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Science News Archive February 2026 - Page 20


Page 20 of 45

Renewable biological catalyst carries the potential to transform wastewater into phosphorus resource

Researchers developed a process to convert phytate into bioavailable phosphate using a biocatalyst, improving phosphorus recycling efficiency. The method uses engineered yeast cells displaying the enzyme phytase, which can efficiently and stably convert organic phosphorus into usable phosphate.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Chinese Medical Journal article review explores mitophagy in breast cancer: Mechanisms and therapeutic applications

Researchers review the molecular mechanisms of mitophagy in breast cancer, highlighting its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target. The study suggests that strategic modulation of mitophagy can enhance personalized treatment approaches for BC.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·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.

Eyes affect our perception of a humanoid robot’s mind

Researchers at Tampere University found that humanoid robots perceived as having eyes exhibit greater agency and experience, evoking emotional responses and increasing empathy. This suggests that the presence of eyes shapes human perception of a robot's mind, with implications for design and ethics.

SourceTampere University·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateFeb 17, 2026

C-reactive protein is closely related to cardiac repolarization in patients with coronary artery disease in contrast to patients with cirrhosis

A new study reveals that C-reactive protein is associated with ventricular arrhythmias in stable coronary disease, while its relationship with heart rhythms is different in patients with cirrhosis. In cirrhosis, only high white blood cell count shows a trend for linking to unstable rhythms.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBulgarian Society of Medical Sciences Journal·DateFeb 17, 2026

Spain leads global research on AI and journalism

Research reveals major gaps in studying the relationship between AI and journalism, including environmental impact and Global South deployment. Most studies are conducted from Europe, leaving scarce attention to the Middle East, Latin America, and sub-Saharan Africa.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalReview of Communication Research·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 17, 2026

Relatedness and positive attitudes drive trust in AI and its developers

The study found that people's everyday experiences with technology play a crucial role in shaping trust around the world. Human-centred approaches to AI design and governance are essential for building trust, as simply improving technical performance is insufficient if people feel disconnected or powerless.

SourceTampere University·JournalBehaviour and Information Technology·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 AI model could cut the costs of developing protein drugs

MIT researchers used a large language model to optimize the genetic sequences of proteins manufactured by yeast, reducing production costs. The new model predicted which codons would work best for manufacturing six different proteins, including human growth hormone and a monoclonal antibody, with successful results.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Biology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2026

Expanded Affordable Care Act subsidies — now expired — drove major increases in marketplace health insurance enrollment across key groups

Enrollment among eligible individuals increased by 27.5% after subsidy expansion, with gains seen among children 18 and under, Black and Hispanic individuals, part-time workers, and rural residents. The study found that 7.8 million enrollees retained marketplace coverage over the 2021-2022 period

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateFeb 17, 2026

Strategic changes in water treatment could prevent disease outbreaks

A University of Minnesota study investigated a 2023/2024 Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Grand Rapids, Minn. and found that introducing disinfection to untreated groundwater stopped the spread of the disease. The city implemented chloramine disinfection, which dropped Legionella levels so low they could no longer be detected, resulti...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·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.

Demonstration of massive connectivity for the 6G era

Researchers at NICT successfully demonstrated simultaneous communications with 10 devices using a hybrid signal processing method combining quantum annealing and classical computing. This breakthrough addresses the massive connectivity requirements of 6G networks, enabling real-time detection for up to 60,000 possible signal combinations.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Scientists observe distant jellyfish galaxy for first time

Astronomers from the University of Waterloo have observed a distant jellyfish galaxy, providing rare insight into how galaxies were transformed in the early universe. The discovery challenges previous beliefs about galaxy clusters and their impact on galaxy properties.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Are human super-predators always “super-scary” to wildlife?

A new study analyzing three decades of research found that animals respond more consistently to lethal humans than non-lethal ones, altering behavior in foraging, vigilance, and movement. Non-lethal human structures can even function as perceived refuges, reducing animal vigilance.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalEcology Letters·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.

