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Science News for February 23, 2026


Lithium and sodium-ion technologies are more closely linked than assumed

A recent study published in Nature Energy found that switching to a new battery technology does not automatically open the door to new market players due to established companies' structural advantages. The researchers analyzed over 15,000 patents and found significant knowledge transfer between lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 23, 2026

More trees where they matter, please

A new study reveals disparities in urban shade levels, leading to greater health risks and exacerbating the 'heat island' effect in cities. Wealthier neighborhoods tend to have more trees, resulting in better shade provision for pedestrians, highlighting a consistent link between wealth and neighborhood tree abundance.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2026

Humanity’s oldest geometries, engraved on ostrich eggs

Researchers discovered that ancient humans used geometric principles to create organized and coherent patterns on ostrich eggshells, dating back over 60,000 years. The study suggests that this ability to organize visual space according to abstract principles is a key indicator of the emergence of abstract thought in human evolution.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2026

Genes meet biomarkers: A new roadmap for newborn screening

A new roadmap for newborn screening combines genetic sequencing with traditional biomarker-based testing to enhance early detection of treatable neonatal disorders. The framework covers 154 disease-associated genes across 67 inherited metabolic disorders, reducing false positives and false negatives while accelerating diagnosis and int...

SourceZhejiang University·JournalWorld Journal of Pediatrics·DateFeb 23, 2026

Novel markers of brain blood flow and oxygenation may offer early clues to Alzheimer’s risk

Researchers found that noninvasive measures of brain blood flow and oxygenation are associated with hallmark brain changes in older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Higher values on these indicators were linked to lower levels of amyloid plaques and larger hippocampal volume, indicating a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2026

A depression treatment that once took eight weeks may work just as well in one

Researchers found that a condensed brain stimulation therapy, known as '5x5' TMS, produced comparable results to the standard six-week course of treatment. Patients who showed little improvement immediately after finishing their five-day course still benefited significantly in the weeks that followed.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2026

Zero-alcohol ads hook teens

A study of 382 adolescents aged 15–17 found that zero-alcohol advertisements significantly increased their intentions to try full-strength versions. Teenagers who liked the ads showed more positive attitudes toward the brands and clearer intentions to drink.

SourceFlinders University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 23, 2026

Human liver tissue cell architecture reconstructed in 3D at a cellular level

Researchers create detailed 3D reconstructions of human liver tissue, comparing healthy and cirrhotic livers, showing dysregulation of metabolite transport, reduced specialized cells, and disruption of vascular networks. The study highlights the importance of understanding organ structure for bioprinting artificial organs.

Creativity feels great — until tomorrow

A new study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that creativity improves daily well-being, but professional creatives experience a 'creative hangover' with more negative emotions the next day. This research challenges the idea that creativity is always good for mental health.

SourceThe Graduate Center, CUNY·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 23, 2026

Decision-making nudges improve racial equity in academic promotion

A study published in Nature Communications found that evaluating multiple candidates simultaneously reduces racial disparities in promotion and tenure decisions. This structural change increases Black and Hispanic faculty members' promotion chances by 16.2%, effectively eliminating racial disparities at the department level.

SourceUniversity of California - Merced·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 23, 2026

The International Society for Stem Cell Research honors Dr. Allen Eaves and the late Dr. Connie Eaves with the 2026 ISSCR Lifetime Achievement Award

The International Society for Stem Cell Research has awarded the 2026 ISSCR Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Allen Eaves and late Dr. Connie Eaves, recognizing their groundbreaking work on blood stem cell biology, leukemia, and cancer stem cells. Their research and mentorship have profoundly influenced the field of stem cell science.

Team creativity emerges as catalyst for high-quality primary patient care, lower burnout, and greater job satisfaction

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health reveals that team creativity is a powerful driver of well-being and effectiveness in primary care. The research found that higher levels of team creativity are associated with greater job satisfaction, lower burnout, and improved patient care.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalHealth Care Management Review·DateFeb 23, 2026

You don't need to be very altruistic to stop an epidemic

Researchers used mathematical modeling to find that even people with minimal concern for others would choose to self-isolate when sick, suppressing diseases in the long-term. The study suggests that only a small amount of altruism is needed to achieve indefinite suppression as an alternative to herd immunity.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2026

