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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 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
Comprehensive chemical analysis of hair extensions shows widespread presence of hazardous substances, highlighting potential health risks and underscoring the need for stronger product oversight.
Hair extensions contain many more dangerous chemicals than previously thought
In the most comprehensive analysis to date, a new study by Silent Spring Institute identified dozens of hazardous chemicals in hair extensions, including products made from human hair, providing the strongest evidence yet of the potential health risks associated with this largely unregulated category of beauty products that disproportionately affect Black women.
medicalxpress.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Comprehensive chemical analysis of hair extensions shows widespread presence of hazardous substances, highlighting potential health risks and underscoring the need for stronger product oversight.
Water from some US drinking water kiosks has been found to contain lead concentrations exceeding public health guidelines, likely due to corrosion of brass plumbing after reverse osmosis treatment.
Elevated lead levels could flow from some US drinking water kiosks
After high-profile water crises like the one in Flint, Michigan, some Americans distrust the safety of tap water, choosing to purchase drinking water from freestanding water vending machines or kiosks.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Water from some US drinking water kiosks has been found to contain lead concentrations exceeding public health guidelines, likely due to corrosion of brass plumbing after reverse osmosis treatment.
The NOvA experiment has mapped neutrino oscillations over 500 miles using a decade of data, achieving some of the most precise measurements of neutrino properties to date. doi.org/hbn7k9
NOvA maps neutrino oscillations over 500 miles with 10 years of data
Neutrinos are very small, neutral subatomic particles that rarely interact with ordinary matter and are thus sometimes referred to as ghost particles.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 12:50 PM
The NOvA experiment has mapped neutrino oscillations over 500 miles using a decade of data, achieving some of the most precise measurements of neutrino properties to date. doi.org/hbn7k9
Adults in the United States report experiencing passionate love about twice in their lifetime, with only modest differences across age, gender, and sexual orientation. doi.org/hbn7gt
How often do people feel passionate love? Study finds about two lifetime loves
Falling passionately in love is one of the most talked about human experiences, celebrated in songs, movies, literature, and art across cultures.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 11:41 AM
Adults in the United States report experiencing passionate love about twice in their lifetime, with only modest differences across age, gender, and sexual orientation. doi.org/hbn7gt
Southern right whales in Australia are experiencing a decline in reproductive rates linked to climate-driven changes in sea ice and ocean conditions, highlighting broader ecosystem impacts.
Southern right whales are facing climate-driven decline in Australia
The tide has turned on the conservation success story of the southern right whale. Once considered a global conservation success story, the species is now emerging as a warning signal of how climate change is impacting threatened marine life, according to new research led by scientists from Flinders University and Curtin University with international collaborators in the US and South Africa.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Southern right whales in Australia are experiencing a decline in reproductive rates linked to climate-driven changes in sea ice and ocean conditions, highlighting broader ecosystem impacts.
Lab-grown human spinal cord organoids have been used to model injury and test a regenerative therapy, showing reduced scarring and increased neurite growth after treatment with "dancing molecules."
'Dancing molecules' paralysis treatment heals lab-grown human spinal cord organoids
Northwestern University scientists have developed the most advanced organoid model for human spinal cord injury to date.
medicalxpress.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Lab-grown human spinal cord organoids have been used to model injury and test a regenerative therapy, showing reduced scarring and increased neurite growth after treatment with "dancing molecules."
Human-driven climate change has significantly increased the likelihood of extreme wildfire conditions in Chile and Argentina, with risk levels up to three times higher than in a pre-industrial climate.
Study finds climate change set the stage for devastating wildfires in Argentina and Chile
Human-caused climate change had an important impact on the recent ferocious wildfires that engulfed parts of Chile and Argentina's Patagonia region, making the extremely high-risk conditions that led to widespread burning up to three times more likely than in a world without global warming, a team of researchers warned on Wednesday.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 9:10 AM
Human-driven climate change has significantly increased the likelihood of extreme wildfire conditions in Chile and Argentina, with risk levels up to three times higher than in a pre-industrial climate.
