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Science News Archive February 2026 - Page 28


Page 28 of 45

Researchers identify speech latency as a key biomarker for predicting treatment response in patients with schizophrenia

A study published in Biological Psychiatry identified speech latency as a promising biomarker to enrich clinical trials for patients with schizophrenia. By analyzing speech latency, participants with a high placebo response can be identified and excluded, leading to significant improvements in treatment outcomes.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 11, 2026

Novel multilevel dispersion strategy produces high-efficiency membrane for bioethanol recovery

A novel multilevel dispersion strategy has produced high-efficiency membranes for bioethanol recovery by improving capture capacity and mechanical durability. The optimization of granulation promoters led to a significant advancement in the performance of alkaline metal salt-promoted MgO sorbents.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Root microbes could help oak trees adapt to drought

Research found that oak tree microbiomes are resilient to environmental stressors like drought and disease, with subtle changes in root microbiota after prolonged drought. The study suggests a potential role for beneficial bacteria in supporting tree resilience and stability.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Primary biliary cholangitis–associated osteoporosis: contemporary review of pathogenesis and management

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is associated with a high incidence of osteoporosis, characterized by reduced bone mass and increased fracture risk. The pathogenesis involves immune dysregulation, cholestasis, liver damage, and metabolic alterations, highlighting the need for PBC-specific management strategies.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateFeb 11, 2026

UVM develops new framework to transform national flood prediction

Researchers at UVM have developed a new framework, NextGen, to enhance flood forecasting by providing a common platform for hydrologic and hydraulic modeling. The framework enables scientists to experiment with and develop more accurate models, addressing the limitations of current operational models.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 11, 2026

Open-source modular robot for understanding evolution

A new tool has arrived: a highly customizable, open-source robot design called The Robot of Theseus (TROT), developed at the University of Michigan. TROT can model most mammals and enable direct comparisons of variations on the same structure, helping researchers discover the advantages related to limb length and segmentation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateFeb 11, 2026

Seashells and coconut char: A coastal recipe for super-compost

A study published in Carbon Research reveals that a unique Ca-modified biochar can act as a powerful catalyst for the composting process, transforming pig manure and rice straw into stable, nutrient-rich humus. The innovation helps improve waste management in tropical regions, reducing nitrogen loss and environmental footprint.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Afraid of chemistry at school? It’s not all the subject’s fault

A Brazilian research team used non-formal education methods in science museums to improve high school students' interest and confidence in chemistry. The interactive exhibition explained advanced oxidation processes, increasing students' sense of competence and positive perception of the discipline.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Science Communication·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Childhood obesity causes early vascular damage, according to a study of children in São Paulo (Brazil)

A study found that childhood obesity can lead to premature vascular damage in children as young as six, increasing the risk of diseases such as atherosclerosis and heart attack. The research identified early signs of inflammation and dysfunction in the endothelium, highlighting the need for public policies to prevent childhood obesity.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateFeb 11, 2026

Drones with low-cost air quality sensors can improve air quality monitoring

A drone equipped with low-cost air quality sensors has revealed unexpectedly high concentrations of particulate matter at around 100 meters above ground level in Delhi. The findings suggest that current model simulations underestimate PM2.5 mass concentrations during morning haze episodes, highlighting the need for better mitigation st...

SourceDelft University of Technology·Journalnpj Clean Air·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Bipartisan members of congress relaunch Congressional Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Caucus with event that brings together lawmakers, medical experts, and patient advocates to address critical gap in PAD management

The Congressional Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Caucus will focus on legislative priorities including timely diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and innovative therapies. The event brings together lawmakers, medical experts, and patient advocates to address the critical gap in PAD management.

The Frontiers of Knowledge Award goes to Carl June and Michel Sadelain for revolutionizing cancer treatment using immunotherapy based on the patient’s own genetically modified cells

Researchers have developed a breakthrough technique to transform a patient's own T cells into soldiers trained to recognize and kill cancer cells, benefiting tens of thousands of individuals with blood cancers. The approach is now being explored for solid tumors and other diseases.

The machinery that helps divide your cells self-organizes like an active liquid crystal

Researchers at the Flatiron Institute and their collaborators applied an active liquid crystal theory to understand how chromosomes are separated during cell division. The study found that the theory largely succeeds in predicting how spindles self-organize, using a combination of light microscopy and electron microscopy data.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Chinese scientists develop distributed intercity quantum sensor network to expand dark matter research

Researchers created a distributed nuclear-spin-based quantum sensor network to experimentally exceed astrophysical constraints on dark matter associated with axion topological defects. The study set the most stringent constraints on axion-nucleon coupling across an axion mass range, opening up new possibilities for probing unexplored p...

Major depressive disorder shares immune abnormalities and potential therapeutic targets with inflammatory skin diseases, according to new study

Researchers found that patients with major depressive disorder share immune abnormalities with inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis. The study suggests targeting the Th2 pathway and interleukin-4 receptor alpha as potential therapeutic strategies for psychiatric illness.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 11, 2026

UK winters becoming wetter due to increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere

A study by Newcastle University found that UK winters are becoming significantly wetter, with a 7% increase in rainfall per degree of global warming, driven by rising temperatures from anthropogenic warming. The experts warn that this trend will continue to worsen, increasing the risk of flooding and economic damages.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 11, 2026

AI and brain control: A new system identifies animal behavior and instantly shuts down the neurons responsible

Researchers at Nagoya University developed an AI system called YORU that recognizes animal behaviors with over 90% accuracy. The system combines real-time video capture with optogenetics to selectively target brain cells driving specific behaviors, offering a major breakthrough in social behavior studies.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Soft sensors show promise for monitoring crystallinity and polymorphism

Researchers from the FDA developed soft sensors to predict critical quality attributes and track solid-state changes in key unit operations. The models used include population balance, semi-empirical, and statistical correlations to analyze wet granulation, fluidized bed drying, milling, and tablet press operations.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

City of Hope research spotlight, January 2026

Researchers at City of Hope have made significant breakthroughs in cancer treatment, immune system regulation and early disease detection. A study found that subtle RNA changes can shape cancer behavior, opening new avenues for precision oncology. In contrast, combining immunotherapy with chemoradiation did not improve survival rates f...

Stiff gels slow germs: New study maps hydrogel properties that control bacterial growth

Researchers have identified optimal conditions for bacterial growth on hydrogels, finding that firmer, lower water content materials consistently slow bacterial expansion. The study's findings also reveal a selective mechanism at work, where negatively charged gels repel bacteria harbouring negatively charged groups.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Osimertinib ± savolitinib in MET-EGFR NSCLC trial

The FLOWERS trial demonstrates a significant enhancement in clinical outcomes for NSCLC patients with EGFR and MET mutations when treated with osimertinib plus savolitinib. Patients receiving the combination regimen showed extended progression-free survival and improved tumor response rates compared to those on osimertinib alone.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2026