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Science News for March 11, 2026


Physicists observe rare nuclear isomer in ytterbium-150 for first time, advancing nuclear structure research

Researchers observe rare nuclear isomer in ytterbium-150, measuring its half-life and establishing its decay scheme. The study reveals an isomeric relay mechanism, shifting the configuration of nuclei within the 10+ isomeric chain, extending its persistence into the proton drip line region.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

New survey highlights the role of Clinical Practice Guidelines to improve care for patients with rare cancers

A recent survey highlights the importance of Clinical Practice Guidelines in managing rare cancers, with strong overall uptake but inconsistent use for diagnosis and research purposes. High guideline adherence is linked to tangible survival benefits, such as reduced mortality and improved outcomes in various rare tumour types.

As hospital assaults rise, VR training steps in

A 20-minute VR training session improved nursing students' confidence in managing aggressive patients, with a statistically significant improvement found in their confidence levels. The study's findings highlight the potential for immersive technology to strengthen frontline healthcare skills quickly and effectively.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalTeaching and Learning in Nursing·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

How fast does smoke rise, rain fall, and a supernova explode?

Researchers at OIST and University of Turin developed a general formulation for mixing heavy particles with fluid, enabling study of fundamental physics phenomena and applied research in fluid engineering. Simulations reveal the formation of sediment plumes and the role of friction in particle interactions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 11, 2026

Berberine as a “natural Ozempic”?

Berberine's effects on metabolism are indirect and dependent on the intestinal environment, not a direct hormonal action. The gut-brain axis is a promising area, but more research is needed to understand its clinical significance. Individual variability plays a key role, with different effects in different people.

SourceWroclaw Medical University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMar 11, 2026

Researchers clarify how ketogenic diets treat epilepsy, guiding future therapy development

A new review outlines the scientific explanations behind ketogenic diets' therapeutic benefits for epilepsy, including their ability to strengthen brain energy systems, reduce inflammation, and protect neurons. The review highlights the need for further research, particularly in adults, to develop new therapies that mirror the diet's e...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateMar 11, 2026

A roadmap for dementia care

A new structured virtual palliative care program, SUPPORT-D, is designed to support patients and caregivers with dementia. The six-week program provides guided support in four main areas, including understanding the disease, patient self-care, caregiver care, and planning for the future, to reduce burdens and improve quality of life.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalPalliative & Supportive Care·DateMar 11, 2026

FAMU-FSU College of Engineering research offers path forward for integrating flood modeling methods

New research from FAMU-FSU College of Engineering proposes a way to integrate different flood models, improving predictions and supporting critical decision-making. The study suggests four key directives for future research, including hybrid frameworks, enhanced physical representation, and bridging science and practice.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalReviews of Geophysics·DateMar 11, 2026

Does sexual harassment behavior matter for ecosystems?

Researchers found that high levels of male harassment significantly reduced zooplankton abundance and decreased water flea size, highlighting the impact of social behavior on ecosystems. The study suggests that a specific behavioral threshold must be crossed before social interactions reshape an entire food web.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Florida’s most at-risk bat moves into safer artificial roosts

A new study by researchers from the University of Illinois has shown that bonneted bats can be lured to and inhabit safer bat boxes, which mimic their natural roosts and maintain a stable thermal environment. The study found that the external water jacket in the boxes provides a safer temperature for the bats, and that long-term follow...

AAN issues guidance on the use of wearable devices

The American Academy of Neurology provides guidance on the use of wearable devices for neurological care, highlighting their benefits and limitations. Wearable devices can serve as screening tools for heart rate and cardiac arrhythmia, and can be helpful in disease management for epilepsy, but their use also carries risks and limitations.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 11, 2026

Aging reshapes the electron transfer behavior of pyrogenic carbon in soils and environments

Research reveals that aging significantly alters the electron transfer behavior of pyrogenic carbon in soils and environments, with some materials becoming more electron-conductive while others become less so. These changes can influence nutrient cycling, pollutant degradation, and microbial processes in environmental systems.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Research guides response to unprecedented 2023 E. coli outbreak affecting Calgary kids

A large E. coli outbreak in Calgary daycare centers resulted in 285 children becoming infected, with daily laboratory monitoring and treating dehydration preventing complications and potentially saving lives. The study found that this approach reduced the number of children who developed life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 11, 2026

