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Science News for April 8, 2025


Carbon fiber/thermoelectric Ag2S core-shell structure based temperature-pressure dual-mode sensors

A team developed a dual-mode temperature-pressure sensor using a core-shell carbon fiber/Ag2S film, enabling accurate detection of finger touches, respiratory states, and body movements. The sensor demonstrated rapid response times, superior electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency, tensile strength enhancement, and antibacter...

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateApr 8, 2025

From trash to treasure: new method efficiently regenerates spent lithium cobalt oxide batteries

Researchers at Tsinghua University developed a ball milling-assisted technique to revitalize aged LiCoO₂ cathodes, achieving high discharge capacity and initial Coulombic efficiency. The method offers compelling advantages over conventional recycling pathways in terms of efficiency, cost, and environmental footprint.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalEnergy Materials and Devices·DateApr 8, 2025

Vitamin D nasal spray treats loss of smell in mice

Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered a vitamin D nasal spray that significantly reduces nasal inflammation and improves sense of smell in mice. This study suggests a new potential treatment for humans suffering from loss of smell due to inflammation, which is often caused by cigarette smoke or COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalInternational Forum of Allergy & Rhinology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

Reduced movement of starlings with parasite infections has a negative impact on their offspring

Research reveals that infected starlings have limited access to high-quality foraging habitats, leading to poorer physical condition and lower chances of survival in their young. Infected birds spent less time foraging and were more picky in their choice of habitats, resulting in 12% lighter offspring.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2025

Stress for success

A Griffith University study reveals that reframing stress as a motivator can lead to improved problem-solving skills and personal growth. Participants who underwent a 15-minute online stress mindset intervention showed no negative impact on their willingness to support others.

SourceGriffith University·JournalInternational Journal of Stress Management·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 8, 2025

Abuse of NZ female MPs commonplace, researchers find

A study by the University of Otago found that New Zealand female MPs are experiencing widespread abuse, including death threats, online trolling, and misogyny. The research highlights the need for a multi-faceted response to address the psychosocial impact of harassment on female parliamentarians.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalKōtuitui New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2025

Custom 3D printing colors for pennies

A new study in Advanced Manufacturing shows how to make recycled plastic pretty again with custom colors using a free and open source software package called SpecOptiBlend. This breakthrough paves the way for economic distributed recycling of waste plastic into low-cost 3D printed products.

SourceELSP·JournalAdvanced Manufacturing·TypeCase study·DateApr 8, 2025

Scientists discover how stellar-mass black holes emit powerful plasma jets

Researchers have discovered key conditions needed for a stellar black hole to create plasma jets, including the rapid shrinkage of superheated gas material towards the black hole. This study reveals that jets form under dynamic conditions, providing insights into galaxy evolution and the properties of black holes.

SourceNagoya University·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2025

Rare earth element-enhanced TiO2 achieves high-efficiency photocatalytic overall water splitting

Researchers have developed a novel semiconductor material that significantly improves the efficiency of photocatalytic water splitting by eliminating charge recombination and facilitating efficient charge separation. The Sc-doped TiO2 semiconductor achieves a record-breaking quantum yield of 30.3% and a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of ...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

Advanced imaging reveals mechanisms that cause autoimmune disease

A study using cryo-electron microscopy revealed that autoantibodies in myasthenia gravis disrupt acetylcholine receptor function by blocking or activating the immune system's complement pathway. This knowledge helps explain treatment variability and offers a foundation for personalized therapies targeting specific antibody interactions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

Novel drug delivery platform paves way to potential new treatments for Alzheimer’s, other brain-related disorders

Researchers developed nanoparticles to deliver anti-inflammatory agents across the blood-brain barrier, opening new possibilities for treating Alzheimer's disease and other brain-related disorders. The delivery method successfully reduced inflammatory markers and improved food intake in mice with cancer cachexia.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

Bans on outdoor junk food ads derailed by industry lobbying

A recent investigation reveals how the advertising industry is targeting councils with warnings of financial losses if they restrict junk food ads, leading to some councils shelving their plans. Experts are urging a national ban on out-of-home HFSS advertising to combat childhood obesity rates projected to increase by 50% by 2050.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeNews article·DateApr 8, 2025

High prevalence of tooth and gum issues in teenage professional footballers in England

A recent study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine found that nearly 3 out of 4 teenage professional footballers in England have inflamed gums or periodontitis, with many experiencing tooth wear and breakage. The researchers emphasize the importance of good oral health for overall wellbeing and sporting performance.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2025

Hearing loss linked to heightened heart failure risk

A large long-term study found a significant association between hearing loss and increased risk of developing heart failure. The psychological distress caused by hearing impairment played a key role in this observed association, with socially isolated individuals and those experiencing anxiety and depression facing a heightened risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2025

Ancient fossil sheds big light on evolution mystery: Solving a 100-year arthropod mystery

Harvard researchers formally describe the 100-year-old arthropod fossil Helmetia expansa, offering new insights into its anatomy, behavior, and evolutionary relationships. The study reveals that Helmetia likely walked like trilobites and exhibited a unique molting strategy.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateApr 8, 2025

Dartmouth-led research team receives $13 million PCORI funding award to test the impact of video on visit communication for people with ALS

A dual-principal investigator research group led by Dartmouth and the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital will test the effectiveness of video as a communication tool during patient visits for people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and their caregivers.

