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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
Children exposed to negative or objectifying language about snakes are more likely to view them as different from other animals, but brief educational interventions can reduce this bias. doi.org/hbpg9k
Antipathy toward snakes? Your parents likely talked you into that at an early age
A study of more than 100 kindergarten-age children suggests kids tend to think of snakes differently than they do other animals and that hearing negative or objectifying language about the slithery reptiles might contribute to that way of thinking.
phys.org
February 14, 2026 at 9:35 AM
Children exposed to negative or objectifying language about snakes are more likely to view them as different from other animals, but brief educational interventions can reduce this bias. doi.org/hbpg9k
Dating apps are engineered to maximize user engagement and data collection, often prioritizing prolonged use and monetization over fostering meaningful romantic connections. doi.org/gjq27d
What dating apps are really optimizing. Hint: It isn't love
In the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day, dating apps typically see a spike in new users and activity. More profiles are created, more messages sent, more swipes logged.
phys.org
February 14, 2026 at 9:01 AM
Dating apps are engineered to maximize user engagement and data collection, often prioritizing prolonged use and monetization over fostering meaningful romantic connections. doi.org/gjq27d
Remote genetic counseling via telehealth, integrated with primary care, increases access to genetic testing and early cancer screening for adult survivors of childhood cancers.
What telehealth changes for adult survivors of childhood cancers: More genetic testing, earlier screening options
Adult survivors of childhood cancers are at higher risk for another cancer—such as breast, colorectal, sarcomas and thyroid cancer—that is not a relapse of their original illness.
medicalxpress.com
February 13, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Remote genetic counseling via telehealth, integrated with primary care, increases access to genetic testing and early cancer screening for adult survivors of childhood cancers.
Thermodynamic analysis of the histamine H1 receptor reveals how subtle molecular differences between drug isomers influence binding selectivity, offering new strategies for rational drug design. doi.org/hbpgpg
How a key receptor tells apart two nearly identical drug molecules
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are one of the largest families of cell surface proteins in the human body that recognize hormones, neurotransmitters, and drugs.
phys.org
February 13, 2026 at 10:40 PM
Thermodynamic analysis of the histamine H1 receptor reveals how subtle molecular differences between drug isomers influence binding selectivity, offering new strategies for rational drug design. doi.org/hbpgpg
A biological mechanism involving senescent "zombie cells" has been identified as a contributor to chemotherapy resistance and recurrence in lung and ovarian cancers. Targeting these cells may improve treatment outcomes. doi.org/hbpghn
The 'zombie cell' effect: New study explains chemotherapy resistance in lung and ovarian cancers
Researchers have identified a biological mechanism that helps explain why some lung and ovarian cancers become resistant to chemotherapy, offering insight into why cancers recur.
medicalxpress.com
February 13, 2026 at 9:40 PM
A biological mechanism involving senescent "zombie cells" has been identified as a contributor to chemotherapy resistance and recurrence in lung and ovarian cancers. Targeting these cells may improve treatment outcomes. doi.org/hbpghn
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory at the South Pole has expanded its detector array, enhancing sensitivity to lower-energy neutrinos and enabling more detailed studies of cosmic phenomena.
The IceCube experiment is ready to uncover more secrets of the universe
The name "IceCube" not only serves as the title of the experiment, but also describes its appearance. Embedded in the transparent ice of the South Pole, a three-dimensional grid of more than 5,000 extremely sensitive light sensors forms a giant cube with a volume of one cubic kilometer.
phys.org
February 13, 2026 at 9:00 PM
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory at the South Pole has expanded its detector array, enhancing sensitivity to lower-energy neutrinos and enabling more detailed studies of cosmic phenomena.
