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Science News Archive February 2026


Page 1 of 45
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Alkali cation effects in electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction

Researchers have identified three distinct distribution patterns of alkali metal cations at the reaction interface, which correspond to electrostatic adsorption, specific adsorption, and quasi-specific adsorption. The team clarified the physicochemical origin of the alkali metal cation effect and proposed new insights for designing nex...

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateFeb 28, 2026

Test platforms for charging wireless cars now fit on a bench

Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have created a rotating tabletop device to test dynamic wireless power transfer for electric vehicles. They successfully replicated conditions of a car moving at 40 kilometers per hour, promising accelerated research into next-gen charging.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Vehicular Technology·DateFeb 28, 2026

Mountain soils in arid regions may emit more greenhouse gas as climate shifts, new study finds

Researchers found that managed cropland soils produced the highest nitrous oxide emissions due to irrigation and fertilization, while natural ecosystems emitted lower amounts but showed a clear response to elevation. Climate change could shift the balance of greenhouse gas emissions across ecosystems in arid mountain regions.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Reducing disease through gene manipulation

Dr. Gregory Reeves' team has developed a method to measure the amount of Dorsal protein in the nucleus, revealing its interaction with DNA and providing a predictive model for therapeutic purposes. The study aims to control cellular processes and prevent diseases like cancer.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 27, 2026

Pairing biochar with other soil amendments could unlock stronger gains in soil health

A review of field studies found that combining biochar with other amendments like compost, manure, or fertilizers enhances soil health by increasing water retention, nutrient cycling, and microbial activity. The co-application approach also improves soil physical properties and biological responses.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 27, 2026
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

The Journal of Nuclear Medicine ahead-of-print tip sheet: February 27, 2026

Researchers have developed a new PSMA-targeted PET tracer that shows promise in early human studies, providing strong tumor uptake and favorable radiation dosimetry. Additionally, advanced dynamic PET imaging has been used to track heart amyloid buildup more precisely, detecting significant reductions after six months of tafamidis ther...

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2026

Major NIH grant renewal fuels next phase of chronic pain research at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry

The UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry has secured a $9 million NIH grant to develop a targeted, non-opioid treatment for chronic pain associated with muscle and joint dysfunction. Researchers will map the biology of facial pain, identify specialized neurons, and analyze gene expression changes to design effective treatments.

SourceThe University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center·DateFeb 27, 2026

Targeted PET/CT predicts early treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis patients

A new targeted PET/CT tracer can detect treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis patients as little as four weeks after treatment initiation. The imaging technique uses macrophages, a type of white blood cell, as a biomarker for disease activity, potentially allowing non-responders to pursue more effective therapies.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2026

UC Irvine scientists uncover cellular mechanism behind muscle repair

Researchers identified an enzyme called PFKM, which helps control glucose processing in cells. By manipulating PFKM levels, they accelerated muscle building in laboratory models, potentially helping address age-related muscle decline and lean muscle loss in patients using weight-loss medications. This finding could lead to the developm...

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Metabolism·DateFeb 27, 2026
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Why do we get a skip in our step when we’re happy? Thank dopamine

A new study by engineers at the University of Colorado Boulder found that dopamine influences movement speed, particularly when rewards are expected. The researchers discovered that people tend to move faster towards targets that offer rewards and experience a surge in energy when they receive unexpected treats.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 27, 2026

Platform to map living brain noninvasively takes next big step

A gene therapy platform successfully mapped the living brain noninvasively, using engineered proteins to track gene expression in different brain regions. This technology has the potential to reveal critical information about cellular activity and neurological disease progression.

SourceRice University·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2026
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Four named National Academy of Inventors Senior Members

Drs. Guillermo Aguilar, Heng Pan, Xingyong Song, and Stavros Kalafatis recognized for their innovative technologies that have made or aim to make a significant impact on the welfare of society. The National Academy of Inventors Senior Member induction ceremony will take place in Los Angeles this June.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateFeb 27, 2026

Using moon dirt to build future lunar colonies

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new laser 3D printing method that can create extremely durable structures using simulated lunar dirt. The study found that the material's properties depend on the surface onto which it is printed, and that environmental factors such as oxygen levels and temperature affect its stabil...

SourceOhio State University·JournalActa Astronautica·DateFeb 27, 2026

Call for dentists to reduce unnecessary nitrous oxide use

A study by UCL researchers found large variations in nitrous oxide use across UK dental services, with some sites emitting up to 1,849 kg CO₂e per week. The team recommends reducing wastage, standardizing practice, and considering alternatives to minimize environmental impact.