Treating patients for opioid use disorder in the hospital leads to better outcomes after they are discharged, study finds

A new study finds that treating hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder leads to better outcomes after discharge. The program, which pairs patients with treatment programs and medication, increases the likelihood of follow-up care and reduces hospital stay length.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 8, 2025

Is it good to know how much your co-workers make?

A study by UC Riverside professor Boris Maciejovsky found that revealing employee pay can influence workplace dynamics, with those at the top feeling entitled to higher compensation and those at the bottom demoralized. The research highlights a complex interplay between social comparison and individual perceptions of worth.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2025

New study suggests that simultaneously burying broadband and electricity could be worth millions to people in MA towns

A new study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that co-undergrounding wires, particularly in outage-prone areas, can pay off with a cost savings of nearly 40% compared to replacing them separately. The study suggests that proactively undergrounding lines that are currently above ground can bring significant benefits.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalCell Reports Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 8, 2025

New research finds fluorescence in feathers of long-eared owls

A recent study published in The Wilson Journal of Ornithology reveals that Long-eared Owls have fluorescent pigments in their feathers that can only be seen under ultraviolet light. The amount of pigment varies within a population and is correlated with age, sex, and size, suggesting alternative functions beyond sexual signaling.

SourceDrexel University·JournalThe Wilson Journal of Ornithology·DateApr 8, 2025

HKU State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases and InnoHK Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics successfully develop nasal spray H5N1 avian influenza vaccine

Researchers at HKU and CVVT create a nasal spray vaccine offering single-dose protection against H5N1 infection, inducing comprehensive immunity in the upper respiratory tract. The vaccine's high safety profile and ability to curb viral transmission make it a critical reserve for future outbreaks.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

Predicting animal movements under global change

A new framework helps scientists predict where and when animals will move in rapidly changing environments, addressing a pressing problem in the field of animal ecology. The study focuses on incorporating biological mechanisms into models to develop better predictions, which can inform effective wildlife management and policy.

SourceSwansea University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateApr 8, 2025

Bringing DNA computing to life

A comprehensive review explores DNA computing circuits operating within living cells, leveraging dynamic nanodevices powered by DNA strand displacement reactions. Key findings include the integration of computational principles with random biochemical processes and chemical reactions in biological systems.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·DateApr 8, 2025

Two mixtures of common food additives, including aspartame, sucralose, xanthan & guar gums, modified starches, carrageenan and citric acid, are linked with slightly increased risk of type II diabetes, per French cohort study of more than 100,000 adults

A French cohort study of over 100,000 adults found that mixtures of common food additives, including aspartame and carrageenan, were associated with a slightly increased risk of type II diabetes. The study suggests that these additives may have adverse effects on glucose metabolism.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2025

Breakthrough gene therapy offers hope for rare, deadly heart disease in young men

A team of researchers has developed a gene-therapy strategy to treat arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy type 5 (ARVC5), a rare and deadly hereditary disease. The treatment, using adeno-associated viruses, improved cardiac function and prolonged survival in mice with ARVC5-like disease.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

Even under stress, male-female pairs had each other’s backs

A new study found that coordination during fear looks different in males and females, with opposite-sex pairs showing resilience under stress. Female mice were more responsive to their partners, while males tended to copy each other's actions, forming a strong social unit against stress.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalBiological Psychiatry Global Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

Tech-assisted peer therapy effective for perinatal depression in lower income countries

A University of Liverpool study shows that a novel tech-assisted intervention combining peer-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy with a digital app is as effective as standard therapy in treating perinatal depression. The programme, led by Professor Atif Rahman, reduces depressive symptoms significantly and offers a scalable soluti...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 8, 2025

Predictable visual stimuli as an early indicator for autism spectrum disorder in children

A recent study found that children with autism spectrum disorder tend to prefer predictable movements, which could serve as an early indicator of the condition. This preference may be linked to difficulties in learning cause-and-effect relationships and is a key characteristic of repetitive behaviors associated with ASD.

