Bacterial ink to restore coral reefs
Researchers created Bacterial Reef Ink, a living material that stimulates coral larvae to attach and settle. The ink's customized bacterial strains increased coral settlement by fivefold in test tanks.
Science News Archive 2025
Browse by Month - 2025
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Ending federally funded Ryan White HIV/AIDS program would increase new HIV infections 49% nationwide by 2030, computer model predicts
A Johns Hopkins Medicine-led study predicts that ending federal funding for the Ryan White Program could lead to a 49% increase in new HIV infections across US cities by 2030. The program provides comprehensive medical care and treatment services for approximately 500,000 people annually.
Astronomers discover cosmic explosion unlike any other ever seen before
A team of astronomers observed a mysterious repeating gamma-ray burst outside the Milky Way galaxy, lasting about a day, which is 100 to 1000 times longer than most GRBs. The discovery challenges known scenarios and may be caused by an intermediate mass black hole or an unusual star being destroyed.
Flow-powered pollution sensor for amine detection in water
A self-powered analytical device has been developed to detect toxic amines in water using electrochemiluminescence. The device generates its own voltage from liquid flow and produces light signals to indicate contamination, making water quality testing more accessible and portable.
Astronomers spot mysterious gamma-ray explosion, unlike any detected before
A team of astronomers has detected an unprecedented gamma-ray burst (GRB) that repeated several times over the course of a day, defying current understanding of these powerful events. The source was pinpointed to be outside our galaxy, with evidence suggesting it may reside in another galaxy, several billion light-years away.
Mitcham receives funding to strengthen food as medicine pathways in southwest Virginia
Mitcham leads a project to create infrastructure for nutrient-dense food access in rural areas of Virginia. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between food accessibility and healthy eating.
Mayo Clinic physician awarded Dr. Scott C. Goodwin Grant for Adenomyosis
Dr. Wendaline M. VanBuren has been awarded a grant to develop an AI-powered model for diagnosing and treating adenomyosis and endometriosis. The study aims to enhance detection, treatment planning, and patient outcomes.
First line of treatment for depression should be a tailored exercise plan
A new editorial urges psychiatrists to prescribe exercise as a core part of depression treatment plans, following the FITT principle to meet individual patient needs. The research is clear: physical activity helps with depressive symptoms, yet it's rare for psychiatrists to prescribe it alongside medication or therapy.
Frontiers Forum Deep Dive series: Well-publicized polar geoengineering ideas will not help and could harm, warn experts
Experts say well-publicized polar geoengineering ideas would harm ecosystems and international relations. Researchers analyze proposals like aerosol injection and ocean fertilization, finding they fail to meet scientific criteria.
Brain asymmetry shapes direction of mental number line in early life
A new study reveals that brain lateralization is essential for the emergence of left-to-right spatial-numerical associations in newborn chicks. Strongly lateralized chicks showed a clear preference for selecting food from the left, while weakly lateralized chicks had no consistent directional preference.
Finalists announced for the 2025 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists
The 2025 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists recognize innovative research in three disciplines. The top Laureates will receive a $250,000 prize, while the remaining 15 Finalists will each receive $15,000.
Gemini South aids in discovery of elusive cloud-forming chemical on ancient brown dwarf
Astronomers used Gemini South and James Webb Space Telescope to detect silane in ancient brown dwarf's atmosphere, revealing how primordial formation impacts planet atmospheres. The discovery confirms understanding of gas giant cloud formation and offers insight into the composition of distant worlds.
Seizure spread marks loss of consciousness
Frontal lobe seizures can cause impaired consciousness when they spread to wider areas of the brain, according to a new study published in Neurology. This understanding may help scientists develop treatments that restore consciousness during seizures.
Mesonephric carcinoma and mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma of the female genital tract
Mesonephric carcinoma and mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma are rare aggressive neoplasms with overlapping morphological and immunophenotypic features. MC arises from mesonephric remnants, while MLA likely originates from Müllerian epithelium undergoing mesonephric differentiation.
Decadal variability in δ18O over the East Asian monsoon region response to solar activity over the last millennium
A study investigated decadal variability of δ18O in the East Asian monsoon region, revealing a quasi-11-year cycle driven by external solar forcing. Enhanced solar irradiance modulates moisture sources, leading to lower δ18O values across the region.
