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Science News Archive March 2026 - Page 46


Page 46 of 52

People with COPD commonly misuse medications

New studies reveal that medication nonadherence in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often caused by affordability and limited understanding of medications. This can lead to quicker lung function decline, more frequent exacerbations, and a higher symptom burden.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateMar 4, 2026

Study: Reported crop yield gains from breeding may be overstated

A new study challenges the common method used worldwide to measure genetic progress in crop breeding, finding that most reported gains are due to maintenance breeding, not genetic improvements. This has significant implications for agricultural research policy and investment, highlighting the need for more robust evaluation methods.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2026

Tired minds, unreliable evidence

Sleep deprivation can weaken eyewitness recall, reduce autobiographical detail, and increase susceptibility to misinformation in legal proceedings. This can lead to false confessions and wrongful convictions, as exhausted individuals may prioritize short-term relief over long-term consequences.

Shrinking the carbon footprint of chemical manufacturing with lasers, solar radiation

Researchers at University of Illinois have developed a new method using solar energy to power a key chemical reaction in the textile, plastic, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. This method can significantly reduce the industry's carbon footprint by eliminating harsh oxidizing byproducts and minimizing carbon emissions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2026

New Center for Computational Social Science and Humanities at NUS to advance interdisciplinary research on complex societal challenges

The Centre for Computational Social Science and Humanities (CSSH) at NUS combines computational methods with social science and humanities to better understand complex social phenomena and develop solutions. CSSH aims to generate research that improves lives, strengthens institutions, and shapes more inclusive societies.

Chinese scientists develop new model to accurately assess global salt marsh carbon sinks

A new process-based model, SAL-GPP, has been developed to accurately assess the carbon sequestration capacity of global salt marshes. The model reveals that global salt marshes have an average annual gross primary production of 66.89 Tg C yr⁻¹, with hotspots in regions like China's southeastern coast and Western Europe.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 3, 2026

Taller doesn’t mean terrible: How smart design can lower carbon emissions for residential buildings

Researchers found that concrete slab size is the worst offender in terms of carbon emissions, with changing this feature alone able to save large amounts of emissions. Optimize design decisions such as floor thickness, building materials, and construction culture to reduce pollution.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·DateMar 3, 2026

Location, location, location: For potassium channels, it depends on functionality

Potassium KCNQ2/3 channels need full functionality to work properly in the brain and reach their correct location. This is linked to their regulation by protein ankG. Altering channel functionality affects neuronal excitability and may contribute to developing new therapeutic strategies for epilepsy.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 3, 2026

Emotions drive our eating choices

A study found that individuals trying to diet are more likely to choose unhealthy snacks when feeling negative emotions, but emotional awareness is the key to maintaining healthier eating habits. Practicable strategies like mindfulness exercises and checking in with feelings can help dieters stay on track.

SourceFlinders University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·TypeSurvey·DateMar 3, 2026

Synergistic shallow impurity levels and multiscale defect engineering boost GeTe thermoelectric performance to ZT of 2.15

Researchers developed a novel doping strategy using Sb and Ni to optimize GeTe's electronic band structure and thermal conductivity. This approach yielded exceptional thermoelectric performance by enhancing power factor and suppressing thermal conductivity, achieving a peak ZT of 2.15 at 773 K.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateMar 3, 2026

First report on high-temperature-resistant sinoite fibers with near-stoichiometric Si2N2O ratio: High-temperature structural evolution and mosaic-shell formation of sinoite fibers resistant to 1700℃

Researchers have developed high-temperature-resistant sinoite fibers with a near-stoichiometric Si2N2O ratio, exhibiting outstanding high-temperature resistance and mosaic-shell formation at 1700°C. The novel fibers maintain tensile strength and low-dielectric properties, making them promising for thermal protection systems.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateMar 3, 2026

Sungkyunkwan University researchers develop next-generation transparent electrode without rare metal indium

Researchers at Sungkyunkwan University have developed a novel transparent electrode technology that eliminates the use of rare metal indium, increasing device lifetime by doubling its performance. The new NTO-based electrode achieves high external quantum efficiency and long-term stability, making it suitable for mass production.

New MOH–NUS Fellowship launched to strengthen everyday ethics in Singapore’s healthcare sector

The MOH–NUS Postgraduate Fellowship in Biomedical Ethics aims to equip healthcare professionals with knowledge and understanding of biomedical ethics, ethical analysis and reasoning. The first awardee, Ms Kwek Shi Qi, will conduct a research project to map barriers and drivers for nurses mediating ethical conflicts in frontline work.

From algorithms to atoms: How artificial intelligence is accelerating the discovery of next-generation energy materials

The study reveals how AI is fundamentally shifting the paradigm for discovering high-performance batteries and efficient electrocatalysts. AI-driven generative models and Large Language Models are enabling scientists to predict exact chemical structures and navigate vast chemical spaces at unprecedented speeds.

Breakthrough in ZrC ceramics: Multi-scale structural design via two-step in-situ reactive spark plasma sintering significantly enhances strength and toughness

A team of material scientists developed a novel two-step in-situ reactive spark plasma sintering process to create ultra-high temperature ceramics with balanced mechanical performance. The resulting ZTS-30B ceramic exhibited enhanced flexural strength and fracture toughness compared to previous materials.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateMar 3, 2026

Sugar comforts newborn babies during painful procedures

A new Cochrane review found that sucrose can effectively reduce pain in newborn babies during painful procedures like venepuncture. The study examined 29 clinical trials involving over 2,700 babies and showed that a small amount of sucrose given before the procedure significantly reduces pain when combined with non-nutritive sucking.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 3, 2026

Blood clot sting in the tail of scorpion venom

A study by Professor Bryan Fry and Sam Campbell from the University of Queensland found that scorpion venom activates major clotting factors in human blood, particularly Factors VII and X. The research also identified small-molecule metalloprotease inhibitors that can neutralize the procoagulant effect.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalBiochimie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2026

Children’s development set back years by Covid lockdowns, study reveals

A study from the University of East Anglia found that Covid lockdowns disrupted children's ability to self-regulate, leading to slower growth in executive functions. Reception-age children, who normally learn to socialize and navigate classroom routines, showed significant setbacks in cognitive flexibility and self-regulation skills.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateMar 3, 2026

Around 6 deaths a year linked to clubbing in the UK

A 15-year retrospective study found that physical assault and excessive MDMA use are primary causes of nightclub deaths in the UK. The study reveals a significant number of young women are at higher risk of dying from drug-related causes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 3, 2026