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Arctic peatlands have expanded since 1950, with some edges advancing over a meter per year, indicating widespread growth linked to rising regional temperatures. doi.org/hbpd94
Arctic peatlands are expanding as temperatures continue to rise, new research confirms
The Arctic is warming faster than the rest of the planet, with average temperatures increasing by about 4°C in the last four decades.
phys.org
February 13, 2026 at 10:10 AM
Arctic peatlands have expanded since 1950, with some edges advancing over a meter per year, indicating widespread growth linked to rising regional temperatures. doi.org/hbpd94
Discretionary foods such as snacks and sweetened drinks account for a significant share of both dietary energy and environmental impact, regardless of preferred protein sources. Reducing these foods could benefit health and sustainability. doi.org/hbpd4x
Want healthier, lower-impact diets? Study says cut junk foods, not just meat
A recent study indicates that as much as one-fifth of the total food expenditure of Finns is spent on nutritionally unnecessary, or discretionary, foods.
medicalxpress.com
February 13, 2026 at 7:49 AM
Discretionary foods such as snacks and sweetened drinks account for a significant share of both dietary energy and environmental impact, regardless of preferred protein sources. Reducing these foods could benefit health and sustainability. doi.org/hbpd4x
Cumulative lead exposure is associated with a significantly higher risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, highlighting the importance of addressing environmental lead sources to protect brain health. doi.org/hbpdb6
Cumulative lead exposure linked to increased Alzheimer's and dementia risk, study finds
As dementia cases continue to rise in the United States, new research from the University of Michigan School of Public Health reveals that older Americans with cumulative lead exposure face a substantially higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
medicalxpress.com
February 13, 2026 at 12:40 AM
Cumulative lead exposure is associated with a significantly higher risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, highlighting the importance of addressing environmental lead sources to protect brain health. doi.org/hbpdb6
Engineered Listeria bacteria are being developed as a novel cancer therapy, designed to safely stimulate innate immune cells that target cancer and infections in immunocompromised patients. doi.org/hbpc7z
Basic research on Listeria bacteria leads to unique cancer therapy
After nearly 40 years of research on how Listeria bacteria manipulate our cells and battle our immune system to cause listeriosis, Daniel Portnoy and his colleagues have discovered a way to turn the bacteria into a potent booster of the immune system—and a potential weapon against cancer.
phys.org
February 13, 2026 at 12:20 AM
Engineered Listeria bacteria are being developed as a novel cancer therapy, designed to safely stimulate innate immune cells that target cancer and infections in immunocompromised patients. doi.org/hbpc7z
Nearly half of those affected by cataract-related blindness worldwide have yet to receive surgery, highlighting the need for expanded access and improved quality of cataract care. doi.org/hbpc7x
Nearly half of people facing cataract-related blindness still need surgery
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on countries to improve their global cataract care, after new findings suggest that millions of people living with cataract still do not have access to simple, sight-restoring surgery.
medicalxpress.com
February 13, 2026 at 12:20 AM
Nearly half of those affected by cataract-related blindness worldwide have yet to receive surgery, highlighting the need for expanded access and improved quality of cataract care. doi.org/hbpc7x
Learner engagement has a greater impact on attention and comprehension than background noise, suggesting that making educational content interesting is key to maintaining focus in noisy environments. doi.org/hbpc7t
Noisy classroom? Study suggests engagement matters more than eliminating background noise
How well we pay attention while learning is influenced not only by external distractions like background noise but also by internal factors such as how interesting we find the material, according to a study recently published by researchers at Bar-Ilan University.
phys.org
February 13, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Learner engagement has a greater impact on attention and comprehension than background noise, suggesting that making educational content interesting is key to maintaining focus in noisy environments. doi.org/hbpc7t
Academic pressure at age 15 is associated with increased depressive symptoms and self-harm risk through early adulthood, highlighting the potential mental health impact of school-related stress.
Academic pressure at 15 tied to higher depression symptoms through age 22
Pressure to achieve at school at age 15 is linked to depressive symptoms and risk of self-harm, and the association appears to persist into adulthood, finds a study led by University College London (UCL) researchers.
medicalxpress.com
February 12, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Academic pressure at age 15 is associated with increased depressive symptoms and self-harm risk through early adulthood, highlighting the potential mental health impact of school-related stress.
Beaver reintroductions are accelerating across the UK, with around 100 set for release this year as part of efforts to restore wetlands, improve water quality, and support biodiversity.
100 beavers set to be reintroduced to the UK this year, with more to come
Centuries after they were wiped out, the reintroduction of beavers to the UK is gathering pace. Following a government announcement allowing beavers to be released in the wild, a flurry of reintroductions are planned for 2026 and beyond.
phys.org
February 12, 2026 at 11:20 PM
Beaver reintroductions are accelerating across the UK, with around 100 set for release this year as part of efforts to restore wetlands, improve water quality, and support biodiversity.
