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Science News for April 11, 2025


Watch a live catalytic event in real time

A Northwestern University-led team directly observes a catalytic event in real time, discovering short-lived intermediate molecules and a previously hidden reaction pathway. This breakthrough enables scientists to understand how catalysts work, potentially leading to more efficient and sustainable chemical processes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalChem·DateApr 11, 2025

For a better cup of coffee, look to physics

A team of physicists at the University of Pennsylvania has discovered that pouring water from a height creates a stronger mixing effect, increasing extraction efficiency in pour-over coffee. By optimizing flow rates and pour heights, they found that more coffee grounds can be used without diminishing overall quality.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2025

There must be some otter way

A study by Kyoto University researchers found that captive otters in Japan are coming from Thailand, highlighting the country's role in illegal trade. The discovery sheds light on the risks posed by otter demand and aims to protect vulnerable species.

SourceKyoto University·JournalConservation Science and Practice·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 2025

Tirzepatide can produce clinically meaningful weight loss for at least 3 years in adults with overweight or obesity who don’t have diabetes

A new study found that tirzepatide can produce sustained weight loss of up to 31% in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, regardless of age or BMI. The study also identified patterns of weight loss trajectories and found that females and those without obesity-related complications may be more responsive to the medication.

Threatened sea stars are finding refuge in bc fjords

A new study suggests that sunflower sea stars are surviving disease outbreaks in British Columbia's Central Coast fjords due to the unique oceanographic conditions. The fjords' mix of cold water and freshwater runoff provides a refuge for the species, allowing them to venture deeper and escape the effects of sea star wasting disease.

SourceHakai Institute·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 2025

DGIST identifies mechanism behind epidermal cell transformation in residual plant cells, paving the way for controlling fruit growth

Researchers at DGIST have identified a key regulator of the process, MYB74, which guides the transformation of residual cells into epidermal cells. This discovery could lead to advancements in agricultural and food production technologies, optimizing crop productivity and contributing to food security.

How the media write about transgender people

A new thesis by Carin Leibring Svedjedal examines the language used in opinion pieces on trans-related issues, revealing a polarized debate that highlights alarmist examples and concerns about inclusiveness. The study also explores how transgender people use language to shape their identity and encounter difficulties in their environment.

SourceUppsala University·TypeContent analysis·DateApr 11, 2025

New research shows evidence of children’s gender biases reflected in their facial emotional expressions

A study of 296 Canadian and 309 Hong Kong children found that those with feminine-behaving peers showed signs of fear and disgust, while those with masculine-behaving peers displayed happy emotions. This suggests that children learn to imitate these emotional responses from their peers, family members, and media.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 2025

Scientists observe exotic quantum phase once thought impossible

Researchers have directly observed a superradiant phase transition (SRPT) in a magnetic crystal, overcoming a long-standing limitation in theoretical physics. The phenomenon occurs when two groups of quantum particles fluctuate collectively without external triggers, forming a new state of matter with unique properties.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2025

Most COVID-19 treatments found to be free of serious side effects in analysis of U.S. studies

The study analyzed 54 U.S. studies and found no significant association with serious adverse events for oral antivirals like Paxlovid or monoclonal antibodies. Actemra was associated with infection and low white blood cell counts, while transfusions of convalescent plasma were linked to internal bleeding and blood clots.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 11, 2025

Breaking the cycle: unveiling how childhood trauma fuels parenting and abuse

A recent study by University of Fukui researchers found that impaired empathy in parents who experienced childhood trauma increases the risk of abusive parenting, perpetuating a cycle of abuse. The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions, such as mental health support and parenting programs, to break this cycle.

SourceUniversity of Fukui·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 2025

Eliminating worm infections as a key strategy for HIV/AIDS prevention

A study in Tanzania found that eliminating worm infections, such as Wuchereria bancrofti, can reduce the risk of contracting HIV. The research, conducted between 2007 and 2019, showed a significant decrease in HIV incidence among people cured of the worm infection, compared to those who remained infected or never had the infection.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalThe Lancet HIV·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 2025

Dongguk University researchers advance lithium-ion battery technology with hybrid anode material

Dongguk University researchers have developed a hybrid anode material for lithium-ion batteries, demonstrating exceptional performance and cycling stability. The innovative composite combines reduced graphene oxide with nickel-iron layered double hydroxides, resulting in a high specific capacity of 1687.6 mA h g−1.

