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Science News for March 4, 2026


Insilico and TaiGen achieve milestone in collaboration: Out-licensed CKD anemia candidate ISM4808 completes first human enrollment and dosing in Phase I clinical trial

ISM4808, a PHD inhibitor for chronic kidney disease-related anemia, has achieved its first milestone with successful completion of the Phase I clinical trial. The treatment stimulates endogenous erythropoietin production and improves iron utilization, offering improved efficiency and safety compared to existing treatments.

Stars like our Sun may maintain the same rotation pattern for life, contrary to 45 years of theoretical predictions

Researchers at Nagoya University found that magnetic fields keep the equator spinning faster than the poles in stars, preventing a rotation flip even as they slow down with age. This contradicts 45 years of theoretical predictions and could help scientists solve stellar mysteries.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 4, 2026

Duke-NUS scientists identify more effective way to detect poultry viruses in live markets

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School found that testing air and surfaces can detect a broader range of poultry viruses, including highly pathogenic avian influenza strains, which traditional surveillance may miss. Environmental sampling can provide a more comprehensive view of viral circulation in live poultry markets.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2026

How moss helped solve a grave-robbing mystery

A tiny clump of moss played a crucial role in proving a crime had taken place at Burr Oak Cemetery in Illinois. The moss's age was determined to be only a year or two old, bolstering the case against the cemetery employees, who were ultimately convicted in 2015.

SourceField Museum·JournalForensic Sciences Research·DateMar 4, 2026

Low-intensity treadmill exercise preconditioning mitigates post-stroke injury in mouse models

A study published in Translational Exercise Biomedicine found that low-intensity treadmill exercise preconditioning significantly reduced brain injury and improved neurological outcomes after ischemic stroke in mouse models. The exercise group showed lower infarct size, increased microvessel density, and reduced inflammation.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalTranslational Exercise Biomedicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 4, 2026

GLP-1 diabetes drugs linked to reduced risk of addiction and substance-related death

A large US study published in The BMJ found that GLP-1 receptor agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity may also help lower the risk of addiction to various substances. The study associated GLP-1 receptor agonists with reduced risks of adverse outcomes such as overdoses and drug-related emergency department visits and deaths...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2026

GLP-1 medications get at the heart of addiction: study

Researchers found that GLP-1 medications are effective at reducing the risk of developing substance use disorders across all major addictive substances, including a 14% reduced risk for developing any substance use disorder. The study also showed significant reductions in severe harm, including overdose and death, among patients with p...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBMJ·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2026

Modified biochar helps compost retain nitrogen and build richer soil organic matter

Researchers designed modified biochars with phosphorus and magnesium to improve compost quality by retaining nitrogen and accelerating humification. The study found that these materials reduced ammonia emissions and promoted microbial activity, resulting in higher nitrogen retention and improved soil fertility.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2026

Trapping light on thermal photodetectors shatters speed records

Electrical engineers at Duke University have developed the fastest pyroelectric photodetector, capable of capturing light from the entire electromagnetic spectrum. The device requires no external power and operates at room temperature, making it suitable for on-chip applications and multispectral cameras.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2026

Mayo Clinic researchers discover hidden brain map that may improve epilepsy care

Mayo Clinic researchers have identified a hidden 'movement map' deep within the brain, which could help surgeons reduce side effects from epilepsy procedures and guide future treatments for speech and movement disorders. The discovery was made using advanced brain-recording technology to create individualized maps of patients' brains.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2026

Resuscitation science, training and technology leaders launch new self-guided resuscitation learning model nationwide

The American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical have launched Self-Guided Learning, a flexible resuscitation training delivery model, to provide equitable access to high-quality training. The model allows learners to complete HeartCode Complete courses on their own schedule, using advanced simulation technology to verify skills.

Machine-learning immune-system analysis study may hold clues to personalized medicine

A York University-led study used machine-learning models to analyze 64 immune biomarkers in people with and without HIV who received COVID-19 vaccines. The researchers found clear vaccine-initiated immune response biomarkers between the two groups, but also identified outliers that provide insights into the complex nature of the immune...

