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Science News for March 26, 2026


Too many teachers are burning out: new research points to micro-credentials as a path forward

A new article by G. Williamson McDiarmid argues that the traditional model of teacher professional development is failing educators, pointing to micro-credentials as a compelling alternative. Micro-credentials offer teachers greater autonomy and control over their learning, which is associated with improved job satisfaction.

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeCase study·DateMar 26, 2026

Why do haploid fish embryos usually die before they can fully develop? A new zebrafish study offers clues

A new zebrafish study sheds light on why haploid fish embryos often fail to survive normal development. Researchers identified 13 key genes associated with abnormal development, highlighting disruptions in FGF and Wnt signaling pathways, mitochondrial translation, ion transport, and cell-cycle regulation.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalReproduction and Breeding·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2026

Hidden “resilience window” found in human brain one hour after stress

A study published in PNAS found that the human brain's resilience process doesn't peak immediately after a stressful event; instead, it manifests in a distinct 'resilience window' about an hour later. This delayed neural shift distinguishes resilient individuals and offers a new time-target for interventions.

SourceKochi University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2026

Freezing soils may hold the key to locking away toxic arsenic, new study finds

A new study reveals that freeze-thaw cycles can dramatically improve biochar's ability to trap toxic arsenic in contaminated soils. The research found that freezing and thawing fundamentally reshapes how biochar interacts with soil at microscopic scales, creating stronger connections between biochar particles and soil minerals.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2026

Early results from a trial of active surveillance for low-risk DCIS are ‘reassuring’

Researchers have reported early, reassuring results from the LORD trial on active surveillance for low-risk DCIS. The study found that patients with active surveillance did not experience worse early outcomes compared to those who underwent immediate surgery, and that many chose active surveillance over surgery.

Immunotherapy boosts chemotherapy in combating stage 3 colon cancer

Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy after surgery for patients with stage 3 (node-positive) colon cancer reduced cancer recurrence and mortality by 50% compared to chemotherapy alone. The study used an immune checkpoint inhibitor, atezolizumab, to reactivate a person's anti-tumor immunity.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 26, 2026

New UN-backed atlas maps migratory lifelines of highly vulnerable bird species across the americas

The Americas Flyways Atlas charts critical habitats spanning 56 countries, revealing key breeding, stopover, and wintering sites for 89 highly vulnerable migratory bird species. The atlas provides governments with a blueprint to protect these birds from habitat loss, infrastructure, and climate change.

Triple combination therapy before surgery helps boost immunity against aggressive soft tissue sarcomas

Researchers found that combining targeted radiation therapy with BO-112 and anti-PD-1 therapy before surgery activated the immune system to fight cancer. This approach reshaped the tumor microenvironment to support T-cell activity, resulting in fewer cancer cells and a more effective anti-tumor response.

Mayo Clinic study finds wearable data may help predict patient engagement in remote COPD rehabilitation

A Mayo Clinic study found that wearable sleep data can improve the prediction of patient engagement in a 12-week home pulmonary rehabilitation program. By combining baseline sleep data with machine learning and traditional clinical indicators, clinicians can tailor more effective care plans for patients with COPD.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings Digital Health·DateMar 26, 2026

International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention publishes clinicians guide: Latest research on role of dietary interventions in cancer, menopause, Alzheimer’s disease, and others

A new clinician's guide has been published by the International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention, summarizing the latest research on dietary interventions for various diseases. The guide emphasizes the importance of plant-based diets and healthy lifestyle habits in disease prevention and treatment.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 26, 2026

5 Rice researchers elected AAAS fellows

Five Rice University professors, Pernilla Wittung-Stafshede, Volker Rudolf, Edward Knightly, Marcia O’Malley, and Ed Billups, have been elected AAAS fellows for their groundbreaking research in various fields. Their work has led to significant breakthroughs in human health, technology, and environmental understanding.

New theory reshapes quantum view of Big Bang

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a new theory that suggests the universe's rapid early expansion could emerge naturally from a deeper, more complete theory of quantum gravity. This approach offers a unified picture that connects the earliest moments of the universe to modern cosmology.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 26, 2026

Are heart failure and atrial fibrillation the same disease?

A new study finds that heart failure and atrial fibrillation share similar genetic and molecular mechanisms, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of these two conditions. The research reveals that the pathological response involves multiple cell types communicating with each other, leading to a fundamental shift in how atrial fibril...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·DateMar 26, 2026

The Josep Carreras Institute and the Chinese Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital join forces to advance research in blood cancers

The Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute is joining forces with the Chinese Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital to advance blood cancer research. The partnership aims to develop joint translational research programmes and accelerate the development of curative therapies for patients with blood cancers.

