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Science News for August 20, 2025


Digital highways to resilience: New evidence on how network infrastructure strengthens enterprise performance

A study using China's 'Broadband China' strategy reveals that investing in digital infrastructure is crucial for building corporate resilience. The findings highlight the importance of national broadband initiatives and provide actionable guidance for firms and policymakers to future-proof their organizations.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalChina Finance Review International·TypeNews article·DateAug 20, 2025

Engineering bifunctional catalytic microenvironments for durable and high-energy-density metal–air batteries

Researchers develop bifunctional catalysts that can simultaneously facilitate oxygen reduction and evolution reactions, enabling the creation of durable and high-energy-density metal-air batteries. The new catalysts have been shown to outperform traditional materials in terms of stability and power density.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2025

Reconfigurable versatile integrated photonic computing chip

Researchers developed a scalable versatile integrated photonic chip to handle static and dynamic temporal tasks, achieving high efficiency in processing various neural network models like CNN, FCNN, and PGRNN. The chip leverages multi-wavelength channels and dual-input-port structures for flexible all-optical processing.

End-of-life care missing a key player: The psychologist

A new study by Edith Cowan University reveals that psychologists in Australia are underutilized in end-of-life care, with significant barriers preventing them from engaging. The researchers found that emotional strain, fear of litigation, and a lack of education and professional exposure are key deterrents to their involvement.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalOMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying·TypeSurvey·DateAug 20, 2025

Multi-photon, label-free photoacoustic and optical imaging of NADH in brain cells

Researchers have developed a novel label-free multiphoton photoacoustic microscope to detect endogenous NAD(P)H in brain cells, achieving remarkable imaging depths of up to 1100 μm. This technology enables real-time monitoring of metabolic dynamics in brain cells, offering new insights into neurodevelopment and disease mechanisms.

Twisting light: UNamur and Stanford collaborate on breakthrough in photonic devices

The research team developed an analytical model using lattice networks to understand the mechanism of twisted photonic crystals, allowing for efficient light beam control and concentration. The device has potential applications in tracking satellites, improving lasers, quantum computing, optical memories, and enhancing photocatalysis.

Menopause misinformation is harming care, warn experts

Many commercial services for women seeking relief from menopausal symptoms are unnecessary and do not improve care, according to experts. Symptoms should be prioritized ahead of testing, with clinical history and treatment decisions guided by patient preferences.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 20, 2025

Ozone will warm planet more than first thought

A new study found that future changes in ozone will cause 0.27 watts per square meter of extra warming, making it the second largest contributor to future warming after carbon dioxide. This means countries' efforts to ban CFCs and HCFCs have provided less climate benefit than previously calculated.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateAug 20, 2025

Unlocking the benefits of building with nature

A new $3 million grant will help researchers evaluate the long-term value of integrating natural systems into infrastructure planning. The project aims to advance natural infrastructure applications by developing and monitoring technologies, such as unoccupied aerial systems equipped with advanced sensors to collect environmental data.

Tissue origami: Using light to study and control tissue folding

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science developed a novel way to use light to control tissue folding in live embryos. By manipulating proteins that generate mechanical forces, they can now study 3D tissue biology outside developing embryos or build and control tiny machines made out of living biolog...

The quest for an HIV vaccine

Researchers have developed a stable Env protein trimer, SOSIP.664, that can elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV. The breakthrough came after decades of work and multiple modifications to the protein, which is harder to engineer than its counterpart on SARS-CoV-2.

Controllable fabrication of biocompatible microhelices in microfluidics

A simple method for preparing diverse microhelices with high mechanical properties and excellent biocompatibility has been reported. The researchers developed a two-stage coaxial microfluidic device to control the structure of microhelices, enabling the creation of PEGDA microhelices with excellent motion performance in human blood.

SourceGreen Chemical Engineering·JournalGreen Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2025

Industrial pollution’s imprint lasts generations

Researchers found a strong correlation between industrial pollution exposure during pregnancy and the risk of intellectual disabilities in grandchildren. A study using Utah Population Database data revealed that grandmothers' prenatal exposures can increase the risk of intellectual disabilities in their grandchildren's children.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateAug 20, 2025

Researchers map epigenomic landscapes of fat tissue cells, revealing how they shape obesity risk

A new study creates a single-cell map of epigenomic regulation in human fat tissue, revealing how genetic risk factors contribute to abdominal obesity. The research identifies key regulatory regions in fat cells where obesity-linked variants reside, offering new clues to the genetic and epigenetic regulation of body fat.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2025

Corn root traits evolved with both human-driven, natural environmental changes

Researchers found that corn's root traits evolved in response to changing nitrogen availability and water levels, with fewer nodal roots and development of multiseriate cortical sclerenchyma helping the crop adapt. These adaptations enabled corn to thrive under varying environmental conditions, including a warming climate.

