Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2025 - Page 537


Page 537 of 574

Rainfall tipping point predicts drought risk for crops

A study by Stanford University researchers reveals that regions relying more on land-sourced moisture, such as the US Midwest and southern Africa, face greater drought risk and crop yield losses when rainfall falters. The study identifies a critical threshold beyond which crops become far more likely to suffer water stress.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateNov 3, 2025

Potential of new materials for absorbing 99.5% of light on solar towers demonstrated at the EHU

Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have developed ultrablack copper cobaltate nanoneedles that can absorb up to 99.5% of light, surpassing existing carbon nanotubes which absorb around 99%. This breakthrough could significantly improve the efficiency and competitiveness of concentrated solar power plants.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalSolar Energy Materials and Solar Cells·DateNov 3, 2025

Childhood adversity and all-cause mortality risk

Exposure to childhood adversity is associated with elevated all-cause mortality risk among adults with diabetes, hypertension, or mild-to-moderate emergency department visits. The study found a significant link between childhood trauma and increased mortality risk in these adult populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 3, 2025

Large brains require warm bodies and big offspring

Brain size varies greatly among vertebrates, with mammals and birds having the largest brains due to high body temperature and stable energy supply. The size of offspring also limits brain size in adulthood, but species that can keep their bodies warm and produce large young have the biggest brains

SourceMax Planck Institute of Animal Behavior·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 3, 2025

Fermentation waste used to make natural fabric

Researchers have successfully produced high-performance fibers from fermentation waste, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional materials. The new fiber requires significantly less water and land than cotton, making it an attractive solution for reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2025

OHSU researchers identify new tools for early cancer detection, treatment

New review highlights advances in New Approach Methodologies and tissue engineering, offering powerful tools to study early stages of cancer development. Lab-grown models replicate human body environment, unlocking clues about cancer initiation. These models also support discovery of new biomarkers for earlier detection.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Reviews Bioengineering·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 3, 2025

UW-led study links wildfire smoke to increased odds of preterm birth

A new study led by the University of Washington analyzed data from over 20,000 births and found that pregnant people exposed to wildfire smoke were more likely to give birth prematurely. The risk was highest in mid-pregnancy and peak exposure levels above 10 micrograms per cubic meter were associated with elevated risks.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 3, 2025

Soft gel breakthrough enables lab-grown slow-twitch muscles

Researchers developed a gel-like material that mimics the softness and microstructure of slow-twitch muscle tissue, successfully cultivating cells with genetic and metabolic traits of slow-twitch fibers. The technology has far-reaching implications for regenerative medicine, drug screening, and muscle transplantation therapies.

SourceThe National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2025

When speaking out feels risky

A new study from Arizona State University and the University of Michigan explores the strategic trade-offs individuals make when facing punishment for dissent. The research reveals that self-censorship is a rational response shaped by the interplay of boldness, surveillance, and punishment severity.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 3, 2025

An evolutionary comparison of pancreas development: A milestone in translational research and diabetes therapies

Researchers compared single-cell atlases of pancreas development in humans, pigs, and mice, finding that pigs closely resemble humans in developmental tempo and gene regulation. The study identifies potential alternative sources for regeneration of insulin-producing beta cells, opening up new prospects for regenerative therapies.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2025

New “self-tuning” film paves the way for next generation wireless and radar devices

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have discovered a new way to engineer thin films that can adapt quickly to changing signals, making them highly responsive and efficient. The new material shows an unusually high level of tunability, reaching about 74% at microwave frequencies, with low voltage application required.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 3, 2025

Sex differences in gambling rats

A study found that rats' impulsive behavior and risky decision-making are shaped differently in males and females based on the timing of neural stimulation. The results highlight the importance of considering biological sex when developing treatments for disorders related to impulsivity and addiction.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateNov 3, 2025

Louisiana Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes, ECHO, Collaboration secures federal funding renewal

The Louisiana ECHO program, which focuses on pre-, peri- and postnatal outcomes, obesity, and other areas, will continue its efforts to expand access to clinical trials for Louisiana children. The grant renewal supports the collaboration between researchers from Pennington Biomedical and Ochsner Health System, as well as two free-stand...

