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Science News for April 14, 2025


New AASM position statement highlights the clinical significance of sleepiness and its impact on health and safety

The new AASM position statement emphasizes the clinical significance of sleepiness, associated with increased risks for adverse health effects and diminished quality of life. The statement urges healthcare professionals to prioritize evaluation, management, and treatment of sleepiness.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 14, 2025

Physics reveals the optimal roof ratios for energy efficiency

Researchers found that roofs with shorter peak heights (less than three feet) should be wider to minimize heat loss, while taller peaks require equilateral triangles with a specific height-to-width ratio. These findings are similar to those seen in ancient architecture across the world.

SourceDuke University·JournalInternational Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2025

Archaeologists measured and compared the size of 50,000 ancient houses to learn about the history of inequality -- they found that it’s not inevitable

Researchers found that inequality is widespread but not inevitable, with varying levels of economic disparity across time and space. The study used house size distributions as a metric for wealth inequality, revealing patterns and trends that cross-cut time and space.

SourceField Museum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2025

Genome Research publishes a special issue on long-read DNA and RNA sequencing applications in biology and medicine

This special issue highlights novel applications of long-read sequencing technologies in biology and medicine, including human disease detection, rare disease diagnostics, and structural variation analysis. Several studies demonstrate the use of long-read sequencing data approaches to overcome challenges posed by repetitive regions, id...

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press·JournalGenome Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2025

Study reveals how inherited genes help shape the course of cancer

A new study reveals that inherited germline genetic variants significantly influence the biology of tumors, altering protein activity, gene expression, and tumor interactions with the immune system. The research suggests that considering a patient's inherited DNA could refine diagnosis, risk prediction, and therapy selection.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2025

Intelligent nanophotonics: When machine learning sheds light

This review explores the recent advancements in intelligent photonics, integrating deep learning and nanophotonics for fast, energy-efficient computing and sensing applications. It highlights key challenges and opportunities for real-world adoption, including optical neural networks and sensing-computing integration.

Epigenetic “switch” underlying hemizygote-dependent super-early flowering in soybean transformants

Researchers have identified an epigenetic mechanism underlying hemizygote-dependent super-early flowering in soybean transformants. The study reveals that a specific gene expression system can be designed to respond to genetic dosage through epigenetic elements, offering new tools for precise regulation of flowering and maturation.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalThe Crop Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2025

UC Berkeley analysis finds steep increase of self-harm among California girls, multiracial youth

A new study by the University of California, Berkeley, found that self-harm rates among California teens have increased significantly, particularly among multiracial girls. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, analyzed data from 2005 to 2021 and revealed a nearly 75% increase in self-harm rates among multiracial adolescents since 2...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 14, 2025

Emotions and levels of threat affect communities’ resilience during extreme events

Stevens Institute of Technology researchers found that tightly connected communities with high levels of community cohesion are more resilient to extreme events. However, intense stress from threats can lead to decreased resilience and even community dissolution. Emotion intensity plays a crucial role in community cohesion.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalSocio-Economic Planning Sciences·DateApr 14, 2025

New dust forecast system "iDust" helps renewable energy industry manage solar losses

Researchers have developed a new forecasting tool called iDust that offers significant benefits for solar energy production by predicting dust storms with higher accuracy. The system provides critical support for China's expanding solar energy projects in desert regions, minimizing disruptions and financial losses.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems·DateApr 14, 2025

Scientists may have solved a puzzling space rock mystery

Researchers analyzed over 8500 meteoroids and found that the atmosphere and Sun act like giant filters, destroying fragile carbon-rich meteoroids before they reach the ground. This discovery reshapes how scientists interpret meteorites collected so far and could influence future asteroid missions.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2025

Smoothing over rough edges in batteries

A new phenomenon in modern batteries has been discovered by Texas Engineers, which could improve their life cycles. Researchers found a temporary version of the film that forms on the metal anode during discharge speeds and dissolves back into the battery when finished.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2025

Cutting-edge optical genome mapping technology shows promise for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic options of multiple myeloma

Researchers have developed an innovative optical genome mapping technique that can identify structural variants and copy number variations across the entire genome in a single test. The method has been shown to reduce material requirements and improve prognostic stratification for patients with multiple myeloma.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2025

With a dash of water and sunlight: Researchers turn propane into propylene using copper single-atom catalyst

A team of researchers developed a water-catalyzed PDH reaction route using a copper single-atom catalyst to achieve highly efficient propane-to-propylene conversion under mild conditions. The reaction was driven by photo-thermo catalysis and could be directly driven by sunlight.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 14, 2025

Combination of drugs could prevent thousands of heart attacks

A new study suggests that treating patients earlier with a combination of statins and ezetimibe could prevent thousands of new heart attacks over a decade. By lowering LDL or 'bad' cholesterol in the blood, this treatment strategy can stabilise changes in the vessels and decrease the risk of new events.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 14, 2025

Van Andel Institute to recognize Dr. J. Timothy Greenamyre with 2025 Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Parkinson’s Disease Research

Dr. J. Timothy Greenamyre is awarded the 2025 Jay Van Andel Award for his pioneering research into gene-environment interactions and its improved understanding of Parkinson's development and progression. The award highlights his work on mitochondria, LRRK2, and pesticide exposure risks in Parkinson's disease.

