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Science News Archive March 2026 - Page 25


Page 25 of 52

Shooting-free days decline in major US cities; new metric aims at building sustained periods of peace

A new study by Columbia University researchers introduces four novel metrics to assess progress on gun violence prevention, highlighting the decline of shooting-free days in major US cities. The study suggests that these metrics can identify protective conditions and inform policy to sustain longer periods without firearm violence.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2026

Engineered bacteria deliver cancer drug directly inside tumors in mice

Researchers engineered Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 bacteria to produce anticancer agent Romidepsin, which was released from the bacteria and effectively targeted cancer cells in mouse models. The study establishes a solid foundation for bacteria-assisted tumor-targeted therapy, paving the way for future advancements in cancer treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Mitochondria identified as key player in a rare disease causing microcephaly

A study led by Dr. Marco Milán identified mitochondria as a key player in a rare disease causing microcephaly, a condition where the brain develops to a smaller size. The researchers found that mitochondria dysfunction leads to proteotoxic stress, causing cells to accumulate errors in chromosome distribution, resulting in microcephaly.

Search robot thinks for itself

A new search robot developed at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) uses a combination of spatial maps and language models to efficiently find objects in dynamic environments. The robot can build a three-dimensional image of its surroundings and update it constantly, allowing it to search for objects with a high degree of accuracy.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·TypeCase study·DateMar 17, 2026

From straw to soil signals: How humification reshapes microbial life and resistance genes

Humification of lignocellulosic biomass enhances soil organic carbon accumulation and stimulates microbial carbohydrate-active enzyme genes, while also promoting the enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes, particularly under higher phenolic concentrations. This trade-off highlights the need for balanced residue management strategies...

SourceMaximum Academic Press·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Stanford researchers develop novel "scaffold-free" approach for treating damaged muscles

Stanford researchers have developed a novel 'scaffold-free' approach for treating damaged muscles, enabling the delivery of more healing cells to the traumatized area. The approach uses a custom molding technology to create dense muscle tissue in customizable geometric shapes and sizes, allowing for more effective muscle regeneration.

Using AI to improve standard-of-care cardiac imaging

Researchers developed a new multiview DNN structure to capture complex 3D anatomy and physiology from multiple imaging views, improving diagnostic accuracy for cardiovascular conditions. The approach demonstrated better performance than single-view DNNs and provided a viable alternative for other medical imaging modalities.

SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 17, 2026

Decoding intercontinental disjunction: Phylogenomic study unravels evolutionary history of hylodesmum

A comprehensive study using integrated genomic approach resolves Hylodesmum's taxonomic uncertainties and EA-ENA disjunct distribution. The study confirms Verdesmum as nested within Hylodesmum and reveals a complex bidirectional dispersal pattern likely facilitated by mammal-mediated epizoochory.

SourceSouth China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalBiological Diversity·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Turning waste into climate gains: Co-pyrolysis of cotton straw and plastic mulch could cut millions of tons of CO₂ in Xinjiang

A study published in Agricultural Ecology and Environment demonstrates that co-pyrolysis of cotton straw and plastic mulch can significantly reduce carbon emissions and agricultural plastic pollution. The process generates biochar, which enhances soil quality and resource use efficiency, supporting sustainable cotton production.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Fantastic fungi found with ability to freeze water

Researchers have identified fungal proteins that can catalyze ice formation at high subzero temperatures, making them a potential alternative to toxic silver iodide in cloud seeding. The discovery could lead to safer weather modification and improved food preservation techniques.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 17, 2026

Whose turn is it? Toddlers know the answer!

Two-year-olds exhibit surprisingly good understanding of turn-taking in conversations, predicting when someone else will speak. Children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) also understand when it's their turn, but may be slower to respond.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalJournal of Speech Language and Hearing Research·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2026

New rare bird species discovered in Japan

A new species of leaf warbler, Tokara Leaf Warbler, has been discovered in Japan through DNA analysis. The species is found only on two island groups and is considered vulnerable due to low genetic diversity and potential population declines.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2026

Smart bandage could heal and monitor wounds at the same time

Researchers at RMIT University developed a smart bandage that monitors wound infections and delivers healing therapeutics in one simple dressing. The dressing uses carbon dots to sense pH changes in the wound and combat inflammation, allowing for real-time monitoring and treatment.

SourceRMIT University·JournalChemical Engineering Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Taking the long view on teen social media ban impacts

Researchers from Flinders University emphasize the need to consider mental and physical health, school performance, and digital literacy when evaluating the ban's success. They also warn that restricting access may have limited impact unless platforms build safer environments.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 17, 2026

Thoughts don’t kill people, but study suggests options for keeping guns from doing so

A new study from Michigan Medicine found that over 7% of Americans have thought about shooting someone, while 8.7 million adults considered it in the last year. Firearm owners were no more likely to have these thoughts than non-owners, but 21% of those who had thoughts said they would consider giving their gun to someone for safekeeping.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateMar 17, 2026

A robot that endures over one million uses -- Then becomes compost to nourish plants

A team of researchers developed a fully biodegradable and compostable soft robotic electronic system that maintains high performance and durability during operation yet completely returns to nature after use. The system was made from a water-free biodegradable elastomer and integrated biodegradable inorganic electronic components, exhi...

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Can a specialized AI model steer doctors toward the right scan?

A specialized AI model, AMIR-GPT, has been developed to improve radiology guideline alignment, outperforming general purpose models in 33.3% of test responses. However, the model's performance varied across performance bands, and qualitative review revealed limitations, such as omissions and deviations from standard recommendations.

SourceIntelligent Medicine·JournalIntelligent Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 17, 2026

New computational biology tool automates and standardizes genome sequencing analysis

A new tool, metapipeline-DNA, automates and standardizes genome sequencing analysis, reducing the complexity of large and complicated data. The open-access resource, developed by Sanford Burnham Prebys and the University of California Los Angeles, aims to improve collaboration and reproducibility across research labs.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Climate change is fueling disease outbreaks

Research from Stanford University reveals that warmer, wetter weather conditions linked to climate change are making disease epidemics more likely, with a study analyzing a 2023 cyclone and dengue fever outbreak in Peru estimating that 60% of cases were directly caused by extreme rainfall and warm temperatures. Targeted mosquito contro...

SourceStanford University·JournalOne Earth·DateMar 17, 2026