SourcePenn State·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 20, 2025

Prince of Songkla University researchers create predictive model for long-term survivability with brain abscess

Researchers developed a dynamic nomogram to predict long-term survival in patients with brain abscess, identifying key predictors such as age, Karnofsky performance status, and hemoculture results. The model offers an interactive tool for individualized risk assessment, facilitating better treatment decisions and improving outcomes.

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 20, 2025

UCF researcher helps confirm genetic restoration success for Florida panthers

A recent study co-authored by UCF Assistant Professor of Biology Robert Fitak reveals that the 1990s translocation of Texas pumas improved the Florida panther's genetic health while preserving its unique ancestry. The study found increased genetic variation, retention of unique traits, and a decrease in harmful mutations.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2025

California's dwarf Channel Island foxes mostly have relatively bigger brains than their larger mainland gray fox cousins, which may reflect island-specific evolutionary pressures

Dwarf Channel Island foxes (Urocyon littoralis) have larger brains than their mainland gray fox counterparts, contradicting the notion of island-specific evolutionary pressures leading to reduced brain size. This finding suggests little evidence of domestication in these isolated California islands.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateAug 20, 2025

Feeding massive stars

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that streamers of gas can feed young stars, potentially leading to the rapid formation of high-mass stars. The team used ALMA to observe a system with two streamers, which carried enough matter to quench feedback effects from the central star.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 20, 2025

Multifunctional asymmetric bilayer aerogels for highly efficient electromagnetic interference shielding with ultrahigh electromagnetic wave absorption

The asymmetric MXene-graphene bilayer aerogel delivers over 100 dB EMI shielding, 115 °C solar-thermal heating, dynamic IR camouflage, thermal insulation and oil absorption, all without external power beyond sunlight or a pulse.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2025

Pilot study provides foundation for understanding how music therapy improves pain after pancreatic surgery

A new pilot study from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center found that music therapy improved pain after pancreatic surgery, supporting its feasibility and acceptability. The study also suggests continued use of music-assisted relaxation recordings over the course of hospitalization to further reduce post-operative symptoms.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalGlobal Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health·DateAug 20, 2025

Clinical, microbiological, and antibiotic treatment characteristics of bacterial infections in patients with liver cirrhosis in China: A multicenter study

A multicenter study in China found that patients with liver cirrhosis were prone to community-acquired pneumonia and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, with Klebsiella pneumoniae and MDR organisms being major concerns. The study highlights the need for region-specific strategies to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateAug 20, 2025

Improvement of robot learning with combination of decision making and machine learning for water analysis

The study combines decision making and machine learning to improve robot learning for water analysis. The Random Forest Classifier achieved an accuracy of 69% which improved to 73% after applying Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) and tuning hyperparameters. The robotic system can detect, analyze, and distinguish drinki...

SourceELSP·JournalRobot Learning·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 20, 2025

Study advances understanding of rare type of lung cancer

A recent study published in Nature Communications provides a comprehensive characterization of Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma (LCNEC), a rare and aggressive type of lung cancer. The research team analyzed data from 590 patients and found that LCNEC shares features with other types of lung cancer, yet has distinct aspects. They ide...

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2025

New material may enable next-gen hydrogen energy devices

Researchers from Tohoku University have discovered a new material that can conduct both protons and electrons efficiently at intermediate temperatures. The material, titanium dioxide doped with niobium, enhances proton conductivity by up to 10 times, making it suitable for next-generation fuel cells and hydrogen separation membranes.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2025

Global Virus Network launches first-ever “Global Guardians” youth camp to prepare the next generation of virus hunters

The Global Virus Network's inaugural 'Global Guardians: Youth for Pandemic Preparedness' summer camp engaged high school students in virology, pandemic response, and public health careers. Students participated in hands-on activities, laboratory tours, and collaborative group exercises, guided by internationally renowned experts.

Unified theory may reveal more superconducting materials

Scientists at Penn State developed a new method to predict superconducting materials using density functional theory and zentropy theory, potentially leading to discovery of new superconductors at higher temperatures. The approach successfully predicted signs of superconductivity in conventional and high-temperature superconductors.

SourcePenn State·JournalSuperconductor Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2025

Former DOJ scientists advocate for justice-focused crime research as federal funding faces cuts

Two former Department of Justice scientists argue for transformative crime prevention research prioritizing social justice alongside public safety. They emphasize the need for research incorporating community perspectives and collaborative approaches to prevent harm and promote justice.