SourceDongguk University Evaluation and Audit Team·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2025

Studies find sex-based disparities in transfusion of whole blood in traumatically injured patients

A new study published in Transfusion journal reveals sex-based disparities in the transfusion of whole blood to traumatically injured patients. Women, particularly younger females and those of childbearing potential, are less likely to receive whole blood transfusions compared to men. This disparity is despite whole blood being associa...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalTransfusion·DateApr 11, 2025

The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Ahead-of-Print Tip Sheet: April 11, 2025

Researchers discovered rare cases of prostate cancer spreading to the testicles using advanced PSMA PET/CT scans, changing how doctors monitor recurring prostate cancer. A new ultra-low-dose PET scanning method reduced radiation exposure without compromising diagnostic image quality in cancer and metabolic imaging.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateApr 11, 2025

Breakthrough in low-power neuromorphic computing: novel 2D phase-transition memristor achieves ultrafast and energy-efficient switching

Researchers developed a novel 2D phase-transition memristor leveraging intrinsic ion migration to overcome existing device limitations. The device achieves record-low power consumption, ultrafast switching speed, and exceptional endurance, making it suitable for high-speed computing applications.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateApr 11, 2025

From boring to bursting: a giant black hole awakens

A distant galaxy's black hole has suddenly activated, producing rare and intense X-ray light bursts. The phenomenon, known as a quasiperiodic eruption, challenges existing models of black hole behavior and offers an unprecedented opportunity for astronomers to study the energetic events powering these cosmic monsters.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 2025

AGS honors Dr. Christine K. Wanich Bradway with Dennis W. Jahnigen Memorial Award at #AGS25 for proven excellence in geriatrics education

Dr. Christine K. Wanich Bradway is recognized for her dedication to improving care for older adults through education and research, particularly in urinary incontinence and severe obesity. She has shaped the field of gerontological nursing and will receive the prestigious Dennis W. Jahnigen Memorial Award at the #AGS25 Annual Scientifi...

Moffitt study shows new immune boost could expand access to cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have found that a natural protein called CD40L can improve the speed and success of TIL manufacturing, potentially benefiting more patients. The study showed that CD40L-enhanced TILs grew successfully in 67% of samples when used, compared to 33% without it.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2025

Illuminating the twist: light-driven inversion of supramolecular chirality

The study successfully manipulated the formation of left-handed or right-handed helical aggregates using precise light control, exhibiting promising insights into novel functional materials. The researchers found that residual aggregates acted as nucleation sites forming oppositely directed helical assemblies under certain conditions.

SourceChiba University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2025

Police officers face twice the risk of traumatic brain injuries and PTSD, survey finds

A new survey-based study from the University of Exeter found that police officers are more than twice as likely to have traumatic brain injuries compared to the general population. The study also revealed that officers who report a history of multiple traumatic brain injuries are over twice as likely to develop complex PTSD.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·TypeSurvey·DateApr 11, 2025

How a new drone system may transform next-gen ecology research

A new autonomous drone system, WildWing, provides ecologists with deeper insights into animal behavior in the wild by collecting dense animal behavioral data. The system has been shown to improve accuracy and reliability compared to human-driven attempts, enabling scientists to focus on scaling up research objectives.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 11, 2025

Development of a novel modified selective medium cefixime–tellurite-phosphate-xylose-rhamnose MacConkey agar for isolation of Escherichia albertii and its evaluation with food samples

A novel selective medium was developed to isolate Escherichia albertii, a previously uncharacterized species. The CT-PS-XR-MacConkey agar selectively differentiated E. albertii from other bacteria, including those in food samples. This finding has significant implications for the identification and study of this pathogen.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateApr 11, 2025

Human-AI relationships pose ethical issues, psychologists say

Researchers explore the potential risks of human-AI relationships, including interference with human social dynamics and the risk of AIs offering harmful advice. They call for more research on the psychological process involved, which could help intervene to prevent malicious AI advice from being followed.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 11, 2025