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Science News Archive 2025 - Page 400


Page 400 of 574

Diabetes-linked amputations surge in Oklahoma amid national decline, OU study finds

A new University of Oklahoma study found that diabetes-linked amputations are rising in Oklahoma, with the statewide rate nearly doubling between 2008 and 2019. The study analyzed over 1.3 million anonymized discharge records and found that rates were highest among males, American Indians, and those with poor health insurance coverage.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalJournal of Vascular Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 4, 2025

Helping viruses deliver a knockout blow for killer bacteria

A new genomic toolkit called Sphae has been developed to quickly assess the suitability of phage therapy for treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. The platform can analyze vast datasets in under 10 minutes, prioritizing safety and flagging genes associated with toxins or undesirable traits.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBioinformatics Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 4, 2025

Spinning neutron star gains enormous magnetic fields

Researchers identified a new process leading to formation of low-field magnetars, solving the mystery that puzzled scientists since their discovery in 2010. The team used advanced simulations to model magneto-thermal evolution of neutron stars, finding that a specific dynamo process can generate weaker magnetic fields.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 4, 2025

KAIST develops AI-driven performance prediction model to advance space electric propulsion technology​

The KAIST research team developed an AI-based technique to accurately predict Hall thruster performance, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with iterative design, fabrication, and testing. The trained neural network ensemble model offers detailed analyses of performance parameters, accounting for key design variables.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2025

Globetrotting not in the genes

Scientists studied painted lady butterflies' migration patterns and found that environmental conditions shape their travel behavior, with some crossing the Sahara Desert. Contrary to previous belief, genetic analysis revealed no difference in DNA sequences between short- and long-trip butterflies.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 4, 2025

Quantum machine offers peek into “dance” of cosmic bubbles

Physicists have gained valuable insights into false vacuum decay using a quantum machine, which could determine the ultimate fate of the Universe. The simulation reveals complex interactions between bubbles in a false vacuum, offering new possibilities for studying the fundamental physics of the Universe.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 4, 2025

New CAMH-developed drug shows promise in reversing memory loss for early Alzheimer's patients

A new drug developed by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has shown significant promise in reversing memory loss in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The drug, GL-II-73, selectively targets GABA receptors to restore brain function and repair damaged neural connections.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2025

Patient advocates from NCCN guidelines panels share their ‘united by unique’ stories for world cancer day

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network is joining the global effort to improve awareness and knowledge of cancer risks through its 'United by Unique' campaign. Patient advocates from NCCN guidelines panels are sharing their personal stories to highlight the importance of a people-centered approach in cancer care, which recognizes ev...

New computational tool could improve discovery of cancer treatments

A new tool named retriever extracts disease-specific drug response signatures to predict cancer treatment combinations, improving personalized treatment strategies. The tool refines predictions using single-cell RNA sequencing data and demonstrates its potential in identifying effective treatments for triple-negative breast cancer.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateFeb 4, 2025

High PM2.5 levels in Delhi-NCR largely independent of Punjab-Haryana crop fires

The study used a network of 30 sites to analyze air pollution in Delhi-NCR and found that crop residue burning in Punjab and Haryana has a lower contribution to PM2.5 levels than previously thought. The research suggests that the buildup of PM2.5 in Delhi-NCR is primarily of local origin.

SourceResearch Institute for Humanity and Nature·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 4, 2025

Contribution of cannabis use disorder to new cases of schizophrenia has almost tripled over the past 17 years

A new study found that cannabis use disorder is increasingly associated with new schizophrenia cases in Ontario, with the proportion rising from 4% to 10%. The trend has tripled over the past 17 years, with heavy cannabis use linked to worsening symptoms and increased risk of psychosis.

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 4, 2025

AI boosts employee work experiences

A new study found that AI assistance increases worker productivity by 15% in customer service sectors, with significant improvements in speed and quality for less-experienced employees. However, its impact is minimal on higher-skilled workers, while adherence to AI recommendations leads to larger gains in productivity.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 4, 2025

Maternal stress during pregnancy could leave traces in the placenta that could affect the baby’s development

A study found that maternal stress can alter genes related to cortisol regulation in the placenta, potentially affecting foetal development. The research team analyzed placentas from 45 healthy pregnant women and identified epigenetic changes associated with glucocorticoid-related genes.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalEuropean Neuropsychopharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2025

Russian scientists improve water purification membranes using metal ions

Researchers have developed polymer membranes with enhanced selectivity for monovalent ions, allowing for efficient water recycling. The use of metal ions such as copper, zinc, and chromium enables the separation of nitrates from sulphates, opening new possibilities for sustainable water treatment.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025

Pea-based cappuccino: The greener future of food

Researchers at Institut Laue-Langevin and Aarhus University developed a new method to characterise foam structure, enabling the creation of plant-derived foaming ingredients in food. The technique uses small-angle neutron scattering, imaging, and electrical conductivity measurements to provide insights into pea albumin-based foams.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025

Taal volcanic ash can be used for radiation shielding, Filipino researchers find

Filipino researchers have discovered that Taal volcanic ash can be used as a sustainable and lightweight alternative to expensive materials like concrete and lead. The natural presence of iron-rich minerals in the ash gives it strong radiation attenuation properties, making it effective for shielding against harmful X-rays and gamma rays.

SourceAteneo de Manila University·JournalJournal of Building Engineering·DateFeb 3, 2025

Revolutionizing dental surgery with AI

Dental implant surgeries require optimal mechanical stress levels for successful bone healing and long-term implant success. Researchers are developing a hybrid biomechanical model using machine learning to provide precise, patient-specific predictions of mechanical stress.

New ACP guideline on migraine prevention shows no clinically important advantages for newer, expensive medications

The American College of Physicians recommends preventing episodic migraines with monotherapy, including beta-adrenergic blockers and antiseizure medications. However, a comparative effectiveness systematic review found no significant differences in clinical net benefit among treatments.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateFeb 3, 2025

Exposure to air pollution associated with more hospital admissions for lower respiratory infections

Research found that long-term exposure to air pollutants like PM2.5, NO2, and ozone increases hospital admissions for lower respiratory tract infections in adults, particularly among men and people over 65. The study used a large cohort of adults from Catalonia and found stronger associations in these vulnerable groups.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2025

Generative AI bias poses risk to democratic values

A study by the University of East Anglia found that generative AI tools like ChatGPT exhibit biases leaning towards left-wing political values. This can distort public discourse and exacerbate societal divides, highlighting the need for transparency and regulatory safeguards to ensure alignment with democratic values.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 3, 2025