SourceYork University·JournalPatterns·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 4, 2026

Microwave frying can help lower oil content for healthier French fries

Researchers propose a hybrid approach of combining conventional and microwave frying to achieve lower oil content without compromising flavor and texture. The study found that microwave frying resulted in faster moisture loss, shorter cooking time, and lower oil intake, suggesting an economically feasible option for industrial production.

How the Dobbs decision and abortion restrictions changed where medical students apply to residency programs

A study by the University of Washington found that medical student applications to residency programs in states with new abortion restrictions decreased sharply following the Dobbs decision. Applications to specialties related to reproductive health dropped notably, indicating a potential impact on future physician workforce.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2026

A promising potential therapeutic strategy for Rett syndrome

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a potential therapeutic strategy for Rett syndrome by guiding brain cells to produce more functional MeCP2 protein. The approach, which involves deleting a specific ingredient from the gene that produces the protein, has shown promise in mice and cells derived from patients with...

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2026

How microbes protect against allergies

Researchers found that exposure to microbes induces a lasting immune memory in fibroblasts, protecting lungs from allergic reactions for months. This discovery opens up new possibilities for developing preventive strategies for respiratory allergies.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2026

Ongoing problems with kids’ heart transplant waitlists found in Stanford Medicine-led studies

A Stanford Medicine-led study reveals that the US method for ranking children on heart transplant waitlists does not consistently prioritize the sickest patients. The current system fails to capture medical urgency, leading to higher waitlist mortality rates and potential unfair treatment of some patients.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2026

Moffitt study identifies distinct tumor-immune ecologies that predict immunotherapy response in lung cancer

Researchers identified distinct spatial tumor-immune ecologies that differentiate stable disease from progressive disease in non-small cell lung cancer patients. Tumors that progressed were characterized by immune suppression before treatment began, while stable disease tumors showed stronger colocalization of immune cells. Machine lea...

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2026

Cracking the code on sulfur-based cathodes

A team of researchers has developed a practical and powerful all-solid-state battery using lithium-sulfur conversion chemistry. By optimizing particle size and material arrangement, they achieved a discharge capacity of 1500 milliampere-hours per gram of sulfur, bringing the technology closer to realizing its theoretical capacity.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2026

Evolution of new physical traits in mollusks has declined and grown more predictable over time

A new study by Geerat Vermeij and Tracy Thomson found that mollusks evolved unique physical traits at a frequency of once every 2 million years in early history, declining to about one trait every 9 million years. The evolution of these traits has become increasingly predictable over the 540-million-year history of mollusks.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2026

How time changes impact public sentiment in the U.S.

A study published in PLOS One found that individuals experience a more negative reaction to the time change from daylight saving time (DST) to standard time (ST) in the fall, compared to the transition from ST to DST in the spring. Social media sentiment analysis revealed a depressive impact in early fall.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2026

Machines spot deepfake pictures better than humans, but people outperform AI in detecting deepfake videos

A recent study found that AI programs are up to 97% accurate at detecting pictures of deepfake faces, but performed at chance levels when it comes to detecting deepfake videos. Humans correctly identified real and fake videos about two-thirds of the time, picking up on subtle inconsistencies in movement and facial expressions. The stud...

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalCognitive Research Principles and Implications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2026

How some skills become second nature

A team of MIT engineers identified tacit knowledge in volunteers who classified images, shifting focus to easier-to-classify areas without awareness. Bringing this concealed knowledge to the surface enhances experts' performance, suggesting a method for boosting learning experience in disciplines requiring keen observation skills.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateMar 4, 2026

Autonomy in school is not one thing: New study identifies distinct pathways to adolescents’ achievement and school burnout

A new study published in the Journal of Adolescence suggests that autonomy is not a single entity, but rather two distinct psychological experiences: autonomy satisfaction and autonomy frustration. These experiences steer adolescents toward markedly different academic and emotional outcomes. The research highlights the importance of re...

SourceECNU Review of Education·TypeSurvey·DateMar 4, 2026

A new model for old cracks

University of Pittsburgh engineers develop predictive models for longitudinal cracking on concrete pavements to improve road performance and reduce repairs. The project aims to create a nationwide infrastructure solution by pinpointing root causes and developing mechanistic-empirical models.

