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Science News Archive February 2026 - Page 19


Page 19 of 45

Machine-learned biomarker identifies those at high risk for liver cancer

A study by RIKEN researchers identifies a MYCN-driven biomarker that predicts the risk of liver cancer. The biomarker, known as the MYCN niche score, uses machine learning to analyze gene expression patterns and indicates whether a tumor-free liver is at high risk for developing tumors.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2026

New study: The brain may learn more from rare events than from repetition

A new theory asserts that associative learning depends less on repetition and more on time passing between rewards, explaining why students who cram don't perform well. The study's findings could shift the way we look at learning and addiction, potentially speeding up artificial intelligence by borrowing from this new approach.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 17, 2026

Achieving cross-coupling reactions of fatty amide reduction radicals via iridium-photorelay catalysis and other strategies

This method successfully solves the challenge of generating C,N,N-trialkyl α-amino radicals in aliphatic amides, enabling gram-scale reactions with low catalyst loadings. The reaction exhibits good functional group tolerance, making it suitable for late-stage modification of complex molecules.

SourceChinese Chemical Society·JournalCCS Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Cal Poly’s fifth Climate Solutions Now conference to take place Feb. 23-27

The all-virtual Cal Poly Climate Solutions Now conference will address a wide range of climate topics, including energy, water, waste, business sustainability, agriculture, education, and more. Presenters from various industries will share strategies, tools, and information to help mitigate climate change.

SourceCalifornia Polytechnic State University·DateFeb 17, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Shorter may be sweeter: Study finds 15-second health ads can curb junk food cravings

A new Edith Cowan University study found that advertisements encouraging healthy choices can reduce cravings and intentions to consume unhealthy foods. In some cases, a 15-second message may be more effective than traditional 30-second commercials, especially for those with higher BMI categories.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalHealth Promotion Journal of Australia·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Mask-wearing during COVID-19 linked to reduced air pollution–triggered heart attack risk in Japan

A nationwide Japanese study of 270,000 patients found that widespread mask-wearing during the pandemic significantly lowered PM2.5-associated risk of MINOCA, a non-obstructive type of heart attack. The study suggests that simple protective measures like mask use can mitigate cardiovascular risks associated with air pollution.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Family relationships identified in Stone Age graves on Gotland

In a new study, researchers at Uppsala University clarified family relationships in four graves from a 5,500-year-old hunter-gatherer culture at Ajvide on Gotland. DNA analyses suggest that the people were well aware of family lineages and that relationships beyond the immediate family played an important role. The analysis showed that...

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2026

Organic soil amendments work together to help sandy soils hold water longer, study finds

A long-term field experiment shows that combining biochar with compost and sludge can improve how sandy soils retain water, reducing cumulative drainage by over 40%. The triple combination of biochar, sludge, and compost formed a more stable soil structure that retained water more effectively than any single amendment alone.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 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.

New low-energy method produces ethylene from waste gas

A new low-energy method produces ethylene from waste gas, using electricity to create a chemical building block from syngas. The device is more than 60% efficient and can work with renewable energy sources, setting the stage for a greener ethylene supply chain.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Study: For women over 60, muscle strength matters

Researchers report a significant association between muscle strength and lower mortality risk in women aged 63-99 years. Grip strength and chair stands were found to be key indicators of muscular strength, with even small improvements leading to notable reductions in death risk.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 17, 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.

Iron, carbon, and the art of toxic cleanup

Researchers at Tongji University identified ferrihydrite as the mineral that effectively traps chromium while storing organic carbon. The study's findings provide a new blueprint for environmental remediation using nature-based solutions to clean up contaminated mine soils and fight climate change.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

A gel for wounds that won’t heal

Researchers developed an oxygen-delivering gel to heal chronic wounds that fail to heal for more than a month. The gel conforms to the wound's shape and provides continuous oxygen levels, helping transform nonhealing wounds into normal injuries.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCommunications Materials·DateFeb 17, 2026

Weight-loss wonder pills prompt scrutiny of key ingredient

A new study finds salcaprozate sodium may have adverse biological effects on the gut and beyond, including shifts in potentially harmful gut bacteria and elevated inflammatory markers. The research highlights an important gap in understanding the long-term impact of repeated SNAC exposure.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateFeb 17, 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.