A previously unknown population of cells forming a barrier in the brain’s choroid plexus has been identified, offering new insights into brain protection and potential targets for neurological therapies. doi.org/hbpc56
Scientists discover new gatekeeper cell in the brain
VIB and Ghent University researchers have identified and characterized a previously unknown cellular barrier in the brain, which sheds new light on how the brain is protected from the rest of the body.
medicalxpress.com
February 12, 2026 at 11:00 PM
A previously unknown population of cells forming a barrier in the brain’s choroid plexus has been identified, offering new insights into brain protection and potential targets for neurological therapies. doi.org/hbpc56
Precise measurements show that nearby quantum dots can disrupt quantum information storage, highlighting a key challenge for scaling up quantum-dot-based quantum computing devices. doi.org/hbpc5d
Cutting down on quantum-dot crosstalk: Precise measurements expose a new challenge
Devices that can confine individual electrons are potential building blocks for quantum information systems. But the electrons must be protected from external disturbances.
phys.org
February 12, 2026 at 10:40 PM
Precise measurements show that nearby quantum dots can disrupt quantum information storage, highlighting a key challenge for scaling up quantum-dot-based quantum computing devices. doi.org/hbpc5d
Medical gas plasma rapidly reduces adenovirus infectivity by chemically altering proteins in the virus envelope, while leaving viral genetic material largely intact in laboratory settings. doi.org/hbpc5c
Cold plasma specifically neutralizes adenoviruses
Medical gas plasma can render adenoviruses harmless within a short period of time. This has been demonstrated by a recent laboratory study conducted by the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP).
medicalxpress.com
February 12, 2026 at 10:40 PM
Medical gas plasma rapidly reduces adenovirus infectivity by chemically altering proteins in the virus envelope, while leaving viral genetic material largely intact in laboratory settings. doi.org/hbpc5c
Analysis of online classified ads shows that many non-native amphibian species are traded in the U.S. without official import records, raising concerns about biosecurity and conservation. doi.org/hbpc46
Where'd you get that frog? Study traces illicit online amphibian trade
Keeping amphibians as pets offers hobbyists an opportunity to connect with the non-human world, often increasing interest in conserving animals in the wild.
phys.org
February 12, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Analysis of online classified ads shows that many non-native amphibian species are traded in the U.S. without official import records, raising concerns about biosecurity and conservation. doi.org/hbpc46
A new protocol enables the creation of highly entangled photonic graph states using current hardware, supporting advances in quantum computing and secure information processing. doi.org/hbpc45
Physicists develop new protocol for building photonic graph states
Physicists have long recognized the value of photonic graph states in quantum information processing. However, the difficulty of making these graph states has left this value largely untapped.
phys.org
February 12, 2026 at 10:02 PM
A new protocol enables the creation of highly entangled photonic graph states using current hardware, supporting advances in quantum computing and secure information processing. doi.org/hbpc45
Analysis of GRB 240825A afterglow shows a transition from optically dark to bright, offering new clues about the dense environments and mechanisms behind optically dark gamma-ray bursts. doi.org/hbpc43
Temporal evolution of GRB 240825A afterglow provides insight into origins of optically dark gamma-ray bursts
Researchers from the Yunnan Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have conducted a new study on the temporal evolution of the afterglow from gamma-ray burst GRB 240825A.
phys.org
February 12, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Analysis of GRB 240825A afterglow shows a transition from optically dark to bright, offering new clues about the dense environments and mechanisms behind optically dark gamma-ray bursts. doi.org/hbpc43
A mitochondrial circular RNA, circMTRNR2, supports skin cell function and energy metabolism, potentially aiding wound healing in diabetes and offering a possible target for future therapies. doi.org/hbpc42
Mitochondrial RNA may contribute to improved wound healing in diabetes
Diabetic foot ulcers are slow-healing and increase the risk of infections and amputation. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a circular RNA in mitochondria, circMTRNR2, that plays an important role in the healing of chronic wounds.
medicalxpress.com
February 12, 2026 at 10:00 PM
A mitochondrial circular RNA, circMTRNR2, supports skin cell function and energy metabolism, potentially aiding wound healing in diabetes and offering a possible target for future therapies. doi.org/hbpc42
Commonly used medications, including dexmedetomidine, may lower the risk of postoperative delirium in older adults, with minimal impact from the type of anesthetic used during surgery.
Commonly used drugs could help prevent delirium after surgery
A new study has found that several commonly used drugs could significantly reduce the risk of delirium in older people following surgery.
medicalxpress.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:19 PM
Commonly used medications, including dexmedetomidine, may lower the risk of postoperative delirium in older adults, with minimal impact from the type of anesthetic used during surgery.
