medicine-Monash study: Intranasal vaccine booster shows stronger immune response and protection against sarbecoviruses

The study found that the intranasal vaccine booster Clec9A OMNI induced significantly stronger neutralising antibody responses and robust T-cell responses in the lungs and nasal tissues, offering robust protection against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection. This breakthrough may address current shortcomings of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, includi...

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2026

Precision tumor imaging with a fluorescence probe and engineered enzymes

Researchers developed a bioorthogonal fluorescence probe and matching reporter enzyme that selectively activates at targeted tumor sites, enabling high-contrast tumor visualization with minimal background. This technology has potential for improving cancer surgery outcomes and may also be adapted for targeted drug delivery.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2026

Multi-resonance emitters with phosphorus-bridged cyclization: Spectral narrowing synergized with accelerated reverse intersystem crossing

Researchers developed a novel phosphorus-carbon-bridged cyclization strategy, yielding high-performance blue emitters with exceptional color purity and electroluminescence efficiency. The synergistic heavy-atom effect of phosphorus and sulfur significantly enhances reverse intersystem crossing rates, leading to ultra-high efficiency an...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2026

Functionalized wood: A green nanoengineering platform for sustainable technologies

Researchers have developed functionalized wood as a versatile material for next-generation energy and environmental applications. The work enables sustainable solutions in metal-ion batteries, Zn–air systems, and supercapacitors, as well as efficient adsorption, photothermal filtration, and catalytic degradation for water treatment.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateMar 1, 2026

Synergistic ultramicropore-confined and electronic-state modulation strategies in sustainable lignin-derived hard carbon for robust sodium-ion batteries

Researchers develop synergistic ultramicropore-confined and electronic-state modulation strategies in sustainable lignin-derived hard carbon to achieve robust sodium-ion batteries. The material exhibits high reversible capacity and initial Coulombic efficiency, making it a promising anode candidate.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateMar 1, 2026

Alkali cation effects in electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction

Researchers have identified three distinct distribution patterns of alkali metal cations at the reaction interface, which correspond to electrostatic adsorption, specific adsorption, and quasi-specific adsorption. The team clarified the physicochemical origin of the alkali metal cation effect and proposed new insights for designing nex...

Mountain soils in arid regions may emit more greenhouse gas as climate shifts, new study finds

Researchers found that managed cropland soils produced the highest nitrous oxide emissions due to irrigation and fertilization, while natural ecosystems emitted lower amounts but showed a clear response to elevation. Climate change could shift the balance of greenhouse gas emissions across ecosystems in arid mountain regions.

Reducing disease through gene manipulation

Dr. Gregory Reeves' team has developed a method to measure the amount of Dorsal protein in the nucleus, revealing its interaction with DNA and providing a predictive model for therapeutic purposes. The study aims to control cellular processes and prevent diseases like cancer.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 27, 2026

Pairing biochar with other soil amendments could unlock stronger gains in soil health

A review of field studies found that combining biochar with other amendments like compost, manure, or fertilizers enhances soil health by increasing water retention, nutrient cycling, and microbial activity. The co-application approach also improves soil physical properties and biological responses.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 27, 2026

The Journal of Nuclear Medicine ahead-of-print tip sheet: February 27, 2026

Researchers have developed a new PSMA-targeted PET tracer that shows promise in early human studies, providing strong tumor uptake and favorable radiation dosimetry. Additionally, advanced dynamic PET imaging has been used to track heart amyloid buildup more precisely, detecting significant reductions after six months of tafamidis ther...

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2026

Major NIH grant renewal fuels next phase of chronic pain research at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry

The UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry has secured a $9 million NIH grant to develop a targeted, non-opioid treatment for chronic pain associated with muscle and joint dysfunction. Researchers will map the biology of facial pain, identify specialized neurons, and analyze gene expression changes to design effective treatments.

Targeted PET/CT predicts early treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis patients

A new targeted PET/CT tracer can detect treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis patients as little as four weeks after treatment initiation. The imaging technique uses macrophages, a type of white blood cell, as a biomarker for disease activity, potentially allowing non-responders to pursue more effective therapies.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2026

Using moon dirt to build future lunar colonies

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new laser 3D printing method that can create extremely durable structures using simulated lunar dirt. The study found that the material's properties depend on the surface onto which it is printed, and that environmental factors such as oxygen levels and temperature affect its stabil...

SourceOhio State University·JournalActa Astronautica·DateFeb 27, 2026

Stress-testing the Cascadia Subduction Zone reveals variability that could impact how earthquakes spread

Researchers found the Cascadia Subduction Zone to be more active than previously thought, with signs of shallow earthquakes and fluid flow detected offshore. The study suggests variable fluid pathways could alter the behavior of large earthquakes on the fault, potentially influencing the severity of future events.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 27, 2026

Acoziborole Winthrop, developed by DNDi and Sanofi, receives European Medicines Agency positive opinion as three-tablet, single-dose treatment for most common form of sleeping sickness

The European Medicines Agency has granted a positive opinion to Acoziborole Winthrop as a single-dose oral treatment for both early- and advanced-stage gambiense sleeping sickness in adults and adolescents. The medicine, co-developed by DNDi and Sanofi, could provide a significant advance over current therapies.

Variety: Spice of life or risk factor for overeating?

A new study conducted by researchers at Penn State found that the presence of a higher variety of foods in a buffet increases both the weight and calories of food selected. Participants who visited buffets with more food options chose higher-calorie dense foods, leading to increased calorie consumption.

SourcePenn State·JournalAppetite·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2026

Psychology: Habit-like repetition influences decisions more than previously thought

Researchers found that past actions have a greater impact on current decisions than assumed, with people often repeating choices due to mental shortcuts. This study enhances understanding of everyday habits and decision-making processes, offering new starting points for describing human behavior more realistically.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2026

Reduced international donor funding associated with higher household economic burden of Tuberculosis in low- and middle-income countries, according to modelling study

A modelling study suggests that reduced international donor funding increases the household economic burden of tuberculosis in low- and middle-income countries. The research found that decreased funding leads to a significant rise in healthcare costs and lost productivity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 27, 2026

Compositional gradient design and microstructural engineering enable ultra-stable quinary Ni-rich cathodes in high-voltage pouch cells

Developing high-performance Ni-rich cathode materials is crucial for achieving single-cell energy densities exceeding 400 Wh kg‑. A research team synthesized quinary full-concentration-gradient cathodes using an in-situ co-precipitation strategy, featuring a Mn-rich, Ni-poor surface and radially aligned primary particles.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2026

Machine-learning-aided discovery of methanol-to-olefins zeolite catalysts with ultra-high initial selectivity

Researchers developed a comprehensive database and trained machine learning models to predict catalyst performance. They discovered a zeolite catalyst with ultra-high initial ethene selectivity, achieving 100% methanol conversion and 87.6% combined ethene and propene selectivity.

Changing the past in your imagination: Working with memories reduces the fear of failure

A study by SWPS University researchers found that imagery-based techniques can significantly reduce fear of failure and negative emotions associated with childhood criticism. The techniques, including Imagery Exposure and Rescripting, helped participants reframe their memories and experience a lasting reduction in stress and anxiety.

SourceSWPS University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 27, 2026