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Science X provides daily science news on research developments, technological breakthroughs and the latest science innovations.
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Leveraging immunity to cytomegalovirus, a new approach in mice significantly delayed pancreatic tumor growth and extended survival, suggesting potential for broader cancer treatment strategies. doi.org/hbn52g
Immunity against common virus leveraged against pancreatic cancer
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have discovered a promising new treatment approach for pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest and most treatment-resistant forms of cancer.
medicalxpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:40 PM
Leveraging immunity to cytomegalovirus, a new approach in mice significantly delayed pancreatic tumor growth and extended survival, suggesting potential for broader cancer treatment strategies. doi.org/hbn52g
Analysis of artifacts from Oregon’s Cougar Mountain and Paisley Caves provides evidence of sewn hide clothing and textile technologies used by humans to adapt to cold climates over 12,000 years ago. doi.org/hbn52f
Oldest known sewn hide and other artifacts from Oregon caves shed light on early clothing in harsh climates
In 1958, an amateur archaeologist named John Cowles excavated the Cougar Mountain Cave in Oregon and retained many of the artifacts found there.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 7:40 PM
Analysis of artifacts from Oregon’s Cougar Mountain and Paisley Caves provides evidence of sewn hide clothing and textile technologies used by humans to adapt to cold climates over 12,000 years ago. doi.org/hbn52f
Automated text messages sent after emergency department visits lead to higher rates of public benefits enrollment compared to paper flyers, supporting digital outreach as an effective engagement strategy. doi.org/hbn52d
Connecting more patients with public benefits: Automated texts outperform flyers
Text messages are more effective than paper flyers to help emergency department (ED) patients apply for public benefits programs, like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program (PTRR), or Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
medicalxpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Automated text messages sent after emergency department visits lead to higher rates of public benefits enrollment compared to paper flyers, supporting digital outreach as an effective engagement strategy. doi.org/hbn52d
A demonstration using large language models showed that anonymized interview data can be partially de-anonymized, raising concerns about the effectiveness of traditional anonymization methods. doi.org/hbn52c
Anthropic's 'anonymous' interviews cracked with an LLM
In December, the artificial intelligence company Anthropic unveiled its newest tool, Interviewer, used in its initial implementation "to help understand people's perspectives on AI," according to a press release.
techxplore.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:25 PM
A demonstration using large language models showed that anonymized interview data can be partially de-anonymized, raising concerns about the effectiveness of traditional anonymization methods. doi.org/hbn52c
A minimal circadian clock has been reconstructed in cyanobacteria, enabling precise, rhythmic control of gene expression and offering new tools for microbial biotechnology. doi.org/hbn52b
Researchers rebuild microscopic circadian clock that can control genes
Our circadian clocks play a crucial role in our health and well-being, keeping our 24-hour biological cycles in sync with light and dark exposure.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 7:20 PM
A minimal circadian clock has been reconstructed in cyanobacteria, enabling precise, rhythmic control of gene expression and offering new tools for microbial biotechnology. doi.org/hbn52b
A synthetic oxytocin analog prevented anxiety-like behaviors in rats exposed to social stress, supporting oxytocin’s role in modulating stress-related anxiety through specific brain circuits. doi.org/hbn5z9
Can a 'love hormone' drug prevent stress anxiety? What rat tests suggest
Researchers at São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil have demonstrated in rats that a synthetic version of oxytocin can prevent anxiety-related behaviors caused by social stress.
medicalxpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:20 PM
A synthetic oxytocin analog prevented anxiety-like behaviors in rats exposed to social stress, supporting oxytocin’s role in modulating stress-related anxiety through specific brain circuits. doi.org/hbn5z9
Trace gases, previously considered unimportant, have been found to significantly influence cloud droplet formation, challenging long-standing assumptions about atmospheric processes. doi.org/hbn5z8
Trace gases play previously unseen role in cloud droplet formation, research reveals
Tiny, invisible gases long thought to be irrelevant in cloud formation may actually play a major role in determining whether clouds form—and possibly whether it rains.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Trace gases, previously considered unimportant, have been found to significantly influence cloud droplet formation, challenging long-standing assumptions about atmospheric processes. doi.org/hbn5z8
Shorter one- and three-month antibiotic regimens for tuberculosis prevention show high completion rates and similar safety profiles, supporting their use as effective alternatives to longer treatments. doi.org/hbn5z7
Shorter treatment regimens are safe options for preventing active tuberculosis, study finds
A study comparing one- and three-month antibiotic treatments to prevent active tuberculosis (TB) finds that a high percentage of patients successfully completed both regimens and suffered few adverse side effects.
medicalxpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Shorter one- and three-month antibiotic regimens for tuberculosis prevention show high completion rates and similar safety profiles, supporting their use as effective alternatives to longer treatments. doi.org/hbn5z7
Synchronizing gamma oscillations between frontal and parietal brain regions through non-invasive stimulation can increase altruistic decision-making, suggesting a neural basis for unselfish behavior. doi.org/hbn5z6
Gamma-synced brain stimulation can nudge people to behave less selfishly
Stimulating two brain areas, nudging them to collectively fire in the same way, increases a person's ability to behave altruistically, according to a study published in the PLOS Biology by Jie Hu from East China Normal University in China and colleagues from University of Zurich in Switzerland.
medicalxpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Synchronizing gamma oscillations between frontal and parietal brain regions through non-invasive stimulation can increase altruistic decision-making, suggesting a neural basis for unselfish behavior. doi.org/hbn5z6
Genetic analysis indicates that type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure share overlapping risk factors, supporting more personalized approaches to prevention and management of these conditions. doi.org/hbn5zd
Genetic link between type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure uncovered
Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure share a genetic link, according to new research from the University of Surrey, U.K., and the Université de Lille, France.
medicalxpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Genetic analysis indicates that type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure share overlapping risk factors, supporting more personalized approaches to prevention and management of these conditions. doi.org/hbn5zd
Passing in top soccer leagues has become faster and more accurate over the past five years, with the most significant changes observed in women's competitions. Network science methods enabled detailed analysis of these evolving trends. doi.org/hbn5zc
Passing got faster and more accurate in top soccer leagues, study finds
The amount and accuracy of passing in the game of soccer—called football across much of the world—has climbed in recent years, according to new research.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Passing in top soccer leagues has become faster and more accurate over the past five years, with the most significant changes observed in women's competitions. Network science methods enabled detailed analysis of these evolving trends. doi.org/hbn5zc
Wastewater analysis in New Orleans detected increased levels of emerging synthetic opioids, including potent nitazenes, during Super Bowl LIX and Mardi Gras, highlighting evolving drug use trends. doi.org/hbn5zb
Wastewater reveals increase in new synthetic opioids during major New Orleans events
In early 2025, the party-loving city of New Orleans, Louisiana, hosted two major events within the span of a month: Super Bowl LIX and Mardi Gras.
medicalxpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 6:20 PM
Wastewater analysis in New Orleans detected increased levels of emerging synthetic opioids, including potent nitazenes, during Super Bowl LIX and Mardi Gras, highlighting evolving drug use trends. doi.org/hbn5zb
A resource redistribution experiment with Hadza hunter-gatherers indicates that sharing behaviors are shaped more by self-interest and social norms than by intrinsic preferences for equality. doi.org/hbn5x9
Egalitarianism among hunter-gatherers? What a food-sharing experiment reveals about self-interest
Hunter-gatherers like the Hadza of Tanzania are famous for their egalitarianism. A resource redistribution experiment conducted with the Hadza suggests many tolerate inequality—as long as it benefits themselves.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 6:20 PM
A resource redistribution experiment with Hadza hunter-gatherers indicates that sharing behaviors are shaped more by self-interest and social norms than by intrinsic preferences for equality. doi.org/hbn5x9
A newly developed in-situ sensor enables rapid, real-time monitoring of soil nitrate nitrogen, offering high accuracy and stability across diverse field conditions for precision agriculture. doi.org/hbn5xn
In-situ sensor enables real-time monitoring of soil nitrate nitrogen
Accurate measurement of soil NO₃⁻-N is essential for precision fertilization and stable crop yields. Real-time monitoring of NO₃⁻-N has long been a challenge in agriculture.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 6:14 PM
A newly developed in-situ sensor enables rapid, real-time monitoring of soil nitrate nitrogen, offering high accuracy and stability across diverse field conditions for precision agriculture. doi.org/hbn5xn
The SUPER platform uses synthetic small RNAs to significantly improve the performance and stability of genetic switches, reducing leakage and enabling more precise gene regulation in synthetic biology applications. doi.org/hbn5xm
Upcycling genes: 'SUPER' platform improves underperforming genetic parts
A research team has developed the "SUPER (Synthetic Upcycling Platform for Engineering Regulators)" platform, which dramatically enhances the performance and stability of gene regulatory devices.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 6:11 PM
The SUPER platform uses synthetic small RNAs to significantly improve the performance and stability of genetic switches, reducing leakage and enabling more precise gene regulation in synthetic biology applications. doi.org/hbn5xm
A once-weekly inhalable nanoparticle formulation of rifampin demonstrated comparable effectiveness to daily oral dosing in mouse models of tuberculosis, with improved lung drug delivery. doi.org/hbn5xk
A new inhalable treatment for tuberculosis: Once-weekly nanoparticles match daily oral rifampin in mice
Researchers at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo have developed a new inhalable form of tuberculosis (TB) treatment that could significantly reduce the burden of current therapy.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 6:07 PM
A once-weekly inhalable nanoparticle formulation of rifampin demonstrated comparable effectiveness to daily oral dosing in mouse models of tuberculosis, with improved lung drug delivery. doi.org/hbn5xk
BK channels, key regulators of the body's electrical signals, possess an inherently leaky gate that allows some ions to pass even when "closed," offering new insights into cellular communication and disease.
