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Science News for August 19, 2025


Boys can help break taboo around periods

A new study by University College London researchers suggests that lessons on periods in British schools should be more comprehensive, covering the impact on well-being and academic performance. The study also recommends involving boys in menstruation education to promote better understanding and support for friends and future partners.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalWomen s Health·TypeSurvey·DateAug 19, 2025

How Zelda and Studio Ghibli inspire happiness and purpose

A new study published in JMIR Serious Games reveals that playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and watching Studio Ghibli films can significantly improve young people’s overall happiness and sense of purpose in life. The study found that immersing oneself in these activities can nurture essential human capacities, including e...

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJMIR Serious Games·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 19, 2025

Clinical and medical-education pioneer to forge links throughout HonorHealth Research Institute, emphasizing disease prevention

Dr. Laura Goetz will develop protocols for disease prevention across HonorHealth's research divisions, fostering strong educational and clinical bonds with students at Arizona State University's new School of Medicine. The Institute aims to create a joint program combining translational medicine innovations with clinical settings.

Where plant matters: How forests adjust aerosol cooling effect in surprising ways

A new study reveals complex mechanisms by which forests influence climate through interactions with aerosol formation, highlighting the need for regional consideration to maximize climate benefits. Forestation initiatives must balance competing effects of reduced surface albedo and aerodynamic disturbances on aerosol radiative effects.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 19, 2025

MIT researchers develop a new model predicts how molecules will dissolve in different solvents

The new model can predict how well any given molecule will dissolve in an organic solvent, helping chemists choose the right solvent for reactions. The researchers trained two models on a comprehensive dataset and found that their predictions were two to three times more accurate than the previous best model.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 19, 2025

LAM | Integrated heterodyne grating interferometer for multi-dimensional atomic-level measurement

The innovative design eliminates optical path difference-induced errors, enabling simultaneous 3D measurement within a compact module. The technology boasts 0.25 nm resolution and outstanding linearity, making it a promising candidate for future semiconductor fabrication and atomic-scale production.

A serve with serious swerve

Using 3D computational fluid dynamics simulations, researchers explored the impact of pre-spin on shuttlecock trajectories during spin serves. They found that pre-spin can prolong the oscillation phase and affect the stability of the serve, offering insights for players to refine their serving skills.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateAug 19, 2025

A patient’s own cartilage cells may be the key to help healing after hip surgery

A recent study by researchers at the University of Missouri has made a groundbreaking discovery using patient's own cartilage cells to aid in healing after hip surgery. The research team successfully cultured and expanded cartilage cells, or chondrocytes, in the lab, paving the way for future clinical applications.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalArchives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2025

Climate change is on track to shift key tree species like beech and Norway spruce north: European forests will be completely changed by the year 2100

A global study predicts that many tree species will struggle to survive due to climate change, with some forests collapsing entirely. Researchers recommend planting a diverse mix of native species to mitigate these effects.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 19, 2025

Twisted strand of life: Nanopores reveal DNA entanglements

Researchers discovered plectonemes, DNA supercoils that form when DNA passes through narrow channels, producing a characteristic signature in current measured during translocation. This study provides insights into DNA organization and integrity, enabling the detection of twisted structures using nanopores.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 19, 2025

Gut–immune–brain axis modulation of autism spectrum disorder using precision-selected probiotics

Researchers discovered a multi-faceted mechanism behind ASD, revealing the gut microbiota and host immune system's influence on disease progression. Precision-selected probiotics restored metabolic balance, reduced neuroinflammation, and ameliorated behavioral abnormalities in ASD mouse models.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 19, 2025

Macromolecular gene delivery systems: Advancing non-viral therapeutics with synthetic and natural polymers

Macromolecular gene delivery systems are advancing non-viral therapeutics by overcoming challenges like lower transfection efficiency and stability issues. Innovations in polymer design, functionalization, and targeting mechanisms are paving the way for clinically viable non-viral treatments.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology·DateAug 19, 2025

Evaluating FAST walk system for neuromodulation-assisted gait recovery in chronic stroke

A new rehabilitation approach, FAST walk, combines spinal and hip stimulation to enhance neuroplasticity and support motor recovery in patients with post-stroke impairments. The study found that the FAST walk group showed a statistically significant improvement in gait speed compared to other treatment groups.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 19, 2025

CU Anschutz part of multi-state study: smartphone app cuts repeat suicide attempts by over half after hospital discharge

A nationwide study found that a smartphone-based digital therapy reduced repeated suicide attempts by 58.3% among patients with a prior history of attempting suicide. The app guided users through short lessons focused on managing emotions and building safety plans.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 19, 2025

New study identifies key conditions for amplifying student voices in schools

A new study by Penn State College of Education Professor Dana Mitra found that successful student voice practices depend on a careful balance of cognitive mindsets, emotive 'heartsets,' and intention-building skillsets. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing safety concerns before implementing student voice initiatives.

