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Science News for March 16, 2026


1-MHz linewidth VCSELs for high-stability chip-scale atomic clocks

Researchers have developed a monolithically integrated VCSEL technology achieving linewidth compression to approximately 1 MHz, enabling stable single-mode operation for precision applications. The device demonstrated impressive performance in a cesium vapor-cell atomic clock, with a frequency stability of 1.89×10^−12 τ^−1 /^2.

Vascular smooth muscle cells-specific BCAT2 deficiency attenuates diabetic atherosclerotic calcification via histone propionylation

This study reveals the regulatory role of BCAT2-mediated BCAA catabolism in VSMCs and its impact on intraplaque calcification in diabetic atherosclerosis. BCAT2 deficiency attenuates vascular calcification severity, decreases calcium salt deposition, and suppresses osteogenic phenotypic transition of VSMCs.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateMar 16, 2026

Polyhydroxy hydrogel electrolyte with in situ tuned interface chemistry for ultra‑stable biosensing‑compatible zinc batteries

This study presents a polyhydroxy hydrogel electrolyte with in situ regulated interface chemistry suitable for biosensing-compatible zinc batteries, achieving unprecedented cycling stability and high-performance biosensing. The hydrogel electrolyte enables a conformal and continuous interface, promoting uniform ion transport and deposi...

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateMar 16, 2026

NUS scientists show dragon fruit peel extract boosts bread nutrition and lowers glycaemic potential

A research team from NUS has shown that compounds extracted from red dragon fruit peel can be incorporated into bread to increase antioxidant activity and slow starch digestion, offering a potential pathway to healthier staple foods and reduced food waste. The study found that optimal fortification levels of 0.75 per cent improve dough...

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2026

Phase 3 study: New therapy keeps gastrointestinal cancer care on course when low platelets are an obstacle

A phase 3 clinical trial found romiplostim significantly reduced chemotherapy dose delays and improved platelet counts in patients with gastrointestinal cancers who developed persistent low platelet counts during treatment. The therapy enables patients to maintain chemotherapy intensity, potentially preserving the integrity of cancer c...

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 16, 2026

Dipole‑driven charge trapping in monolayer janus mosse for ultrathin nonvolatile memory devices

Researchers have presented a new design paradigm for 2D flash memory devices using monolayer Janus MoSSe, achieving ultrafast charge trapping and superior retention. The device exhibits high-speed program/erase operations, stable data retention exceeding 10^8 seconds, and energy efficiency with reduced operating voltages.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateMar 16, 2026

Hidden acid imbalance in kidney disease raises red flags

A Japanese registry study reveals widespread underdiagnosis and undertreatment of metabolic acidosis in chronic kidney disease patients. Nearly half of patients with bicarbonate measured had metabolic acidosis, and diagnosis and treatment rates were low, highlighting a need for routine bicarbonate testing in CKD care.

SourceNiigata University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 16, 2026

No evidence to suggest medicinal cannabis is effective for depression, anxiety or PTSD: research

A comprehensive review of 54 randomized controlled trials found no evidence that medicinal cannabis is effective in treating anxiety, depression, or PTSD. However, the study suggests that medicinal cannabis may be beneficial for certain conditions, such as reducing seizures associated with epilepsy and managing pain.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 16, 2026

The Lancet Global Health: Modelling suggests climate change could drive millions globally into physical inactivity by 2050 and be linked to an estimated half a million premature deaths

A new study models the impact of climate change on physical activity globally, predicting millions will be driven into inactivity by 2050. The study suggests this could lead to hundreds of thousands of premature deaths and billions of dollars in lost productivity.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 16, 2026

Bull sharks have ‘friends’

Researchers found that bull sharks have active social preferences and choose their social partners, similar to humans. The study revealed that adult sharks form the core of the social network, while younger sharks are less socially connected.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMar 16, 2026

Climate action could prevent over 13 million premature deaths, but equity choices matter for global health

A new study found that climate action consistent with the two-degree-Celsius target would avoid more than 13.5 million premature deaths from air pollution between 2020 and 2050, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. However, the distribution of health gains depends on how the global mitigation burden is shared.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 16, 2026

Artificial intelligence reshaping the future of environmental research

The integration of artificial intelligence is changing environmental research, enabling scientists to connect massive datasets, uncover patterns, and generate predictive insights. AI-powered approaches can help better understand environmental processes across different spatial and temporal scales, leading to more accurate forecasting a...

