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Science X provides daily science news on research developments, technological breakthroughs and the latest science innovations.
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Genetically engineered wax moths offer a scalable, ethical alternative to rodents for studying antimicrobial resistance, enabling rapid infection research and reducing reliance on mammalian models.
Engineered moths could replace mice in studies on antimicrobial resistance
A scientific breakthrough not only promises faster testing for antimicrobial resistance, but also an ethical solution to the controversial issue of using rodents in research.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Genetically engineered wax moths offer a scalable, ethical alternative to rodents for studying antimicrobial resistance, enabling rapid infection research and reducing reliance on mammalian models.
Early-life factors such as eczema, family allergy history, delayed introduction of allergenic foods, and early antibiotic use are linked to increased risk of childhood food allergies. doi.org/hbn3wj
What drives food allergies? New study pinpoints early-life factors that raise risk
A new study from McMaster University involving 2.8 million children around the world has revealed the most important early-life factors that influence whether a child becomes allergic to food.
medicalxpress.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:40 PM
Early-life factors such as eczema, family allergy history, delayed introduction of allergenic foods, and early antibiotic use are linked to increased risk of childhood food allergies. doi.org/hbn3wj
Couples who closely track favors and expect immediate reciprocation may experience lower relationship satisfaction over time, suggesting that less scorekeeping supports long-term happiness. doi.org/hbn3wh
Can't tally love: Tracking favors may hurt relationship, research indicates
They say that love is a two-way street, but that may only hold true to a point. It turns out that couples who obsess over equal give-and-take may be sabotaging their relationship, suggests a study involving University of Toronto Mississauga researchers.
phys.org
February 9, 2026 at 11:40 PM
Couples who closely track favors and expect immediate reciprocation may experience lower relationship satisfaction over time, suggesting that less scorekeeping supports long-term happiness. doi.org/hbn3wh
Analysis of leading language models shows that current medical AI can repeat false health claims when they appear in realistic clinical or social-media language, highlighting the need for stronger safeguards.
Can medical AI lie? Large study maps how LLMs handle health misinformation
Medical artificial intelligence (AI) is often described as a way to make patient care safer by helping clinicians manage information.
medicalxpress.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Analysis of leading language models shows that current medical AI can repeat false health claims when they appear in realistic clinical or social-media language, highlighting the need for stronger safeguards.
Obesity is associated with a 70% higher risk of hospitalization or death from infectious diseases, accounting for over one in ten infection-related deaths worldwide.
Obesity linked to one in 10 infection deaths globally
Just over one in 10 deaths from a wide range of infectious diseases can be attributed to obesity worldwide, finds a major new study led by a University College London (UCL) researcher.
medicalxpress.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Obesity is associated with a 70% higher risk of hospitalization or death from infectious diseases, accounting for over one in ten infection-related deaths worldwide.
A biodegradable biofilm derived from tambatinga fish skin demonstrates potential as a sustainable alternative to synthetic food packaging, offering strong UV protection and reduced water vapor permeability. doi.org/hbn3wg
Biofilm made from fish skin could be a sustainable alternative for food packaging
Using the skin of an Amazonian fish known as tambatinga as the raw material, researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) and EMBRAPA Pecuária Sudeste—a decentralized unit of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) located in São Carlos, São Paulo state—have developed a biofilm that can be used in food packaging.
phys.org
February 9, 2026 at 11:20 PM
A biodegradable biofilm derived from tambatinga fish skin demonstrates potential as a sustainable alternative to synthetic food packaging, offering strong UV protection and reduced water vapor permeability. doi.org/hbn3wg
New analysis suggests galaxy clusters are about twice as massive as previously estimated, with neutron stars and stellar black holes accounting for much of the additional mass. doi.org/hbn3wf
Stellar remnants may solve mystery of missing mass in galaxy clusters
Under the leadership of the University of Bonn, a research team led by Prof. Dr. Pavel Kroupa from the Helmholtz Institute for Radiation and Nuclear Physics has discovered that galaxy clusters are about twice as heavy as previously assumed.
