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Science News Archive February 2026 - Page 22


Page 22 of 45

Barriers to mental health care leave many children behind, new data cautions

A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute reveals that one in five US households reported a child needing mental health treatment, yet nearly a quarter didn't receive it. The study also found disparities among families with single parents, multi-child households, homeschooling families, and uninsured households.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 16, 2026

AI-powered companionship: PolyU interfaculty scholar harnesses music and empathetic speech in robots to combat loneliness

Researchers at PolyU have discovered that combining music and empathetic speech in robots can foster a stronger bond between humans and machines. Music enhances the emotional resonance of on-screen robots, making interactions feel more real, but its impact diminishes over time.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction·DateFeb 16, 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.

Bioactive polyphenolic compounds and in vitro anti-degenerative property-based pharmacological propensities of some promising germplasms of Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.

The study investigated the bioactive polyphenolic compounds and their anti-degenerative properties in foliar tissues of Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. The results showed germplasm-specific variations in pharmacological potential, with some accessions exhibiting promising anti-degenerative properties.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology·DateFeb 16, 2026

Antarctica sits above Earth’s strongest “gravity hole.” Now we know how it got that way

A new study finds that Antarctica's gravity hole formed as a result of slow rock movements deep under the Earth's surface, which overlapped with major changes in the continent's climate system. The study suggests that future research could reveal how the shifting gravity may have encouraged the growth of ice sheets.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 16, 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.

Korea University, Stanford University, and IESGA launch Water Sustainability Index to combat ESG greenwashing

A new framework introduces the Water Sustainability Index (WSI), a transparent, quantitative metric designed to strengthen corporate water accountability worldwide. The WSI evaluates corporate water withdrawals, consumption, discharge quality, and reuse while accounting for local water scarcity.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalNature Water·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 16, 2026

Molecular glue discovery: large scale instead of lucky strike

Researchers developed a new method to discover molecular glues through large-scale chemistry and cell-based screening. They identified compounds that selectively degrade ENL in leukemia cells, demonstrating the potential of this approach for targeting previously undruggable proteins.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2026

Insulin resistance predictor highlights cancer connection

Researchers developed AI-IR, a machine learning tool that predicts insulin resistance and implies a link to cancers. The model demonstrated strong predictive power in detecting insulin resistance that BMI alone cannot explain.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 16, 2026

Explaining next-generation solar cells

Researchers at ISTA discover perovskites' unique photovoltaic properties rely on structural defects, enabling long-range charge transport. This finding accelerates the transition of next-gen perovskite solar cells to real-world applications.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Slippery ions create a smoother path to blue energy

Researchers at EPFL have developed a method to overcome challenges in osmotic energy systems, enabling ions to flow through a nanofluidic membrane with unprecedented speed and control. By lubricating nanopores with lipid molecules, they achieved significantly boosted ion transport and overall performance.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 16, 2026

Magnetic resonance imaging opens the door to better treatments for underdiagnosed atypical Parkinsonisms

A new study uses advanced MRI to accurately diagnose progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD), two underdiagnosed conditions. This breakthrough enables precise clinical trials and transforms treatment options for patients with balance problems, falls, stiffness, or difficulties with speech and movement.

SourceInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau (Sant Pau Research Institute)·JournalThe Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer s Disease·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2026

National poll finds gaps in community preparedness for teen cardiac emergencies

A national poll found that nearly half of parents are aware of the risk of sudden cardiac arrest in teens, but only about half know their school has an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site. Parents support CPR and AED training, with four in 10 already trained to use an AED, and nearly nine in 10 willing to receive free training.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateFeb 16, 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.

Survey: 3 in 4 skip physical therapy homework, stunting progress

A survey by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals that 76% of people don't complete their physical therapy homework. Adding home exercises to routines can help successful recovery and reduce the need for additional medical procedures.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 16, 2026

Evidence behind intermittent fasting for weight loss fails to match hype

A new Cochrane review suggests that intermittent fasting may not be an effective strategy for weight loss in overweight or obese adults. The study found no meaningful difference in weight loss between intermittent fasting and traditional dietary advice or doing nothing, highlighting the need for more research into this area.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 15, 2026

Study finds link between sugary drinks and anxiety in young people

A recent study published in Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics has identified a link between high sugary drink consumption and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. The research team found consistent associations between energy-dense but nutrient-poor drinks and increased anxiety rates.