SourceUniversity College London·DateFeb 27, 2026

Stress-testing the Cascadia Subduction Zone reveals variability that could impact how earthquakes spread

Researchers found the Cascadia Subduction Zone to be more active than previously thought, with signs of shallow earthquakes and fluid flow detected offshore. The study suggests variable fluid pathways could alter the behavior of large earthquakes on the fault, potentially influencing the severity of future events.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 27, 2026
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Acoziborole Winthrop, developed by DNDi and Sanofi, receives European Medicines Agency positive opinion as three-tablet, single-dose treatment for most common form of sleeping sickness

The European Medicines Agency has granted a positive opinion to Acoziborole Winthrop as a single-dose oral treatment for both early- and advanced-stage gambiense sleeping sickness in adults and adolescents. The medicine, co-developed by DNDi and Sanofi, could provide a significant advance over current therapies.

SourceDrugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative·DateFeb 27, 2026

Variety: Spice of life or risk factor for overeating?

A new study conducted by researchers at Penn State found that the presence of a higher variety of foods in a buffet increases both the weight and calories of food selected. Participants who visited buffets with more food options chose higher-calorie dense foods, leading to increased calorie consumption.

SourcePenn State·JournalAppetite·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2026

We may be underestimating the true carbon cost of northern wildfires

A UC Berkeley-led study reconstructed emissions from Swedish wildfires and found that current climate estimates are failing to fully account for carbon released from smoldering organic soils. This highlights the need for improved climate models to better understand the impact of northern wildfires on the environment.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2026
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Study finds next-generation transistor performance inflated in most lab testing

Study by Duke engineers reveals that a common device architecture used to test 2D transistors overstates their performance prospects up to sixfold. The back-gated architecture amplifies the transistor's performance using contact gating, but has physical limitations that prevent its use in commercial technologies.

SourceDuke University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2026

Blood test predicts which bladder cancer patients may safely skip surgery

Researchers found that circulating tumor DNA can predict metastatic risk in patients treated with bladder-sparing treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The absence of ctDNA predicted favorable outcomes regardless of bladder removal status.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 27, 2026

Beyond amyloid: A roadmap for integrated, multi-target Alzheimer’s therapy

A comprehensive review argues that single-factor interventions in Alzheimer's disease are insufficient due to the complex interplay of multiple factors. The authors call for an integrated therapeutic approach, including multi-target therapies and precision medicine based on early biomarkers.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 27, 2026

Psychology: Habit-like repetition influences decisions more than previously thought

Researchers found that past actions have a greater impact on current decisions than assumed, with people often repeating choices due to mental shortcuts. This study enhances understanding of everyday habits and decision-making processes, offering new starting points for describing human behavior more realistically.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2026
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Reduced international donor funding associated with higher household economic burden of Tuberculosis in low- and middle-income countries, according to modelling study

A modelling study suggests that reduced international donor funding increases the household economic burden of tuberculosis in low- and middle-income countries. The research found that decreased funding leads to a significant rise in healthcare costs and lost productivity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 27, 2026

A partnership for biodiversity research in Costa Rica

A partnership between Goethe University Frankfurt and Universidad de Costa Rica aims to deepen scientific understanding of Costa Rica's biodiversity, with a focus on conservation. The €450,000 funding will support joint research initiatives, including pilot projects on fungal diversity and the establishment of a culture collection.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateFeb 27, 2026

Compositional gradient design and microstructural engineering enable ultra-stable quinary Ni-rich cathodes in high-voltage pouch cells

Developing high-performance Ni-rich cathode materials is crucial for achieving single-cell energy densities exceeding 400 Wh kg‑. A research team synthesized quinary full-concentration-gradient cathodes using an in-situ co-precipitation strategy, featuring a Mn-rich, Ni-poor surface and radially aligned primary particles.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2026

Machine-learning-aided discovery of methanol-to-olefins zeolite catalysts with ultra-high initial selectivity

Researchers developed a comprehensive database and trained machine learning models to predict catalyst performance. They discovered a zeolite catalyst with ultra-high initial ethene selectivity, achieving 100% methanol conversion and 87.6% combined ethene and propene selectivity.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateFeb 27, 2026

Changing the past in your imagination: Working with memories reduces the fear of failure

A study by SWPS University researchers found that imagery-based techniques can significantly reduce fear of failure and negative emotions associated with childhood criticism. The techniques, including Imagery Exposure and Rescripting, helped participants reframe their memories and experience a lasting reduction in stress and anxiety.

