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Science News for February 25, 2026


New system designed to protect drones from cyber threats

Researchers at Adelaide University have developed a world-first cybersecurity system to protect drones from hacking, signal disruption, and malicious software. The system uses Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) to act as a smart traffic controller for internet connections, making drones less vulnerable to cyber threats.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalComputers & Industrial Engineering·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Are climate models detecting monsoon changes a decade too early? “Super-simulations” say “yes”

A new study suggests climate models may underestimate natural variability in monsoons, leading to an earlier detection of human-caused changes. Researchers used 'super-simulations' to analyze 550 climate models and found that projection uncertainty stems from model differences and internal variability.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2026

SMART develops rapid iron measurement to improve cartilage repair through cell therapy

Researchers developed a rapid and non-destructive method to monitor iron flux in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) using micromagnetic resonance relaxometry (µMRR). This breakthrough enables real-time insights into MSC's ability to form quality cartilage tissue, paving the way for more consistent manufacturing of MSC-based therapy.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2026

Over 70% of global ecosystems remain unsampled for critical underground fungi

A recent study analyzed environmental DNA from the largest global dataset of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal and found a striking gap: more than 70% of ecoregions lack sequencing data. This underrepresentation threatens biodiversity surveys, plant productivity, soil aggregation, and climate mitigation predictions.

SourceSociety for the Protection of Underground Networks·JournalFEMS Microbiology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 25, 2026

Study: Exercise during chemotherapy for breast cancer measurably improves quality of life

A new study shows that exercise during chemotherapy measurably improves quality of life for women with breast cancer, with benefits consistent across physical, emotional and mental health domains. The findings support existing clinical guidelines and provide clarity on the effectiveness of exercise interventions during treatment.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·DateFeb 25, 2026

Researchers create distortion-resistant energy materials to improve lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at Tohoku University's Advanced Institute for Materials Research developed distortion-resistant energy materials for lithium-ion batteries, improving efficacy and cost-effectiveness. The cathode design utilizes 'interfacial orbital engineering' to neutralize Jahn-Teller distortions, achieving near-perfect cycling stability.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 25, 2026

Emerging class of antibiotics to tackle global tuberculosis crisis

A team of scientists at the University of Sydney has discovered how three naturally occurring antibiotic compounds disrupt the ClpC1–ClpP1P2 complex, a vital protein degradation machine in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This finding uncovers surprising complexity and provides valuable insight into designing more effective anti-TB treatments.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Aspirin not a quick fix for preventing bowel cancer

Daily aspirin use offers no quick or reliable way to prevent bowel cancer in the general population, increasing risk of serious bleeding. However, it may have potential long-term benefits for people at high genetic risk of colorectal cancer.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 25, 2026

Nutrient uptake gets to the root of roots

Researchers at Kobe University found that liverwort's hair-like rhizoids take in and transport phosphorus to its tissues, contrary to initial assumptions. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of nutrient acquisition mechanisms in simple land plants like mosses and liverworts.

SourceKobe University·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Why conspiracy theories can be so irresistible

Research at Flinders University found that a thinking style known as systemising, which seeks patterns and consistency, can lead individuals to believe in conspiracy theories despite good scientific reasoning skills. This cognitive style can make it difficult for people to update their beliefs when faced with new evidence.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCognitive Processing·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 25, 2026

GLP-1 drugs combined with healthy lifestyle habits linked with reduced cardiovascular risk among diabetes patients

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Department of Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System found that using GLP-1 receptor agonists in combination with adhering to healthy lifestyle habits significantly reduces cardiovascular risk among individuals with type 2 diabetes. The study showed that these two stra...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Scientists uncover how engineered biochar and microbes work together to boost plant-based cleanup of cadmium-polluted soils

Scientists have discovered how engineered biochar and microbes work together to enhance phytoremediation by improving soil conditions and stimulating beneficial microbes. The study found that modified biochar substantially increased plant growth, boosted photosynthesis, and promoted the transfer of cadmium from roots to stems and leaves.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Engineered biochar could unlock more effective and scalable solutions for soil and water pollution

