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Science News for March 17, 2026


Novel study shows physical activity reshapes neural connectivity and makes the brain more resilient after childhood trauma

Research in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging reveals that lifetime physical activity can reshape neural connectivity, strengthening the brain's internal communication and optimizing its response to stress. The study challenges traditional deficit-focused views of adversity, offering a more dynamic and hope...

SourceElsevier·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 17, 2026

MSU study demonstrates faster discovery of therapeutic drugs through AI

A team of researchers at MSU used machine learning to predict how chemicals will influence gene expression, leading to the discovery of promising compounds for the treatment of liver cancer and a chronic lung disease. The study results from years of interdisciplinary work across multiple disciplines and institutes.

SourceMichigan State University College of Human Medicine·JournalCell·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 17, 2026

Shooting-free days decline in major US cities; new metric aims at building sustained periods of peace

A new study by Columbia University researchers introduces four novel metrics to assess progress on gun violence prevention, highlighting the decline of shooting-free days in major US cities. The study suggests that these metrics can identify protective conditions and inform policy to sustain longer periods without firearm violence.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2026

Engineered bacteria deliver cancer drug directly inside tumors in mice

Researchers engineered Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 bacteria to produce anticancer agent Romidepsin, which was released from the bacteria and effectively targeted cancer cells in mouse models. The study establishes a solid foundation for bacteria-assisted tumor-targeted therapy, paving the way for future advancements in cancer treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Mitochondria identified as key player in a rare disease causing microcephaly

A study led by Dr. Marco Milán identified mitochondria as a key player in a rare disease causing microcephaly, a condition where the brain develops to a smaller size. The researchers found that mitochondria dysfunction leads to proteotoxic stress, causing cells to accumulate errors in chromosome distribution, resulting in microcephaly.

Search robot thinks for itself

A new search robot developed at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) uses a combination of spatial maps and language models to efficiently find objects in dynamic environments. The robot can build a three-dimensional image of its surroundings and update it constantly, allowing it to search for objects with a high degree of accuracy.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·TypeCase study·DateMar 17, 2026

From straw to soil signals: How humification reshapes microbial life and resistance genes

Humification of lignocellulosic biomass enhances soil organic carbon accumulation and stimulates microbial carbohydrate-active enzyme genes, while also promoting the enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes, particularly under higher phenolic concentrations. This trade-off highlights the need for balanced residue management strategies...

SourceMaximum Academic Press·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Stanford researchers develop novel "scaffold-free" approach for treating damaged muscles

Stanford researchers have developed a novel 'scaffold-free' approach for treating damaged muscles, enabling the delivery of more healing cells to the traumatized area. The approach uses a custom molding technology to create dense muscle tissue in customizable geometric shapes and sizes, allowing for more effective muscle regeneration.

Using AI to improve standard-of-care cardiac imaging

Researchers developed a new multiview DNN structure to capture complex 3D anatomy and physiology from multiple imaging views, improving diagnostic accuracy for cardiovascular conditions. The approach demonstrated better performance than single-view DNNs and provided a viable alternative for other medical imaging modalities.

SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 17, 2026

Decoding intercontinental disjunction: Phylogenomic study unravels evolutionary history of hylodesmum

A comprehensive study using integrated genomic approach resolves Hylodesmum's taxonomic uncertainties and EA-ENA disjunct distribution. The study confirms Verdesmum as nested within Hylodesmum and reveals a complex bidirectional dispersal pattern likely facilitated by mammal-mediated epizoochory.

SourceSouth China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalBiological Diversity·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Turning waste into climate gains: Co-pyrolysis of cotton straw and plastic mulch could cut millions of tons of CO₂ in Xinjiang

A study published in Agricultural Ecology and Environment demonstrates that co-pyrolysis of cotton straw and plastic mulch can significantly reduce carbon emissions and agricultural plastic pollution. The process generates biochar, which enhances soil quality and resource use efficiency, supporting sustainable cotton production.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Fantastic fungi found with ability to freeze water

Researchers have identified fungal proteins that can catalyze ice formation at high subzero temperatures, making them a potential alternative to toxic silver iodide in cloud seeding. The discovery could lead to safer weather modification and improved food preservation techniques.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 17, 2026

Whose turn is it? Toddlers know the answer!