Quantencomputers go high-dimensional

Researchers have achieved a crucial building block for new quantum computers by realizing a novel type of quantum logic gate that works with pairs of photons in four different states, enabling new opportunities for optical quantum computing. This milestone opens up possibilities for faster calculations and improved stability.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2026

MIT study reveals climatic fingerprints of wildfires and volcanic eruptions

Scientists detected statistically significant changes in global atmospheric temperatures in response to three major natural events: Mount Pinatubo, Australian wildfires, and Hunga Tonga eruption. The study's findings suggest that these events may not have played a role in the acceleration of global surface warming in recent years.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2026

Early-summer Arctic ice melt impacts late-summer Indian monsoon rainfall

Researchers found a strong inverse correlation between Arctic sea ice extent and Indian summer monsoon rainfall on interannual timescales. Decreased Arctic sea ice variability during June to July leads to increased rainfall over western and northwestern India, indicating a westward shift in the monsoon season.

SourceOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research (OLAR)·JournalOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2026

Diamond owl swoops in with new method to keep electronics cool

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to grow patterned diamond surfaces that can decrease operating temperatures in electronics. This approach uses microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition to create ordered layers of diamond crystals on substrates, allowing for controlled seed placement and scalable growth.

SourceRice University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2026

Global greening: The Earth’s green wave is shifting

A team of researchers has developed a novel method to track the Earth's greenness by calculating its centre of mass. They found that the 'green centre' oscillates between northernmost positions in mid-July and southernmost positions off the coast of Liberia in March, with a consistent northward shift across all seasons.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2026

Timing is everything: Genome-wide insights into flowering and ripening in Japanese plum

A study on Japanese plum reveals the genetic architecture underlying key phenological stages, including flowering onset, full bloom, and fruit development period. The research identified stable genetic loci and candidate genes that can be used to accelerate breeding for climate-resilient plum varieties.

Scientists report landmark “evolutionary double-bind” strategy to overcome treatment resistance in prostate cancer

Researchers found that radiation-resistant cancer cells are vulnerable to NK cell-mediated killing due to increased expression of specific cellular membrane proteins, creating an 'evolutionary double-bind'. The combination of radiation therapy and NK cell-based immunotherapy was more effective in suppressing both sensitive and resistan...

Prussian blue goes from pigment to purification

Scientists at the University of Chicago have created Prussian blue analogs that can achieve 99.9% lithium purification, opening up new opportunities for separating industrial waste ions from environmental streams. The unique structure of Prussian blue analogs allows for selective filtering and purification.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalMatter·DateFeb 23, 2026

New study on obesity criteria shows: vast majority of affected individuals are classified as clinically obese

A new study found that almost all people with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) exhibit increased body fat mass and health-related complications. Clinical obesity is associated with a 3-8 times higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes compared to non-obese individuals.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2026

Online searches for crisis hotlines surged worldwide and rise in the same months as suicide-related searches

A new study analyzing global Google Trends data reveals a sharp increase in online searches for crisis hotlines, particularly in recent years. The findings suggest that digital help-seeking signals can provide timely insight into population distress and demand for crisis resources.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2026

New research: AI chatbots may worsen mental illness

A new study published in Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica found that people with mental illness who use AI chatbots risk experiencing a worsening of their condition, particularly in terms of delusions and mania. Researchers are calling for increased awareness among healthcare professionals about the potential risks of AI chatbot use.

SourceAarhus University·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 23, 2026

SMART study reveals strategic flight connections key to attracting global business and investment

A new study by SMART has identified a strong statistical association between global air connectivity and patterns of multinational corporations' investments. The research found that few layovers meant more subsidiaries, with cities having better flight connections to influential hubs outperforming those with less-connected destinations.

University of Liège scientists reveals similarities between auroras on Ganymede and Earth

Astronomers have found that the fundamental physical processes generating auroras are common to different celestial bodies, including the largest moon in the solar system. Observations of Ganymede's auroras reveal locally fragmented patches similar to those on Earth and Jupiter, suggesting a universal mechanism for aurora formation.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateFeb 23, 2026

Sungkyunkwan University team led by Professor Taesung Kim pioneers next-generation AI semiconductors with a “thermal constraining” technique

Researchers developed a technology that precisely controls the internal structure of semiconductors using heat, enabling faster AI computations with reduced electricity. The approach improves the performance of next-generation artificial intelligence hardware.

