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Science News Archive February 2026


Page 14 of 45

Can your soil’s color predict its health?

A groundbreaking study finds that analyzing soil color indices is a scientifically sound way to predict Soil Organic Matter and offers a path toward sustainable, widespread soil monitoring. Digital color analysis reduces costs by 96% while eliminating the need for toxic reagents.

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.

PhD student maps mysterious upper atmosphere of Uranus for the first time

A Northumbria University PhD student has led an international team in creating the first-ever three-dimensional map of Uranus's upper atmosphere. The observations provide detailed information on where auroras form and how energy moves through the planet's atmosphere, confirming that the upper atmosphere is still cooling.

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.

A more accurate measure of calories burned

A new machine learning model interprets leg motion as expended energy, providing a more accurate measure of calories burned. The device has been shown to have double the accuracy of commercial smartwatches and activity trackers.

Generating micro-combs of light

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have discovered a new way to generate ultra-precise, evenly spaced laser light combs on a photonic chip. This breakthrough could miniaturize optical platforms like spectroscopic sensors or communication systems.

Can the mental health benefits of exercise be bottled?

Exercise mimetics aim to replicate the muscle-brain axis benefits of physical activity without requiring engagement in regular exercise. By activating key molecular pathways, these compounds may alleviate depressive symptoms without traditional therapy or medication.

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.

Household cat could hold the key to understanding breast cancer

A study analyzing tumours from almost 500 pet cats identified genetic changes that could help treat breast cancer in humans and animals. Similarities were found between feline mammary cancers and human breast cancers, suggesting potential avenues for therapy.

Study clarifies the cancer genome in domestic cats

A recent study sequenced cancer genes in domestic cats, comparing them to human cancer-causing mutations. The researchers identified similar oncogenes and tumor-predisposing genes in both species, which could inform veterinary cancer treatments and human medicine.

Flickering glacial climate may have shaped early human evolution

A study of deep-sea cores suggests that rapid climate swings during the Quaternary Period led to variability in glacial periods, which may have influenced early human evolution. The research found that climate conditions switched from stable warmth to cold chaos around 2.7 million years ago.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Accounting move promotes equal pay for equal work

A new accounting technique can help close the gender pay gap by determining pay raises in terms of dollars rather than percentages. Research finds that this approach significantly reduces pay gaps, even when employees are doing different jobs.

Social pressure forces baby clownfish to lose their bars faster

A new study reveals that the presence of older fish accelerates bar loss in young tomato anemonefish, a process linked to social hierarchy and environmental adaptability. The researchers suggest this may be an insurance policy against invasion, with younger fish losing their bars as they are accepted into the group.

New findings on infection with the Epstein-Barr virus

Researchers at Universitatsklinikum Bonn have identified genetic and non-genetic factors that help the body fight Epstein-Barr virus. Genome sequencing data revealed correlations with HIV infections, smoking, and seasonal fluctuations in EBV viral load, suggesting new avenues for investigating EBV immunity.

MULTI-evolve: Rapid evolution of complex multi-mutant proteins

Researchers developed MULTI-evolve, a framework for efficient protein evolution that applies machine learning models to predict beneficial mutations and their combinations. The approach identified function-enhancing mutations and tested their pairwise combinations, demonstrating improved efficiency in protein engineering.

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.

Newly discovered virus linked to colorectal cancer

Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have identified a new virus in a common gut bacterium that appears more frequently in patients with colorectal cancer. The study demonstrates a statistical association between the virus and colorectal cancer, but its role is still unclear.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Why some objects in space look like snowmen

Researchers at Michigan State University have created the first simulation that reproduces the two-lobed shape of contact binaries naturally with gravitational collapse. This finding suggests that the formation process is surprisingly simple and not rare.

Hearing a molecule’s solo performance

Scientists have created a way to hear a single molecule 'sing' using infrared-integrated STM. This technique combines infrared excitation with scanning tunneling microscopy, allowing for the detection of individual molecular vibrations.

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.

