Agnieszka

Poland Surpasses Spain in GDP per Capita

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On 26 February 2026, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that Poland had surpassed Spain in gross domestic product per capita calculated at purchasing power parity. He delivered the statement during a speech on the country’s economic situation. According to the data presented, Poland’s GDP per capita at PPP reached a higher level than the corresponding indicator for Spain.

Purchasing power parity accounts for differences in price levels between countries. The Prime Minister stated that the figures were based on international statistical compilations. No detailed numerical values were provided during the speech. The comparison referred to the indicator in real terms rather than nominal terms.

Russia Responds to Armed Incident off Cuba’s Coast

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On Wednesday, 26 February 2026, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova commented on an exchange of fire off the coast of Cuba. The same day, the Cuban border guard killed four people and injured six during a confrontation with a motorboat that entered Cuba’s territorial waters from the direction of Florida.

Cuban media reported that those on board were Cubans residing in the United States. According to those reports, the individuals were allegedly planning actions of a terrorist nature. Maria Zakharova described the incident as a provocation by the United States.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that American authorities are clarifying the circumstances of the incident. He said it was not an operation of the United States government and that no representatives of the US administration were involved.

Władimir Semirunnij won silver

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Vladimir Semirunnij, representing Poland, won the silver medal in speed skating in the 10,000-metre event at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan–Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The athlete led for much of the competition, however in the penultimate pair a better time was recorded by Metodej Jilek of the Czech Republic – 12:33.44 – securing the gold medal.

It was Poland’s second medal at these Games, following Kacper Tomasiak’s silver in ski jumping on the normal hill. Semirunnij has represented Poland since 2025 and previously won medals at the World and European Championships.

Mechanism of VITT identified in international study

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Researchers from several universities have published findings on the mechanism behind the rare syndrome of vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT). The study was published on 12 February 2026 in The New England Journal of Medicine. The analysis covered documented cases of VITT observed after exposure to adenovirus-based vaccines and after natural adenovirus infection. The researchers found that the condition is associated with an immune response initially directed against the adenoviral protein pVII.

In rare cases, a specific somatic mutation in antibody genes caused the antibodies to bind to platelet factor 4 (PF4) instead of the viral antigen. This reactivity to PF4 leads to platelet activation and the formation of blood clots. The identified mutation was present in all analysed antibodies obtained from patients with VITT. Reverting the mutation to its original form removed the ability to induce clot formation.

The findings provide a molecular explanation for how a normal immune response to adenovirus can, in rare cases, shift towards autoimmunity targeting PF4.

NASA lunar spacesuit completes readiness testing phase

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NASA has completed a key testing milestone for the lunar spacesuit intended for use in the Artemis programme. The tests were conducted in the United States under conditions simulating the lunar surface environment. The trials assessed mobility, life support systems and material resistance to lunar dust. The suit is designed to enable astronauts to conduct extravehicular activities during future crewed Moon missions.

The project is being carried out in partnership with a commercial provider selected by the agency. Completion of this phase is required before the system proceeds to further certification tests. NASA plans to use the suit during the Artemis III mission, which aims to land humans on the Moon. Upcoming testing will include integration of the suit with other mission systems.

NASA lunar spacesuit test. Photo: NASA