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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 461


Page 461 of 519

When Earth’s magnetic field took its time flipping

Scientists have discovered that ancient Earth magnetic field reversals lasted up to 70,000 years, revealing a new perspective on the geomagnetic phenomenon. This extended reversal period had significant impacts on atmospheric chemistry, climate processes, and the evolution of living organisms.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2026

Seabirds ingest large quantities of pollutants, some of which have been banned for decades

A recent study analyzed seabird carcasses and blood from six species in Brazil, finding similar concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) among species with different diets. The researchers discovered that the great shearwater had the highest levels of PCBs and mirex, possibly due to its migratory routes and feeding habits.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEnvironmental Monitoring and Assessment·DateFeb 6, 2026

Chinese Medical Journal reports the safety and effectiveness of lecanemab in Chinese patients with early Alzheimer’s disease

The study found lecanemab to be safe and effective in slowing down cognitive decline and clearing brain Aβ deposition in Chinese patients with early AD. The results demonstrate a lower incidence of infusion-related reactions and amyloid-related imaging abnormalities compared to international clinical trials.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 6, 2026

Dual-action molecule design concentrates cancer treatment in tumor cells to allow higher doses

Researchers at The Wistar Institute have developed a new chimeric molecule that targets both Aurora kinase A and HSP90 proteins in cancer cells, improving its pharmacokinetic properties and increasing its exposure in the tumor. This approach could lead to more effective treatment with reduced side effects.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2026

Watching a critical green-energy catalyst dissolve, atom by atom

Researchers at Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania observed iridium oxide nanocrystals restructure and dissolve atom by atom during electrolysis. The findings provide critical insight into why current catalysts fail and how future materials might last longer, paving the way for sustainable energy solutions.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2026

Flexible electronics: Technological revolution of robot components for intelligent robots

Recent advancements in flexible electronics have transformed robotic systems, allowing for conformal integration of electronic components and autonomous decision-making. Flexible devices have improved operational accuracy and transformed the interaction methods of robots, laying the foundation for intelligent robotics development.

Advanced Cancer Research: defining a platform for convergent oncology

Advanced Cancer Research defines a platform for integrating molecular biology, genomics, immunology, engineering, and computational science to understand cancer as a complex disease. The journal prioritizes studies that provide mechanistic depth and bridge disciplinary boundaries.

SourceELSP·JournalAdvanced Cancer Research·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 6, 2026

Engineering the “golden bridge”: Efficient tunnel junction design for next-generation all-perovskite tandem solar cells

Researchers have developed a new design rule to overcome efficiency bottlenecks in all-perovskite tandem solar cells. By utilizing quantitative Silvaco TCAD simulations, the team has elucidated the fundamental physics of the tunnel junction and identified an optimal work function of 5.1 eV for metals like Gold.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2026

Killing cancer cells with RNA therapeutics

In a mouse study, researchers successfully used RNA micelles to shrink metastasized tumors in lungs by delivering chemotherapy drugs and an RNA molecule that blocks cancer survival. The treatment significantly reduced tumor growth and improved outcomes for mice with colorectal cancer lung metastasis.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 6, 2026

Seeing the unseen: Scientists demonstrate dual-mode color generation from invisible light

Researchers develop a rigid organic crystal that emits red light under UV irradiation through excimer formation and generates green light through second harmonic generation under near-infrared exposure. The dual-mode optical behavior operates independently within the same crystal without interference.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2026

‘Sticky coat’ boosts triple negative breast cancer’s ability to metastasize

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have found that triple negative breast cancer cells produce a 'sticky coat' made of hyaluronan and CD44, which helps them form clusters and spread to other organs. The discovery opens new possibilities for developing clinical interventions to treat metastatic TNBC patients.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2026

James Webb Space Telescope reveals an exceptional richness of organic molecules in one of the most infrared luminous galaxies in the local Universe

The James Webb Space Telescope reveals an extraordinary wealth of small organic molecules, including benzene and methane, in the deeply obscured nucleus of a nearby galaxy. The study suggests that cosmic rays are fragmenting PAHs and carbon-rich dust grains, releasing these molecules into the gas phase.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 6, 2026

AI model can read and diagnose a brain MRI in seconds

A new AI-powered model can read a brain MRI and diagnose neurological conditions with up to 97.5% accuracy, predicting treatment urgency and automating alerts for immediate medical attention. The technology has the potential to transform neuroimaging at health systems across the US, reducing workload and improving patient outcomes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 6, 2026

UT San Antonio-led research team discovers compound in 500-million-year-old fossils, shedding new light on Earth’s carbon cycle

A UT San Antonio-led research team identified chitin in trilobite fossils over 500 million years old, offering new insights into fossil preservation and the long-term carbon cycle. This discovery has significant implications for understanding how organic carbon is stored in Earth's crust over geologic time.

Could ionospheric disturbances influence earthquakes?

The study suggests that ionospheric charge variations could interact with pre-existing fragile structures in the Earth's crust, influencing fracture processes. Strong solar activity could generate electrostatic pressures comparable to tidal or gravitational stresses, potentially contributing to earthquake initiation.

SourceKyoto University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 5, 2026

Decoding a new "engine" of prostate cancer—team led by professor Jun Pang from Department of Urology at the Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University unveils novel mechanism of CDK12-FOXA1 pathway driving progression

A new study reveals the CDK12-FOXA1-MDM2-p53 signaling axis promotes prostate cancer development through FOXA1 modification. The study identifies S234 phosphorylation as a critical site, and a CDK12 inhibitor THZ531 effectively blocks this pathway, reducing tumor growth.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateFeb 5, 2026

Researchers on the cusp of a vaccine for a global health threat

Researchers at Griffith University have successfully engineered a biopolymer particle vaccine that mimics the Chikungunya virus, inducing an immune response without causing disease. The vaccine's potential to prevent long-lasting joint pain and autoimmune responses makes it a promising solution for global health threats.

SourceGriffith University·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2026

Stadium fever measured—why live football raises the pulse

A study from Bielefeld University found that fans experience higher heart rates and stress levels during live football matches, particularly in the stadium. The research recorded vital signs from 229 fans over a twelve-week period, showing an average heart rate of 94 beats per minute for stadium attendees versus 79 for TV viewers.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeCase study·DateFeb 5, 2026

HRT via skin is best treatment for low bone density in women whose periods have stopped due to anorexia or exercise, says study

A new study from Imperial College London finds that hormone replacement therapy applied via the skin is the best way to protect bone density in women whose periods have stopped due to anorexia or intense exercise. This is because transdermal HRT and teriparatide demonstrate clinically significant benefits on bone mineral density, with ...

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 5, 2026