Why Triceratops has such a big nose

Researchers from the University of Tokyo used CT scans to study Triceratops' nasal anatomy, revealing a specialized structure called a respiratory turbinate. This unique feature helped regulate temperature and moisture levels in the dinosaur's large skull.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe Anatomical Record·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Researchers from UPF and 3D-Shaper Medical take a great leap towards predicting and preventing the risk of hip fracture related to osteoporosis

Researchers from UPF and 3D-Shaper Medical developed a new computational system to predict and prevent the risk of hip fracture among people with osteoporosis. The system, which simulates the functioning of hip bone tissue using 3D images and finite elements modeling, has been shown to be a robust alternative to current clinical methods.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalJournal of Clinical Densitometry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 17, 2026

Coastal Kelvin waves and marine heatwaves in the tropical Atlantic

Researchers on M217/1 expedition study upwelling system and extreme events off southwest African coast, focusing on Coastal Kelvin waves and Benguela Niños. Key findings include the seasonal upwelling without wind off Angola and the causes of marine heatwaves that disrupt marine ecosystems.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·DateFeb 17, 2026
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Microbes harvest metals from meteorites aboard space station

Researchers found that fungi can extract valuable metal palladium and platinum group elements from meteorite material in microgravity. The study suggests that microbial biomining could have terrestrial benefits for efficient resource extraction and create sustainable biotechnologies.

SourceCornell University·Journalnpj Microgravity·DateFeb 17, 2026

Record-breaking sediment core may help predict Antarctic ice loss

A record-breaking sediment core 700 km from Antarctica's nearest stations provides direct evidence of how the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and Ross Ice Shelf responded to warmer temperatures. The core, measuring 228 meters in length, contains layers of mud and rock documenting environmental conditions during earlier warm periods.

SourceETH Zurich·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.

SwRI earns specialized accreditation for natural gas flow calibration

Southwest Research Institute's Metering Research Facility has received ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, confirming compliance with international testing and calibration standards. The facility offers highly specialized calibration services to energy sector clients using its recirculating natural gas flow lab.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateFeb 17, 2026

New clinical guidelines to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infection

The updated guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations to standardize catheter use, improve infection prevention, and enhance outcomes for critically ill patients. The guidelines emphasize the importance of daily clinical reassessment, routine blood sampling, and proper antimicrobial use.

SourceJournal of Intensive Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 17, 2026

Chronic kidney disease severity and risk of cognitive impairment

A cohort study of patients with chronic kidney disease found that more advanced stages of the condition are associated with a higher incidence of cognitive impairment. The study underscores CKD severity as a key risk factor for cognitive decline across the entire spectrum of CKD.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 17, 2026
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

A “smart fluid” you can reconfigure with temperature

Scientists create a porous silica microrod material that can form dense dispersions in nematic liquid crystals, overcoming the challenge of strong surface anchoring. This enables the reconfigurable self-assembly of micrometer-sized particles, opening up new possibilities for optical and biomedical applications.

SourceInternational Institute for Sustainability with Knotted Chiral Meta Matter (SKCM2)·JournalMatter·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.

Scientists develop first-of-its-kind antibody to block Epstein Barr virus

Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center developed new genetically human monoclonal antibodies that prevent EBV from infecting immune cells. The study highlights one of the antibodies that successfully blocked infection in mice with human immune systems.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

With the right prompts, AI chatbots analyze big data accurately

Researchers at UCSF and Wayne State University found that generative AI tools can perform orders of magnitude faster than human teams in analyzing health data. Junior researchers paired with AI generated viable prediction models in minutes, outperforming experienced programmers in hours or days.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2026

Pore choices: A new twist on gas capture

Researchers develop porous liquids to trap methane, creating a supplemental domestic energy source. The technology can be integrated into existing infrastructure and has shown significant gas absorption capacity.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateFeb 17, 2026
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Solving the mystery that could help fusion reactors survive decades of use

Researchers used computer simulations to study the behavior of exhaust particles in tokamaks. They found that the toroidal rotation of plasma plays a key role in determining where particles land in the machine's exhaust system. This discovery could help engineers design divertors better equipped to handle intense heat.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 17, 2026

Is it possible to cut CO2 emissions from European agriculture by 40 per cent?

