A study co-led by University of Texas at Dallas bioengineers identified a distinctive feature of tissues from young patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a disease that typically affects older patients.

Researchers found that both cancerous and noncancerous colon tissue was mechanically stiffer in younger patients with respect to older patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The findings, published in the Jan. 30 print edition of Advanced Science, suggest that stiffness may create an environment that promotes the development of colorectal cancer in people under the age of 50. This work may offer new approaches for preventing and treating this disease — known as early-onset colorectal cancer — a condition that has been mysteriously rising over the past 30 years.

POST-PURPLE, a new Horizon Europe research and innovation project, officially launched with its kick-off meeting held on 21–22 January 2026 at the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC) campus in Móstoles, Madrid. The two-day meeting brought together project partners from across Europe to align on objectives, technical work plans, and collaboration strategies to accelerate sustainable urban waste management.

Astrophysicists from the University of Waterloo have observed a new jellyfish galaxy, the most distant one of its kind ever captured.

Researchers have mapped relative levels of human well-being and development for thousands of municipalities around the world. The new approach could help fill gaps in census data and inform decisions about how to tailor policies and programs to local needs.

SAN ANTONIO — February 17, 2026 —Southwest Research Institute’s (SwRI) Metering Research Facility (MRF) has received ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for natural gas flow calibration, which confirms compliance with international testing and calibration standards. As a result, SwRI is now certified by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) to offer highly specialized calibration services to a broad range of energy sector clients, including natural gas pipeline operators, flow meter manufacturers and power plants.