https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/index.htm/ en-us Sun, 08 Feb 2026 07:58:15 EST Sun, 08 Feb 2026 07:58:15 EST 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/index.htm/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208011028.htm What a mother eats during pregnancy may quietly shape her child’s liver health years down the road—but new research suggests there may be a way to tip the odds back in a healthier direction. Scientists found that a natural compound made by healthy gut bacteria dramatically reduced fatty liver disease in the offspring of mice whose mothers ate a high-fat, high-sugar diet. The compound, called indole, appeared to protect the liver, improve blood sugar, limit weight gain, and even reshape the gut microbiome in lasting ways. Sun, 08 Feb 2026 02:18:29 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208011028.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208011026.htm Scientists have identified a promising new compound, Mic-628, that can reliably shift the body’s internal clock forward—something that’s notoriously hard to do. By targeting a key clock-control protein, Mic-628 jump-starts the gene that sets daily rhythms, synchronizing both the brain’s master clock and clocks throughout the body. In mice experiencing simulated jet lag, a single dose cut recovery time nearly in half. Sun, 08 Feb 2026 07:17:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208011026.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208011024.htm Tiny marine plankton that build calcium carbonate shells play an outsized role in regulating Earth’s climate, quietly pulling carbon from the atmosphere and helping lock it away in the deep ocean. New research shows these microscopic engineers are largely missing from the climate models used to forecast our planet’s future, meaning scientists may be underestimating how the ocean responds to climate change. Sun, 08 Feb 2026 01:36:40 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208011024.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208011014.htm A colossal ancient impact may have reshaped the Moon far more deeply than scientists once realized. By analyzing rare lunar rocks brought back by China’s Chang’e-6 mission from the Moon’s largest crater, researchers found unusual chemical fingerprints pointing to extreme heat and material loss caused by a giant impact. The collision likely stripped away volatile elements, reshaped volcanic activity, and left a lasting chemical signature deep below the surface. Sun, 08 Feb 2026 07:04:07 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208011014.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208011012.htm New evidence from Neolithic mass graves in northeastern France suggests that some of Europe’s earliest violent encounters were not random acts of brutality, but carefully staged displays of power. By analyzing chemical clues locked in ancient bones and teeth, researchers found that many victims were outsiders who suffered extreme, ritualized violence after conflict. Severed arms appear to have been taken from local enemies killed in battle, while captives from farther away were executed in a grim form of public spectacle. Sun, 08 Feb 2026 01:51:55 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208011012.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208011010.htm Physicists at Heidelberg University have developed a new theory that finally unites two long-standing and seemingly incompatible views of how exotic particles behave inside quantum matter. In some cases, an impurity moves through a sea of particles and forms a quasiparticle known as a Fermi polaron; in others, an extremely heavy impurity freezes in place and disrupts the entire system, destroying quasiparticles altogether. The new framework shows these are not opposing realities after all, revealing how even very heavy particles can make tiny movements that allow quasiparticles to emerge. Sun, 08 Feb 2026 06:29:16 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208011010.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207232246.htm Pumas returning to Patagonia have begun hunting mainland penguins that evolved without land predators. Scientists estimate that more than 7,000 adult penguins were killed in just four years, many of them left uneaten. While the losses are dramatic, models show that pumas alone are unlikely to wipe out the colony. Greater dangers come from poor breeding and low survival among young penguins. Sun, 08 Feb 2026 00:05:44 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207232246.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207232242.htm A newly discovered deep-sea creature has become an unlikely Internet star. After appearing in a popular YouTube video, a rare chiton found nearly three miles beneath the ocean surface sparked a global naming effort, drawing more than 8,000 suggestions from people around the world. Scientists ultimately chose the name Ferreiraella populi, meaning “of the people,” honoring the public that helped bring it into the scientific record. Sat, 07 Feb 2026 23:32:36 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207232242.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207092906.htm New simulations reveal that both H1N1 and COVID-19 spread across U.S. cities in a matter of weeks, often before officials realized what was happening. Major travel hubs helped drive rapid nationwide transmission, with air travel playing a bigger role than daily commuting. Unpredictable transmission patterns made real-time forecasting especially difficult. The study highlights why early detection systems are critical for slowing future pandemics. Sat, 07 Feb 2026 10:02:31 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207092906.