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Science News for February 12, 2026


SUANPAN: Scalable Photonic Linear Vector Machine

The SUANPAN architecture proposes a novel approach to optical inner product computation, leveraging an array of emitter-detector pairs to perform linear vector operations. This scalable and reconfigurable design enables high-dimensional vector computations without requiring large-scale ADC or DAC arrays.

Single-cell profiling identifies reward behavior-related neurons and alterations in the ventral tegmental area based on Arvcf-knockout mouse model

The study identified glutamate-dopamine co-transmitting neurons as critical for regulating reward behavior, with disruptions in VTA communication leading to impaired nicotine response. This research provides a new perspective on the neural underpinnings of addiction and psychiatric disorders.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateFeb 12, 2026

New fluorescent strategy could unlock the hidden life cycle of microplastics inside living organisms

A new study proposes a fluorescence-based strategy to track microplastics in real time as they move, transform, and degrade inside biological systems. This approach allows precise control over particle brightness, emission wavelength, size, and shape, enabling the tracking of microplastic life cycles from ingestion to breakdown.

HKUST develops novel calcium-ion battery technology enhancing energy storage efficiency and sustainability

Researchers at HKUST have achieved a breakthrough in calcium-ion battery technology, utilizing quasi-solid-state electrolytes to enhance efficiency and sustainability. The innovative CIBs promise to transform energy storage solutions in renewable energy systems and electric vehicles.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2026

Bridging Earth, ecological & environmental sciences with artificial intelligence

This journal leverages AI to advance environmental science, offering a platform for global researchers to exchange insights on ecological protection, water management, pollution control, and climate change mitigation. The mission is to empower experts with computational tools and provide algorithms with real-world applications.

Rapid microwave method creates high performance carbon material for carbon dioxide capture

Researchers developed a fast and energy-efficient way to produce advanced carbon materials capable of capturing carbon dioxide, dramatically reducing production time while improving adsorption performance. The new material demonstrates exceptional ability to capture and selectively separate carbon dioxide from gas mixtures.

High-risk pregnancy specialists present research on AI models that could predict pregnancy complications

Researchers from The Mount Sinai Hospital have developed an AI-assisted tool to diagnose severe congenital heart defects from fetal scans with high sensitivity and specificity. Additionally, a machine learning model can predict placenta accreta spectrum based on preconception data, identifying novel predictors like anemia.

Cancer Cell publication details development of cancer-induced cachexia and anorexia

Cancer cell researchers at the University of Oklahoma have developed a novel 'triangle regulation theory' that explains the development of cancer-induced cachexia and anorexia. The theory reveals how cancer cells recruit immune cells to trigger excess production of growth factor 15, leading to muscle wasting and loss of appetite.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2026

New research finds state-level abortion restrictions associated with increased maternal deaths

Research found that states with five or more abortion restrictions had higher rates of maternal deaths from any cause, cardiovascular disease, and violence compared to those with fewer restrictions. Abortion is a medically safe procedure, and restricting access to it has real consequences, according to the study.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·JournalPregnancy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2026

RESEARCH: New sound-based 3D-printing method enables finer, faster microdevices

Researchers at Concordia University have developed a new 3D-printing technique using sound waves to print tiny structures onto soft polymers with greater precision than before. This approach, called proximal sound printing, enables the production of complex microfluidic channels and flexible sensors in a single process.

SourceConcordia University·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2026

FAMU-FSU Engineering joins Mayo Clinic to research Alzheimer’s disease treatments

Researchers from FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and Mayo Clinic are working together to develop new treatments for Alzheimer's disease. They created a more accurate cellular model for brain disease research, combining brain organoids with immune cells, which showed promising results in reducing inflammation and lowering harmful protei...

