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Science News Archive March 2026 - Page 12


Page 12 of 52

Answering an urgent need

The Linda and Mike Mussallem Foundation has donated to USC's Keck School of Medicine to enhance clinical trials for individuals with Down syndrome at risk for Alzheimer's. This will increase domestic and international sites, accelerating the development of treatments specifically for this population.

Air‑breakdown triboelectric nanogenerator inspired by transistor architecture for low‑force human–machine interfaces

Researchers developed an AB-TENG with a transistor-inspired architecture to transform physical limitations into functional advantages, advancing skin-electricity-enhanced thin-film TENGs. This breakthrough design establishes a new paradigm for next-generation self-sustaining HMI and IoT devices.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateMar 25, 2026

Pork bones to the rescue: Healing arsenic-poisoned rice paddies with engineered char

Researchers discover that adding micro- and nano-scale bone char triggers a biological revival in arsenic-contaminated rice paddies, increasing urease and catalase activity and organic carbon levels. The biochar fundamentally alters soil microbiome behavior, reinforcing natural detoxification capacity by shifting microbial gene abundance.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2026

Researchers develop "self-transforming" catalyst to redefine CO₂ hydrogenation

A collaborative research team has developed a gas-induced structure evolution strategy to create a 'self-transforming' catalyst that selectively converts CO2 into carbon monoxide. The catalyst achieves a targeted shift in product selectivity, increasing the CO/CH4 ratio and enhancing CO selectivity.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 25, 2026

Simple antiseptic can reduce newborn infections

A Cochrane review found that chlorhexidine application to umbilical cord stumps likely reduces infections by 29% and may lower mortality rates, particularly in LMICs. Umbilical cord care is crucial for preventing infection and promoting healthy healing.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 25, 2026

Scientists discover quantum interference observed within single reaction path

A research team has revealed quantum interference between direct and indirect reaction pathways in the photodissociation of partially deuterated water, demonstrating that interference can occur even within a single reaction path. This finding suggests a new route to control nonadiabatic dynamics in chemical reactions.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 25, 2026

Researchers develop high-performance catalyst for CO2-to-formate conversion

Scientists have developed a novel catalyst that enables efficient conversion of CO2 into formate, which is widely used across industries. The catalyst, comprising Co atoms confined within the MoS2 lattice, shows superior catalytic activity and selectivity compared to traditional materials.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 25, 2026

Engineered biochar with minerals could unlock new solutions for soil health and water cleanup

Researchers combine biochar with naturally occurring minerals to create more durable and effective materials for improving soil fertility, capturing contaminants, and delivering nutrients. Engineered composites show promising potential for agricultural and pollution control applications.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 25, 2026

Food Fortification prevents 7 billion nutrient gaps annually—but could triple its impact, landmark study finds

A landmark study found that food fortification prevents approximately 7 billion nutrient gaps annually at a cost of just 18 cents per person. However, the study identified three priority actions to dramatically expand food fortification programs, including improving compliance and expanding coverage in high-need regions.

SourceGlobal Alliance for Improved Nutrition·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateMar 25, 2026

New synthetic parts for an old DNA tool

Researchers at Rice University have developed a synthetic origin of replication for plasmids, allowing for precise control over copy numbers and eliminating incompatibility issues. This innovation enables scientists to modify plasmids instead of workarounds, simplifying experimental workflows and expanding possibilities.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2026

Center for BrainHealth forms groundbreaking research collaborative to enable data sharing, accelerate discovery

The BrainHealth Network connects researchers across the country to understand brain health improvement through advanced MRI imaging and data analysis. The network leverages a comprehensive multimodal brain imaging dataset, including a longitudinal study of 100,000 healthy participants over 10 years.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 2026

Chemistry, regioselective and stereoselective electrochemical dearomatization-multifunctionalization reactions of pyridine

A research team successfully developed an electrochemically mediated dearomatization saturation strategy for pyridine, resulting in efficient multifunctional modification of the molecule. The strategy achieves chemo, regio, and stereoselective transformation of pyridine into complex piperidine skeletons.

SourceChinese Chemical Society·JournalCCS Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2026

Why gastric immunotherapy works differently

A recent review highlights differences in gastric cancer immunotherapy outcomes among various populations, particularly between Asian and non-Asian patients. The study suggests that treatment responses may be influenced by factors such as tumor biology, host immunity, infection, and environmental exposures.

SourceChina Anti-Cancer Association·JournalCancer Biology & Medicine·DateMar 25, 2026

Radiotherapy rather than surgery may help reduce risk of lymphoedema in patients with breast cancer: results from pilot study

A pilot study found that axillary radiotherapy may be as effective as surgery in killing cancer cells while reducing the risk of painful swelling. The trial compared radiotherapy to axillary lymph node dissection and found similar cancer outcomes, but lower rates of lymphoedema after radiotherapy.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 2026

Using new anti-obesity drugs in prevention of obesity-related cancers – global panel of experts suggest 10-year trial with 5,000 participants with cancer pre-cursor condition to establish efficacy

A global panel of experts recommends a 10-year trial with 5,000 participants at high risk of cancer due to pre-cursor conditions. The trial will evaluate the potential efficacy of GLP-1 and dual receptor agonists in preventing obesity-related cancers.