Turning plant waste into power: A structural and chemical leap for supercapacitor technology

Researchers from Southeast University and Nanjing Normal University create supercapacitor technology using plant waste, enabling rapid-charging energy storage at 4.0 volts. The innovative approach combines a custom electrode with a specialized electrolyte to stabilize the system.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2026

ACP supports AAP’s evidence‑based childhood vaccine schedule

The American College of Physicians (ACP) supports the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) 2026 childhood vaccine schedule, which is based on evidence and better reflects current disease epidemiology. The ACP's Immunization Committee found the AAP recommendations to be more evidence-based than the CDC's recommendations, particularly i...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 16, 2026

New research shows how to diagnose people with Alzheimer’s plus a hard-to-identify dementia type

Researchers found that patients with both conditions exhibited different neuropsychiatric symptoms, which could inform diagnosis and treatment plans. The study's findings may help clinicians better understand the complex disease course of patients with multiple disorders, including Alzheimer's and frontotemporal lobar degeneration.

SourceBrown University·JournalNeurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 16, 2026

Researchers develop biochar-based photocatalyst that rapidly removes antibiotic pollutants from water

A new biochar-enhanced photocatalyst has been developed to efficiently degrade antibiotic contaminants in water, with the material demonstrating remarkable ability to break down sulfadiazine. The photocatalyst harnesses sunlight to drive chemical reactions capable of degrading antibiotic molecules, and its performance is substantially ...

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2026

Early life stress linked to long-lasting digestive issues

A new study suggests that early life stress during pregnancy and early childhood can lead to long-term digestive issues, including gut pain and motility challenges. The research found that early life stress can shape the development of gut-brain communication, contributing to gastrointestinal symptoms in both mice and humans.

SourceNew York University·JournalGastroenterology·DateMar 16, 2026

Study identifies gene expression program linked to neurotransmission in the living human brain

Researchers have identified a distinct gene expression program associated with neurotransmission in the living human brain. The study combines molecular data with real-time physiological recordings, revealing a coordinated set of genes whose activity tracks with neuronal signaling.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateMar 16, 2026

Storytelling may hold key to building memory

New research from the University of Mississippi suggests that storytelling is just as effective, and sometimes better, than survival processing in improving memory. By creating a narrative with unrelated nouns, participants were able to remember more than those who used survival processing or pleasantness processing.

SourceUniversity of Mississippi·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateMar 16, 2026

Live in the city or the country? How your location — and your thoughts on death — shape your travel choices

A study found that people's responses to thoughts of mortality shape their travel decisions, with those in tourism hotspots seeking meaningful, slow experiences. In contrast, residents in low-tourism areas are more likely to adopt negative coping strategies, leading to fewer travel opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalInternational Journal of Tourism Research·TypeSurvey·DateMar 16, 2026

Gold nanoclusters help in identifying diseases?

Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä predicted that gold nanoclusters can selectively recognize chiral biomolecules, which could aid in detecting diseases directly from a blood sample. The study used computational simulations to examine nearly 300 cluster-biomolecule combinations and found clear differences in their interactions.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalACS Nano·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 16, 2026

It’s coyote puppy season. Here’s what you need to know.

Researchers tracked 48 urban coyotes and found that over half of their dens were in natural structures, while others incorporated human-related items to create strong, hidden shelters. The study highlights the adaptability and intelligence of coyotes, which play a crucial role in urban ecosystems as apex predators and ecosystem engineers.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateMar 16, 2026

Invisible magnets for faster IT

A Japanese-German research consortium is developing invisible magnets that can manipulate antiferromagnets ultrafast using intense light pulses. This approach has the potential to increase processing speed by a factor of 1,000, revolutionizing optical communication and information technology.

SourceUniversity of Augsburg·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2026

DGIST developed world’s first AI semiconductor that uses hydrogen to remember and learn

The research team developed a two-terminal-based AI semiconductor that precisely controls hydrogen with electrical signals, resolving speed degradation and high power consumption limitations. The device ran stably for over 10,000 repetitive operations and demonstrated learning and memory functions similar to human brain synapses.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 16, 2026

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, with visionary support from WoodNext Foundation, awards $1 million for breakthrough mental health research

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded $1 million to 10 senior scientists conducting innovative research in neurobiological and behavioral science. The grants will support studies focused on critical mental health challenges such as depression, autism spectrum disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia.

Position transmission control in tendon-sheath mechanisms: A critical review and a promising solution

Scientists develop a simpler route-sensing signal to support accurate control in tendon-sheath mechanisms, opening doors to more compact and adaptable robotic systems. They found that friction-induced elongation is governed by the accumulated curve angle, enabling a comprehensive feedforward control framework.

SourceJournal Center of Harbin Institute of Technology·JournalSmartBot·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 16, 2026

Fourier ptychographic coherence scanning interferometry for 3D morphology of high asp02ect ratio and composite micro-trenches

A new technique harnessing Fourier ptychographic microscopy and coherence scanning interferometry provides accurate 3D morphology measurements of high-aspect-ratio micro-trenches. The method achieves high lateral resolution without iterative phase retrieval, enabling robust characterization of complex structures.

