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Science News for February 20, 2026


Does ocean saltiness influence El Niño?

Researchers found that certain salinity patterns can fuel El Niño development, increasing its intensity by 20%. This process makes extreme El Niño events more likely and causes catastrophic flooding and severe droughts. The study identified global patterns in salinity preceding major El Niño events over the past 65 years.

SourceDuke University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 20, 2026
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.

Researchers publish landmark infectious disease study in ‘Science’

A new study published in Science reveals that diseases closely related to syphilis originated more than 5,000 years ago and were transmitted from the Americas, challenging long-held European theories. The research uses ancient DNA discoveries from Colombia and Mexico to shed light on human disease evolution and global health.

SourceMississippi State University·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 20, 2026

AI language models could transform aquatic environmental risk assessment

AI language models can extract and integrate information from vast amounts of unstructured environmental data, identifying pollutants and their toxic effects. While still in its early stages, the application of LLMs in aquatic risk assessment has the potential to support more dynamic and data-driven risk management strategies.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeNews article·DateFeb 20, 2026

Many Americans misunderstand medical aid in dying laws

A Rutgers study found that misinformation about medical aid in dying is driven by ideology, while uncertainty stems from structural barriers such as education level and financial strain. Public education efforts should use a two-track approach to address these issues.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 20, 2026

Study reveals how antibiotic structure controls removal from water using biochar

A new study reveals that biochar's ability to remove antibiotics from water depends on their molecular structure. The research found that subtle structural differences among tetracycline antibiotics influence their adsorption onto rice straw biochar, with some antibiotics binding more quickly than others.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New NSF award supports innovative role-playing game approach to strengthening research security in academia

The project aims to help universities better understand research security by examining human and behavioral dimensions of risk. Structured role-playing games will simulate realistic academic scenarios, encouraging participants to explore trade-offs and motivations that often remain hidden in standard security planning.

SourceUniversity of Illinois School of Information Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2026

New isotope tools reveal hidden pathways reshaping the global nitrogen cycle

Advances in isotope science are transforming our ability to trace nitrogen through ecosystems, offering powerful tools for managing environmental change. Isotopic methods can distinguish pollution sources, track microbial transformations, and quantify nitrogen uptake by plants, providing insights into the global nitrogen cycle.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 20, 2026

Kumar named to ACMA Emerging Leaders Program for 2026

Vipin Kumar, a composites manufacturing researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has been selected for the ACMA Emerging Leaders Program. The program develops future leaders in the composites industry through professional development and advocacy training.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateFeb 20, 2026

Even nonmusicians pick up on music’s context

People can use the musical context to predict what will happen next and feel emotions such as anxiety or happiness. Research shows that using more context improves accuracy in tasks such as remembering chunks of music and predicting the next notes.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 20, 2026

Genetics help explain who gets the ‘telltale tingle’ from music, art and literature

A study by Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics found that genetic variations account for approximately 30% of the variation in experiencing aesthetic chills. The research also identified shared genetic influences across music, poetry, and visual art, linked to broader personality traits like openness to experience.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 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.

Improving indoor environment reduces asthma attacks in adults, study finds

A large survey of Texas adults with asthma found that improving airflow, using air purifiers, and minimizing allergens can significantly reduce asthma attacks. The study also highlights disparities in asthma burden among certain groups, including women, older adults, and Black adults.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAtmosphere·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2026

SFI Press launches “The Economy as an Evolving Complex System IV”

The Economy as an Evolving Complex System IV presents a new approach to understanding the economy, highlighting agent-based models and network tools that capture diversity and feedback loops. These tools are being used by policymakers and central banks to forecast GDP during crises and manage housing bubbles.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·DateFeb 20, 2026

Why chronic pain lasts longer in women: Immune cells offer clues

Researchers at Michigan State University found that female immune cells are less active, leading to delayed recovery from chronic pain. The study suggests that immune cells can be manipulated to produce signals that calm pain, paving the way for non-opioid treatments.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience Immunology·DateFeb 20, 2026
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Toxic exposure creates epigenetic disease risk over 20 generations

