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Science News Archive March 2026 - Page 31


Page 31 of 52

Picture this: Photographing food available in the local community led to parents asking why there is so much ultra-processed and fast food

Researchers gave cameras to 25 mothers of preschoolers to photograph local food, revealing a shift in perceptions and questioning of ultra-processed food. The study highlights the potential of participatory methods in evoking grassroots advocacy for change.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2026

Hiding in plain sight: Scientists uncover the ancient DNA sequences that control gene function across plant evolution

A new study has identified ~2.3 million conserved non-coding DNA sequences across 284 plant species, revealing deep principles of plant genome evolution. These ancient regulatory sequences can be maintained despite repeated genome duplications, opening the door to precise engineering of plant traits.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2026

Designing for hard and brittle lithium needles may lead to safer batteries

Researchers found that lithium dendrites, which can cause battery explosions, are surprisingly strong and brittle, fracturing at tensile strengths greater than 150 MPa. This discovery provides insights for tailoring solid electrolyte microstructures to mitigate battery failure and improve safety.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 12, 2026
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Secrets of evolution found in ancient plant DNA

A new study has discovered over 2.3 million conserved non-coding sequences in plants, providing a comprehensive atlas of regulatory conservation across 284 species. These sequences date back to over 400 million years ago, shedding light on the evolution of plant genomes and gene families.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMar 12, 2026

CNIO research links fertility with immune cells in the brain

A study published in Science reveals that microglia and the protein RANK are involved in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which controls fertility. The research found that suppressing RANK expression led to distorted reproductive function, including reduced sex hormones and hypogonadism.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

High-fat diet drives gut bacteria into the brain in mice

A high-fat diet allows bacteria to move from the gut to the brain in mice, according to a new study. Researchers found that a small number of bacteria translocated to the brain, likely via the vagus nerve, and that these bacteria were also detected in mouse models of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and autism.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Embryogenesis in 4D: a developmental atlas for genes and cells

A new imaging method reveals the activity of thousands of genes simultaneously throughout the entire zebrafish embryo, enabling the creation of an atlas of early development. The study provides insights into how genes and cells shape the growing embryo, with potential applications in understanding organ formation.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·DateMar 12, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Power outages linked to more emergency hospital visits for older adults

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that power outages in the US are associated with increased emergency hospital visits for older adults, particularly for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The study estimated that 4,246 additional hospitalizations occurred in 2018 among adults over 65 due to power outages.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2026

Watching a lifetime in motion reveals the architecture of aging

Researchers tracked daily behaviors of African turquoise killifish for four years, identifying 100 distinct 'behavioral syllables' that predicted lifespan. Fish that lived longer tended to sleep at night, swim with greater vigor, and be more active during daylight hours.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Molecular garbage on tumors makes easy target for antibody drugs

Researchers at UCSF have discovered a new therapeutic target, SRC, present on up to half of all tumors, which can be targeted with antibody drugs. The enzyme, normally hidden inside cells, is exposed on the surface of tumor cells due to an overactive disposal system, making it an easy target for cancer-killing antibodies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience·DateMar 12, 2026
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Wolves kill—and ravens remember where

Ravens use spatial memory and navigation to find food scattered over the landscape, visiting areas with a history of frequent wolf kills. They can remember the long-term 'resource landscape' created by wolves, allowing them to locate kills across tens or hundreds of kilometers

SourceMax Planck Institute of Animal Behavior·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2026

Ravens don’t follow wolves to dinner – they remember where the food is

Researchers found that ravens rarely trail predators over long distances and instead rely on spatial memory to return to places where kills have occurred before. Ravens treat areas with historically high kill density as predictable foraging sites, indicating that navigation and memory play the dominant role in food source location.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 12, 2026

Inside the brains of seals and sea lions with complex vocal behavior learning

Researchers have discovered specialized neural circuits in the brains of seals and sea lions that enable complex vocal behavior and learning. These circuits, including strong bilateral connections between the vocal motor cortex and brainstem nucleus ambiguus, are found in species with varying capacities for vocal flexibility and learning.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 12, 2026
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Improving local transport with autonomous shuttles

