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Science News for March 5, 2026


Researchers enhance photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance of covalent organic frameworks by constitutional isomer strategy

The study introduces a conformational isomer strategy to precisely tune nitrogen atom positions in covalent organic frameworks, enhancing photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance. The imine-linked COF-I2 exhibits superior performance due to the synergistic effect between Pt clusters and single atoms.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 5, 2026

Sustainable hydrogen peroxide production: Breakthroughs in electrocatalyst design for on-site synthesis

Researchers have charted a transformative path toward sustainable hydrogen peroxide production through the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction. The 'generate-and-use' approach eliminates hazardous storage and long-distance transport, making it ideal for remote areas and decentralized industrial applications.

Molecular target drives immunogenicity in cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have identified tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) as a key molecular target in immunogenic cell death (ICD), a type of regulated cell death that activates the immune system against cancer cells. Two platinum-containing compounds, Pt-NHC and PlatinER, trigger ICD by blocking PTP1B's enzymatic activity.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

Cash rewards for behavior change: A review of financial incentives science in one health contexts and implications

Financial incentives have shown promise in promoting pro-social and health-promoting behaviors, but challenges persist, including ensuring additionality, monitoring compliance, and addressing social equity concerns. The review highlights key findings on the effectiveness of cash rewards, non-cash incentives, and conditionality in One H...

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalScience in One Health·TypeCase study·DateMar 5, 2026

Researchers determine structural motifs of water undecamer cluster

Researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics determined the structural motifs of water undecamer cluster, including three low-energy configurations. The study provides crucial insights into the evolution of water's hydrogen-bond network and paves the way for size-dependent studies on solvation processes.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 5, 2026

“A spray shield that adheres to transplant organs” reduces the burden on patients taking lifelong immunosuppressants

Researchers developed a spray shield that adheres to transplant organs using mussel-derived adhesive protein, reducing immune rejection and its side effects. This innovation enables targeted delivery of immunosuppressants directly to the transplanted site, increasing success rates in xenograft transplantation.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateMar 5, 2026

Carbon markets risk penalizing First Nations stewardship

A coalition of experts warns that carbon markets may be penalizing First Nations' long-term stewardship due to their 'additionality' requirements. The definition of 'additionality' often rewards restoration on degraded land, excluding protected ecosystems and traditional owners' custodianship.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 5, 2026

Researchers uncover microscopic mechanism of alkali species dissolution in water clusters

Researchers have uncovered the microscopic mechanism of alkali species dissolution in water clusters using a new spectroscopy station. The study found that only three water molecules can separate Ba and OH in neutral BaOH clusters, and this process is facilitated by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 5, 2026

Cannabis compounds show promise in fighting fatty liver disease

Researchers discovered that CBD and CBG can significantly reduce liver fat and improve metabolic health by creating a backup energy reserve and restoring cellular cleaning crews. These compounds also showed promising effects on treating metabolic diseases, including reducing body fat mass and improving insulin sensitivity.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

Rethinking how we measure recovery from substance use

Researchers propose a new measure for recovery from substance use, recognizing incremental progress, to reduce stigma and improve quality of life. The study found strong associations between proportion of remission and quality-of-life measures, suggesting a paradigm shift in how recovery is measured.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalHarm Reduction Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

Preventing breast cancer resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors using genomic findings

A new study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center reveals that analyzing a patient's genomic profile can predict breast cancer resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors. The researchers found that inheriting a BRCA2 mutation and other genetic alterations increase the likelihood of resistance. This discovery provides a new strategy for pred...

