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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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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