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Science News Archive February 2026 - Page 15


Page 15 of 45

New research takes first step toward advance warnings of space weather

A new tool developed by Southwest Research Institute and National Science Foundation's National Center for Atmospheric Research provides a first step toward forecasting space weather weeks in advance. The PINNBARDS framework connects surface observations of solar active regions to deep solar magnetic dynamics, offering potential for su...

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 19, 2026

Scientists unlock a massive new ‘color palette’ for biomedical research by synthesizing non-natural amino acids

A UC Santa Barbara research team has developed a method to efficiently synthesize non-natural amino acids and apply them to peptide construction. This technique provides greater access to amino acids beyond the 22 found in nature, opening up new possibilities for biochemists, medical researchers, and materials scientists.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 19, 2026

Justice after trauma? Race, red tape keep sexual assault victims from compensation

A new study from the University of Michigan found that bureaucratic hurdles and racial disparities significantly impact access to victim compensation for adult survivors of sexual assault. The study revealed that Black and Indigenous women's claims were less likely to be approved, while excessive documentation requirements also contrib...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateFeb 19, 2026

Stronger scents and healthier crops: unlocking plants’ hidden potential through precision gene editing

Researchers used a virus-based CRISPR system to edit the gatekeeper enzyme HMGR in petunias and lettuce, unlocking natural metabolic control for enhanced aromatic compounds and health-promoting antioxidants. The result was more vigorous growth, stronger floral fragrance, and increased nutritional value.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026

Houston Methodist research reveals how the eyes may be a window into early Alzheimer’s detection

A new study from Houston Methodist suggests that the outer area of the retina may hold clues to early Alzheimer's detection, potentially allowing for non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring. Researchers found that changes in retinal cells and blood vessels can indicate the onset of AD years before symptoms appear.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026

Lower risk of exposure to cereulide following continued recall of infant formula products across European countries

A Rapid Outbreak Assessment published by ECDC and EFSA concludes that the likelihood of exposure to contaminated infant formula is low due to ongoing recalls. Most affected children experience mild symptoms, but infants under six months are more vulnerable to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances.

Plant-based material offers sustainable method of recovering rare earth element

Researchers at Penn State develop novel technology to isolate and recover dysprosium, a critical rare earth element used in semiconductors and other applications. The new approach uses cellulose-based nanocellulose to selectively separate dysprosium from other elements, promoting a more environmentally friendly and efficient method.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026

Study finds 1.9 million year out-of-Africa migration wave leaves its mark in the Jordan Valley

A new study has determined that the Ubeidiya site in the Jordan Valley dates back at least 1.9 million years, revealing a significant shift in our understanding of early human history. The discovery suggests that ancient pioneers were established in the Levant at the dawn of humanity's global expansion, using diverse stone tools.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026

New method for housane synthesis

Chemists at the University of Münster developed a new method to produce high-grade housane molecules, which are small tri- or quadripartite ring molecules crucial for drug development and materials science. The reaction is triggered by photocatalysis, enabling efficient access to valuable products.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026

Brain cells drive endurance gains after exercise

A team of researchers from The Jackson Laboratory and the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that specialized neurons in the brain's hypothalamus play a crucial role in signaling the body to start the recovery process after exercise. These neurons, which express a protein called steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1), become active for a...

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026

KAIST overcomes limitations of existing image sensors… clear colors even under oblique light​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a new image sensor technology that can accurately represent colors regardless of the angle at which light enters. The team achieved this by utilizing a 'metamaterial' that designs the movement of light through structures too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Targeted radiation therapy improves quality of life outcomes for patients with multiple brain metastases

A Phase 3 trial found stereotactic radiation targeting individual tumors improved symptom burden, cognitive outcomes, and daily function compared to whole brain radiation. Patients managed with stereotactic radiation also displayed better performance status and could remain more independent with everyday activities.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 19, 2026

Why do people living at high altitudes have better glucose control? The answer was in plain sight

Research reveals that people living at high altitudes have better glucose control due to an increased ability of red blood cells to take up and metabolize glucose. Studies in mice show that this occurs when RBCs are reprogrammed by hypoxic conditions, allowing them to adapt to low oxygen levels and aid the body's oxygen delivery.

SourceArc Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026

ESE and ESPE launch joint transition of care guidance to improve outcomes for young people moving from child to adult endocrine care

The ESE and ESPE have launched a landmark Joint Clinical Practice Guidance to support structured and effective transition of young people with endocrine conditions. The Guidance provides practical, evidence-based recommendations to ensure continuity, safety and quality of care during this critical phase in a patient's life.

Scrub typhus a threat in the home, study in South India finds

A new study conducted with the help of communities in Tamil Nadu suggests that most human scrub typhus infections may occur inside villages rather than during agricultural work. Chigger numbers on rats and shrews caught within human settlements were far higher, indicating a potential increased risk of infection.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2026

Missed opportunity to protect pregnant women and newborns: Study shows low vaccination rates among expectant mothers in Norway against COVID-19 and influenza

A study of over 50,000 pregnant women in Norway found low vaccination rates against COVID-19 and influenza, with only 29.9% and 12.1% vaccinated respectively. The study highlights the need for targeted strategies to improve vaccination uptake among expectant mothers.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 2026

‘The munchies’ are real and could benefit those with no appetite

A study by Washington State University and the University of Calgary found that cannabis use increases appetite in humans and rodents alike, regardless of food consumption or body mass index. The researchers discovered that the brain's cannabinoid receptors play a key role in stimulating hunger, paving the way for future treatments.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026

Neighborhood factors may lead to increased COPD-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations

A new study reveals that neighborhood characteristics, including poverty and lower educational attainment, are associated with higher COPD-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Community-level interventions targeting these risk factors can help improve quality of life and reduce acute care use.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2026

Jeonbuk National University researchers explore metal oxide electrodes as a new frontier in electrochemical microplastic detection

Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new method for detecting microplastics using metal oxide electrodes, offering a rapid and sensitive solution for environmental monitoring. The technology has the potential to replace traditional spectroscopic methods with its portability, low cost, and real-time capabilities.

SourceJeonbuk National University, Sustainable Strategy team, Planning and Coordination Division·JournalTrends in Environmental Analytical Chemistry·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 19, 2026

Study shows low-field MRI is feasible for breast screening

Researchers at Mass General Brigham have demonstrated the technical feasibility of using ultra-low field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for breast imaging, offering an alternative to existing methods and potentially reducing barriers to screening. Further study is needed to establish diagnostic performance and refine technology.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2026