SourceFlorida State University·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateFeb 12, 2026

Study: Demographic forms can undermine sense of belonging in Latino Americans

A new study by University of Illinois professor Brenda Straka found that demographic forms can make Latino Americans feel like outsiders in their own country. The researchers used a mock-US Census form to test how questions of race, ethnicity, and citizenship affected Latino participants' identity and perceptions of inclusion.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 12, 2026

New AI method advances prediction of Brazil’s national soybean yield

Researchers developed an AI-based system to generate high-resolution soybean yield maps across Brazil, leveraging knowledge from U.S.-based models through transfer learning. The approach achieved strong predictive performance without using municipal-level yield data, improving estimates for this key agricultural region.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 12, 2026

UVA Alumna and Engineering Foundation board member Anne Aunins elected to the National Academy of Engineering

Anne Aunins, a UVA chemical engineering alumna and board member, was elected to the National Academy of Engineering for her innovative work in bioprocess engineering and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Her contributions have had transformative impact on industry and society, particularly during the global COVID-19 crisis.

Ketamine may fight chronic fatigue, study suggests

A study suggests ketamine may rapidly alleviate chronic fatigue symptoms in some individuals. Participants who received ketamine experienced a significant energy boost, which could be beneficial for those struggling with the debilitating condition.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPharmacological Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 12, 2026

Frontier simulations test turbulence theories at record 35 trillion grid points

Researchers used the Frontier supercomputer to perform a record-breaking direct numerical simulation of turbulence in three dimensions, achieving a resolution of 35 trillion grid points. The study offers new insights into turbulent fluid flows, which govern various natural and engineered phenomena.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Fluid Dynamics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 12, 2026

How plants control fleshy and woody tissue growth

Researchers discovered that thermospermine, a small positively charged polyamine molecule, regulates vascular development by promoting the translation of SAC51 transcription factors while inhibiting LHW. This study sheds light on how plants fine-tune their vascular systems to produce soft edible storage organs or rigid woody tissue.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2026

Mount Sinai study strengthens landmark evidence supporting lung-sparing surgery, offering hope for mesothelioma patients

A new Mount Sinai study strengthens landmark evidence supporting lung-sparing surgery for pleural mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The research found zero in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates, and a 90-day mortality rate of 4.2 percent in carefully selected patients.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 12, 2026

Turning down the heat

A University of Houston professor has found that tree-like thin films release heat at least three times better than traditional methods, enabling more efficient cooling in AI data centers. The discovery demonstrates the power of physics-aware AI design for validating high-impact cooling solutions.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateFeb 12, 2026

Engagement, not silence, may be the key to better learning

A study by Bar-Ilan University neuroscientists found that engagement with content strongly influences brain activity and comprehension during lectures. When participants found the lecture engaging, their brains remained synchronized with the speaker's speech despite background noise. In contrast, low-interest sections were associated w...

SourceBar-Ilan University·Journalnpj Science of Learning·DateFeb 12, 2026

Recyclable ink for 3D printing

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon have developed a water-based, lignin-derived ink that can be fully recycled by adding water. The new ink's full recyclability offers a realistic pathway toward circular manufacturing in 3D printing.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2026

From sweat to signal: A wearable optical system for glucose detection

A portable optical system detects glucose in human sweat with high sensitivity and selectivity, suitable for real-world daily glucose monitoring. The system uses nanostructured plasmonic materials and molecular recognition chemistry to achieve reliable detection without enzymes or fluorescent labels.

Everyone unconsciously adapts their communication for children – including autistic adults

A new study published in Autism found that autistic adults initially adjust their communication style for children, but then stick to their initial assessment. Autistic participants were more likely to rely on subtle cues and take the interaction seriously, whereas non-autistic participants gradually adjusted their behavior as they rea...

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalAutism·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 12, 2026

How can we reverse biodiversity loss?

A new study highlights the importance of addressing multiple threats simultaneously to reverse biodiversity loss. Climate policies and amphibians are particularly affected by combined effects of habitat loss, exploitation, disease, invasive species, pollution, and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 12, 2026

UVA Engineering Professor Michael L. King elected to the National Academy of Engineering

Professor Michael L. King has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his seminal contributions to transport phenomena and biomedical engineering. His work has deepened fundamental understanding of particle transport, adhesion, and aerosol behavior in biological systems, informing advances across biomedical applications...