Bacteria with built-in compass

Researchers at the University of Basel have unlocked the magnetic properties of individual bacteria, enabling them to navigate using an Earth-based compass. This discovery holds promise for medical applications, such as magnetically controllable microrobots, and environmental research.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPhysical Review E·DateFeb 23, 2026

Polystyrene nanoparticles can increase fish embryo early mortality especially in a stressful environment

Research at University of Eastern Finland found that positively charged polystyrene nanoparticles increase early embryo mortality in European whitefish under stressed conditions. The study suggests that surface charge plays a critical role in toxicity assessment, with negatively charged particles experiencing reduced harmful effects.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAquatic Toxicology·DateFeb 23, 2026

Smarter tissue and organ repair thanks to made in Ottawa next-gen hydrogel

Researchers from the University of Ottawa have developed a groundbreaking biomaterial that combines strength, adaptability, and biological compatibility for soft tissue repair. The hydrogel is made from synthetic peptides and can be precisely tailored through chemical design, making it an attractive alternative to existing biomaterials.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2026

Ribosomes in pairs

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research discovered that stressed animal cells, including neurons, assemble inactive ribosomes into tightly linked pairs, known as disomes. This novel mechanism relies on a specific piece of ribosomal RNA called an expansion segment to form a precise RNA-RNA interaction.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateFeb 23, 2026

AI-boosted electronic nose detects ovarian cancer

Researchers at Linköping University have developed an AI-boosted electronic nose that can detect ovarian cancer from blood plasma samples with high accuracy. The method uses machine learning to identify patterns specific to the disease, making it a promising tool for early detection and improved survival rates.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateFeb 23, 2026

New imaging technique could transform precision of vocal fold injection procedures

Researchers developed a new imaging technique using shortwave infrared imaging to visualize injectable filler materials during laryngoplasty, improving treatment accuracy and confirming correct placement. The technique has potential applications in identifying vocal fold pathologies and differentiating tissue layers.

How horses whinny: Whistling while singing

Horses produce high-frequency sounds by whistling through their larynx while vibrating vocal folds. Researchers found that the high-frequency component of the whinny is generated by a laryngeal whistle, shifting to higher frequencies when helium is used.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2026

New study shows dry powder inhalers can improve patient outcomes and lower environmental impact

Researchers found that certain inhalers used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not only less harmful to the environment but can also lead to slightly better patient outcomes. The dry powder inhaler was associated with a 14% lower risk of moderate or severe COPD exacerbations compared to metered-dose inhalers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2026

Dietary patterns and indicators of cognitive function

A study published in JAMA Neurology found that adhering to healthy dietary patterns, such as the DASH diet, is associated with lower subjective cognitive decline and better cognitive function. The findings highlight the importance of a balanced diet for maintaining long-term brain health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateFeb 23, 2026

Missing geomagnetic reversals in the geomagnetic reversal history

A team of researchers applied adaptive-bandwidth kernel density estimation to analyze the latest reversal timing dataset, revealing four distinct dips in the new reversal frequency model following the Cretaceous Normal Superchron. This suggests that short-time-interval geomagnetic reversals may be missing from the compiled record.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 23, 2026

Women’s risk of major cardiac events emerges at lower coronary plaque burden compared to men

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 4,300 stable outpatients with chest pain and found that women experienced similar rates of MACE as men despite having smaller plaque volumes. The study suggests incorporating sex into the interpretation of coronary plaque metrics may help advance tailored approaches to cardiac risk stratification.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2026

Does mental health affect mortality risk in adults with cancer?

A recent study published in CANCER found that adults with cancer who developed mental health conditions within the first year after diagnosis had a significantly higher likelihood of dying over the next few years. The analysis of data from University of California-affiliated hospitals revealed a 51% increased risk of death among those ...

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateFeb 23, 2026

Globe-trotting ancient ‘sea-salamander’ fossils rediscovered from Australia’s dawn of the Age of Dinosaurs

Fossils from the Lower Triassic of Western Australia confirm a cryptic marine temnospondyl community, showing that earliest sea monsters adapted to life in the sea and radiated rapidly into various ecological niches. The discovery also reveals worldwide dispersal of these ancient animals across supercontinents.

SourceSwedish Museum of Natural History·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2026