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Science X / Phys.org
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Science X provides daily science news on research developments, technological breakthroughs and the latest science innovations.
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Analysis of Chalcolithic cone-shaped vessels suggests they likely functioned as beeswax lamps in ritual processions, supported by evidence of soot residue and experimental replication. doi.org/hbph99
Ancient cone-shaped vessels may have served as beeswax lamps during ritual processions, study finds
Chalcolithic cornets are conical ceramic vessels produced exclusively during the Chalcolithic period, recovered in abundance at some archaeological sites but absent at others.
phys.org
February 15, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Large language models, like humans, often display an 'addition bias,' tending to add unnecessary information rather than simplify, which can lead to less efficient problem-solving. doi.org/hbph96
Why AI may overcomplicate answers: Humans and LLMs show 'addition bias,' often choosing extra steps over subtraction
When making decisions and judgments, humans can fall into common "traps," known as cognitive biases. A cognitive bias is essentially the tendency to process information in a specific way or follow a systematic pattern.
techxplore.com
February 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Alterations in white matter, particularly in the corpus callosum, have been identified as a shared brain feature in both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, supporting a psychosis spectrum model.
A common biomarker of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder revealed
For decades, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BD) were treated as distinct and unrelated psychiatric disorders. Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder characterized by altered thinking and emotional patterns, hallucinations, false or irrational beliefs (i.e., delusions), cognitive deficits, and disorganized speech.
medicalxpress.com
February 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Strong superconductivity and correlated electronic states have been observed in a twisted trilayer graphene supermoiré lattice, offering new pathways for quantum material design. doi.org/hbkv89
Strong correlations and superconductivity observed in a supermoiré lattice
Two or more graphene layers that are stacked with a small twist angle in relation to each other form a so-called moiré lattice.
phys.org
February 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Extreme rainfall along South Korea’s coast is increasing nutrient runoff into the sea, intensifying algal blooms and altering marine ecosystems, with implications for coastal management under climate change.
Extreme rainfall is worsening algal blooms along South Korea's coast
Extreme rainfall is reshaping coastal waters along South Korea's shoreline, flushing nutrients from land into the sea and fueling the growth of algal blooms.
phys.org
February 15, 2026 at 5:30 PM
A proposed mechanism suggests that oscillating ultralight axion dark matter could generate the tiny, uniform magnetic fields observed across intergalactic space after recombination. doi.org/hbph6v
How a certain form of dark matter may lead to the generation of cosmological magnetic fields
Tiny highly uniform magnetic fields are known to pervade the universe, influencing various cosmological processes. To date, however, the physical mechanisms underpinning the generation of these fields remain poorly understood.
phys.org
February 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Blocking a specific brain receptor that links neuroendocrine cells and the sympathetic nervous system may offer a new approach to lowering blood pressure in hypertension. doi.org/hbph6m
New clue to treating hypertension: Blocking a brain receptor may calm blood pressure signals
The human body is often described in parts—different limbs, systems, and organs—rather than something fully interconnected and whole.
medicalxpress.com
February 15, 2026 at 4:20 PM
Observing others reject unfair advantages can increase individuals’ willingness to forgo personal gain in favor of fairness, suggesting social modeling may help promote egalitarian behavior. doi.org/hbph6f
Would you take the bigger share? Study shows people can learn to say no
A new study co-authored by McGill University researchers suggests people can be taught to reject unfair advantages. "We often benefit personally from an unequal distribution of resources, a phenomenon known as advantageous inequity—for example, receiving a higher salary than a colleague with the identical role," said senior author Ross Otto, a psychology professor.
phys.org
February 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Large language models frequently violate conversational boundaries during extended mental health dialogues, highlighting the need for improved safety protocols in AI-based support systems. doi.org/hbph6d
LLMs violate boundaries during mental health dialogues, study finds
Artificial intelligence (AI) agents, particularly those based on large language models (LLMs) like the conversational platform ChatGPT, are now widely used daily by numerous people worldwide.
techxplore.com
February 15, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Microscopic plankton in the western Mediterranean now show clear signs of tropicalization, indicating that climate-driven shifts are altering the base of marine food webs in this region. doi.org/hbph55
Microscopic plankton reveal tropicalization of the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is rapidly changing under ongoing climate change. In the eastern basin, tropicalization is already well documented and driven by a combination of strong warming and the influx of tropical species through the Suez Canal.
phys.org
February 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Paenibacillus species are emerging as significant causes of destructive neonatal meningitis, with diagnostic and treatment challenges highlighting the need for heightened clinical awareness. doi.org/hbph5z
Destructive meningitis cases raise concerns about emerging pathogen
Penn State College of Medicine is reporting on two cases of destructive infant meningitis linked to Paenibacillus infection, documenting severe neurologic injury and raising concerns about diagnosis and treatment.
medicalxpress.com
February 15, 2026 at 2:50 PM
The integration of ads and sponsored content into AI chatbots is raising privacy concerns and prompting brands to adapt their marketing strategies in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
New world for users and brands as ads hit AI chatbots
The introduction of advertisements and sponsored content in chatbots has spawned privacy concerns for AI users as brands scramble to stay relevant in a fast-changing online environment.
techxplore.com
February 15, 2026 at 12:20 PM
Field observations and computer modeling identify environmental factors that predict hotspots for dangerous scorpion species, supporting targeted prevention and improved medical response in high-risk regions. doi.org/hbph4c
Field observations and computer modeling help predict the world's deadly scorpion hotspots
An international team of scientists has identified how to pinpoint and predict hotspots for some of the most dangerous species of scorpion in the world.
phys.org
February 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Many people report persistent unease about AI, with common concerns including job disruption, loss of control, misinformation, privacy, and the impact on human connection and education.