A new review highlights how engineering biochar with magnetic and mineral modifications can expand its environmental applications while overcoming practical limitations. Engineered biochars combine adsorption with reactive processes to trap pollutants, transform or degrade them, reducing the risk of secondary contamination.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 25, 2026

Coffee waste turned into clean air solution: researchers develop sustainable catalyst to remove toxic hydrogen sulfide

A team of environmental chemists developed a new catalyst made from discarded coffee grounds that efficiently removes hydrogen sulfide, a highly toxic industrial gas, while producing elemental sulfur. The material was produced through a two-step process and demonstrated outstanding performance during laboratory testing.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026

COVID-19 infection predicts higher risk of kidney disease, study finds

A study found that COVID-19 infection significantly increases the risk of acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and kidney failure in US adults. The research used machine learning models to analyze data from over three million patients, revealing a 2.3-times higher risk of acute kidney injury compared to influenza.

SourcePenn State·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 25, 2026

Hidden architecture inside cellular droplets reveals new targets for cancer and neurodegeneration

Researchers found that some membrane-less compartments are built from tiny filaments, revealing new possibilities for therapeutic intervention in diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration. The discovery suggests that targeting these structures could be effective in treating conditions like ALS and tumors.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 25, 2026

Magnetic microrobot swarms enable contactless manipulation of objects through fluidic torque

Researchers demonstrated a breakthrough in microrobotics: swarms of magnetic microrobots can manipulate objects without physical contact by harnessing fluid-generated torque. The microrobots act as motors to move millimeter-sized passive objects, opening new pathways for precision manufacturing and biomedical applications.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Saving sea lions with soft robotics

Researchers at UNLV have created a 3D-printed synthetic California sea lion pelvic region, enabling medical professionals to conduct blood collection training on anatomically authentic models. This innovation has the potential to improve veterinary procedures and benefit human lives in the long run.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 25, 2026

Too much transparency can hurt financial markets

Researchers found that less transparency in bond markets can lead to better economic outcomes, as it imposes discipline on players and makes institutions more selective about bonds they buy. This is in contrast to the 2008 global financial crisis, which was triggered by too much public information and looser credit.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Economic Theory·DateFeb 25, 2026

Study explains how ketogenic diets prevent seizures

A ketogenic diet causes physical changes in brain cells that affect how they send information to one another, dampening the strength of signals between them. This quieter neural landscape might explain how the diet calms overactive electrical signaling characteristic of epileptic seizures.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Differing immune responses in infants may explain increased severity of RSV over SARS-CoV-2

A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine found that infant immune systems respond very differently to RSV and SARS-CoV-2, with important treatment implications. Infants infected with RSV often develop severe symptoms due to low levels of systemic inflammation and a poorly coordinated early immune response.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Can AI make society less selfish?

Researchers at Michigan State University found that AI agents that mimic human behavior can lower the threshold to cooperation, producing larger pools of reciprocity. This study suggests that AI could be used to promote cooperation in self-driving vehicles and other real-world scenarios.

SourceMichigan State University·Journalnpj Complexity·DateFeb 25, 2026

The Lancet: Single daily pill shows promise as replacement for complex, multi-tablet HIV treatment regimens

A new daily oral tablet combining bictegravir and lenacapavir (BIC/LEN) was found to be highly effective in maintaining HIV suppression, with nearly 96% of participants who switched to this simplified regimen maintaining viral suppression. The treatment showed similar results compared to complex, multi-pill treatments.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 25, 2026

Risk of whale entanglement in fishing gear tied to size of cool-water habitat

Research finds that humpback whales face a higher risk of getting entangled in fishing equipment during years with lower availability of cool-water habitat. The Habitat Compression Index can predict ocean conditions up to a year in advance, suggesting its potential as an early warning system for fishery management decisions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Yawns in healthy fetuses might indicate mild distress

