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Science News for April 28, 2025


Carbene-catalyzed phthalide ether functionalization for discovering chiral phytovirucide that specifically targets viral Nia protein to inhibit proliferation

Researchers developed a carbene-catalyzed phthalide ether functionalization method, creating chiral phytovirucides targeting the viral Nia protein. The compounds showed superior antiviral efficacy against Potato virus Y (PVY), with potential for developing new plant viruses management strategies.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateApr 28, 2025

New machine algorithm could identify cardiovascular risk at the click of a button

Researchers developed an automated machine learning program to identify potential cardiovascular incidents and fall/fracture risks based on bone density scans. The algorithm shortened screening time and found moderate to high AAC levels in 58% of older individuals, placing them at high risk of heart attack and stroke.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2025

Oral HER2-targeted therapy zongertinib demonstrates clinical benefit in advanced HER2-mutated lung cancer

The phase Ia/Ib Beamion LUNG-1 trial found that zongertinib elicited durable responses in patients with advanced, previously treated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring a HER2 mutation. The disease control rate was high across cohorts, with median progression-free survival ranging from 12.4 to 6.8 months.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 28, 2025

Swim Across America grant funding of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center clinical trial shows that immunotherapy alone could replace surgery, enabling patients to regain their organs and enhance their quality of life

A recent clinical trial funded by Swim Across America grant showed that immunotherapy can successfully replace surgery for mismatch repair-deficient (MMRd) solid tumors. This breakthrough treatment enabled 80% of patients to avoid surgery and regain their organs.

New research evaluates the ability of patients with adrenal crisis to complete emergency cortisol injections

A new study explores the ability of individuals with adrenal crisis to accurately and effectively administer emergency cortisol injections. Nearly half of those living with adrenal insufficiency are unable to self-administer life-saving injections during a medical emergency, highlighting the need for improved awareness and preparedness.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalEndocrine Practice·DateApr 28, 2025

Researchers discover accelerated reaction between Criegee intermediates and water via roaming mechanism

Scientists have discovered a new pathway for the reaction of Criegee intermediates with water vapor, approximately 100 times faster than previously predicted. The 'roaming mechanism' driven by strong dipole-dipole interactions between molecules leads to a higher probability of reaction, revising our understanding of key atmospheric pro...

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 28, 2025

Chip-shop fish among key seabed engineers

Research shows fish species like Atlantic cod and hagfish contribute significantly to seabed ecosystem health. Bioturbation impacts on organic carbon storage and greenhouse gas absorption are crucial for understanding ocean's role in climate change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMarine Environmental Research·DateApr 28, 2025

UC study uncovers unexpected link between police spending, housing prices

A University of Cincinnati study found large, opposite moves in housing prices between low-income and high-income communities when analyzing police budgeting. Low-income areas saw a 13% increase in housing prices after increasing police spending, while high-income areas saw a 14% decrease.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalThe Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 28, 2025

High blood sugar in adolescence tripled the risk of premature heart damage affecting females worse than males

A recent study published in Diabetes Care found that persistently high blood sugar and insulin resistance significantly increased the risk of worsening functional and structural heart damage during adolescence to young adulthood. The study showed a five-fold increase in prediabetes prevalence among adolescents, with females being dispr...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalDiabetes Care·DateApr 28, 2025

Noto quake 3D model adds dimension to understand earthquake dynamics

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo used simulations to create a detailed 3D model of a fault, which helped them understand how different parts of a fault contribute to uplift during an earthquake. The study revealed that fault geometry is a critical factor in determining the impact of earthquakes on land.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalEarth Planets and Space·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2025

Global virus network issues urgent call to action to mitigate the rising threat of H5N1 avian influenza

A comprehensive analysis published in The Lancet Regional Health—Americas highlights the growing concern of H5N1 avian influenza. Key findings include the virus's ability to infect both animals and humans, with nearly 1000 dairy cow herds affected and over 70 human cases reported.