Two-year-olds exhibit surprisingly good understanding of turn-taking in conversations, predicting when someone else will speak. Children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) also understand when it's their turn, but may be slower to respond.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalJournal of Speech Language and Hearing Research·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2026

New rare bird species discovered in Japan

A new species of leaf warbler, Tokara Leaf Warbler, has been discovered in Japan through DNA analysis. The species is found only on two island groups and is considered vulnerable due to low genetic diversity and potential population declines.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2026

Smart bandage could heal and monitor wounds at the same time

Researchers at RMIT University developed a smart bandage that monitors wound infections and delivers healing therapeutics in one simple dressing. The dressing uses carbon dots to sense pH changes in the wound and combat inflammation, allowing for real-time monitoring and treatment.

SourceRMIT University·JournalChemical Engineering Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Taking the long view on teen social media ban impacts

Researchers from Flinders University emphasize the need to consider mental and physical health, school performance, and digital literacy when evaluating the ban's success. They also warn that restricting access may have limited impact unless platforms build safer environments.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 17, 2026

Thoughts don’t kill people, but study suggests options for keeping guns from doing so

A new study from Michigan Medicine found that over 7% of Americans have thought about shooting someone, while 8.7 million adults considered it in the last year. Firearm owners were no more likely to have these thoughts than non-owners, but 21% of those who had thoughts said they would consider giving their gun to someone for safekeeping.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateMar 17, 2026

A robot that endures over one million uses -- Then becomes compost to nourish plants

A team of researchers developed a fully biodegradable and compostable soft robotic electronic system that maintains high performance and durability during operation yet completely returns to nature after use. The system was made from a water-free biodegradable elastomer and integrated biodegradable inorganic electronic components, exhi...

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Can a specialized AI model steer doctors toward the right scan?

A specialized AI model, AMIR-GPT, has been developed to improve radiology guideline alignment, outperforming general purpose models in 33.3% of test responses. However, the model's performance varied across performance bands, and qualitative review revealed limitations, such as omissions and deviations from standard recommendations.

SourceIntelligent Medicine·JournalIntelligent Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 17, 2026

New computational biology tool automates and standardizes genome sequencing analysis

A new tool, metapipeline-DNA, automates and standardizes genome sequencing analysis, reducing the complexity of large and complicated data. The open-access resource, developed by Sanford Burnham Prebys and the University of California Los Angeles, aims to improve collaboration and reproducibility across research labs.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Climate change is fueling disease outbreaks

Research from Stanford University reveals that warmer, wetter weather conditions linked to climate change are making disease epidemics more likely, with a study analyzing a 2023 cyclone and dengue fever outbreak in Peru estimating that 60% of cases were directly caused by extreme rainfall and warm temperatures. Targeted mosquito contro...

SourceStanford University·JournalOne Earth·DateMar 17, 2026

Reconnecting kidney plumbing, the zebrafish way

Researchers at MDI Bio Lab studied zebrafish, which can form new nephrons and connect them to existing tubules. The team found a coordinated cellular choreography that involves intersecting signaling systems, including the Wnt pathway, to guide the connection. This technique could one day guide human repair of damaged kidneys.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·JournalDevelopment·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Taking pressure off the lungs

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered that targeting the CNP/GC-B signal pathway may provide a promising approach for treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). The study reveals that CNP/GC-B signaling plays a protective role against PAH, and administration of CNP ameliorates experimental pulmonary hypertension.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 17, 2026

Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of the terminal ileum identifies BCMA as a therapeutic target in IgA nephropathy

Researchers have identified BCMA as a key switch maintaining harmful IgA-producing plasma cells in IgA nephropathy. A proof-of-concept study using BCMA-targeted therapy showed a deep reduction in serum IgA levels in cynomolgus monkeys, providing a robust scientific rationale for repurposing BCMA-directed treatments for IgAN.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalhLife·DateMar 17, 2026

