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Science News for March 12, 2026


A folding magnetic soft sheet robot: Enabling precise targeted drug delivery via real-time reconfigurable magnetization

Researchers developed a novel magnetorheological fluid-based soft robot with reversible t robot with reversible for precise targeting of gastrointestinal tract diseases. The robot demonstrated stable flip, steering, and folding motions, as well as reliable movement performance under load, and successfully attached to the drug release p...

SourceJournal Center of Harbin Institute of Technology·JournalSmartBot·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 12, 2026

Turning slaughterhouse waste into a sustainable fertilizer: Bone char could help recycle global phosphorus

Bone char produced from animal bones can transform a large global waste stream into a valuable agricultural resource, recycling phosphorus and improving soil health. Laboratory and field studies show that bone char can enhance soil fertility by gradually releasing phosphorus over time, reducing nutrient losses and promoting plant growth.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 12, 2026

Mechanochemically modified biochar creates sustainable water repellent coating and powerful oil adsorbent

Researchers developed a solvent-free method to transform biochar into a hydrophobic material that repels water and absorbs oil. The material, created through mechanochemical functionalization, was applied to hemp fibers, providing strong water repellent properties while allowing oil absorption.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

New study reveals hidden role of larger pores in biochar carbon capture

A new study challenges the assumption that only small pores in biochar capture carbon dioxide, finding that larger pores significantly increase carbon capture at higher temperatures. The research suggests optimizing the full pore hierarchy of biochar could improve its performance as a carbon capture material.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Thorny issue plaguing lithium-ion batteries laid bare in new study

Researchers directly measured lithium dendrites' mechanical strength, finding they exhibit unexpectedly high strength and brittle behavior under stress. The study provides insights into how dendrites respond to physical stresses within a battery cell, shedding light on the challenge of scale and access that hindered previous research.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Fall prevention clinics for older adults provide a strong return on investment

A 12-month cost analysis of a falls prevention clinic in Canada found that every dollar invested yielded substantial financial and health returns, preventing falls by 36% and providing significant cost savings. The clinic's goal is to keep older adults independent, maintaining their health and quality of life.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalMaturitas·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2026

People's opinions can shape how negative experiences feel

A new study from Dartmouth College finds that social information can significantly impact how people experience negative events, including physical pain and mentally demanding tasks. When others describe an experience as painful, individuals tend to feel it that way, even when the actual experience is low in intensity.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Preclinical study reveals new cream may prevent or slow growth of some common skin cancers

A preclinical study reveals a new topical cream that activates the skin's immune defenses and suppresses tumor growth in two models of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The cream works by blocking LSD1, an enzyme that suppresses immune-activating pathways in the skin, prompting immune cells to attack tumors.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Romiplostim prevents serious side effect of chemotherapy in phase 3 trial

A phase 3 clinical trial by Mass General Brigham reveals romiplostim's ability to prevent chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, allowing full-dose chemotherapy delivery. The medication boosts bone marrow's resistance to chemotherapy, reducing the risk of life-threatening bleeding and improving cancer treatment outcomes.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

USC study reveals differences in early Alzheimer’s brain markers across diverse populations

Researchers at USC identified differences in early Alzheimer's disease-related brain changes across racial and ethnic groups, with Black and Hispanic participants showing higher levels of tau in key memory-related regions. The study highlights the need for more inclusive approaches to studying and diagnosing Alzheimer's disease.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2026

Advancing breastfeeding research through optical analysis of human milk

Researchers from the University of Twente are studying the optical properties of human milk to understand the causes of lactation insufficiency. The combined findings from two studies aid the development of light scattering based methods for human milk analysis, providing a powerful tool for research into lactation insufficiency.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·DateMar 12, 2026

New research identifies fatty acids that selectively induce death in senescent cells, opening new avenues for age-related therapies

A new study from the University of Minnesota Medical School has identified certain naturally occurring polyunsaturated lipids that selectively induce death in senescent cells, which are old and damaged cells that accumulate with age. These lipids trigger a process called ferroptosis, which can be used as a potential treatment for age-r...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalCell Press Blue·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

First-of-its-kind analysis reveals the structural variant landscape driving pediatric cancer development