A new study found that a single toxic fungicide exposure during pregnancy can increase the risk of disease for 20 subsequent generations, with inherited health problems worsening over time. The study suggests that epigenetic disease inheritance could help explain rising chronic disease rates in humans.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2026

More time spent on social media linked to steroid use intentions among boys and men

A new study found that social media use, particularly exposure to muscularity-focused content and body comparisons, is strongly associated with increased intentions to use anabolic-androgenic steroids. Young men who frequently view muscular bodies or advertisements promoting muscle-building supplements also report stronger intentions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBody Image·DateFeb 20, 2026
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

New study suggests a “kick it while it’s down” approach to cancer treatment could improve cure rates

A new study suggests that switching to a second treatment while a tumor is still responding to the first may improve cure rates. The 'kick it while it's down' approach targets small tumors and has been shown to be successful in other contexts, such as combatting antibiotic resistance.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalGenetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 20, 2026

Discovery could improve immune checkpoint inhibitor safety

Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have discovered a way to reduce the risk of a lethal side effect in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. By targeting CD8 T cell-derived tumor necrosis factor, they found that blocking TNF signaling can prevent inflammatory cycle in the heart.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2026

Study: Anxiety, gloom often accompany intellectual deficits

A study analyzing data from 44,000 adults found that those with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience substantially higher rates of anxiety and depression. The study also highlights significant healthcare treatment and access barriers facing this population.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 20, 2026
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

The Journal of Nuclear Medicine ahead-of-print tip sheet: February 20, 2026

Researchers have made significant advancements in nuclear medicine by developing a new reporting framework for PET/CT scans, using targeted radiation therapy to treat sarcoma, and investigating how genetic mutations affect prostate cancer treatment outcomes. These studies aim to improve diagnosis and treatment for various cancers.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2026

New strategies boost effectiveness of CAR-NK therapy against cancer

Researchers at the Center for Cell-Based Therapy developed a new approach to enhance CAR-NK cell cytotoxicity, combining optimized co-stimulation with reversible pharmacological control. The study showed increased tumor control in animal models, paving the way for improved cancer treatment.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateFeb 20, 2026

Invisible harms: drug-related deaths spike after hurricanes and tropical storms

Researchers found a significant association between tropical cyclone exposure and psychoactive drug-related deaths, with the effect more pronounced in wealthy, White communities. Younger populations, especially those aged 15 to 29 years, were also disproportionately affected.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2026
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.

The quantum trembling: Why there are no truly flat molecules

Researchers at Goethe University used X-ray radiation to determine the spatial structure of formic acid, finding that its atoms oscillate slightly back and forth. This 'quantum trembling' causes the molecule to lose its symmetry and become effectively three-dimensional at almost every moment.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2026

Impact-formed glass evidence of cosmic collision in Brazil about 6 million years ago

Researchers have identified a field of tektites in Brazilian territory, which may have been formed by a single cosmic collision event. The geraisites, named after the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais where they were first discovered, have distinct geochemical signatures and date back approximately 6.3 million years.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalGeology·DateFeb 20, 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.

Physicists may have found the missing link for quantum computers

Researchers at NTNU believe they've discovered a potential superconductor, NbRe, that can enable spin-based computing with near-zero resistance. This breakthrough has significant implications for the future of quantum technology and could lead to faster, more energy-efficient computers.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2026

New insights into how bacteria control DNA synthesis open the door to next generation antimicrobials

The study provides detailed information on NrdR, a master regulator of ribonucleotide reductases in bacteria. It reveals how NrdR senses nucleotide levels and controls RNR expression, providing a new strategic entry point for antimicrobial development.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 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.

Max Planck spin-off draws Epic Games to Tübingen

Epic Games has acquired Meshcapade, a Max Planck startup that develops solutions for creating and animating digital humans. The technology, based on the SMPL body model, enables realistic human movement and expression in 3D.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 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.

Reduced alcohol consumption with Mounjaro’s active substance

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have found that tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, reduces voluntary alcohol consumption by more than half in animals. The study also shows that the drug prevents relapse-like drinking and decreases drinking levels after a period without alcohol.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2026

CDI scientists home in on acinetobacter baumannii's resistance evolution

A team of CDI scientists has identified the genetic basis of Acinetobacter baumannii's resistance to Cefiderocol, a last-line antibiotic. The study provides insights into the evolution of resistance and highlights the need for integrated surveillance strategies to prevent further resistance.