Chemotherapy candidate can marshall attention from the body’s natural defenses

Researchers discover a potential chemotherapy agent that causes cancer cells to release signals similar to those released by infected cells, triggering an immune response. This finding could lead to a new approach in cancer treatment, using lower doses of chemotherapy drugs to recruit the immune system as an ally.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Scholars focus on credit, accountability, and transparency in scientific authorship guidelines

A multidisciplinary team proposes three principles for responsible authorship: transparency, credit, and accountability. The guidelines aim to address issues like gift or honorific authorship, ghost authorship, and coercive authorship, and promote a culture of trustworthiness in science.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2026

A dynamic twist of light’s ‘handedness’

The Harvard researchers' new device is elegantly designed to be tunable, with a bilayer design that becomes geometrically chiral and able to 'read' chiral light. By using the MEMS device to continuously vary the twist angle and interlayer spacing, the team showed they could tune the device's intrinsic ability to read different chiral l...

Despite their contrasting reputations, bonobos and chimpanzees show similar levels of aggression in zoos

Researchers found that bonobos and chimpanzees exhibit similar levels of aggression in zoos, contradicting their differing reputations. The study suggests that aggression levels vary within each species, with some groups displaying higher aggression, and that environmental factors may play a role in shaping their behavior.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2026

A hidden immune circuit in the uterus revealed: Findings shed light on preeclampsia and early pregnancy failure

A new study reveals that NFAT controls uterine natural killer cells, which guide embryo implantation and placental growth. The findings offer fresh insight into preeclampsia, implantation failure, and inadequate placental blood flow, potentially benefiting all pregnant patients.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Still standing but mostly dead: Recovery of dying coral reef in Moorea stalls

A recent study found that coral reefs in Moorea are struggling to recover from bleaching events due to the presence of algae encrusting dead coral skeletons. The algae, particularly Lobophora variegata, are stabilizing the dead corals, making it difficult for juvenile corals to establish themselves and rebuild the reef.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2026

Foreign aid cuts to tuberculosis services could cost families $80 billion worldwide

A new study warns that reduced international funding for tuberculosis services could lead to significant economic hardship for 40 million households globally, with the poorest households bearing the greatest burden. The study estimates that complete elimination of external funding for TB could cost families up to $80 billion annually.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 11, 2026

Optical genome mapping detects additional genetic variants in nearly 20% of individuals with acute leukemia

A new clinical diagnostic test using optical genome mapping (OGM) has been shown to detect additional genetic variants in nearly 20% of individuals with acute leukemia. OGM offers a comprehensive view of the genome, refining diagnosis and risk stratification, and improving therapy selection. The test's high diagnostic yield and ability...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Promoting physical activity can be surprisingly inexpensive – yet impacts are rarely measured

A new study found that simple approaches to promoting physical activity, such as online or print-based advice, can increase activity by an average of one hour per week at a cost of less than one euro per participant. However, the study highlights a significant gap in measuring the costs and real-world impacts of such interventions.

SourceUniversity of Oulu, Finland·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateMar 11, 2026

New photonic device, developed by MIT researchers, efficiently beams light into free space

MIT researchers have developed a new photonic device that efficiently beams light into free space, enabling advanced displays, high-speed optical communications, and larger-scale quantum computers. The device uses an array of microscopic structures to project detailed, full-color images and precisely control quantum bits, paving the wa...

The complete genome of the golden lancehead reveals how genes responsible for venom toxins evolved

The study's findings reveal the evolution of venom toxins in the golden lancehead, a venom-rich species isolated from its mainland counterparts. The genome sequencing data can inform conservation policies and potentially lead to the development of anticoagulant drugs or blood pressure-lowering treatments.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateMar 11, 2026

UCSB researcher bridges the worlds of general relativity and supernova astrophysics

A team of international researchers led by a UC Santa Barbara graduate student has confirmed a long-standing theory of stellar death by applying the principles of general relativity to a superluminous supernova. The discovery suggests that a magnetar, a rapidly spinning neutron star with a massive magnetic field, powers the supernova, ...

The gut can drive age-associated memory loss

Researchers discovered that the aging gastrointestinal tract produces specific molecules that blunt the activity of a key gut-brain neuronal pathway, leading to age-related cognitive decline. Stimulating specific gut sensory neurons and targeting the vagus nerve can restore youthful cognitive function in old mice, suggesting that brain...

