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Science News Archive February 2026 - Page 29


Page 29 of 45

Where’d you get that frog? Illinois study traces illicit online amphibian trade

A recent Illinois study found that nearly 8,500 online classified ads for exotic amphibians were posted between 2004 and 2024, representing 301 species from around the world. The researchers verified a dataset of these listings, revealing 44 species traded without official paperwork, sold at a 40% premium. This illicit trade poses sign...

Urgent need for school-housing partnerships to support students facing housing instability, according to new USC Rossier study

A new USC Rossier study emphasizes the importance of early intervention in addressing housing instability among students. Key findings reveal that existing efforts focus on already homeless students, and that upstream interventions supporting at-risk families can prevent stability disruptions. The report highlights promising approaches...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 11, 2026

Spherical assemblies of nanocrystals

Researchers at the UvA Institute of Physics have discovered how spherulites form in salt solutions, leading to the creation of advanced materials. The discovery reveals that subtle variations in composition and growth conditions can produce intricate internal architectures and high surface area structures.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalNature·DateFeb 11, 2026

Scientists report increased rather than decreased soil carbon accumulation in boreal sphagnum peatlands under warming

Climate warming stimulates sphagnum growth, promotes iron protection, and inhibits microbial decomposition in boreal peatlands. This leads to increased soil carbon accumulation, potentially offsetting half of the decline in boreal forest carbon sink under future warming.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Proton therapy leads to positive survival and quality of life outcomes for patients with lower grade glioma

A new study by Mass General Brigham highlights the efficacy of proton therapy in achieving excellent tumor control rates while minimizing side effects compared to traditional radiotherapy. Proton therapy limits radiation exposure to healthy tissue, potentially preserving cognition and hormone function.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNeuro-Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 11, 2026

Fire-footed rope squirrels identified as a natural reservoir for monkeypox virus

Research reveals fire-footed rope squirrels are a natural reservoir for the monkeypox virus, with evidence of interspecies transmission detected in Côte d'Ivoire. The study underscores the need for awareness among humans interacting with wildlife and deeper understanding of MPXV ecology to develop effective prevention measures.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 11, 2026

‘Gaybourhoods’ boost LGB voter turnout

LGB individuals vote more when living near other LGB people, with a 1.56 percentage point increase in voter turnout for every one percentage point increase in local LGB population density. This study, conducted in Sweden, tracked over 20,000 LGB individuals and nearly eight million heterosexual peers across four parliamentary elections.

Smokefree generation law could see English smoking prevalence drop below 5% decades earlier than expected

The smokefree generation law, set to be introduced in 2027, could help stop young people from ever starting to smoke and accelerate progress towards a tobacco-free future. However, males and the most deprived communities may reach the 5% prevalence milestone later unless the law is effectively targeted.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalTobacco Control·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 11, 2026

ASH publishes clinical practice guidelines on frontline and relapsed/refractory management of all in adolescents and young adults

The American Society of Hematology released guidelines for frontline and relapsed/refractory management of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs), outlining optimal approaches to treating high-risk patient populations. The guidelines highlight the need for additional research on immunotherapies and tr...

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateFeb 11, 2026

Flagship whales facing climate-driven decline in Australia

A new study by Flinders University researchers reveals a significant decline in southern right whale reproductive output over the past decade, driven by prolonged calving intervals. The study found that declining breeding rates coincide with reduced Antarctic sea ice, changes in oceanic conditions, and broader ecosystem shifts.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 11, 2026

MAPPI: a new system to learn how a plant's leaves, stem and roots mutually communicate under environmental stress

Researchers developed MAPPI, a system that enables real-time visualization of how a plant's leaves, stem, and roots communicate with each other in response to environmental stress. The system reveals bi-directional communication between leaves and roots, overcoming limitations of traditional microscopy.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 11, 2026

Low-carb and low-fat diets associated with lower heart disease risk if rich in high-quality, plant-based foods, low in animal products

