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Science News for February 18, 2026


DGIST identifies “magic blueprint” for converting carbon dioxide into resources through atom-level catalyst design

A research team has identified a principle for designing atomic-level interactions in catalysts to selectively produce desired products from carbon dioxide conversion. The discovery could lead to more efficient solar-driven carbon utilization technologies, addressing the climate crisis.

Aussie desert plant packs a protein punch

A study by RMIT University found that an Australian desert plant, Old Man Saltbush, has nearly ideal amino acid requirements for human nutrition, making it a potential high-quality plant-derived protein option. The plant was also rich in minerals and improved the nutritional value of wheat pasta when added to it.

SourceRMIT University·JournalFood and Bioprocess Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Menopausal hormone therapy not linked to increased risk of death

A large Danish study found that menopausal hormone therapy is not associated with an increased risk of death in women with moderate to severe symptoms and no contraindications. The study also showed a significant survival benefit for women who had undergone bilateral oophorectomy after using hormone therapy.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2026

New study warns emerging pollutants in livestock and aquaculture waste may threaten ecosystems and public health

A new scientific review highlights a growing environmental challenge linked to modern food production, where waste from livestock and aquaculture operations contains complex mix of emerging contaminants. These pollutants can spread through ecosystems and ultimately affect human health.

Scientists prove shellfish can be farmed far from shore

Researchers successfully farmed Atlantic surfclams offshore in the open ocean, finding faster growth and higher survival rates than those farmed near shore. The study opens new doors for offshore aquaculture in New Jersey, promising a sustainable way to grow more seafood while supporting local jobs.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNorth American Journal of Aquaculture·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Integrated rice–aquatic farming systems may hold the key to smarter nitrogen use and lower agricultural emissions

Rice–aquatic animal co-culture systems can increase nitrogen-use efficiency by 20-40% while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fertilizer requirements. The key to their effectiveness lies in the dynamic interactions between rice roots, aquatic animals, and microorganisms at the soil-water interface.

Study finds lack of Angptl4 gene triggers long-term protection against inflammatory bowel disease by reprogramming the immune system

Researchers found that mice without the ANGPTL4 gene were protected from intestinal inflammation and colon tumors due to altered macrophage behavior. The study suggests that early-life inflammatory events can shape long-term immune programming, providing resistance to future challenges.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

New research forecasts the impacts of fire on birds

Up to 30% of bird diversity hotspots in the western US face threats from high-severity wildfires, which could eliminate critical forest habitats. However, up to 58% of hotspots are predicted to experience low-severity fires, creating potential refuges for forest-dependent species.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 18, 2026

Global scientific paper establishes first consensus definition of gut health

A global group of scientists and clinicians has established the first consensus definition of gut health, encompassing both physiological function and individual symptoms. The new framework provides a basis for measuring and improving gut health, with applications for researchers and clinical management of digestive health.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 18, 2026

National analysis maps hospital vulnerability to flood-driven traffic disruptions

A German nationwide study uses a new simulation approach to map hospital vulnerability to flood-driven traffic disruptions. 75 hospitals across Germany are identified at risk of patient surges beyond their regular capacity due to an increase in demand by more than 30 percent.

SourceGFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum für Geoforschung·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 18, 2026

Major advance in dry-electrode EV batteries

Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a new dry-processed electrode architecture that improves battery performance, reduces cost, and has environmental benefits. The dry process eliminates toxic solvents and creates a more robust battery with better conductivity.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 18, 2026

Enjoyment, not time, drives how people judge goal progress

A study by Cornell University found that people prioritize enjoyment over time when evaluating their progress toward goals in fitness, education, and careers. In one study, participants who enjoyed a workout reported making more progress despite taking less time than those who didn't enjoy the activity.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateFeb 18, 2026

Mindfulness practices found to significantly reduce depression symptoms, especially for those with early-life adversity

A new study found that mindfulness practices can significantly reduce depression symptoms in people who have experienced early-life adversity. The study, led by Eric Loucks, found that participants in the Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction Program showed significant improvements in depression symptoms compared to those in an en...