A study published in PLOS One found that fetuses who yawned more frequently during pregnancy had a lower birth weight, suggesting mild fetal distress. The research observed healthy fetuses between 23-31 weeks and recorded their yawning behavior using ultrasound.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Researchers sharpen understanding of how the body responds to energy demands from exercise

A new study published in Science Advances has shed light on how the body responds to energy demands from exercise, identifying a crucial cell signaling mechanism that could lead to a new treatment for diabetes. The research focuses on Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK), a regulator of energy production, and reveals...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Flagging claims about cancer treatment on social media as potentially false might help reduce spreading of misinformation, per online experiment with 1,051 US adults

An online experiment with 1,051 US adults suggests flagging potentially false cancer treatment claims on social media can help reduce the spread of misinformation. The study found that intervening and reducing sharing of false information on social media may have a positive impact on public health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateFeb 25, 2026

New “lock-and-key” chemistry

Researchers have developed a new chemistry-based strategy to localize therapeutic drugs to tumors, reducing harm to healthy tissues. The 'lock-and-key' system uses biorthogonal supramolecular chemistry to release drugs in specific locations, offering a potential path to safer and more precise cancer treatment.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 25, 2026

Don’t Panic: ‘Humanity’s Last Exam’ has begun

A global consortium created an exam with 2,500 questions spanning multiple subjects to assess AI capabilities. Current AI models consistently fail the exam, highlighting gaps in their understanding. The project aims to provide a long-term benchmark for evaluating advanced AI systems and demonstrate the importance of human expertise

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2026

A risk factor for liver disease: your parent’s body weight

A recent study from WashU Medicine found a strong correlation between parental obesity and the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in children. Research analyzing data from the UK Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children showed that maternal obesity was associated with a 2.9-fold increase in ...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalGut·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 25, 2026

Citizens engage with information in different ways during a crisis – understanding this can support public authorities’ communication efforts

A recent study in Finland identified four distinct citizen engagement profiles during a health crisis: those prioritizing accuracy, plausibility, credibility, and cohesion. Understanding these differences can support public authorities' communication efforts to promote collaboration and informed decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Journal of Public Sector Management·DateFeb 25, 2026

Gallbladder cancer could soon be detected in blood, study finds

A study by Tezpur University and University of Illinois has identified distinct metabolic patterns in blood that can distinguish gallbladder cancer cases from noncancerous conditions. The researchers detected hundreds of altered metabolites and identified markers with high diagnostic accuracy for each condition.

New research sheds light on why eczema so often begins in childhood

Researchers found that young mice developed strong skin inflammation in response to everyday allergens, revealing a brief window of vulnerability. The study suggests that early childhood represents a critical period for immune-driven skin disease, and that targeting this period may prevent allergic diseases from spreading.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Water: the unlikely hero in creating next-generation green hydrophobic materials for environmental cleanup

A new mechanochemical approach uses water as a catalyst to transform renewable resources into high-performance porous materials capable of capturing CO2 while removing pollutants. The method produces carbon-negative materials with exceptional hydrophobic characteristics and scalable production.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Faith as a driver of climate commitment

A new study explores how religious faith can complement climate science, providing hope, meaning, and motivation for continued action. Faith-based activists in Sweden and South Africa reveal that spirituality gives them strength and direction to commit to climate issues.

SourceUppsala University·TypeCase study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Unlearning fear faster

Researchers discovered that inhibiting nerve cells in the brain, known as CRF neurons, can speed up the process of unlearning fear. This finding has implications for treating post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders, suggesting that targeting specific brain regions may provide new therapeutic options.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026

The Frontiers of Knowledge Award goes to Charles Manski for incorporating uncertainty into economic research and its application to public policy analysis

Charles F. Manski is recognized for his pioneering contributions to measuring uncertainty in economic research and its application to public policy analysis. His work has profoundly influenced empirical research across various fields, encouraging economists to rely on credible and transparent inference.