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2026

Using the vagus nerve to treat disease: Review maps today’s science, points to tomorrow’s therapies

A comprehensive review synthesizes the science behind vagus nerve modulation therapies, which use controlled signals to influence brain circuits and inflammation. The authors identify key mechanisms and propose next-generation treatments tailored to individual patients and conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalComprehensive Physiology·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 5, 2026

Enhanced brain cells clear away dementia-related proteins

Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed a new cellular immunotherapy that uses brain cells called astrocytes to clear away dementia-related proteins, such as amyloid beta. The treatment requires just a single injection and has shown promise in mice by reducing the amount of plaques in half.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

Making mini-lightning in a block of plastic

Researchers use mathematical calculations to recreate lightning-like discharge in everyday materials like acrylic and quartz. The study could enable the study of a powerful natural phenomenon at a lab bench and potentially lead to advances in meteorology and X-ray sources.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 5, 2026

Overcoming ovarian cancer’s resistance to immunotherapy

A new study demonstrates that blocking a signaling protein called FAK helps mobilize an anti-tumor immune response, allowing tumor-fighting cells to approach tumors and shift the behavior of other immune cells to work against them. This approach achieved the best effects on immune cell recruitment, tumor size reduction, and survival ti...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

Combination GLP-1 therapy shows fat mass loss while preserving lean mass in adults with obesity

A combination of GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide and bimagrumab results in greater weight reduction while preserving lean mass in adults with obesity. The therapy combination addressed lean mass loss associated with GLP-1-based therapies, showing substantial weight loss over 72 weeks.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 5, 2026

Flipped chromosomal segments drive natural selection

New research finds that chromosomal inversions help Atlantic silversides maintain genetic differences suited to cold and warm waters, influencing growth rates and vertebrae numbers. This discovery suggests a fundamental role for chromosomal inversions in local adaptation and may shape population responses to ocean warming.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2026

CAR-expressing astrocytes target and clear amyloid-β in mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers have developed genetically altered astrocytes that express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) capable of clearing accumulations of amyloid-β in the brains of mice. These CAR-expressing astrocytes, called CAR-A, substantially reduced Aβ buildup and prevented disease progression in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.

Why SETI might have been missing alien signals

A new study by the SETI Institute suggests that stellar activity and plasma turbulence near a transmitting planet can broaden an otherwise ultra-narrow signal, spreading its power across more frequencies. This makes it more difficult to detect in traditional narrowband searches.

SourceSETI Institute·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMar 5, 2026

Apocalyptic beliefs are no longer fringe—and they’re shaping how people respond to global threats

A new study reveals that apocalyptic thinking is no longer fringe and significantly influences how people interpret and respond to global threats. Beliefs about the end of the world are diverse and predict how individuals perceive and react to risks like climate change, pandemics, and emerging technologies.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateMar 5, 2026

Non-destructive battery testing — New method developed with GSI participation

A new method has been developed to enable nondestructive diagnosis of the electrolyte in rechargeable batteries through the battery casing using special nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. The technique, known as ZULF NMR, allows for the direct detection and quantification of electrolyte components without damaging the battery.

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

Weaponizing kinship

A new study examines the magnitude of harm inflicted on Colombians through over 740,000 homicides and enforced disappearances during the conflict. The researchers estimate that approximately 7.5% of Colombians lost a close relative, with women being 20% more likely to have been affected.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Demographic Research·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateMar 5, 2026

Half of newborns with severe spina bifida have trouble breathing during sleep

Researchers discovered that 53% of newborns with myelomeningocele had sleep-disordered breathing, highlighting the need for routine screening and early intervention to prevent long-term complications. The study's findings suggest that addressing sleep disorders in high-risk infants could meaningfully improve their neurodevelopment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2026

Wear topologies on your body: Flexible metasurfaces enable topologically stable skyrmions

Researchers have created a flexible microwave device that generates Stokes skyrmions in free space, even when bent or partially broken. These exotic field structures preserve their topological charge under deformation, making them suitable for encoding information and resisting distortion in wireless communication systems.

Buck Institute launches Healthspan Horizons to turn long-term health data into Actionable healthspan insights

Healthspan Horizons links real-world longitudinal data with deep discovery science to create uniquely powerful, long-term datasets revealing what drives human healthspan over time. The platform aims to translate discoveries into clearer guidance on what helps people stay resilient, supporting more years of energy, strength, and indepen...