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2026

Key alterations in the cerebral cortex of people with psychosis

The study reveals that psychosis does not follow a single trajectory but is influenced by individual differences and treatment. It shows that cortical volume reduction, particularly in regions with high serotonin and dopamine receptor density, is a hallmark of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 20, 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.

ACS Central Science | Researchers from Insilico Medicine and Lilly publish foundational vision for fully autonomous “Prompt-to-Drug” pharmaceutical R&D

Researchers from Insilico Medicine and Lilly outline a comprehensive framework for fully autonomous, AI-orchestrated drug discovery. The vision integrates AI-driven target discovery, generative chemistry, automated synthesis, biological validation, and clinical planning into a single workflow.

SourceInSilico Medicine·TypeNews article·DateFeb 20, 2026

Here's why you need a backup for the map on your phone

A recent study found that 81% of hikers rely on mobile phones for navigation, increasing the risk of getting lost or ending up in dangerous situations. Researchers emphasize the need for alternative strategies, such as using paper maps, marked trails, and asking other hikers, to ensure safe travel.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Navigation·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 20, 2026

Novel wireless origami-inspired smart cushioning device for safer logistics

A novel wireless origami-inspired smart cushioning device has been developed to monitor deformation and detect damage to transported goods. The self-folded origami honeycomb device, integrated with passive wireless sensors, can provide real-time information on load conditions and impact.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2026
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Tackling uplift resistance in tall infrastructures sustainably

Researchers developed a winged composite pile foundation system to enhance wind resistance and utilize surplus excavated soil. The study found that larger expanded base wing diameters significantly increased uplift resistance, while soil density and surface characteristics of the steel components also played crucial roles.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalResults in Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2026

Physical function is a crucial predictor of survival after heart failure

Researchers developed a new model to predict long-term survival after heart failure in elderly Japanese patients. The Top-20 XGBoost model incorporates physical function metrics, rivaling the importance of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and provides a more accurate estimation of mortality risk.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 20, 2026

Hidden genetic mismatch, which triples the risk of a life-threatening immune attack after cord blood transplantation

A large registry study identifies a specific genetic mismatch linked to severe acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after cord blood transplantation, tripling the risk of life-threatening complications. Researchers found that a particular HLA combination in donors and recipients increased aGVHD risk by threefold.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalTransplantation and Cellular Therapy·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2026

Screening improves early detection of colorectal cancer

Researchers found that both screening methods lead to more cases of early-stage cancer being detected, especially in the first two years. The study suggests that screening may have a preventive effect by removing precursors to cancer.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 20, 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.

AABNet and partners launch landmark guide on the conservation of African livestock genetic resources and sustainable breeding strategies

The new open-access reference guide emphasizes that breeding objectives must reflect farmer priorities and production realities. Local breeds are critical for climate adaptation and resilience in small-scale and low-input production systems, but many are at risk of extinction due to indiscriminate crossbreeding with exotic breeds.

SourceInternational Livestock Research Institute·DateFeb 20, 2026

Scientists reveal our best- and worst-case scenarios for a warming Antarctica

A new study reveals the best- and worst-case scenarios for climate change in Antarctica, highlighting the urgent need to reduce emissions. Under high-emissions scenarios, Antarctica's ice shelves, glaciers, and iconic species could collapse, driving sea level rise and devastating ecosystems.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 20, 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.

Cleaner fish show intelligence typical of mammals

Researchers observed cleaner wrasse recognizing themselves in mirrors and experimenting with it, suggesting advanced intelligence known as 'contingency testing'. The fish also demonstrated flexible, self-referential processing, indicating widespread self-awareness across taxonomic groups, including fish.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2026

Produce hydrogen and oxygen simultaneously from a single atom! Achieve carbon neutrality with an 'All-in-one' single-atom water electrolysis catalyst

Researchers at KIST developed an all-in-one single-atom water electrolysis catalyst that stably performs both hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution reactions on a single electrode. This technology significantly reduces precious metal usage while achieving outstanding performance and durability.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateFeb 20, 2026