phys.org
February 9, 2026 at 11:00 PM
New analysis suggests galaxy clusters are about twice as massive as previously estimated, with neutron stars and stellar black holes accounting for much of the additional mass. doi.org/hbn3wf
Atomic-level modifications to γ-In2S3 using alkaline-earth metal doping have enabled efficient hydrogen production and pollutant degradation under visible light, offering a scalable approach for clean energy and water treatment. doi.org/hbn3v6
Scientists advance multi-purpose photocatalyst for clean hydrogen production and agricultural pollutant degradation
Can we use nothing more than sunlight and inexpensive materials to produce clean hydrogen fuel while also removing toxic pollutants from water?
phys.org
February 9, 2026 at 10:40 PM
Atomic-level modifications to γ-In2S3 using alkaline-earth metal doping have enabled efficient hydrogen production and pollutant degradation under visible light, offering a scalable approach for clean energy and water treatment. doi.org/hbn3v6
A new approach to magnetic refrigerant design significantly improves both efficiency and durability, advancing sustainable cooling and enabling eco-friendly gas liquefaction at cryogenic temperatures. doi.org/hbn3vz
The future of eco-friendly cooling: Enhancing efficiency and sustainability of magnetic refrigerants
Conventional air conditioners and refrigerators rely on vapor-compression cycles and chemical refrigerants that contribute significantly to global warming.
phys.org
February 9, 2026 at 10:20 PM
A new approach to magnetic refrigerant design significantly improves both efficiency and durability, advancing sustainable cooling and enabling eco-friendly gas liquefaction at cryogenic temperatures. doi.org/hbn3vz
Analysis of over 85,000 Instagram posts shows that 98% of celebrity alcohol promotions are accessible to underage users, with most lacking clear advertising disclosure.
Study finds 98% of celebrity alcohol posts visible to a 15-year-old
Celebrity actors, musicians and athletes are promoting their own alcohol products on Instagram without clear disclosure of advertising content—and almost all posts are visible to underage users, according to new research from La Trobe University's Center for Alcohol Policy Research.
medicalxpress.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Analysis of over 85,000 Instagram posts shows that 98% of celebrity alcohol promotions are accessible to underage users, with most lacking clear advertising disclosure.
Adequate nurse staffing and flexible scheduling are key factors that could encourage nurses who left hospital roles to return, highlighting the importance of improved working conditions. doi.org/hbn3vx
What would bring nurses back? How hospitals can reverse nursing workforce losses
Most registered nurses who recently left hospital employment are motivated to return to health care work—and safe nurse staffing levels are the top factor that would bring them back, according to new research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing's Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research (CHOPR).
medicalxpress.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:09 PM
Adequate nurse staffing and flexible scheduling are key factors that could encourage nurses who left hospital roles to return, highlighting the importance of improved working conditions. doi.org/hbn3vx
Analysis of North Carolina’s legacy lithium mining sites indicates that natural geology, rather than past mining, primarily influences lithium levels in groundwater, while surface water near mines shows localized impacts. doi.org/hbn3vw
When water meets rock: Exploring water quality impacts from legacy lithium mining in North Carolina
Starting just outside Charlotte, North Carolina, a vast underground deposit of lithium stretches south for 25 miles. A key component of rechargeable batteries and energy grid storage systems, the soft, silvery metal is a global commodity, making this subterranean cache a geopolitically important and potentially lucrative resource.