UT San Antonio Health Science Center among top 2% globally for research output
The University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center has published 117 research articles in high-impact journals, with a focus on oncology and clinical sciences. The institution's collaboration with domestic and international partners demonstrates its commitment to advancing health through discovery and innovation.
European legume breeding is taken to next level for competitive seed market and sustainable protein production
The BELIS project is integrating cutting-edge technologies in legume breeding to optimize genetic progress and develop new varieties. Advanced protocols and techniques are being developed for phenotyping, genotyping, and disease resistance, aiming to improve breeding efficiency.
PCORI awards new patient-centered CER to support informed health care decisions
PCORI announces funding for 9 new patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research studies addressing various health concerns, including sleep health and chronic low back pain. The studies aim to provide evidence-based information for informed healthcare decisions.
Gut microbiome influences proteins that drive aging and disease
Researchers found significant causal relationships between gut microbiome characteristics and age-related traits, including ApoM protein levels. The study suggests targeting the gut microbiota may help delay or reduce age-related inflammation and disease.
Alkali waste dumped in the Pacific Ocean created alkalophilic ecosystems
Microbial communities around alkali waste barrels have low diversity and are dominated by alkalophilic bacteria, similar to those found at hydrothermal vents. The ecological effects of caustic alkaline waste dumping are expected to take thousands of years to cease.
Uncovering hidden gene switches
Researchers have developed a method to discover how DNA controls genes, revealing the genetic 'switches' that regulate important genes. The TESLA-seq technique identifies regulatory regions more quickly and accurately than existing methods, linking them to over 70 genes in a specific region.
Explore or exploit: Research that decodes animal decision-making earns NIH grant
Researchers are decoding animal decision-making using glass knifefish, exploring the trade-off between gathering information and acting on it. The study, funded by the NIH, aims to understand how animals make decisions in uncertain environments and may lead to breakthroughs in robotics and medicine.
New research identifies IFITM3 as key driver of immunotherapy response in small cell lung cancer
Research presents IFITM3 as critical regulator of immunotherapy sensitivity in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), offering a promising new avenue for overcoming resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade. Enhanced MHC-I expression improves antigen presentation and boosts CD8⁺ T cell infiltration.
Decades-old barrels of industrial waste still impacting ocean floor off Los Angeles
Researchers found that caustic alkaline waste in corroded metal barrels off Los Angeles created extreme environments mirroring natural hydrothermal vents. The discovery suggests the waste has persisted for over half a century, joining DDT as a persistent pollutant with long-term environmental impacts.
Marine nitrogen cycle: European Research Council funds project on the role of deep-sea sponges
Dr. Tanja Stratmann's project investigates how deep-sea sponges have processed nitrogen since ancient times, influencing their ecosystems and shaping past environmental conditions. The study uses incubation chambers and fossilized sponges to determine the role of sponges in past ocean environments.
Rural patients in the United States still face barriers to telehealth access
A new study reveals persistent disparities in telehealth access among rural US populations, with older adults, Spanish speakers, and those on Medicaid or Medicare facing significant barriers. The research highlights the need for policy reform and digital health equity efforts to address these disparities and improve virtual care access.
From quantum mechanics to quantum microbes: A Yale scientist’s journey of discovery
Bacteria breathe deep underground without oxygen using nanowires to dispose of excess electrons. Yale scientists found that electrons move rapidly through the wires via a wave-like behavior rather than hopping, defying classical Newtonian laws. This discovery has significant implications for quantum sensing and computation.
SwRI-led team discovers methane gas on Makemake
A Southwest Research Institute-led team has detected methane gas on Makemake using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. The discovery suggests that Makemake may have a dynamic atmosphere where methane ice is evolving, indicating activity or tenuous atmosphere.
The chronic risks from single-use plastic water bottles are dangerously understudied, new Concordia research shows
Research by Concordia University finds that individuals ingest tens of thousands of microplastic particles per year from single-use plastic water bottles, which can cause chronic health issues. The study highlights the need for education on the risks of daily plastic bottle use.
Molecular biomimetics: the cell nucleus as a model for DNA-based computer chips
Researchers use biomolecular condensates to control gene expression, mimicking the cell nucleus's efficient information processing. They aim to develop DNA-based computer systems and biotechnologies like cancer therapies.
Apply now: International workshop on photonic computing and machine learning invites researchers to Sicily
The workshop will bring together leading scientists to discuss photonic computing and machine learning, with a focus on their applications in classical and quantum photonics. Participants will also have the opportunity to present their research projects and engage in interdisciplinary exchange.