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207092904.htm A major study suggests menopause is linked to changes in brain structure, mental health, and sleep. Brain scans revealed grey matter loss in areas tied to memory and emotional regulation, while many women reported increased anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Hormone therapy did not reverse these effects, though it may slow age-related declines in reaction speed. Researchers say menopause could represent an important turning point for brain health. Sat, 07 Feb 2026 09:52:48 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207092904.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207092902.htm For decades, Americans were surrounded by lead from car exhaust, factories, paint, and even drinking water, often without realizing the damage it caused. By analyzing hair samples preserved across generations, scientists uncovered a striking record of how exposure soared before environmental rules and then collapsed after leaded gasoline and other sources were phased out. Sat, 07 Feb 2026 09:45:58 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207092902.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206232249.htm Arctic sea ice helps cool the planet and influences weather patterns around the world, but it is disappearing faster than ever as the climate warms. Scientists have now developed a new forecasting method that can predict how much Arctic sea ice will remain months in advance, focusing on September when ice levels are at their lowest. By combining long-term climate patterns, seasonal cycles, and short-term weather shifts, the model delivers real-time predictions that outperform existing approaches. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 23:56:20 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206232249.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206232245.htm New research suggests that Epstein-Barr virus may actively provoke the immune system in people with multiple sclerosis. Scientists found large buildups of virus-targeting immune cells in the nervous systems of MS patients, far more than in their blood. One viral gene was active only in people with MS, hinting at a direct role in the disease. The findings could help guide new approaches to treatment. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 23:22:45 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206232245.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206034836.htm Inspired by the shape-shifting skin of octopuses, Penn State researchers developed a smart hydrogel that can change appearance, texture, and shape on command. The material is programmed using a special printing technique that embeds digital instructions directly into the skin. Images and information can remain invisible until triggered by heat, liquids, or stretching. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 11:09:31 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206034836.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206020852.htm New research using rhesus monkeys suggests that the brain’s relationship with alcohol may begin forming long before a person ever takes a drink. Scientists found that exposure to alcohol before birth reshaped the brain’s dopamine system, a key player in motivation and reward, and those changes were linked to faster drinking later in adulthood. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 05:26:39 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206020852.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206020850.htm Scientists in Australia have uncovered a clever new way to fight some of the most dangerous drug-resistant bacteria by targeting a sugar that exists only on bacterial cells. By designing antibodies that recognize this unique sugar, researchers were able to guide the immune system to attack and eliminate deadly infections that normally shrug off antibiotics. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 04:09:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206020850.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206020847.htm A new study reveals that chemicals used to replace ozone-damaging CFCs are now driving a surge in a persistent “forever chemical” worldwide. The pollutant, called trifluoroacetic acid, is falling out of the atmosphere into water, land, and ice, including in remote regions like the Arctic. Even as older chemicals are phased out, their long lifetimes mean pollution is still rising. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 03:17:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206020847.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012229.htm Colorectal cancer has long baffled scientists because, unlike most tumors, patients often do better when their cancers are packed with immune-suppressing regulatory T cells. New research finally explains why. Scientists discovered that these T cells aren’t all the same: one subtype actually helps keep tumors in check, while another shields cancer from immune attack. The balance between these “good” and “bad” cells can determine whether a tumor grows or shrinks. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 11:03:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012229.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012226.htm Researchers have discovered a previously unknown enzyme that plays a crucial role in fat production. By blocking it, they stopped weight gain, reduced liver damage, and lowered harmful cholesterol levels in animal studies. The finding opens the door to a new kind of medication that could tackle obesity, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease all at once. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 11:27:35 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012226.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012224.htm New research suggests the astringent sensation caused by flavanols could act as a direct signal to the brain, triggering effects similar to a mild workout for the nervous system. In mouse experiments, flavanol intake boosted activity, curiosity, learning, and memory—despite these compounds barely entering the bloodstream. The key appears to be sensory stimulation: the taste itself activates brain pathways linked to attention, motivation, and stress response, lighting up regions involved in arousal and memory. Sat, 07 Feb 2026 12:11:50 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012224.