A new study finds that the quality of macronutrients matters more than their quantity for heart health, with diets rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease. The study also found improved cardiovascular biomarkers in healthy versions of low-carb and low-fat diets.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Study: UB researchers develop new inhalable treatment for TB

Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a new inhalable form of tuberculosis (TB) treatment that delivers rifampin directly to the lungs, reducing liver damage and improving immune activity. The study found that inhaled nanoparticle treatment kept higher levels of the drug in the lungs for up to a week after a single dose.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Rural cancer patients do just as well when having surgery close to home

A new analysis found that rural cancer patients treated locally have similar surgical outcomes to those who traveled to urban facilities. The study used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data from Medicare-eligible patients with lung or colon cancer, aged 65 or older, residing in rural areas.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 11, 2026

Researchers identify best strategies to cut air pollution and improve fertilizer quality during composting

Scientists have uncovered practical strategies that can significantly reduce harmful air pollution from composting while improving the quality of organic fertilizers. Biochar emerged as the most effective single solution, consistently reducing ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions while enhancing nitrogen retention.

Seeing how atoms vibrate at the Angstrom Scale

Researchers have created a new computational method to simulate Tip-Enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) signals with high accuracy. This enables the study of atomic motion down to individual molecules or defects in metallic surfaces. The method provides a detailed understanding of the signatures of local atomic motion and its sensitivit...

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalACS Nano·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 11, 2026

Twist-controlled magnetism grows beyond the moiré

Researchers discover that magnetism can expand into unexpectedly large topological textures spanning hundreds of nanometres in twisted double-bilayer chromium triiodide. This finding challenges the assumption that magnetic order follows the moiré unit cell and opens up new possibilities for designing topological magnetic states.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

When blackouts occur during heat waves, Austin homes pose major risk

A new study assesses indoor heat vulnerability for each single-family home in Austin, finding that 85% of homes would pose significant risk to an elderly person during a power outage. The city can now take a methodical approach to mitigating risk through cooling centers and home weatherization programs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalBuilding and Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 10, 2026

AI-Powered R&D Acceleration: Insilico Medicine and CMS announce multiple collaborations in central nervous system and autoimmune diseases

Insilico Medicine and CMS announce multiple collaborations on AI-empowered drug discovery in central nervous system and autoimmune diseases. The partnerships aim to accelerate research, development, and translation of high-potential innovative therapies, leveraging complementary strengths across the entire value chain.

Synthetic oxytocin may prevent anxiety caused by social stress, according to a study in an animal model

A study published in Progress in Neurobiology found that synthetic oxytocin carbetocin can prevent anxiety-related behaviors in laboratory rats exposed to social stress. The researchers observed that carbetocin had a preventive effect on anxiety without having direct anxiolytic effects.

New study shows mRNA therapy could protect patients from radiation-induced skin damage caused by cancer treatment

Researchers discovered an mRNA-based therapy that instructs skin cells to produce telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), reducing DNA damage and protecting against genomic DNA injury. This breakthrough could lead to new therapies preventing radiation burns and long-term scarring, improving quality of life for millions of cancer patie...

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateFeb 10, 2026

Working group members appointed to the global workforce development in stem cell research and regenerative medicine initiative

An international working group has been appointed to advance the Global Workforce Development in Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine Initiative, a collaboration between ISSCR and Canada's Stem Cell Network. The initiative aims to strengthen workforce development and ensure the field of regenerative medicine delivers meaningful...

New molecular maps of bone could transform early osteoarthritis detection

Researchers used advanced imaging to uncover early molecular changes in bone associated with osteoarthritis. The study found that subchondral bone beneath damaged cartilage showed strong upregulation of specific collagen fragments, suggesting that disease-related bone changes begin earlier than previously recognized.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 10, 2026

Making every identity count

Syracuse University professor Gabriel Merrin has developed a software tool called CATAcode to help researchers handle demographic data more thoughtfully. The tool addresses the issue of respondents selecting multiple options for characteristics such as race, gender identity, or other traits. By providing systematic approaches for explo...

SourceSyracuse University·JournalAdvances in Methods and Practices in Psychological Science·DateFeb 10, 2026