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Science News for March 23, 2026


Walking pace found to strongly predict risk of death

A new study found that walking pace is a strong predictor of mortality risk, especially in people with existing health conditions. Combining walking pace with other physical measures improved mortality predictions, suggesting a simple and cost-effective way to identify high-risk individuals.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 23, 2026

Advances in optical biosensors for pesticide detection

Optical biosensors offer promising solutions for rapid, portable, and on-site pesticide detection. Key biorecognition elements such as enzymes, antibodies, aptamers, and molecularly imprinted polymers enable high-selectivity detection and minimize environmental impacts.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateMar 23, 2026

HKU Primary Health Care Academy designated as WHO Collaborating Centre for Health and Nursing Workforce Development in Primary Health Care

The HKU Primary Health Care Academy has been designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Collaborating Centre for health and nursing workforce development in primary care. The centre will support workforce development and health system transformation through capacity building, research, and knowledge exchange.

HKU study uncovers mineral “sink” that reduced phosphorus in early oceans, potentially delaying Earth’s oxygen rise

A HKU study has discovered a previously overlooked process controlling phosphorus availability in ancient iron-rich oceans. Phyllosilicate minerals effectively trap dissolved phosphate on their surfaces via an 'Fe(II) bridging effect', removing essential nutrients from seawater and limiting marine life.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2026

For World Meteorological Day: a look inside Shanghuang Observatory — supporting safety, resilience, and sustainable development

The Shanghuang Observatory is a key research center for atmospheric physics in China, playing a crucial role in enhancing the country’s weather forecasting capabilities. The observatory has made significant contributions to improving weather prediction models, supporting disaster prevention and mitigation efforts.

HKU engineers designed and fabricated inch-scale ultrahard diamond wafers with 200 GPa hardness

Researchers developed inch-scale, binder-free ultrahard diamond wafers with Vickers hardness exceeding 200 GPa. The ultra-hard diamond wafer exhibits outstanding wear resistance and structural stability, making it suitable for applications in extreme-environment electronics, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductor thermal management.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

Brain extracellular space from an overlooked dimension to catalyst of a novel neuroscience paradigm

The brain extracellular space plays a crucial role in molecular diffusion, metabolic waste clearance, and post-blood–brain barrier drug transport. Recent advances have improved ECS characterization, enabling its integration into studies of CNS disease mechanisms, therapeutic design, and regulatory evaluation.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateMar 23, 2026

From tropics to poles: how Pacific Ocean warming sets the stage for Antarctic stratospheric changes months later

Research reveals a cross-seasonal connection between tropical Pacific Ocean warming and Antarctic stratospheric changes, with warming in the tropics leading to weakening of the polar vortex and ozone depletion. The study improves predictions of Southern Hemisphere climate patterns and offers insights into Antarctic ozone variability.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateMar 23, 2026

Honey bee waggle dance depends on its audience, study finds

A new study reveals that the honey bee waggle dance is a dynamic, two-way interaction shaped by its audience, contradicting the traditional view of unidirectional information flow. Researchers manipulated the number of potential observers to test how dancers adjust their behavior based on the availability of appropriately aged bees.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2026

Agent Orange linked to aggressive bone marrow cancer in Vietnam veterans

A new national study highlights the genetic changes that link exposure to Agent Orange to myelodysplastic syndromes, a group of bone marrow cancers that can progress to acute leukemia. The research found that exposed veterans were diagnosed at a younger age and had a higher rate of disease progression compared to unexposed patients.

Ancient Antarctic ice cycles impacted ocean productivity thousands of miles away

Researchers found that the 40,000-year obliquity cycle influenced ocean productivity in subtropical latitudes about 34 million years ago. The study used chemical signals preserved in ocean sediment to reconstruct past biological productivity and showed a strong influence of the Antarctic ice sheet on subtropical marine ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2026

Tiny sensors with the power to detect cancer

Researchers have developed tiny sensors capable of detecting multiple biomarkers simultaneously, including temperature and chemical changes. These sensors have the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and monitoring by providing reliable and clear information about disease presence in a minimally invasive way.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

New satellite driven model provides “more realistic and reliable” predictions of sand and dust storm emissions

A new satellite-driven model, dEARTH, provides more realistic predictions of sand and dust storm (SDS) severity by accounting for dynamic changes in soil surfaces. The study found that SDS transport is sparse and discontinuous, reducing affected land area by 69% and global transport magnitude by 45%.

