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Science News Archive March 2026 - Page 42


Page 42 of 52

Using the vagus nerve to treat disease: Review maps today’s science, points to tomorrow’s therapies

A comprehensive review synthesizes the science behind vagus nerve modulation therapies, which use controlled signals to influence brain circuits and inflammation. The authors identify key mechanisms and propose next-generation treatments tailored to individual patients and conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalComprehensive Physiology·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 5, 2026

Enhanced brain cells clear away dementia-related proteins

Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed a new cellular immunotherapy that uses brain cells called astrocytes to clear away dementia-related proteins, such as amyloid beta. The treatment requires just a single injection and has shown promise in mice by reducing the amount of plaques in half.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

Making mini-lightning in a block of plastic

Researchers use mathematical calculations to recreate lightning-like discharge in everyday materials like acrylic and quartz. The study could enable the study of a powerful natural phenomenon at a lab bench and potentially lead to advances in meteorology and X-ray sources.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 5, 2026

Overcoming ovarian cancer’s resistance to immunotherapy

A new study demonstrates that blocking a signaling protein called FAK helps mobilize an anti-tumor immune response, allowing tumor-fighting cells to approach tumors and shift the behavior of other immune cells to work against them. This approach achieved the best effects on immune cell recruitment, tumor size reduction, and survival ti...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

Combination GLP-1 therapy shows fat mass loss while preserving lean mass in adults with obesity

A combination of GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide and bimagrumab results in greater weight reduction while preserving lean mass in adults with obesity. The therapy combination addressed lean mass loss associated with GLP-1-based therapies, showing substantial weight loss over 72 weeks.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 5, 2026

Flipped chromosomal segments drive natural selection

New research finds that chromosomal inversions help Atlantic silversides maintain genetic differences suited to cold and warm waters, influencing growth rates and vertebrae numbers. This discovery suggests a fundamental role for chromosomal inversions in local adaptation and may shape population responses to ocean warming.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2026

CAR-expressing astrocytes target and clear amyloid-β in mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers have developed genetically altered astrocytes that express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) capable of clearing accumulations of amyloid-β in the brains of mice. These CAR-expressing astrocytes, called CAR-A, substantially reduced Aβ buildup and prevented disease progression in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.

Why SETI might have been missing alien signals

A new study by the SETI Institute suggests that stellar activity and plasma turbulence near a transmitting planet can broaden an otherwise ultra-narrow signal, spreading its power across more frequencies. This makes it more difficult to detect in traditional narrowband searches.

SourceSETI Institute·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMar 5, 2026

Apocalyptic beliefs are no longer fringe—and they’re shaping how people respond to global threats

A new study reveals that apocalyptic thinking is no longer fringe and significantly influences how people interpret and respond to global threats. Beliefs about the end of the world are diverse and predict how individuals perceive and react to risks like climate change, pandemics, and emerging technologies.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateMar 5, 2026

Non-destructive battery testing — New method developed with GSI participation

A new method has been developed to enable nondestructive diagnosis of the electrolyte in rechargeable batteries through the battery casing using special nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. The technique, known as ZULF NMR, allows for the direct detection and quantification of electrolyte components without damaging the battery.

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

Weaponizing kinship

A new study examines the magnitude of harm inflicted on Colombians through over 740,000 homicides and enforced disappearances during the conflict. The researchers estimate that approximately 7.5% of Colombians lost a close relative, with women being 20% more likely to have been affected.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Demographic Research·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateMar 5, 2026

Half of newborns with severe spina bifida have trouble breathing during sleep

Researchers discovered that 53% of newborns with myelomeningocele had sleep-disordered breathing, highlighting the need for routine screening and early intervention to prevent long-term complications. The study's findings suggest that addressing sleep disorders in high-risk infants could meaningfully improve their neurodevelopment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2026

Wear topologies on your body: Flexible metasurfaces enable topologically stable skyrmions

Researchers have created a flexible microwave device that generates Stokes skyrmions in free space, even when bent or partially broken. These exotic field structures preserve their topological charge under deformation, making them suitable for encoding information and resisting distortion in wireless communication systems.

Buck Institute launches Healthspan Horizons to turn long-term health data into Actionable healthspan insights

Healthspan Horizons links real-world longitudinal data with deep discovery science to create uniquely powerful, long-term datasets revealing what drives human healthspan over time. The platform aims to translate discoveries into clearer guidance on what helps people stay resilient, supporting more years of energy, strength, and indepen...

UH engineers issue hot take on cold-steel: Finding hidden damage requires radar, AI

Researchers have developed a new framework to detect possible damage in concealed cold-formed steel construction framing materials, utilizing ground-penetrating radar and artificial intelligence. The technology allows for rapid detection of damage, enabling inspectors to verify only flagged spots without removing walls or cladding.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Computing in Civil Engineering·DateMar 5, 2026

Compulsive traits linked to uncertainty over future plans

A new study links compulsive traits to a type of decision-making strategy, favoring habitual behaviors over long-term planning. People with more compulsive traits are also more uncertain about the outcomes of their actions, leading them to rely on habits.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2026

How faulty mRNA is destroyed

Researchers have identified a crucial mechanism behind nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), which removes faulty transcripts to prevent incomplete protein production. The study reveals that the SMG5 and SMG6 proteins interact directly, forming an endonuclease that cuts through RNA in a targeted manner.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

University of Limerick, Ireland, research reveals challenges of living with gestational diabetes

A study from the University of Limerick found that supportive partners play a crucial role in women's experiences of gestational diabetes, with inadequate support increasing the burden of the condition. The research suggests that knowledge, communication, and cultural context are essential factors in determining the effectiveness of pa...

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalHealth Psychology Review·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 5, 2026