Heat and pregnancy

The article discusses current evidence on risks of ambient heat to pregnant women, including hot weather and occupational exposures. Effective strategies for managing heat-related risks are also highlighted as critical for maintaining maternal health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 25, 2026

The Institute of New Imaging Technologies at the UJI leads the European FAIR GAME project to protect children in online gaming environments

The European FAIR GAME consortium aims to create participatory mechanisms that foster digital literacy, strengthen mental wellbeing and embed practices grounded in children's fundamental rights in online gaming environments. The project seeks to bring about cultural and structural change in gaming platform policies and standards.

From bud to brew: Multi-omics study decodes tea leaf development

Researchers used single-nucleus RNA sequencing and metabolomics to map tea leaf development, identifying distinct cell types and dynamic shifts in phytohormones and flavonoids. The study reveals how key genes coordinate leaf expansion and flavonoid biosynthesis, offering a cellular-level framework for understanding tea flavor and quality.

Access to safe water fails in the face of extreme heat, even in wealthy cities

A recent study highlights the link between water security and adaptability of homes in urban centers of the Global North to extreme heat. Household water security is not universal, even in the wealthiest cities, forcing vulnerable households to limit their water consumption, compromising their ability to adapt to extreme heat.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·Journalnpj Urban Sustainability·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 25, 2026

An endangered natural pharmacy hidden in coral reefs

Researchers have identified new microbial species in corals that produce unique natural products, offering a vast arsenal of potential benefits to humanity. The study highlights the importance of protecting coral reefs' microbiomes to tap into this untapped resource before it's lost forever.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2026

International AI Art Biennale in Kraków

The International AI Art Biennale brings together artists, experts, and researchers to explore the role of AI in culture, art, and science. The event features exhibitions, performances, and a scientific conference that focuses on creative dialogue and education with AI.

Stronger and stealthier: new strategy unlocks dual-function SiC ceramics for extreme environments

Researchers have developed a new type of ceramic composite that is tougher than its predecessors and acts as a high-performance electromagnetic absorber. The optimized composite demonstrated a 94.5% increase in flexural strength and nearly 50% enhancement in fracture toughness compared to standard silicon carbide ceramics.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateFeb 25, 2026

Walter Koroshetz joins Dana Foundation as senior advisor

Koroshetz will help guide the Foundation's science funding partnerships and support for early-career scholars and practitioners with his extensive experience in neuroscience research and public outreach. He aims to advance neuroscience that benefits society through interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world applications.

Scientists sharpen genetic maps to help pinpoint DNA changes that influence human health traits and disease risk

Researchers identified specific genetic variations contributing to blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and other complex human traits. By rapidly testing hundreds of thousands of DNA sequences, they created high-resolution maps of DNA variant activity, revealing new insights into disease risk prediction and therapy development.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2026

Predicting cardiovascular complications in chronic kidney disease using microRNAs in blood

Researchers identified multiple microRNAs linked to disease progression and built a model to distinguish high-risk patients with CKD. The M3V2 equation significantly outperformed conventional clinical markers in predicting both kidney decline and major cardiovascular events.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 25, 2026

Vote3D-AD: a novel framework for unsupervised point cloud anomaly localization

A novel framework Vote3D-AD achieves remarkable performance in unsupervised point cloud anomaly localization, combining varied defect synthesis and differentiable vote clustering. It demonstrates stronger localization than prior works and exhibits practical speed for real inspection pipelines.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalAlexandria Engineering Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 25, 2026

American Chemical Society Journal cover highlights SQU research on functionalized gold nanoparticles

A study from Sultan Qaboos University's Department of Physics investigates how surface functionalization affects gold nanoparticle behavior. The research uses molecular dynamics simulations to show that varying surface coverage density can influence thermodynamic behavior and stability.

SourceSultan Qaboos University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 25, 2026

Complete resolution of the polynomial analogue of the Brocard–Ramanujan problem in mathematics

Wataru Takeda has completely solved the polynomial analogue of the long-standing Brocard–Ramanujan problem, a breakthrough 150 years after its original proposal. The study resolves the problem for polynomials over finite fields and was published in the journal Finite Fields and Their Applications.

