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Science News Archive April 2025 - Page 2


Page 2 of 51

‘Scratching’ more than the ocean’s surface to map global microplastic movement

Researchers have mapped global microplastic distribution patterns by size and polymer type, revealing that microplastics are deeply embedded in the ocean's structure. The study found that smaller microplastics spread more evenly and penetrate deeper, while larger ones concentrate near the surface, affecting key biogeochemical processes.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2025

Revolutionary algorithm optimizes nuclear reactor radiation shielding design

A research team from the University of South China has developed a novel algorithm to optimize radiation-shielding design in nuclear reactors. The algorithm, based on a reference-point-selection strategy, efficiently solves many-objective optimization problems and provides optimized shielding solutions for new types of reactors.

SourceNuclear Science and Techniques·JournalNuclear Science and Techniques·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2025

New technology facilitates delivery of advanced medicines

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a technique to deliver gene editors and protein therapeutics to cells using engineered extracellular vesicles. The method shows promising results in animal studies, highlighting the potential for treating genetic diseases and neurological disorders.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2025

Herpesvirus protein mimics host enzyme to balance infection and latency

Researchers discovered that herpesvirus protein kinases mimic human cyclin-dependent kinases, regulating viral infection and latency. Phosphorylation of the viral enzyme contributes to its survival and persistence, while phosphorylation downregulates its activity, allowing for balance between host survival and viral persistence.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2025

New method to produce an extremely heavy hydrogen isotope at the Mainz Microtron accelerator MAMI

Researchers at A1 Collaboration successfully produced hydrogen-6 in an electron scattering experiment, challenging current understanding of multi-nucleon interactions. The measurement revealed a stronger interaction between neutrons within the nucleus than expected, indicating a lower ground-state energy for ⁶H.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 30, 2025

Researchers find that increase of ‘CLU’ protein promotes brain resilience and could provide protection from Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers identified CLU protein as a potential strategy to protect against Alzheimer's disease by increasing clusterin protein. Increased CLU protects the brain from amyloid plaques and loss of synapses, while identifying individuals most likely to respond based on their genetics.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNeuron·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2025

New cell sorting strategy enhances stem cell purity for cultured meat production

Researchers developed a novel cell sorting strategy to isolate high-quality seed cells for cultured meat production, improving stem cell purity and myogenic potential. The method achieved over 90% PAX7-positive MuSCs, enhanced differentiation potential, and maintained higher PAX7 expression across multiple passages.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalFood Materials Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2025

Mechanism by which the brain weighs positive vs. negative social experience is revealed

Researchers identified how the brain assigns positivity or negativity to social experiences through a complex neural circuitry involving the hippocampus. They discovered that serotonin and neurotensin release opposing signals in the ventral CA1 region, which can be leveraged for future therapies.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2025

Persons living with HIV can be treated safely, effectively with long-acting antiretroviral therapy at home

A new study conducted by Medical University of South Carolina shows that long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy for persons living with HIV can be administered safely and effectively at home. Patient satisfaction scores were high for both groups, and no serious safety issues were observed.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2025

Researchers discover a novel gene variant in Finns that increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease

A novel gene variant in Finns significantly increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease, affecting microglia function and leading to an earlier onset of the disease. The study provides valuable information for developing treatments and highlights the importance of translational research.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalMolecular Neurodegeneration·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2025

Nicotine pouch and e-cigarette use and co-use among U.S. youths

A cross-sectional study finds a doubling in nicotine pouch past-30-day use and an increase in pouch plus e-cigarette dual use, leading to decreased exclusive e-cigarette use among US 10th and 12th graders. Prioritizing surveillance, regulation, and prevention strategies is crucial for addressing pediatric nicotine pouch use.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 30, 2025

Ultrasound and microrobots team up to boost stem cell therapy for brain repair

A pioneering study combines magnetic guidance with localized ultrasound stimulation to enhance stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. The technique successfully navigates magnetically loaded stem cells to specific brain regions, promoting differentiation into neurons and boosting neurite outgrowth.

Increasing physical activity in middle age may protect against Alzheimer's disease

A recent study has found that increasing physical activity between the ages of 45 and 65 can help reduce the accumulation of beta-amyloid, a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. The research, led by ISGlobal, suggests that even minimal amounts of exercise have health benefits for brain health.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalAlzheimer’s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2025

Artificial intelligence tools make education materials more patient friendly

A new study finds that AI tools can significantly improve the readability of online patient education materials, making them more accessible for patients. The researchers used three large language models to optimize the readability of materials without compromising accuracy, resulting in improved scores and reduced word counts.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2025

From structure to function: Tailoring wurtzite MgSiN₂ for next-generation electronics

Scientists at Institute of Science Tokyo develop first-ever wurtzite-structured MgSiN2 thin films, exhibiting piezoelectric properties. The material's unique electronic and bandgap properties make it a promising candidate for next-generation electronics and potential applications in ultrasonic transducers and energy harvesters.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2025