Sleep matters: Duration, timing, quality and more may affect cardiovascular disease risk

A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of multidimensional sleep health in reducing cardiometabolic risks. The statement reviews evidence on the relationship between sleep and various health factors, including body fat, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateApr 14, 2025

Scientists identify key enzyme in Alzheimer’s disease that links brain inflammation to memory loss

Researchers found that SIRT2, a previously unknown enzyme, plays a key role in excessive GABA production associated with Alzheimer's disease. This process leads to brain inflammation and memory impairment. By targeting SIRT2, scientists can selectively block its harmful effects on memory without affecting other brain functions.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalMolecular Neurodegeneration·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2025

Photonic computing needs more nonlinearity: acoustics can help

Scientists have developed an all-optical activation function based on sound waves for photonic computing, enabling the creation of energy-efficient artificial intelligence systems. This breakthrough could potentially facilitate the scaling up of physical computing systems and pave the way for more efficient optical neural networks.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNanophotonics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2025

Scientists trace hailstone origins using chemical fingerprints, overturning decades-old theories

A team of scientists analyzed chemical signatures in hailstones to determine their growth histories, finding most hailstones follow simple trajectories rather than the previously assumed recycling motion. The study identified key thresholds for hail growth and suggests that strong updrafts are essential for severe hailstorms.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 14, 2025

The gut health benefits of sauerkraut

A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology suggests that sauerkraut's metabolites can maintain intestinal cell integrity and support long-term gut health. The researchers found that both store-bought and lab-made sauerkraut samples protected gut function, with no noticeable difference between the two.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 14, 2025

Do neurons transmit light?

Scientists investigate whether living neurons can transport light through their axons, which would significantly change current models of the nervous system. If successful, it could have major implications for treating brain diseases and healing the brain.

Research Spotlight: Comparison of single-cell profiling methods reveals strengths and limitations

The study directly compared Droplet-based scRNA (D-scRNA) and Picowell-based scRNA (P-scRNA) platforms for analyzing human mucosal biopsies. D-scRNA provides more detailed insights, but requires resources and may introduce contamination. P-scRNA is gentler, more resource-efficient, but less effective in capturing rare cell types.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2025

One firearm injury was treated every 30 minutes in emergency departments in a study of 10 jurisdictions

A cross-sectional analysis found firearm injury-related ED visits occurring approximately every 30 minutes between 2018 and 2023. Rates were highest during evenings, weekends, holidays, and summer months. Temporal patterns may inform health care staffing and emergency preparedness to reduce mortality rates.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateApr 14, 2025

Using artificial intelligence (AI) to conduct classroom intelligent analysis of real classrooms

Researchers from East China Normal University developed an AI-driven system to analyze classroom videos, revealing teacher-centered instruction prevails in primary and secondary schools. The study also found that older students engage less in critical discussions and more in structured questions.

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 14, 2025

​​​​​​​Recently discovered immune cell type is key to understanding food allergies

A new study reveals that a special group of cells in the intestines, called tolerogenic dendritic cells, play a key role in preventing food allergies. These cells help to suppress immune responses to food proteins, enabling them to pass through the body without triggering an allergic reaction.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2025

New study finds surprising way to curb college-aged drinking harms—without cutting alcohol

Researchers developed an intervention called Counter-Attitudinal Advocacy (CAA) to curb college-aged drinking harms by shifting how young adults think. CAA was found to reduce alcohol-related consequences, but not consumption, and is a complementary approach to Personalized Normative Feedback.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 14, 2025

UH researcher unveils new model to evaluate impact of extreme events and natural hazards

A new numerical computer model tracks how pollution travels through Galveston Bay, helping scientists understand water movement in estuaries. The model is critical for evaluating climate variability and sea level fluctuation impacts on coastal communities, guiding better decisions to keep water clean and prevent flooding.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateApr 14, 2025

Harnessing photocatalysis: Hydrogen generation and organic synthesis explored through a new database

A new database has been created to summarize progress in selective dehydrogenation of organic compounds through photocatalysis, enabling the accurate ranking of photocatalytic systems. The database contains 236 entries and provides insights into future directions for the field, including identifying promising photocatalysts and reactions.

