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Science News for March 13, 2026


The dehumanization effect: New PSU research examines how abusive supervision impacts employee agency and burnout

A new study by PSU researchers finds that abusive supervision can fundamentally alter how employees perceive their humanity, leading to severe burnout and decreased collaboration. In contrast, employees with a strong sense of self-efficacy are less susceptible to the dehumanizing effects of a toxic manager.

SourcePortland State University·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateMar 13, 2026

New U of A study expands pesticide risk window to before pregnancy

A new University of Arizona study found that exposure to certain pesticides before pregnancy is associated with lower Apgar scores, a measure of newborn health. The study suggests that pesticides can affect the next generation, highlighting the importance of regulating pesticide use to improve maternal and child health.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 13, 2026

Agricultural and industrial waste transformed into advanced porous carbon for soil and water conservation

Researchers transformed waste into high-performance porous carbon materials for soil and water conservation. The study identified top-performing materials from agricultural wastes, which exhibited high surface areas and favorable pore structures, enhancing adsorption capacity and water retention.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2026

Bursting cancer-seeking microbubbles to deliver deadly drugs

Researchers at Duke University have developed a technique using microbubbles and ultrasound to deliver large cancer drugs into cells, causing them to self-destruct. The technology, called SonoPIN, shows promise in precisely delivering therapeutics to cancer cells with minimal off-target effects.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2026

How far will seniors go for a doctor visit? Often much farther than expected

Researchers found that seniors are willing to travel more than an hour for routine or specialized medical care, but this willingness varies by socioeconomic status, mobility, and location. The study's findings have implications for telehealth expansion and transportation policy, suggesting that programs offering ride services, improved...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateMar 13, 2026

Targeting two flu proteins sharply reduces airborne spread

A study in ferrets demonstrates that immunity to two proteins on the surface of the influenza virus can reduce transmission and viral evolution. Targeting both hemagglutinin and neuraminidase proteins can effectively curb the spread of the virus, with transmission rates dropping by half in animals with immunity to both.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2026

A new method produces CAR-T cells to keep fighting disease longer

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed a new strategy to engineer immune cells that prolong their effectiveness, addressing a major limitation of current treatments. The new method generates longer-lasting immune cells that provide more sustained control of human blood cancers and suppression of HIV-infection.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2026

Excessive smartphone use associated with symptoms of eating disorder and body dissatisfaction in young people

A systematic review found a significant association between excessive smartphone use and eating disorder symptom severity in young people, including disordered eating and food addiction. The study highlights the need for early intervention strategies to address excessive phone use in young people displaying eating disorder symptoms.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 13, 2026

ACC/AHA issue updated guideline for managing lipids, cholesterol

The updated guideline consolidates evidence-based recommendations for managing dyslipidemias, offering a comprehensive approach to lower risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The guideline recommends earlier intervention through healthy lifestyle changes and considers the use of a new cardiovascular disease risk calculator, P...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 13, 2026

The ghosts we see

Researchers used afterimages to measure brain predictions of visual consequences of eye movements, finding that predictions are accurate but subject to systematic errors. The brain's efference copy helps predict visual shifts, but this prediction falls short of the actual eye movement's consequences.

SourceTechnische Universität Berlin – Science of Intelligence·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2026

American Meteorological Society and partners issue statement on public availability of scientific evidence on climate change

The American Meteorological Society and partners urge reinstatement of climate science chapter in judicial reference manual, citing concerns over public access to scientific knowledge. The statement emphasizes the overwhelming agreement among experts on climate change, its impacts, and human activities as primary drivers.

Selfish sperm hijack genetic gatekeeper to kill healthy rivals

A new study reveals that selfish chromosomes exploit the Overdrive gene to destroy rival sperm, boosting their chances of passing into the next generation. The gene acts as a quality control checkpoint during sperm development, normally eliminating abnormal sperm cells, but selfish chromosomes hijack the system to kill competitors.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2026

STATEMENT from The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD)

The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) and the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) have agreed on diagnostic criteria for COPD, aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment. The new guidelines will help reduce the number of undiagnosed cases and promote the use of spirometry tests.

SourceGlobal Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 13, 2026

BSC study reveals that the warming of the North Atlantic contributed to intensifying the Valencia DANA storm

A new study finds that the North Atlantic's exceptional warmth played a key role in the Valencia DANA storm's intensity, with precipitation 40% lower without it. The research highlights the importance of oceanic context in extreme weather events, reinforcing the need for global climate simulations.

