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Science News Archive February 2026


Page 43 of 45

New boron compounds pave the way for easier drug development

Researchers have developed stable boron-fluorine compounds that enable the modification of complex molecules without breaking down medicines. These new compounds make it possible to increase the effect or reduce side effects of drugs at a late stage, reducing waste and improving resource efficiency.

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.

From sea to soil: Molecular changes suggest how algae evolved into plants

Early marine algae like prasinophytes relied on Lhcp, a unique LHC complex with structural differences from plant LHCII. These similarities and differences may have enabled plants to transition from oceans to land, driven by the stabilization of trimer architecture through pigment-protein interactions.

The environment shapes the organization of ant societies

Research reveals three major types of ant societies: small colonies with a single queen and diverse workers in tropical regions, large colonies with multiple queens and uniform workers in deserts, and temperate regions with polygynous and monomorphic colonies. Environmental conditions shape these social structures on a global scale.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Tiny mutation, big impact on schizophrenia treatment

A rare genetic mutation has been discovered that can explain why some people do not respond to newer schizophrenia treatments. The mutation, known as C182F, removes a structural bond in the TAAR1 receptor, blocking its binding site and rendering drugs ineffective.

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.

Nucleus softens during herpesvirus infection

Researchers used advanced microscopy and computational modeling to discover why herpesvirus infection changes nuclear structures and biomechanical forces. The study found that DNA viruses infect cells and take over the host cell nucleus, leading to dramatic structural modifications and a softening of the nucleus.

Does artificial intelligence understand word impressions like humans do?

A team of researchers from The University of Osaka compared the way humans and machines think about words, finding some strong correlations but also significant discrepancies. Human ratings varied widely across words like prepositions and conjunctions, while LLMs tended to assign consistently low ratings.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hidden energy from motion may help power life on earth

Researchers propose a new framework called mechano biogeochemistry, suggesting that natural mechanical forces can be converted into electrical energy through the piezoelectric effect. This process allows microbes to grow and carry out chemical reactions even in the absence of sunlight or traditional chemical fuels.

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.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Study finds banning energy disconnections shouldn’t destabilise markets

A new study by RMIT University found that protections in place in Europe can help phase out harmful electricity disconnections without destabilizing power markets. The research highlights the need for evidence-led action to extend disconnection prohibitions and strengthen safeguards for vulnerable consumers.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Researchers identify novel RNA linked to cancer patient survival

A recent study published in PNAS reveals a novel non-coding RNA molecule, CUL1-IPA, that regulates key cellular functions and supports the structural integrity of the nucleolus. The discovery suggests this molecule may influence patient survival in certain blood cancers.

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.

Banning lead in gas worked. The proof is in our hair

Researchers found a significant decrease in lead concentrations in hair samples from Utahns, spanning over 100 years. The study demonstrates the impact of environmental regulations on public health and highlights the importance of protecting against toxic metals like lead.

Optimizing robotic joints

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new design method for optimizing rolling contact joints in robots, which can lead to better grippers, assistive devices, and more efficient robotic movement. The optimized joints performed spectacularly, correcting misalignment by 99% in knee-assist devices.

New AI model can assist with early warning for coral bleaching risk

A new AI model can predict moderate heat stress on Florida reefs up to six weeks ahead of time. The model is accurate within one week and provides site-specific predictions, helping coral scientists and restoration practitioners with local reef management and emergency response planning.

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.

Aging brains pile up damaged proteins

Researchers at Stanford University discovered that aging brains struggle with protein disposal, leading to the accumulation of damaged proteins in synaptic connections. This finding sheds light on the mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases and may lead to new insights into human brain aging.

Air pollution causes social instability in ant colonies

Exposure to ozone levels found in affected areas alters the ants' odor signature, causing them to be attacked as if they were foreign intruders. The disruption of chemical communication between adult ants and larvae may also lead to neglect of brood care and larval death.

Black and Latino teens show strong digital literacy

A study by UC Riverside found that Black and Latino teens are more adept at detecting online disinformation, particularly related to race and ethnicity. These teens are quicker to identify false claims and respond with corrective content, often driven by their lived experiences navigating online racism.

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.

The smell of fear influences horse behavior

Research found that horses exhibit fearful behavior when exposed to human fear odors, adopting the emotional state of fear. This suggests a mechanism of emotional contagion through chemical cues between humans and horses.

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.

An open source breakthrough in hemodynamics

Researchers have developed an open-source pressure myography tool, HemoLens, which reduces the cost of vascular research to $750 from $40,000. The tool uses affordable manufacturing processes and customizable components, making it easier for researchers to study vascular function.

How experiences in the womb affect alcohol drinking in adulthood

A study found that prenatal alcohol exposure changed aspects of the dopamine system in rhesus monkeys, influencing how quickly they drank alcohol in adulthood. The researchers also discovered individualized neuroadaptive responses to drinking, which may promote the transition to alcohol use disorder.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Eduardo Miranda awarded 2026 Bruce Bolt Medal

Eduardo Miranda, a Stanford University professor, has been recognized for his pioneering work in developing new ground motion models and intensity measures. His research has significantly shaped seismic design provisions and emphasized the use of strong-motion data in both research and teaching.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Lab-grown algae removes microplastics from water

Researchers have developed special algae that can remove and reuse harmful microplastics from wastewater, cleaning the water as it grows. The engineered algae produces a volatile natural oil called limonene, making it water-repellent and attracting microplastics, which can then be collected and reused to create bioplastic products.