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012221.htm Fossils from a Moroccan cave have been dated with remarkable accuracy to about 773,000 years ago, thanks to a magnetic signature locked into the surrounding sediments. The hominin remains show a blend of ancient and more modern features, placing them near a pivotal branching point in human evolution. These individuals likely represent an African population close to the last common ancestor of Homo sapiens, Neandertals, and Denisovans. Sat, 07 Feb 2026 11:58:14 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012221.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012217.htm Voyager 2’s flyby of Uranus in 1986 recorded radiation levels so extreme they baffled scientists for nearly 40 years. New research suggests the spacecraft caught Uranus during a rare solar wind event that flooded the planet’s radiation belts with extra energy. Similar storms have been seen near Earth, where they dramatically boost radiation levels. The discovery reshapes how scientists think about Uranus—and why it deserves another visit. Sat, 07 Feb 2026 11:41:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012217.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012213.htm Scientists have uncovered promising clues that compounds found in Aloe vera could play a role in fighting Alzheimer’s disease. Using advanced computer modeling, researchers discovered that beta-sitosterol—a natural plant compound—strongly interacts with two key enzymes involved in memory loss and cognitive decline. The compound showed stability, strong binding, and favorable safety indicators, making it a standout candidate for future drug development. Sun, 08 Feb 2026 07:57:41 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012213.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012210.htm Scientists have cracked a key mystery behind spider silk’s legendary strength and flexibility. They discovered that tiny molecular interactions act like natural glue, holding silk proteins together as they transform from liquid into incredibly tough fibers. This same process helps create silk that’s stronger than steel by weight and tougher than Kevlar. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:22:10 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012210.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012208.htm Quantum computers struggle because their qubits are incredibly easy to disrupt, especially during calculations. A new experiment shows how to perform quantum operations while continuously fixing errors, rather than pausing protection to compute. The team used a method called lattice surgery to split a protected qubit into two entangled ones without losing control. This breakthrough moves quantum machines closer to scaling up into something truly powerful. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 09:10:15 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012208.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012206.htm Astronomers propose that an ultra-dense clump of exotic dark matter could be masquerading as the powerful object thought to anchor our galaxy, explaining both the blistering speeds of stars near the center and the slower, graceful rotation of material far beyond. This dark matter structure would have a compact core that pulls on nearby stars like a black hole, surrounded by a broad halo shaping the galaxy’s outer motion. Sat, 07 Feb 2026 11:26:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012206.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012203.htm Scientists at Keck Medicine of USC are testing an experimental stem cell therapy that aims to restore the brain’s ability to produce dopamine, the chemical whose loss drives Parkinson’s disease. The early-stage clinical trial involves implanting lab-grown dopamine-producing cells directly into a key movement-control region of the brain, with the hope of slowing disease progression and improving motor function. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 06:57:35 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012203.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260205050039.htm Deep inside Earth, two massive hot rock structures have been quietly shaping the planet’s magnetic field for millions of years. Using ancient magnetic records and advanced simulations, scientists discovered that these formations influence the movement of liquid iron in Earth’s core. Some parts of the magnetic field remained stable over vast stretches of time, while others changed dramatically. Thu, 05 Feb 2026 05:53:59 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260205050039.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260205025026.htm Advanced care provided by air ambulance teams was linked to higher survival rates in major trauma patients. Researchers found that more people survived than predicted by standard models, including many with severe injuries and low chances of survival. Younger patients and those more responsive at first assessment benefited most. Outcomes for traumatic cardiac arrest also improved steadily over the study period. Thu, 05 Feb 2026 02:56:53 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260205025026.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121552.htm Scientists have found that ancient Martian lakes could have survived for decades despite freezing air temperatures. Using a newly adapted climate model, researchers showed that thin, seasonal ice could trap heat and protect liquid water beneath. These lakes may have gently melted and refrozen each year without ever freezing solid. The idea helps solve a long-standing mystery about how Mars shows so much evidence of water without signs of a warm climate. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:21:29 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121552.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121550.htm A new imaging breakthrough combines ultrasound and light-based techniques to generate vivid 3D images that show both tissue structure and blood vessel activity. Developed by researchers at Caltech and USC, the system delivers detailed results quickly and without radiation or contrast dyes. It has already been used to image multiple parts of the human body. The approach could significantly improve cancer detection, nerve-damage monitoring, and brain imaging. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:11:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121550.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121549.htm Researchers have figured out how psoriasis can quietly turn into joint disease for some patients. Immune cells formed in inflamed skin can travel through the blood and reach the joints, where they sometimes trigger inflammation. The key difference lies in the joint’s ability to keep those cells in check. This insight could help doctors identify warning signs early and prevent lasting joint damage. Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:44:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121549.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121547.htm People who switch to a fully unprocessed diet don’t just eat differently—they eat smarter. Research from the University of Bristol shows that when people avoid ultra-processed foods, they naturally pile their plates with fruits and vegetables, eating over 50% more food by weight while still consuming hundreds fewer calories each day. This happens because whole foods trigger a kind of built-in “nutritional intelligence,” nudging people toward nutrient-rich, lower-calorie options. Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:04:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121547.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121545.htm Physicists have watched a quantum fluid do something once thought almost impossible: stop moving. In experiments with ultra-thin graphene, researchers observed a superfluid—normally defined by its endless, frictionless flow—freeze into a strange new state that looks solid yet still belongs to the quantum world. This long-sought phase, known as a supersolid, blends crystal-like order with superfluid behavior and has puzzled scientists for decades. Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:15:38 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121545.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121543.htm Kidney disease often creeps in silently, and many patients aren’t diagnosed until major damage is already done. New research shows that even “normal” kidney test results can signal danger if they’re unusually low for someone’s age. By mapping kidney function across the population, scientists revealed who’s quietly at higher risk. A new online tool could help doctors catch these warning signs years earlier. Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:28:40 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121543.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121542.htm Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, one of the most endangered sea turtle species on Earth, live in some of the noisiest waters on the planet, right alongside major shipping routes. New research reveals that these turtles are especially sensitive to low-frequency sounds—the same rumbling tones produced by ships and industrial activity underwater. Thu, 05 Feb 2026 07:37:25 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121542.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121540.htm Researchers have created the first complete map showing how hundreds of mutations in a key cancer gene affect tumor growth. By testing every possible mutation in a critical hotspot, they found that some changes barely boost cancer signals, while others supercharge them. When matched against real patient data, the map accurately predicted cancer behavior across tissues. Thu, 05 Feb 2026 07:29:14 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121540.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121538.htm Researchers have built a paper-thin chip that converts infrared light into visible light and directs it precisely, all without mechanical motion. The design overcomes a long-standing efficiency-versus-control problem in light-shaping materials. This opens the door to tiny, highly efficient light sources integrated directly onto chips. Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:39:29 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121538.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121536.htm A new metasurface design lets light of different spins bend, focus, and behave independently—while staying sharp across many colors. The trick combines two geometric phase effects so each spin channel can be tuned without interfering with the other. Researchers demonstrated stable beam steering and dual-focus lenses over wide frequency ranges. The approach could scale from microwaves all the way to visible light. Thu, 05 Feb 2026 01:59:59 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121536.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204114540.htm A new optical device allows researchers to generate and switch between two stable, donut-shaped light patterns called skyrmions. These light vortices hold their shape even when disturbed, making them promising for wireless data transmission. Using a specially designed metasurface and controlled laser pulses, scientists can flip between electric and magnetic modes. The advance could help pave the way for more resilient terahertz communication systems. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:51:31 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204114540.