Science Snapshots: March 1, 2026

Radio whistles are first clear sign of Mars lightning

Scientists have reported the first clear evidence of lightning on Mars. Using data from NASA’s MAVEN mission, they detected a type of radio wave called a whistler. On earth, whistlers are created by lightning strikes and get their name because they sound like a descending whistle as they travel through particles in the atmosphere. The study says a similar electric discharge occurred near the Martian surface, likely generated by electrically charged dust grains during a storm.

Rice grains’ unusual response inspires ‘smart’ material

While most granular materials like sand become harder to compress when squeezed fast, rice grains do the opposite. This is due to the friction between rice grains dropping at high speeds, causing them to slip past one another. Using this discovery, researchers built a material combining a chamber of rice with one of sand, which bends in opposite directions depending on the speed of the applied force. Such materials can help engineers design better protective gear.

Protein in blood could be ‘universal’ ageing marker

A protein in the blood called neurofilament light chain (NfL) could be a universal marker for ageing, scientists have found. NfL ‘leaks’ from nerve cells into the blood as the body ages. Blood samples from humans, mice, cats, dogs, and horses all had NfL levels consistently rising with age in these species. Longer-lived species also had lower starting NfL levels. The find suggests a blood test could be used to check how fast an individual is ageing.