Loss of the Y chromosome in some cells increases with age in men and is associated with higher risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and reduced lifespan. Environmental factors may also contribute. doi.org/hbpgfc
Men lose their Y chromosome as they age: Scientists thought it didn't matter—but now we're learning more
Men tend to lose the Y chromosome from their cells as they age. But because the Y bears few genes other than for male determination, it was thought this loss would not affect health.
medicalxpress.com
February 13, 2026 at 8:40 PM
Loss of the Y chromosome in some cells increases with age in men and is associated with higher risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and reduced lifespan. Environmental factors may also contribute. doi.org/hbpgfc
DNA analysis of 11,000-year-old remains from a Cumbrian cave identifies Northern Britain's oldest known human as a female child, offering new insight into early Mesolithic burials. doi.org/hbpgd3
Northern Britain's oldest human remains are of a young female child, DNA analysis reveals
The oldest human remains ever found in Northern Britain have been identified as a young female three years after being discovered in a Cumbrian cave.
phys.org
February 13, 2026 at 8:20 PM
DNA analysis of 11,000-year-old remains from a Cumbrian cave identifies Northern Britain's oldest known human as a female child, offering new insight into early Mesolithic burials. doi.org/hbpgd3
Companies that prioritize transparent and responsible data privacy practices can achieve stronger customer loyalty and improved financial performance, turning privacy stewardship into a competitive advantage. doi.org/hbpgbm
Research shows companies can gain advantage by prioritizing customer privacy
For many companies, customer privacy is often seen as a regulatory burden that limits data use and personalization rather than as a business opportunity.
techxplore.com
February 13, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Companies that prioritize transparent and responsible data privacy practices can achieve stronger customer loyalty and improved financial performance, turning privacy stewardship into a competitive advantage. doi.org/hbpgbm
Fungal recycling strategies influence how much carbon forests can store, with some species efficiently reusing mycelium while others leave more organic matter behind. This diversity impacts the forest carbon cycle. doi.org/hbpgbk
Recycling strategies of fungi can affect how forests store carbon
Some fungi are wasteful, while others recycle—and this can determine how much carbon is stored in a forest. Researchers at Lund University have now revealed how fungi manage their mycelium, the network that builds the structure of fungus.
phys.org
February 13, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Fungal recycling strategies influence how much carbon forests can store, with some species efficiently reusing mycelium while others leave more organic matter behind. This diversity impacts the forest carbon cycle. doi.org/hbpgbk
A new microfluidic chip enables direct, one-step detection of PFAS and other pollutants in solid-containing samples, streamlining environmental and food safety analysis without the need for pretreatment. doi.org/hbpgbj
A microfluidic chip for one-step detection of PFAS and other pollutants
Environmental pollutant analysis typically requires complex sample pretreatment steps such as filtration, separation, and preconcentration.
phys.org
February 13, 2026 at 7:40 PM
A new microfluidic chip enables direct, one-step detection of PFAS and other pollutants in solid-containing samples, streamlining environmental and food safety analysis without the need for pretreatment. doi.org/hbpgbj
Lab-grown retinal tissue demonstrates that sharp human vision develops through the interaction of vitamin A derivatives and thyroid hormones, guiding the formation of cone cells in the retina. doi.org/hbpgbh
How did humans develop sharp vision? Lab-grown retinas show likely answer
Humans develop sharp vision during early fetal development thanks to an interplay between a vitamin A derivative and thyroid hormones in the retina, Johns Hopkins University scientists have found.
phys.org
February 13, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Lab-grown retinal tissue demonstrates that sharp human vision develops through the interaction of vitamin A derivatives and thyroid hormones, guiding the formation of cone cells in the retina. doi.org/hbpgbh
A new predictive model enables more accurate control of acoustic streaming in ultrasonic phased arrays, supporting improved stability and precision in midair haptics and acoustic levitation. doi.org/hbpgbg
Midair haptics and levitation may get steadier with predictable ultrasonic airflow
Acoustic streaming generated by airborne ultrasonic phased arrays plays a critical role in the performance of advanced ultrasonic technologies, including midair haptic feedback, odor delivery, and acoustic levitation.