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204114343.htm As bird flu continues to circulate in animals and spill over into humans, researchers are racing to stop it before it adapts to spread widely between people. A new nasal spray vaccine showed strong protection against H5N1 in animal tests, outperforming traditional flu shots. Because it targets the nose and lungs, it may prevent infection at the earliest stage. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:43:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204114343.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204114144.htm At just two months old, babies are already organizing the world in their minds. Brain scans revealed distinct patterns as infants looked at pictures of animals, toys, and everyday objects, showing early category recognition. Scientists used AI to help decode these patterns, offering a rare glimpse into infant thinking. The results suggest babies begin learning and understanding far sooner than expected. Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:14:20 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204114144.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204042457.htm Melting ice from West Antarctica once delivered huge amounts of iron to the Southern Ocean, but algae growth did not increase as expected. Researchers found the iron was in a form that marine life could not easily use. This means more melting ice does not automatically boost carbon absorption. In the future, Antarctic ice loss could actually reduce the ocean’s ability to slow climate change. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 04:32:51 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204042457.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030554.htm Scientists still don’t know how the brain turns physical activity into thoughts, feelings, and awareness—but a powerful new tool may help crack the mystery. Researchers at MIT are exploring transcranial focused ultrasound, a noninvasive technology that can precisely stimulate deep regions of the brain that were previously off-limits. In a new “roadmap” paper, they explain how this method could finally let scientists test cause-and-effect in consciousness research, not just observe correlations. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 07:42:40 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030554.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030551.htm Popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy can dramatically curb appetite, but experts warn many users are flying blind when it comes to nutrition. New research suggests people taking these medications may not be getting enough guidance on protein, vitamins, and overall diet quality, increasing the risk of muscle loss and nutrient deficiencies. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:43:08 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030551.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030548.htm Researchers have found that manganese, an abundant and inexpensive metal, can be used to efficiently convert carbon dioxide into formate, a potential hydrogen source for fuel cells. The key was a clever redesign that made the catalyst last far longer than similar low-cost materials. Surprisingly, the improved manganese catalyst even beat many expensive precious-metal options. The discovery could help turn greenhouse gas into clean energy ingredients. Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:08:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030548.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030546.htm Plants make chemical weapons to protect themselves, and many of these compounds have become vital to human medicine. Researchers found that one powerful plant chemical is produced using a gene that looks surprisingly bacterial. This suggests plants reuse microbial tools to invent new chemistry. The insight could help scientists discover new drugs and produce them more sustainably. Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:06:55 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030546.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030540.htm A massive Swedish study tracking nearly 28,000 people for 25 years found an unexpected link between full-fat dairy and brain health. Among adults without a genetic risk for Alzheimer’s, eating more full-fat cheese was associated with a noticeably lower risk of developing the disease, while higher cream intake was tied to reduced dementia risk overall. The findings challenge decades of low-fat dietary advice but come with important caveats. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 09:44:17 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030540.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030537.htm Scientists are digging into why heart disease risk in type 2 diabetes differs between men and women—and sex hormones may be part of the story. In a large Johns Hopkins study, men with higher testosterone had lower heart disease risk, while rising estradiol levels were linked to higher risk. These hormone effects were not seen in women. The results point toward more personalized approaches to heart disease prevention in diabetes. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 02:21:09 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030537.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030533.htm Scientists have uncovered a surprising genetic shift that may explain how animals with backbones—from fish and frogs to humans—became so complex. By comparing sea squirts, lampreys, and frogs, researchers found that key genes controlling cell communication began producing many more protein variations right at the moment vertebrates emerged. This genetic flexibility likely helped cells specialize in new ways, shaping the development of diverse tissues and organs. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 01:40:26 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030533.