SourceSWPS University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 27, 2026
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

‘Water bears’ reveal potential for adapting, protecting Martian resources

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that tardigrades can adapt to simulated Martian soil, but some regoliths are damaging to their health. Washing the regolith with water can mitigate this impact, providing a potential resource for plant growth and protection against Earth contaminants.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Astrobiology·DateFeb 27, 2026

Sustainability research overlooks key actors and actions in the face of the environmental crisis

A new study reveals major blind spots in global sustainable research, overlooking key strategies and sectors needed to address the environmental crisis. The study finds that sustainability researchers are neglecting potentially powerful actors, including civil society, and failing to assign clear responsibilities across sectors.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 27, 2026

Unpredictable play helps pick a winner in football

A new study found that teams that move the ball unpredictably across the full field tend to succeed more than those that confine their play to a few hotspots. The researchers used an information-theoretic metric called Spatial Event Distribution Randomness (EDRan) to analyze event data from top-tier football competitions.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPLOS One·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 27, 2026
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Recovery from whaling reveals the role of age in Humpback reproduction

Researchers found that as humpback whale populations recovered from whaling, the age structure shifted towards a more even distribution among older and younger males. Older males became increasingly successful at siring offspring compared to younger males, suggesting they need time to refine their singing and competitive tactics.

SourceUniversity of St. Andrews·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 27, 2026

Designing the heart of hydrogen cars with AI... Development of next-generation super catalyst​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a technology that predicts atomic arrangement tendency of catalysts using artificial intelligence, leading to more efficient design of fuel cell catalysts. The zinc-platinum-cobalt catalyst secured both higher activity and superior long-term durability compared to commercial platinum catalysts.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 27, 2026

Soft chiral superstructure enabled dynamic polychromatic holography

Researchers propose a new method for dynamic polychromatic holography using polymer-stabilized chiral superstructures, achieving broadband and multichannel functions. The device can dynamically modulate light wavefronts, reconstructing high-quality full-color holographic images with reversible switching.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·DateFeb 27, 2026

Beyond limits: polarization unlocks scene-level 3D imaging

Researchers propose a scene-level passive high-precision polarization 3D imaging method, resolving challenges of discontinuous targets, absolute depth interpretation, and dynamic reconstruction. The approach achieves accurate true depth through integrating stereo vision and polarization, enabling scene-level high-precision 3D imaging.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·DateFeb 27, 2026

Cognitive and neuropsychiatric function in former American football players

A cross-sectional study of former American football players found prior participation to be associated with worse later-life cognitive and neuropsychiatric function. The findings support a dose-response association with years and level of play, providing context for clinicians and researchers assessing symptom risk among former players.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 27, 2026
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Unlocking the molecular trigger behind melon fruit texture

A study reveals a regulatory pathway in melon that links transcriptional control to cell wall chemistry, leading to accelerated tissue softening and changes in fruit texture. Transcription factor CmbZIP11 is identified as a key regulator controlling pectin methyltransferase genes during ripening.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateFeb 27, 2026
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

A step towards needed treatments for hantaviruses in new molecular map

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a high-resolution 3D map of the Andes virus, a crucial step towards developing vaccines and treatments against hantaviruses. The new structure allows for the design of effective vaccines and antibody therapies.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2026

An AI design strategy unlocks full-color tunability in solar windows

A new AI design strategy transforms semitransparent solar cells into colorful, user-defined windows without compromising energy output. The technology enables up to 20% power generation increase while maintaining visual appeal, making it suitable for real-world applications in buildings, vehicles, and wearable electronics.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·DateFeb 27, 2026

Ambient-energy-driven space-time-coding metasurface: all-in-one realization of energy harvesting, electromagnetic wave manipulation and information modulation

Researchers propose a novel space-time-coding metasurface that integrates energy harvesting, electromagnetic wave manipulation, and information modulation. This technology enables high-capacity transmission, multi-user access, and green communication, with experimental verification demonstrating superior energy efficiency.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·DateFeb 27, 2026
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Can the canny tick help prevent disease like MS and cancer?

A team from Monash University Biomedicine Discovery Institute has identified a tick-derived evasin that can bind to two major classes of chemokines, representing a novel finding in the field. This discovery opens up new opportunities to develop therapies that target chemokines driving inflammatory diseases such as RA and MS.

SourceMonash University·JournalStructure·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2026

Collagen benefits skin but not performance - study

A comprehensive study of collagen supplements found benefits in skin elasticity, hydration, and osteoarthritis symptoms. However, there were no meaningful improvements in sports performance or muscle recovery, dispelling some myths surrounding its use.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalAesthetic Surgery Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 27, 2026