Elinzanetant reduces severity and frequency of hot flushes and night sweats, regardless of type of hormone treatment breast cancer patients receive

A new analysis shows elinzanetant effectively relieves moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with endocrine therapy, regardless of the type of hormone treatment. The drug reduces VMS frequency and severity by blocking a protein that triggers these symptoms.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 2026

KAIST professor Jinjoon Lee’s 10-meter Hanji Scroll PhD thesis from Oxford Enters the permanent collection of the world’s oldest museum, first work by a contemporary Korean artist

Professor Lee's doctoral thesis Empty Garden reinterprets uiwon through contemporary data and media language, exploring human sensation and existence in an AI-dominated environment. The work has been acquired by the Ashmolean Museum for its permanent collection, marking a rare distinction even within Oxford's 900-year history.

Scientists call out health-harming corporations driving rise in chronic disease

A new paper by the University of Sydney reveals that corporations manufacturing and marketing health-harming products are primary vectors of non-communicable disease. The authors propose solutions such as policy safeguards, stronger research focus, and prohibition on financial ties between industry and researchers.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 25, 2026

RNA-guided CRISPR system activates gene expression

Researchers have discovered an RNA-guided CRISPR system that can activate genes without cutting DNA, opening up new possibilities for gene regulation and therapeutic strategies. The system uses a strand of RNA as a guide to recruit the cell's transcription machinery, allowing for precise control over gene expression.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature·DateMar 25, 2026

Landmark Alliance ATOMIC Trial establishes new standard of care for patients with stage III dMMR colon cancer

The phase III Alliance ATOMIC trial shows that adding immunotherapy to standard chemotherapy improves clinical outcomes for patients with stage III dMMR colon cancer. The study found a 50% reduction in cancer recurrence risk and a 86.3% disease-free survival rate at three years.

SourceAlliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 2026

Plasma and lemon juice: Milder method retrieves nearly 95% of critical minerals in battery waste

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to recover nearly all critical minerals from spent lithium-ion batteries, including metals like lithium and graphite. The process uses microwave-induced plasma treatment with room-temperature solvents, resulting in high recovery rates and minimal environmental impact.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2026

Ancient alphabets, new insights: Researchers uncover hidden links among the letters

Researchers from SDSU discovered surprising similarities among ancient writing systems from Africa and the Caucasus region. The study suggests the Armenian alphabet may be more closely related to the ancient Ethiopic writing system than previously thought, revealing possible cultural contact and influence between regions.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalDigital Scholarship in the Humanities·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 25, 2026

Global initiative to address mounting pressures from illegal and unsustainable taking of migratory species announced at UN wildlife conference

The Global Initiative on the Taking of Migratory Species (GTI) aims to tackle the root causes of illegal and unsustainable taking, safeguarding wildlife and livelihoods. The initiative focuses on improving data, strengthening laws, engaging communities, and raising awareness.

Living in historically redlined neighborhoods may reduce one’s ability to conceive

Two studies led by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that people living in redlined neighborhoods were less likely to conceive than those in favorable areas. The findings suggest that historical practices like redlining continue to influence reproductive health disparities in present-day communities of color.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 25, 2026

Oyster reefs off the US Atlantic coast remove more nitrogen and provide greater economic value than previously estimated, and their restoration may be effective in maintaining water quality and improving marine ecosystems

Restored oyster reefs in the US Atlantic coast remove more nitrogen from the water than previously estimated. Additionally, their restoration provides greater economic value for coastal communities, supporting sustainable marine ecosystems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateMar 25, 2026

Significant grade inflation may be occurring in graduate education

Analysis of 40,516 students across 75 master's and 78 doctoral programs reveals grade inflation in both fields, stronger in master's programs, and influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic. The study's findings have implications for employment, admissions, and merit-based funding decisions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMar 25, 2026

From angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor exposure to a pragmatic pharmacist-led deprescribing intervention, & validating measures between the electronic health record and Medicare Claims, geriatrics research is shaping the future of care

Researchers explore pragmatic pharmacist-led deprescribing interventions, including ALIGN, to improve medication management in older adults with cognitive impairment. Validation of hospitalization, death, and hospice care data from skilled nursing facility EHRs and Medicare claims shows promise for improved care coordination.

Douglas P. Kiel, MD, MPH, elected to the Association of American Physicians

Douglas P. Kiel, a senior scientist at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, has been elected to membership in the Association of American Physicians due to his significant contributions to advancing medical knowledge and improving health through scientific research and academic leadership. His research focuses on o...

New medicine piggybacks onto fat absorption pathways to allow oral delivery and support clinical trial in major depressive disorder

A new approach allows oral delivery of drugs previously requiring injection by piggybacking on natural fat absorption pathways. The medication, GlyphAllo, bypasses the liver's security checkpoint and is absorbed through the gut's lymphatic system, allowing it to enter the bloodstream directly.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 2026