SourceBournemouth University·JournalJournal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 15, 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.

Scientists show how to predict world’s deadly scorpion hotspots

Researchers pinpoint high-risk areas for deadly scorpion species using field observations and computer modeling. The study's findings focus on central Morocco, a global hotspot for scorpion stings, but can be applied globally to prevent deaths and improve treatment.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalEnvironmental Research Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 15, 2026
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Scientists identify smooth regional trends in fruit fly survival strategies

Researchers found a smooth variation in sensitivity to diapause induction with air temperature and daylight length, suggesting genes regulating circadian rhythm play a key role. The timeless gene was associated with variations in female diapause sensitivity, providing insights into molecular mechanisms behind diapause.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateFeb 14, 2026

Outdated mortality benchmarks risk missing early signs of famine and delay recognizing mass starvation

A recent paper by Columbia University researchers calls for a re-examination of how famine thresholds are defined, citing stark disparities in how famine mortality is assessed across contexts. The authors argue that widespread starvation may go unrecognized until it is well advanced due to the current classification system.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 13, 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.

Sylvester Cancer Tip Sheet for Feb. 2026

Researchers at Sylvester Cancer Institute have identified a potential workaround for chemotherapy resistance by blocking a key protein. The study aims to teach lymphoma patients practical tools to manage stress and improve their daily quality of life through the SMART 3RP Lymphoma study. Meanwhile, the institute is expanding cancer dis...

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2026

Online exposure to medical misinformation concentrated among older adults

Researchers tracked web-surfing activities of over 1,000 U.S. adults and found that only 6.8% of health-related browsing sites contained low-credibility information. The majority of exposure to such sites occurred among older adults, particularly those with right-leaning political views.

SourceUniversity of Utah·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2026

Biochar emerges as a powerful tool for soil carbon neutrality and climate mitigation

A comprehensive review reveals that biochar improves soil carbon storage, reduces greenhouse gases, and provides practical frameworks to measure its climate benefits. Biochar's dual carbon sequestration effect stores carbon directly while protecting existing soil organic carbon from decomposition.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 13, 2026

Tiny cell messengers show big promise for safer protein and gene delivery

Researchers have discovered that vesicles generated from cell-surface protrusions can deliver active proteins and genome-editing enzymes far more efficiently than conventional extracellular vesicles. This natural delivery system may enable the development of safer and more precise strategies for genome editing, regenerative medicine, a...

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 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.

Scientists reveal major hidden source of atmospheric nitrogen pollution in fragile lake basin

A new study reveals that the Erhai Lake Basin in southwest China is releasing far more atmospheric nitrogen pollution than it absorbs, threatening regional air quality and ecosystem health. The imbalance creates a net surplus of over 8,200 metric tons annually, making the basin a major source of atmospheric nitrogen pollution.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2026

Flipping and reversing mini-proteins could improve disease treatment

A team of researchers from Penn State and The University of Minnesota Medical School found that chemically changing the structure of a naturally occurring peptide can make it more stable and effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The new shape imparted by the modified molecule allows it to physically degrade bacterial cell me...

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2026

How the human exposome will unlock better health and medicine:

The Global Exposome Forum is a global initiative that aims to understand the complex interplay between biological, chemical, and environmental exposures and human health. The project has partnered with national governments, scientific institutions, and large membership-led organizations to advance exposomics science.

SourceExposome Moonshot·DateFeb 13, 2026

AMS Science Preview: Hurricane slowdown, school snow days

A new study finds that U.S. tornado activity is shifting southeastward due to the relationship between extratropical cyclones and low-pressure systems. Additionally, global warming has led to a fourfold increase in tropical cyclone rapid slowdown events in coastal areas.

SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·DateFeb 13, 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.