Cats could hold new keys to human cancer

Researchers analyzed tumour samples from almost 500 domestic cats across five countries, identifying specific driver genes that lead to cancer development. The study found similarities between cat and human cancers, including a common driver gene associated with worse prognosis in humans.

Microscopic mirrors for future quantum networks

The Harvard team developed a new microfabrication method to produce high-performance, curved optical mirrors with extremely smooth surfaces. The mirrors can control light at near-infrared wavelengths, enabling fast and efficient quantum networking.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

3D printing soft robots

Researchers at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a new fabrication method for printing robotic devices with long filaments featuring precisely placed hollow channels. This allows the device to bend and deform in predetermined ways, enabling the creation of soft robots with predictable s...

Next-generation OLEDs rely on finetuned microcavities

Researchers at the University of Turku developed a unified theory guiding the design of more efficient and sustainable devices. The work reveals that squeezing light too tightly inside OLEDs can reduce performance, and optimal efficiency is achieved through a delicate balance of material and cavity parameters.

A remote-controlled CAR-T for safer immunotherapy

Researchers have engineered a novel CAR-T cell that can be switched off on demand using a cancer drug, offering improved safety and efficacy. The new system, known as DROP-CAR-T, uses a clinically approved drug to disrupt tumor cell binding, preserving the cells for continued treatment.

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.

Core issue: the environmental impacts of where your apples are grown

New research from Cranfield University analyzed the environmental impact of fresh apples sold in the UK, finding that imports from water-stressed regions like South Africa and Spain have significantly higher water scarcity impacts. The study suggests regional sourcing can help manage trade-offs across the supply chain.

ORNL, Kairos Power partner to advance deployment of next-gen nuclear energy

The partnership aims to accelerate the development of fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactors, which use molten fluoride salt coolant with TRISO fuel. ORNL will provide expertise and access to specialized facilities for review and evaluation, as well as manufacture components for reactor development and testing.

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.

New review points to faster, safer vaccine development

A new review highlights the potential of viral mimic systems and virus-like particle technologies to accelerate vaccine development and improve global health equity. These innovative approaches enable local testing of vaccine candidates and antiviral therapies, strengthening regional preparedness for future outbreaks.

Periods may trigger pain for many who have sickle cell disease

A nationwide study found that periods can trigger severe pain in many women and girls with sickle cell disease, leading to emergency department visits and hospitalizations. The study's authors recommend a routine menstrual history screening as part of annual sickle cell care and connecting patients with reproductive health specialists.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Emerging scientist to explore new nanoparticle therapy for brain cancer

PhD candidate Michael Gomes is developing advanced nanoscale drug carriers to deliver chemotherapy more effectively to brain tumours. His research focuses on polydopamine nanoparticles and the glymphatic system to reach tumours directly, potentially increasing drug concentrations and reducing toxic effects.

What does ‘flexibility’ actually look like?

Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding flexibility at the molecular scale, finding that individual molecules contribute to material stiffness. This discovery could inform the design of faster and more efficient flexible electronics.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Uncovering evolution at the center of cell division

Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology have discovered the genetic origin of the tiny and precise centromeres in brewer's yeast. They found that these centromeres evolved from a likely intermediate stage and were shaped by retrotransposons, providing a concrete genetic explanation for their unique structure.

Mount Sinai study may help cancer patients keep their bladder

Researchers developed a molecular monitoring approach to identify patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who can safely preserve their bladder without compromising cancer outcomes. The study found that ultra-sensitive testing of tumor-derived DNA in blood and urine may help predict metastatic risk and identify patients with an ex...

Similar kinases play distinct roles in the brain

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that kinases MNK1 and MNK2 have distinct functions in the brain, regulating different behaviors such as social contacts and object recognition. The findings suggest that targeting each kinase individually may be more effective for treating neurological disorders.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Bird poop powers rise of ancient Peruvian kingdom, analysis shows

Researchers analyzed ancient maize cob fragments to reconstruct agricultural practices from nearly a millennium ago. The study reveals that the Chincha Kingdom used seabird guano as a high-powered fertilizer, transforming a desert landscape into one of the most productive riverine valleys in Peru.