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Science X provides daily science news on research developments, technological breakthroughs and the latest science innovations.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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 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 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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
Sediment core analysis indicates that Antarctic ice melt during past deglaciations intensified Southern Ocean stratification, influencing global ocean circulation and climate regulation. doi.org/hbphk3
Antarctic ice melt can change global ocean circulation, sediment cores suggest
A new study shows that during the last two deglaciations, i.e., the transition from an ice age to the warm interglacial periods, meltwater from the Antarctic ice sheet intensified stratification in the Southern Ocean.
phys.org
February 14, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Sediment core analysis indicates that Antarctic ice melt during past deglaciations intensified Southern Ocean stratification, influencing global ocean circulation and climate regulation. doi.org/hbphk3
Genetic analysis shows pig-boar hybrids in Fukushima inherited rapid reproductive cycles from domestic pigs, leading to swift genetic turnover after the 2011 evacuation.
Saturday Citations: Pig-boar hybrids in Japan; neuroprotective lattes; the exercise/weight-loss conundrum
This week, researchers reported on a juvenile great white shark caught by fishermen in Spanish Mediterranean waters. China's clean air initiatives have resulted in major public health gains, but may have one unintended consequence.
phys.org
February 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Genetic analysis shows pig-boar hybrids in Fukushima inherited rapid reproductive cycles from domestic pigs, leading to swift genetic turnover after the 2011 evacuation.
A 15-minute virtual reality eye exam can assess vision changes linked to brain health, offering a potential tool for early detection of cognitive decline in accessible community settings. doi.org/hbphgj
A 15-minute VR eye test could flag vision changes tied to brain health
In the recreation room at Eskaton Village in Carmichael, Bonnie Dale, one of the residents, is trying on a virtual reality (VR) headset.
medicalxpress.com
February 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM
A 15-minute virtual reality eye exam can assess vision changes linked to brain health, offering a potential tool for early detection of cognitive decline in accessible community settings. doi.org/hbphgj
Rosy-faced lovebirds in Phoenix demonstrate strong lifelong pair bonds and adaptability, thriving in urban environments far from their native African habitat.
What we can learn from lovebirds, the rare birds that mate for life
Minutes after getting to a park in the middle of Phoenix, you can see flashes of green in the sky and hear chatter because love is in the air—or at least, the lovebirds are.
phys.org
February 14, 2026 at 10:10 AM
Rosy-faced lovebirds in Phoenix demonstrate strong lifelong pair bonds and adaptability, thriving in urban environments far from their native African habitat.
Fossils of a mastodon and a giant sloth, estimated to be up to 40,000 years old, have been discovered in Costa Rica, marking a significant paleontological find for the region.
Costa Rica digs up mastodon, giant sloth bones in major archaeological find
Researchers in Costa Rica have unearthed fossils from a mastodon and a giant sloth that lived as many as 40,000 years ago, officials announced Friday, calling it the biggest such find here in decades.
phys.org
February 14, 2026 at 9:42 AM
Fossils of a mastodon and a giant sloth, estimated to be up to 40,000 years old, have been discovered in Costa Rica, marking a significant paleontological find for the region.
Low-credibility health information is rarely encountered online, but exposure is concentrated among older adults, particularly those who frequently seek health content or hold certain beliefs. doi.org/hbnnsm
Online medical misinformation is scarce, but older adults see most of it
Even as misinformation proliferates across the Internet, sites containing low-credibility health information remain relatively scarce and unseen.
medicalxpress.com
February 14, 2026 at 9:41 AM
Low-credibility health information is rarely encountered online, but exposure is concentrated among older adults, particularly those who frequently seek health content or hold certain beliefs. doi.org/hbnnsm