Cumulative lead exposure linked to increased Alzheimer’s and dementia risk, University of Michigan study finds

Researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health found a strong association between bone lead concentrations and increased risk of dementia. The study analyzed data from over 30 years of follow-up and estimated cumulative lifetime exposure to lead using machine learning algorithms.

SourceUniversity of Michigan School of Public Health·JournalAlzheimer’s & Dementia·DateFeb 12, 2026

How can quantum Hall physics exist without magnetic fields?

Researchers investigate fractional quantum Hall effect in twisted MoTe2, revealing spontaneous ferromagnetic transitions and exotic correlated phases. The study identifies characteristic spectroscopic signatures of these phases, providing a unified framework for interpreting existing measurements.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 12, 2026

Young carers falling behind by end of primary school

A national study found young carers in England consistently experience educational disadvantages compared to non-carer peers. By the end of primary school, they were 35% less likely to reach expected standards across reading, writing and maths, with lower GCSE achievement rates.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Educational Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2026

Novel AI model accurately detects placenta accreta in pregnancy before delivery, new research shows

A novel AI model has been developed to accurately detect placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in pregnancy, a life-threatening condition often undetected by current screening methods. The model was retrospectively reviewed on 2D obstetric ultrasound images from 113 patients at high risk for PAS and found to be accurate in detecting all cases.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·JournalPregnancy·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 12, 2026

Integrating heart imaging and proteomics identifies drug targets for cardiovascular diseases

A recent study uses integrative omics analysis to identify key plasma proteins associated with cardiovascular diseases and magnetic resonance traits. The research reveals four high-priority candidate proteins, AGER, CCN3, FER, and SPON1, that show consistent associations with both clinical CVDs and structural CMR traits.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2026

From telomere to telomere: A gapless flax genome redefines fatty acid research

A new study delivers the first fully gapless, telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of flax, providing a complete genetic blueprint for advancing flax biology and breeding. The research uncovers previously hidden genes, structural variations, and evolutionary signals that shape fatty acid biosynthesis and genome organization.

Pay gap among academics does not stop at university

A new study by Radboud University and the University of Groningen found that PhD graduates, particularly women, experience a persistent pay gap outside academia. Women earn an average of 171 euros less per month immediately after obtaining their doctorate, with this disparity increasing over time.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalResearch in Social Stratification and Mobility·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2026

Sorting extracellular vesicles preserves core functions

Sorting extracellular vesicles from human adipose stromal cells using fluorescence-based flow cytometry retains key microRNAs linked to inflammation control and tissue repair. This study highlights the importance of optimizing vesicle isolation for clinical applications, balancing purity with molecular complexity.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalExtracellular Vesicles and Circulating Nucleic Acids·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2026

Surviving slavery: family ties were vital

A historical analysis of Surinamese slave registers found that young children who grew up without a mother were more likely to die, while the presence of grandmothers significantly increased their chances of survival. Family members played a crucial role in protecting children from harsh conditions.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalDemography·DateFeb 12, 2026

A wearable textile sensor sets new standard for continuous heart and vessel monitoring

A new wearable textile sensor, TAESS, integrates electrocardiography and impedance plethysmography to measure core cardiovascular parameters continuously. It enables real-time tracking of blood pressure, stroke volume, cardiac output, heart rate, and systemic vascular resistance during daily activities.

KAIST uses sandpaper to polish semiconductors… opening a new path for AI semiconductor processing​

Researchers at KAIST create a new technique to process semiconductor surfaces uniformly down to the atomic level using carbon nanotubes as abrasive materials. This technology demonstrates potential to significantly improve surface quality and precision in advanced semiconductor processes like high-bandwidth memory.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Composites and Hybrid Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 12, 2026

New-onset nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and initiators of semaglutide in US veterans with type 2 diabetes

A nationwide cohort study found that semaglutide initiators had a significantly higher risk of developing nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy compared to sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor initiators. The absolute risk was low, but clinicians and patients should be aware of this rare but evident increased risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateFeb 12, 2026

World’s first AI-based optical diagnostic platform to distinguish nasal secretion from cerebrospinal fluid

A research team developed an AI-based optical diagnostic platform that can distinguish between nasal secretion and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaking within minutes. The platform achieved an exceptionally high diagnostic accuracy of 90.8% in identifying CSF leakage, overcoming the challenge of visually indistinguishable fluids.