Individuals following climate-friendly diets rich in plant-based foods generally maintain adequate nutrition and may experience improved health outcomes compared to typical higher-meat diets. doi.org/hbpcnp
Climate-friendly diet yields unexpectedly strong nutritional outcomes
That eating plenty of vegetables, wholegrains and legumes is beneficial for health is well known. More surprising, however, is that people who eat in an environmentally-friendly way also display nutritional values that are better than researchers had expected.
medicalxpress.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:18 PM
Individuals following climate-friendly diets rich in plant-based foods generally maintain adequate nutrition and may experience improved health outcomes compared to typical higher-meat diets. doi.org/hbpcnp
Genetic risk has been shown to independently contribute to endometrial cancer, with risk levels comparable to obesity, highlighting the need for more personalized screening approaches. doi.org/hbpcmg
Genetic risk may rival obesity as a key driver of endometrial cancer
A major new study has found genetics play a powerful and independent role in endometrial cancer risk—challenging the long-held belief that obesity is the primary driver.
medicalxpress.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:16 PM
Genetic risk has been shown to independently contribute to endometrial cancer, with risk levels comparable to obesity, highlighting the need for more personalized screening approaches. doi.org/hbpcmg
The IOTA ADNEX ultrasound model demonstrates higher sensitivity than current tests for detecting ovarian cancer in premenopausal women, supporting earlier and more accurate diagnosis. doi.org/hbnjkx
Best diagnostic test for ovarian cancer in premenopausal women identified
Premenopausal women would benefit from a significantly more accurate diagnostic pathway for ovarian cancer, as a new study finds that an advanced ultrasound test, IOTA ADNEX, identified 9 out of 10 cancers in women who took part.
medicalxpress.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:14 PM
The IOTA ADNEX ultrasound model demonstrates higher sensitivity than current tests for detecting ovarian cancer in premenopausal women, supporting earlier and more accurate diagnosis. doi.org/hbnjkx
Acetazolamide, a drug used for glaucoma and seizures, shows potential to prevent opioid relapse by targeting brain pathways involved in drug-seeking behavior, according to recent findings in mice. doi.org/hbpcgf
A glaucoma drug may help prevent opioid relapse
An existing drug currently used to treat glaucoma, altitude sickness, and seizures may also have the potential to prevent relapse in opioid use disorder, according to a study by researchers at University of Iowa Health Care.
medicalxpress.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:10 PM
Acetazolamide, a drug used for glaucoma and seizures, shows potential to prevent opioid relapse by targeting brain pathways involved in drug-seeking behavior, according to recent findings in mice. doi.org/hbpcgf
A new nanolaser technology integrated on microchips could significantly reduce energy use in computers and data centers by enabling faster, light-based data transmission. doi.org/hbpccz
Nanolaser on a chip could cut computer energy use in half
Researchers at DTU have developed a nanolaser that could be the key to much faster and much more energy-efficient computers, phones, and data centers.
phys.org
February 12, 2026 at 8:05 PM
A new nanolaser technology integrated on microchips could significantly reduce energy use in computers and data centers by enabling faster, light-based data transmission. doi.org/hbpccz
Loggerhead sea turtles are nesting earlier in response to warming oceans, but declining ocean productivity is leading to fewer eggs and longer intervals between breeding seasons. doi.org/hbpcbn
Sea turtles are nesting earlier but producing fewer eggs, 17-year study finds
Climate change is reshaping life on Earth at an unprecedented pace. Across the globe, species are shifting their ranges, altering migration routes and breeding earlier in the year in response to rising temperatures.
phys.org
February 12, 2026 at 8:03 PM
Loggerhead sea turtles are nesting earlier in response to warming oceans, but declining ocean productivity is leading to fewer eggs and longer intervals between breeding seasons. doi.org/hbpcbn
Boosting levels of the protein Flt3L has been shown to enhance anti-tumor T cell responses, potentially increasing the effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockade in cancer treatment. doi.org/hbpb8k
Rallying more T-cells to immunotherapy's fight against cancer
Immune Checkpoint Blockade (ICB) has revolutionized the treatment of cancers like melanoma, but up to 60% of patients don't respond to this immunotherapy for reasons not yet fully understood.
medicalxpress.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Boosting levels of the protein Flt3L has been shown to enhance anti-tumor T cell responses, potentially increasing the effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockade in cancer treatment. doi.org/hbpb8k
A new sound-based 3D-printing technique enables precise, energy-efficient fabrication of microscale devices on soft polymers, advancing applications in healthcare, sensors, and soft electronics. doi.org/hbpb7p
New sound-based 3D-printing method enables finer, faster microdevices
Concordia researchers have developed a new 3D-printing technique that uses sound waves to directly print tiny structures onto soft polymers like silicone with far greater precision than before.
techxplore.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:58 PM
A new sound-based 3D-printing technique enables precise, energy-efficient fabrication of microscale devices on soft polymers, advancing applications in healthcare, sensors, and soft electronics. doi.org/hbpb7p
Combining the lung cancer drug brigatinib with PARP inhibitors may enhance treatment effectiveness in ovarian cancer by blocking early survival responses in cancer cells. doi.org/hbpb5q
Lung cancer drug offers a surprising new treatment against ovarian cancer
A new study published by Mayo Clinic researchers suggests that ovarian cancer cells quickly activate a survival response after PARP inhibitor treatment, and blocking this early response may make this class of drugs work better.
medicalxpress.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:55 PM
Combining the lung cancer drug brigatinib with PARP inhibitors may enhance treatment effectiveness in ovarian cancer by blocking early survival responses in cancer cells. doi.org/hbpb5q