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Science News Archive February 2026 - Page 45


Page 45 of 45

Wetlands do not need to be flooded to provide the greatest climate benefit

A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that flooding low-lying areas in wetlands may not be the most effective way to mitigate climate change. Instead, maintaining a stable water table below ground level can help reduce methane emissions and promote CO2 sequestration, according to researchers led by Professor Bo Elberling.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateFeb 2, 2026

Bat virome evolution in Indochina Peninsula reveals cross-species origins of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and regional surveillance gaps

A study analyzing bat samples from the Indochina Peninsula identified 137 viral strains across 27 families, including novel species, with Rhinolophidae bats exhibiting high viral diversity. PEDV-related viruses were found in Cambodian bats, further supporting their potential evolutionary source.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalhLife·DateFeb 2, 2026

Scientists unravel vines’ parasitic nature

Researchers identify XTH5 candidate gene and brassinosteroid hormone's role in vine growth and movement. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms behind vines' ability to search for and attach to host plants, blocking sunlight and nutrients.

SourceNew York University·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2026

Reshaping gold leads to new electronic and optical properties

By changing the physical structure of gold, researchers can drastically change its interaction with light, leading to enhanced electronic behavior and improved absorption of light energy. This study demonstrates the potential of nanoporous gold as a new design parameter for engineering materials in advanced technologies.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2026

Unexpected feedback in the climate system

Researchers found a surprising correlation between West Antarctic Ice Sheet retreat and marine algae growth over the past 500,000 years. The study suggests that global warming may lead to reduced CO2 uptake if the ice sheet continues to shrink.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2026

Tracker to help manage Long COVID energy levels created by researchers

A team of researchers at Lancaster University has created a digital platform called 'Pace Me' to help people with Long COVID manage their energy levels. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that the intervention was safe and well-received, but did not outperform standard care in reducing symptoms.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 2, 2026

Psychosis rates increasing in more recent generations

A large study of over 12 million people in Ontario found that psychosis rates are increasing in more recent generations, with higher rates among younger individuals. The study suggests that factors such as substance use, socioeconomic stress, and negative childhood experiences may contribute to these rising trends.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2026

Diabetes management in disadvantaged communities improves significantly with financial incentives, study finds

A new study found that providing financial vouchers to offset medication costs can significantly improve glycemic control among patients with uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes. After six months, participants receiving performance-based incentives saw a clinically substantial reduction in HbA1c levels.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2026

New treatment approach boosts survival in young leukaemia patients

A recent clinical trial has shown that switching part of the standard chemotherapy protocol for a targeted immunotherapy significantly improves outcomes for young people living with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Nearly 89% of patients are still alive and cancer-free after three years of follow-up.

SourceSAHMRI·JournalHemaSphere·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2026

The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Ahead-of-Print Tip Sheet: February 2, 2026

Researchers have developed new CXCR4-targeting radiolabeled peptides for cancer imaging and therapy, producing clear tumor images and extending survival in preclinical testing studies. Additionally, PET scans are being used to predict prostate cancer outcomes, identify primary aldosteronism, and guide treatment decisions.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2026

Better Data for Better Health: NUS Medicine and IHME launch new regional centre to tackle ageing, climate, and chronic disease risks across Southeast Asia

The NUS-IHME Global Burden of Disease Research Centre aims to bridge the gap between longevity and healthy ageing by examining the impact of extreme heat, antimicrobial resistance, and other environmental shifts. The centre will provide critical data and insights to inform health strategies across Southeast Asia.

Breakthrough in nonlinear electrophotonics: 2000%-V⁻¹ electric enhancement of nonlinear light generation using an angstrom-scale plasmonic junction

Researchers have demonstrated an angstrom-scale electroplasmonic platform enabling giant modulation (2000% V⁻¹ ) of near-field nonlinear optical effects across a broad spectral range. The discovery provides a novel scheme for highly efficient electro-optical conversion in an infinitesimal spatial scale.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2026

Malfunction of the brain’s excitatory “brake” triggers severe epilepsy: DGIST reveals the mechanism of MDGA2

Researchers have identified MDGA2 as a causative gene for developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), a rare neurological disorder. The study highlights the potential for early diagnosis and new therapies to modulate MDGA2 function or reduce excessive excitatory signaling in the brain.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 1, 2026