SourceSungkyunkwan University External Affairs Division (PR team)·JournalJournal of Materials Science·DateFeb 12, 2026

Scientists illuminate single molecules: paving the way for quantum light sources and molecular optoelectronic chips

Researchers control light emission from individual molecules, enabling future technologies like quantum computing and ultra-dense displays. The team's roadmap includes achieving stable, room-temperature single-photon emission by 2026 and integrating multiple devices for small-scale quantum information processing.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 12, 2026

HKUST researchers develop metastasis prevention therapy based on glycan targeting

A research team at HKUST has developed a novel therapy capable of preventing the onset and growth of metastatic breast cancers in mouse models by targeting glycans on cancer cells. The therapy, known as LPAT, demonstrates improved glycan discrimination compared to traditional antibody-based approaches.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2026

Resource-sharing boosts robotic resilience

A team of EPFL roboticists has designed a modular robot that shares power, sensing, and communication resources among its individual units, significantly increasing its resistance to failure. The approach, called hyper-redundancy, allows the robot to continue functioning even if one module fails, by compensating with neighboring modules.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2026

Chinese Guidelines for Clinical Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Cirrhosis (2025)

The Chinese Guidelines for Clinical Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Cirrhosis (2025) provide a comprehensive framework for diagnosing and managing liver cirrhosis. Key pathophysiological changes include impaired synthesis of albumin and coagulation factors, portal hypertension, gut-liver axis dysregulation, and progression driv...

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateFeb 12, 2026

New Study: Cybersecurity isn’t just a safeguard — it can help businesses perform better

A new study by Binghamton University School of Management reveals that businesses can improve their performance when they openly discuss and address cybersecurity issues. The research found a positive correlation between cybersecurity readiness and firm performance, suggesting that proactive measures can lead to better outcomes.

SourceBinghamton University·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2026

Study reveals new cellular mechanisms that allow the most common chronic cardiac arrhythmia to persist in the heart

Researchers identify non-contractile cell populations and their role in sustaining atrial fibrillation, a persistent and challenging-to-treat cardiac arrhythmia. The study provides insight into the cellular mechanisms involved and suggests new therapeutic strategies targeting these components.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2026

Climate policy must consider cross-border pollution “exchanges” to address inequality and achieve health benefits, research finds

A new study by Cardiff University reveals how ambitious climate action can save up to 1.32 million lives per year by 2040 by addressing global air quality inequalities. The research highlights the importance of cross-border pollution exchanges in achieving health benefits and reducing inequality between countries.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 12, 2026

What drives a mysterious sodium pump?

Researchers at Kyoto University have directly captured intermediate structural states of the Na⁺-NQR enzyme using cryo-electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. The study reveals that redox reactions drive sodium ion transport by changing the enzyme's structure, allowing ions to pass through the bacterial cell membrane.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 12, 2026

Releasing pollack at depth could benefit their long-term survival, study suggests

A new study suggests that releasing pollack closer to their natural catch depths can significantly improve their chances of survival. The research found that releasing fish at these depths can increase survival rates from 56% to over 80%. This could have a positive impact on the long-term sustainability of recreational pollack fisheries.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalFisheries Management and Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2026

Addictive digital habits in early adolescence linked to mental health struggles, study finds

Research found problematic screen use in early adolescence strongly linked to higher risks of mental health problems, sleep disturbance, and suicidal behaviors. The study emphasizes the importance of reducing addictive features on digital platforms and families taking steps to mitigate its impact.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2026