SourceBarcelona Supercomputing Center·JournalWeather and Climate Extremes·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 13, 2026

The fish were biting in ancient Alabama

Scientists discovered a 4-meter-long Polycotylus fossil with a huge tooth embedded in its neck vertebrae, suggesting a violent attack by an enormous bony fish called Xiphactinus. The fossil's internal structure was analyzed using CT scanning, revealing a three-dimensional model of the tooth and its attacker.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateMar 13, 2026

Bilingual forms improve cancer treatment understanding among people with limited English

A new study found that bilingual consent forms significantly improve cancer treatment understanding among people with limited English, with understanding rising from 35% to 60%. The study, published in Supportive Care in Cancer, examined the impact of different translation approaches on cancer treatment understanding among Bengali- and...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalSupportive Care in Cancer·DateMar 13, 2026

Early intervention in severe fetal megacystis can increase survival rate and kidney function

Researchers found that treating severe fetal megacystis with a vesicoamniotic shunt in the first trimester can improve survival rates and kidney function. In the study, 75% of children were born alive and 68% survived their first year of life, with most showing normal or only slightly impaired kidney function.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2026

The mixed Iberian, Mediterranean and North African ancestry of an individual buried in the Menga dolmen has been revealed

A medieval individual buried in the Menga dolmen in Andalusia has been found to have a mixed ancestry, with uniparental lineages typical of European populations and mitochondrial DNA shared with modern North African individuals. The study sheds light on the genetic diversity of Andalusian society during the Middle Ages.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science Reports·DateMar 13, 2026

Can exercise help chemo brain? New research adds promising results

A new study suggests that exercise can improve mental sharpness and reduce cognitive decline in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Researchers found that patients who exercised while on chemotherapy maintained their daily step goals and reported improved mental clarity, while those who did not exercise experienced significant dec...

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 13, 2026

Senolytic therapy of PDAC

Researchers explored using CDK4/6 inhibitors to treat PDAC by targeting RB1, which is often inactivated by oncogenic KRAS. This approach showed promise in inducing cellular senescence, but further combination therapy is needed for therapeutic benefit.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateMar 13, 2026

Comprehensive digital materials ecosystem streamlines material design

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a comprehensive digital materials ecosystem that integrates AI tools to streamline materials design, enabling faster and more accurate discovery of new materials. The ecosystem uses databases, AI, and scientific workflows to predict material properties and optimize design processes.

Nonlinear and asymmetric response of the Miocene ENSO to increasing CO2 forcing

The study investigates ocean-atmosphere variability under Miocene-like high-CO2 conditions to evaluate climate-model performance in warm climates. ENSO variability peaked under 3×CO2 and was damped under 4×CO2, with El Niño events exhibiting longer mean duration than La Niña events.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 13, 2026

TCR-pMHC recognition drives T cell phagocytosis: mechanobiology unlocking new potential for cancer immunotherapy

Researchers engineer T cells to express specific TCRs, demonstrating that antigen recognition drives phagocytosis and identifying key regulatory parameters, such as antigen density. The study's findings offer mechanistic insights and translational promise for immunotherapy.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalMechanobiology in Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 13, 2026

How materials informatics aids photocatalyst design for hydrogen production

A new photocatalyst design using machine learning interatomic potential calculations has successfully identified suitable dopants for a novel tin oxide material. The resulting aluminum-doped material produces 16 times more hydrogen under visible light than the undoped material, paving the way for next-generation clean energy applications.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2026

Describe the vibe, see the look: An AI-based system projects makeup onto the user’s face

Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo created a system that turns spoken impressions into personalized makeup colors, combining AI and projection technology. The system shows realistic makeup previews on real skin under natural light, making it easier for users to find suitable colors.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Interaction·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 13, 2026

Penicillin–streptomycin influences macrophage mechanical properties and microenvironment mechano-sensation

Researchers found penicillin-streptomycin increases macrophage stiffness and rewires ECM mechanosensing, impairing immune function and suggesting potential off-target effects in clinical use. The study highlights the need to re-evaluate common cell culture reagents through a mechanobiological lens.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalMechanobiology in Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 13, 2026

Not so pretty but plenty of likes

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that bees favor flowers with early visitors over color, even when the latter has an initial disadvantage. This finding indicates that social information plays a crucial role in pollinator choice, and flowers that secure early visitors may gain a lasting advantage.

SourceKyoto University·JournalFunctional Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2026

New study clarifies how temperature shapes sex development in leopard gecko

Researchers investigated temperature-dependent sex determination in leopard geckos, finding that temperature influences sex development during a specific window of embryonic development. Early genetic changes, including the activation of male and female developmental pathways, occur before physical differences become apparent.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalDevelopmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2026

New research outlines pathway to achieve high well-being and a safe climate without economic growth

A study by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona establishes the principles for modelling post-growth scenarios, pointing to the need for targeted demand-side measures and investments in low-carbon technologies. The research highlights the potential for post-growth to achieve pos...

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 13, 2026

How an alga makes the most of dim light

Researchers discovered a freshwater alga that captures far-red light for photosynthesis by rearranging ordinary chlorophyll. This unique strategy allows the alga to thrive in shaded forests and murky waters, making it resilient in tough environments. The findings have practical implications for sustainable bioenergy production and may ...

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2026