UCF creates free resiliency resources for healthcare workers, students worldwide
The RenewU program provides evidence-based interventions to prevent burnout and promote resilience in healthcare providers. The toolkit offers mental health support, stress management, and physical wellness resources, including yoga and exercise guides.
Warming climate drives disease surge, study shows
A new study by researchers at Stanford University finds that warmer temperatures are driving a surge in dengue fever cases, with potential increases of up to 76% by 2050. The analysis analyzed over 1.4 million observations and found that higher temperatures were responsible for an average 18% of dengue incidence across 21 countries.
Machine learning unveils COPD patient clusters and quality of life associations in China
A recent study used machine learning to identify distinct COPD patient clusters in China, highlighting the impact of comorbidities on health-related quality of life. The analysis identified four clusters with varying characteristics, such as age, sex, and comorbidity profiles, which were associated with differences in health outcomes.
At-home blood pressure cuffs—and reminders to use them—key to blood pressure control
Researchers found that at-home blood pressure cuffs and texted reminders can significantly improve blood pressure control in patients struggling with hypertension. The study involved mailing cuffs to patients and providing them with texted reminders, resulting in a 35% improvement rate compared to 21% for those without home cuffs.
NIH funds first-of-its-kind center to study resilience and aging
The Center for Seniors Uniting Nationwide to Support Health will strengthen resilience in aging populations through interdisciplinary research and innovation. The center aims to improve care coordination, empower communities, and reimagine healthcare infrastructure.
New perspective outlines how food-derived signals can modulate biological aging
A new perspective suggests that food-derived signals can modulate biological aging by influencing lifestyle choices such as diet, physical activity, and sleep. Targeted nutritional approaches have been shown to slow down aging and preserve cognitive function, highlighting the potential of precision nutrition interventions.
CUNY SPH expands curriculum with concentration in sexual and reproductive justice and health
The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy has launched a new master of public health concentration in sexual and reproductive justice and health. The program prepares students to address social, political, and economic forces shaping sexual and reproductive health outcomes through research, policy, law, leadership, an...
New study highlights role of fathers’ drinking in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
A recent study published in Alcohol: Clinical & Experimental Research found that fathers' alcohol use may have a negative impact on children's growth and development by age seven. Children of fathers who drank heavily during pregnancy were more likely to be shorter, have smaller heads, and score lower on verbal IQ tests.
Targeted snow monitoring at hotspots outperforms basin-wide surveys in predicting water supply
Researchers found that targeted snow monitoring at hotspots can improve water supply predictions in most basins, with typical gains of 11-14% compared to 4%. This approach is more cost-effective than basin-wide surveys and has potential for more accurate forecasts.
How stress rewires the brain: insights into anxiety and depression—and paths to healing
A comprehensive review of anxiety and depression reveals abnormal neural circuits as a crucial biological mechanism. The study highlights key brain regions and networks involved in these disorders, providing new targets for neuromodulation and circuit-based therapies.
Society of Interventional Radiology publishes practice guidance for percutaneous arteriovenous fistulas for dialysis access
The Society of Interventional Radiology has published new practice guidance for creating percutaneous arteriovenous fistulas for dialysis access. The guidance emphasizes the importance of interventional radiologists in providing durable hemodialysis access to improve patient outcomes.
No sign of toxic effects of inhaled anesthesia in young children
A new clinical trial found no significant neurodevelopmental effects on infants and young children after brief inhaled anesthesia and surgery. The study used a balanced strategy with lower doses of sevoflurane and did not show meaningful short-term differences in IQ or child behavior problems.
Combined alcohol and cannabis use linked to adverse consequences in young adults, York U led study finds
A new longitudinal study by York University found that young adults using both substances in times of high stress and emotional distress reported more negative life consequences. The study suggests that understanding combined use can help young adults mitigate the risk and seek healthier coping mechanisms.
Sweden’s global influence on the expanding healthcare sector highlighted in new historical study
A historical study from the University of Gothenburg sheds light on the origins of osteopathy and chiropractic, tracing them back to 19th-century European mechanical medicine and a Swedish institution. The study highlights the overlooked role of Sweden in shaping these alternative healthcare professions.
