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Science X provides daily science news on research developments, technological breakthroughs and the latest science innovations.
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A magnetically actuated mixer enables uniform cell distribution in 3D bioprinting, improving tissue quality and scalability for applications in disease modeling, drug screening, and regenerative medicine. doi.org/hbn7xm
Toward regenerative bioprinting: Magnetic mixer enables scalable manufacturing of 3D-printed tissues
3D bioprinting, in which living tissues are printed with cells mixed into soft hydrogels, or "bio-inks," is widely used in the field of bioengineering for modeling or replacing the tissues in our bodies.
techxplore.com
February 11, 2026 at 5:20 PM
A magnetically actuated mixer enables uniform cell distribution in 3D bioprinting, improving tissue quality and scalability for applications in disease modeling, drug screening, and regenerative medicine. doi.org/hbn7xm
Analysis of the flatworm Trichoplax shows that a key antibacterial enzyme used in animal digestion originated from bacteria via horizontal gene transfer over 600 million years ago. doi.org/hbn7xk
Tiny marine animal reveals bacterial origin of animal defense mechanisms
Marine animals, such as the extremely simple flatworm Trichoplax, are ideal model organisms for studying the early evolutionary origins of animal life processes.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Analysis of the flatworm Trichoplax shows that a key antibacterial enzyme used in animal digestion originated from bacteria via horizontal gene transfer over 600 million years ago. doi.org/hbn7xk
A bioinspired droplet sensor detects ammonia gas in just 1.4 seconds, classifying concentrations with 98.4% accuracy and offering rapid, real-time monitoring for improved safety. doi.org/hbn7xg
Ammonia leaks can be spotted in under two seconds using new alveoli-inspired droplet sensor
Researchers from Guangxi University, China have developed a new gas sensor that detects ammonia with a record speed of 1.4 seconds.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM
A bioinspired droplet sensor detects ammonia gas in just 1.4 seconds, classifying concentrations with 98.4% accuracy and offering rapid, real-time monitoring for improved safety. doi.org/hbn7xg
A 7,000-year-old roe deer antler headdress from Eilsleben provides evidence of interaction and cultural exchange between early Neolithic farmers and local hunter–gatherer groups in Central Germany.
7,000-year-old deer antler headdress from Eilsleben illustrates contact between hunter–gatherers and early farmers
Central Germany is among the regions where, as early as the mid-6th millennium BC, farmers displaced the Mesolithic hunter–gatherers from the fertile loess soils.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 4:49 PM
A 7,000-year-old roe deer antler headdress from Eilsleben provides evidence of interaction and cultural exchange between early Neolithic farmers and local hunter–gatherer groups in Central Germany.
Advances in seismic imaging and laboratory modeling are enhancing the monitoring and verification of CO2 stored in undersea geologic reservoirs, supporting the scale-up of carbon capture and storage.
Keeping an eagle eye on carbon stored in the ocean
Geologic reservoirs that trapped petroleum for millions of years are now being repurposed to store the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Advances in seismic imaging and laboratory modeling are enhancing the monitoring and verification of CO2 stored in undersea geologic reservoirs, supporting the scale-up of carbon capture and storage.
A new system uses radio waves and AI to let robots reconstruct 3D scenes around corners, enhancing perception in low-light or cluttered environments for improved autonomous navigation.
Robots use radio signals and AI to see around corners
Penn Engineers have developed a system that lets robots see around corners using radio waves processed by AI, a capability that could improve the safety and performance of driverless cars as well as robots operating in cluttered indoor settings like warehouses and factories.
techxplore.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:40 PM
A new system uses radio waves and AI to let robots reconstruct 3D scenes around corners, enhancing perception in low-light or cluttered environments for improved autonomous navigation.
Experimental simulations indicate Earth's core may contain up to 45 oceans' worth of hydrogen, suggesting much of Earth's water originated during early planetary formation rather than from comets. doi.org/hbn7wq
New experiments suggest Earth's core contains up to 45 oceans' worth of hydrogen
Scientists have long known that Earth's core is mostly made of iron, but the density is not high enough for it to be pure iron, meaning lighter elements exist in the core, as well.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Experimental simulations indicate Earth's core may contain up to 45 oceans' worth of hydrogen, suggesting much of Earth's water originated during early planetary formation rather than from comets. doi.org/hbn7wq
Distinct visual experiences in mice, shaped by wearing miniature goggles, lead to different patterns of neural feedback connections in the brain, indicating experience-dependent wiring.
Mice with miniature goggles reveal how different visual experiences give rise to different neural wiring
Visual experience triggers the formation of a web of neural connections in different brain areas in order to make sense of the world—and in particular, of feedback connections, which send information from higher-level visual centers back to earlier ones.
medicalxpress.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Distinct visual experiences in mice, shaped by wearing miniature goggles, lead to different patterns of neural feedback connections in the brain, indicating experience-dependent wiring.
