Latest Science News
Exercise Repairs Brain by Removing Harmful Protein
UCSF researchers found exercise prompts the liver to release GPLD1 enzyme, which removes TNAP protein from the blood-brain barrier, reducing inflammation and protecting memory in aging brains. This mechanism was shown in mice where lowering TNAP improved memory performance.
Takeaway: Physical activity directly supports brain health against Alzheimer's.
Shingles Vaccine Slows Biological Aging
USC study of over 3,800 Americans over 70 showed Shingrix vaccine recipients had slower aging, lower inflammation, and better epigenetic scores lasting four years. The vaccine suppresses varicella-zoster virus reactivation, reducing inflammaging across organs.
Recommended for those over 50 beyond pain prevention.
CAR-Astrocyte Therapy Clears Alzheimer’s Plaques
Washington University researchers reprogrammed astrocytes via single injection to engulf amyloid-beta plaques, preventing formation in young mice and halving existing plaques in older ones. Published in Science, this shifts toward using brain's own cells over repeated infusions.
Years from human trials but conceptually promising.
Rice Workshop Advances AI for DUNE Neutrino Experiment
Rice University hosted a workshop March 10-12 on using AI/ML to analyze DUNE's massive datasets from Fermilab beam to South Dakota detectors. AI identifies hidden signals in neutrino oscillations probing matter existence and supernovae.
Enhances detector operation and data processing for international collaboration.
JWST Reveals Carbon Dioxide in HR 8799 Exoplanets
James Webb Space Telescope detected CO2 in all four giant planets of HR 8799 system, evidencing gas giant formation like Jupiter and Saturn. Dr. Marcin Sawicki highlighted JWST's studies on star origins, galaxy evolution, first stars, and exoplanets.
Expected to operate 10-15 more years.
Vera Rubin Observatory to Revolutionize Kuiper Belt Studies
Rubin Observatory's survey will discover 35,000 new KBOs, expanding known population tenfold and testing Solar System formation models. Big data challenges met by AI for filtering 10 million nightly alerts from 10TB data.
Could resolve Planet Nine mystery in first year.
Gene-Edited Hypoimmune Islets Produce Insulin in T1D Patient
First-in-human trial transplanted gene-edited donor islets into T1D forearm; cells evaded immunity, produced C-peptide indicating insulin function. Levels recovered after initial decline, showing potential without immunosuppression.
Breakthrough T1D prioritizes such cell therapies.
Syngenta Partners with QuantumBasel for Crop Science
Syngenta deepens quantum computing research to model molecular behaviors, unlocking agriculture breakthroughs. Initial projects target discovery and crop insights for growers facing climate challenges.
Quantum seen as catalyst for molecular understanding.
AI Enhances Human Creativity, Study Finds
Swansea University research shows AI tools boost human creativity in tasks. Published March 15, 2026, counters fears of AI replacing human ingenuity.
Demonstrates collaborative potential in scientific discovery.
Photocatalysis Breakthrough Turns Sunlight into Clean Fuel
Scientists advanced photocatalysis to convert sunlight into usable chemical energy efficiently. Promises sustainable fuel from abundant solar resource.
Viewed as key solution for clean energy transition.
NASA Advances LISA Prototype for Gravitational Waves
NASA Goddard completed tests on LISA prototype hardware for detecting low-frequency gravitational waves from spacetime mergers. Part of Physics of the Cosmos program exploring Einstein's gravity.
Advances multi-agency effort.