The wild physics that keeps your body's electrical system flowing smoothly
Building on their pioneering 2018 research into how some of the body's cells, such as neurons and cardiac tissue, communicate via ions that flow through cellular channels, chemists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst demonstrated a "leakiness" to a particularly mysterious type of channel, known as a "big potassium," or BK channel.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 6:01 PM
BK channels, key regulators of the body's electrical signals, possess an inherently leaky gate that allows some ions to pass even when "closed," offering new insights into cellular communication and disease.
A newly engineered enzyme efficiently synthesizes RNA and performs reverse transcription, offering speed, accuracy, and flexibility for advanced RNA-based biomedical applications. doi.org/hbn5xj
Versatile enzyme that quickly, accurately synthesizes RNA can also perform reverse transcription
From vaccines and diagnostics to emerging gene-based therapies, RNA molecules are now central to modern medicine. But as their use continues to grow, so does a fundamental challenge: producing RNA quickly, accurately and with the flexibility needed for next-generation biomedical applications.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM
A newly engineered enzyme efficiently synthesizes RNA and performs reverse transcription, offering speed, accuracy, and flexibility for advanced RNA-based biomedical applications. doi.org/hbn5xj
Antibodies from prior seasonal flu exposure can provide some baseline protection against avian influenza, with effectiveness influenced by age and history of adjuvanted vaccination. doi.org/hbn5xg
Seasonal flu antibodies can also target avian flu to build immunity against potential pandemic risks
Are seasonal flu antibodies also effective against avian flu? A team from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) has shown that a specific type of antibody associated with the former virus—already present throughout the population—may offer baseline protection against the latter.
medicalxpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Antibodies from prior seasonal flu exposure can provide some baseline protection against avian influenza, with effectiveness influenced by age and history of adjuvanted vaccination. doi.org/hbn5xg
A comprehensive cucumber pangenome has identified nearly 172,000 structural variants, offering new insights into genetic diversity and providing valuable tools for more efficient crop improvement. doi.org/hbn5w9
Breeding a better cucumber: New genetic map reveals 171,892 structural variants
Cucumber is an economically important crop worldwide, ranking as the third most-produced vegetable after tomatoes and onions.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 5:40 PM
A comprehensive cucumber pangenome has identified nearly 172,000 structural variants, offering new insights into genetic diversity and providing valuable tools for more efficient crop improvement. doi.org/hbn5w9
New insights show that the hydration and terminal chemistry of PEG drug coatings influence immune recognition, informing the development of longer-lasting, less detectable therapeutics. doi.org/hbn5w7
Exploring how the immune system detects drugs coated with 'stealth' polymers
A recent study by researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo unveils the molecular mechanisms explaining why some "stealth" drug coatings fail to evade the immune system.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 5:36 PM
New insights show that the hydration and terminal chemistry of PEG drug coatings influence immune recognition, informing the development of longer-lasting, less detectable therapeutics. doi.org/hbn5w7
A new AI model predicts the most stable molecular structures by directly analyzing molecular energy, achieving accuracy comparable to quantum mechanical calculations and accelerating material design. doi.org/hbn5w5
AI model uses molecular energy to predict the most stable atom arrangements
Whether a smartphone battery lasts longer or a new drug can be developed to treat incurable diseases depends on how stably the atoms constituting the material are bonded.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 5:34 PM
A new AI model predicts the most stable molecular structures by directly analyzing molecular energy, achieving accuracy comparable to quantum mechanical calculations and accelerating material design. doi.org/hbn5w5
A recent clinical trial indicates that ropeginterferon alfa-2b may offer improved disease control and symptom relief for high-risk essential thrombocythaemia patients intolerant to hydroxyurea. doi.org/hbn5w2
Global study marks major treatment advance for tough-to-treat high-risk blood cancer
Results from a new clinical trial led by Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Atrium Health Levine Cancer show that a new therapy could provide significantly better outcomes for patients with high-risk essential thrombocythaemia (ET), a type of blood cancer.
medicalxpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:29 PM
A recent clinical trial indicates that ropeginterferon alfa-2b may offer improved disease control and symptom relief for high-risk essential thrombocythaemia patients intolerant to hydroxyurea. doi.org/hbn5w2
Fossil evidence indicates that giant pythons inhabited Taiwan during the Middle Pleistocene, suggesting a now-vacant top predator niche in the island’s modern ecosystem. doi.org/hbn5wz
Fossil discovery suggests giant pythons once roamed Taiwan
Pythons are a common sight across much of Asia, especially in the tropical jungles and wetlands of countries like Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 5:20 PM
Fossil evidence indicates that giant pythons inhabited Taiwan during the Middle Pleistocene, suggesting a now-vacant top predator niche in the island’s modern ecosystem. doi.org/hbn5wz
AI analysis of a Roman-era stone board from Heerlen suggests blocking games were played in Europe centuries earlier than previously documented, offering new insights into ancient gaming practices.
Rules of unknown board game from the Roman period revealed
Researchers have used AI to reconstruct the rules of a board game carved into a stone found in the Dutch city of Heerlen.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM
AI analysis of a Roman-era stone board from Heerlen suggests blocking games were played in Europe centuries earlier than previously documented, offering new insights into ancient gaming practices.