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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 455


Page 455 of 519

The machinery that helps divide your cells self-organizes like an active liquid crystal

Researchers at the Flatiron Institute and their collaborators applied an active liquid crystal theory to understand how chromosomes are separated during cell division. The study found that the theory largely succeeds in predicting how spindles self-organize, using a combination of light microscopy and electron microscopy data.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Chinese scientists develop distributed intercity quantum sensor network to expand dark matter research

Researchers created a distributed nuclear-spin-based quantum sensor network to experimentally exceed astrophysical constraints on dark matter associated with axion topological defects. The study set the most stringent constraints on axion-nucleon coupling across an axion mass range, opening up new possibilities for probing unexplored p...

Major depressive disorder shares immune abnormalities and potential therapeutic targets with inflammatory skin diseases, according to new study

Researchers found that patients with major depressive disorder share immune abnormalities with inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis. The study suggests targeting the Th2 pathway and interleukin-4 receptor alpha as potential therapeutic strategies for psychiatric illness.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 11, 2026

UK winters becoming wetter due to increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere

A study by Newcastle University found that UK winters are becoming significantly wetter, with a 7% increase in rainfall per degree of global warming, driven by rising temperatures from anthropogenic warming. The experts warn that this trend will continue to worsen, increasing the risk of flooding and economic damages.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 11, 2026

AI and brain control: A new system identifies animal behavior and instantly shuts down the neurons responsible

Researchers at Nagoya University developed an AI system called YORU that recognizes animal behaviors with over 90% accuracy. The system combines real-time video capture with optogenetics to selectively target brain cells driving specific behaviors, offering a major breakthrough in social behavior studies.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Soft sensors show promise for monitoring crystallinity and polymorphism

Researchers from the FDA developed soft sensors to predict critical quality attributes and track solid-state changes in key unit operations. The models used include population balance, semi-empirical, and statistical correlations to analyze wet granulation, fluidized bed drying, milling, and tablet press operations.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

City of Hope research spotlight, January 2026

Researchers at City of Hope have made significant breakthroughs in cancer treatment, immune system regulation and early disease detection. A study found that subtle RNA changes can shape cancer behavior, opening new avenues for precision oncology. In contrast, combining immunotherapy with chemoradiation did not improve survival rates f...

Stiff gels slow germs: New study maps hydrogel properties that control bacterial growth

Researchers have identified optimal conditions for bacterial growth on hydrogels, finding that firmer, lower water content materials consistently slow bacterial expansion. The study's findings also reveal a selective mechanism at work, where negatively charged gels repel bacteria harbouring negatively charged groups.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Osimertinib ± savolitinib in MET-EGFR NSCLC trial

The FLOWERS trial demonstrates a significant enhancement in clinical outcomes for NSCLC patients with EGFR and MET mutations when treated with osimertinib plus savolitinib. Patients receiving the combination regimen showed extended progression-free survival and improved tumor response rates compared to those on osimertinib alone.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2026

Where’d you get that frog? Illinois study traces illicit online amphibian trade

A recent Illinois study found that nearly 8,500 online classified ads for exotic amphibians were posted between 2004 and 2024, representing 301 species from around the world. The researchers verified a dataset of these listings, revealing 44 species traded without official paperwork, sold at a 40% premium. This illicit trade poses sign...

Urgent need for school-housing partnerships to support students facing housing instability, according to new USC Rossier study

A new USC Rossier study emphasizes the importance of early intervention in addressing housing instability among students. Key findings reveal that existing efforts focus on already homeless students, and that upstream interventions supporting at-risk families can prevent stability disruptions. The report highlights promising approaches...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 11, 2026

Spherical assemblies of nanocrystals

Researchers at the UvA Institute of Physics have discovered how spherulites form in salt solutions, leading to the creation of advanced materials. The discovery reveals that subtle variations in composition and growth conditions can produce intricate internal architectures and high surface area structures.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalNature·DateFeb 11, 2026

Scientists report increased rather than decreased soil carbon accumulation in boreal sphagnum peatlands under warming

Climate warming stimulates sphagnum growth, promotes iron protection, and inhibits microbial decomposition in boreal peatlands. This leads to increased soil carbon accumulation, potentially offsetting half of the decline in boreal forest carbon sink under future warming.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Proton therapy leads to positive survival and quality of life outcomes for patients with lower grade glioma

A new study by Mass General Brigham highlights the efficacy of proton therapy in achieving excellent tumor control rates while minimizing side effects compared to traditional radiotherapy. Proton therapy limits radiation exposure to healthy tissue, potentially preserving cognition and hormone function.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNeuro-Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 11, 2026

Fire-footed rope squirrels identified as a natural reservoir for monkeypox virus

Research reveals fire-footed rope squirrels are a natural reservoir for the monkeypox virus, with evidence of interspecies transmission detected in Côte d'Ivoire. The study underscores the need for awareness among humans interacting with wildlife and deeper understanding of MPXV ecology to develop effective prevention measures.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 11, 2026

‘Gaybourhoods’ boost LGB voter turnout

LGB individuals vote more when living near other LGB people, with a 1.56 percentage point increase in voter turnout for every one percentage point increase in local LGB population density. This study, conducted in Sweden, tracked over 20,000 LGB individuals and nearly eight million heterosexual peers across four parliamentary elections.

Smokefree generation law could see English smoking prevalence drop below 5% decades earlier than expected

The smokefree generation law, set to be introduced in 2027, could help stop young people from ever starting to smoke and accelerate progress towards a tobacco-free future. However, males and the most deprived communities may reach the 5% prevalence milestone later unless the law is effectively targeted.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalTobacco Control·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 11, 2026

ASH publishes clinical practice guidelines on frontline and relapsed/refractory management of all in adolescents and young adults

The American Society of Hematology released guidelines for frontline and relapsed/refractory management of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs), outlining optimal approaches to treating high-risk patient populations. The guidelines highlight the need for additional research on immunotherapies and tr...

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateFeb 11, 2026

Flagship whales facing climate-driven decline in Australia

A new study by Flinders University researchers reveals a significant decline in southern right whale reproductive output over the past decade, driven by prolonged calving intervals. The study found that declining breeding rates coincide with reduced Antarctic sea ice, changes in oceanic conditions, and broader ecosystem shifts.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 11, 2026

MAPPI: a new system to learn how a plant's leaves, stem and roots mutually communicate under environmental stress

Researchers developed MAPPI, a system that enables real-time visualization of how a plant's leaves, stem, and roots communicate with each other in response to environmental stress. The system reveals bi-directional communication between leaves and roots, overcoming limitations of traditional microscopy.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 11, 2026