A new approach uses engineered molecules to tag tumor cells with viral antigens, enabling the immune system’s existing antiviral memory to target and destroy cancer cells more effectively. doi.org/hbn634
Harnessing antiviral memory to fight tumors: Redirected antibodies show promise
Because many different types of cancer cells overexpress programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), this cell surface protein is a major target of cancer immunotherapy.
medicalxpress.com
February 11, 2026 at 8:10 AM
A new approach uses engineered molecules to tag tumor cells with viral antigens, enabling the immune system’s existing antiviral memory to target and destroy cancer cells more effectively. doi.org/hbn634
A California trial is examining whether Meta and Google deliberately designed social media platforms to encourage addiction in children, a case that could influence future litigation nationwide.
Jury told that Meta, Google 'engineered addiction' at landmark US trial
Meta and Google-owned YouTube were accused Monday of pushing highly addictive apps on children as a landmark social media trial began in earnest in a California court.
techxplore.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:47 AM
A California trial is examining whether Meta and Google deliberately designed social media platforms to encourage addiction in children, a case that could influence future litigation nationwide.
Strength training during dieting leads to greater fat loss while preserving or increasing muscle mass, supporting healthier and more sustainable weight management for both women and men.
Strength training delivers the best and healthiest dieting results for both sexes
A new study conducted at the Gray Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences and the Sylvan Adams Sports Science Institute at Tel Aviv University reveals a clear conclusion: strength (resistance) training is the most effective tool for achieving "high-quality" weight loss, reducing body fat while preserving, and even increasing, muscle mass.
medicalxpress.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:46 AM
Strength training during dieting leads to greater fat loss while preserving or increasing muscle mass, supporting healthier and more sustainable weight management for both women and men.
A juvenile great white shark was recently recorded off eastern Spain, prompting a 160-year review that confirms the species’ persistent but rare presence in the Mediterranean. doi.org/hbn6kn
New record of great white shark in Spain sparks a 160-year review
On April 20, 2023, a juvenile great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) measuring approximately 210 cm and weighing between 80 and 90 kg was incidentally caught by local fishermen off the coast of the eastern peninsula within the Spanish Exclusive Economic Zone.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 4:45 AM
A juvenile great white shark was recently recorded off eastern Spain, prompting a 160-year review that confirms the species’ persistent but rare presence in the Mediterranean. doi.org/hbn6kn
A robotic medical crash cart that provides verbal and nonverbal cues has been shown to reduce workload and improve ease of use for health care teams during emergency procedures. doi.org/hbn6cd
Robotic medical crash cart eases workload for health care teams
Health care workers have an intense workload and often experience mental distress during resuscitation and other critical care procedures.
medicalxpress.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:40 AM
A robotic medical crash cart that provides verbal and nonverbal cues has been shown to reduce workload and improve ease of use for health care teams during emergency procedures. doi.org/hbn6cd
Noise pollution from human activities disrupts birds’ behavior, physiology, and reproduction, but targeted changes to our environments can help reduce these impacts and support bird populations.
Noise pollution is affecting birds' reproduction, stress levels and more: The good news is we can fix it
New research led by the University of Michigan is painting a more comprehensive picture of how noise pollution is impacting birds around the world.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 12:10 AM
Noise pollution from human activities disrupts birds’ behavior, physiology, and reproduction, but targeted changes to our environments can help reduce these impacts and support bird populations.
New DNA-binding proteins from volcanic lakes and deep-sea vents demonstrate enhanced stability and improve the speed and sensitivity of rapid diagnostic tests for infectious diseases. doi.org/hbn6b9
DNA-binding proteins from volcanic lakes could improve disease diagnosis
Scientists have uncovered new DNA-binding proteins from some of the most extreme environments on Earth and shown that they can improve rapid medical tests for infectious diseases.
phys.org
February 11, 2026 at 12:10 AM
New DNA-binding proteins from volcanic lakes and deep-sea vents demonstrate enhanced stability and improve the speed and sensitivity of rapid diagnostic tests for infectious diseases. doi.org/hbn6b9
A brain-driven pathway in mice triggers rapid, complete loss of body fat without reducing food intake, highlighting a potential target for future obesity and wasting disorder therapies. doi.org/hbn59g
Specific brain signals rapidly eliminate body fat in mice
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified a potent pathway that begins in the brain and leads to loss of all body fat without reducing food intake.
medicalxpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:40 PM
A brain-driven pathway in mice triggers rapid, complete loss of body fat without reducing food intake, highlighting a potential target for future obesity and wasting disorder therapies. doi.org/hbn59g
Aerobic exercise, especially in supervised or group settings, is linked to significant reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms, with effects comparable to or greater than medication or therapy.
