Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for April 17, 2025


Machine learning model to predict the fitness of AAV capsids for gene therapy

A new machine learning model accurately predicts the fitness of AAV capsids based on their amino acid sequence, enabling more efficient and cost-effective gene therapies. The model's robustness and generalizability have been demonstrated through tests on independent datasets, offering a promising tool for capsid engineering.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 17, 2025

The Journal of Nuclear Medicine ahead-of-print tip sheet: April 18, 2025

Researchers have developed novel imaging agents targeting shared proteins in triple-negative breast cancer tumors, successfully highlighting various tumor types using PET/CT scans. Additionally, a new brain imaging technique shows promise in identifying complex brain diseases like progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degener...

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateApr 17, 2025

Disrupting ‘communication’ with plants could limit soybean cyst nematode infections

A study co-authored by an Iowa State University professor identified a single protein that triggers chemical signals called effectors in cyst nematodes, which hijack plant cells. Disrupting this protein could severely reduce nematode infections, making it a powerful method for reducing crop damage.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

How wide are faults?

A study by Christie Rowe and Alex Hatem found that faults are typically branching networks of fault strands, making them hundreds of meters wide. This suggests that significant parts of the broad array of fractures can be activated in a single earthquake.

Study finds women much more likely to be aware of and have good understanding of obesity drugs

A study published by the European Association for the Study of Obesity found that women are significantly more aware of and have a better understanding of obesity drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide. Understanding tolerable side effects, effectiveness, and ability to maintain weight loss is crucial for people commencing treatment.

Ghanaian pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers face significant nutritional challenges impacting their and their infants’ health

A recent study in Ghana highlights key factors influencing maternal nutrition and infant feeding practices, revealing food insecurity and economic constraints as significant challenges. The study emphasizes the importance of creating tailored nutrition education programs that address the specific needs of young mothers.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateApr 17, 2025

Rice scientists uncover quantum surprise: Matter mediates ultrastrong coupling between light particles

Researchers create 3D photonic-crystal cavity to study ultrastrong coupling between light and matter, enabling faster and more energy-efficient quantum computing and communication technologies. The study paves the way for hyperefficient quantum processors, high-speed data transmission and next-generation sensors.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

Integrative approach reveals promising candidates for Alzheimer’s disease risk factors or targets for therapeutic intervention

A study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers identifies 123 genes associated with increased AD risk in humans, including MTCH2, which shows promise as a potential therapeutic target. The team also found that reversing the alterations in these genes has a neuroprotective effect in living organisms.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

Early-life exposure to air and light pollution linked to increased risk of pediatric thyroid cancer

A new study by Yale University researchers suggests that early-life exposure to small particle air pollution and outdoor artificial light at night may increase the risk of pediatric thyroid cancer. The study found a significant association between these exposures and increased risk of papillary thyroid cancer in children and young adults.

SourceYale University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 17, 2025

CHOP, Penn Medicine researchers use deep learning algorithm to pinpoint potential disease-causing variants in non-coding regions of the human genome

Researchers employed a deep-learning-based method to detect footprints of DNA-protein interactions, allowing them to pinpoint disease-causing variants in non-coding regions. This approach could inform novel treatments for common diseases.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateApr 17, 2025

Breakthrough achievement: Efficient simulation of Google’s 53-qubit sycamore quantum circuit

Researchers successfully simulated Google's 53-qubit Sycamore quantum circuit using sophisticated tensor network contraction techniques and advanced slicing methods. The approach reduced memory usage while maintaining computational effectiveness, enabling the simulation of complex quantum circuits with modest resources.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 17, 2025

Study identifies new method for improving lung growth and function in preterm infants

Researchers found that extending nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in preterm infants beyond usual care significantly improves lung growth and development, leading to better respiratory health. This study suggests a simple non-pharmacologic intervention that can be applied globally to improve lifelong lung function.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 17, 2025

AACR: Advancements in combination therapies for liver and pancreatic cancers, organoid-based platform for personalized head and neck cancer treatment, liquid biopsies for cancer detection and more

Researchers from the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are presenting new findings on combination therapies for liver and pancreatic cancers, including a new organoid model for personalized head and neck cancer treatment. Additionally, they are discussing the potential of liquid biopsies for cancer detection and monitoring.

Woodn't that be nice

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has developed a simple but effective method for detecting early wood coating deterioration, which can extend the life of wooden structures and improve sustainability. The approach combines mid-infrared spectroscopy with machine learning to predict the extent of deterioration, allowing for early...

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 17, 2025

New hybrid materials as efficient thermoelectrics

Researchers developed new hybrid materials with reduced lattice vibrations and increased mobility of charge carriers, achieving more than a 100% increase in efficiency. This breakthrough decouples heat and charge transport, enabling stable and cheaper thermoelectric materials that can compete with existing compounds.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

What’s the benefit of opening for Taylor Swift?

