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Science X provides daily science news on research developments, technological breakthroughs and the latest science innovations.
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Long COVID is associated with structural and blood flow changes in the choroid plexus, a brain region linked to Alzheimer's disease markers and cognitive decline. doi.org/hbn42d
Long COVID linked to Alzheimer's disease mechanisms
The increased size of, and lesser blood supply to, a key brain structure in patients with long COVID tracks with known blood markers of Alzheimer's disease and greater levels of dementia, a new study finds.
medicalxpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Long COVID is associated with structural and blood flow changes in the choroid plexus, a brain region linked to Alzheimer's disease markers and cognitive decline. doi.org/hbn42d
A brief, controlled burst of oxidative stress in the brain may activate glial cells to promote tissue repair, suggesting a nuanced role for reactive oxygen species in brain recovery.
Controlled 'oxidative spark' may serve as a surprising ally in brain repair
Oxidative stress is a direct consequence of an excess in the body of so-called free radicals—reactive, unstable molecules that contain oxygen.
medicalxpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM
A brief, controlled burst of oxidative stress in the brain may activate glial cells to promote tissue repair, suggesting a nuanced role for reactive oxygen species in brain recovery.
New findings show that during infection, specific brain pathways trigger chills and warmth-seeking behaviors, helping raise body temperature to support immune defense.
Fever chills explained: How brain signals push warmth-seeking to fight infection
When running a fever during infection, we often feel chills, which prompt us to take action to warm ourselves, such as turning on a heater or adding layers of clothing.
medicalxpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM
New findings show that during infection, specific brain pathways trigger chills and warmth-seeking behaviors, helping raise body temperature to support immune defense.
More than half of the world’s coral reefs experienced significant bleaching during the 2014–2017 global heat wave, impacting ecosystems that provide an estimated $9.8 trillion in annual benefits.
Half of the world's coral reefs suffered major bleaching during the 2014–2017 global heat wave, estimates suggest
Benefits to society from coral reefs, including fisheries, tourism, coastal protection, pharmaceutical discovery and more, are estimated at about $9.8 trillion per year.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM
More than half of the world’s coral reefs experienced significant bleaching during the 2014–2017 global heat wave, impacting ecosystems that provide an estimated $9.8 trillion in annual benefits.
An AI-powered stethoscope has demonstrated high accuracy in detecting severe heart valve disease, offering a potential rapid screening tool to identify cases earlier in primary care settings.
AI stethoscope can help spot 'silent epidemic' of heart valve disease earlier than GPs, study suggests
Artificial intelligence could help doctors detect serious heart valve disease years earlier, potentially saving thousands of lives, a new study suggests.
medicalxpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM
An AI-powered stethoscope has demonstrated high accuracy in detecting severe heart valve disease, offering a potential rapid screening tool to identify cases earlier in primary care settings.
Growth in planned and under-construction solar and wind projects slowed last year, raising concerns about the feasibility of tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
Solar, wind capacity growth slowed last year, analysis shows
Planned or under-construction solar and wind projects slowed last year, analysis showed Tuesday, casting doubts on whether countries will hit a goal of tripling renewable capacity by decade-end.
techxplore.com
February 10, 2026 at 9:39 AM
Growth in planned and under-construction solar and wind projects slowed last year, raising concerns about the feasibility of tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
Bison hunters abandoned a long-used site in central Montana around 1,100 years ago, likely due to recurring droughts that reduced water availability and prompted shifts in hunting strategies.
Bison hunters abandoned long-used site 1,100 years ago to adapt to changing climate, Great Plains study finds
On the Great Plains of North America, bison were hunted for thousands of years before populations collapsed to near extinction due to overexploitation in the late 1800s.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 5:00 AM
Bison hunters abandoned a long-used site in central Montana around 1,100 years ago, likely due to recurring droughts that reduced water availability and prompted shifts in hunting strategies.
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