SourceRutgers University Newark School of Criminal Justice·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateAug 20, 2025

Study finds heart health declining in older adults with certain cardiovascular diseases

Research shows that cardiovascular health scores among older adults with high blood pressure, stroke, or heart failure decreased significantly. The study analyzed data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, finding that physical activity and blood pressure scores were low for those with cardiovascular disease.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateAug 20, 2025

Promising new method could treat inherited diseases

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a novel method using modified M13 bacteria to deliver targeted gene therapies for genetic disorders. This approach shows promise as a cost-effective alternative to current methods, which can be expensive and trigger toxic side effects.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalMolecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2025

Integrated analysis of serum and fecal metabolites reveals the role of bile acid metabolism in drug-induced liver injury: Implications for diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers

Researchers identified bile acid metabolites as potential biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Chenodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid were found to distinguish DILI patients from healthy individuals, exhibiting predictive potential for chronicity.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateAug 20, 2025

Breakthrough discovery reveals how connection between mitochondrial vulnerability and neurovasculature function impacts neuropsychiatric disease

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia discovered a link between mitochondrial dysfunction in the blood-brain barrier and neuropsychiatric disease in patients with 22qDS. Treatment with bezafibrate, a cholesterol drug, may enhance BBB function and correct so...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2025

Ad hominem attacks are the most common way users confront content they perceive as wrong in comment sections beneath news videos, with over 40% of analyzed comments relying on reputation-based insults to oppose earlier replies

Researchers found that ad hominem attacks are the most common way users confront perceived errors in comment sections, with a reliance on reputation-based insults. The study highlights the prevalence of this tactic and its implications for online discourse.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateAug 20, 2025

Fullerene's role as an efficient, metal-free catalyst for clean energy

Researchers at Tohoku University found that C60 fullerene can serve as an active catalytic site for CO2 electroreduction, improving the efficiency of reactions like hydrogen evolution and carbon dioxide reduction. The discovery opens new possibilities for designing efficient, metal-free catalysts to combat climate change.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 20, 2025

Outsmart an island fox? Not so fast

Most Channel Islands foxes developed larger brains to adapt to survival demands in isolated conditions, defying the assumption that island animals have smaller brains. Brain size appeared to be shaped more by local habitat conditions than isolation or island size alone.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPLOS One·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 20, 2025

Earth System Models project the start of the Amazon dieback within the 21st century

A new study projects the start of Amazon dieback as early as the 21st century under high-emission scenarios, triggered by extreme conditions and global warming levels above 1.5°C. The Amazon's natural water recycling system is weakened, leading to hotter and drier conditions that can no longer sustain dense vegetation.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2025

Regulating the coordination environment of H2O in hydrogel electrolyte for a high-environment-adaptable and high-stability flexible Zn devices

Researchers have developed a hydrogel electrolyte that regulates the coordination environment of water molecules, enabling high-stability and flexibility in zinc-based devices. This breakthrough can lead to advanced energy storage solutions for extreme environments.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2025

How large language models need symbolism

Experts argue that large language models require symbolic representation to excel in complex tasks, citing examples like the Pirahá people and Leibniz's calculus notation. The proposed approach, known as neuro-symbolic synthesis, combines statistical intuition with human-designed symbol systems for efficient reasoning.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 20, 2025

Mandatory media literacy education in Illinois schools impaired by digital divides

A recent study found that digital divides between teachers and students in Illinois high schools undermine the effectiveness of state-mandated media literacy instruction. The researchers suggest that educators must consider students' lived experiences when teaching media literacy, given differing access to platforms and perceptions of ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Media Literacy Education·TypeSurvey·DateAug 20, 2025

Researchers use electrochemistry to boost nuclear fusion rates​​​​

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have demonstrated that electrochemically loading a solid metal target with deuterium fuel can increase fusion reaction rates by an average of 15%. The approach uses a room-temperature reactor and achieves this boost without generating heat, paving the way for clean energy generation.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2025

Fat cells under false command

A team of researchers from Bonn investigated the influence of primary cilia dysfunction on adipocyte precursor cells in a mouse model. They found that overactivation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway causes abnormal development into connective tissue-like cells instead of white fat cells.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateAug 20, 2025

Inflammation and aging: Looking through an evolutionary lens

A recent study published in Proceedings of Royal Society B found minimal age-related inflammation among the Tsimane people in the Bolivian Amazon, who live a traditional hunter-farmer lifestyle. In contrast, the Moseten community, genetically similar to the Tsimane but with significant modernization, showed increased inflammation.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateAug 20, 2025

Omega-3’s could protect women against Alzheimer’s

A recent study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that women with Alzheimer's disease have a notable loss of unsaturated fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, in their blood compared to healthy women. This suggests that lipids containing omega-3 fatty acids may play a crucial role in the risk for Alzheimer's between the sexes.