phys.org
February 9, 2026 at 10:02 PM
Analysis of North Carolina’s legacy lithium mining sites indicates that natural geology, rather than past mining, primarily influences lithium levels in groundwater, while surface water near mines shows localized impacts. doi.org/hbn3vw
Wastewater analysis indicates a 150% rise in illicit tobacco use in Australia since 2017, despite an overall decline in general tobacco consumption and an increase in vaping rates. doi.org/hbn3vv
Wastewater study finds illicit tobacco use in Australia rose 150% since 2017
A study of wastewater samples has revealed that illicit tobacco use has increased by 150% in Australia. University of Queensland researchers used samples taken across Australia and found that while general tobacco use has declined, vaping and illicit tobacco rates have increased.
medicalxpress.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Wastewater analysis indicates a 150% rise in illicit tobacco use in Australia since 2017, despite an overall decline in general tobacco consumption and an increase in vaping rates. doi.org/hbn3vv
Glacier tourism is increasing even as glaciers rapidly melt, intensifying pressure on fragile ecosystems and highlighting the need for balanced, sustainable approaches that prioritize conservation and equity. doi.org/hbn3vt
Glaciers in retreat: Uncovering tourism's contradictions
As glaciers around the world melt at unprecedented rates, tourism in these icy landscapes is booming, adding pressure to vulnerable regions and disrupting delicate ecosystems.
phys.org
February 9, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Glacier tourism is increasing even as glaciers rapidly melt, intensifying pressure on fragile ecosystems and highlighting the need for balanced, sustainable approaches that prioritize conservation and equity. doi.org/hbn3vt
A new microfluidic technique combining electrophoretic slip and viscoelastic forces enables more precise separation and purification of nanoscale particles, supporting advances in medical diagnostics. doi.org/hbn3vs
Microfluidic method boosts control and separation of tiny particles—a promising tool for medical research
In nanoscale particle research, precise control and separation have long been a bottleneck in biotechnology. Researchers at the University of Oulu have now developed a new method that improves particle separation and purification.
phys.org
February 9, 2026 at 10:00 PM
A new microfluidic technique combining electrophoretic slip and viscoelastic forces enables more precise separation and purification of nanoscale particles, supporting advances in medical diagnostics. doi.org/hbn3vs
Prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole may disrupt mineral absorption, increasing the risk of nutritional deficiencies, anemia, and compromised bone health. doi.org/hbn3vr
Prolonged use of the drug omeprazole may lead to nutritional deficiencies
A study warns that the prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can impair nutrient absorption. PPIs are a class of drugs including medications such as omeprazole, pantoprazole, and esomeprazole.
medicalxpress.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:59 PM
Prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole may disrupt mineral absorption, increasing the risk of nutritional deficiencies, anemia, and compromised bone health. doi.org/hbn3vr
Chronic physical pressure on the brain can activate self-destruction pathways in neurons, contributing to cognitive decline and motor impairment seen in conditions like glioblastoma. doi.org/hbn3vq
Physical pressure on the brain can trigger neurons' self-destruction programming
To think, feel, talk and move, neurons send messages through electrical signals in the brain and spinal cord. This intricate communication network is built of billions of neurons connected by synapses and managed and modified by glial cells.
medicalxpress.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:58 PM
Chronic physical pressure on the brain can activate self-destruction pathways in neurons, contributing to cognitive decline and motor impairment seen in conditions like glioblastoma. doi.org/hbn3vq
Engineered CAR-T cells targeting amyloid beta plaques reduced toxic protein buildup and improved brain tissue health in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. doi.org/hbn3vp
Engineered immune cells help reduce toxic proteins in the brain
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, a type of immunotherapy that leverages the immune system to combat diseases, is a powerful treatment option for certain cancers.
medicalxpress.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:57 PM
Engineered CAR-T cells targeting amyloid beta plaques reduced toxic protein buildup and improved brain tissue health in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. doi.org/hbn3vp
Eye movements, particularly saccades, increase just before recalling episodic memories, suggesting a direct link between visual scanning and the retrieval of real-life experiences. doi.org/hbn3vn
Looking back in time: How eye movements shape memory recall
The eyes may reveal how experiences are recalled, according to new Baycrest research that suggests that shifts in eye movements play a critical role in memory retrieval.
medicalxpress.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:54 PM
Eye movements, particularly saccades, increase just before recalling episodic memories, suggesting a direct link between visual scanning and the retrieval of real-life experiences. doi.org/hbn3vn
A laser-written borosilicate glass chip demonstrates stable, low-loss quantum receivers compatible with fiber networks, advancing practical deployment of quantum cryptography and random number generation.