SourceGlobal Virus Network·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 28, 2025

Sexual trauma during military service linked to higher risk of suicide and overdose death later in life

A longitudinal cohort study found that military sexual trauma is associated with an increased risk of suicide attempt and death by drug overdose, especially among those with post-traumatic stress disorder. The study highlights the need for policies to reduce sexual trauma in the military.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateApr 28, 2025

Fungi dwelling on human skin may provide new antibiotics

Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered a molecule produced by yeast living on human skin that shows potent antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus. The fungus, Malassezia sympodialis, transforms host lipids into antibacterial hydroxy fatty acids that can kill the bacteria in as little as 15 minutes.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 28, 2025

New insight into how the brain switches gears could help Parkinson’s patients

Researchers discovered that the brain suppresses the current action without using another mechanism to inhibit it, enabling seamless transitions between actions. This finding could lead to the development of biologically-inspired robotic systems and improve clinical treatments for Parkinson's patients.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2025

Climate change increases the risk of simultaneous wildfires

The risk of wildfires is increasing due to climate change, leading to overlapping fire weather seasons in the two regions. The number of simultaneous fire weather days has been increasing by one day per year for the past 40 years, with projections suggesting an increase of up to 29 days per year by mid-century.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalEarth's Future·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2025

Influenza virus hacks cell's internal system

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg discovered that the influenza A virus exploits a protein called AGO2 to regulate gene activity and weaken the immune system. An existing drug, arsenic trioxide, showed promise in increasing interferon production and reducing viral loads.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2025

China’s insider trading crackdown is backfiring. Here’s why

A new study reveals that China's sell-by-plan mandate, aimed at preventing insider trading, has failed to stop executives from profiting from private information. Executives have found a way to plan their sales far in advance, allowing them to cash out before bad news breaks, undermining market fairness and eroding investor trust.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Accounting and Economics·DateApr 28, 2025

Drug combination reduces breast cancer risk and improves metabolic health in rats

A combination of bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens reduces obesity-related changes in rats, including fat cell accumulation and insulin resistance. The treatment also increases beneficial gut microbes and improves metabolic health, making it a promising alternative to tamoxifen for women at high breast cancer risk.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2025

European Immunization Week 2025: Inequalities in immunisation against measles could contribute to outbreaks

Research reveals inequalities in MMR vaccination that may contribute to measles outbreaks and epidemics. In France, vaccines were dispensed later for children from low-income families, while a UK investigation found that deprived communities and some ethnic groups were more affected by the outbreak and less likely to be vaccinated.

New study on darbepoetin shows how to best reduce the need for blood transfusions in premature babies

A new study published in the Journal of Perinatology has found that optimizing darbepoetin dosage can reduce the need for blood transfusions in premature babies. The research, led by Intermountain Health, tested two different dosing schedules and found that both resulted in similar overall health outcomes.

SourceIntermountain Healthcare·JournalJournal of Perinatology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2025

Extreme rainfall – A long-standing hypothesis on temperature dependence finally settled?

A new study finds that the Clausius-Clapeyron relation explains almost perfectly selected thunderstorm rainfall data at each temperature, but when combining both stratiform and thunderstorm rainfall, higher temperature increase rates emerge. The authors argue that this 'super-Clausius-Clapeyron' increase is of statistical origin, settl...

SourceUniversity of Potsdam·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2025

Urine test could reveal prostate cancer

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified new biomarkers in urine that can indicate the presence and severity of prostate cancer with high precision. The findings surpass current blood biomarker PSA in terms of diagnostic accuracy.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCancer Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2025

Personality traits shape our prosocial behavior

Researchers analyzed 29 studies involving over 90,000 participants to examine the links between Big Five personality traits and prosocial behavior. Extraverts are more likely to engage in volunteer work, while agreeable individuals tend to be more generous with their finances.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2025

AI suggestions make writing more generic, Western

A study by Cornell University finds that AI-based writing assistants can generate generic language that makes non-Western users write in a more American style, leading to cultural stereotyping and language homogenization. Indian participants showed a smaller productivity boost compared to their American counterparts.

Rats are more motivated to help their friends

Researchers found that rats are more likely to aid distressed peers if they have previous positive social interactions with them. Helper rats showed increased activity in brain regions associated with empathy and motivation compared to less helpful rats. Oxytocin signaling may play a role in motivating rats to care for others.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateApr 28, 2025

Multiorganizational guidance offers updated recommendations to prevent infections through effective sterilization and high-level disinfection of reusable medical devices

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has released new comprehensive guidance to prevent the transmission of infections through improved practices in sterilization and high-level disinfection. The guidelines provide evidence-based, practical recommendations that reflect current science and expert consensus.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateApr 28, 2025

Expert-guided machine learning breakthrough enhances fault diagnosis in operating particle accelerator superconducting RF cavities

Researchers introduced an innovative ML model for classifying faults in SRF cavities, utilizing historical data and expert insights to enhance operational stability. The system achieved high accuracy and efficiency, facilitating long-term trend analysis and proactive maintenance strategies.