New label-free microscope for exploring the nano-world inside live cells

Researchers develop interferometric Image Scanning Microscopy (iISM) technique to deliver high-resolution imaging of intracellular structures in live cells without fluorescent labels. The method improves contrast-to-noise ratio and enables faster acquisition speeds, opening new opportunities for studying nanoscale cellular dynamics.

Experts uncover why cats are prone to kidney disease

Cats are prone to kidney disease due to a unique biological quirk, accumulating modified triglycerides with special ether-linkages. This study proposes that these fats may be an early sign of long-term stress within the kidney, potentially contributing to tissue damage over time.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2026

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers emphasize benefits and risks of generative AI at different stages of childhood development

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers highlight the need for parents and pediatricians to understand generative AI's potential benefits and risks for children of different ages. Early childhood (0-5 years) requires close supervision, while middle childhood (6-11 years) and adolescence (12+ years) require critical thinking ski...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 4, 2026

Antibacterial coatings with short-term effect may fail over longer periods of time

Researchers discovered that antibacterial coatings, initially effective against bacteria, can lose their performance over time. The study found that ZnO-based coatings maintained their antibacterial properties, unlike TiO2-based materials which degraded and lost effectiveness after prolonged exposure to UV-A light.

SourceEstonian Research Council·Journalnpj Materials Degradation·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2026

DGIST-KBSI developed “precision analyzer” to uncover identity of “chameleon proteins” causing intractable diseases, such as dementia

A research team developed an innovative analytical technology to precisely examine intrinsically disordered proteins, a key cause of neurodegenerative diseases. The technology enabled accurate identification of protein structures at the atomic level, revealing how temperature and genetic mutations affect protein structure.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2026

“What causes the delay in antidepressant effects? ” DGIST identifies brain neuropeptides as key drivers behind delayed antidepressant effects for the first time

Researchers have identified brain neuropeptides as key drivers behind delayed antidepressant effects for the first time. The study found that medication-driven serotonin levels primarily serve as a 'starting signal' while the peptide plays a central role in brain recovery.

American College of Surgeons releases first-ever workplace standards framework

The American College of Surgeons has released a national framework outlining measurable workplace standards for surgeons, aiming to improve surgeon well-being and patient safety. The framework provides customizable standards that can be incorporated into departmental policies and employment contracts.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeNews article·DateMar 4, 2026

DGIST achieves top-level solar hydrogen production efficiency using heavy-metal-free eco-friendly quantum dots

Researchers at DGIST have developed a technology to precisely control anion defects in eco-friendly quantum dots, enabling record-breaking solar hydrogen production efficiency. The defect-minimized eco-friendly quantum dots exhibited increased charge carrier concentration and prolonged lifetime, allowing for efficient charge migration ...

Alcohol abstinence enables regeneration even in advanced liver cirrhosis

A study by MedUni Vienna found that up to one-third of patients with advanced alcohol-related cirrhosis can achieve complete regression of liver-related complications through consistent abstinence from alcohol. This 're-compensation' also leads to simultaneous recovery of liver function and a significant reduction in mortality rates.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 4, 2026

New UNC Charlotte study reveals how just three molecules can launch gene-silencing condensates, organizing the epigenome and controlling stem cell differentiation

A new study by UNC Charlotte scientists has discovered a self-clustering mechanism in the Polycomb protein CBX2 that is essential for initiating gene-repressive condensates and guiding stem cells toward their proper fates. The researchers found that CBX2 clusters recruit two Polycomb repressive complexes, creating multicomponent repres...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2026

People with COPD commonly misuse medications

New studies reveal that medication nonadherence in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often caused by affordability and limited understanding of medications. This can lead to quicker lung function decline, more frequent exacerbations, and a higher symptom burden.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateMar 4, 2026

Study: Reported crop yield gains from breeding may be overstated

A new study challenges the common method used worldwide to measure genetic progress in crop breeding, finding that most reported gains are due to maintenance breeding, not genetic improvements. This has significant implications for agricultural research policy and investment, highlighting the need for more robust evaluation methods.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2026