Weightlifting outmuscles running for blood sugar control, study finds

A new study from Virginia Tech found that weightlifting outmuscles running for blood sugar control in diabetes models. The research compared the effects of endurance and resistance exercise in mice fed a high-fat diet and found that weightlifting was more effective in reducing subcutaneous and visceral fat, improving glucose tolerance,...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Sport and Health Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2025

David B. Allison, PhD (Baylor College of Medicine), Lauren Hunt PhD, RN, FNP (UCSF), and Arlan Richardson, PhD (University of Oklahoma Health Sciences) to be honored with AFAR annual scientific Awards of Distinction

AFAR is honoring David B. Allison, PhD, Lauren Hunt, PhD, RN, FNP, and Arlan Richardson, PhD, with annual Scientific Awards of Distinction for their exceptional research in aging. Dr. Allison will discuss his work on geroscience, while Dr. Hunt will present on end-of-life care for older adults with dementia.

CUNY SPH honors activist Byllye Avery with nation’s first endowed professorship in sexual and reproductive justice

The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy has launched the nation’s first endowed professorship in Sexual & Reproductive Justice, honoring activist Byllye Avery. The professorship will build upon her model of scholar activism and advance teaching, research, and public engagement in SRJ.

Painting memory: Lithuanian researchers explore how street art shapes urban identity

Street art in Kaunas, Lithuania acts as a form of cultural activism and collective memory, blending languages, images, and historical narratives. Murals have become powerful tools for community reflection and dialogue, turning public space into a living archive of cultural identity.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalJournal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development·TypeCase study·DateNov 3, 2025

How can computer science educators teach students to calibrate their trust in GenAI programming tools?

A study found that undergraduate computer science students initially increase their trust in generative AI programming tools, but long-term trust remains unclear. To address this, researchers recommend that educators provide tasks-based training and ensure students comprehend and modify code without relying on AI assistants.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2025

Legal flexibility helps UNESCO Biospheres boost nature conservation and human wellbeing, study shows

A new study by Dr. Tiago de Melo Cartaxo from the University of Exeter reveals that UNESCO Biosphere Reserves' less prescriptive regulations promote harmonious coexistence between people and nature. The use of soft law instruments supports local responses and fosters community collaboration in environmental management.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental Policy and Law·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2025

Halide perovskite volatile unipolar Nanomemristor

Researchers have developed a halide perovskite volatile unipolar nanomemristor that achieves energy-efficient switching with minimal power consumption. The device uses a monocrystal nanocube with chemical composition CsPbBr3, placed between chemically inert contacts, to enable fast computation and readable memory states.

SourceOpto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·DateNov 3, 2025

Plugging nanoscopic cracks to make hydrogen cleaner and cheaper

Researchers at Columbia University have created a novel approach to producing hydrogen from water electrolysis, utilizing ultra-thin, PFAS-free oxide membranes. This breakthrough reduces the industry's reliance on toxic chemicals and enhances energy conversion efficiency, paving the way for a cleaner and cheaper source of hydrogen.

Lichens and drones reveal dinosaur bones

Vibrant orange-coloured lichens are helping scientists discover dinosaur fossils in Canada. The team found that two lichen species colonise up to 50% of exposed fossil bones but less than 1% of surrounding rock fragments, providing a distinct spectral signature detectable from 30 metres above ground using drones.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 3, 2025

New study shows high-resolution cmip6 models better capture long-term precipitation trends in high mountain Asia

A new study published in Journal of Climate reveals that high-resolution CMIP6 models more accurately simulate long-term summer precipitation trends in High Mountain Asia. The study found that higher resolution improves the simulation by reducing a wet bias, particularly over the southern margin and nearby regions.