techxplore.com
February 13, 2026 at 7:20 PM
A new predictive model enables more accurate control of acoustic streaming in ultrasonic phased arrays, supporting improved stability and precision in midair haptics and acoustic levitation. doi.org/hbpgbg
Analysis of wild Yellow-naped Amazon parrots' warble duets shows these vocalizations follow complex syntactic rules, suggesting language-like structure in their communication. doi.org/hbpgbf
Syntax discovered in the warbling duets of wild parrots
With a few minutes of searching, anyone can find videos online of chatty birds: macaws talk to their keepers, cockatoos sing to the camera, corvids mimic the jarring sounds of construction sites.
phys.org
February 13, 2026 at 7:20 PM
Analysis of wild Yellow-naped Amazon parrots' warble duets shows these vocalizations follow complex syntactic rules, suggesting language-like structure in their communication. doi.org/hbpgbf
Zebrafish models can help distinguish true from false positive spinal muscular atrophy results in newborn screening, supporting more precise and timely clinical decisions. doi.org/hbpgbd
False alarm in newborn screening: How zebrafish can prevent unnecessary spinal muscular atrophy therapies
A positive newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is currently considered a medical emergency. Without early treatment, severe disability or death in infancy are likely.
medicalxpress.com
February 13, 2026 at 7:20 PM
Zebrafish models can help distinguish true from false positive spinal muscular atrophy results in newborn screening, supporting more precise and timely clinical decisions. doi.org/hbpgbd
A newly identified protein complex, including the surface receptor CD25, enables aggressive leukemia cells to survive by dampening activation signals; disrupting this complex can trigger cancer cell death. doi.org/hbpf99
Study identifies a new class of drug targets for aggressive leukemia
Hyperactive signaling pathways of some aggressive blood cancer cells can be tamped down by a previously unrecognized protein complex, ensuring the cancer's survival.
medicalxpress.com
February 13, 2026 at 7:06 PM
A newly identified protein complex, including the surface receptor CD25, enables aggressive leukemia cells to survive by dampening activation signals; disrupting this complex can trigger cancer cell death. doi.org/hbpf99
Implanted brain devices can now detect walking in people with Parkinson’s disease during daily life, offering a step toward more adaptive and personalized neuromodulation therapies outside the lab.
From the lab to the living room: Decoding Parkinson's patients' movements in the real world
Scientists have traditionally studied how the brain controls movement by asking patients to perform structured tasks while connected to multiple sensors in a lab.
medicalxpress.com
February 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Implanted brain devices can now detect walking in people with Parkinson’s disease during daily life, offering a step toward more adaptive and personalized neuromodulation therapies outside the lab.
Fossil and modern evidence shows gray wolves shift to consuming harder foods, such as bones, during warmer climates, highlighting the impact of climate change on their feeding strategies. doi.org/hbpf98
Fossil evidence reveals how gray wolves adapt diets to climate change
Gray wolves adapt their diets as a result of climate change, eating harder foods such as bones to extract nutrition during warmer climates, new research has found.
phys.org
February 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Fossil and modern evidence shows gray wolves shift to consuming harder foods, such as bones, during warmer climates, highlighting the impact of climate change on their feeding strategies. doi.org/hbpf98
A new hologram processing method increases the depth of focus in 3D images fivefold, enhancing the flexibility and performance of holographic microscopy for complex biological studies. doi.org/hbpf96
Hologram processing method boosts 3D image depth of focus fivefold
Researchers from the University of Tartu Institute of Physics have developed a novel method for enhancing the quality of three-dimensional images by increasing the depth of focus in holograms fivefold after recording, using computational imaging techniques.
phys.org
February 13, 2026 at 6:52 PM
A new hologram processing method increases the depth of focus in 3D images fivefold, enhancing the flexibility and performance of holographic microscopy for complex biological studies. doi.org/hbpf96
New findings show that under extreme conditions, heating pure metals can increase their strength, challenging traditional views and offering new strategies for advanced material design. doi.org/hbpf94
Rule-breaking discovery reveals new way to strengthen metal in extreme conditions
There's a reason why blacksmiths fire metals before hammering them. Heat always softens metal, making it more malleable and easier to reshape.
techxplore.com
February 13, 2026 at 6:48 PM
New findings show that under extreme conditions, heating pure metals can increase their strength, challenging traditional views and offering new strategies for advanced material design. doi.org/hbpf94