A study by Drexel University found that opening for Taylor Swift can lead to sustained audience growth for emerging artists, with genre alignment playing a key role. The research analyzed the streaming metrics and ticket sales of 57 artists who served as openers for top-grossing tours in 2022 and 2023.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of the Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association·TypeSurvey·DateApr 17, 2025

Curious isolation: New butterfly species discovered

The discovery of the Curiously Isolated Hairstreak, a new butterfly species, reveals striking genetic diversity and ecological uniqueness. The isolated population has been separated from its closest relatives for up to 40,000 years, resulting in low genetic diversity and reduced adaptability to changing climatic conditions.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateApr 17, 2025

Negative distractions disrupt ongoing task performance

A new study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that negative distractions significantly disrupted participants' ability to sustain attention during tasks, leading to decreased accuracy and speed. The findings also revealed that upsetting distractors were better remembered than neutral or positive ones, suggesting...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBehavior Research Methods·TypeObservational study·DateApr 17, 2025

New study reveals potential link between GLP1 agonists and depression: Calls for urgent attention

A recent study published in Current Neuropharmacology suggests a potential link between Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor agonists and depression, particularly in individuals with low dopamine function. The authors urge caution and recommend genetic testing to identify individuals at risk before prescribing these medications.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Neuropharmacology·DateApr 17, 2025

Unlocking the potential of 4.7 V solid-state 18650 cylindrical lithium metal batteries: A leap forward in long cycle-life and safety

Researchers develop a gel polymer electrolyte with a localized high-concentration solvation structure, enabling solid-state batteries to operate at 4.7 V with high energy density and cycling stability. The new electrolyte also exhibits exceptional safety characteristics, including no electrolyte leakage or combustion.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

City of Hope research on artificial intelligence (AI), precision medicine, immunotherapies and other topics to be presented at American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2025

Researchers with City of Hope will present more than 74 sessions on emerging technologies in cancer research, advances in natural killer cells, new clinical trial results, and precision medicine. The presentations will explore the use of artificial intelligence and multiomics to improve cancer care.

RNA pseudouridine emerges as a novel diagnostic target for colorectal cancer: High-resolution pseudouridine sequencing reveals correlation with clinical markers, offering new avenues for early detection and treatment.

Researchers have discovered RNA pseudouridine as a novel diagnostic target for colorectal cancer. The study found correlations between pseudouridine modifications and clinical markers, enabling potential non-invasive diagnosis. The findings provide a molecular framework for RNA epigenetics-based stratification and targeted interventions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateApr 17, 2025

Shin-Etsu Chemical and Hokkaido University develop lipid nanoparticle production system capable of both small-batch, high-mix production and mass production

The companies have created a microfluidic device-based LNP production system that enables precise control over particle size, addressing previous productivity issues. The system can produce various types of LNPs in small-batch or mass quantities, from personalized medicine to vaccines for infectious diseases.

SourceHokkaido University·TypeNews article·DateApr 17, 2025

Nutrients strengthen link between precipitation and plant growth, study finds

A new study found that nutrient availability plays a crucial role in the relationship between precipitation and plant biomass. In grasslands, plant biomass increases with higher mean annual precipitation, but nutrient availability also comes into play. Fertilizing sites with multiple nutrients boosted plant growth and biomass, revealin...

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2025

Mitochondrial membrane potential of CD8+ T cells predicts bacterial infection and rapid development of acute-on-chronic liver failure in cirrhotic patients

The study found that mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of CD8+ T cells is a significant predictor of bacterial infection (BI) and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) in cirrhotic patients. Low MMP levels were associated with increased risk of BI and ACLF.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateApr 17, 2025

A cool fix for hot chips: Advanced thermal management technology for electronic devices

Researchers from The University of Tokyo developed a novel water-cooling system with three-dimensional microfluidic channel structures to enhance heat transfer. The new design achieved a significant increase in performance, reaching up to 10^5 COP, surpassing conventional cooling techniques.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateApr 17, 2025

Safeguarding the future of electric vehicles: New AI-powered method detects lithium plating in electric vehicle batteries

Researchers developed an intelligent lithium plating detection system using a Random Forest machine learning algorithm, analyzing pulse charging data to identify subtle electrical signatures. The system achieves high accuracy and can be implemented without modifying existing battery systems.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

Personality test for bees

A study by the University of Konstanz found that individual bees within a colony exhibit different stinging behaviors, with some defending and others remaining calm. Social factors play a role, but personality is a key factor in determining group dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 17, 2025

First ever assessment reveals accuracy of key maps cocoa companies rely on for environmental compliance

The World Cocoa Foundation and Alliance of Bioversity International assessed the accuracy of key maps for deforestation, tree planting, and greenhouse gas emissions monitoring. The study found that open access global maps are not accurate enough for cocoa analyses in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.