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030529.htm Sound machines may not be the sleep saviors many believe. Researchers found that pink noise significantly reduced REM sleep, while simple earplugs did a better job protecting deep, restorative sleep from traffic noise. When pink noise was combined with outside noise, sleep quality dropped even further. The results suggest that popular “sleep sounds” could be doing more harm than good—particularly for kids. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:58:14 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030529.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030526.htm As we age, our cells don’t just wear down—they reorganize. Researchers found that cells actively remodel a key structure called the endoplasmic reticulum, reducing protein-producing regions while preserving fat-related ones. This process, driven by ER-phagy, is tied to lifespan and healthy aging. Because these changes happen early, they could help trigger later disease—or offer a chance to stop it. Tue, 03 Feb 2026 03:05:26 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030526.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030521.htm A newly identified tiny dinosaur, Foskeia pelendonum, is shaking up long-held ideas about how plant-eating dinosaurs evolved. Though fully grown adults were remarkably small and lightweight, their anatomy was anything but simple—featuring a bizarre, highly specialized skull and unexpected evolutionary traits. Detailed bone studies show these dinosaurs matured quickly with bird- or mammal-like metabolism, while their teeth and posture hint at fast, agile lives in dense forests. Tue, 03 Feb 2026 09:09:13 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030521.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203020205.htm Astronomers have produced the most detailed map yet of dark matter, revealing the invisible framework that shaped the Universe long before stars and galaxies formed. Using powerful new observations from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, the research shows how dark matter gathered ordinary matter into dense regions, setting the stage for galaxies like the Milky Way and eventually planets like Earth. Tue, 03 Feb 2026 03:48:13 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203020205.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203020203.htm A new brain imaging study reveals that remembering facts and recalling life events activate nearly identical brain networks. Researchers expected clear differences but instead found strong overlap across memory types. The finding challenges decades of memory research. It may also help scientists better understand conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Tue, 03 Feb 2026 02:17:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203020203.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203020202.htm Even in some of the most isolated corners of the Pacific, plastic pollution has quietly worked its way into the food web. A large analysis of fish caught around Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu found that roughly one in three contained microplastics, with Fiji standing out for especially high contamination. Reef and bottom-dwelling fish were most affected, linking exposure to where fish live and how they feed. Tue, 03 Feb 2026 02:02:02 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203020202.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260201231259.htm Hidden lava tunnels on the Moon and Mars could one day shelter human explorers, offering natural protection from radiation and space debris. A European research team has unveiled a bold new mission concept that uses three different robots working together to explore these extreme underground environments autonomously. Recently tested in the volcanic caves of Lanzarote, the system maps cave entrances, deploys sensors, lowers a scout rover, and creates detailed 3D maps of the interior. Mon, 02 Feb 2026 03:43:49 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260201231259.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260201231255.htm New research reveals a forgotten side of medieval Christianity—one rooted not in cathedrals, but in fields, forests, and farms. Historian Dr. Krisztina Ilko uncovers how the Augustinian order built its power through “green” miracles: restoring barren land, healing livestock, reviving fruit trees, and taming deadly landscapes once blamed on dragons. Far from symbolic tales, these acts helped rural communities survive and gave the order legitimacy at a time when its very existence was under threat. Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:36:55 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260201231255.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260201231250.htm MMS has long been promoted as a miracle cure, but new research shows it’s essentially a toxic disinfectant. While it can kill bacteria, it only works at levels that also damage human cells and beneficial gut microbes. Scientists warn that homemade MMS mixtures are especially dangerous due to wildly inconsistent dosing. The study calls MMS a clear case where the risks are high—and the benefits are effectively zero. Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:52:16 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260201231250.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260201231240.htm Chronic stress can damage the gut’s protective lining, triggering inflammation that may worsen depression. New research shows that stress lowers levels of a protein called Reelin, which plays a key role in both gut repair and brain health. Remarkably, a single injection restored Reelin levels and produced antidepressant-like effects in preclinical models. The findings hint at a future treatment that targets depression through the gut–brain connection. Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:37:15 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260201231240.htm