UH engineers issue hot take on cold-steel: Finding hidden damage requires radar, AI

Researchers have developed a new framework to detect possible damage in concealed cold-formed steel construction framing materials, utilizing ground-penetrating radar and artificial intelligence. The technology allows for rapid detection of damage, enabling inspectors to verify only flagged spots without removing walls or cladding.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Computing in Civil Engineering·DateMar 5, 2026

Compulsive traits linked to uncertainty over future plans

A new study links compulsive traits to a type of decision-making strategy, favoring habitual behaviors over long-term planning. People with more compulsive traits are also more uncertain about the outcomes of their actions, leading them to rely on habits.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2026

How faulty mRNA is destroyed

Researchers have identified a crucial mechanism behind nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), which removes faulty transcripts to prevent incomplete protein production. The study reveals that the SMG5 and SMG6 proteins interact directly, forming an endonuclease that cuts through RNA in a targeted manner.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

University of Limerick, Ireland, research reveals challenges of living with gestational diabetes

A study from the University of Limerick found that supportive partners play a crucial role in women's experiences of gestational diabetes, with inadequate support increasing the burden of the condition. The research suggests that knowledge, communication, and cultural context are essential factors in determining the effectiveness of pa...

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalHealth Psychology Review·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 5, 2026

Stark divide: Americans more confident in career scientists at US health agencies than leaders

A new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that Americans are more confident in career scientists at federal health agencies such as the CDC, NIH, and FDA, than in their leaders. The survey also reveals a significant gap in confidence between career scientists and agency leaders, with only 5% of Americans expressing

Common drug class may increase risk of heart disease

A large cohort study found that people using anticholinergic medications, commonly prescribed for urinary incontinence and anxiety, have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The cumulative use of these drugs was associated with an increased risk of heart failure and arrhythmias.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2026

University of Ottawa Heart Institute, the University of Ottawa and McGill University launch ARCHIMEDES to advance health research in Canada

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute, McGill University, and the University of Ottawa have launched ARCHIMEDES, a national health data platform providing Canadian researchers with secure access to diverse health data. The platform enables collaboration, supports advanced analyses, including AI algorithms, and prioritizes public trust.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2026

How viruses mess with our brains

A review of 900 scientific articles identified several biological markers associated with cognitive decline in viral infections, including activated monocytes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Conversely, certain markers like anti-inflammatory cytokines are linked to better preservation of cognitive abilities.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·TypeNews article·DateMar 5, 2026

China’s economists warn of near-term “firefighting” risks and longer-term debt strains

Economists warn of sudden 'firefighting' risks linked to real estate finance, with potential chain reactions triggering financial instability. Long-term systemic risks, including local government debt sustainability concerns, could have overwhelming effects, prompting proposed reforms to address these challenges.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalRisk Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 5, 2026

Frequency-comb spectrum-correlation reflectometry

The proposed OFC-SCR technique enables parallel multi-frequency interrogation, improving measurement speed by over an order of magnitude. It also achieves high frequency response, wide dynamic measurement range, high sensing sensitivity, and excellent robustness, pushing the performance boundaries of distributed fiber-optic acoustic se...

Protecting wildlife from genetic collapse with newly identified "early warning signals"

Researchers have identified detectable 'early warning signals' in genetic data that can alert conservationists to an approaching crisis before it becomes irreversible. The findings provide a new tool for protecting endangered species by monitoring genetic changes in populations and identifying early warning signs.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2026

Share of migratory wild animal species with declining populations despite UN treaty protections worsens from 44% to 49% in two years; 24% face extinction, up 2%

The interim update to the State of the World's Migratory Species report warns that 49% of migratory species populations are declining, with 24% facing extinction, due to habitat loss and overexploitation. The report highlights the need for coordinated international action to address these threats and protect migratory species.

Saving two lives with one fruit drop

Researchers found that the plant aborts almost all fruits containing larvae, but instead allows larvae to emerge and burrow into soil, promoting a stable balance in the relationship. This 'fallen-fruit compromise' is a novel mechanism that stabilizes nursery pollination mutualism between Sambucus and kateretid beetles.

