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Science News Archive March 2026 - Page 49


Page 49 of 52

Hairdressers could be a secret weapon in tackling climate change, new research finds

Research from the University of Bath's Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations reveals that hairdressers can prompt climate conversations and inspire change. Salon owners reported successful conversations with clients about sustainability, leading to changes in habits such as water and energy usage, and even dietary choices.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeSurvey·DateMar 3, 2026

Genetic risk for mental illness is far less disorder-specific than clinicians have assumed, massive Swedish study reveals

A massive Swedish study of over 2 million individuals reveals that genetic risk for mental illness is far less disorder-specific than clinicians have assumed. Schizophrenia shows the highest genetic specificity, while drug use disorder has a much lower specificity, scattering its genetic risk across multiple conditions.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalGenomic Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 3, 2026

A therapeutic target that would curb the spread of coronaviruses has been identified

Coronaviruses modify cellular machinery to produce viral proteins and spread rapidly. A study found that infection causes stress-induced changes in tRNAs, allowing coronaviruses to speed up protein production without generating new machinery. The modification of tRNAs is a promising candidate for developing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2026

Miniscule fossil discovery reveals fresh clues into the evolution of the earliest-known relative of all primates

The discovery of miniscule Purgatorius fossils in Colorado provides fresh insights into the evolution of the earliest-known relative of all primates. The find suggests that archaic primates originated in the north and spread southward, diversifying soon after the mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous Period.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 3, 2026

Modern twist on wildfire management methods found also to have a bonus feature that protects water supplies

Forest thinning found to improve wildfire risk reduction and hydrological resilience, increasing snowpack depth by 30% on north-facing slopes. The treatment recovered about 12.3 acre-feet of snow-stored water per 100 acres, equivalent to roughly 15 Olympic swimming pools per square kilometer.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Forests and Global Change·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2026

Substitution of free halide ions unlocks responsive photoluminescence switching in manganese-based metal halides

Researchers develop new material with reversible photoluminescence color switching upon heating or water exposure, opening pathway for smart optical materials. Flexible films with outstanding performance for temperature sensing and information encryption.

Far-field superresolution imaging via k-space superoscillation

Researchers develop method for far-field superresolution imaging by disrupting spatial shift-invariance assumption in classical imaging systems. The new method, k-space superoscillation, achieves imaging resolution more than twice the diffraction limit without post-processing, outperforming traditional real-space superoscillatory systems.

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic could cut risk of major heart complications after heart attack, study finds

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs may prevent further tissue damage following a heart attack, significantly reducing the risk of further life-threatening complications. Researchers found that these drugs improve blood flow to the heart by activating potassium channels, relaxing constricted blood vessels and reducing heart damage risk.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2026

Digital targeting creeps out customers

Researchers find that personalized digital marketing can evoke a powerful emotional response, leading consumers to feel uncomfortable and less likely to make purchases. To mitigate this 'creepiness,' brands can focus on prevention by designing personalization practices that minimize ambiguity and avoid signals of intrusive surveillance.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateMar 2, 2026

Why does chronic back pain make everyday sounds feel harsher? Brain imaging study points to a treatable cause

A new study from CU Anschutz links chronic back pain to heightened brain responses to everyday sounds and finds that Pain Reprocessing Therapy can improve sensory amplification. The research found specific brain changes associated with sound hypersensitivity, which can be treated with psychological therapy.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 2, 2026

ACP advises all adults 75 or older get a protein subunit RSV vaccine

The American College of Physicians advises all adults aged 75 or older to receive a protein subunit Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine, reducing the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Adults aged 60-74 with comorbid conditions may also consider receiving the vaccine. The benefits outweigh the harms in this age group.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 2, 2026

New journal highlights how artificial intelligence can help solve global environmental crises

The journal argues that AI can process vast datasets to detect patterns and predict climate impacts, improving pollution tracking, climate modeling, and agricultural planning. AI-driven modeling can also help policymakers evaluate tradeoffs and anticipate unintended consequences, supporting more informed decision-making.

International research team calls for age-specific approach to sleep apnea in older adults

A comprehensive review highlights the need for individualized approaches to OSA in older adults, considering distinct physiological changes that may alter how OSA develops and responds to therapy. The authors emphasize prioritizing symptom burden and patient-centered goals over traditional thresholds.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalSleep Medicine Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 2, 2026

New study demonstrates universal newborn cCMV screening leads to earlier detection and increased identification of mild hearing loss

A new study found that Minnesota's universal newborn cCMV screening program significantly decreased the age at first audiology visit and identified more mild hearing loss cases in infants. The findings support the use of universal cCMV screening as a critical public health tool to ensure timely intervention.

There is more than one way for triple-negative breast cancer to become resistant to therapy

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified two mutually exclusive mechanisms that enable triple-negative breast cancer to resist therapy. By analyzing tumor cellular composition, the team found that chemotherapy can reprogram macrophages, transforming them into suppressive cells that aid in tumor escape. Removing macroph...

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2026

Study advances the science on early intervention programs for children with moderate to severe developmental delays or disabilities

A new study by Columbia University researchers found that Early Intervention services before age 3 are associated with improved third-grade academic outcomes in math and English language arts. Children who received EI services were more likely to meet academic standards, with benefits particularly pronounced among Latino/a children and...

Risk assessment of congenital heart defects based on maternal factors in early pregnancy—a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis found strong associations between various maternal factors during early pregnancy and the risk of congenital heart defects. Maternal pre-pregnancy diabetes was identified as a nearly three-fold increased risk factor for overall CHD, while tobacco exposure showed significant dose-response relatio...

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2026

Bumblebees are efficient decision-makers

A recent study by the University of Konstanz investigated bumblebee decision-making behaviour, revealing that they take a 'shortcut' in information processing to save time. The insects primarily rely on flower colours to remember good food sources, but also recognize shapes and patterns.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2026

Study finds that on-demand wage access boosts savings and financial engagement for low-wage workers

A recent study found that giving low-wage workers access to their earned wages before payday significantly increases saving behavior, financial monitoring, and long-term planning. The study also identified important environmental factors, such as region and minimum wage, that amplify the benefits of on-demand wage access.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateMar 2, 2026

Scientists form complex DNA structures without hydrogen bonds

Researchers at NYU's Department of Chemistry have discovered a way to assemble complex DNA structures without sticky ends, using shape alone to guide assembly. This breakthrough enables the creation of varied 3D structures made entirely out of DNA, with potential applications in optical, electronic, and biomedical technologies.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2026

The research that got sick veterans treatment

Rutgers researchers helped establish a link between burn pit exposure and respiratory illnesses in veterans, enabling the VA to adopt new rules implementing the PACT Act. The new methodology assigns graded levels of confidence, providing a path forward for evaluating service-related illnesses.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEvidence-Based Toxicology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 2, 2026

Illinois team tests the costs, benefits of agrivoltaics across the Midwest

A new study by Illinois researchers found that agrivoltaics can increase or reduce yields and profits, depending on the crop and region. The study reveals 'win-win' opportunities for soybean farmers in semi-arid regions, but highlights limitations due to high installation costs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 2, 2026