SourceToho University·JournalFinite Fields and Their Applications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 25, 2026

In vitro antibacterial activity of crude extracts from Tithonia diversifolia (asteraceae) and Solanum torvum (solanaceae) against selected shigella species

Crude extracts from Tithonia diversifolia and Solanum torvum exhibit significant antibacterial activity against selected Shigella species. Hexane extract from S. torvum and dichloromethane extract from T. diversifolia inhibit bacterial growth with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 500 and 1,000 µg/mL.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology·DateFeb 25, 2026

Women more likely to choose wine from female winemakers

Research from Washington State University found that women are willing to pay higher prices for wines made by female winemakers, particularly those featuring feminine gender cues. The study suggests that promoting women's ownership in wineries can increase sales among the largest group of U.S. wine consumers, who happen to be women.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Study finds no evidence of persistent tick-borne infection in people who link chronic illness to ticks

Researchers studied Norwegians with reported chronic health problems linked to tick bites, finding no objective evidence of persistent infections. The study suggests that physical activity and labour force participation may be more related to symptoms than tick exposure.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalBMC Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 25, 2026

JBNU researchers review advances in pyrochlore oxide-based dielectric energy storage technology

Pyrochlore oxides represent a promising next-generation approach to efficient energy storage, offering high-energy density, thermal stability, and low dielectric loss. Their potential applications include multilayer ceramic capacitors, power conditioning circuits, and miniaturized capacitors for aerospace electronics.

SourceJeonbuk National University, Sustainable Strategy team, Planning and Coordination Division·JournalCurrent Opinion in Solid State and Materials Science·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 25, 2026

Novel cellular phenomenon reveals how immune cells extract nuclear DNA from dying cells

Immune cells have been found to selectively extract nuclear DNA from dying cells, a regulated cellular function that challenges traditional views of the nucleus. This discovery, known as nucleocytosis, may hold implications for understanding autoimmune diseases, infections, and cancer, as well as informing drug development strategies.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Vessel traffic alters behavior, stress and population trends of marine megafauna

A global analysis of over 40 years of scientific research reveals that vessel traffic affects animal behavior, communication, and stress physiology in marine megafauna. The study identifies stronger responses from species like sea turtles and weaker impacts on others, such as large fishes and sharks.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·Journalnpj Ocean Sustainability·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 25, 2026

Research confirms that ocean warming causes an annual decline in fish biomass of up to 19.8%

A new study reveals that ocean warming is driving a nearly 20% annual decline in fish biomass, with extreme marine heatwaves sometimes masking this trend. The research highlights the importance of international cooperation and long-term planning in fisheries management to address the ongoing rise in temperature.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeNews article·DateFeb 25, 2026

Local water supply crucial to success of hydrogen initiative in Europe

A new study from Chalmers University finds that local water supply is critical to the success of Europe's hydrogen initiative, with some regions facing severe water shortages if production is not planned carefully. The research suggests that areas like Sweden's Sörmland and Roslagen could be hard-pressed even without hydrogen production.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 25, 2026

Do muscles remember being weak?

New research reveals that skeletal muscle retains a 'molecular memory' of repeated disuse, which differs between young and old muscles. Younger muscles show resilience, while older muscles become increasingly susceptible to atrophy. The study provides insights into how muscle responds to inactivity and its potential for recovery.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Science·DateFeb 25, 2026

Global gaps in use of two life-saving antenatal treatments for premature babies, reveals worldwide analysis

A global analysis of two antenatal treatments reveals significant international variation in implementation, with higher-income countries showing better uptake. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the reasons behind these disparities and improve global equity in essential antenatal treatments.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 25, 2026

High-risk patients account for 80% of post-surgery deaths

A major new study found that high-risk patients, who tend to be older and live with several long-term health conditions, have poor outcomes after surgery. The study highlights the need for greater investment in specialist perioperative services to focus on the care of older, high-risk patients before, during and after surgery.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 25, 2026