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Science X provides daily science news on research developments, technological breakthroughs and the latest science innovations.
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Machine learning models are being used to predict and optimize the behavior of superconducting cavities in particle accelerators, helping to minimize system disruptions and improve operational efficiency.
AI captures particle accelerator behavior to optimize machine performance
Keeping high-power particle accelerators at peak performance requires advanced and precise control systems. For example, the primary research machine at the U.S. Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility features hundreds of fine-tuned components that accelerate electrons to 99.999% the speed of light.
phys.org
February 13, 2026 at 2:26 PM
Machine learning models are being used to predict and optimize the behavior of superconducting cavities in particle accelerators, helping to minimize system disruptions and improve operational efficiency.
Large-scale studies using soundboard devices suggest some dogs can use buttons to communicate specific needs and concepts, offering new insights into animal cognition and communication.
Can our pets really say 'I love you'? Science is finding out
Purrs of contentment. Soulful eyes locked on yours over dinner. Valentine's Day? Not for pet owners. For those of us who share our lives with animals, this is a daily—if not exactly romantic—experience.
phys.org
February 13, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Large-scale studies using soundboard devices suggest some dogs can use buttons to communicate specific needs and concepts, offering new insights into animal cognition and communication.
Citywide releases of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes in Singapore reduced dengue risk by about 70% and sharply lowered mosquito populations, supporting this approach as a promising dengue control strategy. doi.org/hbpfhd
Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes can lower dengue risk by 70%, citywide experiment finds
Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus affecting millions of people each year, with symptoms ranging from flu-like illness to severe bleeding and organ failure.
medicalxpress.com
February 13, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Citywide releases of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes in Singapore reduced dengue risk by about 70% and sharply lowered mosquito populations, supporting this approach as a promising dengue control strategy. doi.org/hbpfhd
High-resolution imaging in animal models shows that psychedelics alter brain activity, allowing visual areas to draw more from memory, which may underlie the experience of hallucinations. doi.org/hbpfhb
How psychedelic drugs affect the brain: Animal study links hallucinations to memory fragments
Psychedelic substances are increasingly being used under medical supervision to treat anxiety disorders and depression.
medicalxpress.com
February 13, 2026 at 2:17 PM
High-resolution imaging in animal models shows that psychedelics alter brain activity, allowing visual areas to draw more from memory, which may underlie the experience of hallucinations. doi.org/hbpfhb
A new AI training method that emphasizes logical reasoning and prioritizes high-quality data improves performance on complex tasks involving both text and images, including visual math problems.
Reasoning: A smarter way for AI to understand text and images
Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed a new way to train artificial intelligence systems to solve complex problems more reliably, particularly those that require interpreting both text and images.
techxplore.com
February 13, 2026 at 1:32 PM
A new AI training method that emphasizes logical reasoning and prioritizes high-quality data improves performance on complex tasks involving both text and images, including visual math problems.
A newly engineered electrolyte enables lithium-metal batteries to achieve stable, full charging in 15 minutes, addressing key safety and performance challenges for rapid energy storage. doi.org/hbpfgt
Redesigned electrolyte helps lithium-metal batteries safely reach full charge in 15 minutes
Lithium-metal batteries (LMBs) are rechargeable batteries that contain an anode (i.e., the electrode through which current flows and a loss of electrons occurs) made of lithium metal.
techxplore.com
February 13, 2026 at 1:10 PM
A newly engineered electrolyte enables lithium-metal batteries to achieve stable, full charging in 15 minutes, addressing key safety and performance challenges for rapid energy storage. doi.org/hbpfgt
SN 2024abfl, a recently observed low-luminosity Type IIP supernova in NGC 2146, displays a long plateau phase and likely originated from a low-mass red supergiant progenitor. doi.org/hbpff4
Recently discovered SN 2024abfl is a low-luminosity Type IIP supernova, astronomers find
An international team of astronomers has conducted photometric and spectroscopic observations of a recently discovered supernova designated SN 2024abfl.
phys.org
February 13, 2026 at 1:00 PM
SN 2024abfl, a recently observed low-luminosity Type IIP supernova in NGC 2146, displays a long plateau phase and likely originated from a low-mass red supergiant progenitor. doi.org/hbpff4
PET/CT imaging of lung lesions offers a more precise method for assessing tuberculosis treatment success, highlighting challenges in safely shortening standard six-month regimens. doi.org/hbpff2
Can tuberculosis treatment be safely shortened? New studies look inside the lungs for answers
Across the spectrum of human afflictions—from cancer to heart disease to rare genetic conditions—medical investigators are continually attempting to break new ground by developing better methods of treating patients.
medicalxpress.com
February 13, 2026 at 12:50 PM
PET/CT imaging of lung lesions offers a more precise method for assessing tuberculosis treatment success, highlighting challenges in safely shortening standard six-month regimens. doi.org/hbpff2
Arctic peatlands have expanded since 1950, with some edges advancing over a meter per year, indicating widespread growth linked to rising regional temperatures. doi.org/hbpd94
Arctic peatlands are expanding as temperatures continue to rise, new research confirms
The Arctic is warming faster than the rest of the planet, with average temperatures increasing by about 4°C in the last four decades.