SourceCardiff University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 23, 2026

Combining small changes to sleep, diet, and exercise could be key to reducing heart attack and stroke risk

Research shows combining small improvements in sleep, diet quality, and physical activity can significantly reduce major cardiovascular events. Making modest shifts in daily routines, such as sleeping more, eating more vegetables, and exercising more, were associated with a 10% reduction in risk.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMar 23, 2026

Dietary changes and medications could help prevent recurrent kidney stones

A systematic review of 31 studies found that diet changes and medications like thiazide diuretics, alkali therapy, and allopurinol may reduce stone recurrence in adults with calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate stones. However, evidence was generally limited, and more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these interventions.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 23, 2026

Joint display method for patient surveys reveals deeper insights into patient satisfaction

Researchers developed a joint display method to analyze patient survey ratings and open-text comments together, revealing patterns between satisfaction scores and patient experiences. This approach provided a fuller view of patient experience than scores alone, with implications for long COVID program evaluations.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 23, 2026

Bleeding events largely outnumber thromboembolic events in patients with cancer during the last phase of life, most patients continue antithrombotic therapy

A study found that cancer patients during the last phase of life experienced more bleeding events than thromboembolic events. Most patients continued their antithrombotic therapy despite increased bleeding risk, with over 28% experiencing at least one bleeding episode.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 23, 2026

The high cost of cold feet: why backtracking on green energy hurts economies more than progress helps

A new study by Nirma University reveals that policy synchronization is key to reducing pollution costs in Mediterranean nations. The research found that when a country's environmental taxes, green protection spending, and renewable energy adoption move in perfect synchronization, the overarching cost of pollution drops significantly.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

Clinical trial participants prefer community paramedic home care over usual care pathways

A randomized clinical trial found that patients who received community paramedic home care had higher satisfaction rates and preferred future care in a home setting compared to usual care pathways. The study did not show a significant reduction in hospital use or acute care needs, but improved patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 23, 2026

Care team continuity, flexibility and collaboration benefits whole-person care for patients with multiple long-term conditions

Researchers found that clinicians assess patients in context, developing management plans collaboratively with patients and caregivers. Clinicians also reported growing skills to focus on overall well-being and priorities, suggesting tailored care benefits from team continuity, flexibility, and strong collaboration.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 23, 2026

Isolation and financial hardship linked with lower odds of receiving preventive health care in the U.S.

A study of 281,582 adults found that those experiencing social and physical isolation were less likely to receive preventive health services. Financial hardship was a significant factor contributing to these findings, with 82.1% of physically isolated individuals experiencing material deprivation.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 23, 2026

Tip sheet and summaries Annals of Family Medicine March/April 2026

A retrospective cohort study in primary care found that patients presenting with floaters or flashes have different risks of retinal detachment. Researchers analyzed data from seven family practices in the Netherlands and discovered a higher absolute risk among episodes with new or recently changed acute floaters, more than 10 floaters...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 23, 2026

Baking the earth to cool the sky: How tailored biochar can dial down agricultural emissions

A comprehensive meta-analysis reveals that biochar functions as a highly active biological regulator, restructuring the earth to boost porosity and moisture retention. Biochar disrupts the soil's nitrogen cycle by suppressing specific enzyme activities, slowing down processes like nitrification and denitrification.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 23, 2026

Beyond green tech: the real reason digital economies drive down carbon emissions

A spatial analysis of 259 Chinese cities shows that digital transformation drives environmental progress by optimizing broader industrial structures. Governments should focus on upgrading entire industrial ecosystems rather than waiting for isolated technological miracles to solve the carbon crisis.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

Mediterranean diet may boost mitochondrial signals linked to heart and brain health

Researchers found that people following a Mediterranean-style diet have higher levels of humanin and SHMOOSE, which are linked to protection against cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. The study suggests that specific components of the Mediterranean diet may directly influence mitochondrial biology.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2026

To understand how the human brain ages, science reveals new insights from mice

Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to scan the brains of 82 mice at various stages of aging and found similar changes in both humans and mice. The study suggests that understanding age-related brain decline in mice could lead to new insights into human brain aging.