Mapping causality in neuronal activity: towards a better understanding of brain networks
Researchers developed a method to identify causal relationships between neurons solely based on spike train data, providing a new tool for understanding brain connectivity. The approach accurately detected bidirectional and unidirectional coupling between neurons, even in the presence of internal noise.
Studies find nonprofits' use of flexible labor negatively affects operational outcomes, lacks long-term financial benefit, study finds
New research from the University of Kansas found that nonprofits' increasing reliance on flexible labor leads to negative operational outcomes, such as reduced attendance at events. While short-term financial benefits may be achieved, there is no long-term fiscal improvement for these organizations.
Indiana University and Instructure receive NSF funding to develop TOPSAIL, the first-of-its-kind infrastructure for testing AI tools in education
TOPSAIL aims to make it faster and easier to evaluate new AI tools in education. The two-year planning project will establish a new paradigm for evidence-based adoption of AI technologies, grounded in rigorous psychological science and learning theory. The testbed will provide robust privacy protections and experimental controls.
New research suggests path toward more durable flexible electronics
A Brown University study found that small cracks in a device's electrode layer can drive deeper cracks into the polymer substrate layer, compromising mechanical integrity. Researchers identified hundreds of polymers that could mitigate this elastic mismatch and prevent cracking.
13 journalists from across US earn aging-focused reporting fellowships
Thirteen journalists from diverse outlets have been awarded fellowships to explore aging-related topics, including climate change, healthcare access, and caregiving. The Gerontological Society of America and the Journalists Network on Generations are supporting these projects through a collaborative program.
Pusan National University researchers reveal how uneven ocean warming is altering propagation of the Madden-Julian oscillation
The Madden-Julian Oscillation's speed and intensity are influenced by atmospheric stability, which affects regional convection and tropical cyclones. Uneven ocean warming changes MJO behavior, impacting rainfall patterns and climate forecasts.
University of Oklahoma health doctoral student earns prestigious National Cancer Institute grant
Alex Arreola, a University of Oklahoma health doctoral student, has received a National Cancer Institute grant to investigate the mechanisms behind cancer cachexia, a severe weight loss syndrome prevalent in pancreatic cancer patients. He aims to understand how tumors promote early-stage weight loss and explore potential treatments.
Biomineralization: how sponges form their calcite spicules
Researchers discovered calcarins, proteins that play an important role in calcification, and found similarities with galaxins involved in coral skeleton formation. This study provides insights into the early evolution of biomineralization in sponges, revealing convergent evolution with corals.
New Emmy Noether Group: Soft materials for smarter robots
Aniket Pal's team creates viscoelastic polymers for soft robotics, which exhibit both elastic and viscous properties. These materials can be used to make soft robots more functional and intelligent.
Creating a top-tier, high-density W single atom catalyst
Researchers at Tohoku University have created a high-density W single atom catalyst that significantly speeds up the oxygen evolution reaction, overcoming a key barrier in environmentally friendly technologies. The stable incorporation of tungsten into transition-metal hydroxides/oxides enables ultrathin structures with enhanced active...
More than echolocation: Bats use both sight and sound to hunt more efficiently in light
In a study published in PNAS, scientists found that common noctule bats reduce echolocation calls when hunting in brighter environments but catch prey up to 50% faster. The bats use both acoustic and visual information to track and catch escaping prey during split-second interactions.
New global database opens the door for better understanding of terrestrial ecosystem productivity
A new study and database provide an unprecedented resource for understanding Earth's land systems, including net primary production (NPP) and its role in carbon cycling. The database addresses methodological limitations of previous databases, offering harmonized NPP measurements across six major biome types and spanning all continents.
Can a healthy gut microbiome help prevent childhood stunting?
Researchers found that children with stable gut microbiomes tend to have better growth outcomes. The study created the first-ever pediatric undernutrition microbial genome catalog, which can predict and prevent malnutrition. This discovery opens the door to new diagnostics and therapeutics for addressing global child stunting issues.
Physical neural networks, the new frontier for sustainable artificial intelligence
Researchers at Politecnico di Milano developed photonic chips for training physical neural networks, eliminating digitisation requirements. This allows for faster, more robust, and efficient network training using light signals.
‘Microbial piracy’ uncovers new way to fight drug-resistant infections
A new way to fight drug-resistant infections has been discovered through the study of 'microbial piracy', where bacteriophages hijack other viruses to break into bacterial cells and spread. This could potentially be harnessed for medicine, offering a major route to tackling antimicrobial resistance.