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Science News for April 16, 2025


Simulating protein structures involved in memory formation

Researchers developed a computational model that reproduces intricate protein structures at postsynaptic densities, crucial sites for learning and memory. The model reveals details on how these proteins organize into unique structures through liquid-liquid phase separation, enabling sustained activation of downstream signaling pathways.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalCell Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 16, 2025

A new approach to asthma treatment: Harnessing the liver to reprogram the immune system

Researchers have developed a new therapy called liver-targeted immunotherapy (LIT) that exploits the liver's natural ability to promote immune tolerance. LIT uses synthetic mannosylation to deliver allergens directly to the liver, where specialized immune cells reprogram the response from inflammation to tolerance.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

Advancements in diagnostics and therapeutics for cancer of unknown primary in the era of precision medicine

Recent studies have improved the diagnostic accuracy of CUP, surpassing 90%, with advancements in methodologies such as gene expression profiling. Site-specific therapies have shown significant benefits over empirical chemotherapy, leading to improved patient outcomes for those affected by this condition.

Your cells can hear

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has found that cells can hear and respond to sound waves, leading to potential applications in medicine and healthcare. The study used acoustic pressure to induce cellular responses, revealing the suppression of fat cell formation and activation of mechanosensitive genes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

UTA professor explores healing power of music

Dr. Rhonda Winegar investigates the effectiveness of music therapy in supporting neurological care, including its ability to reduce anxiety and depression in Alzheimer's patients. Her research also highlights its potential to regulate heart rate and blood pressure, as well as improve motor function in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalThe Journal for Nurse Practitioners·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 16, 2025

“Ban-the-Box” policy did not effectively help job applicants with criminal records in one analysis

A new analysis of job applicant data from a large employer found that Ban-the-Box policies had little impact on employment rates for individuals with criminal records. Despite initial hopes that these policies would improve job prospects, the study suggests that any benefits may be reversed during subsequent candidate assessment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateApr 16, 2025

Unhealthy metabolic profile sharply increases risk of breast cancer returning and subsequent death from breast cancer among those who have survived the disease

A new study published in The Journal of Internal Medicine found that having an unhealthy metabolic profile increases the risk of breast cancer recurrence by 69% and subsequent breast cancer mortality by 83% among survivors. This association was consistent across Europe, North America, and Asia.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateApr 16, 2025

Nearly half of Americans would consider eating a plant-based diet to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, finds new survey

A new survey reveals that 46% of Americans would consider eating a plant-based diet to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Shifting diets from meat and other animal products to plant-based diets has a high potential for reducing carbon footprints and mitigating climate change, as well as improving human health.

For a while, crocodile

A new study revealed that crocodylian ancestors thrived through two mass extinctions due to their adaptable dietary habits and varied habitats. This discovery may help scientists and conservationists better protect vulnerable species today.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPalaeontology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 16, 2025

Favorite music sets the brain's opioids in motion

A new study found that listening to favorite music activates the brain's opioid receptors, explaining why it evokes strong feelings of pleasure. The release of opioids is also linked to individual differences in music enjoyment and may help develop new music-based interventions for pain management and mental health disorders.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalEuropean Journal of Nuclear Medicine·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 16, 2025

Study indicates that risky surgery after a stroke due to carotid artery stenosis is no longer necessary for majority of patients

A significant proportion of patients who suffer a stroke due to carotid artery narrowing can be treated with medication only. Researchers found that up to 75% of patients may not need surgery, eliminating the risk of another stroke and saving healthcare costs.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 16, 2025

New human “multi-zonal” liver organoids improve injury survival in rodents

A team of experts at Cincinnati Children's reports achieving a milestone in growing human liver organoid tissue that faithfully reproduces key zones, nearly doubling rodent survival rate. This breakthrough paves the way for studying human liver biology and disease, accelerating drug development and potentially leading to repair tissues.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