Scientists discover pioneering technique to accelerate accurate quantum measurements

Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered a novel way to accelerate accurate quantum measurements by trading space for time using additional qubits. This method enables faster and more confident measurements without sacrificing accuracy, with potential applications in leading quantum hardware platforms.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 17, 2025

Fexofenadine overcomes osimertinib resistance by inhibiting c-Met in non-small cell lung cancer

Researchers identified fexofenadine as a potential Met-inhibitor that can overcome osimertinib resistance in NSCLC. The study found that fexofenadine enhances the anticancer effect of osimertinib in both laboratory and mouse models, making it a promising repurposed drug for treating NSCLC.

Study finds protein partnership protects chromosomes

A new study from Weill Cornell Medicine reveals a critical protein partnership that protects chromosome ends, regulating telomerase activity and preventing cell death. The researchers discovered that the CST complex and DNA polymerase α/primase interact to maintain telomere stability, with disruption leading to telomere abnormalities.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateApr 17, 2025

On-chip quantum breakthrough: 60-mode cluster state achieved with optical microresonators

A team of researchers achieved a 60-mode cluster state directly on a chip using optical microresonators, significantly larger than previous demonstrations. This breakthrough enables scalable quantum photonics for advanced computing, secure communications, and sensitive measurements.

A comparative review of magnesium isotope analysis methods for emerging geological applications: Double-spike vs. standard-sample-bracketing

The DS method demonstrates superior precision in measuring inter-mineral isotope fractionation, improving temperature determination results. The SSB method achieves sufficient precision but struggles with concentration matching, leading to potential discrepancies in δ26Mg data.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 17, 2025

A new take on the abilities of hydrogen binding energy for use in single atom catalysts

A new study emphasizes the importance of pushing metal site design limits to optimize hydrogen evolution reaction in single atom catalysts. Researchers found that hydrogen binding energy calculation can serve as a good predictor of activity, and neighboring nitrogen atoms can host catalytic activity to negate poisoning effects.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 17, 2025

Breaking the American climate silence

A study published in PLOS Climate found that Americans are more likely to discuss climate change with family and friends if they feel worried or perceive society as supportive of pro-climate behaviors. Perceived social norms emerged as the strongest predictor, followed by worry, exposure to media coverage, and perceived risk.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeSurvey·DateApr 17, 2025

Does your brain know you want to move before you know it yourself?

A team of researchers, led by Jean-Paul Noel, has discovered that the brain's motor area largely coincides with the onset of intention. The study used a brain-machine interface to separate intentions from actions in a paralyzed participant, revealing a compressed temporal binding between intention and action.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

Curiosity rover finds large carbon deposits on Mars

The discovery of large carbon deposits in Gale Crater suggests that ancient Mars had a CO2-rich atmosphere, which supported liquid water and potentially life. Scientists are now trying to determine how much of this CO2 was sequestered, and whether it impacted Mars' ability to stay warm.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 17, 2025

Tying light from lasers into stable “optical knots”

Engineers at Duke University have demonstrated a method to create stable optical knots using laser beams, which could be used to transmit encoded information or measure turbulence in pockets of air. The team found that by adding more squiggles to the knot's features, they could make it stable for longer and resist degradation.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

Unlocking the secrets of superfluid: HKUST scientists unveil how dipolar interactions shape two-dimensional superfluid behavior

Researchers have made a groundbreaking observation of the BKT phase transition in a 2D dipolar gas of ultracold atoms. The study demonstrates how dipolar interactions modify critical parameters and govern superfluidity without conventional symmetry breaking.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

Scientists hack cell entry to supercharge cancer drugs

Researchers at Duke University and colleagues discover a way to improve the uptake of cancer-fighting drugs called PROTACs by leveraging the CD36 protein. This approach delivered up to 23 times more potent treatment without compromising stability or solubility, paving the way for effective medications.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

ELVIS has entered orbit: Pioneering imaging system to enhance space biology and life detection beyond earth

The Extant Life Volumetric Imaging System (ELVIS) will test a new holographic microscope on the International Space Station to analyze the adaptability and resilience of microorganisms. The system aims to reveal how life might persist on distant moons and planets, significantly enhancing our search for life outside Earth.

Nature publication explains mechanisms of mRNA-based therapeutics in study from Polish researchers

Researchers from the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw discovered a crucial role of enzyme TENT5A in extending poly(A) tails of therapeutic mRNA molecules, making them more stable and effective. Macrophages play a key role in vaccine effectiveness, capturing and neutralizing 'intruders' after administration.