SourceKing's College London·JournalAlzheimer’s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2025

New wastewater tech tackles fatbergs at the source

Researchers from RMIT University have developed a new wastewater treatment system that targets all fat types, including hard-to-remove emulsified fats, and achieves up to 98% fat removal rates in commercial kitchen wastewater. The system combines a redesigned grease interceptor with smart chemical treatment.

SourceRMIT University·JournalACS ES&T Water·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2025

Biodiversity credits need transparency and regulation to have impact and credibility

A new study by University of Nottingham scientists assesses biodiversity credit suppliers against six integrity criteria, finding notable weaknesses in verifiable outcomes and risk disclosure. The authors advocate for transparent governance and harmonized data collection protocols to ensure credibility and impact.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 20, 2025

AI model developed by Dresden research team simultaneously detects multiple genetic colorectal cancer markers in tissue samples

A novel AI model developed by the Dresden research team simultaneously detects multiple genetic alterations directly from routinely stained histological colon cancer tissue sections. The model recognized shared visual patterns rather than independently identifying individual genetic alterations.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·DateAug 20, 2025

Breaking new ground in stealth technology: KRISS develops core radar components domestically

Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) has successfully localized core Radar Stealth technologies through indigenous development. The institute developed a Frequency Selective Surface design software and an electromagnetic wave evaluation system for radomes, laying the foundation for stealth weapon systems in Korea.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques·DateAug 20, 2025

With human feedback, AI-driven robots learn tasks better and faster

Researchers at UC Berkeley developed an AI-powered training method called Human-in-the-Loop Sample Efficient Robotic Reinforcement Learning (HiL-SERL) that enables robots to perform complicated tasks with precision and speed. With human feedback, robots learn from demonstrations and real-world attempts, achieving a 100% success rate in...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2025

Historic $64 million NIH Award for Palliative Care Research ushers in new era; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai to lead

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has been awarded a five-year, $64 million grant to establish the Advancing the Science of Palliative Care Research Across the Lifespan (ASCENT) consortium. The consortium will support high-quality research for enhancing care for people living with serious illness and their caregivers.

One protein, two light-activated states

Scientists have found that the ion channel GtACR1 can exist in two light-activated states, enabling quicker reopening and increased ionic conductivity. This discovery has significant implications for optogenetics, a method of controlling neuronal cells using light.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 20, 2025

Player position influences risk of ACL tear in the NFL

A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that NFL players who play wide receiver or tight end are at a higher risk of suffering an injury to their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The study examined 520 tears over a ten-year period and found that contact injuries and non-contact mechanisms, such as landing from a jum...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of Knee Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2025

Few depressed teens getting treatment, study finds

A new study found that nearly half of US adolescents with major depressive episode received no mental health care in 2022. The odds of specialist treatment were lower among marginalized groups, including males, Black youth, and those living in rural areas or without insurance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 20, 2025

Researchers identify increased microbial carbon use efficiency upon abrupt permafrost thaw

Research finds that microbial carbon use efficiency rises following abrupt permafrost thaw, driven by shifts in community composition and nutrient availability. This increase may promote the incorporation of microbial-derived compounds into soil, fostering stable carbon formation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2025

Accurate restricted transition-state shape selective hydrogenation of furfural over zeolite confined Cu catalyst

A Cu@MFI catalyst was developed via pore-confinement strategy, exhibiting exceptional catalytic performance in aqueous-phase hydrogenation of furfural. The catalyst achieved 100% conversion and selectivity with reduced side reaction pathway due to transition-state confinement effect.

Researchers boost performance of perovskite lasers by suppressing energy-draining process

A research team at Zhejiang University has demonstrated a simple method to overcome the problem of Auger recombination in perovskite lasers, leading to record-setting performance for near-continuous operation. By suppressing this process, researchers were able to sustain carrier densities required for efficient stimulated emission.

World Mosquito Day 2025: Europe sets new records for mosquito-borne diseases: ECDC supporting Member States in adapting to ‘new normal’

Europe is experiencing longer and more intense transmission seasons for mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus infection and chikungunya virus disease. ECDC has warned that record-breaking outbreaks point to a 'new normal' in Europe, prompting the need for a robust response to protect public health.

Most known species evolved during 'explosions’ of diversity, shows first analysis across ‘tree of life’

The majority of extant species belong to a limited number of rapid radiations, forming groups with many species that evolved in a relatively short period. These rapid radiations are thought to occur when new ecological niches open up, such as the emergence of multicellularity and powered flight.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2025