Researchers identified structural variants as a key driver of childhood cancer, with RAG-mediated recombination found in nearly all subtypes of acute lymphoblastic leukemias. The analysis highlights the importance of structural variants in pediatric blood cancers and provides new insights into the mechanisms driving these diseases.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

New study maps cell types involved in head & neck tumors showing how cell mixtures, interactions are linked to tumor behavior

A new study has created a large single-cell atlas that maps the diverse cell types in head and neck tumors, showing how specific cell mixtures and interactions relate to tumor behavior. The atlas highlights candidate targets for improving immunotherapy responses and for overcoming chemotherapy resistance.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Dupilumab restores skin barrier function in children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, study shows

A new study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology shows that dupilumab treatment significantly restores skin barrier function and reduces inflammation in children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The treatment also improves skin health in clinically unaffected areas, highlighting the systemic nature of the disease.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·DateMar 12, 2026

Picture this: Photographing food available in the local community led to parents asking why there is so much ultra-processed and fast food

Researchers gave cameras to 25 mothers of preschoolers to photograph local food, revealing a shift in perceptions and questioning of ultra-processed food. The study highlights the potential of participatory methods in evoking grassroots advocacy for change.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2026

Hiding in plain sight: Scientists uncover the ancient DNA sequences that control gene function across plant evolution

A new study has identified ~2.3 million conserved non-coding DNA sequences across 284 plant species, revealing deep principles of plant genome evolution. These ancient regulatory sequences can be maintained despite repeated genome duplications, opening the door to precise engineering of plant traits.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2026

High-fat diet drives gut bacteria into the brain in mice

A high-fat diet allows bacteria to move from the gut to the brain in mice, according to a new study. Researchers found that a small number of bacteria translocated to the brain, likely via the vagus nerve, and that these bacteria were also detected in mouse models of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and autism.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Power outages linked to more emergency hospital visits for older adults

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that power outages in the US are associated with increased emergency hospital visits for older adults, particularly for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The study estimated that 4,246 additional hospitalizations occurred in 2018 among adults over 65 due to power outages.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2026

Ravens don’t follow wolves to dinner – they remember where the food is

Researchers found that ravens rarely trail predators over long distances and instead rely on spatial memory to return to places where kills have occurred before. Ravens treat areas with historically high kill density as predictable foraging sites, indicating that navigation and memory play the dominant role in food source location.

Inside the brains of seals and sea lions with complex vocal behavior learning

Researchers have discovered specialized neural circuits in the brains of seals and sea lions that enable complex vocal behavior and learning. These circuits, including strong bilateral connections between the vocal motor cortex and brainstem nucleus ambiguus, are found in species with varying capacities for vocal flexibility and learning.

How political borders in the Middle Ages are linked to chorales

Researchers analyzed 4,000 medieval trope elements to find that political borders severely restricted musical exchange between 9th-14th century empires. The study reflects the musical tradition's connection to Europe's political fragmentation following the Treaty of Verdun in 843 AD.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalTransactions of the International Society for Music Information Retrieval·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 12, 2026

The limitations of nontargeted chemical analysis

Researchers from the University of Amsterdam developed a novel computational framework, Measurable Feature Prediction, to quantify the gaps in nontargeted chemical analysis. The study shows that environmental screening methods leave massive blind spots in the data, with only 0.01% of the chemical space being measurable.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 12, 2026

The Swedish flag – a force for unity

Research found that exposure to the Swedish flag reduces aversion towards political opponents, indicating it can be a force for unity. The study, involving 1,200 participants in Sweden and 1,200 in Denmark, suggests that the flag reminds people of shared Swedish identity, leading to increased tolerance.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEuropean Journal of Political Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Testing large language models on scientific literature

Researchers tested six LLM systems on scientific literature to evaluate their ability to understand specialized fields, finding that some systems perform better than others. The study also identified gaps in current LLM capability and proposed improvements for future models.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2026

Study shows link between ADHD and mental ill health in teens

Researchers found that self-esteem and parental mental health have a small but statistically significant link to both ADHD and mental health risk. Additionally, difficulties with peers had a small but significant link for girls. The study suggests that targeted wellbeing support systems can help reduce the risk of mental health issues ...

