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Science News for March 22, 2026


Light-driven chemistry opens new routes for upgrading plastic waste

A research team from East China Normal University highlights photocatalysis as a promising strategy to convert plastic waste into useful small molecules, fuels, and functional materials. The approach allows plastics to be transformed under relatively mild conditions, with various mechanistic frameworks offering different advantages.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalEngineering·DateMar 22, 2026
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

AI can flag high-risk motorists before getting on the road, scientists say

Scientists at University of Sharjah develop machine learning model to predict driving behavior, identifying risk factors such as gaze distraction, sensation seeking, and conscientiousness. The model can help taxi companies identify safer drivers, reduce accidents and costs.

SourceUniversity of Sharjah·JournalEngineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 22, 2026

New geoscience hub to play critical role in cleaner minerals future

The Curtin Frontier Institute for Geoscience Solutions (CFIGS) aims to transform WA's economic future in critical minerals through sustainable exploration. The institute offers tailored services, practical insights, and advanced analytical expertise to support efficient and sustainable resource development.

SourceCurtin University·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 22, 2026

Thermal‑gated self‑repairing polyimide separator for dendrite‑suppressed lithium metal batteries

The new polyetherimide (PEI) core encapsulated by a polyamide-imide (PAI) shell separator overcomes conventional limitations in thermal safety, dendrite suppression, and cycling stability. The PAI@PEI separator achieves record-high shutdown temperature and superior Li+ transference.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateMar 22, 2026
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Ionic states enable multimodal nanofluidic devices with capacitive-inductive switching and further tunable high-pass filter circuits

Researchers have developed programmable nanofluidic neuromorphic devices with adjustable electrical performance, achieved through tuning ionic concentration and species. The devices exhibit hysteresis behaviors due to distinct physical origins, enabling multifunctional responses.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2026

New enzyme atlas rewrites decades of biology research

Researchers have created the first authoritative atlas for human E3 ligases, resolving inconsistencies in the field and paving the way for enhanced therapies for diseases such as cancer, immune disorders, and neurological conditions. The atlas provides a gold-standard reference for studying these enzymes in unprecedented detail.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCell·DateMar 22, 2026

Spatially and temporally controlled photoconversion of metal nanoclusters

Scientists create a pair of copper-based metal clusters that can be controlled to convert light into electricity. The clusters exhibit enhanced light-induced conversion efficiency due to adjustable core composition. This breakthrough enables the development of cluster-based solid-state nanomaterials with customizable photoresponse prop...

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 22, 2026
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Why does global numerical weather prediction model fail to accurately forecast 21.7 Zhengzhou extreme precipitation?

The study found that complex terrain, particularly orographic gravity wave drag, significantly affects the location and intensity of extreme precipitation. Without this effect, the low-level mesoscale vortex moves westward, leading to decreased rainfall intensity and a northwestward shift of the rainfall center.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 22, 2026

Floral fragrance in sweet osmanthus majorly repels pollen feeders

A research team found that sweet osmanthus flowers use their intense fragrance to repel honeybees and other pollen feeders, while attracting tiny pollinators like thrips. This 'push–pull' strategy helps the plant filter out unwanted visitors and maintain reproductive success.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2026
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Comprehensive phylogenomic tree of ciliates unveils their billion-year evolutionary history

A comprehensive phylogenomic tree of ciliates has been reconstructed, providing a new framework for the phylum Ciliophora. The study establishes three main lineages and a divergence timeline linking key splits to major Earth history events. This robust phylogenetic framework enables precise tracing of key evolutionary innovations.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 22, 2026

Feeling more creative in nature? It might just be a feeling

A study from Murdoch University found that nature exposure does not necessarily translate to improved creative performance, but still has positive impacts on reducing mental fatigue and stress. The research also showed that built environments can increase stress levels, but this does not hinder creativity.

SourceMurdoch University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2026

Caffeine helps restore memory function after sleep loss, NUS Medicine study shows

A NUS Medicine study reveals that caffeine can restore social memory impaired by sleep deprivation. Caffeine targets a specific brain pathway to reverse disruptions in neural communication and plasticity. The study provides insights into the effects of caffeine on cognitive function and memory.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateMar 22, 2026

Redox reactions in chains of chalcogens

A new NMR method has enabled the direct observation of heterochalcogen bonds in redox systems, revealing strong redox activity. This innovative approach allows for the generation and characterization of trichalcogenide molecules containing sulfur, selenium, or tellurium.

SourceKyoto University·JournalACS Measurement Science Au·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2026
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Duke-NUS scientists uncover key “lipid transporter” that keeps skin healthy

Researchers have identified MFSD2A as a transporter protein that enables skin cells to take up lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), essential fats in the bloodstream. The study found that LPCs supply linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid needed to maintain and repair the skin barrier.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2026

Scanning-exciton optical nanoscopy mapping nanoscale light field & LDOS

Researchers developed scanning-exciton optical nanoscopy to map nanoscale light fields and local density of optical states simultaneously. The technique provides correlative mappings with a spatial resolution of few nanometers, unlocking new physics discoveries and technology breakthroughs.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournaleLight·DateMar 22, 2026

Ambulance use delays care for injured patients in Global South

In Ghana, Pakistan, Rwanda, and South Africa, more than half of seriously injured patients failed to reach medical care within an hour. Patients using informal means arrived quicker than those traveling by ambulance.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2026
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Sepsis linked to nearly 1 in 5 pediatric hospital deaths in the US

A new study estimates that more than 18,000 hospitalized children in the US have sepsis each year, including over 1,800 who die. The study also found that most pediatric sepsis cases were present on admission, but a smaller proportion developed during hospitalization and were associated with higher mortality.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJAMA·DateMar 22, 2026