phys.org
February 13, 2026 at 10:10 AM
Arctic peatlands have expanded since 1950, with some edges advancing over a meter per year, indicating widespread growth linked to rising regional temperatures. doi.org/hbpd94
Discretionary foods such as snacks and sweetened drinks account for a significant share of both dietary energy and environmental impact, regardless of preferred protein sources. Reducing these foods could benefit health and sustainability. doi.org/hbpd4x
Want healthier, lower-impact diets? Study says cut junk foods, not just meat
A recent study indicates that as much as one-fifth of the total food expenditure of Finns is spent on nutritionally unnecessary, or discretionary, foods.
medicalxpress.com
February 13, 2026 at 7:49 AM
Discretionary foods such as snacks and sweetened drinks account for a significant share of both dietary energy and environmental impact, regardless of preferred protein sources. Reducing these foods could benefit health and sustainability. doi.org/hbpd4x
Cumulative lead exposure is associated with a significantly higher risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, highlighting the importance of addressing environmental lead sources to protect brain health. doi.org/hbpdb6
Cumulative lead exposure linked to increased Alzheimer's and dementia risk, study finds
As dementia cases continue to rise in the United States, new research from the University of Michigan School of Public Health reveals that older Americans with cumulative lead exposure face a substantially higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
medicalxpress.com
February 13, 2026 at 12:40 AM
Cumulative lead exposure is associated with a significantly higher risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, highlighting the importance of addressing environmental lead sources to protect brain health. doi.org/hbpdb6
Engineered Listeria bacteria are being developed as a novel cancer therapy, designed to safely stimulate innate immune cells that target cancer and infections in immunocompromised patients. doi.org/hbpc7z
Basic research on Listeria bacteria leads to unique cancer therapy
After nearly 40 years of research on how Listeria bacteria manipulate our cells and battle our immune system to cause listeriosis, Daniel Portnoy and his colleagues have discovered a way to turn the bacteria into a potent booster of the immune system—and a potential weapon against cancer.
phys.org
February 13, 2026 at 12:20 AM
Engineered Listeria bacteria are being developed as a novel cancer therapy, designed to safely stimulate innate immune cells that target cancer and infections in immunocompromised patients. doi.org/hbpc7z
Nearly half of those affected by cataract-related blindness worldwide have yet to receive surgery, highlighting the need for expanded access and improved quality of cataract care. doi.org/hbpc7x
Nearly half of people facing cataract-related blindness still need surgery
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on countries to improve their global cataract care, after new findings suggest that millions of people living with cataract still do not have access to simple, sight-restoring surgery.
medicalxpress.com
February 13, 2026 at 12:20 AM
Nearly half of those affected by cataract-related blindness worldwide have yet to receive surgery, highlighting the need for expanded access and improved quality of cataract care. doi.org/hbpc7x
Learner engagement has a greater impact on attention and comprehension than background noise, suggesting that making educational content interesting is key to maintaining focus in noisy environments. doi.org/hbpc7t
Noisy classroom? Study suggests engagement matters more than eliminating background noise
How well we pay attention while learning is influenced not only by external distractions like background noise but also by internal factors such as how interesting we find the material, according to a study recently published by researchers at Bar-Ilan University.
phys.org
February 13, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Learner engagement has a greater impact on attention and comprehension than background noise, suggesting that making educational content interesting is key to maintaining focus in noisy environments. doi.org/hbpc7t
Academic pressure at age 15 is associated with increased depressive symptoms and self-harm risk through early adulthood, highlighting the potential mental health impact of school-related stress.
Academic pressure at 15 tied to higher depression symptoms through age 22
Pressure to achieve at school at age 15 is linked to depressive symptoms and risk of self-harm, and the association appears to persist into adulthood, finds a study led by University College London (UCL) researchers.
medicalxpress.com
February 12, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Academic pressure at age 15 is associated with increased depressive symptoms and self-harm risk through early adulthood, highlighting the potential mental health impact of school-related stress.
Beaver reintroductions are accelerating across the UK, with around 100 set for release this year as part of efforts to restore wetlands, improve water quality, and support biodiversity.
100 beavers set to be reintroduced to the UK this year, with more to come
Centuries after they were wiped out, the reintroduction of beavers to the UK is gathering pace. Following a government announcement allowing beavers to be released in the wild, a flurry of reintroductions are planned for 2026 and beyond.
phys.org
February 12, 2026 at 11:20 PM
Beaver reintroductions are accelerating across the UK, with around 100 set for release this year as part of efforts to restore wetlands, improve water quality, and support biodiversity.