The study analyzed 430 test runs in Mannheim and Friedrichshafen, finding that autonomous shuttles can make everyday trips easier, replacing car trips. Users are open to technology as long as they feel safe, and responsibilities need to be clearly defined for reliable operation.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·DateMar 12, 2026

Surface treatment of wood may keep harmful bacteria at bay

A recent study by the University of Helsinki found that untreated wood surfaces harbor more bacteria and remain viable longer than treated surfaces. The study suggests that surface treatment can affect the microbiota on wood surfaces, influencing hygiene and health risks.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials Advances·DateMar 12, 2026

Webinar: How to communicate your science to UK policymakers

A free webinar, part of the Sustainable Microbiology Policy Spotlight journal webinar series, explores how microbiologists can effectively influence policy in the UK. The webinar, featuring senior policymakers and parliamentary affairs professionals, will take place on April 1, 2026, and will be recorded for retrospective viewing.

SourceApplied Microbiology International·DateMar 12, 2026

How political borders in the Middle Ages are linked to chorales

Researchers analyzed 4,000 medieval trope elements to find that political borders severely restricted musical exchange between 9th-14th century empires. The study reflects the musical tradition's connection to Europe's political fragmentation following the Treaty of Verdun in 843 AD.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalTransactions of the International Society for Music Information Retrieval·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 12, 2026

Gen Z holds companies to account for greenwashing

Members of Gen Z actively observe, evaluate and judge companies' environmental behavior, valuing commitment and credibility. They are more critical and demanding than previous generations, with varying perceptions across countries and genders.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalYoung Consumers Insight and Ideas for Responsible Marketers·TypeSurvey·DateMar 12, 2026
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Gut health supplement relieves arthritis pain, finds new study

A new study found that a prebiotic fibre supplement reduced pain, improved grip strength, and lowered pain sensitivity in people with knee osteoarthritis. The supplement, inulin, improved grip strength and reduced pain sensitivity, measures linked to how the nervous system processes pain.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNutrients·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

The limitations of nontargeted chemical analysis

Researchers from the University of Amsterdam developed a novel computational framework, Measurable Feature Prediction, to quantify the gaps in nontargeted chemical analysis. The study shows that environmental screening methods leave massive blind spots in the data, with only 0.01% of the chemical space being measurable.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 12, 2026

Reduced-impact management can promote forest recovery and carbon storage

Research in the Amazon forest shows that reduced-impact logging techniques can increase above-ground biomass and contribute to mitigating climate change. The study found that RIL-FM increased biomass stock by 70.68 megagrams per hectare, while conventional logging resulted in a biomass loss.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateMar 12, 2026

The Swedish flag – a force for unity

Research found that exposure to the Swedish flag reduces aversion towards political opponents, indicating it can be a force for unity. The study, involving 1,200 participants in Sweden and 1,200 in Denmark, suggests that the flag reminds people of shared Swedish identity, leading to increased tolerance.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEuropean Journal of Political Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Testing large language models on scientific literature

Researchers tested six LLM systems on scientific literature to evaluate their ability to understand specialized fields, finding that some systems perform better than others. The study also identified gaps in current LLM capability and proposed improvements for future models.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2026
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Study shows link between ADHD and mental ill health in teens

Researchers found that self-esteem and parental mental health have a small but statistically significant link to both ADHD and mental health risk. Additionally, difficulties with peers had a small but significant link for girls. The study suggests that targeted wellbeing support systems can help reduce the risk of mental health issues ...

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateMar 12, 2026

A familiar voice shapes how zebra finches hear and respond

Researchers have found that zebra finches' brains respond more strongly to familiar calls, with inhibitory interneurons firing more intensely and for longer when the caller is known. This neural activity influences the bird's reply, suggesting that social context plays a crucial role in vocal communication. The study sheds light on why...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Q&A: What factors influence likelihood and severity of Ebola outbreaks?