Quantum capacitance now enables direct readout of Majorana qubits, distinguishing even-odd states and advancing the development of robust, topological quantum computing architectures. doi.org/hbn7rw
Majorana qubits become readable as quantum capacitance detects even-odd states
The race to build reliable quantum computers is fraught with obstacles, and one of the most difficult to overcome is related to the promising but elusive Majorana qubits.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Quantum capacitance now enables direct readout of Majorana qubits, distinguishing even-odd states and advancing the development of robust, topological quantum computing architectures. doi.org/hbn7rw
Lung cancer in never-smokers is rising globally, prompting calls for risk-based screening and dedicated research to address its distinct causes, biology, and late-stage diagnoses. doi.org/hbn7rv
Review calls for risk-based screening as never-smoker lung cancers rise
Lung cancer patients who have never smoked make up a significant and growing share of global lung cancer cases, yet remain an understudied group, according to a new review written by UCL (University College London) researchers.
medicalxpress.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Lung cancer in never-smokers is rising globally, prompting calls for risk-based screening and dedicated research to address its distinct causes, biology, and late-stage diagnoses. doi.org/hbn7rv
Multiple Earth system components are nearing destabilization, increasing the risk of feedback loops that could drive the planet toward extreme warming and long-lasting climate impacts. doi.org/hbn7rt
Quick course correction needed to avoid 'hothouse Earth' scenario, scientists say
Scientists say that multiple Earth system components appear closer to destabilization than previously believed, putting the planet in increased danger of following a "hothouse" path driven by feedback loops that can amplify the consequences of global warming.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Multiple Earth system components are nearing destabilization, increasing the risk of feedback loops that could drive the planet toward extreme warming and long-lasting climate impacts. doi.org/hbn7rt
Wearable devices can passively detect changes in sleep and activity patterns, signaling increased risk of depression relapse weeks before symptoms appear in individuals with major depressive disorder.
Wearable trackers can detect depression relapse weeks before it returns, study finds
Could a smart watch act as an early-warning system for depression relapse? New research from McMaster University suggests that disruptions in a person's sleep and daily activity routine, as detected through a simple wrist-worn device, can signal when there is increased risk of relapsing into major depression.
medicalxpress.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Wearable devices can passively detect changes in sleep and activity patterns, signaling increased risk of depression relapse weeks before symptoms appear in individuals with major depressive disorder.
Oak trees maintain stable root microbiomes under drought and stress, with subtle shifts suggesting beneficial microbes may support resilience to environmental change.
Root microbes could help oak trees adapt to drought
Microbes could help oak trees cope with environmental change. Publishing in Cell Host & Microbe, a study observing oaks growing in a natural woodland found that the trees' above- and below-ground microbiomes were resilient to drought, nutrient scarcity, and exposure to pathogenic beetles and bacteria.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Oak trees maintain stable root microbiomes under drought and stress, with subtle shifts suggesting beneficial microbes may support resilience to environmental change.
A single injection of an oncolytic virus has been shown to promote T cell infiltration and persistence in glioblastoma, potentially improving survival outcomes for patients with this aggressive brain tumor.
A single oncolytic virus injection may help T cells infiltrate glioblastoma
A team led by investigators at Mass General Brigham and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has shown that a single injection of an oncolytic virus—a genetically modified virus that selectively infects and destroys cancer cells—can recruit immune cells to penetrate and persist deep within brain tumors.
medicalxpress.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:00 PM
A single injection of an oncolytic virus has been shown to promote T cell infiltration and persistence in glioblastoma, potentially improving survival outcomes for patients with this aggressive brain tumor.
Analysis of 7,000-year-old fish fossils shows that human activity has shortened Caribbean coral reef food chains and reduced fish diversity, making modern reefs more vulnerable to collapse.
7,000 years of change: How humans reshaped Caribbean coral reef food chains
Human activity has lessened the resilience of modern coral reefs by restricting the food-fueled energy flow that moves through the food chains of these critical ecosystems, reports an international team of researchers in the journal Nature.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Analysis of 7,000-year-old fish fossils shows that human activity has shortened Caribbean coral reef food chains and reduced fish diversity, making modern reefs more vulnerable to collapse.
A shared brainwave biomarker has been identified in both humans and mice with fragile X syndrome, offering a new tool for evaluating treatment efficacy across species. doi.org/hbn7q3
Fragile X study uncovers brainwave biomarker bridging humans and mice
Numerous potential treatments for neurological conditions, including autism spectrum disorders, have worked well in lab mice but then disappointed in humans.
