Paul Ohodnicki named new Center for Energy Director at University of Pittsburgh
Dr. Paul Ohodnicki joins as permanent director, succeeding Heng Ban; to expand energy research and education capabilities across multiple disciplines.
Science News Archive February 2026 - Page 17
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Neighborhood factors related to financial stress are linked to worse breast cancer outcomes
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that neighborhoods with high housing costs and crowded households are associated with shorter breast cancer survival among women. The research team identified four specific variables that drive this relationship, including financial toxicity and stress.
Rising simultaneous wildfire risk compromises international firefighting efforts
Scientists warn that synchronised extreme fire weather, characterized by warm and dry conditions, has increased worldwide since 1979, straining international firefighting cooperation. The number of high-risk days with simultaneous fires is more than doubling, making wildfires harder to tackle and increasing air quality issues.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 18, 2026
Selected dog breeds with most breathing trouble identified in new study
A new study has identified the most affected dog breeds when it comes to breathing difficulties, revealing that certain characteristics like a flat face and overweighed physique are associated with Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). The research found that Pekingese and Japanese Chin are at high risk, while others such ...
The cells that never sleep: How slumber lets neurons clean up and stay healthy
Research by Amita Sehgal and her team reveals that sleep helps neurons stay healthy by removing oxidative damage through lipid transfer to glia cells. This process is crucial for maintaining neuronal function and may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Pekingese, Shih Tzu and Staffordshire Bull Terrier among twelve dog breeds at risk of serious breathing condition
A study from the University of Cambridge identified twelve dog breeds at risk of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, a condition causing serious breathing problems. The breeds include Pekingese, Shih Tzu, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, with narrow nostrils and short head shapes being significant risk factors.
Understanding “snowball earth” extreme climates — when the world is covered in ice
Researchers reveal that seafloor weathering may be responsible for the discrepancy in Snowball Earth event durations, with faster rates linked to longer glaciations. This finding has significant implications for predicting future climate change.
Rewriting our understanding of early hominin dispersal to Eurasia
A team of geoscientists and anthropologists has reconstructed a more precise timeline of H. erectus arrival in China, confirming the presence of the species at Yunxian, China 1.7 million years ago. The revised timeline challenges long-held assumptions about early human dispersal and raises questions about alternative species that may h...
New center for cell research
The new center combines large-scale equipment and methods to study individual cells in detail, detecting molecular differences and analyzing reactions to biochemical or genetic changes. This enables new perspectives for medical diagnostics and research, including personalized medicine.
Honey bee "dance floors" can be accurately located with a new method, mapping where in the hive forager bees perform waggle dances to signal the location of pollen and nectar for their nestmates
Researchers have developed a new method to map the location of honey bee 'dance floors,' where forager bees perform waggle dances. This method allows for accurate quantification and comparison of waggle dance regions, enabling better understanding of honey bee communication.
Pollen counts can be predicted by machine learning models using meteorological data with more than 80% accuracy even a week ahead, for both grass and birch tree pollen, which could be key in effectively treating hayfever
Researchers developed machine learning models that accurately forecast pollen counts for both grass and birch tree pollen, enabling early warning systems. This breakthrough could lead to more effective hayfever treatments by allowing individuals to take preventative measures before symptoms appear.
Interplay of class and gender may influence social judgments differently between cultures
Researchers found that certain markers of high status boost attitudes towards women more than men, while low status markers worsen attitudes towards men. The study suggests that examining the intersectionality between class and gender is crucial for addressing social inequality.
Debilitating virus can spread in cool weather, increasing health risk in Europe
A recent study found that chikungunya can spread in temperatures as low as 13 degrees Celsius, posing a greater health threat in Europe than previously thought. The Asian tiger mosquito is expanding northwards through the continent, and warming temperatures may lead to local outbreaks in the UK.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 18, 2026
Michelson Medical Research Foundation awards $750,000 to rising immunology leaders
The Michelson Medical Research Foundation has awarded $750,000 to five early-career scientists for their innovative work in immunology, vaccine discovery, and immunotherapy. The recipients will use the funding to accelerate their research and develop new treatments for diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders.
Researchers alter protein structures with novel method
Researchers develop novel method to manipulate cell structures using weak magnetic fields and isotopes, bridging structural biology, biophysics, and quantum biology. This work offers a potential new strategy for stabilizing damaged brain proteins, typical of neurodegenerative diseases.