SourceWaseda University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

HKU ecologists lead international effort to understand declining insect biodiversity in the tropics

A team of HKU ecologists led an international initiative to study declining tropical insect populations, highlighting alarmingly limited knowledge and threats from urbanization, habitat loss, and climate change. The review emphasizes the need for more research and conservation interventions to maintain tropical biodiversity.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Reviews Biodiversity·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2025

Researchers identify safer pathway for pain relief

A team of scientists at the University of Florida has developed a new drug compound that selectively targets delta opioid receptors, providing pain relief without the dangerous side effects associated with opioids. The study's findings offer a promising approach to developing safer pain treatments, which could also be applied to treati...

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

Urinals without splashback

Researchers designed urinals using physics and differential equations to minimize splashback, improving hygiene and accessibility. The Nautilus design fits various urination heights, making it accessible for children and people with wheelchairs.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateApr 8, 2025

New study reviews decades of findings on effects of physical work environments on firms’ organizational processes and outcomes

Researchers analyzed decades of findings to understand how physical work environments influence organizational processes and outcomes, including employee health and motivation, as well as a firm's resource position and reputation. Effective design can enhance task accomplishment and shape intangible assets.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Management·DateApr 8, 2025

HKU cross-disciplinary research reveals oral microbiota as promising screening tool for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

A cross-disciplinary research team from HKU has found a connection between oral microbiota and ASD, identifying 11 bacterial species as potential biomarkers. The study developed a prediction model with an 81% accuracy rate for early detection, paving the way for non-invasive screening tools during dental check-ups.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalJournal of Dentistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

Tackling the ‘silent pandemic’: breakthrough study puts first long COVID treatment on horizon

Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have developed a drug compound that can prevent long COVID symptoms in mice, including brain and lung dysfunction. The study also found that the compound can treat acute COVID with better efficacy than Paxlovid, the leading treatment currently approved for COVID-19.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2025

Groundbreaking study reveals changes in brain cell composition and gene activity in Tourette syndrome

Researchers analyzed brain tissue from individuals with severe Tourette syndrome and identified three key changes: altered gene activity, regulatory element modifications, and interneuron loss. These findings provide unprecedented insights into the disorder's biology and may explain why individuals experience involuntary movements and ...

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

Who is most likely to fall for fake news?

A global study of over 66,000 participants reveals that younger digital natives, conservatives, and those with lower education levels are more likely to fall for misinformation. The research underscores the importance of understanding who is most at risk to develop effective strategies for counteracting fake news.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2025

Breakthrough research revolutionizing pulmonary hypertension treatment

A recent study published in the International Journal of Cardiology analyzed data from multiple clinical trials to assess the therapeutic impact of pulmonary artery denervation (PADN) on pulmonary hypertension patients. PADN showed significant reductions in mean right atrial pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and pulmonary vascu...

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateApr 8, 2025

Reality check on our approach to saving Nemo’s home

A recent study found that coral reef restoration efforts are hindered by small-scale programs, high costs, and targeting already compromised reefs. The researchers argue that scaling up restoration efforts is unlikely to offset climate change-driven losses, and suggest bolstering ecosystem resilience through complementary strategies.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2025

Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening announces $100,000 Graduate Education Fellowship Grant awarded to Vasu Rao of the University of Michigan

The Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) has awarded a $100,000 Graduate Education Fellowship Grant to Vasu Rao of the University of Michigan. Rao's research aims to develop new methods for understanding non-model bacteria using artificial intelligence and laboratory automation.

Reducing cattle ranching is not enough to restore degraded soils in the Caatinga

A study in Brazil's Caatinga biome found that removing animals from degraded pastures did not restore soil health after three years. Green manure and strategic tree planting are recommended to accelerate ecological recovery. Soils show severe degradation, with carbon loss and decline in holistic soil health index.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateApr 8, 2025

Cleveland Clinic-led trial is the first to show a delay in confirmed disability progression in non-relapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis

A phase 3 trial demonstrated a 31% delay in confirmed disability progression in patients with non-relapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Tolebrutinib, an oral Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, showed promise as a potential treatment option for this form of the disease.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 8, 2025

Global poverty and the cost of a healthy diet

A new poverty metric assesses global well-being by incorporating the cost of a healthy diet, revealing significant regional differences and shifting the focus from sub-Saharan Africa to South Asia. The study highlights the long-term health consequences of malnutrition and calls for a revised approach to resource allocation.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalFood Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2025

Understanding consumer dynamics in community-supported agriculture in Japan

Researchers identified five consumer segments in Japan's CSA market, with 'Sustainable Food Seekers' showing the highest interest. The study highlights the importance of promoting CSA's educational, environmental, and social benefits over organic certifications. Japanese consumers prioritize food education, environmental issues, and so...

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalInternational Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

Tiny, soft robot flexes its potential as a life saver

A tiny, soft robot developed by Penn State researchers can navigate through debris and deliver medicine inside the body. The flexible electronics system enables smart sensors to interact with its surroundings, allowing the robot to operate with minimal human intervention.