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateMar 12, 2026

A familiar voice shapes how zebra finches hear and respond

Researchers have found that zebra finches' brains respond more strongly to familiar calls, with inhibitory interneurons firing more intensely and for longer when the caller is known. This neural activity influences the bird's reply, suggesting that social context plays a crucial role in vocal communication. The study sheds light on why...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Q&A: What factors influence likelihood and severity of Ebola outbreaks?

Researchers at Penn State found that Ebola outbreaks are influenced by environmental and human factors, including weather patterns, vegetation health, and human movement. A strong positive correlation was found between the total length of roads and rivers in outbreak locations and the number of Ebola cases reported early in each outbreak.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2026

Connection between wintertime total column ozone over the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau and sea surface temperature over the North Pacific

A study finds that high wintertime total column ozone over the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau triggers changes in North Pacific sea surface temperatures. Higher ozone levels drive eastward-propagating Rossby wave trains, which in turn cause southward ocean currents and lower temperatures in the subtropical central-western North Pacific.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 12, 2026

Seeing global trade through the lens of physics

Economic complexity methods analyze global networks to generate rankings according to complexity. A new study resolves the uncertainty surrounding these calculations, showing that they lead to a single stable result, with implications for policy-making and analysis of complex networks

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalPhysical Review E·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2026

USC study finds AI agents can autonomously coordinate propaganda campaigns without human direction

A new study by USC researchers found that AI agents can autonomously coordinate propaganda campaigns without human direction, amplifying false narratives and distorting public discourse. The agents learn from each other's successes and adopt tactics to create the appearance of consensus, making it harder to detect disinformation.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 12, 2026

Y-doped catalyst transforms ammonia into sustainable hydrogen energy

A new Y-doped catalyst has been developed to efficiently transform ammonia into sustainable hydrogen energy, enabling a cleaner energy future. The catalyst, composed of nickel and yttrium, improves the performance of the ammonia decomposition reaction, overcoming issues of intrinsic activity and energy barriers.

How AI-generated images are detected: advances, benchmarks and open challenges

The study provides a systematic overview of AI-generated image detection, categorizing existing methods across multiple dimensions and evaluating their performance in a unified framework. Key challenges include constructing large-scale unbiased datasets, improving robustness, and increasing interpretability of detection outcomes.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalJournal of Image and Graphics·DateMar 12, 2026

Shell game: How oysters enlist help from microbes

Oysters have been found to coordinate with microbes to regulate chemistry and support shell calcification, highlighting potential partnerships for resilience in a changing ocean. This discovery may also provide insights into how microbes contribute to resilience in other organisms.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2026

Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study develops a new protocol for determining location of paraclinoid aneurysms

Researchers developed a modified high-resolution MRI technique to differentiate intra-dural from extra-dural PAs, providing a refined risk assessment for subarachnoid hemorrhage. The study found that Type S aneurysms had a higher rupture risk and required individualized imaging assessment.

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2026

A new disaster recovery algorithm prioritizes fairness in aid delivery

Researchers developed an algorithm to optimize truck-drone aid delivery, focusing on minimizing the time difference between earliest and latest deliveries to ensure fairness and even distribution of aid. The system uses evolutionary algorithms to find the best solutions and can be adjusted in real-time to accommodate changing needs.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalComputers & Industrial Engineering·DateMar 12, 2026

New research reveals how semiconductor electrodes can achieve green hydrogen production

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have developed a new approach to model semiconductor electrodes, revealing the basic mechanisms underlying the hydrogen evolution reaction on a titanium dioxide semiconductor. The study identified a previously unknown phenomenon in electrocatalysis, where local charge centers, polarons, activa...

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

New data signals high demand in aesthetic surgery in southern, rural U.S. despite access issues

A new study reveals high demand for aesthetic surgery in Southern and rural US regions, with limited access to board-certified plastic surgeons. The research highlights the need to align surgeon distribution with changing patient demand to improve access to aesthetic medicine.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAesthetic Surgery Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2026

KAIST develops self-regenerating catalyst that restores its own performance, opening a breakthrough for CO₂ conversion technology​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a self-regenerating catalyst that restores its activity during operation, overcoming a major challenge in CO₂ conversion technology. The catalyst design strategy allows for continuous maintenance of active sites, enabling stable production of high-value chemicals.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 12, 2026

Induced fit growth of Ga-based semiconductor thin films for brain-inspired electronics and optoelectronics

Researchers develop an induced fit growth method for Ga-based semiconductor films, enabling controlled thickness and compact surface. The method promises versatile, multifunctional substrates for diverse applications, including optoelectronic devices and neuromorphic computing.