SourceArc Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Many older adults develop cardiovascular conditions that affect anti-amyloid treatment

A new study estimates that older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia develop new cardiovascular diagnoses requiring anticoagulant or thrombolytic therapy each year. This finding highlights the need for clinicians and families to weigh the potential benefits and risks of anti-amyloid treatments.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalNeurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 11, 2026

Researchers uncover distinct tumor “neighborhoods”, with each cell subtype playing a specific role, in aggressive childhood brain cancer

New research reveals that tumor cells in supratentorial ependymomas cluster into distinct neighborhoods, each with a specific role, such as proliferating or invading. Understanding these cell subtypes could help predict treatment response and inform targeted therapies for this aggressive childhood brain cancer.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature·DateMar 11, 2026

Here's why seafarers have little confidence in autonomous ships

A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study highlights seafarers' concerns about autonomous ships' technical safety, trust in technology, and crew competence. The researchers aim to ensure safer use of advanced technology and increase seafarers' trust in autonomy by addressing the challenges highlighted by the seafarers.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalWMU Journal of Maritime Affairs·TypeSurvey·DateMar 11, 2026

What changes happen in the aging brain?

Researchers created the most comprehensive single-cell atlas of epigenetic changes in the aging mouse brain, revealing how DNA methylation, genome structure, and gene activity change across brain regions and cell types. The atlas has already shown clear epigenetic differences between different age groups and allowed the development of ...

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateMar 11, 2026

To attempt world record, researchers will use their finding that prep phase is most vital to accurate three-point shooting

Researchers from the University of Kansas used motion capture technology to analyze shooting mechanics, finding that greater flexibility in the preparatory phase is crucial for accuracy. The study's findings will be used to attempt a new world record for most consecutive made three-point shots.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalFrontiers in Sports and Active Living·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 11, 2026

Subaquatic Sovereigns: New research shows how Bumble Bee Queens can survive underwater for a week

Researchers discovered that bumble bee queens can survive submersion for over a week by combining underwater gas exchange with anaerobic metabolism. After eight days, their metabolic rate spikes before returning to normal levels, allowing them to survive extreme conditions.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Insights into how materials transform at the nanoscale

A team of researchers at the University of Chicago has made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of nanocrystals, shedding new light on cation exchange reactions. By applying a cellular automaton model, they were able to demonstrate that a single atom can be replaced with another in a tiny crystal, even as all the atoms remain in or...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Synthesis·DateMar 11, 2026

Eyes as a window to hidden brain diseases

Researchers developed a fast, non-invasive, and affordable diagnostic tool using retinal images to differentiate between ALS and Alzheimer's disease. The tool, based on polarized light analysis, accurately predicted disease severity and type with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalAlzheimer’s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Solid but fluid: New materials reconfigure their entire crystal structure in response to humidity

Researchers at CUNY ASRC have created peptide-based crystalline solids that can switch between soft layered and stiff honeycomb architectures in response to humidity. These dynamic solids exhibit large, controllable changes in mechanical and optical properties, enabling unprecedented adaptability.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

New research reveals how development and sex shape the brain

Researchers have created the first high-resolution molecular atlas of the adult Drosophila melanogaster brain, uncovering how neurons retain a record of their developmental origins. The study found that the genetic diversity of neurons is far greater than previously thought, and that sex differences arise through selective neuronal sur...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCell Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Why March Madness is a perfect storm for betting

A new study found that people are more likely to place bets during weeks with major sporting events when they believe their friends are doing the same. Researchers say early intervention is key to preventing harmful betting patterns, as it can be associated with depression, anxiety, and increased substance use. The study, led by Univer...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·TypeSurvey·DateMar 11, 2026

New discovery may improve kidney disease diagnosis in black patients

A new study from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons has found that analyzing the APOL1 gene in Black patients with kidney disease can provide more accurate diagnoses. The study suggests that incorporating M1 into routine APOL1 genetic testing could help doctors determine the true cause of a patient's kidney ...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 11, 2026

An experimental model reproduces creeping fat associated with Crohn's disease and facilitates its study

A new experimental rat model reproduces creeping fat in Crohn's disease, characterized by mesocolic adipose tissue hyperplasia with macroscopic, histological, immunological, and molecular similarities to human disease. The model supports the hypothesis that intestinal microbiota contributes to remodelling of mesenteric adipose tissue.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalInflammatory Bowel Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Researchers reveal distinct roles of NO₂ versus NO and synergisms with SO₂ on β-Myrcene photooxidation