An international team of astronomers led by UMass Amherst may have just found one of the missing links in galaxy evolution

A team of astronomers led by UMass Amherst has discovered a population of dusty, star-forming galaxies at the edge of the universe, formed 13 billion years ago. These galaxies are linked to ultrabright, young galaxies and massive quiescent galaxies, providing new insights into galaxy evolution.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 17, 2026

Nanoparticle-based gene editing could expand treatment options for cystic fibrosis

UCLA researchers have developed a novel gene-editing approach using lipid nanoparticles to deliver a full-length CFTR gene into human airway cells. The study shows promise for treating cystic fibrosis by correcting the underlying genetic mutation, which could lead to more effective and long-term therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 17, 2026

Renowned developmental biologist wins March of Dimes Prize

Dr. Zon's pioneering research has illuminated how blood develops in embryos, leading to a deeper understanding of rare blood diseases, including pregnancy complications. His discoveries have also led to breakthrough treatments for genetic blood disorders affecting babies and children.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·DateFeb 17, 2026

Nonprofit leader Diane Dodge to receive 2026 Penn Nursing Renfield Foundation Award for Global Women’s Health

The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing will honor Diane Dodge with the 2026 Penn Nursing Renfield Foundation Award for her visionary leadership in addressing maternal health barriers. The award supports Tiba Foundation's efforts to scale the Boda Girls model, providing one million health services over five years.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·DateFeb 17, 2026

Children with sleep apnea face higher risk of flu and COVID-19, new study finds

A new study by Dr. Alex Gileles-Hillel and colleagues found that children with sleep apnea are twice as likely to contract the flu or COVID-19. The researchers suggest prioritizing annual vaccinations for these children to prevent severe respiratory complications.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 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.

Is beef x dairy needed in market data?

University of Tennessee economist Charles Martinez recommends updating sales data reporting methods to account for the growing 'beef on dairy' trend. The trend involves breeding dairy cattle specifically for beef production, generating higher premiums for crossbred calves.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateFeb 17, 2026

Air pollution may directly contribute to Alzheimer’s disease

A large cohort study found that air pollution exposure increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in individuals who have experienced a stroke. The study suggests that improving air quality could be an important way to prevent dementia and protect older adults.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2026
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.

Honey bees navigate more precisely than previously thought

Researchers tracked individual honey bees to record high-resolution flight paths in natural landscapes, revealing precise navigation and unique routes. Visual landmarks aid the bees' navigation, increasing the precision of their flight paths.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 17, 2026

JMIR Publications’ JMIR Bioinformatics and Biotechnology invites submissions on Bridging Data, AI, and Innovation to Transform Health

The journal explores the convergence of computational biology, artificial intelligence, and healthcare innovation, with a focus on precision medicine and enhanced patient care. Submissions are accepted from researchers, clinicians, and technologists on topics such as AI in medicine, computational genomics, and drug discovery.

SourceJMIR Publications·DateFeb 17, 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.

Bioengineers discover new clues in early-onset colorectal cancer

A study by University of Texas at Dallas bioengineers found that both cancerous and noncancerous colon tissue from young patients with colorectal cancer was mechanically stiffer than in older patients. This stiffness may promote the development of early-onset colorectal cancer, a condition rising over the past 30 years.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

New antibody–drug conjugate strategy to block HIV infection

Researchers developed antibody–drug conjugates that combine CD4 mimic and neutralizing antibodies to target HIV entry, showing seven times better efficacy than existing approaches. The strategy aims to block HIV before it enters the host cell, offering a more targeted therapeutic profile and potentially reducing adverse effects.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026
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.

New biomarker predicts chemotherapy response in triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers developed a new computational approach to predict chemotherapy response in triple-negative breast cancer, outperforming current methods. The TmS biomarker accurately sorts patients into those with favorable or poor prognosis, highlighting its potential as an effective starting point for patient stratification.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2026

Satellite imagery and AI reveal development needs hidden by national data

Researchers used satellite imagery and machine learning to estimate HDI scores for 61,530 municipalities and counties. The results show that over half the global population lives in areas with different development tiers than their national level, highlighting the need for finer-grained data to inform policy decisions.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 17, 2026

Treatment algorithms featured in Brain Trauma Foundation’s update of guidelines for care of patients with penetrating traumatic brain injury

The Brain Trauma Foundation has updated its guidelines for the care of patients with penetrating traumatic brain injury (pTBI) with new evidence-based recommendations and treatment algorithms. The guidelines aim to balance complexity with convenience for use during emergencies, providing practical flowcharts for clinicians.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalNeurosurgery·DateFeb 17, 2026

UC San Diego Health joins national research for maternal-fetal care

The University of California San Diego School of Medicine and UC San Diego Health are now part of the NICHD Maternal-Fetal Care Network, expanding access to research on pregnancy and newborn health. Clinical trials will focus on maternal mortality, prematurity birth rates, and infant mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateFeb 17, 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.