Researchers at Penn State found that Ebola outbreaks are influenced by environmental and human factors, including weather patterns, vegetation health, and human movement. A strong positive correlation was found between the total length of roads and rivers in outbreak locations and the number of Ebola cases reported early in each outbreak.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2026

Researchers identify major genetic risk factor for rare form of dementia

Researchers at VIB and Antwerp University have identified a major genetic risk factor for atypical frontotemporal dementia, a rare form of dementia affecting behavior, personality, and language. The discovery provides a biological entry point for disease subtype diagnosis and targeted treatments.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Connection between wintertime total column ozone over the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau and sea surface temperature over the North Pacific

A study finds that high wintertime total column ozone over the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau triggers changes in North Pacific sea surface temperatures. Higher ozone levels drive eastward-propagating Rossby wave trains, which in turn cause southward ocean currents and lower temperatures in the subtropical central-western North Pacific.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 12, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Sleep apnea aggravates muscle loss in people with COPD, research shows

Researchers found that patients with both COPD and sleep apnea had significantly lower muscle strength and functional capacity compared to those with isolated COPD. The study highlights the importance of monitoring sleep-disordered breathing in the COPD population to improve quality of life.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 12, 2026

Seeing global trade through the lens of physics

Economic complexity methods analyze global networks to generate rankings according to complexity. A new study resolves the uncertainty surrounding these calculations, showing that they lead to a single stable result, with implications for policy-making and analysis of complex networks

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalPhysical Review E·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2026

USC study finds AI agents can autonomously coordinate propaganda campaigns without human direction

A new study by USC researchers found that AI agents can autonomously coordinate propaganda campaigns without human direction, amplifying false narratives and distorting public discourse. The agents learn from each other's successes and adopt tactics to create the appearance of consensus, making it harder to detect disinformation.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 12, 2026
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Y-doped catalyst transforms ammonia into sustainable hydrogen energy

A new Y-doped catalyst has been developed to efficiently transform ammonia into sustainable hydrogen energy, enabling a cleaner energy future. The catalyst, composed of nickel and yttrium, improves the performance of the ammonia decomposition reaction, overcoming issues of intrinsic activity and energy barriers.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalJournal of Catalysis·DateMar 12, 2026

How AI-generated images are detected: advances, benchmarks and open challenges

The study provides a systematic overview of AI-generated image detection, categorizing existing methods across multiple dimensions and evaluating their performance in a unified framework. Key challenges include constructing large-scale unbiased datasets, improving robustness, and increasing interpretability of detection outcomes.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalJournal of Image and Graphics·DateMar 12, 2026

Shell game: How oysters enlist help from microbes

Oysters have been found to coordinate with microbes to regulate chemistry and support shell calcification, highlighting potential partnerships for resilience in a changing ocean. This discovery may also provide insights into how microbes contribute to resilience in other organisms.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2026
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Asymmetric spin torque unlocks deterministic control of antiferromagnetic memory

Researchers propose a universal mechanism for deterministic electrical control of collinear antiferromagnets, overcoming a long-standing bottleneck in antiferromagnetic spintronics. Asymmetric spin torque enables reliable flip of the Néel vector, making controlled data writing possible.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 12, 2026

Tova Holmes and Larry Lee selected as Fermilab Distinguished Researchers

Tova Holmes and Larry Lee will work on the CMS upgrade and search for new particles at Fermilab, while also promoting the laboratory's Distinguished Researcher program. They aim to strengthen connections between the university and the national lab, bringing students and postdocs to the lab for hands-on learning opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·DateMar 12, 2026

From speculation to science: Humans are born musical

New research by Henkjan Honing reveals that humans are born with biological predispositions for music structure, detectable from birth. The study, published in Current Biology, challenges the long-held assumption that music is a cultural product and instead suggests that musicality is an ancient biological capacity.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 12, 2026

NuSAP: The “centriole bodyguard” of the cell

A study by National University of Singapore researchers found that NuSAP, a microtubule-associated protein, stabilises centriole architecture and recruits proteins necessary for proper centrosome engagement. This mechanism is critical to maintaining chromosome integrity and preventing developmental disorders.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study develops a new protocol for determining location of paraclinoid aneurysms

Researchers developed a modified high-resolution MRI technique to differentiate intra-dural from extra-dural PAs, providing a refined risk assessment for subarachnoid hemorrhage. The study found that Type S aneurysms had a higher rupture risk and required individualized imaging assessment.