SourceThe Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

New discovery reveals hidden driver of deadly brain cancer

Researchers at Adelaide University identified CD47 as a critical mechanism driving glioblastoma growth and spread. The study found that removing or blocking CD47 reduced tumour cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, leading to improved survival times in animal models.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

Why a canceled meeting feels so liberating

A study by Gabriela Tonietto and colleagues found that unexpectedly gained time feels subjectively longer, leading people to choose longer activities. Participants in the study opted for longer tasks or leisure activities when given extra time, as they perceived it as more abundant.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateMar 23, 2026

Bee dancing is better with the right audience

A recent study on honey bees' waggle dance reveals that the dance's precision is influenced by audience size and composition. When there are more observers, dancers become less precise, suggesting that the performer adjusts its movements to engage with a larger crowd, ultimately conveying critical information about food sources.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

Closer to deciphering TOR, the molecular machinery that makes humans and yeast grow

TOR protein's molecular switch regulator, SEA complex, has been structurally solved by CNIO researcher Lucas Tafur. The study reveals that SEA doesn't regulate TOR in the way previously thought, providing new insights into understanding cancer and disease prevention.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

Successful use of high-pressure freezing for cell cryopreservation

Researchers from the University of Tokyo successfully developed a high-pressure freezing method that reduces CPA concentration to 20-30% and improves cell viability and metabolic activity. The method holds promise for cryopreservation in regenerative medicine research, with potential applications in drug testing and cell transplantation.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

Beyond climate resilience: the science of thriving in a chaotic world

A study from Michigan State University reveals that extreme weather can actually strengthen certain ecosystems, leading to increased productivity and resilience. The researchers found that phytoplankton species, which are crucial for removing carbon dioxide from the air, thrive when temperature fluctuations increase.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe American Naturalist·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 23, 2026

Study makes promising advances in accurately diagnosing sepsis

A new study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that an early and rapid diagnostic test for sepsis significantly reduced mortality, especially among patients from the most deprived communities. However, the study also showed no difference in the speed of intravenous antibiotic initiation.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 23, 2026

Study: New explanation for unique ‘negative superhump’ features of deep-space binary star systems

A team of astrophysicists offers a new explanation for negative superhumps in cataclysmic variable star systems, proposing an eccentric accretion disk model. This theory explains the prevalence of negative superhumps across a wide range of binary star masses and may also explain positive superhumps in high mass ratio systems.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2026

A roadmap for egocentric vision research

A new survey maps the major tasks in egocentric vision research, including subject understanding, object understanding, environment understanding, and hybrid understanding. The study identifies bottlenecks that limit progress, but also offers a roadmap for next-generation human-centered AI systems.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalMachine Intelligence Research·DateMar 23, 2026

New blood marker reduces the risk of a false diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at Lund University have developed a new blood marker that significantly improves the accuracy of Alzheimer's diagnosis. The study found that combining two biomarkers, p-tau217 and eMTBR-tau243, can identify people with established Alzheimer's disease with an accuracy rate of around 80%. This breakthrough reduces false posit...

SourceLund University·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2026

Amid new findings that more migratory species of animals are facing extinction nations gather in Brazil to agree on actions

Nations are coming together at the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) to address declining population trends and extinction threats among migratory species. The meeting aims to establish conservation policies and protections for over 2,000 species under threat.

Island Scholarship launched

The Island Scholarship programme aims to draw more talent to Orkney, supporting population retention and attraction on Scottish islands. Fifteen postgraduate students will have their fees paid in full for specialist MSc courses, with applications now open.