Feeling 'AI anxiety'? Here are the risks people fear most
A patient said to me the other day, half-smiling but clearly unsettled: "I think I've got anxiety about AI." They weren't having a panic attack or describing clinical anxiety.
techxplore.com
February 15, 2026 at 6:19 AM
A new tissue-adhesive oral patch enables early detection of gum inflammation by sensing TNF-α protein at femtogram-per-milliliter levels, offering potential for proactive oral health monitoring. doi.org/hbphtd
A patch that sticks inside your mouth could spot inflammation early
Detecting gum disease currently requires a dentist chair and a visual exam, often catching problems only after tissue damage has started.
medicalxpress.com
February 14, 2026 at 9:30 PM
A new educational module uses NMR spectroscopy to analyze wine, helping students and the public explore chemical composition and real-world applications in chemistry and biochemistry. doi.org/hbphrb
What's in your wine? Using NMR to reveal its chemical profile
New work from Georgia Tech is showing how a simple glass of wine can serve as a powerful gateway for understanding advanced research and technologies.
phys.org
February 14, 2026 at 8:10 PM
A newly developed porous material can repeatedly capture and release CO₂ using green and blue visible light, offering a potential pathway to more energy-efficient carbon capture technologies. doi.org/hbphns
Porous material uses green and blue light to repeatedly store and release CO₂
Scientists at the University of Groningen, led by Nobel laureate Ben Feringa and colleagues, have created a new porous material that captures and releases carbon dioxide using only visible light.
phys.org
February 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Analysis of psychotherapy outcomes for autistic adults highlights diverse trajectories in anxiety and depression, with factors such as ethnicity and daily functioning influencing therapeutic response. doi.org/hbphm3
Therapeutic outcomes for autistic adults: Exploring factors that shape anxiety and depression trajectories
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by differences in social interactions and in the understanding of others' thoughts or feelings, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors.
medicalxpress.com
February 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM
An atom-thin ferroelectric transistor using graphene and hexagonal boron nitride heterostructures can store 3,024 stable polarization states, supporting advances in neuromorphic hardware. doi.org/hbj65d
Atom-thin ferroelectric transistor can store 3,024 polarization states
Over the past few decades, electronics engineers have been trying to develop new neuromorphic hardware, systems that mirror the organization of neurons in the human brain.
techxplore.com
February 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Volatile organic compound analysis of ancient Egyptian mummies provides new insights into embalming recipes, revealing changes over time and differences between body parts. doi.org/hbnr2v
Scent analysis reveals the composition of ancient Egyptian embalming materials
In a recent study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, Wanyue Zhao and her colleagues used volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to analyze the composition of scents given off by mummies and their embalming materials.
phys.org
February 14, 2026 at 5:40 PM
Plastic pollution in Norway’s freshwater and coastal areas is leading to high concentrations of PFAS and heavy metals, posing risks to wildlife and human health and highlighting the need for long-term solutions. doi.org/hbphmz
Polluting the environment for all eternity—and still sticking our heads in the sand
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework states that plastic pollution must be eliminated by 2030. So why haven't we enacted measures that make a real difference?
phys.org
February 14, 2026 at 4:56 PM
The southern Indian Ocean off western Australia is experiencing rapid freshening, which may disrupt ocean circulation patterns and impact marine ecosystems due to reduced vertical mixing. doi.org/hbphmk
One of the ocean's saltiest regions is freshening: What it means for circulation
The southern Indian Ocean off the west coast of Australia is becoming less salty at an astonishing rate, largely due to climate change, new research shows.
phys.org
February 14, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Combining GLP-1 receptor agonists with progestin therapy is associated with a lower risk of endometrial cancer and reduced need for hysterectomy compared to progestins alone. doi.org/hbphmf
Combining GLP-1 drugs with hormones may lower uterine cancer risk
Adding GLP-1 medications like Ozempic to progestin therapy could cut the risk of developing endometrial cancer. A retrospective study published in the journal JAMA Network Open found that women using this combination had a much lower risk of developing the disease than those on progestins alone.
medicalxpress.com
February 14, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Firms that prioritize cybersecurity readiness tend to experience stronger financial performance, as investors view these efforts as integral to effective risk management and business strategy.
Cybersecurity spending may pay off: Study links readiness to stronger returns
The infamous Target data breach during the 2013 holiday shopping season, which cost the company more than $200 million in damages, has since been hailed as a landmark case in cybersecurity.
techxplore.com
February 14, 2026 at 4:00 PM
A new clinical framework describes AI Replacement Dysfunction (AIRD), highlighting the mental health impacts of AI-driven job insecurity and outlining strategies for healthcare intervention. doi.org/hbphk4
Researchers identify mental health effects of AI-driven job insecurity
As AI rapidly moves into the workplace, many workers are feeling uneasy. Two University of Florida researchers have developed a new clinical model that could help health care providers recognize and treat the stress and disruption that come with it.
medicalxpress.com
February 14, 2026 at 3:00 PM