Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2026 - Page 429


Page 429 of 518

Nanoplastics can interact with Salmonella to affect food safety, study shows

Researchers found that nanoplastics can increase the virulence of Salmonella, causing it to form thicker biofilms. Prolonged exposure slows down stress response, allowing bacteria to persist in the environment. Further research is needed to determine the impact on antibiotic resistance.

Green turtle nests may bury ‘plastic rocks’ and endanger the species

Researchers from São Paulo State University detected plastic rocks on Trindade Island, Brazil's easternmost territory, where green turtle nests are conducive to plastic accumulation and burial. The study highlights the need for public policies to manage plastic waste and coordinated actions to clean up beaches.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateFeb 26, 2026

Digital clinical decision support algorithm substantially reduced antibiotic prescribing without compromising clinical recovery, according to non-randomized controlled trial in 32 Rwandan health centers

A digital clinical decision support algorithm substantially reduced antibiotic prescribing in pediatric outpatient care in Rwanda, according to a non-randomized controlled trial. The study found no compromise in clinical recovery, suggesting the algorithm's effectiveness in guiding appropriate treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2026

How ancient attraction shaped the human genome

Researchers found that long-standing mating preferences led to sex-biased interbreeding, resulting in the loss of Neanderthal DNA on X chromosomes. The study reveals a complex social history of human evolution, challenging the idea that survival of the fittest drove human migration.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 26, 2026

Rice stink bug genetic mapping offers clues to curb a costly crop pest

Researchers have discovered that native rice stink bugs have more genetic diversity than invasive species, which could help monitor the spread of insecticide resistance. This study provides valuable insights into pest management for Arkansas rice growers, who face significant costs due to the bug's impact on their crops.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalFlorida Entomologist·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 26, 2026

Hormone therapy may not benefit most men receiving radiotherapy after prostate surgery, UCLA study finds

A new UCLA study suggests that adding hormone therapy to post-operative radiotherapy may provide little survival benefit for most men with prostate cancer, especially those with low PSA levels. However, men with higher PSA levels before radiation may see modest improvements in survival and metastasis-free survival.

App aids substance use recovery in vulnerable populations

A mobile app has been shown to significantly reduce opioid and non-opioid substance use among adults with unstable housing, as well as improve mental health measures. The uMAT-R app provides free support and resources for people with any substance use disorder, including misuse of opioids, stimulants, and hallucinogens.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 26, 2026

New discovery of younger Ediacaran biota

Researchers have uncovered a new, exceptionally preserved fossil site in Newfoundland, Canada, dating back to 551 Ma. This find dramatically alters our understanding of the 'Kotlin Crisis,' the first extinction event in animal history, which is now estimated to have resulted in an astonishing 80% loss of biodiversity.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateFeb 26, 2026

Improved short-term sea level change predictions with better AI training

Researchers developed a new AI-based SLA forecasting model that outperforms existing approaches and can be widely applied to other prediction tasks. The Multistep-Earthformer model achieves high-accuracy short- and medium-range sea level anomaly forecasting by optimizing training strategies.

SourceOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research (OLAR)·JournalOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 26, 2026

New water-treatment system removes nitrogen, phosphorus from farm tile drainage

A new edge-of-field water-treatment system has been developed to reduce excess nutrients washing into waterways from farm drainage systems. The system, combining woodchip bioreactors with biochar water-treatment modules, demonstrated significant reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus runoff.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Water Process Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2026

Lipid molecules reorganize at drying interfaces

A new discovery from Lund University reveals that minor changes in moisture levels can promote lipid molecule reorganization, affecting skin, lung, and tear film protection from dehydration. This understanding can inspire smart materials and improve lipid-based drug delivery systems.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2026

Immune cells link lactation to long-lasting health

Recent studies show that T cells support milk production and have lasting effects on maternal health and infant immunity. The review highlights emerging evidence of the crucial role of immune cells in lactation, which can inform strategies to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Immunology·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 26, 2026

Fertility preservation in people with cancer

The article summarizes updated recommendations on fertility preservation in people with cancer, considering potential health risks to offspring and treatment side effects. Clinicians should inform patients about available options before treatment initiation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 26, 2026

Bacterial cellulose as a sustainable vehicle for the controlled release of nisin and mandelic acid: A clean beauty-based approach for acne treatment

A study developed a bacterial cellulose-based delivery system loaded with nisin and mandelic acid to target acne treatment. The system exhibited strong antibacterial activity and antioxidant properties, while showing minimal cytotoxicity in fibroblast cells.

SourceJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·JournalJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2026

When you stumble, laughter beats embarrassment

Laughter beats embarrassment when making small mistakes, research from the American Psychological Association finds. Laughing at oneself signals social confidence and reduces tension, while acting embarrassed may be perceived as excessive. The study suggests that humor is socially effective in certain situations but risky in others.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2026

New research offers businesses a playbook for surviving social media firestorms

A new study from Binghamton University School of Management provides a framework for organizations to anticipate, interpret, and respond to social media backlash. The toolkit identifies four phases of online social disapproval and offers guiding questions and analytical indicators to aid in early detection, response, and recovery.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Business Strategy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 26, 2026