Massey researchers lead international collaboration of first-ever, multi-platform digital atlas of oral tissues

The study provides a breakthrough understanding of the immunoregulatory nature of human tissues, revealing that fibroblasts serve as core regulators of structural immunity in the mouth. The findings lay the groundwork for targeted modulation of fibroblast activity to improve health outcomes in fibrosis, cancer, and autoimmunity.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalCell Press Blue·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 23, 2026

Exploring preterm baby brain development

Researchers discovered that mild hypoxia shortly after birth hinders learning and memory into adulthood through altered neuron-to-neuron communication in the hippocampus. The study also found a second protein involved in hypoxia's effects on this channel's functioning, which was restored when targeted.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateMar 23, 2026

Negative emotions at work aren’t always harmful—empathetic leaders make the difference

Research by David Lebel and colleagues found that only half of the relationships between negative emotions and workplace outcomes were harmful during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, many showed no effect or even positive effects, highlighting the importance of empathetic leadership in moderating these outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 23, 2026

Improving heart health may not be enough to protect against Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers found that exercise and aggressive cardiovascular risk reduction improved heart health, but did not produce measurable cognitive benefits over two years in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights a critical gap between vascular risk reduction and brain health.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 23, 2026

Children with obesity are at risk of disease despite normal test results

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics finds that children with obesity but without metabolic complications still face a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal blood lipid levels later in life. Treatment can greatly benefit these children, reducing the risk of future diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2026

Move finances to shift energy

A collaborative team of researchers from Kyoto University analyzed the net-zero transition in Southeast Asia, finding that a flexible grid paradigm allows vertically integrated utilities to accept natural gas as flexible energy. The study also highlights the need for synchronized changes in energy systems and financial systems to achie...

SourceKyoto University·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 23, 2026

Sustainable breakthrough in low-cost materials for next-generation energy harvesting

Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed a new way of designing thermoelectric materials using metal-polymer superlattices, which improves performance and reduces environmental impact. The breakthrough could lead to practical energy harvesting solutions for wearable technologies and industrial applications.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAdvanced Energy and Sustainability Research·DateMar 23, 2026

Endometrial microbiota-dimethylglycine-Treg cell axis affects endometrial receptivity in recurrent implantation failure

Researchers found that endometrial microbiota imbalances contribute to recurrent implantation failure, with dimethylglycine supplementation potentially reversing the effects. The study suggests a complex interplay between microbiota, metabolites, and Treg cells in regulating endometrial receptivity.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateMar 23, 2026

Engineering high-efficiency mutants of the transposase ISDra2 TnpB via protein-generative models and energy-optimized design

Researchers developed a TnpB generation model to generate 100,000 mutant sequences of ISDra2 TnpB, selecting top five for experimental validation. The results showed high editing efficiencies at specific loci with the TnpB-TD mutant exhibiting stronger capabilities and diverse editing outcomes.

Researchers reveal m6A epigenetic modification controls arbovirus infection and transmission between vertebrates and mosquitoes

Researchers discovered that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) epigenetic modifications in mosquito-borne flaviviruses enhance viral propagation in vertebrates, increasing transmission from animals to mosquitoes. The study found a host-dependent regulatory mechanism involving the stem-loop I structure and the protein G3BP1.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2026

Mount Sinai researchers identify unique coordination among cell types that support healthy human skin

Researchers created a comprehensive mapping of over 1 million cells in normal adult human skin, identifying 45 unique cell types that vary across composition and arrangement. This study brings scientists closer to developing more targeted treatments for skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis.

A pathogen-induced translational shift enhances plant disease resistance without obvious fitness costs

A team of scientists has developed a technical system for regulating plant disease resistance without obvious fitness costs. They achieved this by identifying and utilizing in-frame AUGs in functional genes, including PI4KIII β1, to specifically regulate resistance gene expression through protein translation reprogramming.

Selenium nanoparticles and glutathione synergistically enhance soybean salt tolerance by activating the JA pathway and arbutin-mediated rhizosphere microbiota

Researchers developed a nano-biostimulant (SeG) combining selenium nanoparticles and glutathione to alleviate salt stress effects on soybean growth. SeG triggers metabolic reprogramming via the JA pathway, promoting arbutin secretion and rhizosphere microbiota growth, leading to improved salt tolerance in soybean.