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology reveals distinct roles of NO2 versus NO in β-myrcene photooxidation and their synergistic interactions with SO2. NO2 enhances SOA yield and increases oxygen-to-carbon ratio, while NO suppresses particle nucleation and promotes particle growth.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 11, 2026

Giving stem cells room to breathe

Researchers developed hybrid spheroids with biodegradable nanogels to improve stem cell function and survival in injured swallowing muscles. The approach significantly improved muscle regeneration, cell retention, and functional recovery in a rat model.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Breast cancer stage at diagnosis differs sharply across rural US regions

A national study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that breast cancer stage at diagnosis differs sharply across rural US regions, with geographic, racial, and insurance factors influencing stage. The study analyzed data from 52,287 rural women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2004 and 2021, revealin...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 11, 2026

Gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Genethon confirms two-year efficacy in patients treated with its drug candidate GNT0004 at therapeutic dose in the first phase of its clinical trial

Genethon's GNT0004 gene therapy shows long-term efficacy in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, maintaining clinical efficacy and safety at two years. The trial included 72 boys aged 6-10 with retained walking ability, treated with GNT0004 at a therapeutic dose.

Fourier ptychographic coherence scanning interferometry for 3D morphology of high aspect ratio and composite micro-trenches

Researchers develop Fourier ptychographic coherence scanning interferometry for high-aspect-ratio micro-trenches, achieving high-resolution 3D topography and lateral resolution beyond the incoherent diffraction limit. The method overcomes challenges of strong optical modulation, enabling robust and accurate measurements.

Decoding the pattern and mechanisms that provide hardness to tooth enamel

A study on mouse incisors reveals a cellular mechanism behind the unique decussation patterns of tooth enamel, which form the enamel's hardness through directional sliding and coordinated migration of ameloblasts. The findings provide new insights into how dental stem and progenitor cells maintain and repair enamel-forming tissues.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalInternational Journal of Oral Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

First evidence that North Sea ‘Lost World’ had habitable forests during the last ice age

Researchers discovered temperate trees, including oak, elm, and hazel, in Doggerland over 16,000 years ago, revealing a surprisingly hospitable environment. The study suggests that Doggerland may have supported early Mesolithic communities prior to flooding, shedding light on the region's ecological history and human settlement patterns.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

California communities’ recovery time between wildfire smoke events is shrinking

A study by UC San Diego finds that California wildfire smoke events are becoming more frequent, with communities in Southern and Central California experiencing shorter recovery times between smoke events. These communities are also disproportionately vulnerable, with higher proportions of racial and socioeconomic minority residents.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGeoHealth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 11, 2026

Why can small-sized Goss grains in oriented electrical steel engulf surrounding large-sized grains?

The study reveals that small Goss grains can engulf surrounding large grains through elastic interaction and molar volume difference, leading to abnormal growth. This phenomenon is driven by the increasing elastic anisotropy of ferrite with temperature rise, resulting in preferential growth of surface Goss grains.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Materials Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Adults with concurrent hearing and vision loss report barriers and challenges in navigating complex, everyday environments

A recent study found that adults with total or near-total vision loss who also experience hearing loss report lower confidence in their sound localization abilities, despite receiving specialized training. The researchers suggest that clinicians should account for hearing status during vision rehabilitation training to address individu...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS One·DateMar 11, 2026

Researchers realize ammonia synthesis at metallic Li/Ru interface under ambient conditions

A team of researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics developed a novel catalyst enabling thermocatalytic conversion of N2 and H2 to NH3 at room temperature and ambient pressure. The Li/Ru interface exhibits a synergetic effect promoting N2 activation and hydrogenation steps.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChem·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 11, 2026

IVF not linked to higher overall cancer rates, but study shows differences in some cancers

A large Australian study of over 417,000 women found that fertility treatments were not linked to higher overall cancer rates, but some cancers were slightly more common, while others were less common. Women who received fertility treatment were more likely to develop uterine and ovarian cancer, as well as melanoma, but the overall ris...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2026

Augmented reality job coaching boosts performance by 79% for people with disabilities

A new study found that augmented reality job coaching significantly improves job performance for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The AR-based application delivered real-time guidance, enabling participants to complete complex tasks with minimal external support. This innovative approach has the potential t...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalFocus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Scholars propose transparency, credit and accountability as key principles in scientific authorship guidelines

A working group of scholars and experts proposes three principles - transparency, credit, and accountability - to form the foundation for responsible authorship. The principles aim to address issues of gift, ghost, and coercive authorship and promote a culture of transparency and accountability in scientific research.

