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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 447


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A “smart fluid” you can reconfigure with temperature

Scientists create a porous silica microrod material that can form dense dispersions in nematic liquid crystals, overcoming the challenge of strong surface anchoring. This enables the reconfigurable self-assembly of micrometer-sized particles, opening up new possibilities for optical and biomedical applications.

Is it possible to cut CO2 emissions from European agriculture by 40 per cent?

A recent study from Norwegian University of Science and Technology suggests that optimizing production in fertile areas while allowing less productive areas to lie fallow can cut greenhouse gas emissions. By doing so, food production can be maintained while reducing pressure on biodiversity by up to 20%.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 17, 2026

Government censorship of Chinese chatbots

Researchers found Chinese chatbots more likely to refuse or provide inaccurate responses to sensitive questions about politics, while non-Chinese models offered longer, more accurate answers. The study suggests the source of this issue cannot be explained solely by training data or model development choices.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 17, 2026

Wiley to expand Advanced Portfolio

Wiley is launching eight new Advanced journals in life, health and social sciences disciplines by the end of 2026. The expansion aims to empower scientists with a streamlined publishing approach, reflecting Wiley's commitment to accelerating science that addresses humanity's most pressing challenges.

SourceWiley·DateFeb 17, 2026

A yeast enzyme helps human cells overcome mitochondrial defects

A yeast enzyme, Sc URA, has been found to sustain nucleotide synthesis independently of mitochondrial respiration in human cells. This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating mitochondrial diseases with no cure, and could provide a valuable experimental tool for understanding rare diseases and cancer.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Tropical forests generate rainfall worth billions, study finds

A new study estimates that each hectare of tropical forest generates 2.4 million litres of rain annually, enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool. This process is known as evapotranspiration, where the sun's energy is used to transfer moisture from the leaves into the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 17, 2026

Admissions for child maltreatment decreased during first phase of COVID-19 pandemic, but ICU admissions increased later

Hospital admissions for child maltreatment declined by 31% during the initial lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic but rebounded to pre-pandemic levels after restrictions were lifted. However, rates of admission to intensive care units (ICUs) increased by 80% after the 16-week period of restricted healthcare access.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Rhododendron-derived drugs now made by bacteria

Kobe University scientists have engineered bacteria to produce a group of compounds with promising pharmacological activities. The breakthrough uses a rational design strategy to create a platform for industrial production of drug candidates.

SourceKobe University·JournalMetabolic Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Inhaled microplastics and lung health

New research suggests that inhaled microplastics can cause inflammation and damage to the lungs, potentially increasing the risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. Microplastics can also trigger inflammatory responses and deliver toxins directly into the lungs, highlighting a growing concern for lung health.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalFood Bioscience·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 16, 2026

External validation of the feeding intolerance prediction model (NOFI) in critically ill patients: A post hoc analysis of a large-scale randomized controlled trial

A new study externally validates the NOFI model, which uses three clinical variables to predict feeding intolerance and stratify patients by 28-day mortality risk. The analysis found that patients in the high-risk group experienced substantially higher 28-day mortality compared with those in lower-risk groups.

SourceJournal of Intensive Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2026

Early study connects dogs’ cancer survival with which microorganisms live in their gut

A recent clinical trial led by Oregon State University scientists found that the composition of a dog's microbiome is linked to its cancer survival rate. The study identified 11 specific types of bacteria that were associated with longer or shorter survival, suggesting potential biomarkers for predicting treatment response and improvin...

SourceOregon State University·JournalVeterinary Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 16, 2026

When too much of a good thing becomes dangerous

Global study finds that nitrogen pollution causes forests to follow two distinct patterns in response to added nutrients, with some experiencing a boost and others collapsing. The findings highlight the importance of reducing nitrogen levels to stabilize forest soil carbon pools and maintain natural respiration rhythms.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 16, 2026

Nuclear speckles play a key role in the progression of viral infection

Research reveals that nuclear speckles are essential for processing and exporting viral messenger RNAs from the nucleus, highlighting their critical role in viral infections. The study suggests that understanding how viruses interact with host cells can lead to new ways to treat and prevent viral diseases.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2026

Focal therapy effectively treats men whose prostate cancer returns after radiotherapy with fewer side effects, says new study

A new study published in JAMA Oncology found that salvage focal therapy is as effective as radical prostatectomy in treating recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy, but with much fewer complications. The treatment targets only the cancerous area of the prostate, resulting in less impact on quality of life.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateFeb 16, 2026

Cosmic predators: How supermassive black holes slow star growth in nearby galaxies

A study using the James Webb Space Telescope found that supermassive black holes can suppress star growth not only in their host galaxy but also in neighboring galaxies within a million-light-year radius. This discovery reveals a larger impact of quasars on galaxy evolution, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2026

Telehealth in cardiovascular care

A new position statement from CSANZ and ACRA highlights telehealth as a critical tool for increasing access to quality cardiovascular care. The guidance provides best practice guidance for safe use by clinicians while emphasizing patient-centered, culturally inclusive multidisciplinary care.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalHeart Lung and Circulation·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 16, 2026

Discover a new ‘cellular target’ to understand and treat alzheimer’s disease

Researchers have identified astrocytes as a promising cellular target for Alzheimer's therapy. Senescent astrocytes, which lose functional capacity, are found in Alzheimer's patients' brains, leading to neuronal damage and inflammation. The study opens an avenue for therapeutic strategies like senolytic drugs.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2026