Laser‑written glass chip pushes quantum communication toward practical deployment
As quantum computers continue to advance, many of today's encryption systems face the risk of becoming obsolete. A powerful alternative—quantum cryptography—offers security based on the laws of physics instead of computational difficulty.
phys.org
February 9, 2026 at 9:53 PM
A laser-written borosilicate glass chip demonstrates stable, low-loss quantum receivers compatible with fiber networks, advancing practical deployment of quantum cryptography and random number generation.
Individuals with more positive attitudes toward AI may be more susceptible to bias and less able to distinguish real from synthetic faces when relying on AI guidance compared to human guidance. doi.org/hbn3vm
AI decision aids aren't neutral: Why some users become easier to mislead
Guidance based on artificial intelligence (AI) may be uniquely placed to foster biases in humans, leading to less effective decision making, say researchers, who found that people with a positive view of AI may be at higher risk of being misled by AI tools.
techxplore.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:42 PM
Individuals with more positive attitudes toward AI may be more susceptible to bias and less able to distinguish real from synthetic faces when relying on AI guidance compared to human guidance. doi.org/hbn3vm
A new machine learning model can significantly shorten the timeline for selecting high-yield cell lines in monoclonal antibody production, potentially streamlining drug manufacturing processes. doi.org/hbn3vk
AI model can accelerate antibody drug production
As instigators of immunity, monoclonal antibodies are marvels of modern medicine, lab-made proteins that can treat cancers, autoimmune diseases, and many other conditions.
medicalxpress.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:40 PM
A new machine learning model can significantly shorten the timeline for selecting high-yield cell lines in monoclonal antibody production, potentially streamlining drug manufacturing processes. doi.org/hbn3vk
Intense photosynthetically active sunlight has been identified as a key factor limiting plant diversity and biomass in grasslands worldwide, with stronger effects observed at higher elevations. doi.org/hbn3vj
Intense sunlight reduces plant diversity and biomass across global grasslands, study finds
The sun is the basis for photosynthesis, but not all plants thrive in strong sunlight. Strong sunlight constrains plant diversity and plant biomass in the world's grasslands, a new study shows.
phys.org
February 9, 2026 at 9:40 PM
Intense photosynthetically active sunlight has been identified as a key factor limiting plant diversity and biomass in grasslands worldwide, with stronger effects observed at higher elevations. doi.org/hbn3vj
Recent simulations clarify how sodium ions cluster and move within hard carbon anodes, offering new guidelines to enhance the performance and capacity of sodium-ion batteries. doi.org/hbn3vh
Understanding the physics at the anode of sodium-ion batteries
Sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) are gaining traction as a next-generation technology to complement the widely used lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
techxplore.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:38 PM
Recent simulations clarify how sodium ions cluster and move within hard carbon anodes, offering new guidelines to enhance the performance and capacity of sodium-ion batteries. doi.org/hbn3vh
A programmable metasurface device can camouflage or spoof heart rate signals, potentially protecting individuals from invasive radar-based biometric surveillance. doi.org/hbn3vg
Scientists camouflage heart rate from invasive radar-based surveillance
It's a typical workday and you sign onto your computer. Unbeknownst to you, a high-frequency sensing system embedded in your work device is now tracking your heart rate, allowing your employer to monitor your breaks, engagement, and stress levels and infer alertness.
techxplore.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:36 PM
A programmable metasurface device can camouflage or spoof heart rate signals, potentially protecting individuals from invasive radar-based biometric surveillance. doi.org/hbn3vg