A previously unknown population of cells forming a barrier in the brain’s choroid plexus has been identified, offering new insights into brain protection and potential targets for neurological therapies. doi.org/hbpc56
Scientists discover new gatekeeper cell in the brain
VIB and Ghent University researchers have identified and characterized a previously unknown cellular barrier in the brain, which sheds new light on how the brain is protected from the rest of the body.
medicalxpress.com
February 12, 2026 at 11:00 PM
A previously unknown population of cells forming a barrier in the brain’s choroid plexus has been identified, offering new insights into brain protection and potential targets for neurological therapies. doi.org/hbpc56
Precise measurements show that nearby quantum dots can disrupt quantum information storage, highlighting a key challenge for scaling up quantum-dot-based quantum computing devices. doi.org/hbpc5d
Cutting down on quantum-dot crosstalk: Precise measurements expose a new challenge
Devices that can confine individual electrons are potential building blocks for quantum information systems. But the electrons must be protected from external disturbances.
phys.org
February 12, 2026 at 10:40 PM
Precise measurements show that nearby quantum dots can disrupt quantum information storage, highlighting a key challenge for scaling up quantum-dot-based quantum computing devices. doi.org/hbpc5d
Medical gas plasma rapidly reduces adenovirus infectivity by chemically altering proteins in the virus envelope, while leaving viral genetic material largely intact in laboratory settings. doi.org/hbpc5c
Cold plasma specifically neutralizes adenoviruses
Medical gas plasma can render adenoviruses harmless within a short period of time. This has been demonstrated by a recent laboratory study conducted by the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP).
medicalxpress.com
February 12, 2026 at 10:40 PM
Medical gas plasma rapidly reduces adenovirus infectivity by chemically altering proteins in the virus envelope, while leaving viral genetic material largely intact in laboratory settings. doi.org/hbpc5c
Analysis of online classified ads shows that many non-native amphibian species are traded in the U.S. without official import records, raising concerns about biosecurity and conservation. doi.org/hbpc46
Where'd you get that frog? Study traces illicit online amphibian trade
Keeping amphibians as pets offers hobbyists an opportunity to connect with the non-human world, often increasing interest in conserving animals in the wild.
phys.org
February 12, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Analysis of online classified ads shows that many non-native amphibian species are traded in the U.S. without official import records, raising concerns about biosecurity and conservation. doi.org/hbpc46
A new protocol enables the creation of highly entangled photonic graph states using current hardware, supporting advances in quantum computing and secure information processing. doi.org/hbpc45
Physicists develop new protocol for building photonic graph states
Physicists have long recognized the value of photonic graph states in quantum information processing. However, the difficulty of making these graph states has left this value largely untapped.
phys.org
February 12, 2026 at 10:02 PM
A new protocol enables the creation of highly entangled photonic graph states using current hardware, supporting advances in quantum computing and secure information processing. doi.org/hbpc45
Analysis of GRB 240825A afterglow shows a transition from optically dark to bright, offering new clues about the dense environments and mechanisms behind optically dark gamma-ray bursts. doi.org/hbpc43
Temporal evolution of GRB 240825A afterglow provides insight into origins of optically dark gamma-ray bursts
Researchers from the Yunnan Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have conducted a new study on the temporal evolution of the afterglow from gamma-ray burst GRB 240825A.
phys.org
February 12, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Analysis of GRB 240825A afterglow shows a transition from optically dark to bright, offering new clues about the dense environments and mechanisms behind optically dark gamma-ray bursts. doi.org/hbpc43
A mitochondrial circular RNA, circMTRNR2, supports skin cell function and energy metabolism, potentially aiding wound healing in diabetes and offering a possible target for future therapies. doi.org/hbpc42
Mitochondrial RNA may contribute to improved wound healing in diabetes
Diabetic foot ulcers are slow-healing and increase the risk of infections and amputation. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a circular RNA in mitochondria, circMTRNR2, that plays an important role in the healing of chronic wounds.
medicalxpress.com
February 12, 2026 at 10:00 PM
A mitochondrial circular RNA, circMTRNR2, supports skin cell function and energy metabolism, potentially aiding wound healing in diabetes and offering a possible target for future therapies. doi.org/hbpc42
Commonly used medications, including dexmedetomidine, may lower the risk of postoperative delirium in older adults, with minimal impact from the type of anesthetic used during surgery.
Commonly used drugs could help prevent delirium after surgery
A new study has found that several commonly used drugs could significantly reduce the risk of delirium in older people following surgery.
medicalxpress.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:19 PM
Commonly used medications, including dexmedetomidine, may lower the risk of postoperative delirium in older adults, with minimal impact from the type of anesthetic used during surgery.
Individuals following climate-friendly diets rich in plant-based foods generally maintain adequate nutrition and may experience improved health outcomes compared to typical higher-meat diets. doi.org/hbpcnp
Climate-friendly diet yields unexpectedly strong nutritional outcomes
That eating plenty of vegetables, wholegrains and legumes is beneficial for health is well known. More surprising, however, is that people who eat in an environmentally-friendly way also display nutritional values that are better than researchers had expected.
medicalxpress.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:18 PM
Individuals following climate-friendly diets rich in plant-based foods generally maintain adequate nutrition and may experience improved health outcomes compared to typical higher-meat diets. doi.org/hbpcnp