Study finds early imaging after pediatric UTIs may do more harm than good

Researchers found that ultrasounds performed too early during hospitalization were more likely to produce false positives, leading to additional invasive testing. Waiting until a fever resolved and closer to discharge did not prolong the hospital stay, but reduced unnecessary tests and added stress for families.

SourceWake Forest University School of Medicine·JournalHospital Pediatrics·DateFeb 17, 2026

Over 40% of musicians experience tinnitus; hearing loss and hyperacusis also significantly elevated

A systematic review found that musicians experience substantially higher rates of tinnitus, hearing loss, and hyperacusis compared to non-musicians. The study, which pooled data from 67 studies, revealed that 42.6% of musicians reported tinnitus, while 25.7% experienced hearing loss.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·JournalOtolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 17, 2026

Structural adaptations in aging podocytes

Research reveals that podocytes in aged rats adapt by increasing volume and forming atypical junctions to compensate for loss, while exporting unnecessary cellular components into the extracellular space. The study employed array tomography to elucidate age-related structural changes, shedding light on the mechanisms of aging glomeruli.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Retelling the Jomon story

Researchers used mitochondrial DNA from 13 Jomon skeletons to examine population changes over time, finding a significant increase in eastern Japan between 13,000 and 8,000 years ago. This study suggests regional factors, such as climate and food resources, played a role in shaping the Jomon population history.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalAnthropological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

POST-PURPLE launches to advance zero-waste urban biorefineries

POST-PURPLE aims to convert urban wastewater and organic waste into valuable resources through innovative bio-based technologies. The project will demonstrate practical pathways toward cleaner, more circular urban biorefineries and reduce diffuse emissions.

SourceEuropean Science Communication Institute gGmbH·DateFeb 17, 2026

Widespread enhanced rock weathering could slow global warming

Researchers found that enhanced rock weathering can remove significant amounts of carbon from the atmosphere, with potential co-benefits for farmers. The method could remove up to 0.7-1.1 gigatons of carbon by 2100, depending on adoption rates.

SourceCornell University·JournalCommunications Sustainability·DateFeb 17, 2026

REM sleep supports equine motivation and learning

A recent study at the University of Helsinki found that short periods of REM sleep impair horses' perseverance and performance in demanding learning tasks. Horses with longer REM sleep duration performed better in a reverse learning test, suggesting that REM sleep is associated with motivation and perseverance.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 17, 2026
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.

Psychology study: You can teach an old dog new tricks

A psychology study found that social and emotional skills training benefits both younger and older adults equally. The study showed that participants in their twenties and those between 60-80 years old demonstrated similar improvements in emotional stability and extraversion after an eight-week personality intervention program.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalCommunications Psychology·DateFeb 17, 2026

Early puberty may increase the risk of poor mental wellbeing and higher consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs

A new study from Aarhus University finds that early puberty is associated with an increased risk of general psychological distress, psychiatric diagnoses, and the use of psychiatric medication. Girls who enter puberty early may have twice the risk of receiving psychiatric medication for mental health conditions compared to their peers.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 17, 2026

How forest conversion can harm dung beetles

A study found that forest conversion harm dung beetles by increasing temperatures and drying out the ground, making it hostile for them. The key species, Anoplotrupes stercorosus, is particularly affected, with its population declining as temperatures rise.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2026
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.

New research: No trace of DMT in the rat brain’s serotonin system

A new study by researchers from the University of Southern Denmark has found no evidence of naturally occurring DMT in the adult rat brain, even when its breakdown was inhibited. The study used highly sensitive methods to detect trace substances and examined whether administered DMT could be stored in serotonin neurons.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalNeuropharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Immunotherapy plus chemotherapy before surgery shows promise for pancreatic cancer

A new UCLA study found that adding immunotherapy to standard chemotherapy before surgery is safe and shows promise for some patients with borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer. The combination treatment helped patients live long enough to reach surgery, shrank tumors, and produced encouraging survival outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 17, 2026

Novel framework addresses the importance of buildings as a physical determinant of health

A new framework, BPR-LTC, integrates scientific research and bioethics into architectural planning for long-term care spaces. This approach aims to improve the health and well-being of residents by systematically incorporating evidence-based design principles.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 17, 2026