Australia's environment is improving in many ways, but climate change is ‘accelerating’ damage to our marine ecosystems and wildlife at rapid pace

Despite good rainfall improving soils and vegetation, marine ecosystems and wildlife continue to bear the cost of a warming climate. The report found 2,175 species listed as threatened under federal law, with heat stress exceeding thresholds at 79% of reef locations.

SourceAustralian National University·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 23, 2026

Expectant couples in Finland, Japan and Portugal aim at being a good parental team – long working hours and primacy of mother are barriers for gender-equal parenting

A study of expectant parents in three countries found that long working hours and traditional motherhood cultures hinder gender-equal parenting. Expectant couples identified the need for positive, culturally appropriate coparenting programs to build team spirit and support each other.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalParenting·TypeSurvey·DateMar 23, 2026

Childhood mortality by parental cause of death

A statewide cohort study found childhood mortality is significantly higher among children bereaved by parental drug overdose, homicide, and suicide. Parental homicide was associated with the highest risk of mortality in children, highlighting the need for research into potential explanations such as family restructuring and mental health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 23, 2026

Medical centers highlight responsible ways to share genetic disease risk information

A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the eMERGE network found that sharing genetic disease risk information with patients can be done responsibly, with a 70% success rate. The team shared results with over 24,000 people using various methods, including one-to-one conversations for those with higher-risk findings.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 23, 2026

Frustrated Lewis pair chemistry enables dual atom insertion to build bioactive molecules

Researchers from NUS developed a boron-catalysed method to transform oxetanes into larger, medicinally relevant 1,3-oxazinanes with selective insertion of two building blocks, carbon and nitrogen units. This approach harnesses frustrated Lewis pair activation to upgrade cheap starting materials into bioactive compounds.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

Fathers’ mental health deteriorates long after the birth of their child

A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that fathers' mental health declines over time after the birth of their child, with increased risk of anxiety and substance abuse diagnoses returning to pre-pregnancy levels. However, depression and stress-related disorders continue to rise by over 30% one year after childbirth.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2026

JMIR Publications analyzes the gap between AI law and patient reality in health care

The article analyzes the legal and ethical complexities of explaining AI decisions to patients, highlighting significant hurdles such as interpretability trade-off, automation bias, and literacy barrier. It calls for co-design partnerships, institutional support, and standards for comprehension to bridge this gap.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 23, 2026

Korea University study identifies liver–metabolic disease as a key risk factor for heart failure in older adults with atrial fibrillation

A Korea University study reveals that liver metabolic disease is a key risk factor for heart failure in older adults with atrial fibrillation, with MASLD having the lowest risk and ALD carrying the highest risk. The study highlights the importance of liver health in cardiovascular disease management.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Heart Failure·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2026

Why plants fail in dry soil

Researchers found that plants cannot extract water from dry soil due to increased capillary and viscous forces. The plant's own properties are not limited, but rather the soil's ability to release water.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateMar 23, 2026

Moby Dick ‘ship sinking’ sperm whales caught headbutting on camera

Researchers at the University of St Andrews have confirmed that sperm whales engage in headbutting behavior, using their heads to push and strike objects, including ships. The study, published in Marine Mammal Science, shows that sub-adult whales are involved in this activity, challenging previous hypotheses about its function.

SourceUniversity of St. Andrews·JournalMarine Mammal Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 23, 2026

Do psychosocial factors affect cancer risk?

A large-scale study of over 421,000 individuals found no link between psychosocial factors and cancer incidence. However, some psychosocial factors were associated with a higher risk of lung cancer, which decreased after adjusting for known risk factors.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMar 23, 2026

Single-cell sequencing reveals unexpected protist diversity

Researchers at Earlham Institute isolated and sequenced genomes from seven uncultured Bodo spp. single cells, revealing three potentially novel species with unique genetic diversity. The study advances the field of single-cell sequencing in protists, shedding light on hidden biodiversity and symbiotic relationships.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalMicrobial Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

Want to shift a group’s opinion? Encourage opponents to sit on the fence

Researchers propose a strategy that encourages individuals to adopt a neutral stance, allowing groups to become more responsive, decisions to become easier to reach, and shifts in consensus to happen smoothly. By doing so, neutrality creates valuable breathing space for reassessment, making it easier for a group to change its mind when...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026