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Science News Archive March 2026 - Page 36


Page 36 of 52

The AI that taught itself: USC researchers show how artificial intelligence can learn what it never knew

USC researchers developed a method that enables AI to dramatically improve its performance in untrained territory by providing feedback on errors, increasing success rates from 39% to 96%. The approach has potential applications in various domains, including software, 3D modeling, mathematical reasoning, and legal logic.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 10, 2026

Where wells run deep, biodiversity runs thin

Conventional oil and gas infrastructure leaves a deeper mark on freshwater biodiversity than shale gas development in Pennsylvania, according to a new study. The research analyzed over 6,800 benthic macroinvertebrate samples and found conventional development was linked with fewer species and a decline in ecosystem health.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalACS ES&T Water·DateMar 10, 2026

Q&A: Gassing up bioengineered materials for wound healing

Researchers at Penn State have developed a new class of tunable biomaterials, known as granular aerogel scaffolds, to support tissue regeneration and vascularization in wound healing. The material offers improved cell infiltration and may help rapidly form new blood vessels and regenerate damaged tissue.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2026

Massive-scale spatial multiplexing with 3D-printed photonic lanterns achieved by researchers

The Hebrew University team designed an adiabatic transition to convert multiple few-mode sources into a single multimode fiber, enabling efficient combining of dozens of small semiconductor lasers. The technology simplifies high-power laser systems and optical communications, preserving brightness and easing alignment constraints.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2026

Low testosterone levels may be associated with increased risk of prostate cancer progression during surveillance

A study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that men with low testosterone levels are 60% more likely to have their prostate cancer progress to a more aggressive state during surveillance. Low testosterone may serve as a useful clinical marker to guide treatment and surveillance strategies.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateMar 10, 2026

Vegans develop complex skills to navigate an omnivorous society, new Concordia research shows

Researchers found three types of relational fractures: co-performance, co-learning, and marketplace. Vegans employ strategies such as decoding, decoupling, divesting, and chameleoning to cope with conflicts. These findings are transferable to other contexts, highlighting the need for social skills to navigate moral differences.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·TypeObservational study·DateMar 10, 2026

P38 MAPK linked to epigenetic activation of fibrotic genes in senescent lung fibroblasts

A new study reveals that p38 MAPK plays a key role in epigenetic regulation of fibrotic genes in lung fibroblasts, particularly in senescent cells. Pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAPK significantly reduced α-SMA and Col3A1 expression, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for treating age-related fibrotic diseases like IPF.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeNews article·DateMar 10, 2026

University of Kentucky study finds blood clues to serious side effects of new Alzheimer’s drug

A University of Kentucky study has identified a distinct immune fingerprint in the blood of patients who develop amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) after treatment with lecanemab, the first FDA-approved drug to slow Alzheimer's disease progression. This finding could lead to a more personalized approach to Alzheimer's care an...

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2026

Europe's buzzards are losing their color diversity

A Europe-wide citizen science study reveals that common buzzards are becoming more uniform in color, with lighter birds found in north and central Europe and darker birds in Brittany and Iberia. The study's findings suggest that the loss of color diversity may compromise the species' ability to adapt to future environmental changes.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence·JournalIbis·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 10, 2026

Break-through amplified spontaneous emission with ultra-low threshold in perovskite via synergetic moisture and BHT dual strategies

This work demonstrates a synergistic strategy utilizing water molecules and BHT additive to achieve high-quality perovskite films with low defect density, resulting in an unprecedented amplified spontaneous emission threshold of 8.987 μJ cm-2. The dual-triggered film completes ASE intensity retention after 30-day ambient storage.

Modeling how pollen flows through urban areas

A team of researchers developed a computational model to study how pollen disperses in urban areas, influenced by factors such as tree geometry, wind speed, and direction. The model provides quantitative insight to inform urban planning decisions and reduce the risks associated with airborne allergenic pollen exposure.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 10, 2026

Hybrid synthetic strategy unlocks previously unattainable molecular architectures

Scientists have successfully constructed a phthalocyanine pentamer, a novel nanoarchitecture that integrates electronic and magnetic properties into a single molecule. The hybrid strategy combines solution chemistry and on-surface reactions on metal substrates, enabling the creation of complex molecular structures.

Brain immune cells may help build Alzheimer’s plaques

Researchers found that microglia, a type of brain immune cell, can actively promote the formation of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that microglia generate plaques through cellular processes, rather than spontaneous aggregation, and could influence the design of experimental therapies.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2026

How does snow gather on a roof?

Researchers developed a model to calculate snow accumulation on roofs, considering snowflake size and distribution. Larger snow particles lead to greater accumulation, while higher wind speeds reduce depth. The study provides insights for building codes and guidelines for snow loading.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 10, 2026

Soft fibers that move with electricity

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed an ultrafine soft yarn actuator fiber capable of bending, contracting, and producing complex three-dimensional movements when electricity is applied. The technology offers a new pathway for building safer soft robots and body-conforming wearable devices.

SourceTohoku University·JournalACS Omega·DateMar 10, 2026

HKU Engineering and CETIC Foundation host “MeckUp Quest 2026” AI Robotics competition 19 elite youth teams harness innovation to address post-typhoon disaster scenarios

The University of Hong Kong's MeckUp Quest 2026 AI Robotics Challenge brought together 19 elite student teams to develop intelligent robots for post-typhoon disaster response. The competition demonstrated the potential of youth-driven innovation to empower emergency rescue efforts and safeguard social good.

Ultrafast computers controlled by light: a new frontier opened by Politecnico di Milano and CNR

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano and CNR have developed a new ultrafast computer technology controlled by light, potentially hundreds of times faster than traditional electronics. The technology manipulates the state of electrons in matter using oscillating light, enabling operations at rates above 10 terahertz.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2026

HKU engineers discover new physics principle to break sound absorption barriers in ventilated spaces

A research team from HKU has identified a fundamental physical principle called duality symmetry that governs the absorption bandwidth of ventilated systems. This breakthrough leads to the design of a new type of ventilated structure that can absorb over 86% of sound across a wide range of frequencies.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2026

New insights aided recovery from persistent fatigue

A new study from Linköping University has identified common steps and turning points in patients' stories, contributing to new ways of understanding and rehabilitating conditions like post-COVID-19 condition, exhaustion disorder, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Participants described seeking knowledge outside the healthcare system and fi...

SourceLinköping University·JournalScandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care·DateMar 10, 2026

Female reproductive cancers and the sex gap in survival

A population-level cohort study of 20 low-mortality countries found that females aged 35-60 have higher cancer mortality rates than males, despite similar treatment and diagnostic pathways. The study highlights the need for targeted action to improve the prevention, early detection, and treatment of female reproductive cancers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 10, 2026

No overdiagnosis of ADHD, say experts

Experts warn that the lack of adequate diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is a pressing concern, with 27% of children and young people waiting over a year for an assessment. Effective treatments are available and backed by strong evidence, but significant barriers remain, including long waiting times and growing demand.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 10, 2026