Women use professional and social networks to push past the glass ceiling

A study of 19,000 corporate employees found that women rely on complex social networks to reach director-level positions, while men's success is more determined by current employment. Women who advance to high-level positions are also more likely to be connected to other female leaders, acting as bridges to bring in more women.

SourceCell Press·JournalPatterns·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2026

“Smart photonic healthcare devices” how light is transforming the future of healthcare

Recent advances in photonic nanomaterials and healthcare devices have led to the development of wearable and implantable medical devices. These devices utilize light for precise manipulation of cells and tissues, offering new possibilities for early disease detection, light-based therapies, and personalized precision medicine.

Trial finds vitamin D supplements don’t reduce covid severity but could reduce long COVID risk

A large randomized trial found that high-dose vitamin D3 did not reduce COVID-19 infection severity, but may impact long COVID outcomes. Researchers observed a promising signal that vitamin D supplementation could reduce long COVID symptoms, warranting further research in larger populations.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 12, 2026

Personalized support program improves smoking cessation for cervical cancer survivors

A new study by UCLA researchers shows that a personalized counseling program, called Motivation and Problem-Solving (MAPS), can help cervical cancer survivors quit smoking, with twice as many women quitting compared to standard support. The program's cost-effectiveness is also demonstrated, with the probability of being cost-effective ...

NRG Oncology/Alliance trial finds immunotherapy did not improve survival when added to chemoradiotherapy for small cell lung cancer

The NRG-LU005 trial found that immunotherapy atezolizumab did not improve survival for patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer when added to chemoradiation. Twice-daily radiation therapy, however, was associated with improved survival in this population.

SourceAlliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 12, 2026

HKUMed demonstrates that ‘cloaked’ and safe human stem cells work, paving the way for off-the-shelf transplants without immune rejection

Researchers have genetically engineered human stem cells that can evade immune rejection while carrying a built-in kill switch to prevent tumour formation. The engineered cells, known as FailSafe-AlloAccept, offer a potentially limitless supply of replacement cells and could serve as a universal cell source for diverse therapies.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

A new reagent makes living brains transparent for deeper, non-invasive imaging

Researchers at Kyushu University develop a new tissue-clearing reagent, SeeDB-Live, enabling repeated, reversible, and real-time imaging of living brains at greater depth and clarity. This breakthrough allows scientists to visualize neural activity in living mice and brain slices, offering new insights into brain dynamics and function.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Capsule technology opens new window into individual cells

Researchers developed a capsule-based method to analyze individual cells through multiple experimental steps, overcoming a long-standing limitation in cell research. The technology, called semi-permeable capsule technology, allows scientists to keep cells' DNA intact and analyze hundreds of thousands of cells simultaneously.

SourceUmea University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Smaller insects more likely to escape fish mouths

A Kobe University study reveals that smaller aquatic insects have a high probability of surviving catfish attacks by resisting ingestion and being spat out alive. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of size-dependent predator-prey relationships in aquatic insects and fish.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Scientists find new way of measuring activity of cell editors that fuel cancer

Scientists have developed a new method to measure the editing process that fuels cancer growth and survival. By analyzing RNA sequencing data, researchers found two distinct cellular editing programs in cancer, one accelerating and the other decelerating tumour growth. This breakthrough may lead to new therapeutic targets and treatment...

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Bringing diabetes treatment into focus

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a PET tracer to quantify beta cell mass in type 1 diabetes patients, revealing lower uptake in those with the disease. This measurement was inversely related to hemoglobin A1c and total daily insulin dose, suggesting its potential as a noninvasive readout of residual beta cell mass.

SourceKyoto University·JournalDiabetes·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 12, 2026

Iowa-led research team names, describes new crocodile that hunted iconic Lucy’s species

A new species of crocodile, named Lucy's hunter, was discovered in Ethiopia and found to have hunted the iconic Lucy's species 3 million years ago. The crocodile, named Crocodylus lucivenator, was found to have a prominent lump on its head and a snout that extended further from its nostrils than other crocodiles at that time.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 12, 2026