medicalxpress.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:20 PM
A shared brainwave biomarker has been identified in both humans and mice with fragile X syndrome, offering a new tool for evaluating treatment efficacy across species. doi.org/hbn7q3
For the first time, high-speed footage documents how newborn dunnarts independently crawl to their mother’s pouch, highlighting unique adaptations and intense early competition for survival. doi.org/qq6w
Captured on camera for the first time: How tiny marsupials crawl to their mother's pouch
For the first time, scientists have recorded how baby dunnarts, tiny carnivorous marsupials from Australia, reach their mother's pouch not long after being born.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 3:20 PM
For the first time, high-speed footage documents how newborn dunnarts independently crawl to their mother’s pouch, highlighting unique adaptations and intense early competition for survival. doi.org/qq6w
Epigenetic silencing of the RASA4 gene has been identified as a key factor driving chemotherapy resistance and metastasis in small cell lung cancer, suggesting new avenues for targeted therapies. doi.org/hbn7qm
Key gene behind drug resistance in small cell lung cancer identified
A research team has discovered a crucial mechanism that underlies chemotherapy resistance and metastasis in small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
medicalxpress.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:11 PM
Epigenetic silencing of the RASA4 gene has been identified as a key factor driving chemotherapy resistance and metastasis in small cell lung cancer, suggesting new avenues for targeted therapies. doi.org/hbn7qm
A single dose of DMT alleviated depression-like symptoms and cognitive deficits in stressed mice more effectively than 30 days of fluoxetine, with benefits observed even under anesthesia. doi.org/hbn7qk
Single DMT dose treats stress-induced depression more effectively than Prozac in mice
Psychedelics are psychoactive substances that trigger unusual mental states, also referred to as "trips," altering the perceptions, thoughts, and emotions of those taking them and typically inducing hallucinations.
medicalxpress.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:10 PM
A single dose of DMT alleviated depression-like symptoms and cognitive deficits in stressed mice more effectively than 30 days of fluoxetine, with benefits observed even under anesthesia. doi.org/hbn7qk
A tiny roundworm model demonstrates how docetaxel impairs nerve function and highlights potential therapies to reduce chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity. doi.org/hbn7qc
Tiny worm offers clues to combat chemotherapy neurotoxicity
Chemotherapy remains one of the most powerful tools in the fight against cancer, yet it often comes with significant long-term side effects that can dramatically affect patients' quality of life.
medicalxpress.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:54 PM
A tiny roundworm model demonstrates how docetaxel impairs nerve function and highlights potential therapies to reduce chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity. doi.org/hbn7qc
Electronic friction at sliding interfaces can be precisely controlled by applying voltage or mechanical pressure, offering new possibilities for fine-tuning drag forces in engineered materials. doi.org/qqn4
Electronic friction can be tuned and switched off
Researchers in China have isolated the effects of electronic friction, showing for the first time how the subtle drag force it imparts at sliding interfaces can be controlled.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 2:50 PM
Electronic friction at sliding interfaces can be precisely controlled by applying voltage or mechanical pressure, offering new possibilities for fine-tuning drag forces in engineered materials. doi.org/qqn4
An established cancer drug has been shown to restore the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy in multiple myeloma by preventing the loss of the target molecule BCMA on cancer cells. doi.org/hbn7p3
Established cancer drug can reactivate immunotherapy
Genetically modified immune cells can offer precious additional time to patients with advanced multiple myeloma. However, these therapies lose their impact as the molecules on cancer cells that immune cells recognize gradually vanish.
medicalxpress.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:20 PM
An established cancer drug has been shown to restore the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy in multiple myeloma by preventing the loss of the target molecule BCMA on cancer cells. doi.org/hbn7p3
Aggressive brain tumors form a sugar-rich shield on their surface, protecting cells from toxic lipids and enabling survival in harsh conditions, which may contribute to treatment resistance.
Aggressive brain tumors build protective 'sugar shield' to survive extreme stress
For the first time, researchers have identified a previously unrecognized metabolic defense mechanism in aggressive brain tumors: a sugar-rich shield that surrounds tumor cells and protects them against a particularly destructive form of cell death.
medicalxpress.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Aggressive brain tumors form a sugar-rich shield on their surface, protecting cells from toxic lipids and enabling survival in harsh conditions, which may contribute to treatment resistance.
A new model explains the stability of magic nuclei by directly linking proton-neutron interactions to nuclear structure, offering insights into the forces that govern heavy atomic nuclei. doi.org/hbn7m6
The origin of magic numbers: Why some atomic nuclei are unusually stable
For the first time, physicists have developed a model that explains the origins of unusually stable magic nuclei based directly on the interactions between their protons and neutrons.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 1:30 PM
A new model explains the stability of magic nuclei by directly linking proton-neutron interactions to nuclear structure, offering insights into the forces that govern heavy atomic nuclei. doi.org/hbn7m6
Deep imaging of NGC 5466 with the Subaru Telescope indicates an intrinsic gap in its tidal stream, likely linked to the cluster’s recent orbital evolution and interactions with the galactic disk. doi.org/hbn7mb
Subaru observations suggest an intrinsic gap in NGC 5466's tidal stream
Astronomers from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) and elsewhere have used the Subaru Telescope to perform deep imaging observations of a distant globular cluster known as NGC 5466.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Deep imaging of NGC 5466 with the Subaru Telescope indicates an intrinsic gap in its tidal stream, likely linked to the cluster’s recent orbital evolution and interactions with the galactic disk. doi.org/hbn7mb