SourceBrown University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateFeb 18, 2026

Complexity key to preventing infection after heart surgery

Researchers from Duke University found that uniform materials without complexity are the culprit behind deadly infections after heart surgery. Bioengineered grafts with decellularized tissue can greatly reduce complications. The study suggests designing new solutions similar to vascular tissue in interior complexity.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiomedical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Seaweed farms: dynamic blue carbon systems

Researchers discover that seaweed farms drive a climate-friendly feedback by producing alkalinity, which shifts the chemistry of the water and removes CO2. The process is more permanent than previously thought, making seaweed farms an ideal system for carbon sequestration.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 18, 2026

Research alert: Understanding substance use across the full spectrum of sexual identity

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry reveals higher rates of substance use among all non-heterosexual groups in the US, including those uncertain of their identity. The analysis highlights the importance of recognizing a broader range of sexual identities in public health research and clinical practice.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 18, 2026

Power generation increased by up to 70 per cent when wind turbines were combined with tidal/wave installations

Researchers from the University of Surrey found that combining wind turbines with wave, solar, and tidal devices on shared platforms generates more reliable power and reduces construction costs. The study identified hybrid offshore renewable energy harvest systems as crucial for meeting ambitious climate targets.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·DateFeb 18, 2026

Robust frozen dynamics observed on a quantum system

Duke University researchers have observed statistical localization in a neutral-atom platform, where most configurations of quantum bits remain effectively frozen. This phenomenon has implications for robustly storing information in a quantum system and could be a powerful feature of quantum mechanics.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Rising simultaneous wildfire risk compromises international firefighting efforts

Scientists warn that synchronised extreme fire weather, characterized by warm and dry conditions, has increased worldwide since 1979, straining international firefighting cooperation. The number of high-risk days with simultaneous fires is more than doubling, making wildfires harder to tackle and increasing air quality issues.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 18, 2026

Selected dog breeds with most breathing trouble identified in new study

A new study has identified the most affected dog breeds when it comes to breathing difficulties, revealing that certain characteristics like a flat face and overweighed physique are associated with Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). The research found that Pekingese and Japanese Chin are at high risk, while others such ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 18, 2026

Rewriting our understanding of early hominin dispersal to Eurasia

A team of geoscientists and anthropologists has reconstructed a more precise timeline of H. erectus arrival in China, confirming the presence of the species at Yunxian, China 1.7 million years ago. The revised timeline challenges long-held assumptions about early human dispersal and raises questions about alternative species that may h...

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

New center for cell research

The new center combines large-scale equipment and methods to study individual cells in detail, detecting molecular differences and analyzing reactions to biochemical or genetic changes. This enables new perspectives for medical diagnostics and research, including personalized medicine.

Honey bee "dance floors" can be accurately located with a new method, mapping where in the hive forager bees perform waggle dances to signal the location of pollen and nectar for their nestmates

Researchers have developed a new method to map the location of honey bee 'dance floors,' where forager bees perform waggle dances. This method allows for accurate quantification and comparison of waggle dance regions, enabling better understanding of honey bee communication.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateFeb 18, 2026

Pollen counts can be predicted by machine learning models using meteorological data with more than 80% accuracy even a week ahead, for both grass and birch tree pollen, which could be key in effectively treating hayfever

Researchers developed machine learning models that accurately forecast pollen counts for both grass and birch tree pollen, enabling early warning systems. This breakthrough could lead to more effective hayfever treatments by allowing individuals to take preventative measures before symptoms appear.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateFeb 18, 2026

Binge drinking isn’t just a young person’s issue; it’s a serious later-life mortality risk

A new study from the University of Toronto found that binge drinking among adults aged 50 and older is associated with a significantly increased risk of death. After adjusting for health status and socioeconomic factors, individuals who never engaged in binge drinking had a 19% lower mortality risk compared to weekly binge drinkers.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAlcohol·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2026

How age, sex and genetics shape our antibodies

A study found that age, biological sex, and human genetic factors determine the quantity and specificity of antibodies produced in response to viral infections. The research has significant implications for vaccine and therapeutic design, as it shows that individual profiles can be tailored to improve treatment effectiveness.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Immunology·TypeCase study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Simplifying quantum simulations – through symmetry

Physicists Guido Burkard and Joris Kattemölle from the University of Konstanz have developed a method to simplify quantum simulations by harnessing symmetry, streamlining the calculation process for complex systems. By using recurring patterns in the quantum systems, they significantly reduce the required computational effort.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 18, 2026

Stopping fatal blood loss with clay

Developing a lifesaving device that can stop fatal blood loss in seconds, researchers at Texas A&M University have made significant breakthroughs. By using clay minerals and nano-silicate particles, the team has created injectable hemostatic bandages that reduce bleeding time by nearly 70%.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateFeb 18, 2026

Researchers recommend a verification phase for measuring adolescents’ maximal oxygen uptake

A Finnish study found that verifying adolescents' maximal oxygen uptake requires a brief phase to ensure reliable results. The researchers also discovered that different time averaging strategies can significantly affect the final measurement values, highlighting the need for explicit strategy specification.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateFeb 18, 2026

Kogakuin University investigates P2O5 based Na⁺ superionic conductive glass-ceramics for all-solid-state batteries

Researchers at Kogakuin University discovered that adding phosphorus to sodium-yttrium-silicate glasses significantly enhances their performance as solid electrolytes. The study found that P2O5 addition promotes high-ionic conductivity and stability, making sodium-based batteries a promising alternative to lithium-ion technologies.