Binge drinking isn’t just a young person’s issue; it’s a serious later-life mortality risk
A new study from the University of Toronto found that binge drinking among adults aged 50 and older is associated with a significantly increased risk of death. After adjusting for health status and socioeconomic factors, individuals who never engaged in binge drinking had a 19% lower mortality risk compared to weekly binge drinkers.
A parent’s concern is a warning sign: Identifies a child’s sudden severe illness in over 90 per cent of cases
A new study from the University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital found that parental concern is a significant medical indicator, identifying most children with sudden and severe illness. Clear or strong concern from parents correctly identified as many as 91% of seriously ill children.
Negative experiences like divorce or bullying may increase obesity risk in children
Research finds that negative childhood experiences like divorce, bullying, and abuse can increase obesity risk in Hispanic children. However, caregiver support and self-coping skills may mitigate these effects.
Turtles’ brains shed light on evolutionary developments dating back hundreds of millions of years
A new study found that turtles' brains can detect unexpected visual stimuli independently of their position on the retina, a property previously thought to exist only in mammals. The researchers believe this ability helped animals understand their spatial environment, learn, and survive complex terrestrial environments.
How age, sex and genetics shape our antibodies
A study found that age, biological sex, and human genetic factors determine the quantity and specificity of antibodies produced in response to viral infections. The research has significant implications for vaccine and therapeutic design, as it shows that individual profiles can be tailored to improve treatment effectiveness.
1.25 million euros for research into bacterial infection mechanisms in rice
Researchers will use state-of-the-art imaging techniques and genome editing to study the mechanisms of Xanthomonas oryzae bacterial blight in rice. The goal is to gain a fundamental understanding of the infection process, which may lead to developing resistant rice varieties.
Simplifying quantum simulations – through symmetry
Physicists Guido Burkard and Joris Kattemölle from the University of Konstanz have developed a method to simplify quantum simulations by harnessing symmetry, streamlining the calculation process for complex systems. By using recurring patterns in the quantum systems, they significantly reduce the required computational effort.
Senescence behind the aggressive nature of postpartum breast cancer
A study reveals that senescence plays a paradoxical role in postpartum breast cancer, promoting tumor formation while also aiding tissue repair. Targeting senescent cells during mammary gland involution could potentially reduce the risk of this form of cancer.
Mapping protein production in brain cells yields new insights for brain disease
Researchers developed a technology to measure protein production in individual brain cells, revealing unexpected patterns and correlations between cell types. The study suggests that translation plays a crucial role in coordinating memory circuits and may contribute to neurological disorders.
Making AI-based scientific predictions more trustworthy
Researchers developed a free-to-use software tool, PSBench, to verify the accuracy of artificial intelligence-based protein structure predictions. The database includes 1.4 million annotated protein models, verified by experts, and provides reliable information for building more accurate AI systems.
Stopping fatal blood loss with clay
Developing a lifesaving device that can stop fatal blood loss in seconds, researchers at Texas A&M University have made significant breakthroughs. By using clay minerals and nano-silicate particles, the team has created injectable hemostatic bandages that reduce bleeding time by nearly 70%.
Exercise and nutritional drinks can reduce the need for care in dementia
Daily exercise and protein-rich drinks showed significant health benefits for people with dementia. Participants improved physical ability and required less care time in dementia wards compared to control groups. The study suggests that improved function can affect the amount of support needed.
UH Seidman Cancer Center researchers find real world data can inform care for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
Researchers found patients who retreated with docetaxel had longer overall survival and fewer supportive-care needs compared to those switching to cabazitaxel. The study provides evidence-based options for selected patients previously tolerated docetaxel.
Researchers recommend a verification phase for measuring adolescents’ maximal oxygen uptake
A Finnish study found that verifying adolescents' maximal oxygen uptake requires a brief phase to ensure reliable results. The researchers also discovered that different time averaging strategies can significantly affect the final measurement values, highlighting the need for explicit strategy specification.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateFeb 18, 2026
Archaeologists identify elders in Iron Age Israel through household artifacts
A new study from Bar-Ilan University identifies the elderly in Iron Age Israel through household artifacts, revealing their social status, influence, and integration within family structures. The research advances beyond traditional methods of identifying the elderly, providing a fresh window into their lived experiences.
SfN announces Early Career Policy Ambassadors Class of 2026
The Society for Neuroscience has selected 10 early career policy ambassadors to gain skills in advocating for science funding and issues affecting the field. The 10-month program aims to create an extensive network of neuroscience advocates.