Extremely deep-frozen region of brain can process electrical learning stimuli again after thawing

Researchers have developed a method to preserve brain tissue in a functional state using vitrification, allowing for long-term preservation and re-examination of neural networks. The technique enables the recovery of electrical signals and long-term potentiation, crucial for learning and memory processes.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2026

Toward autonomous self-organizing biological robots with a nervous system

In a breakthrough study, researchers successfully integrated neuronal precursor cells into biobots, resulting in the formation of functional nervous systems. This development has significant implications for neuroscience, bioengineering, and regenerative medicine, enabling the investigation of fundamental questions about the origin of ...

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2026

Can spending time in nature improve your diet?

A new study from Drexel University found that individuals who spent more time in nature reported better dietary behaviors, such as eating more fruits and vegetables. Participants who spent more time in nature also experienced improved mental health, including reduced depression, anxiety, and stress.

SourceDrexel University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateMar 16, 2026

100,000 participants screened for early-stage type 1 diabetes in the EDENT1FI project

EDENT1FI has screened 100,000 children across Europe for early-stage type 1 diabetes, using standardized screening programs and harmonized data collection. The initiative aims to empower families to manage life with type 1 diabetes effectively and support children and adolescents with early-stage detection.

Why some people change only when enough others do

Researchers developed a method to measure individual thresholds for change, finding that personal thresholds vary widely and that combining social network structure and individual thresholds improves real-world interventions. Strategies that target individuals connected to many others who are already adopting the change were most effec...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 16, 2026

Development of build better bones: A global resource for osteoporosis self management

A new platform, Build Better Bones, offers evidence-based guidance and practical resources for osteoporosis management. The platform, developed by the International Osteoporosis Foundation, provides a trusted place for people with osteoporosis to start their journey, with a focus on exercise, nutrition, and home safety.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 16, 2026

New genetic risk score better predicts diabetes, obesity and downstream complications

Researchers developed a comprehensive genetic risk calculator for metabolic disease by integrating genetic data from hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The polygenic risk score outperformed existing disease-prediction models and predicted downstream morbidity and clinical interventions, particularly in non-European populations.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 16, 2026

From trial-and-error to intelligent design: Machine Learning boosts a breakthrough in the performance of BaTiO3-based High-Entropy energy-storage ceramics

A research team developed a machine learning accelerated design strategy to screen optimal BaTiO3-based high-entropy ceramic compositions, achieving ultrahigh energy storage performance and high efficiency. The designed ceramic exhibits excellent environmental stability and pulsed charge-discharge performance, paving the way for practi...

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateMar 16, 2026

Not every forest cools the Earth

Researchers found that reforestation in tropical regions, such as the Amazon basin and West and South-East Africa, can have a significant cooling effect due to high evapotranspiration rates. This approach can be more efficient than previously thought, especially when combined with other climate protection strategies.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateMar 16, 2026

Novel high-entropy strategy boosts energy storage and enables ultrafast discharge in advanced ceramics

Researchers developed lead-free relaxor ferroelectric ceramics with enhanced energy storage and ultrafast discharge capabilities. The high-entropy approach and bandgap engineering enabled grain refinement, increased resistivity, and a broader bandgap, contributing to a significantly enhanced breakdown electric field.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateMar 16, 2026

Jeonbuk National University researchers develop clustering-based framework for water level forecasting

The new framework groups stations with similar hydrological behavior, reducing computational cost while maintaining high predictive accuracy. This approach enables scalable, data-efficient AI systems for water level forecasting, supporting flood early-warning systems, optimized reservoir and irrigation management, and improved decision...

SourceJeonbuk National University, Sustainable Strategy team, Planning and Coordination Division·JournalEnvironmental Modelling & Software·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 16, 2026

Maternal race and immigration linked to obstetric trauma: higher risk among Asian mothers and Black immigrant/refugee mothers

A large study found that Asian mothers experience a 1.5-fold higher rate of obstetric trauma, while Black immigrant and refugee mothers have a 20-30% higher risk. The study also found that immigrants with shorter duration of residence had higher initial risk of obstetric trauma, which declined with increasing time in Canada.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 16, 2026

Extending monitoring period for severe pregnancy complications shows more than 40% of cases previously missed

A study extending pregnancy monitoring from conception to 6 weeks postpartum found nearly 10,000 cases of severe maternal complications in Canada each year. This reveals significant cases were previously missed, emphasizing the importance of postpartum care and timely interventions.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 16, 2026

New deep learning framework solves the cold-start problem

A new framework, DUPGT-CDR, uses gating networks to effectively incorporate both positive and negative feedback in cross-domain recommendation systems, achieving lower prediction errors and improved convergence speed. The framework offers more precise product recommendations and personalized learning resources across various domains.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalIEEE Access·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 16, 2026