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Science News Archive February 2026 - Page 12


Page 12 of 45

World-first safety guide for public use of AI health chatbots

Researchers have developed a definitive guide to safely navigating health information on AI-powered chatbots, addressing the risk of 'hallucinated' or factually incorrect advice. The Health Chatbot Users’ Guide focuses on harm reduction and maximises benefits to users, offering a pragmatic and neutral approach.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·TypeCommentary/editorial·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
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Women may face heart attack risk with a lower plaque level than men

A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging found that women with lower plaque levels in their arteries are still at risk of heart attacks. The research suggests that moderate increases in plaque burden can have a disproportionate impact on women due to their smaller coronary arteries.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Imaging·DateFeb 23, 2026

Proximity to nuclear power plants associated with increased cancer mortality

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that US counties near operational nuclear power plants have higher rates of cancer mortality than those farther away. The researchers estimated around 115,000 cancer deaths in the US over the study period attributed to NPP proximity.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2026

Breadcrumbs lead to fossil free production of everyday goods

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a new method for producing everyday goods without relying on fossil fuels. By harnessing hydrogen produced by microorganisms from waste bread, they have created a low-energy process that can be carbon-negative, removing more greenhouse gases than it produces.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental 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
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.

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

AI-powered robot vehicles team up to fight fires

Collaborative teams of AI-powered robots successfully navigated and extinguished simulated and hybrid simulation-physical fires, demonstrating a 99.67% success rate in real-world deployment potential.

SourceGriffith University·JournalEngineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence·DateFeb 22, 2026

More financial support needed for mental health patients

A new study reveals that Australia's mental health system inadequately protects patients from high healthcare costs, leading to financial burden. The research emphasizes the need for increased rebates for mental health services to address this inequity.

SourceMurdoch University·JournalHealth Economics Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 22, 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.

AI 'research crew' accelerates sustainable ammonia production

A novel multi-agent AI framework, eNRRCrew, has been developed to accelerate the discovery of sustainable catalysts for green ammonia synthesis. By analyzing a comprehensive database of scientific papers, the framework predicts a catalyst's performance and provides rational design principles.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 22, 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.

Controllable deterministic quantum teleportation

Scientists at Shanxi University successfully demonstrate controllable deterministic continuous-variable quantum teleportation of up to 5 sideband qumodes simultaneously within a 24 MHz frequency bandwidth. The number of teleported qumodes can be controlled by adjusting the phases of classical channels, with fidelity above 70% achieved.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2026

4 ways you can support women’s heart health on National Wear Red Day 2026

The American Heart Association urges everyone to take action to support women's heart health in four ways: know your numbers, join Research Goes Red, and celebrate survivors. The organization aims to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease in women, which is the leading cause of death in women, claiming 1 in 3 lives.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 22, 2026

Multi-omic data integration and exploiting metabolic models using systems biology approach increase precision in subtyping and early diagnosis of cancer

A research team integrated patient transcriptomic data with human genome-scale metabolic models to train a multi-omic machine learning classifier, achieving high accuracy in lung and pancreatic cancers. The approach identified key biomarker features across all omic layers, including novel metabolic pathways.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalQuantitative Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2026
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

BCL7A’s arginine anchor links nucleosome recognition to chromatin remodeling and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma tumor suppression

Researchers discovered a key molecular switch connecting nucleosome binding to chromatin remodeling in BCL7A, crucial for its tumor-suppressive function. The study also highlights the arginine anchor's importance as a potential therapeutic target for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalProtein & Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2026

Millions are unaware of heart risks that don’t start in the heart

Millions of Americans are unaware of heart risks that don't start in the heart, including diabetes and kidney disease. A new American Heart Association update highlights the connection between these conditions, emphasizing the importance of screening for kidney disease to prevent complications through lifestyle changes and treatment.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 22, 2026

Evaluation of biological activity via biospeckle laser imaging

Researchers developed a statistical approach to analyze biospeckle patterns, monitoring senescence processes and vascularization in leaf tissues. The technique revealed distinct time histories of speckle pattern (THSP) patterns and activity indices for biological specimens, offering potential applications in biomedical research.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalBiophysics Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2026
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.

High-temperature superconducting “engine” for space propulsion: ushering in a new epoch of high energy-efficiency propulsion

Researchers have developed a compact high-temperature superconducting magnetoplasmadynamic thruster, reducing power consumption by 96% and weight by 73%, enabling more efficient space propulsion. The thruster achieved an ultra-high specific impulse of 3,265 seconds, significantly reducing spacecraft fuel requirements and launch costs.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2026

A mysterious Greek inscription reignites debate on whether a Syrian mosque stands atop Roman Emperor Elagabalus’ Temple of the Sun

A mysterious Greek inscription at the Great Mosque of Homs in Syria has shed new light on a longstanding debate about the Temple of the Sun. The discovery provides crucial evidence that may finally illuminate the origins of the sacred mosque, which began as a pagan temple and was later converted into a Christian church.

SourceUniversity of Sharjah·JournalSHEDET ANNUAL PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL ISSUED BY THE FACULTY OF ARCHAEOLOGY FAYOUM UNIVERSITY·TypeCase study·DateFeb 22, 2026

Roadmap for Europe’s biodiversity monitoring system

A new study proposes a comprehensive roadmap for Europe's biodiversity monitoring system, which could become a global model. The system would track changes in species and ecosystems using 84 Essential Biodiversity Variables and integrate data from various sources, including DNA, digital technologies, and human expertise.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Reviews Biodiversity·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 22, 2026
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Novel camel antimicrobial peptides show promise against drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Sultan Qaboos University have identified three novel antimicrobial peptides from dromedary camels that effectively target multidrug-resistant bacteria. The peptides, CdPG-3 and CdCATH, demonstrate strong antibacterial activity across Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

SourceSultan Qaboos University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2026

Scientists build low-cost microscope to study living cells in zero gravity

Researchers have developed a low-cost, open-source microscope called FlightScope to study living cells in zero-gravity conditions. The device successfully captured images of cells responding to fluorescently labeled glucose molecules, revealing slower uptake rates under microgravity compared to normal gravity conditions.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateFeb 21, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists show how your body senses cold—and why menthol feels cool

Researchers have captured the first detailed images of TRPM8, a protein channel that responds to cold temperatures and triggers a nerve signal to the brain. The study reveals how menthol activates the channel through shared yet distinct allosteric networks, with implications for treating conditions like chronic pain and dry eye.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateFeb 21, 2026
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Scientists deliver new molecule for getting DNA into cells

Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have created a neutral molecule that can carry DNA into biological cells using a process called annealing. This breakthrough promises more effective therapies by reducing inflammation and improving delivery efficiency.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·DateFeb 21, 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
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.

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
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 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
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.

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
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.