SourcePenn State·JournalTeachers College Record The Voice of Scholarship in Education·DateAug 19, 2025

Key to healthier aging revealed: Invest in preventive care—especially for the disabled (new study)

A new cross-national study finds that older adults with disabilities are less likely to receive preventive care, but higher government health spending closes the gap. Investing in public healthcare promotes equitable access to preventive services, particularly among vulnerable populations.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2025

Discrete choice experiment on Australian public preferences for provision of medicinal cannabis

A new study found Australians prefer medicinal cannabis as a complementary option rather than last resort, with strong support for prescribing at any treatment stage. Preferred oral formulations and lower THC levels were favored, while cost was a critical issue, with many advocating for government subsidies.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalPharmacoeconomics and Policy·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 19, 2025

Long-term biochar use found to sustainably boost crop yields and cut greenhouse gas emissions

A new study found that long-term biochar application can sustainably boost crop yields by 10.8% and cut greenhouse gas emissions like methane and nitrous oxide by 13.5% and 21.4%. Biochar's benefits on soil health and carbon sequestration are also significant, with increased soil organic carbon content by 52.5%.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2025

Mapping West Nile virus risk

Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict WNV risk based on weather, land cover, and demographic data. The model shows highest risk in urban areas with high temperature and precipitation during summer months.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateAug 19, 2025

BSC leads development of an early warning system that predicts dengue outbreaks in the Caribbean months in advance

A new dengue prediction model developed by Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) captures the interplay between drought, heat, and extreme rainfall conditions to forecast dengue outbreak risk three months in advance. The model correctly identified 81% of observed outbreaks during validation.

SourceBarcelona Supercomputing Center·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 19, 2025

How cells build complex structures as a team

Researchers visualize extracellular matrix in living organism and discover principles of self-organization, indicating large fluctuations in protein production between individual cells. The structure forms rounded or polygonal boundaries that dynamically evolve as the organism grows, making it resemble a foam.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2025

Family Heart Foundation announces partnership with seven leading healthcare systems to accelerate screening in people with cardiovascular disease who have been identified by the find Lp(a) initiative

The Family Heart Foundation has partnered with seven leading healthcare systems to accelerate screening in people with cardiovascular disease who have been identified by the find Lp(a) initiative. Individuals with elevated Lp(a) levels are at increased risk of another heart attack or stroke, and early detection can help reduce this risk.

Rare quadruple star system could unlock mystery of brown dwarfs

Astronomers have identified an extremely rare hierarchical quadruple star system consisting of a pair of cold brown dwarfs orbiting two young red dwarf stars. The discovery provides a unique cosmic laboratory for studying these mysterious objects, which are too big to be considered planets but also lack the mass to be full-fledged stars.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 19, 2025

Does your brain respond to what you are doing or how you do it?

Researchers found that brain areas typically involved in hand tool use are still active when individuals use their feet, indicating a more flexible organization. This organization can arise without typical motor experience, providing evidence for action-type as a core driving factor in motor organization and development.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2025

Sensing sour: How SNAP25 powers taste signals and keeps sensory cells alive

A team of researchers from Okayama University has identified SNAP25 as a key component in the transmission of sour taste signals and the long-term survival of type III taste cells. The study found that mice deficient in SNAP25 had impaired responses to sour-tasting substances, highlighting the importance of this protein in maintaining ...

SourceOkayama University·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2025

New approaches for tumor therapy: Key publication from ERC project BARB on radioactive ion beams published in Nature Physics

Researchers successfully treat mouse tumor with radioactive carbon ion beam, achieving complete control without major neurological side effects. The BARB project advances image-guided particle therapy using exotic beams, showing feasibility and effectiveness.

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2025

Interim analysis of 48-week tenofovir amibufenamide treatment in chronic hepatitis B patients with normal alanine aminotransferase levels

A 48-week interim analysis of tenofovir amibufenamide treatment found that 74.2% of patients achieved HBV DNA levels <20 IU/mL, demonstrating a favorable safety profile. The study suggests TMF treatment as a potential therapeutic option for chronic HBV-infected patients with normal ALT levels.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateAug 19, 2025

International Progressive MS Alliance launches MS Clinical and Imaging Data Resource (CIDR) to accelerate global research

The International Progressive MS Alliance has launched the MS Clinical and Imaging Data Resource (CIDR), providing access to anonymized data from thousands of people with MS who participated in clinical trials. The resource aims to accelerate research on progressive MS by enabling investigators to conduct more informed studies and spee...

Supernovae: How to spot them at record speed

Astronomers have developed a protocol to detect supernovae within 24 hours of their explosion, using high-cadence sky surveys. The method involves rapid searches for candidates based on light signal absence and galaxy location, followed by spectroscopic observations to determine the type of supernova.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2025

The diamonds that could find cancer

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a handheld diamond magnetometer for cancer surgery, which uses magnetic tracer fluid to detect tumours. The device is ultra-sensitive and compact, offering a non-toxic alternative to traditional methods, such as radioactive tracers or blue dye.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPhysical Review Applied·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2025