SourcePenn State·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

University of South Florida’s medical school ranked No. 1 in the state, among nation’s top tier by U.S. News & World Report

The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine has been named the top-ranked medical school in Florida and received a Tier 1 ranking from U.S. News & World Report, reflecting its world-class research and educational programs. The college's recent achievements include record-breaking $738 million in research funding and a significant increa...

Community Review Board votes against public health care merger in Oregon after doctors group raises concerns about university’s primate research center

The Community Review Board voted unanimously to reject the merger, citing OHSU's history of federal Animal Welfare Act violations and unnecessary experiments on monkeys. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has been calling for the closure of OHSU's primate research facility, which houses over 5,000 monkeys.

Genetic predisposition to sedentary behavior increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases

A new study found that genetic predisposition to sedentary behavior is associated with a higher risk of developing the most common cardiovascular diseases. Individuals with the highest genetic predisposition accumulated more daily sedentary time and had a 20% higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateApr 8, 2025

Handheld device could transform heart disease screening

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a handheld device that can accurately record heart sounds without requiring precise placement on the chest. This innovative device, which uses six sensors to capture clearer heart sounds, has the potential to transform heart disease screening and diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalIEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics·DateApr 8, 2025

Study highlights role of social workers in addressing marginalized communities bearing brunt of climate disasters

A new study highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities, with residents emitting significantly less carbon than the national average yet suffering disproportionately due to historical and systemic inequalities. Social workers are essential in driving society toward a future that reduces dependen...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalEthics and Social Welfare·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2025

COVID-19 vaccination induces long-lasting antibody B-cell responses

A study of 113 healthcare workers found that COVID-19 mRNA vaccination induces long-lasting antibody and memory B-cell responses, even in those previously exposed to the virus. The research team also discovered an association between higher levels of specific antibodies and increased risk of breakthrough infections.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

Social media’s fake news problem is the target of a new tool developed at Concordia

Researchers at Concordia University have developed a new approach to identifying fake news on social media using the SmoothDetector model. The model integrates probabilistic algorithms with deep neural networks to capture uncertainties and patterns in multimodal data, providing more nuanced judgments of authenticity.

SourceConcordia University·JournalIEEE Access·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 8, 2025

Coffee too weak? Try this!

Researchers optimized pour-over coffee brewing by maximizing pour height and laminar flow, resulting in stronger coffee with fewer beans. The study suggests using thick water jets, like those from standard gooseneck kettles, to achieve optimal mixing between water and grounds.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 8, 2025

Development of a chaotic light receiver for secure communication in hostile environments

A team of researchers from Télécom Paris and Politecnico di Milano has developed a system of optical micro-antennas integrated into a programmable photonic chip, which can adapt in real time to restore chaotic signals. This innovation paves the way for chaos-based encryption for secure high-speed communication in hostile environments.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 8, 2025

Smoke from US wildfires, prescribed burns caused premature deaths, billions in health damages

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that smoke from US wildfires and prescribed burns caused $200 billion in health damages in 2017, resulting in 20,000 premature deaths. Senior citizens were disproportionately affected, with Native American and Black communities experiencing the greatest harms per capita.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateApr 8, 2025

Discovery of mitochondrial protein by researchers at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University opens path to therapeutic advances for heart and Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists have discovered a novel regulator of the mitochondrial sodium-calcium exchanger (NCLX), which helps maintain calcium balance in mitochondria. The discovery of TMEM65 could lead to new therapeutic agents to combat calcium overload associated with heart failure and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalNature Metabolism·DateApr 8, 2025

Mirvie announces results from largest molecular study in pregnancy and clinical validation of simple blood test to predict risk for preeclampsia months before symptoms

Researchers used data from 9,000 pregnancies to discover and validate RNA signatures that distinguish between severe and mild hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The study validates Mirvie's simple blood test to predict preeclampsia early, at 17.5-22 weeks gestational age.

SourceMirvie·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 8, 2025

The Lancet: Nearly 500,000 children could die from AIDS-related causes by 2030 without stable PEPFAR programmes, expert policy analysis estimates

Expert policy analysis estimates nearly 500,000 children could die from AIDS-related causes by 2030 if PEPFAR programmes are not stable. The authors call for urgent action to ensure the continuation of life-saving interventions and support for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 8, 2025

Positron emission tomography in psychiatry: Dr. Romina Mizrahi maps the molecular future

Dr. Romina Mizrahi's PET-based neuroimaging sheds light on brain workings, integrating genetics, environment and imaging to understand psychiatric illness as a complex biological puzzle. She advocates for precision psychiatry paradigm with customized treatments based on molecular profiles, and calls for diversity in academic leadership.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalBrain Medicine·TypeNews article·DateApr 8, 2025