How to improve the performance of qubits: super-fast fluctuation detection achieved at NBI
Researchers at NBI developed a real-time adaptive measurement approach that tracks fluctuations in qubit energy-loss rates as they happen. This breakthrough enables faster characterization and calibration of superconducting quantum processors.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPhysical Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 18, 2026
Bilingual courses in Europe: Proper use of language is professors’ main concern
A scoping review reveals that bilingual university programs in Europe prioritize academic language use, with EMI approach raising concerns about students' linguistic competence. The CLIL approach is deemed more democratic and inclusive, but challenging to implement.
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalLanguage Teaching Research·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 18, 2026
Indigenous Peoples and local communities in three continents report a drastic decline in bird body mass
A global study documents the collective ecological memory of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, revealing a consistent pattern of large-bodied bird species disappearing from local environments replaced by smaller-bodied species, with average bird mass declining from 1500g to 535g over eight decades.
Method to extract Baltic phosphorus may ease Europe's reliance on fertilizer imports
A new method to extract phosphorus from the Baltic Sea could reduce Europe's dependence on imported phosphate mining, revitalizing the ecosystem. Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a two-step approach using microbes to loosen and bind phosphorus.
Advancing coastal restoration across Europe, the REST-COAST project highlights results on-the-ground during its final meeting
The REST-COAST project presented scientific advances, practical tools, and governance insights developed throughout its lifetime. Researchers explored pathways for upscaling from site-specific demonstrations to broadly adaptable frameworks, linking high-resolution modelling with broader decision-support tools.
Secure quantum applications for real-world networks
The QCyber project aims to develop secure quantum-based methods for communication among multiple users, including diplomatic and financial applications. It will be tested in a real fibre-optic network in Stuttgart with up to six nodes and over distances of up to 20 km.
Aggressive oral cancer can be identified at an early stage by changes in lymphatic vessels
Researchers at the University of Turku discovered that surface cells of lymphatic vessels in oral cancer contain proteins indicating cell division, strongly predicting disease progression and mortality. Early-stage oral cancers can be identified by changes in these vessels, which may lead to death even with small tumors.
University of East London partners with STRABAG UK to pioneer low-carbon tunnelling solution
The University of East London and STRABAG UK have developed a pioneering low-carbon grout that replaces traditional cement-heavy annulus grout, reducing embodied carbon by over 61%. The innovation uses repurposed construction waste and agricultural by-products to create a sustainable alternative.
Joint and independent associations of gestational diabetes and depression with childhood obesity
Cohort study finds prenatal depression and gestational diabetes independently increase childhood obesity risk, while children exposed to both face the greatest risk, highlighting need for universal screening and targeted interventions.
Kogakuin University investigates P2O5 based Na⁺ superionic conductive glass-ceramics for all-solid-state batteries
Researchers at Kogakuin University discovered that adding phosphorus to sodium-yttrium-silicate glasses significantly enhances their performance as solid electrolytes. The study found that P2O5 addition promotes high-ionic conductivity and stability, making sodium-based batteries a promising alternative to lithium-ion technologies.
SourceKogakuin University of Technology and Engineering·JournalCeramics International·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026
Growth industry: Data measures farms’ true sustainability
La Trobe University researchers developed a new way to measure and report farm environmental performance using Farm-scale Natural Capital Accounting. The method combines production data, remote sensing, ecological modeling, and on-ground assessments to deliver transparent and verifiable farm-scale accounts.
New material boosts MRI image quality
Researchers have developed a lightweight antenna that improves signal strength and image sharpness in MRI scans, particularly for deep or delicate tissues like the eye and brain. The technology has the potential to transform diagnostics by reducing scan times and increasing accuracy.
SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026
A break in a longstanding mystery about origin of complex life
Scientists from the University of Texas at Austin have solved the mystery of how complex life evolved. The discovery suggests that eukaryotes arose when an Asgard archaeon developed a symbiotic relationship with an alphaproteobacterium, which led to the evolution of mitochondria and oxygen-based energy metabolism.
Novel vaccine protects against C. diff disease and recurrence
A novel vaccination approach cleared harmful gut bacterium Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) in an animal model of infection. The experimental vaccine protected against illness, death, tissue damage and infection recurrence through mucosal immunization.
Big data and human height: ISTA scientists develop algorithm to boost biobank data retrieval & analysis
Researchers from ISTA developed an algorithm that can extract and analyze information from the world’s most extensive biobank with unprecedented accuracy and speed. The method, dubbed gVAMP, enhances the framework's ability to extract complex information from the dataset at hand, providing a detailed overview of the effects on a trait ...
SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalCell Genomics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 18, 2026
Spiritual practices strongly associated with reduced risk for hazardous alcohol and drug use
A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies found that broad spiritual practices, such as attending religious services and meditation, were associated with a 13% reduced risk of hazardous drug and alcohol use. This reduction was greater (18%) among individuals attending religious services at least once per week.
SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 18, 2026
Mapping protein production in brain cells yields new insights for brain disease
Scientists have developed a technology that reveals which proteins are generated by individual brain cells. They mapped protein production across nearly 20,000 individual cells in the mouse hippocampus, finding surprising patterns and potential links to neurological conditions. The study sheds light on how translation affects memory ci...
A ring to transcribe them: The unique path of poxviruses
Viral transcription in poxviruses is controlled by a unique protein VITF-3 that acts as a molecular clamp. The study reveals the structural details of this process, including the role of the capping enzyme and the specific start signal recognition.
HSE study reveals imbalance in the generative AI market
A recent study by HSE University found that the global generative artificial intelligence market is developing at a faster rate than its ability to generate real revenue. The analysis, published in Foresight and STI Governance journal, reveals a nonlinear trend where efficiency increased from 2016 to 2021 but declined thereafter.
An “electrical” circadian clock balances growth between shoots and roots
Researchers discovered that a plant's internal daily timekeeper coordinates growth by controlling an electrochemical 'language' between different tissues. A key clock component, CCA1, boosts stem elongation while restricting root growth by controlling hormone signaling and proton pump activity.
SourceCenter for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG)·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026
Bone marrow cell atlas for improved leukemia research
A new study has mapped the structure and function of healthy children's bone marrow cells, revealing age-dependent differences in blood cell formation. The atlas provides a valuable resource for researchers to better understand childhood leukemia and other blood disorders.
SourcePrincess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026
Kogakuin University announces new global scholarly volume to celebrate the Milestone of School of Advanced Engineering
The university has launched a prestigious global scholarly volume to celebrate its School of Advanced Engineering's 10th anniversary. The book aims to address evolving trends in engineering education systems worldwide and provide international references for educators, policymakers, and institutional leaders.
Can Europe be climate-neutral by 2050? New monitor tracks the pace of the energy transition
A new monitor tracks the energy transition in Hungary, finding that roughly half of companies increased their share of low-carbon electricity, while others continued to rely on fossil fuels. The study suggests that size, revenue spent on fossil fuels, and initial investments influence a company's willingness to switch to electrification.
SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 18, 2026
Cancer stress protein helps tumors hide from immunity
A study published in Nature reveals that a protein called lipocalin 2 (LCN2) is produced by stressed cancer cells to shield them from the immune system. Blocking LCN2 with new drugs enables the immune system to target tumor cells, slowing cancer growth in mice.
SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026
Reminding people they’re talking to chatbots may be ineffective or even harmful, researchers say
Researchers argue that mandated reminders about a chatbot's non-human nature may exacerbate mental distress and form stronger attachments. The warnings come after recent deaths by suicide linked to chatbots like ChatGPT and Character.AI, highlighting the need for careful crafting and timing of these reminders.
Colonists dredged away Sydney’s natural oyster reefs. Now science knows how best to restore them.
Researchers have identified the complex shapes of natural oyster reefs are not random, but optimise the establishment and survival of developing oysters. The study provides critical information to guide effective reef restoration using artificial habitats that replicate specific geometric attributes found in natural reefs.
The making of doting dads
Researchers at Princeton University found a specific brain region and gene, Agouti, linked to caregiving behavior in male African striped mice. Males with lower Agouti levels showed greater interest in caring for pups, while those with higher levels were neglectful or abusive.
Professor Tae-Woo Lee's research team develops mass production technology for ultra-high color purity perovskite emitters
Professor Tae-Woo Lee's research team has developed a 'Cold-injection' method to synthesize high-quality perovskite nanocrystals at room temperature, overcoming safety risks and production costs. The technology achieved near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield in a large-scale synthesis of 20 liters.
SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026
New plastic material could solve energy storage challenge, researchers report
Researchers have developed a novel polymer alloy material made from commercially available plastics that can handle unprecedented high temperatures and store more energy than traditional polymer capacitors. The new material has a dielectric constant of 13.5, allowing it to maintain its performance level from -148 F to 482 F.