SourceKobe University·JournalPlants People Planet·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

RELAX study from Dresden: Innovative combination therapy shows promising efficacy in aggressive leukemia

Researchers from Dresden University Medicine developed a new treatment approach for relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML), combining standard therapy with the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax. The innovative combination therapy has shown promising efficacy, increasing remission rates to 75% and improving patients' chances of recovery.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalThe Lancet Haematology·DateMar 5, 2026

Study confirms food fortification is highly cost-effective in fighting hidden hunger across 63 countries

A comprehensive systematic review found that large-scale food fortification is a highly cost-effective intervention for reducing global malnutrition, with benefits far outweighing costs. The study analyzed 56 studies from 63 countries and found that fortification programs deliver substantial health benefits relative to costs.

SourceCochrane·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 5, 2026

Tundra tongue: The science behind a very cold mistake

Tundra tongue is a common childhood experience where kids freeze their tongues to metal, leading to mild or no consequences. However, in 18% of cases, it results in avulsion, a piece of the tongue being torn off. Researchers found that most cases had no serious harm and suggest warming the metal with water or air to loosen the tongue.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 5, 2026

Targeting a dangerous gut infection

Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) affects half a million Americans annually, causing severe diarrhea and life-threatening inflammation of the colon. Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine have developed a new imaging approach to track individual C. diff cells, revealing unexpected findings, such as toxin production not dep...

SourceTufts University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

A kaleidoscope of cosmic collisions: the new catalogue of gravitational signals from LIGO, Virgo and KAGRA

The updated catalogue, GWTC-4, doubles the number of events, revealing 128 new gravitational signals and a kaleidoscope of cosmic collisions, including massive black hole binaries and neutron star binaries. The data provides unprecedented precision to test Einstein's General Relativity and probe the universe's evolution.

SourceEuropean Gravitational Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 5, 2026

Real-time imaging of microplastics in the body improves understanding of health risks

Scientists create fluorescent nanoplastics that resemble real-world plastics in morphology, enabling real-time tracking and studying chronic exposure effects. The study reveals that smaller particles retain longer in the body, highlighting the need for further research on health risks due to microplastic ingestion.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalEnvironmental Science Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

Altered copper metabolism is a crucial factor in inflammatory bone diseases

Copper metabolism plays a crucial role in inflammatory bone diseases, with copper overload suppressing glycogen synthesis and increasing inflammatory activity. Researchers found that cuproptosis, a form of programmed cell death, can lead to bone weakening and osteoclast formation, providing a potential new therapeutic target.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalInternational Journal of Oral Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

Molecular ‘catapult’ fires electrons at the limits of physics

Scientists at Cambridge University observed ultrafast charge transfer happening within a single molecular vibration, occurring on the natural timescale of atomic motion. The discovery challenges long-held theories about how solar energy systems work and reveals a new pathway to designing more efficient light-harvesting technologies.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 5, 2026

Researcher finds evidence supporting sucrose can help manage painful procedures in infants

A recent Cochrane review found that administering sucrose to infants undergoing venepuncture is an effective and safe way to manage pain. The study recommends using sucrose as a first-line pain management strategy before the procedure, especially when other options like skin-to-skin contact or breastfeeding are not available.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateMar 5, 2026

Bureaucracy Index 2026: Business sector hit hardest

The Bureaucracy Index has reached a record high, showing a 62% increase in federal legislation since 2010. Commercial law has developed at an above-average rate, with the strongest growth since the beginning of systematic evaluation. To generate new growth momentum, deregulation must start here.

SourceESMT Berlin·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2026

Korean researchers enable early detection of brain disorders with a single drop of saliva!

A team of Korean researchers developed a technology that can precisely analyze structural changes in brain-disease proteins using saliva, enabling early diagnosis of major neurological disorders. The technology has been shown to classify disorders with high accuracy, exceeding 90%, and holds significant potential for non-invasive and l...

Swipe right, but safer

A new interactive tool, Safety Map, has been launched to address safety concerns on dating apps, with over 48 in-depth interviews conducted across Canada. The map curates safety information from 30 different dating apps, providing users with practical and accessible knowledge.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalLeisure Sciences·DateMar 5, 2026