Aerobic exercise may provide best relief for depression and anxiety symptoms, umbrella review suggests
Aerobic exercise, such as running, swimming, and dancing, may be most effective for relieving the symptoms of depression and anxiety, finds an overarching (umbrella) review and data synthesis of the available evidence, published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
medicalxpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Aerobic exercise, especially in supervised or group settings, is linked to significant reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms, with effects comparable to or greater than medication or therapy.
Plasmids can drive bacteria to form dense clusters, increasing their tolerance to antibiotics even without genetic resistance, which may complicate infection treatment strategies. doi.org/hbn59d
Bacterial hitchhikers can give their hosts super strength
A Dartmouth study finds that molecular hitchhikers living within bacteria can make their hosts extra resistant to medical treatment by corralling them into tightly packed groups.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 11:20 PM
Plasmids can drive bacteria to form dense clusters, increasing their tolerance to antibiotics even without genetic resistance, which may complicate infection treatment strategies. doi.org/hbn59d
Charged polymer networks known as compleximers invert the typical relationship between glass fragility and relaxation spectrum, offering new ways to control processability and mechanical damping. doi.org/hbnsff
How charges invert a long-standing empirical law in glass physics
If you've ever watched a glass blower at work, you've seen a material behaving in a very special way. As it cools, the viscosity of molten glass increases steadily but gradually, allowing it to be shaped without a mold.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Charged polymer networks known as compleximers invert the typical relationship between glass fragility and relaxation spectrum, offering new ways to control processability and mechanical damping. doi.org/hbnsff
Defective variants of the ASTN1 gene have been linked to a broad spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders in children, providing new diagnostic insights for previously undiagnosed cases. doi.org/hbn58p
From bench to bedside—research in mice leads to answers for undiagnosed human neurodevelopmental conditions
Nearly 30 years ago, researchers began studying the gene Astn1, which encodes the cell adhesion protein astrotactin 1 in mice, and its role in brain development.
medicalxpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Defective variants of the ASTN1 gene have been linked to a broad spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders in children, providing new diagnostic insights for previously undiagnosed cases. doi.org/hbn58p
A 45-year climate model ensemble using water isotopes offers improved accuracy in tracing global water movement and enhances understanding of weather patterns linked to climate change. doi.org/hbn58n
Where did that raindrop come from? Climate model ensemble captures worldwide water isotopes over 45 years
Water is made of hydrogen and oxygen, and sometimes these atoms are slightly heavier than usual. These heavier forms are called isotopes.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 10:20 PM
A 45-year climate model ensemble using water isotopes offers improved accuracy in tracing global water movement and enhances understanding of weather patterns linked to climate change. doi.org/hbn58n
Detection of virus-specific T cells in blood may help predict which PML patients are more likely to benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and experience improved outcomes. doi.org/hbn58m
Virus-specific T cells may predict immunotherapy success for a rare brain infection
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare but serious brain infection. It gradually destroys brain tissue and often leads to death within a few weeks.
medicalxpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:16 PM
Detection of virus-specific T cells in blood may help predict which PML patients are more likely to benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and experience improved outcomes. doi.org/hbn58m
Early clinical trial data suggest that adding high-dose niacin to standard glioblastoma treatment may improve progression-free survival, though careful monitoring for toxicity is essential. doi.org/hbn58k
Investigating the use of a common vitamin to treat the aggressive brain cancer glioblastoma
Edward (Ed) Waldner had no idea why he didn't feel well, but he knew he didn't feel like himself. At 55 years of age, he felt exhausted all the time.
medicalxpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:13 PM
Early clinical trial data suggest that adding high-dose niacin to standard glioblastoma treatment may improve progression-free survival, though careful monitoring for toxicity is essential. doi.org/hbn58k
Naming systems worldwide balance the need to identify individuals with cognitive limits, leading to diverse first names in the West and fixed, low-information first names in East Asia. doi.org/hbn58j
What's in a name? Information structure parallels discovered across cultures—with repercussions for Asian names
First names in Western countries today are more diverse than they were before early modern states evolved. This difference started to emerge in the 17th century in response to a change that took place in the naming system in large parts of Europe and the English-speaking world.
phys.org
February 10, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Naming systems worldwide balance the need to identify individuals with cognitive limits, leading to diverse first names in the West and fixed, low-information first names in East Asia. doi.org/hbn58j