Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2026 - Page 16


Page 16 of 45

Scientists discover a key mechanism regulating how oxytocin is released in the mouse brain

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism that regulates the slow and sustained release of oxytocin within the brain, which is essential for modulating social interactions. This finding provides new insights into how hormonal signaling is regulated in the brain and opens avenues for research into neuropsychiatric disorders.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026

DGIST identifies “magic blueprint” for converting carbon dioxide into resources through atom-level catalyst design

A research team has identified a principle for designing atomic-level interactions in catalysts to selectively produce desired products from carbon dioxide conversion. The discovery could lead to more efficient solar-driven carbon utilization technologies, addressing the climate crisis.

Aussie desert plant packs a protein punch

A study by RMIT University found that an Australian desert plant, Old Man Saltbush, has nearly ideal amino acid requirements for human nutrition, making it a potential high-quality plant-derived protein option. The plant was also rich in minerals and improved the nutritional value of wheat pasta when added to it.

SourceRMIT University·JournalFood and Bioprocess Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Menopausal hormone therapy not linked to increased risk of death

A large Danish study found that menopausal hormone therapy is not associated with an increased risk of death in women with moderate to severe symptoms and no contraindications. The study also showed a significant survival benefit for women who had undergone bilateral oophorectomy after using hormone therapy.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2026

New study warns emerging pollutants in livestock and aquaculture waste may threaten ecosystems and public health

A new scientific review highlights a growing environmental challenge linked to modern food production, where waste from livestock and aquaculture operations contains complex mix of emerging contaminants. These pollutants can spread through ecosystems and ultimately affect human health.

Scientists prove shellfish can be farmed far from shore

Researchers successfully farmed Atlantic surfclams offshore in the open ocean, finding faster growth and higher survival rates than those farmed near shore. The study opens new doors for offshore aquaculture in New Jersey, promising a sustainable way to grow more seafood while supporting local jobs.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNorth American Journal of Aquaculture·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Integrated rice–aquatic farming systems may hold the key to smarter nitrogen use and lower agricultural emissions

Rice–aquatic animal co-culture systems can increase nitrogen-use efficiency by 20-40% while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fertilizer requirements. The key to their effectiveness lies in the dynamic interactions between rice roots, aquatic animals, and microorganisms at the soil-water interface.

Study finds lack of Angptl4 gene triggers long-term protection against inflammatory bowel disease by reprogramming the immune system

Researchers found that mice without the ANGPTL4 gene were protected from intestinal inflammation and colon tumors due to altered macrophage behavior. The study suggests that early-life inflammatory events can shape long-term immune programming, providing resistance to future challenges.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

New research forecasts the impacts of fire on birds

Up to 30% of bird diversity hotspots in the western US face threats from high-severity wildfires, which could eliminate critical forest habitats. However, up to 58% of hotspots are predicted to experience low-severity fires, creating potential refuges for forest-dependent species.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 18, 2026

Global scientific paper establishes first consensus definition of gut health

A global group of scientists and clinicians has established the first consensus definition of gut health, encompassing both physiological function and individual symptoms. The new framework provides a basis for measuring and improving gut health, with applications for researchers and clinical management of digestive health.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 18, 2026

National analysis maps hospital vulnerability to flood-driven traffic disruptions

A German nationwide study uses a new simulation approach to map hospital vulnerability to flood-driven traffic disruptions. 75 hospitals across Germany are identified at risk of patient surges beyond their regular capacity due to an increase in demand by more than 30 percent.

SourceGFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum für Geoforschung·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 18, 2026

Major advance in dry-electrode EV batteries

Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a new dry-processed electrode architecture that improves battery performance, reduces cost, and has environmental benefits. The dry process eliminates toxic solvents and creates a more robust battery with better conductivity.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 18, 2026

Enjoyment, not time, drives how people judge goal progress

A study by Cornell University found that people prioritize enjoyment over time when evaluating their progress toward goals in fitness, education, and careers. In one study, participants who enjoyed a workout reported making more progress despite taking less time than those who didn't enjoy the activity.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateFeb 18, 2026

Mindfulness practices found to significantly reduce depression symptoms, especially for those with early-life adversity

A new study found that mindfulness practices can significantly reduce depression symptoms in people who have experienced early-life adversity. The study, led by Eric Loucks, found that participants in the Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction Program showed significant improvements in depression symptoms compared to those in an en...

SourceBrown University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateFeb 18, 2026

Complexity key to preventing infection after heart surgery

Researchers from Duke University found that uniform materials without complexity are the culprit behind deadly infections after heart surgery. Bioengineered grafts with decellularized tissue can greatly reduce complications. The study suggests designing new solutions similar to vascular tissue in interior complexity.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiomedical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Seaweed farms: dynamic blue carbon systems

Researchers discover that seaweed farms drive a climate-friendly feedback by producing alkalinity, which shifts the chemistry of the water and removes CO2. The process is more permanent than previously thought, making seaweed farms an ideal system for carbon sequestration.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 18, 2026

Research alert: Understanding substance use across the full spectrum of sexual identity

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry reveals higher rates of substance use among all non-heterosexual groups in the US, including those uncertain of their identity. The analysis highlights the importance of recognizing a broader range of sexual identities in public health research and clinical practice.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 18, 2026

Power generation increased by up to 70 per cent when wind turbines were combined with tidal/wave installations

Researchers from the University of Surrey found that combining wind turbines with wave, solar, and tidal devices on shared platforms generates more reliable power and reduces construction costs. The study identified hybrid offshore renewable energy harvest systems as crucial for meeting ambitious climate targets.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·DateFeb 18, 2026

Robust frozen dynamics observed on a quantum system

Duke University researchers have observed statistical localization in a neutral-atom platform, where most configurations of quantum bits remain effectively frozen. This phenomenon has implications for robustly storing information in a quantum system and could be a powerful feature of quantum mechanics.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026