Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive March 2026 - Page 20


Page 20 of 52

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

Thermal‑gated self‑repairing polyimide separator for dendrite‑suppressed lithium metal batteries

The new polyetherimide (PEI) core encapsulated by a polyamide-imide (PAI) shell separator overcomes conventional limitations in thermal safety, dendrite suppression, and cycling stability. The PAI@PEI separator achieves record-high shutdown temperature and superior Li+ transference.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeNews article·DateMar 22, 2026

Ionic states enable multimodal nanofluidic devices with capacitive-inductive switching and further tunable high-pass filter circuits

Researchers have developed programmable nanofluidic neuromorphic devices with adjustable electrical performance, achieved through tuning ionic concentration and species. The devices exhibit hysteresis behaviors due to distinct physical origins, enabling multifunctional responses.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2026

Why does global numerical weather prediction model fail to accurately forecast 21.7 Zhengzhou extreme precipitation?

The study found that complex terrain, particularly orographic gravity wave drag, significantly affects the location and intensity of extreme precipitation. Without this effect, the low-level mesoscale vortex moves westward, leading to decreased rainfall intensity and a northwestward shift of the rainfall center.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 22, 2026

Comprehensive phylogenomic tree of ciliates unveils their billion-year evolutionary history

A comprehensive phylogenomic tree of ciliates has been reconstructed, providing a new framework for the phylum Ciliophora. The study establishes three main lineages and a divergence timeline linking key splits to major Earth history events. This robust phylogenetic framework enables precise tracing of key evolutionary innovations.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 22, 2026

Feeling more creative in nature? It might just be a feeling

A study from Murdoch University found that nature exposure does not necessarily translate to improved creative performance, but still has positive impacts on reducing mental fatigue and stress. The research also showed that built environments can increase stress levels, but this does not hinder creativity.

SourceMurdoch University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2026

Caffeine helps restore memory function after sleep loss, NUS Medicine study shows

A NUS Medicine study reveals that caffeine can restore social memory impaired by sleep deprivation. Caffeine targets a specific brain pathway to reverse disruptions in neural communication and plasticity. The study provides insights into the effects of caffeine on cognitive function and memory.

Redox reactions in chains of chalcogens

A new NMR method has enabled the direct observation of heterochalcogen bonds in redox systems, revealing strong redox activity. This innovative approach allows for the generation and characterization of trichalcogenide molecules containing sulfur, selenium, or tellurium.

SourceKyoto University·JournalACS Measurement Science Au·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2026

University of Phoenix scholars publish study on academic applications of generative AI tools in higher education

A University of Phoenix research team examined the academic applications of generative artificial intelligence tools, finding emerging patterns in their adoption across higher education. The study emphasizes the importance of ethical guidelines and responsible AI use to preserve the rigor and critical inquiry in scholarly work.

SourceUniversity of Phoenix·JournalInternational Journal for Digital Society·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 21, 2026

AI assisted tool linked to improved stroke care and outcomes

A clinical decision support system using AI-assisted imaging analysis and evidence-based treatment recommendations showed better quality care and long-term outcomes for patients with acute ischemic stroke. The tool reduced new vascular events by 26% at three months and maintained the reduction at 12 months.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 20, 2026

Turning waste into a solution: micro-nano bone biochar boosts rice yield and cuts toxic cadmium

A novel soil amendment made from animal bone waste increases rice production and reduces cadmium accumulation in edible grains. Micro-nano bone char alters soil chemistry and microbial community, creating a more favorable environment for plant growth and improving grain nutritional quality.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2026

New biochar-based technology boosts antibiotic removal from water using low-energy ultrasound

Researchers developed a novel composite material that combines biochar, carbon nanotubes, and iron carbide, significantly accelerating the breakdown of antibiotics in water. The system achieved up to 15 times higher removal rates compared to conventional materials, while requiring substantially less energy.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2026

Researchers call on the fragrance industry to move beyond sustainability rhetoric and fund plant conservation

The global fragrance industry has a significant impact on plant diversity, with an estimated 45% of flowering plants at risk of extinction. A new model, The Red List Project, pairs fragrance manufacturers with local conservation organizations to produce marketable products while supporting local environmental stewards.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 20, 2026

New insights into biochar reveal how to better capture phosphorus and protect water systems

Researchers have developed a calcium-modified biochar that more effectively captures organic phosphorus, offering a solution to reduce nutrient pollution in water systems. The study reveals how molecular structure influences phosphorus adsorption, providing a clearer roadmap for designing more effective materials.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2026