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Science News Archive February 2026 - Page 19


Page 19 of 45

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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