SourcePLOS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2026

Prior authorization may hinder access to lifesaving heart failure medications

A new study reveals that prior authorization requirements for heart failure medications can significantly delay pharmacy fills, particularly for those with lower socioeconomic status or Medicaid insurance. The study found that patients with prior authorization prescriptions took three times as long to fill their ARNI prescriptions and ...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJACC Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 11, 2026

Jeonbuk National University researchers develop DDINet for accurate and scalable drug-drug interaction prediction

Jeonbuk National University researchers have developed DDINet, a lightweight and scalable model that can accurately predict drug-drug interactions for new, unseen drugs. This approach avoids overfitting to training data and is designed to handle binary and multi-classification tasks.

SourceJeonbuk National University, Sustainable Strategy team, Planning and Coordination Division·JournalKnowledge-Based Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 11, 2026

IEEE researchers achieve low-power ultrashort mid-IR pulse compression

A team of researchers from SASTRA Deemed University demonstrates a fiber-based method for compressing mid-infrared laser pulses into ultrashort, low-noise bursts efficiently. The system reduces input power from kilowatts to 80 watts, improving energy efficiency and thermal stability.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 11, 2026

Deep-sea natural compound targets cancer cells through a dual mechanism

Researchers discovered yaku'amide B induces CD9 degradation, a cancer stem cell-related protein, in addition to inhibiting ATP synthase, leading to cellular energy depletion and cancer cell suppression. This natural compound has potential as a new therapeutic approach for cancer treatment.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

IEEE researchers achieve 20x signal boost in cerebral blood flow monitoring with next-generation interferometric diffusing wave spectroscopy

Researchers optimize interferometric diffusing wave spectroscopy technique to boost weak optical field returning from the brain, achieving over 20x signal to noise ratio. The novel approach provides higher brain sensitivity compared to DCS-inspired approaches and is approximately two orders of magnitude less expensive.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Building protection against infectious diseases with nanostructured vaccines

Researchers at the Wyss Institute developed DoriVac, a DNA nanotechnology-enabled vaccine platform that induces broad immunity against infectious viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and Ebola. The platform produces potent antigen-specific immune responses and is more stable and easier to manufacture than traditional vaccine platforms.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Study: Electrical stimulation can restore ability to move limbs, receive sensory feedback after spinal cord injury

Researchers at Brown University have made significant progress in restoring two-way communication across a damaged spinal cord site. Electrical stimulation below the injury site partially restored muscle control in lower extremities, while stimulation above the injury enabled participants to understand their leg position in space. This...

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 11, 2026

Climate policies: The swing voters that determine their fate

A study by ETH Zurich researchers found that climate policies can only be implemented with the support of the 'conditional middle' group, who are flexible and make decisions based on personal cost-benefit calculations. This group's opinions can significantly impact policy feasibility, with a shift towards support potentially leading to...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 11, 2026

Antibiotics can affect the gut microbiome for several years

A new study found that antibiotics can alter the gut microbiome for up to four to eight years after treatment, with certain types of antibiotics having a stronger impact. The study analyzed data from 14,979 adults and found links between antibiotic use and changes in gut microbiome composition, including diversity of bacterial species.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2026

Gene-based therapies poised for major upgrade thanks to Oregon State University research

Oregon State University researchers have developed a new class of lipid nanoparticles that can safely deliver gene-editing tools at lower doses, resolving a longstanding challenge in the field. The breakthrough was made possible by a DNA-based barcoding test that measures how efficiently different nanoparticle designs release their cargo.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Oval orbit casts new light on black hole - neutron star mergers

Researchers analyzed gravitational-wave data from LIGO and Virgo detectors, revealing an oval orbit just before merger, which is unlikely according to theoretical models. The study corrects underestimated black hole mass and overestimated neutron star mass, suggesting a birthplace in an environment with many interacting stars.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2026

Does online sports gambling affect substance use behaviors?

A new study found that legalizing online sports betting in the US has led to a significant rise in binge drinking frequency among young men, particularly those who already report binge drinking. The study's findings highlight the need for policymakers to consider the broader behavioral impacts of gambling liberalization.

SourceWiley·JournalHealth Economics·DateMar 11, 2026

Mangrove forests are short of breath

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg measured carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in 23 mangrove areas, revealing global patterns in environmental stress. The study found that extreme conditions, including low oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels, are becoming more frequent and severe, posing a threat to sensitive fish species.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2026