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Science News Archive February 2026 - Page 39


Page 39 of 45

Researchers find brain mechanism behind ‘flashes of intuition’

A new study by NYU Langone Health researchers identified the high-level visual cortex as the brain region responsible for one-shot perceptual learning, a type of fast flashes of insight. The team developed an AI model that replicated human-like perception using stored priors and achieved one-shot learning capability.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2026

Hair oxytocin levels may reflect mother–child emotional bond, BGU study finds

A new study suggests that hair oxytocin levels can reflect the emotional connection between parents and young children. Higher maternal oxytocin levels were associated with higher-quality emotional interaction between mother and child, while children's hair oxytocin levels were higher than those of their mothers.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalEuropean Neuropsychopharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2026

Neuroticism may be linked with more frequent sexual fantasies

A new study found that people with neurotic personalities report having more frequent sexual fantasies. In contrast, those who are more conscientious or agreeable tend to have less frequent fantasizing. The study analyzed data from over 5,200 adults in the US and explored links between personality traits and sexual fantasies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 4, 2026

Forest soils increasingly extract methane from atmosphere

Researchers at the University of Göttingen found that forest soils in south-western Germany absorb more methane as climate conditions become drier and warmer. This contradicts current international meta-analyses, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring for assessing the effects of climate change.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgricultural and Forest Meteorology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 4, 2026

Bo Yuan, Ph.D., FACMG, named recipient of the 2026 Dr. Michael S. Watson Genetic and Genomic Medicine Innovation Award from the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine

Dr. Bo Yuan has been recognized with the 2026 Dr. Michael S. Watson Genetic and Genomic Medicine Innovation Award for his pioneering work in genetic disorders, artificial intelligence-driven tools, and pharmacogenomics. His research aims to improve clinical care, scientific understanding, and public health through innovative technologies.

New line of bovine embryonic stem cells shows promise for lab-grown meat, biomedical applications

A team of researchers at UConn has developed a novel line of bovine embryonic stem cells, which have significant potential for lab-grown meat and human tissue replacement. The cells can be induced into muscle and fat cells to produce meat products and also have applications in medical research and disease-resistant cattle development.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalStem Cells·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2026

Breakthrough in human norovirus research: Researchers overcome major obstacle to grow and study the virus

Scientists have successfully grown human norovirus in the lab for up to 15 consecutive passages, enabling comprehensive studies of viral structure, antiviral drug screening, and vaccine development. The breakthrough uses a drug called TAK 779 to overcome host restrictions, allowing researchers to produce stable virus stocks.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2026

Experts show how major UK food crisis might occur

A new report by Anglia Ruskin University and the University of York identifies key weaknesses in the UK's food system and recommends interventions to prevent disruptions from escalating into a crisis. The study suggests increasing energy security, diversifying food value chains, and promoting varied diets to reduce risks.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalSustainability·DateFeb 4, 2026

Methadone treatment for opioid use rising, but better access needed to reach more

Research shows that methadone and buprenorphine prescriptions have risen significantly since 2010, reducing opioid-related deaths by half. However, only a quarter of individuals with opioid use disorder receive medication treatment, highlighting the need for expanded access to these life-saving medications.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 4, 2026

Call for papers: 10th anniversary special issue of Big Earth Data

The Big Earth Data journal is launching a special issue to reflect on its decade-long impact and showcase cutting-edge advancements in big data research. The journal focuses on Earth-related big data, emerging as a flagship platform at the intersection of Earth science, space science, information science, and sustainability science.

SourceBig Earth Data·JournalBig Earth Data·DateFeb 4, 2026

Pioneering technique allows the first-in-human repair of defective mechanical heart valves without surgery

A team developed a catheter-based approach to treat defective mechanical aortic valves, avoiding high-risk open-heart surgery. The procedure, known as mechanical valve-in-valve (ViMech), was successfully applied in three human patients with severely damaged mechanical valves and extremely high surgical risk.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 4, 2026

Femtosecond-laser fabrication of micro-supercapacitors with graphene hybrid nanostructured electrodes

Researchers develop a new method to fabricate micro-supercapacitors with graphene hybrid nanostructured electrodes, achieving high power density and energy density. The technique enables precise control over electrode materials and structures, leading to improved device performance.

Unlocking “hidden” modes: A new physics-driven approach to label-free cancer cell phenotyping

Researchers develop a sub-terahertz biosensor that leverages band folding to distinguish cancer cells based on their unique dielectric properties, enabling rapid and non-invasive screening. The sensor detects distinct shifts in transmission spectra as malignancy increases, bridging physics and biology.

SourceChinese Society for Optical Engineering·JournalPhotoniX·TypeNews article·DateFeb 4, 2026

Noninvasive brain treatment reduces traumatic memories

Researchers developed a new approach to treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using noninvasive brain stimulation, which significantly reduced intrusive memories in individuals with the condition. The treatment targeted the hippocampus and surrounding regions, showing promising results in alleviating PTSD symptoms.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalBrain Stimulation·DateFeb 4, 2026

Deterministic entanglement-assisted quantum communication over 20-km fiber channel

Researchers successfully decode 10 weak classical signals simultaneously using continuous-variable quantum dense coding in 20-km fiber channels. The channel capacity of deterministic entanglement-assisted quantum communication is increased compared to classical communication with coherent state.

Restoring the web of life in farmland

The METAGROLAND project aims to improve environmental farming schemes by studying plant-pollinator interactions and land manager networks. Key findings include the development of practical guidance for agri-environmental schemes that align ecological processes with real-world management.

More isn’t always better: Texas A&M research links high-dose antioxidants to offspring birth defects

A new Texas A&M University study found that high doses of antioxidants can negatively influence sperm DNA and lead to craniofacial development differences in offspring. Men should exercise caution when consuming antioxidant supplements if they're planning to have children soon.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2026

HKUST research reveals cost-effective food waste treatment through sewage systems

A HKUST research team developed an innovative urban food waste management framework analyzing food waste data from 29 large cities worldwide. The study shows that grinding food waste and diverting it into sewage systems can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 47% and lower total waste-management costs by 11%.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Cities·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 4, 2026

Waste chitin transformed into high-performance porous carbons for greenhouse gas recovery

Researchers have developed a chemical-free method to upcycle waste chitin into high-performance porous carbons, which can efficiently capture and release hydrocarbons. The materials' pore structure can be precisely tuned through steam activation time, leading to improved adsorption and desorption performance.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2026