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Science News Archive February 2026 - Page 3


Page 3 of 45

Scientists develop new gut health measure that tracks disease

Researchers at Rutgers University created a new metric called the Ecological Network Balance Index to track how gut bacterial communities shift between health and disease. The index consistently separated healthy individuals from patients with multiple diseases, including colorectal cancer.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 26, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How birds achieve sweet success

Researchers found that birds adapting to sugar-rich diets evolved both shared and unique genetic changes, affecting genes controlling blood pressure, heart rhythm, and insulin signaling. These findings hold promise for understanding metabolic diseases like diabetes and may lead to new therapeutic targets.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2026

Jumping ‘DNA parasites’ linked to early stages of tumour formation

Ancient genetic fragments called L1 elements destabilise the cancer genome years before diagnosis, giving malignant cells more opportunities to grow and adapt. Long-read sequencing technology reveals large-scale structural rearrangements that seed genomic chaos, potentially driving cancer development.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalScience·DateFeb 26, 2026

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
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.

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

NJIT faculty named Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors

Two NJIT faculty members, Cesar Bandera and Sara Zapico, have been named Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors for their demonstrated success in producing patented technologies with real-world impact. The class collectively holds over 2,000 US patents, making it the Academy's largest cohort to date.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateFeb 26, 2026
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 26, 2026

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
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Brown recluse spiders rare in Florida, reluctant to bite, USF study finds

A new USF study challenges long-standing assumptions about the brown recluse spider, finding it's far less common in Florida and exhibits a lower propensity to bite. The research also reveals that bites typically produce shallow wounds with minimal tissue damage.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·TypeExperimental study·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
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

UAlbany researchers develop new laser technique to test mRNA-based therapeutics

Researchers at UAlbany are developing a new technique using Raman spectroscopy to ensure mRNA is properly encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles, improving the safety and effectiveness of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. The technique allows for instantaneous analysis without damaging the sample, enabling optimization of formulations.

SourceUniversity at Albany, SUNY·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·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
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Evolution: Ancient mosquitoes developed a taste for early hominins

The preference for feeding on humans among certain mosquito species evolved around 1.8 million years ago in response to the arrival of early hominins in Southeast Asia. This finding provides independent evidence supporting the limited fossil record of early hominin arrival in the region.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 26, 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.

Protecting perovskite solar cells against environmental influences

A team of researchers successfully enhanced the stability and performance of perovskite solar cells by introducing light-switchable molecules into grain boundaries. The new material design increases operational stability and lifespan while maintaining competitive performance.

SourceUniversitaet Stuttgart·JournalNature Energy·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
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

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
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

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

A two-gene switch paints purple in flare tree peony

Researchers have identified a novel transcriptional module that governs purple background coloration in flare tree peony. The MYB transcription factor PrMYB75a and its upstream regulator PrFRS2 work together to control anthocyanin accumulation, leading to uniform petal background color.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateFeb 26, 2026
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

New research identifies potential treatment target in fatty liver disease

A new study has identified an altered expression of specific genes in individuals with obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and liver fibrosis. The research team found that inhibiting the gene expression can reduce liver fibrosis, offering a potential new treatment option.

SourceLund University·JournaleLife·TypeCase study·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
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

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

New study maps what we do and don’t know about outcomes for children in care

A new study mapped 77 reviews on outcomes for children in out-of-home care, revealing significant gaps in knowledge, particularly around identity, bullying, and early education processes. The review aims to inform policymakers and practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of the evidence base.

SourceSwansea University·JournalPLOS One·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 26, 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.

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

IP4OS publishes the Synergy Framework for Knowledge Valorisation

The Synergy Framework aims to support effective research knowledge valorisation by aligning Open Science and Intellectual Property management. The framework identifies key barriers, including limited IP literacy and policy inconsistencies, and provides recommendations for researchers, institutions, and policymakers.

SourcePensoft Publishers·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

A universal 'instruction manual' helps immune cells protect our organs

A universal 'instruction manual' helps immune cells protect our organs by identifying MafB, a key genetic regulator that enables macrophages to reach full maturity and preserve organ health. This discovery sheds light on how the immune system sustainably protects multiple organs from chronic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 26, 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.

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

Rising rates of cosmetic surgery amongst patients in underrepresented groups

The study found that representation of underrepresented racial/ethnic groups nearly doubled in cosmetic surgery patients, from 17% to 33.5%, between 2010 and 2023. This trend exceeded demographic shifts in the US population, with an average annual increase of 10% for underrepresented groups compared to 2% for the overall population.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateFeb 26, 2026
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Mizzou researcher applies novel delivery method to treat ALS symptoms

A novel delivery method using microscopic lipid bubbles has successfully delivered a neuroprotective molecule to the brain, improving motor function in mice with ALS. The breakthrough could pave the way for human clinical trials to slow down or halt disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2026