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Myopia may be driven by prolonged close-up focus in low-light environments

For years, rising rates of myopia - or nearsightedness - have been widely attributed to increased screen time, especially among children and young adults.

17 Feb 2026

Fred Hutch scientists reach crucial milestone in blocking Epstein Barr virus

Fred Hutch Cancer Center scientists reached a crucial milestone in blocking Epstein Barr virus (EBV), a pathogen estimated to infect 95% of the global population that is linked to multiple types of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and other chronic health conditions.

17 Feb 2026

Review: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of harlequin ichthyosis

Harlequin ichthyosis (HI) is a rare, severe genetic skin disorder caused by ABCA12 mutations, leading to defective lipid transport and loss of skin barrier function.

17 Feb 2026

A yeast-derived genetic tool offers hope for mitochondrial disorders and cancer

Nucleotide synthesis-the production of the basic components of DNA and RNA-is essential for cell growth and division.

17 Feb 2026

From liquid handling to sample storage

PulpFixin®, a materials science company focused on replacing single-use plastics in life science laboratories, will debut a slate of new automation-ready, compostable lab products at the 2026 SLAS International Conference and Exhibition in Boston, expanding its footprint across liquid handling, sample identification and cold storage workflows.

From PulpFixin 17 Feb 2026

Canadian study reveals how COVID-19 lockdowns masked child maltreatment

Hospital admissions for maltreatment of children under the age of 2 years declined 31% during the 16-week lockdown at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, returning to prepandemic levels after restrictions lifted, according to new research published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

17 Feb 2026

Bioengineered E. coli bacteria can now produce rhododendron-derived drugs

Bioengineered E. coli bacteria can now produce a group of compounds with anticancer, anti-HIV, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities.

17 Feb 2026

Frozen in time: Ancient bacteria reveal evolution of drug resistance

Bacteria have evolved to adapt to all of Earth's most extreme conditions, from scorching heat to temperatures well below zero.

17 Feb 2026

Nuclear speckles may be the unseen architects of viral infection spread

Recent research reveals that nuclear speckles play a key role in modifying viral messenger RNAs and in their transport out of the nucleus; therefore, nuclear speckles are an important subject of study in understanding viral infections.

17 Feb 2026

Study links microbe-rich diets with better insulin and cholesterol markers

This exploratory Australian study developed a database to estimate live microbe content in foods and examined associations with cardiometabolic health indicators in adults. Higher intake of foods estimated to contain live microbes was linked with favourable markers such as higher HDL cholesterol and lower BMI, insulin, and waist circumference, although causality cannot be inferred.

16 Feb 2026

Psychedelic effects of ketamine do not predict sobriety

The psychedelic effects recreational users often seek from taking ketamine do not predict the therapeutic benefits for people being treated for alcohol use disorder.

16 Feb 2026

Do cocoa flavanols influence heart and fatty liver risk factors?

A recent Nutrients review examined whether cocoa-rich dark chocolate influences cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease risk factors through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and endothelial effects. Evidence suggests modest improvements in biomarkers, but most data come from short-term studies, so definitive clinical benefits remain unproven.

16 Feb 2026

Sleep loss triggers brain fluid pulses that impair attention, study finds

Sleep deprivation causes attentional lapses that coincide with coordinated changes in brain activity, pupil diameter, blood flow, and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. These findings suggest attention failures reflect a transient brain–body state linked to sleep pressure rather than isolated neural errors.

16 Feb 2026

Healthy diets link to longer life regardless of longevity genes, large study finds

Adherence to five established healthy dietary patterns was associated with lower mortality and modestly longer life expectancy in a large UK cohort. These associations were largely independent of genetic predisposition to longevity, suggesting diet quality may influence lifespan regardless of inherited risk.

16 Feb 2026

Specific neurobiological link identified between hearing loss and cognitive decline

Presbycusis is a prevalent form of age-related hearing loss that also hinders speech recognition. While scientists have linked hearing loss to an increased risk of cognitive decline, the biological "bridge" between the two has remained unclear.

16 Feb 2026

Study reveals a new facet of how pancreatic cancer cells regulate autophagy

A feature of pancreatic cancer cells' surroundings determines whether they grow fast or become resistant to chemotherapy, a new study shows.

16 Feb 2026

Study reveals persistent gaps in child mental health access

A new study led by the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute finds that mental health care gaps for U.S. children remain stark: one in five households reported a child needing treatment, yet nearly a quarter didn't receive it, and many who did still struggled to access care.

16 Feb 2026