SourceNuclear Science and Techniques·JournalNuclear Science and Techniques·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2025

BNT162b2 vaccine not only targets COVID-19 virus, but may also help reduce and control innate inflammation

The BNT162b2 vaccine not only targets the COVID-19 virus but also helps reduce and control innate inflammation to other bacterial and fungal pathogens. By reprogramming innate immune cells, the vaccine reduces pro-inflammatory mediators, providing potential benefits beyond its primary target.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalClinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2025

UCLA breakthrough extends fuel cell lifespan beyond 200,000 hours, paving the way for clean long-haul trucking

Researchers at UCLA developed a novel catalyst design that shields platinum from degradation, enabling fuel cells to power heavy-duty trucks reliably for up to 200,000 hours. This breakthrough could make hydrogen fuel cells a more viable clean energy source for long-haul trucking.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2025

Community resources help food-insecure kids make fewer ER visits

A new clinical study found that a universal community resource program reduced acute care for children of food-insecure families, saving thousands of dollars in healthcare expenditures. The program, called CommunityRx-Hunger, required only 50 staff hours and delivered benefits to both food-secure and food-insecure caregivers.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2025

Viewing organs in 3D

Researchers developed a new method for imaging enzyme activity in whole organs with high-resolution 3D mapping. This allowed them to visualize differences in aminopeptidase N activity and the effects of inhibitors in mouse kidneys. The study opens up an unbiased evaluation method for drug development.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2025

Luxury brands’ use of NFTs as digital twins may undermine the perceived value of physical products, study finds

A new study from Bar-Ilan University and University of Agder reveals that linking luxury items to NFTs can harm their perceived value by introducing a sense of temporariness. The research suggests that luxury brands must strike a balance between innovation and maintaining their heritage to avoid devaluing their physical products.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateApr 28, 2025

COVID-19 vaccinations are metabolically safe

A new study from Murdoch University confirms that COVID-19 vaccinations do not cause significant metabolic changes. The research monitored 167 metabolic markers in 33 participants over 480 days post-vaccination, showing no significant impact on key health indicators.

SourceMurdoch University·JournalJournal of Molecular Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2025

Molecular tests provide more convenient, personalized monitoring of heart transplant recipients

New molecular testing methods are transforming post-transplant care by detecting potential heart injury or rejection earlier than traditional biopsies. This enables physicians to reduce immunosuppressive medicine dosage in low-risk patients, potentially improving patient outcomes beyond the first year post-heart transplant.

PolyU develops innovative Language Model Linguistic Personality Assessment system, advancing AI for diverse applications in manufacturing, business and education

Researchers at PolyU developed an AI-driven assessment system, LMLPA, to quantify LLM personality traits. The system analyzes linguistic patterns and style in LLM outputs to evaluate their personalities, with applications in education, manufacturing, business, and sustainable development.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalComputational Linguistics·DateApr 28, 2025

Now is the time to strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC) programs in healthcare facilities

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America and other medical societies released a joint position paper calling on US healthcare facilities to elevate their Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) programs. The new guidelines aim to transform IPC into proactive, data-driven elements of healthcare delivery with measurable outcomes.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateApr 28, 2025

Flood risk increasing in Pacific Northwest

A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers found that a major earthquake could expand the coastal floodplain by 35-116 square miles, affecting thousands of residents and properties. The impact would be most severe in southern Washington, northern Oregon, and northern California.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 28, 2025

Blackberries with no thorns? Scientist assembles genome of a blackberry in major step to breed better fruit

A new study from the University of Florida assembles the genome of a blackberry, which could lead to significant improvements in breeding techniques for farmers and consumers alike. The research uncovers the secrets behind key traits like growing blackberry plants with no thorns and enhancing the production of anthocyanin production.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalHorticulture Research·DateApr 28, 2025

DNA-inspired design for stronger, flexible sensors for wearables

Researchers at Shinshu University have developed a double-helical fiber sensor design that places both electrodes on one end, addressing the mechanical challenges of traditional wearable sensors. The new design enables durable, flexible sensors suitable for tracking finger gestures, facial expressions, and gait movements.

SourceShinshu University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2025

Some dogs, cats bred to evolve same ‘smushed’ faces

Scientists at Cornell University and Washington University found that selective breeding of domesticated cat and dog breeds has led to remarkable similarities in skull shape, including brachycephalic breeds. This phenomenon, known as convergence, has occurred within each species and between them, with flat faces and tilted muzzles.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 28, 2025

Trouble hearing in noisy places and crowded spaces? Researchers say new BU-developed algorithm could help hearing aid users

A new brain-inspired algorithm developed at BU can help hearing aids tune out interference and isolate single talkers in a crowd of voices. In testing, researchers found it could improve word recognition accuracy by 40 percentage points relative to current hearing aid algorithms.

