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Science News Archive April 2025 - Page 46


Page 46 of 51

Corpse flowers are threatened by spotty recordkeeping

A study by Northwestern University scientists found that incomplete historical records have led to low genetic diversity and population decline among corpse flowers. The lack of standardized data makes it challenging for conservationists to make informed decisions about breeding, resulting in a high percentage of cloned plants.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAnnals of Botany·DateApr 3, 2025

Riding the AI wave toward rapid, precise ocean simulations

Researchers developed a machine learning-powered fluid simulation model that significantly reduces computation time without compromising accuracy. The new surrogate model maintains the same level of accuracy as traditional particle-based simulations while reducing computation time from approximately 45 minutes to just three minutes.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalApplied Ocean Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 3, 2025

A new path to understanding black holes

Physicists have discovered a new theoretical framework called supermazes that redefine the concept of black holes, providing a more universal picture of their microstructure. Supermazes are based on string theory and offer a detailed portrait of the microscopic structure of brane black holes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of High Energy Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 2, 2025

Recover chaos for secure communications

A recent study overcomes challenges of turbulence in free-space optical links by using a multi-aperture system combined with a photonic chip. This allows for the recovery of chaotic signals even under harsh turbulence conditions. The technology mimics a smart eye to capture light from several angles and reconfigure it into a clear signal.

Multiple defects renovation and phase reconstruction of reduced-dimensional perovskites via in situ chlorination for efficient deep-blue (454 nm) light-emitting diodes

A new method using in situ chlorination post-treatment has been proposed to renovate both deep-state and shallow-state defects in quasi-2D perovskites, significantly enhancing their optoelectronic performance. The resulting deep-blue light-emitting diodes achieved an external quantum efficiency of 6.17%.

Study finds one in five US adults use multiple drugs, revealing new patterns in substance use

A recent US study found that nearly one in five adults have used multiple drugs in the past year, revealing new patterns in substance use. The study identified four distinct patterns of drug use among prescription, recreational, and illegal users, highlighting the need for tailored prevention and treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 2, 2025

New insights into catalytic processes could lead to more efficient fuel production

A groundbreaking study has shed new light on the dynamics of methanol within copper-loaded zeolites, offering promising insights into the development of more efficient and sustainable catalytic processes. The findings could pave the way for advancements in producing cleaner fuels and chemical transformations.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2025

Runaway battery improves safety

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a simple and cost-effective method to test lithium-ion battery safety, enabling researchers to quickly screen battery effects on safety factors such as materials, design, storage conditions, and degradation. The innovative method uses miniaturized batteries that are intentionally un...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2025

Microtubule mysteries revealed

Researchers used NSF-funded Frontera supercomputer to model microtubule tips, revealing new behavior and key differences in structures depending on GTP or GDP binding. This basic research could aid in understanding neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's as well as design cancer drugs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 2, 2025

Children exposed to higher ozone levels early in life are more likely to develop asthma

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has found a possible link between higher ozone levels in early childhood and an increased risk of developing asthma. Children exposed to higher ozone levels in their first two years of life were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with asthma or wheezing at ages 4-6, but not at ages 8-9.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 2, 2025

Are lifetimes of big appliances really shrinking?

The study found that product lifetimes for large appliances in Norwegian households remained relatively consistent over the decades, except for washing machines and ovens. Washing machine lifetimes decreased by 45% due to increased laundry cycles, while oven lifetimes decreased by 39% likely due to renovation trends and changing kitche...

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 2, 2025

Pink skies

Scientists at ISTA create a new brain organoid model that incorporates microglia to study viral infections, such as Rubella, and test the effectiveness of ibuprofen. The results show that microglia play a crucial role in inflammatory reactions and that ibuprofen exerts its protective effects by inhibiting two inflammatory enzymes.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2025

New research shows that propaganda is on the rise in China

Researchers at the University of Oregon discovered that propaganda campaigns are increasingly used to control and constrain information in China, including natural disaster and public health reporting. On average, at least one front-page article in party newspapers is planted by the state, growing fourfold over a decade.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2025

Life work, not homework

A new report by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture recommends strengthening Tennessee's financial education requirement for high school students. The study suggests that increasing the instructional time devoted to personal finance in the curriculum and recommending full-credit courses would be beneficial. Additionall...

Researchers reveal key brain differences to explain why Ritalin helps improve focus in some more than others

Research suggests that individual differences in brain chemistry, particularly the balance of dopamine receptors, play a crucial role in determining who benefits from Ritalin. Study participants with higher D1-to-D2 receptor ratios performed better on memory tasks and showed improved cognitive performance when taking Ritalin.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 2, 2025

Novel genes linked to rare childhood diarrhea

Researchers at SickKids identified three new genes associated with rare childhood diarrhea, providing a diagnosis for 48% of cases. The study found that genetic testing and targeted treatments can improve the quality of life for children like Sophie, who was diagnosed with CODE at just two days old.

SourceThe Hospital for Sick Children·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 2, 2025

NYC speed cameras take six months to change driver behavior, effects vary by neighborhood, new study reveals

The study tracked over 1,800 cameras across school zones from 2019 to 2021 and found that most cameras achieve their safety purpose within six months. Effectiveness patterns vary geographically across the city, with some areas experiencing a significant reduction in speeding behaviors, while others show marginal impact.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalTransportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 2, 2025

Southern Ocean warming will mean a wetter West Coast

A Cornell University-led study predicts long-term increases in precipitation over East Asia and the Western U.S. as the Southern Ocean warms, regardless of climate mitigation efforts. The research suggests that accounting for cloud feedbacks in climate models can help explain uncertainties and improve predictions.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 2, 2025

An app can change how you see yourself at work

A study from the University of California, Riverside, found that a smartphone app can subtly reshape a person's self-image at work. The app, called MindTAPP, uses associative conditioning to pair users with positive affirmations, leading to more favorable views of their workplace abilities and a heightened sense of self-efficacy.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalComputers in Human Behavior Reports·DateApr 2, 2025

In pancreatic cancer, a race against time

Scientists have found a way to effectively 'intercept' pancreatic cancer by targeting the KRAS and FGFR2 genes. This approach slows tumor formation and reduces the number of 'early versions' of cancer in the pancreas. Researchers believe this therapy could be a game-changer for patients with a family history of pancreatic cancer.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 2, 2025