PFAS exposure may weaken teens’ bones

Early-life exposure to PFAS may influence how teens' bones develop during adolescence, leading to lower bone density. The study found that teens with higher PFAS levels had lower forearm bone density, with stronger associations among females.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 17, 2026

Researchers develop promising new therapy for most common form of bone cancer in children and young adults

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a new therapy called OSM CAR-T that successfully attacks osteosarcoma tumors in mouse models. This treatment harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer, potentially offering better outcomes with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

New study fills research gap in food safety to better protect pregnant people from Listeria

A new study has developed biologically plausible dose-response models to better protect pregnant people from Listeria, a leading cause of foodborne illness in the US. The models, built on data from guinea pigs and gerbils, found that fetal brain infection is a more precise indicator of stillbirth risk than direct stillbirth outcomes al...

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateMar 17, 2026

Towards highly efficient selective hydrogenation: the role of single-atom catalysts

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have emerged as a promising class of catalytic materials capable of addressing challenges in selective hydrogenation. Experimental advances and mechanistic insights highlight their potential to deliver high efficiency and selectivity with minimal metal usage. The review also discusses challenges and opportu...

A theory of Alzheimer's disease linking amyloid beta and tau

Research suggests that amyloid beta and tau proteins compete for microtubule binding sites, driving Alzheimer's disease pathology. The microtubule nexus hypothesis proposes a unifying theory for the underlying cause of Alzheimer's, with potential therapeutic strategies targeting tau displacement from microtubules.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMar 17, 2026

A new bird species in Japan

Genetic analysis reveals the Tokara Leaf Warbler, a small insectivorous songbird, has been isolated from a similar species for 2.8-3.2 million years. The discovery suggests a need for reevaluation of conservation status due to threats from introduced weasels and environmental modification.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMar 17, 2026

Jeonbuk National University researchers reveal safer way to manage chemical sewage sludge using pyrolysis

A study by Jeonbuk National University researchers highlights the potential risks of chemical-enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) sewage sludge, but also shows that thermal treatment can lead to secondary heavy metal pollution. The team recommends using lower pyrolysis temperatures to enhance sustainability.

SourceJeonbuk National University, Sustainable Strategy team, Planning and Coordination Division·JournalProcess Safety and Environmental Protection·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Activation of hypoxia signaling pathway enhances bone health and metabolism in obesity

Activation of hypoxia signaling improved metabolism and limited fat accumulation in obese mice, while preserving vascular networks and bone health. The intervention also enhanced fracture healing and glucose tolerance, suggesting a dual beneficial effect on metabolism and bone integrity.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Clinical consensus of ultrasound-derived fat fraction for assessment of liver steatosis

Researchers developed an expert consensus to standardize the use of ultrasound-derived fat fraction for assessing liver steatosis. The study found that UDFF showed strong correlations with histological steatosis grades and MRI-PDFF, demonstrating excellent reliability and robust diagnostic accuracy.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalPortal Hypertension & Cirrhosis·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 17, 2026

Engineered lipid nanoparticles reprogram immune metabolism for better mRNA vaccines

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed lipid nanoparticles that modify immune metabolism to strengthen mRNA vaccines and reduce common side effects. The new lipid boosts the metabolism of immune cells, providing energy for the body's defenses while dialing down inflammatory signals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Researchers show dinos hatched eggs less efficiently than modern birds

Researchers in Taiwan studied oviraptor incubation patterns, finding that oviraptors used the sun's warmth to hatch eggs, unlike modern birds. This study sheds light on the evolution of avian-style incubation and reveals that oviraptors may not have been as efficient at hatching eggs as modern birds.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

What flocking birds can teach AI

A team of computer scientists developed an algorithm that mimics bird flocking to help AI produce more reliable summaries of long documents. The framework reduces repetition and preserves key points, resulting in more accurate and concise summaries.

SourceNew York University·JournalFrontiers in Artificial Intelligence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 17, 2026