SourceKogakuin University of Technology and Engineering·JournalCeramics International·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Big data and human height: ISTA scientists develop algorithm to boost biobank data retrieval & analysis

Researchers from ISTA developed an algorithm that can extract and analyze information from the world’s most extensive biobank with unprecedented accuracy and speed. The method, dubbed gVAMP, enhances the framework's ability to extract complex information from the dataset at hand, providing a detailed overview of the effects on a trait ...

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalCell Genomics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 18, 2026

Spiritual practices strongly associated with reduced risk for hazardous alcohol and drug use

A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies found that broad spiritual practices, such as attending religious services and meditation, were associated with a 13% reduced risk of hazardous drug and alcohol use. This reduction was greater (18%) among individuals attending religious services at least once per week.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 18, 2026

Kogakuin University announces new global scholarly volume to celebrate the Milestone of School of Advanced Engineering

The university has launched a prestigious global scholarly volume to celebrate its School of Advanced Engineering's 10th anniversary. The book aims to address evolving trends in engineering education systems worldwide and provide international references for educators, policymakers, and institutional leaders.

Can Europe be climate-neutral by 2050? New monitor tracks the pace of the energy transition

A new monitor tracks the energy transition in Hungary, finding that roughly half of companies increased their share of low-carbon electricity, while others continued to rely on fossil fuels. The study suggests that size, revenue spent on fossil fuels, and initial investments influence a company's willingness to switch to electrification.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 18, 2026

Reminding people they’re talking to chatbots may be ineffective or even harmful, researchers say

Researchers argue that mandated reminders about a chatbot's non-human nature may exacerbate mental distress and form stronger attachments. The warnings come after recent deaths by suicide linked to chatbots like ChatGPT and Character.AI, highlighting the need for careful crafting and timing of these reminders.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 18, 2026

Colonists dredged away Sydney’s natural oyster reefs. Now science knows how best to restore them.

Researchers have identified the complex shapes of natural oyster reefs are not random, but optimise the establishment and survival of developing oysters. The study provides critical information to guide effective reef restoration using artificial habitats that replicate specific geometric attributes found in natural reefs.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

The making of doting dads

Researchers at Princeton University found a specific brain region and gene, Agouti, linked to caregiving behavior in male African striped mice. Males with lower Agouti levels showed greater interest in caring for pups, while those with higher levels were neglectful or abusive.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Professor Tae-Woo Lee's research team develops mass production technology for ultra-high color purity perovskite emitters

Professor Tae-Woo Lee's research team has developed a 'Cold-injection' method to synthesize high-quality perovskite nanocrystals at room temperature, overcoming safety risks and production costs. The technology achieved near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield in a large-scale synthesis of 20 liters.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Accelerated coral reef collapse

Ocean researchers call for broadened species categories and improved protections for coral reefs, as narrow definitions allow for military and economic interference. The researchers' letter aims to inform policymakers to address conservation gaps and ensure reef protection.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 18, 2026

Major heart attack study reveals ‘survival paradox’: Frail men at higher risk of death than women despite better treatment

A groundbreaking study found that frail men have a significantly higher risk of dying within one year after a heart attack, challenging the prevailing narrative that high clinical risk is predominantly a female issue. The research highlights the need for sex-informed care pathways to address this disparity.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Exposing a hidden anchor for HIV replication

Scientists at the University of Delaware discovered a previously unknown structural role for the HIV integrase protein, which forms gluey filaments that anchor the RNA genome to the capsid. This discovery provides a promising new target for drug development and could lead to the development of next-generation inhibitors.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature·DateFeb 18, 2026

Macrophage immune cells need constant reminders to retain memories of prior infections

Researchers found that macrophages retain memories of previous infections due to persistent signaling molecules left behind, which can be reversed by blocking cytokine signaling pathways. This discovery suggests new ways to reduce the activity of misprogrammed macrophages contributing to autoimmune diseases.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Researchers trial urine tests to screen for alcohol use in pregnancy

A new study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica has found that the majority of pregnant women in Ireland are not consuming excessive amounts of alcohol during pregnancy. The study used urine tests to detect ethyl glucuronide, a metabolite of alcohol, and found only 0.4% of samples tested positive for the substance.