Living fungus-based building material repairs itself for over a month

Researchers have developed a building material that uses fungal mycelium and bacteria cells, which can self-repair for at least a month. This innovation has the potential to replace conventional building materials with high carbon footprints like cement, reducing emissions and promoting sustainability.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

New insights into dopamine in focal cortical dysplasia: How disturbed signaling pathways could promote epileptic seizures

A study published in Brain reveals profound changes in the dopamine system in focal cortical dysplasia type 2, a congenital malformation associated with difficult-to-treat epilepsy. The findings suggest a disrupted dopaminergic system, which may contribute to the development of epileptic seizures and other symptoms.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalBrain·DateApr 16, 2025

How much do we trust scientists? Researchers investigate in international study

A recent international study reveals that most people trust scientists and believe they should have a significant impact on society and policymaking. The study, conducted in 68 countries, found that public trust in scientists is high, with an average score of 3.62 on a five-point scale, indicating a fairly high level of trustworthiness.

SourceSWPS University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeSurvey·DateApr 16, 2025

ECNU Review of Education unveils the evolution of LLMs in intelligent Chinese composition tutoring

The ELion Intelligent Chinese Composition Tutoring System uses LLMs to evaluate student essays across four dimensions, providing detailed assessments and personalized feedback. The system has been instrumental in addressing teachers' excessive grading workloads and has facilitated the analysis of nearly 50,000 compositions.

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 16, 2025

HKU civil engineering team develops innovative solution for tracking antibiotic resistance genes

A research team at HKU has developed a computational tool called Argo to track antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in environmental samples, providing insights into their transmission and associated risks. The tool uses long-read sequencing and can accurately identify and quantify ARGs, enhancing host identification accuracy.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

Term or permanent life insurance? A new study offers guidance

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that households with both term and permanent life insurance policies were most likely to be financially prepared in case of an income earner's death. The study suggests having both types of insurance may be a strong option for many consumers, as most do not have enough coverage.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFinancial Planning Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 16, 2025

Scientists uncover novel function of autophagy protein ATG-9 in regulating lysosome integrity

Researchers have uncovered the molecular mechanism of ATG-9 in regulating lysosome integrity by modulating phospholipid distribution. This study suggests that reduced ATG-9 scramblase activity facilitates lysosome biogenesis and repair, highlighting ATG-9 as a promising therapeutic target for diseases related to lysosomal dysfunction.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

Discovery of FOXR2 activation in various brain tumors refines diagnosis to improve care

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered FOXR2 activation in multiple pediatric CNS tumor types, including high-grade gliomas and pineoblastomas, with significantly different clinical outcomes. The study highlights the importance of combining molecular findings with other diagnostic approaches to improve treatment...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateApr 16, 2025

Study reveals promising insights on treatment to improve speech after a stroke

Researchers at the University of Calgary investigate the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with intensive speech therapy for treating poststroke aphasia. The study found significant improvements in speech, confidence, and mood among participants, offering new hope for those affected by stroke.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNeurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 16, 2025

Hereditary Alzheimer’s: Blood marker for defective neuronal connections rises early

A study has identified an early blood marker for hereditary Alzheimer's disease, beta-synuclein, which can detect neurodegeneration up to 11 years before dementia symptoms. This biomarker could help with early diagnosis and treatment, improving the potential of new medicines for Alzheimer's.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateApr 16, 2025

Hengshui’s “zero-waste city” initiative demonstrates synergistic pollution reduction and climate action through agricultural waste innovation

The study evaluates Hengshui City's 'zero-waste city' initiative, which integrates biogas production, electricity generation, heat recovery, and organic fertilizer manufacturing. The project achieves significant emission reductions, with a 64% decrease in CO2 equivalent emissions per year.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalCircular Economy·DateApr 16, 2025

Start of US hunting season linked to increased firearm incidents, including violent crimes and suicide

A study published in The BMJ found that the start of US deer hunting season is associated with a 12% relative increase in firearm incidents, including non-hunting related incidents such as suicide and violent crime. Efforts to promote firearm safety during this time may help curb both hunting and non-hunting related firearm incidents.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateApr 16, 2025

Microbes in Brooklyn Superfund site teach lessons on fighting industrial pollution

A research team led by NYU Tandon School of Engineering has discovered unprecedented genetic adaptations in Gowanus Canal organisms, which could lead to cheaper and more sustainable methods for cleaning contaminated waterways. The study found that these microbes can break down pollutants and heavy metals using 64 different biochemical ...