Scalable platform sheds light on how cancer spreads

A new platform called ATLAS enables researchers to generate large quantities of cancer cell clusters that accurately model metastasis. Using ATLAS, the Rice team gained insights into the mechanisms that enable cancer clusters to survive in the bloodstream during the metastatic process.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2026

Human creativity still surpasses AI

A new study confirms that human creativity surpasses AI in generating creative images, with the unguided AI model performing poorly compared to humans and a human-guided AI model. The research highlights the need for human intervention in AI's creative process from training to idea generation.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2026

Is darkness faster than light?

Technion researchers confirm 50-year-old prediction by measuring the speed of 'dark points' within light waves. The team's achievement reveals universal laws of nature shared by all types of waves, enabling new microscopy techniques to study hidden processes in physics, chemistry, and biology.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2026

VertINGreen unveiled turning indoor green walls into smart, living systems breathing life into buildings

Researchers have developed VertINGreen, a web-based platform that transforms vertical green walls into intelligent environmental systems using remote sensing technology and machine learning. This system enables precise planning and real-time monitoring of indoor plants, reducing maintenance costs and increasing the benefits of green wa...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalIndoor Air·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2026

AI overly affirms users asking for personal advice

A study by Stanford University researchers found that AI large language models are prone to sycophancy when providing advice on interpersonal dilemmas. The models often affirmed users' choices, even in harmful or illegal scenarios. Participants who interacted with sycophantic AIs reported increased self-centeredness and moral dogmatism.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateMar 26, 2026

Experimental discovery of a new critical point in water

Researchers at Stockholm University have found a new critical point in supercooled water at around -63 °C and 1000 atmosphere. This discovery explains the unusual properties of water, such as its density and viscosity responding to pressure and temperature changes in ways that are opposite to other liquids.

SourceStockholm University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2026

From simulation to strategy: climate modeling motivates action at the top

A new study by MIT Sloan School of Management found that facilitated En-ROADS simulations enhanced learning and led to stronger understanding of climate solutions, personal connection, and increased climate-related action among decision-makers. The interactive simulator helped leaders identify high-impact solutions and took action on l...

SourceMIT Sloan School of Management·Journalnpj Climate Action·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 26, 2026

Computational chemistry and supercomputers to help understand the mechanisms of life

A new study from IIT, Uppsala University, and AstraZeneca uses computational chemistry and supercomputers to better understand splicing, a key process in gene expression. The results provide precise insights into splicing dynamics and help explain previously difficult-to-interpret data.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 26, 2026

UT Health San Antonio announces $6.5 million gift to strengthen pediatric health workforce through new Harvey E. Najim Pediatric Health Scholars Program

The program aims to support future pediatric-focused professionals in dentistry, medicine and nursing through competitive scholarships and training. With the gift, UT Health San Antonio will expand access to high-quality care for children and families in Bexar County.

Second-hand smoke exposure down 96% since Scotland’s smoking ban, study shows

Since Scotland's landmark smoke-free legislation in 2006, second-hand smoke exposure has decreased significantly, with a 95.7% reduction in salivary cotinine levels among non-smokers between 1998 and 2024. Despite this progress, many workers still face risk of exposure, particularly in outdoor hospitality settings.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalTobacco Induced Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 26, 2026

Home testing kits could bridge the cervical screening gap for Disabled women, new study finds

A new UK study suggests that home testing kits could be a game-changer for reducing health inequalities among physically Disabled women. Over 50% of the surveyed women prefer self-testing over traditional clinic visits due to barriers such as discomfort and embarrassment. The proposed scheme will offer DIY test kits to under-screened o...

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalJournal of Medical Screening·TypeSurvey·DateMar 26, 2026

IOP Publishing celebrates outstanding peer reviewers

The IOP Publishing Outstanding Reviewer Awards recognize researchers who deliver exceptional peer review reports, showcasing the essential contribution of reviewers to published research quality. The awards honor over 3,500 reviewers from 74 countries, with notable recognition for lower middle-income country contributors.

New model for the complex earthquake patterns of the Phlegraean Fields near Naples

A recent study combines two modelling approaches to capture the seismicity associated with land uplift and earthquake swarms in the Phlegraean Fields. The model explains long-term trends in earthquake activity by combining changes in stress within the Earth's crust with friction behaviour of geological faults.

SourceGFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum für Geoforschung·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 26, 2026

Targeting histone modifications in colorectal cancer: therapeutic potential of epigenetic modifiers on acetylation, methylation and phosphorylation

Epigenetic modifiers targeting histone acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation show significant preclinical promise in CRC. Combination strategies and novel degraders offer pathways to overcome resistance, including PROTACs targeting KDM3A/B that eliminate cancer stem cells via Wnt/β-catenin inhibition.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalGene Expression·DateMar 26, 2026

Insights from past cold and warm periods: Larger interannual temperature variability over China

Research reveals increased interannual temperature variability over China, with greater summer variability during the Last Interglacial and stronger winter variability during the Last Glacial Maximum. This study provides a critical long-term perspective for understanding future changes in extreme temperature events.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 26, 2026

Copper overload kills cancer cells

Researchers developed a copper complex that selectively induces cuproptosis in cancer cells, killing them without harming healthy tissue. The method is 100 times more effective than existing platinum derivatives and can target treatment-resistant cancer cells.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2026

AI agent accelerates catalyst discovery for sustainable fuel development

Researchers used AI to identify key characteristics of catalysts and guide their designs, discovering a universal design principle for copper-based single-atom alloy catalysts. The approach uses machine learning to predict catalyst performance and inspire generalizable design principles.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 26, 2026

New lithium-ion battery design could power longer-lasting electric vehicles and portable devices

Researchers developed a novel lithium-ion battery anode that stores more than 3500 milliampere-hours per gram, outperforming current graphite-based batteries. The new design, VISiCNT, features a vertically integrated silicon-carbon nanotube structure that maintains performance and stability over hundreds of charge cycles.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateMar 26, 2026

Four NYU faculty named AAAS Fellows

NYU faculty Eray Aydil, André Fenton, Anirban Maitra, and Liina Pylkkänen recognized for their groundbreaking work in materials synthesis, neuroscience, cancer research, and language processing. The American Association for the Advancement of Science has selected 449 members as AAAS Fellows this year.

One pot process to convert sugarcane waste to jet fuel

A joint project between The University of Queensland and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi has led to the development of an eco-friendly process to convert sugarcane waste into biofuel. PhD candidate Ms Neethu Joshikumar successfully tested a one-pot method using deep eutectic solvent, reducing electricity and time requirements.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalBiofuels Bioproducts and Biorefining·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2026

Drexel researchers discover liquids have a breaking point

Drexel researchers have found that, given the right strain rate, simple liquids can fracture like solid objects. This discovery suggests that viscosity plays a more significant role in the mechanical properties of liquids than previously thought, potentially leading to new possibilities for manipulating liquids in various applications.

SourceDrexel University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2026

Experimental evidence shows how photons spread across multiple paths in an interferometer

Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a new experimental method to demonstrate the physical delocalization of individual photons in an interferometer. The study challenges traditional interpretations of quantum mechanics and has significant implications for high-tech sensors and our understanding of reality.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalNew Journal of Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2026

Can AI learn to read ancient pottery the way an archaeologist does?

A new deep learning model classifies Japanese Sue ware from 3D scans with high accuracy, using three-dimensional point clouds directly. The model achieved an overall accuracy of 93.2%, performing almost perfectly on visually distinct categories, while focusing on regions that may correspond to expert archaeologists' considerations.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 26, 2026

KAIST researchers unveil technical principles behind antibacterial graphene toothbrushes with 10 million units sold​

A KAIST research team identified the mechanism by which Graphene Oxide exhibits powerful antibacterial effects against bacteria while remaining harmless to human cells. The technology has been applied to consumer products, including a graphene antibacterial toothbrush that has sold over 10 million units.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 26, 2026

Video training helps young adults with disabilities navigate romance

Researchers developed a video modeling program to enhance romantic relationship skills in young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The study found that participants significantly improved their decision-making skills across four relationship domains, averaging 76% accuracy after the intervention. The findings high...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalSexuality and Disability·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2026

Multi-task deep learning identifies four MASLD subtypes for precision cardiovascular– liver–kidney–metabolic management

The study developed a novel multi-task deep LASSO algorithm that identified six core clinical indicators, establishing four stable MASLD subtypes with distinct characteristics. The classification system enables targeted interventions, prioritizing fibrosis screening and aggressive cardiorenal protection for specific subgroups.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2026

A machine learning model may enable liver cancer risk prediction with routine clinical information

Researchers developed a machine learning model that analyzes patient demographics, electronic health record data, and blood test results to predict hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. The model achieved high accuracy and outperformed existing liver cancer risk prediction models, offering potential for widespread use in resource-limite...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Discovery·DateMar 26, 2026