Wednesday, February 18, 2026
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AI-Generated Content: All summaries are AI-generated and may contain errors. Always verify with the original paper.

Today's Top Research

4 papers explained in plain English

Featured research
Feb 18, 2026 PLoS Pathogens

New Antibody Boosts COVID Infection in Mutant Strains

Scientists have discovered a new type of antibody that helps the COVID-19 virus infect cells in people who have already been infected with the Delta variant, but not in those who have been vaccinated or infected with other variants. This antibody, called ConD-854, binds to a specific part of the virus and enhances its ability to enter cells, making it more likely to cause infection. The researchers found that this antibody works differently than previously discovered antibodies and provides new insights into how the immune system responds to COVID-19.

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Feb 18, 2026 PLoS Pathogens

Breakthrough Discovery on COVID-19's Immune Response

Scientists have discovered a key player in the body's response to COVID-19: an enzyme called Regnase-1. Research found that when this enzyme is not produced, mice are more resistant to a specific strain of the virus and develop less severe pneumonia. The study also showed that neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in this process. When Regnase-1 is present, it helps regulate the activity of these cells, preventing them from overreacting to the virus. However, when Regnase-1 is absent, the neutrophils become overly active, leading to excessive inflammation and worsening pneumonia. This discovery could lead to new treatments for COVID-19 by targeting this enzyme or modulating its effects on neutrophils.

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Feb 18, 2026 JCE

COVID Vaccine Effectiveness Tested in Unconventional Trials

Main finding: Researchers found that vaccines are still effective against new variants of COVID-19, despite concerns about their ability to protect against emerging strains. The study combined data from both randomized controlled trials and non-randomized studies to get a clearer picture of how well the vaccines worked during this time. This approach allowed them to provide more accurate information on vaccine effectiveness, which is crucial for making informed decisions about public health measures.

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Feb 18, 2026 JECH

SNAP Benefit Boost Slashes Child Food Insecurity

A recent study found that a temporary increase in food benefits for low-income families during the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on reducing child hunger in the US. The researchers analyzed data from over 9,700 households with children who received food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and compared them to similar households without SNAP benefits. They discovered that households receiving increased SNAP benefits saw a 20% decrease in child hunger, with Hispanic-American families experiencing an even greater reduction of nearly 40%.

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Explore Original Research

Want to dive deeper? These journals publish the original peer-reviewed research we summarize:

Nature Science The Lancet NEJM BMJ Cell JAMA PLOS ONE