Marshall researchers explore gut microbiota’s role in sleep apnea in new review published in Sleep Medicine

A new review from Marshall University researchers highlights emerging connections between gut health and sleep apnea, pointing to potential new therapeutic approaches for managing this common disorder. Alterations in gut microbiota composition have been consistently observed in individuals with sleep apnea, inducing systemic inflammati...

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalSleep Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 14, 2025

New study reveals wealth inequality’s deep roots in human prehistory

A new study led by Washington State University archaeologist Tim Kohler challenges traditional views that disparities in wealth emerged suddenly with large civilizations. The research found that wealth inequality started to increase roughly 1,500 years after the advent of agriculture, driven by population growth and competition for land.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2025

Study explores how food manufacturers respond to state regulations

A new study from the University of Illinois examines how food manufacturers navigate different state regulations, revealing four response options: updating products, maintaining separate versions, removing from stricter markets, or ignoring regulations. The researchers found that firms choose their responses based on factors like cost ...

New guidance on diagnosing malnutrition in critically ill adults

A new set of guidance statements has been published for diagnosing malnutrition in critically ill adults, aiming to provide a consistent approach to identifying malnutrition. The guidelines consider both phenotypic and etiologic factors, emphasizing the importance of assessment and reporting of malnutrition variables.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition·DateApr 14, 2025

Do disasters delay early cancer diagnoses?

A recent analysis found that rates of colorectal cancer diagnoses dropped during Hurricanes Irma and Maria and the COVID-19 pandemic in Puerto Rico, but late-stage diagnoses eventually exceeded expectations. Limited access to cancer screening services due to these disasters likely hindered timely CRC diagnoses.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateApr 14, 2025

High blood pressure? Eat more bananas

Increasing dietary potassium and reducing sodium can effectively regulate blood pressure, according to a new mathematical model developed by the University of Waterloo. The study suggests that a higher ratio of potassium to sodium intake may be more effective for lowering blood pressure than simply reducing sodium intake.

Researchers may have solved decades-old mystery behind benzodiazepine side effects

A research team has identified a key protein suspected to be involved in benzodiazepine-related inflammation, which could inform strategies to improve benzodiazepine drug design and treat inflammation-related conditions. The findings may lead to new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2025

Structural optimization of microfluidic chips for enhancing droplet manipulation and observation via electrodynamics simulation

A study presents a versatile electrodynamics simulation model to analyze driving forces in partially filled electrodes, optimizing structural parameters of digital microfluidic chips. The model reveals the effects of dielectric layer parameters, droplet electrical properties, and substrate spacing on droplet driving performance.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateApr 14, 2025

Understanding vicarious trauma in research assistant roles

A Rutgers Health study surveyed 27 research assistants working on a multistate firearm violence project, finding that 26% lacked emotional support outside their teams. Research assistants used short breaks (89%) and informal peer interactions (41%) to cope with the emotionally difficult topics.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Gender-Based Violence·TypeSurvey·DateApr 14, 2025

New studies at the Les Coves Llongues site in Zorita del Maestrazgo indicate that the Bergantes river could be an important route for the Neolithicization of Lower Aragon in Spain

Archaeologists uncover evidence confirming Les Coves Llongues site was inhabited during Early Neolithic, highlighting the Bergantes River as a key route for early farming communities. The site's strategic location along a natural corridor connects the Iberian Mediterranean to the Ebro Valley.

SourceUniversitat Jaume I·JournalMunibe Antropologia-Arkeologia·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2025

Brain research: Study shows how brain stimulation can influence decisions

A new study by Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg found that brain stimulation can influence decisions, making choices faster with anodal stimulation and slower with cathodal stimulation. The research used transcranial direct current stimulation to activate or inhibit specific brain regions.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2025

Universal Japanese school lunch program significantly reduces obesity among teenagers, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds

A new study published in Health Economics reveals that the universal Japanese school lunch program effectively reduces Body Mass Index (BMI), Percent Overweight (POW), and obesity rates, particularly among students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The study found significant short-term benefits of such programs in addressing child...

SourceSophia University·JournalHealth Economics·DateApr 14, 2025

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers chart natural history of patients with SCN8A-related disorders

A comprehensive natural history study of SCN8A-related disorders has been completed, revealing a range of seizure types and neurodevelopmental features. The findings identify potential targets for future clinical trials, including the use of sodium channel blockers to manage epilepsy.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNeurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 14, 2025