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Science News for February 16, 2026


Inhaled microplastics and lung health

New research suggests that inhaled microplastics can cause inflammation and damage to the lungs, potentially increasing the risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. Microplastics can also trigger inflammatory responses and deliver toxins directly into the lungs, highlighting a growing concern for lung health.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalFood Bioscience·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 16, 2026

External validation of the feeding intolerance prediction model (NOFI) in critically ill patients: A post hoc analysis of a large-scale randomized controlled trial

A new study externally validates the NOFI model, which uses three clinical variables to predict feeding intolerance and stratify patients by 28-day mortality risk. The analysis found that patients in the high-risk group experienced substantially higher 28-day mortality compared with those in lower-risk groups.

SourceJournal of Intensive Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2026

Early study connects dogs’ cancer survival with which microorganisms live in their gut

A recent clinical trial led by Oregon State University scientists found that the composition of a dog's microbiome is linked to its cancer survival rate. The study identified 11 specific types of bacteria that were associated with longer or shorter survival, suggesting potential biomarkers for predicting treatment response and improvin...

SourceOregon State University·JournalVeterinary Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 16, 2026

When too much of a good thing becomes dangerous

Global study finds that nitrogen pollution causes forests to follow two distinct patterns in response to added nutrients, with some experiencing a boost and others collapsing. The findings highlight the importance of reducing nitrogen levels to stabilize forest soil carbon pools and maintain natural respiration rhythms.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 16, 2026

Nuclear speckles play a key role in the progression of viral infection

Research reveals that nuclear speckles are essential for processing and exporting viral messenger RNAs from the nucleus, highlighting their critical role in viral infections. The study suggests that understanding how viruses interact with host cells can lead to new ways to treat and prevent viral diseases.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2026

Focal therapy effectively treats men whose prostate cancer returns after radiotherapy with fewer side effects, says new study

A new study published in JAMA Oncology found that salvage focal therapy is as effective as radical prostatectomy in treating recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy, but with much fewer complications. The treatment targets only the cancerous area of the prostate, resulting in less impact on quality of life.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateFeb 16, 2026

Cosmic predators: How supermassive black holes slow star growth in nearby galaxies

A study using the James Webb Space Telescope found that supermassive black holes can suppress star growth not only in their host galaxy but also in neighboring galaxies within a million-light-year radius. This discovery reveals a larger impact of quasars on galaxy evolution, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2026

Telehealth in cardiovascular care

A new position statement from CSANZ and ACRA highlights telehealth as a critical tool for increasing access to quality cardiovascular care. The guidance provides best practice guidance for safe use by clinicians while emphasizing patient-centered, culturally inclusive multidisciplinary care.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalHeart Lung and Circulation·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 16, 2026

Discover a new ‘cellular target’ to understand and treat alzheimer’s disease

Researchers have identified astrocytes as a promising cellular target for Alzheimer's therapy. Senescent astrocytes, which lose functional capacity, are found in Alzheimer's patients' brains, leading to neuronal damage and inflammation. The study opens an avenue for therapeutic strategies like senolytic drugs.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2026

New tool models metal response to stress, pinpoints failure locations

Researchers at University of Illinois have created a model that captures the metal material's response to stress and predict failure hotspots using pixel-scale images. The algorithm uses machine learning to output strain fields from computational simulations, predicting mechanical response based on crystal orientations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalInternational Journal of Solids and Structures·DateFeb 16, 2026

Study finds emphasis on conversation facilitation helps journalists re-engage communities

A study found that pairing student journalists with communities through structured conversation can help rebuild trust and teach future reporters how to listen to and investigate the needs of overlooked communities. The program resulted in 27 conversations involving students and 135 community members, generating a complete curriculum f...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournalism Practice·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2026

Sprinting science that rewrites the rulebook

The study reveals that no two sprinters look the same at full speed due to unique interactions between body, environment, and training history. By embracing movement variability and individuality, coaches can create learning environments that allow athletes to discover efficient techniques.

SourceFlinders University·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 16, 2026

How bacteria may promote breast cancer

Pathogenic bacteria in gut and breast tissue can promote breast cancer development by increasing SMOX activity, leading to DNA damage and tumor growth. Targeting SMOX with inhibitors could be a viable strategy to counteract the cancer-promoting effects of microbial dysbiosis.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 16, 2026

Enhancing mortality risk prediction by integrating CKM syndrome stages and CKD-based substaging: evidence from a nationwide cohort study

A nationwide cohort study found that chronic kidney disease significantly heightens mortality risk, even at moderate levels, and exceeds traditional metabolic risk factors. Maintaining renal function and early detection of CKD are critical for reducing both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·DateFeb 16, 2026

1 in 6 Medicare beneficiaries depend on telehealth for key medical care

A cross-sectional analysis found that nearly half of mental health visits and 29 million non-mental health telehealth visits occurred annually. The study suggests that telehealth has become an essential component of care for older and medically vulnerable adults, raising concerns about rolling back telehealth flexibilities.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateFeb 16, 2026

Sensing local fibers in pancreatic tumors, cancer cells ‘choose’ to either grow or tolerate treatment

A new study shows that pancreatic cancer cells' ability to detect the extracellular matrix determines their growth rate and response to chemotherapy. The researchers found that cells detecting ECM have low autophagy levels and high growth rates, while those farther away from ECM have high autophagy levels and can survive chemotherapy.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2026

AI-powered companionship: PolyU interfaculty scholar harnesses music and empathetic speech in robots to combat loneliness

Researchers at PolyU have discovered that combining music and empathetic speech in robots can foster a stronger bond between humans and machines. Music enhances the emotional resonance of on-screen robots, making interactions feel more real, but its impact diminishes over time.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction·DateFeb 16, 2026

Bioactive polyphenolic compounds and in vitro anti-degenerative property-based pharmacological propensities of some promising germplasms of Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.

The study investigated the bioactive polyphenolic compounds and their anti-degenerative properties in foliar tissues of Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. The results showed germplasm-specific variations in pharmacological potential, with some accessions exhibiting promising anti-degenerative properties.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology·DateFeb 16, 2026

Antarctica sits above Earth’s strongest “gravity hole.” Now we know how it got that way

A new study finds that Antarctica's gravity hole formed as a result of slow rock movements deep under the Earth's surface, which overlapped with major changes in the continent's climate system. The study suggests that future research could reveal how the shifting gravity may have encouraged the growth of ice sheets.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 16, 2026

Korea University, Stanford University, and IESGA launch Water Sustainability Index to combat ESG greenwashing

A new framework introduces the Water Sustainability Index (WSI), a transparent, quantitative metric designed to strengthen corporate water accountability worldwide. The WSI evaluates corporate water withdrawals, consumption, discharge quality, and reuse while accounting for local water scarcity.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalNature Water·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 16, 2026

Molecular glue discovery: large scale instead of lucky strike

Researchers developed a new method to discover molecular glues through large-scale chemistry and cell-based screening. They identified compounds that selectively degrade ENL in leukemia cells, demonstrating the potential of this approach for targeting previously undruggable proteins.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2026

Magnetic resonance imaging opens the door to better treatments for underdiagnosed atypical Parkinsonisms

A new study uses advanced MRI to accurately diagnose progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD), two underdiagnosed conditions. This breakthrough enables precise clinical trials and transforms treatment options for patients with balance problems, falls, stiffness, or difficulties with speech and movement.

SourceInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau (Sant Pau Research Institute)·JournalThe Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer s Disease·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2026