Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2026 - Page 3


Page 3 of 45

Digital clinical decision support algorithm substantially reduced antibiotic prescribing without compromising clinical recovery, according to non-randomized controlled trial in 32 Rwandan health centers

A digital clinical decision support algorithm substantially reduced antibiotic prescribing in pediatric outpatient care in Rwanda, according to a non-randomized controlled trial. The study found no compromise in clinical recovery, suggesting the algorithm's effectiveness in guiding appropriate treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2026

How ancient attraction shaped the human genome

Researchers found that long-standing mating preferences led to sex-biased interbreeding, resulting in the loss of Neanderthal DNA on X chromosomes. The study reveals a complex social history of human evolution, challenging the idea that survival of the fittest drove human migration.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 26, 2026

Rice stink bug genetic mapping offers clues to curb a costly crop pest

Researchers have discovered that native rice stink bugs have more genetic diversity than invasive species, which could help monitor the spread of insecticide resistance. This study provides valuable insights into pest management for Arkansas rice growers, who face significant costs due to the bug's impact on their crops.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalFlorida Entomologist·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 26, 2026

Hormone therapy may not benefit most men receiving radiotherapy after prostate surgery, UCLA study finds

A new UCLA study suggests that adding hormone therapy to post-operative radiotherapy may provide little survival benefit for most men with prostate cancer, especially those with low PSA levels. However, men with higher PSA levels before radiation may see modest improvements in survival and metastasis-free survival.

App aids substance use recovery in vulnerable populations

A mobile app has been shown to significantly reduce opioid and non-opioid substance use among adults with unstable housing, as well as improve mental health measures. The uMAT-R app provides free support and resources for people with any substance use disorder, including misuse of opioids, stimulants, and hallucinogens.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 26, 2026

New discovery of younger Ediacaran biota

Researchers have uncovered a new, exceptionally preserved fossil site in Newfoundland, Canada, dating back to 551 Ma. This find dramatically alters our understanding of the 'Kotlin Crisis,' the first extinction event in animal history, which is now estimated to have resulted in an astonishing 80% loss of biodiversity.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateFeb 26, 2026

Improved short-term sea level change predictions with better AI training

Researchers developed a new AI-based SLA forecasting model that outperforms existing approaches and can be widely applied to other prediction tasks. The Multistep-Earthformer model achieves high-accuracy short- and medium-range sea level anomaly forecasting by optimizing training strategies.

SourceOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research (OLAR)·JournalOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 26, 2026

New water-treatment system removes nitrogen, phosphorus from farm tile drainage

A new edge-of-field water-treatment system has been developed to reduce excess nutrients washing into waterways from farm drainage systems. The system, combining woodchip bioreactors with biochar water-treatment modules, demonstrated significant reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus runoff.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Water Process Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2026

Lipid molecules reorganize at drying interfaces

A new discovery from Lund University reveals that minor changes in moisture levels can promote lipid molecule reorganization, affecting skin, lung, and tear film protection from dehydration. This understanding can inspire smart materials and improve lipid-based drug delivery systems.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2026

Immune cells link lactation to long-lasting health

Recent studies show that T cells support milk production and have lasting effects on maternal health and infant immunity. The review highlights emerging evidence of the crucial role of immune cells in lactation, which can inform strategies to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Immunology·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 26, 2026

Fertility preservation in people with cancer

The article summarizes updated recommendations on fertility preservation in people with cancer, considering potential health risks to offspring and treatment side effects. Clinicians should inform patients about available options before treatment initiation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 26, 2026

Bacterial cellulose as a sustainable vehicle for the controlled release of nisin and mandelic acid: A clean beauty-based approach for acne treatment

A study developed a bacterial cellulose-based delivery system loaded with nisin and mandelic acid to target acne treatment. The system exhibited strong antibacterial activity and antioxidant properties, while showing minimal cytotoxicity in fibroblast cells.

SourceJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·JournalJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2026

When you stumble, laughter beats embarrassment

Laughter beats embarrassment when making small mistakes, research from the American Psychological Association finds. Laughing at oneself signals social confidence and reduces tension, while acting embarrassed may be perceived as excessive. The study suggests that humor is socially effective in certain situations but risky in others.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2026

New research offers businesses a playbook for surviving social media firestorms

A new study from Binghamton University School of Management provides a framework for organizations to anticipate, interpret, and respond to social media backlash. The toolkit identifies four phases of online social disapproval and offers guiding questions and analytical indicators to aid in early detection, response, and recovery.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Business Strategy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 26, 2026

CSIC develops an antibody that protects immune system cells in vitro from a dangerous hospital-acquired bacterium

A new monoclonal antibody neutralizes the toxin pyocyanin produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, reducing cellular damage and increasing survival of immune cells. This approach has the potential to reduce antibiotic use and minimize infection progression without promoting antibiotic resistance.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalACS Pharmacology & Translational Science·TypeNews article·DateFeb 26, 2026

Paradigm shift in immune checkpoint biology

A recent study reveals that PD-L1 functions beyond immune regulation to regulate intracellular signaling pathways within cancer cells. The research team identified a novel molecular mechanism by which PD-L1 directly regulates autophagy signaling, leading to reduced cell proliferation and suppressed tumor growth in lung cancer models.

SourceSungkyunkwan University External Affairs Division (PR team)·JournalExperimental Hematology and Oncology·DateFeb 26, 2026

A study by the Politecnico di Milano confirms the relationship between migration and water scarcity

A recent study by Politecnico di Milano researchers reveals that environmental migration in Somalia is primarily driven by water scarcity, with over three-quarters of cases linked to droughts and food insecurity. The study emphasizes the need for community-led solutions, coordinated policies, and international collaboration to address ...

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Food·DateFeb 26, 2026

Trust your gut to heal your brain

Researchers at Houston Methodist found that short-term antibiotic treatment significantly reduced neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration following traumatic brain injury by altering the gut microbiome. Beneficial bacteria Parasutterella excrementihominis and Lactobacillus johnsonii drove cell repair, while reducing harmful gut bacteria.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 26, 2026

Matching vibrations is all it takes to modify materials

Scientists at Columbia University have experimentally confirmed that quantum fluctuations in a 2D material can alter the properties of a nearby crystal. The team placed a nanometer-sized flake of hexagonal Boron nitride on top of a superconducting material, where the vibrations matched and interacted, suppressing superconductivity.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2026

New study challenges assumptions behind Africa’s Green Revolution efforts and calls for farmer-centered development models

A new study examining small-scale farming in Tanzania argues that major agricultural development initiatives are built on flawed assumptions about how rural households make decisions. The research finds that household composition, gender dynamics, and labor constraints strongly shape how small-scale farmers allocate land and labor.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalRural Sociology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 26, 2026

Pickleball players’ reported use of protective eyewear

Pickleball professionals and amateurs showed low use of high-quality protective eyewear, with many relying on personal prescription glasses that may not provide adequate protection. This study underscores the importance of consistent use of well-fitting protective eyewear to prevent pickleball-related eye injuries.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateFeb 26, 2026

Safe artificial intelligence isn’t enough, according to new Georgia Tech research

AI research at Georgia Tech suggests that simple safety measures are not enough to address the technology's moral implications. The study proposes a middle ground between safe and autonomous AI by advocating for 'end-constrained ethical AI.' This approach prioritizes fairness, honesty, and transparency in AI decision-making.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience and Engineering Ethics·DateFeb 26, 2026

Mitochondria influence lipid storage in cells

A recent study at the Universities of Bonn and Freiburg has discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which mitochondria influence lipid storage in cells. The molecular machine MIM complex and enzyme Ayr1 play key roles in this process, which affects cellular lipid metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2026

Turning over a new leaf in analyses of natural products

Researchers created an automated method to quickly analyze the metabolic effects of natural products, such as kratom, using high-resolution mass spectrometry and molecular network mapping. This breakthrough provides a detailed view of how chemicals are reshaped by human metabolism, marking a major step in natural products research.

SourceEmory University·JournalJournal of Natural Products·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 26, 2026

Understanding GLP-1 signaling: A path to better therapies

A new study finds that a novel GLP-1 receptor agonist, Exendin-4-Phe (Ex-Phe-1), preserves glycemic control while reducing malaise and vomiting behaviors in preclinical models. The compound uses biased agonism to selectively activate certain signaling pathways, achieving desired effects without triggering others.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalDiabetes Obesity and Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2026