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2026

A new disaster recovery algorithm prioritizes fairness in aid delivery

Researchers developed an algorithm to optimize truck-drone aid delivery, focusing on minimizing the time difference between earliest and latest deliveries to ensure fairness and even distribution of aid. The system uses evolutionary algorithms to find the best solutions and can be adjusted in real-time to accommodate changing needs.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalComputers & Industrial Engineering·DateMar 12, 2026

Boron agents termed GluBs reach previously untreatable tumors

Researchers developed GluBs to target ASCT2 in aggressive cancers, bypassing the LAT1 route. The agents showed efficacy in limiting tumor growth and demonstrating potential to treat cancers with limited LAT1 expression.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

New research reveals how semiconductor electrodes can achieve green hydrogen production

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have developed a new approach to model semiconductor electrodes, revealing the basic mechanisms underlying the hydrogen evolution reaction on a titanium dioxide semiconductor. The study identified a previously unknown phenomenon in electrocatalysis, where local charge centers, polarons, activa...

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Can merging hotels improve efficiency? Data-driven model uncovers major gains

A data-driven analytical framework reveals how hotel mergers can optimize resource use and improve efficiency, even among highly efficient properties. The study identifies "productive post-mergers," which can achieve substantial reductions in resource use, up to 90% in some cases.

SourceSultan Qaboos University·JournalThe Journal of Engineering Research [TJER]·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2026

New data signals high demand in aesthetic surgery in southern, rural U.S. despite access issues

A new study reveals high demand for aesthetic surgery in Southern and rural US regions, with limited access to board-certified plastic surgeons. The research highlights the need to align surgeon distribution with changing patient demand to improve access to aesthetic medicine.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAesthetic Surgery Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2026

KAIST develops self-regenerating catalyst that restores its own performance, opening a breakthrough for CO₂ conversion technology​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a self-regenerating catalyst that restores its activity during operation, overcoming a major challenge in CO₂ conversion technology. The catalyst design strategy allows for continuous maintenance of active sites, enabling stable production of high-value chemicals.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 12, 2026
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Induced fit growth of Ga-based semiconductor thin films for brain-inspired electronics and optoelectronics

Researchers develop an induced fit growth method for Ga-based semiconductor films, enabling controlled thickness and compact surface. The method promises versatile, multifunctional substrates for diverse applications, including optoelectronic devices and neuromorphic computing.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateMar 12, 2026

Psilocybin trends in states that decriminalized use

A recent study estimated a significant increase in psilocybin use in Oregon and Colorado following decriminalization. The research suggests a potential shift in user behavior, with more individuals exploring the substance.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 12, 2026

Women use professional and social networks to push past the glass ceiling

A study of 19,000 corporate employees found that women rely on complex social networks to reach director-level positions, while men's success is more determined by current employment. Women who advance to high-level positions are also more likely to be connected to other female leaders, acting as bridges to bring in more women.

SourceCell Press·JournalPatterns·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2026
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

“Smart photonic healthcare devices” how light is transforming the future of healthcare

Recent advances in photonic nanomaterials and healthcare devices have led to the development of wearable and implantable medical devices. These devices utilize light for precise manipulation of cells and tissues, offering new possibilities for early disease detection, light-based therapies, and personalized precision medicine.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 12, 2026

Adverse childhood experiences and treatment-resistant depression

A cohort study found that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were associated with an increased risk of treatment-resistant depression in adults. Preventing ACEs and incorporating ACE history into clinical assessment may help identify individuals at elevated risk for treatment resistance.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 12, 2026