Promoting civic engagement

A new pilot study in Long Beach found that heightened federal immigration enforcement is undermining democratic participation, even among U.S. citizens who fear for undocumented family members. The study identified three critical barriers: climate of fear, knowledge gaps, and practical constraints.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateFeb 13, 2026

Modular assembly of chiral nitrogen-bridged rings achieved by palladium-catalyzed diastereoselective and enantioselective cascade cyclization reactions

Researchers developed a palladium-catalyzed tandem cyclization strategy to construct chiral bridged oxazole bicyclic skeletons with high diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity. The method exhibits excellent substrate universality, providing an efficient route for synthesizing complex three-dimensional structures.

SourceChinese Chemical Society·JournalCCS Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2026

Parents’ alcohol and drug use influences their children’s consumption, research shows

A Brazilian study analyzing 4,280 adolescents and their guardians found that parental attitudes play a significant role in preventing alcohol and drug use among young people. The 'authoritative' parenting style, which combines acceptance and monitoring, is the most effective in mitigating the risk of repeated consumption patterns.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateFeb 13, 2026

Protecting turfgrass from fungal foes

University of Delaware researchers have discovered a novel strain of Bacillus subtilis that helps plants resist soil-borne diseases and retain moisture. The microbe, UD1022, is effective in controlling dollar spot fungus but only when applied directly to leaves, not through soil treatment.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPlant Stress·DateFeb 13, 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.

Deforestation in the Amazon raises the surface temperature by 3 °C during the dry season

A study using satellite data found that deforestation in the Amazon increases surface temperature by 3°C during the dry season, with a 25% decrease in rainfall. This leads to greater forest degradation, increased tree mortality, and susceptibility to forest fires, threatening biodiversity.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateFeb 13, 2026

Batista Lab study reveals how local antibody feedback regulates B cell competition and promotes immune diversity

Researchers at Ragon Institute discovered that antibodies produced in germinal centers act as a 'brake' on selection, redirecting the immune system toward broader protection. Stronger-binding B cells suppress weaker ones targeting the same site, establishing a localized feedback loop.

SourceRagon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2026
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Extreme heat strengthens of pure metals

Researchers at Northwestern University found that heat strengthens pure metals under extreme conditions, challenging long-held assumptions. The study revealed a stark divide between pure and alloyed metals, with pure metals becoming stronger and harder as temperatures increased.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 13, 2026

From the lab to the living room: Decoding Parkinson’s patients movements in the real world

Researchers from UC San Francisco successfully decoded brain activity patterns associated with walking, enabling the development of personalized neural biomarkers for movement state classification. This breakthrough could lead to more effective adaptive DBS systems that adjust stimulation in response to a patient's activity state.

SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2026

Model more accurately maps the impact of frost on corn crops

Researchers developed a methodology that uses remote sensing to map the impact of frost on corn crops, reducing exposure to climate risks. The model allows users to customize variables, making it useful for other crops in different agricultural contexts.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateFeb 13, 2026

How did humans develop sharp vision? Lab-grown retinas show likely answer

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University used lab-grown retinal tissue to discover the cellular mechanisms that shape the foveola, a critical part of the eye responsible for sharp vision. The findings suggest that blue cones convert into red and green cones during early development, rather than migrating to other parts of the retina.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 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.

Cosmic curveball: Distant system challenges planet-formation theory

Astronomers discovered a distant planetary system around LHS 1903 that breaks the pattern of rocky planets orbiting close to their host star and gas giants farther away. The system's unusual architecture suggests an inside-out planet formation process, where planets form sequentially in ever-changing environments.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 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.

Distinguished researcher elected to National Academy of Engineering

Dr. Bruce Gnade, professor emeritus at the University of Texas at Dallas, has been elected as a member of the National Academy of Engineering for his contributions to advancing electronic materials and semiconductor device technologies. He is also recognized for his leadership in education and workforce development.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateFeb 13, 2026

Confidence in your relationship can improve individual well-being

A new study found that improvements in relationship confidence have the biggest impact on individual outcomes, including improved mental health, better sleep, and reduced substance use. Relationship confidence involves trusting that a partner can handle challenges and feeling assured of building a lasting future together.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Marital and Family Therapy·DateFeb 13, 2026