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 16, 2025

Crystallography-informed AI achieves world-leading performance in predicting novel crystal structures

A new machine learning algorithm, ShotgunCSP, has been developed to predict crystal structures from material compositions with high accuracy and efficiency. This breakthrough eliminates the need for iterative first-principles calculations, making it possible to predict stable structures even for large and complex systems.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateApr 16, 2025

For sales quota periods, one size doesn’t fit all

A new study by the University of Texas at Austin suggests that sales quota periods should be tailored to individual preferences. Low performers are more motivated by constant motivation, while high performers respond better to longer quota cycles. This implies that one-size-fits-all approach to sales compensation may not be effective.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalMarketing Science·DateApr 16, 2025

Physisorption-assistant optoelectronic synaptic transistors based on Ta2NiSe5/SnS2 heterojunction from ultraviolet to near-infrared

Researchers developed physisorption-assistant optoelectronic synaptic transistors based on Ta2NiSe5/SnS2 heterojunction, demonstrating tunable synaptic functionality in broadband (375-1310 nm). The strategy utilizes gas molecule adsorption to extend carrier lifetime and improve NIR light performance.

Study finds dramatic boost in air quality from electrifying railways

A new study found that electrifying the Caltrain commuter rail line reduced riders' exposure to black carbon by an average of 89%, cutting excess cancer deaths by 51 per 1 million people. The study's findings support the case for electrifying U.S. rail systems, which still rely on old diesel locomotives.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateApr 16, 2025

Towards gene-targeting drugs capable of targeting brain diseases

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have made breakthroughs in delivering gene-targeting compounds to the brain, using cholesterol-modified oligonucleotides that can penetrate the cerebral cortex beyond the blood vessels. This could lead to new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as brain cancers.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

Genomic analysis provides insight into underpinnings of new treatment combination for deadly, Asian-prevalent lymphoma

A new combination therapy using cemiplimab and isatuximab has shown promising results in a phase 2 clinical trial for extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, with 51% of patients achieving complete response. The study validated genomic biomarkers and a prognostic model developed by the National Cancer Centre Singapore, offering potential for mo...

SourceSingHealth·JournalBlood·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 16, 2025

Farm robot autonomously navigates, harvests among raised beds

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed an autonomous driving algorithm for robots to navigate raised cultivation beds, utilizing lidar point cloud data. The system enables precise movement and accuracy in both virtual and actual environments, promising to expand tasks beyond harvesting to monitoring and pruning.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

Forward genetics approach reveals the factor responsible for carbon trade-off in leaves

Researchers from Chiba University identified a previously unreported gene, LIRI1, which plays a crucial role in regulating the balance between starch and lipid storage in plant leaves. The study suggests that LIRI1 promotes carbon allocation by activating starch production and inhibiting starch degradation.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

Ultrafast multivalley optical switching in germanium for high-speed computing and communications

Researchers demonstrate ultrafast transparency switching across multiple wavelengths using single laser excitation in germanium, opening possibilities for advanced optical technologies. The study highlights the potential of Ge as a key material for ultrafast optical switching with promising applications in high-speed data transmission ...

SourceWaseda University·JournalPhysical Review Applied·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

Porous and powerful: How multidirectional grading enhances piezoelectric plate performance

A new study reveals that porous, multidirectionally graded piezoelectric plates exhibit improved mechanical and electrical responses under various loading conditions. The research sheds light on the critical need to model complex interactions between these advanced materials and their supporting foundations.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalInternational Journal of Mechanical System Dynamics·DateApr 16, 2025