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Science News Archive February 2026 - Page 35


Page 35 of 45

‘Sticky coat’ boosts triple negative breast cancer’s ability to metastasize

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have found that triple negative breast cancer cells produce a 'sticky coat' made of hyaluronan and CD44, which helps them form clusters and spread to other organs. The discovery opens new possibilities for developing clinical interventions to treat metastatic TNBC patients.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2026

James Webb Space Telescope reveals an exceptional richness of organic molecules in one of the most infrared luminous galaxies in the local Universe

The James Webb Space Telescope reveals an extraordinary wealth of small organic molecules, including benzene and methane, in the deeply obscured nucleus of a nearby galaxy. The study suggests that cosmic rays are fragmenting PAHs and carbon-rich dust grains, releasing these molecules into the gas phase.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 6, 2026

AI model can read and diagnose a brain MRI in seconds

A new AI-powered model can read a brain MRI and diagnose neurological conditions with up to 97.5% accuracy, predicting treatment urgency and automating alerts for immediate medical attention. The technology has the potential to transform neuroimaging at health systems across the US, reducing workload and improving patient outcomes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 6, 2026

UT San Antonio-led research team discovers compound in 500-million-year-old fossils, shedding new light on Earth’s carbon cycle

A UT San Antonio-led research team identified chitin in trilobite fossils over 500 million years old, offering new insights into fossil preservation and the long-term carbon cycle. This discovery has significant implications for understanding how organic carbon is stored in Earth's crust over geologic time.

Could ionospheric disturbances influence earthquakes?

The study suggests that ionospheric charge variations could interact with pre-existing fragile structures in the Earth's crust, influencing fracture processes. Strong solar activity could generate electrostatic pressures comparable to tidal or gravitational stresses, potentially contributing to earthquake initiation.

SourceKyoto University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 5, 2026

Decoding a new "engine" of prostate cancer—team led by professor Jun Pang from Department of Urology at the Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University unveils novel mechanism of CDK12-FOXA1 pathway driving progression

A new study reveals the CDK12-FOXA1-MDM2-p53 signaling axis promotes prostate cancer development through FOXA1 modification. The study identifies S234 phosphorylation as a critical site, and a CDK12 inhibitor THZ531 effectively blocks this pathway, reducing tumor growth.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateFeb 5, 2026

Researchers on the cusp of a vaccine for a global health threat

Researchers at Griffith University have successfully engineered a biopolymer particle vaccine that mimics the Chikungunya virus, inducing an immune response without causing disease. The vaccine's potential to prevent long-lasting joint pain and autoimmune responses makes it a promising solution for global health threats.

SourceGriffith University·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2026

Stadium fever measured—why live football raises the pulse

A study from Bielefeld University found that fans experience higher heart rates and stress levels during live football matches, particularly in the stadium. The research recorded vital signs from 229 fans over a twelve-week period, showing an average heart rate of 94 beats per minute for stadium attendees versus 79 for TV viewers.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeCase study·DateFeb 5, 2026

HRT via skin is best treatment for low bone density in women whose periods have stopped due to anorexia or exercise, says study

A new study from Imperial College London finds that hormone replacement therapy applied via the skin is the best way to protect bone density in women whose periods have stopped due to anorexia or intense exercise. This is because transdermal HRT and teriparatide demonstrate clinically significant benefits on bone mineral density, with ...

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 5, 2026

A smarter way to watch biology at work

Researchers have developed a device that cuts sample consumption by as much as 97% while producing high-quality structural data for X-ray crystallography. This innovation enables the study of rare proteins and accelerates drug discovery, unlocking new insights into disease mechanisms.

SourceArizona State University·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 5, 2026

Powerful AI can help diagnose substance use disorder

A new study uses AI to predict substance use disorder-defining behaviors with high accuracy, providing a tool for clinicians to assess patients and offer timely treatment. The system utilizes concepts familiar in economics to evaluate human judgments and identify the type of substance used and severity of addiction.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·Journalnpj Mental Health Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2026

SCAI applauds signing of accelerating kids’ access to Care Act, removing Medicaid barriers to life-saving interventional cardiology care

The Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act removes administrative barriers, enabling children with complex or congenital medical conditions to access out-of-state specialty care. This legislation ensures timely, coordinated care for children in need of lifesaving treatment from highly specialized pediatric interventional cardiologists.

Biochemists establish new method for identifying pharmaceutical candidates faster

A team of biochemists at UC Santa Cruz has developed a new approach that significantly shortens the process of finding biologically beneficial molecules. They achieved synthesis of kainic acid in just two steps, overcoming traditional challenges in screening and identifying promising enzyme variants.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2026

New white paper on emotional intelligence as a driver of organizational wellness published by the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies

Research Fellow Chanell Russell's new white paper explores how emotionally intelligent leadership enhances workplace cultures, reduces preventable strain and promotes long-term effectiveness. The study synthesizes research across psychology, leadership studies and health administration to emphasize the systemic importance of organizati...

Apes share human ability to imagine

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University demonstrate that apes can use their imagination and play pretend, challenging long-held assumptions about animal cognition. The findings suggest that the capacity to understand pretend objects is within the cognitive potential of enculturated apes.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience·DateFeb 5, 2026

Inaugural ASU–Science Prize Recognizes Research that Serves Farmers from the Ground Up

Meha Jain's research uses satellite data and machine learning to understand how smallholder farms adapt to climate change, revealing nuanced patterns of groundwater use and environmental impact. Her work aims to inform sustainable production strategies for food security, with a focus on identifying effective interventions.

Increasing pesticide toxicity threatens UN goal of global biodiversity protection by 2030

A new study reveals that current pesticide use trends fall short of the 50% reduction target by 2030, threatening global biodiversity. The research team analyzed global pesticide data and found significant increases in applied toxicity, driven by higher amounts applied and growing toxicity of active ingredients.

Overcoming centrosymmetric constraints -- electric-field-induced second-harmonic generation paves the way for next-generation nonlinear photonics

Researchers have discovered a method to generate Second-Harmonic Generation (SHG) in silicon, a material previously limited by its centrosymmetric crystal structure. Electric-Field-Induced Second-Harmonic Generation (EFISH) enables the realization of SHG in these materials by applying a static electric field.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·DateFeb 5, 2026

Major step toward a quantum-secure internet demonstrated over city-scale distance

Researchers have successfully demonstrated device-independent quantum key distribution over 100 km optical fibers, marking a significant step towards a quantum-secure internet. The breakthrough achieves provably secure quantum key generation over long distances using entangled atoms linked by high-quality optical fibers.

Penn Nursing study identifies key predictors for chronic opioid use following surgery

A new systematic review and meta-analysis by Penn Nursing researchers has identified four primary patient-related risk factors that predict chronic opioid use after surgery. These include Medicaid enrollment, preoperative benzodiazepine use, mood disorders, and anxiety. The study's findings provide a roadmap for clinicians to implement...