SourceBoston University·JournalCommunications Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2025

Dopamine signals when a fear can be forgotten

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute discovered a critical mechanism for mental health, where dopamine signals enable fear extinction. Dopamine activates specific amygdala neurons tied to reward, driving fear extinction and opening up new avenues for treating fear-related disorders like PTSD.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2025

Data collection changes key to understanding maternal mortality trends in the US, new study shows

A new study analyzing data from 2000 to 2023 found that the introduction of a 'pregnancy checkbox' on death certificates contributed significantly to rising maternal deaths between 2000-2019, accounting for two-thirds of the increase. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp spike in maternal mortality rates, particularly among Native Amer...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 28, 2025

New AI model improves MS diagnostics

A new AI model developed by Uppsala University accurately diagnoses multiple sclerosis (MS) with an overall accuracy of 90%, identifying the transition from relapsing-remitting to secondary progressive MS in almost 87% of cases. This enables earlier diagnosis, reducing the risk of patients receiving ineffective medicines.

SourceUppsala University·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2025

Ulrich Steidl, M.D., Ph.D., at Albert Einstein College of Medicine Elected to Association of American Physicians

Dr. Ulrich Steidl, a leading expert in blood diseases, has been elected to the Association of American Physicians for his groundbreaking research on myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. His work seeks to understand the characteristics of pre-leukemic stem cells and develop drugs to interrupt their progression.

Flower strips could save apple farmers pest control costs

A new study published in the Journal of Agricultural Economics found that planting flower strips in apple orchards can reduce damage from pests by up to 32% and save farmers money. The research, conducted by the University of Reading, found that farmers could save up to £2,997 per hectare in years with high pest activity.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalJournal of Agricultural Economics·DateApr 28, 2025

38% of the annual electricity consumption of Vitoria-Gasteiz could be produced by fitting photovoltaic panels onto the city’s rooftops

Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have developed a high-precision methodology to measure rooftop energy potential in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The study found that 50% of rooftops are viable for solar energy generation, enabling 38% of annual electricity consumption to be produced

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalEnergy and Buildings·DateApr 28, 2025

Can exercise and rehab services be integrated into breast cancer care?

A randomized controlled trial demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of integrating exercise and rehabilitation services into routine breast cancer care. The Comprehensive Oncology Rehabilitation and Exercise (CORE) program improved functional deficits, fitness, and strength in patients with stage I-III breast cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateApr 28, 2025

Many paths to an angry bird

Researchers found that female cavity-nesting birds are more aggressive than their non-cavity-nesting counterparts, with beaks and claws being key defense mechanisms. The team also discovered that aggression is not linked to family or testosterone levels, but rather to specific genes that may be expressed in subtle ways.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2025

With AI, researchers can now identify the smallest crystals

Researchers at Columbia University have developed an AI algorithm that can accurately determine the atomic structure of materials with minimal sample size. The technique uses diffusion generative modeling to augment the diffraction data from nanocrystals, enabling near-perfect reconstruction of the crystal's atomic-scale structure.

Balancing nature restoration and land use: a path to sustainable growth in the EU

A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution shows that integrating nature restoration with land management strategies can ensure long-term sustainability. Strategic restoration efforts can yield significant biodiversity and climate benefits while ensuring continued food and timber production across Europe.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 28, 2025

Genetic secrets of rice pave way for future farming and conservation

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have discovered genes that can strengthen rice crops against environmental stresses such as heat, drought, and salinity. The study also identified a comprehensive framework for developing robust rice crops that can thrive in challenging environments.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2025

Hospital-based outbreak detection system saves lives

A hospital-based outbreak detection system has been shown to prevent infections, save lives and cut costs. The Enhanced Detection System for Healthcare-Associated Transmission (EDS-HAT) uses genomic sequencing to analyze infectious disease samples from patients, identifying near-identical strains that flag potential outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 28, 2025

Global study links consumption of ultraprocessed foods to preventable premature deaths

A global study analyzing data from eight countries found a significant link between the consumption of ultraprocessed foods and preventable premature deaths. The study estimates that up to 14% of all-cause premature deaths are attributable to UPF consumption, with higher rates in low- and middle-income countries.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 28, 2025

Simple test could better predict your risk of heart disease

Researchers found that measuring lipoprotein markers in a simple blood test can identify individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease more effectively. The study analyzed data from over 200,000 people and showed that the total number of 'bad cholesterol' particles is the most important factor to consider when testing for future h...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2025