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Science News Archive 2026 - Page 468


Page 468 of 519

Paid sick leave as disease prevention

Researchers found that paid sick leave is linked to lower perceived infection risk, reduced job stress, and higher job satisfaction among home service workers. The study suggests that expanding paid sick leave can be a population-level prevention strategy during public health emergencies.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateFeb 3, 2026

Human vaginal microbiome is shaped by competition for resources

The vaginal microbiota is influenced by competition for specific nutritional resources, affecting health outcomes. A resource-based model identified key ecological mechanisms underlying microbiota composition and potential bacterial vaginosis interventions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2026

Test strip breakthrough for accessible diagnosis

Researchers developed a single-use test strip detecting microRNAs in blood plasma, outperforming standard laboratory methods. The biosensor amplifies electrical signals to identify disease-indicative molecules at concentrations up to a trillion times lower than glucose.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2026

Did we just see a black hole explode? Physicists at UMass Amherst think so—and it could explain (almost) everything

A team of physicists at UMass Amherst has proposed a new model for black holes, the 'dark charge' model, which explains high-energy neutrinos and solves cosmic mysteries. The model suggests that quasi-extremal primordial black holes, with a 'dark charge,' could be the missing link in explaining the universe's fundamental nature.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 3, 2026

Fresh and healthy food can be difficult for some Montrealers to access, new Concordia study shows

A new Concordia study finds that Montrealers face difficulties accessing fresh and healthy food due to inadequate public transportation and limited grocery store locations. The researchers recommend combining active transportation with public transit to increase accessibility to healthy food establishments.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Urban Mobility·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2026

Global plastics treaty negotiations: Success is still possible

Negotiations for a global plastics treaty stalled in August, hindering progress on addressing marine plastic pollution. Experts warn that current procedures lack prioritization and clear rules, jeopardizing efforts to tackle the crisis. The authors propose three key changes to revive talks and address the issue holistically.

SCAI expert opinion explores ‘wire-free’ angiography-derived physiology for coronary assessment

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions has released an expert opinion on the use of wire-free angiography-derived physiology (ADP) in coronary artery disease assessment. ADP uses computational modeling or AI to analyze standard coronary angiographic images, offering a potentially more efficient and effective approac...

Dynamic digital product passports for short-shelf-life food and drink could cut waste and improve safety

Researchers developed a comprehensive framework for dynamic digital product passports to track lifecycle changes in perishable goods, enabling earlier interventions to prevent spoilage and reduce waste. The technology could support more circular supply chains and improve transparency across food and drink supply chains.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNature Reviews Clean Technology·DateFeb 3, 2026

“A new security technology that locks information with light color and distance” — unhackable metasurface holograms

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a secure hologram platform that stores information using the wavelength of light and spacing between metasurface layers. The technology enables information processing using light alone, without electrical power or electronic chips.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 3, 2026

New solution to an old magnetism puzzle

Researchers from TU Wien have provided a surprising explanation for the long-standing relation between magnetism and superconductivity in quantum materials. Altermagnetism, an unusual form of magnetism, is found to be experimentally observable in certain materials when superconductivity sets in.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2026

Even larvae mind the social bubble

Researchers at the University of Konstanz found that fruit fly larvae detect peers through multiple senses and adjust their behavior accordingly. The team used a genetically tractable system to study how brains process social information, revealing fundamental principles of decision-making across species.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 3, 2026

Warning of kidney cell damage from high exposure to nanoplastics

A recent study published in Cell Biology and Toxicology found that high concentrations of nanoplastics can cause damage to kidney cells, leading to changes in cell shape, survival, and function. The research highlights the need for more investigations into the long-term risks of nanoplastic exposure on human health.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCell Biology and Toxicology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2026

Genes from corn's wild ancestor change soil microbial community, improve sustainability

New research from the University of Illinois has found that corn's wild ancestor genes can inhibit nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria, reducing nitrogen loss and greenhouse gas emissions. The study shows reductions in nitrification of up to 50% in field and greenhouse trials, with potential huge impacts on sustainable agriculture.

Missing pieces added to ancient global fish puzzle

Researchers have uncovered new clues about the evolution of ancient fish, including primitive lungfishes that lived over 400 million years ago. The discoveries were made using advanced technologies such as CT scanning and provide insights into the development of tetrapods, backboned animals with limbs.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCanadian Journal of Zoology·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 3, 2026

A CNIO study completely eliminates pancreatic tumors in mice without resistance developing

A study published in PNAS successfully eliminated pancreatic tumours in mice completely and durably, with no significant side effects. The treatment, combining three molecular targets, induced robust regression of experimental PDACs without causing tumor resistance.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2026

Big Earth Data researchers set a new global standard for earth data grids

A new axis-based data model resolves long-standing issues in Earth data grids, enabling more accurate, flexible, and interoperable data across science, policy, and industry. The framework clarifies grid structure, coordinate handling, and value interpretation, allowing for efficient querying of massive multidimensional datasets.

SourceBig Earth Data·JournalBig Earth Data·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2026

Security analysis of blockchain-based cryptocurrency

Researchers investigate real-world blockchain security incidents to extract representative attack patterns and categorize them into six classes based on standard blockchain architecture layers. The study also evaluates current detection and defense strategies, highlighting their strengths and limitations.

SourceELSP·JournalBlockchain·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 3, 2026

UCLA researchers develop mineral sunscreen that reduces white cast

Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center developed a new zinc oxide formulation that significantly reduces the white, chalky cast associated with traditional mineral sunscreens. The tetrapod-shaped particles provide strong protection against UV radiation while staying evenly distributed in the sunscreen.

New predictive model to identify complications in the first 2 days following mild or moderate traumatic brain injury

A clinical prediction model called the Goliat score can estimate the risk of acute complications in patients with minor and moderate traumatic brain injuries. The model, developed by researchers at UOC and IRBLleida, uses easily accessible variables to predict neurological or cardiorespiratory complications and mortality within 48 hours.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalBMC Emergency Medicine·TypeCase study·DateFeb 3, 2026

Fish face smaller meals due to warmer seas and fishing

Researchers found that warmer waters and commercial fishing lead to smaller meals for predators, resulting in reduced energy intake. This can weaken predators and make marine ecosystems more fragile. The study suggests managing climate change and fisheries together is essential to protect marine food webs.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2026

Role of OXCT1 in colorectal cancer liver metastasis

Researchers found OXCT1 to be a key regulator of colorectal cancer liver metastasis, with low expression linked to increased metastasis. OXCT1 suppression promotes oncogenic signaling through the CDK8/beta-catenin complex, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalGenes & Diseases·DateFeb 3, 2026

The possible applications of olive pomace: a study reveals the most sustainable option

A study by the University of Córdoba reveals that olive pomace oil extraction is the most sustainable alternative for managing olive oil industry byproducts. The methodology considers economic, environmental, and social indicators, concluding that this option is economically attractive while also offering significant environmental bene...

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalBusiness Strategy and the Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 3, 2026