A recent study from Norwegian University of Science and Technology suggests that optimizing production in fertile areas while allowing less productive areas to lie fallow can cut greenhouse gas emissions. By doing so, food production can be maintained while reducing pressure on biodiversity by up to 20%.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 17, 2026

New research suggests myopia is driven by how we use our eyes indoors

A new study proposes that myopia is driven by how we use our eyes indoors, with prolonged close-up focus in low-light environments limiting retinal illumination. This mechanism could lead to a paradigm shift in understanding and controlling myopia progression and control.

SourceState University of New York College of Optometry·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 17, 2026

Four NYU faculty win Sloan Foundation research fellowships

Four NYU faculty members have been awarded Sloan Research Fellowships for their groundbreaking work in brain injury, organic chemistry, computing, and software. Since 1955, 102 NYU faculty members have been selected as recipients, including this year's 126 fellows.

SourceNew York University·DateFeb 17, 2026
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Personal perception of body movement changes when using robotic prosthetics

Researchers found that participants initially overestimated the awkwardness of their gait but improved as they practiced using the prosthetic device. Despite significant performance gains, participants remained inaccurate in assessing their own body movement, focusing on torso position rather than prosthetic behavior.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Brain imaging reveals how wildlife photos open donor wallets

A study using brain imaging identified the social and emotional features of wildlife photos that predict engagement on social media. The analysis found that animal faces and evolutionarily similar species in images boosted engagement and predicted actual likes on Instagram.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 17, 2026
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Government censorship of Chinese chatbots

Researchers found Chinese chatbots more likely to refuse or provide inaccurate responses to sensitive questions about politics, while non-Chinese models offered longer, more accurate answers. The study suggests the source of this issue cannot be explained solely by training data or model development choices.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 17, 2026

Incorporating a robotic leg into one’s body image

Researchers studied participants' ambulatory body image while learning to walk with a robotic leg. They found that participants initially underestimated and later overestimated their walking quality before incorporating the device into their body image.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 17, 2026

Smithsonian planetary scientists discover recent tectonic activity on the Moon

Scientists at the National Air and Space Museum's Center for Earth and Planetary Studies have created a comprehensive map of small mare ridges (SMRs) on the Moon. The research, published in The Planetary Science Journal, reveals that SMRs are geologically young and widespread across the lunar maria.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 17, 2026

Wiley to expand Advanced Portfolio

Wiley is launching eight new Advanced journals in life, health and social sciences disciplines by the end of 2026. The expansion aims to empower scientists with a streamlined publishing approach, reflecting Wiley's commitment to accelerating science that addresses humanity's most pressing challenges.

SourceWiley·DateFeb 17, 2026

A yeast enzyme helps human cells overcome mitochondrial defects

A yeast enzyme, Sc URA, has been found to sustain nucleotide synthesis independently of mitochondrial respiration in human cells. This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating mitochondrial diseases with no cure, and could provide a valuable experimental tool for understanding rare diseases and cancer.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·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.

Tropical forests generate rainfall worth billions, study finds

A new study estimates that each hectare of tropical forest generates 2.4 million litres of rain annually, enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool. This process is known as evapotranspiration, where the sun's energy is used to transfer moisture from the leaves into the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 17, 2026

Invisible battery parts finally seen with pioneering technique

A new method allows for precise visualization of modern polymer binders in negative lithium-ion battery electrodes. The study found that small changes in binder distribution can significantly affect charging efficiency and battery lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 17, 2026

Admissions for child maltreatment decreased during first phase of COVID-19 pandemic, but ICU admissions increased later

Hospital admissions for child maltreatment declined by 31% during the initial lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic but rebounded to pre-pandemic levels after restrictions were lifted. However, rates of admission to intensive care units (ICUs) increased by 80% after the 16-week period of restricted healthcare access.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2026