SourceUCD Research & Innovation·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Study shows that treating patients with lifestyle medicine may help reduce clinician burnout

A new study published in BMC Health Services Research reveals that treating patients with lifestyle medicine may improve well-being and job satisfaction among physicians and other health professionals. Participants described higher job satisfaction after lifestyle medicine implementation, citing meaningful patient improvements.

SourceAmerican College of Lifestyle Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2026

Medicare patients get different stroke care depending on plan, analysis reveals

A study by University of Virginia Health System researchers found that Medicare Advantage patients had better access to preventive care and rehabilitation after a stroke, leading to faster recovery times. In contrast, traditional Medicare patients were less likely to receive these services due to prior authorization requirements.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Comparative Effectiveness Research·DateFeb 18, 2026

Computational insights into the interactions of andrographolide derivative SRJ09 with histone deacetylase for the management of beta thalassemia

The study identifies SRJ09 as a top candidate for treating beta thalassemia due to its favorable binding affinity to the active site of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2). The compound exhibited acceptable drug-likeness properties and stable complex behavior with HDAC2.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology·DateFeb 18, 2026

Natural selection operates on multiple levels, comprehensive review of scientific studies shows

A comprehensive review of 280 scientific studies reveals that natural selection can occur on multiple levels of biological organization, including individual and group benefits. This finding challenges the traditional view of natural selection and highlights its complexity in various ecosystems.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 18, 2026

AI-powered ECG could help guide lifelong heart monitoring for patients with repaired tetralogy of fallot

A Mount Sinai-led study developed an AI tool that analyzes ECGs to identify patients at risk for harmful heart changes, potentially reducing the need for expensive and time-consuming cardiac MRI scans. The tool could make lifelong heart monitoring more accessible and efficient for people born with congenital heart disease.

What freezing plants in blocks of ice can tell us about the future of Svalbard’s plant communities

Svalbard's polar willow plant community, a critical food source for reindeer, was found to be resilient to icing due to consistent production above-ground during summer warming. The study suggests that even with extensive winter ice encasement, some plants can thrive through increased above-ground production and seed dispersal.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Augmented reality menus may help restaurants attract more customers, improve brand perceptions

A new study found that augmented reality (AR) menus can significantly increase customer interest in visiting a restaurant and result in positive word-of-mouth marketing. The effectiveness of AR menus also depends on how well the technology aligns with a restaurant's overall brand image.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2026

A new vascularized tissueoid-on-a-chip model for liver regeneration and transplant rejection

Researchers developed a vascularized liver tissueoid-on-a-chip that recapitulates key structural, functional, and immunological features of human liver tissue. The platform enabled the study of liver regeneration and immune-mediated allograft rejection in a physiologically relevant human system.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Power grids to epidemics: study shows small patterns trigger systemic failures

Researchers identified small clusters of interacting components that act as amplifiers, triggering outsized reactions in complex systems. These clusters can control how strongly a system reacts after a disruption, and their presence can determine the stability of entire systems.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 18, 2026

CHEST announces first class of certified critical care advanced practice providers awarded CCAPP Designation

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has certified its first class of critical care advanced practice providers with the CCAPP designation. This achievement recognizes their dedication to high-quality patient care and their role in supporting multidisciplinary critical care teams. The CCAPP certification is designed to vali...

Babies are exposed to more “forever chemicals” before birth than previously known, new study finds

Researchers used advanced chemical detection to estimate a newborn's total PFAS exposure, detecting 42 confirmed or putatively identified PFAS chemicals in umbilical cord blood. The study found that infants are exposed to a wide range of PFAS before birth, including perfluorinated chemicals and fluorotelomers.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 18, 2026

Jeonbuk National University researchers develop an innovative prussian-blue based electrode for effective and efficient cesium removal

Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new Prussian-blue based electrode that can effectively remove cesium from water. The electrode, made by combining Prussian blue with chemically treated carbon cloth, demonstrates high capacity for cesium adsorption and excellent reusability.

SourceJeonbuk National University, Sustainable Strategy team, Planning and Coordination Division·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

How can you rescue a “kidnapped” robot? A new AI system helps the robot regain its sense of location in dynamic, ever-changing environments

A hierarchical 3D LiDAR localization method improves robot positioning in large outdoor spaces even after seasonal changes. The method integrates deep learning techniques to extract discriminative local features from 3D point clouds, making it robust to environmental variability.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalInternational Journal of Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

A holiday to better recovery

A study of 77,947 patients found that those over 80 and with low initial ADL scores benefited from holiday rehabilitation. This suggests prioritizing interventions for elderly and independent individuals can lead to better outcomes.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAnnals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2026