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Science News for August 29, 2025


SEOULTECH researchers develop revolutionary 3D-printed smart materials create high-performance pressure sensors for wearables

The Seoul National University of Science and Technology has developed a novel 3D AMM-based tactile sensing platform that offers high-performance pressure sensing. The technology leverages auxetic metamaterials to enhance sensitivity, stability, and scalability.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2025

All DRII-ed up: How do plants recover after drought?

Researchers discovered that plants rapidly activate a coordinated immune response during drought recovery, prioritizing immunity over growth. This finding highlights the importance of studying the post-drought period and points to new strategies for engineering crops that can rebound more effectively after environmental stress.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2025

ADHD drugs are being prescribed too quickly to preschoolers

A Stanford Medicine-led study found that many young children with ADHD are prescribed medication just after diagnosis, contradicting treatment guidelines. The study highlights a gap in medical care for 4- and 5-year-olds with ADHD, who should try six months of behavior therapy before starting medication.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 29, 2025

High Mountain Asia’s shrinking glaciers linked to monsoon changes

Research from the University of Utah and Virginia Tech reveals that seasonal shifts in rainfall and snowfall patterns are exacerbating glacier melting across the region. Glaciers in Central Himalaya, Western Himalaya, and Eastern Himalaya are especially vulnerable to accelerated ice loss and water availability threats.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2025

Metals and sulfate in air pollution mixture may contribute most to asthma hospitalizations

A study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) from metals like nickel and vanadium, and sulfate particles, is strongly linked to asthma hospitalizations. The researchers identified these compounds as the most harmful components in the PM2.5 mixture.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2025

KAIST succeeds in controlling complex altered gene networks to restore them to normal​

A KAIST research team has developed a universal technology that identifies gene control targets in altered cellular gene networks and restores them. By applying an algebraic approach, they can quickly and accurately calculate how the overall cellular response would change if a specific gene were controlled.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 29, 2025

Extreme heat linked to spike in domestic violence calls in New Orleans, study finds

A new study by Tulane University's Newcomb Institute found a measurable link between prolonged extreme heat and increased domestic violence-related emergency calls in New Orleans. When temperatures stayed above the top 10% for five consecutive days, calls rose by 7%. The researchers recommend integrating domestic violence prevention in...

SourceTulane University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 29, 2025

Pediatric investigation’s study reveals Cornelia de Lange syndrome characteristics in the Chinese population

A study by Professor Chunxiu Gong's team identified the clinical presentation of Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) and genetic alterations in Chinese pediatric patients. The researchers found that 12 patients presented with classic CdLS, while others showed global developmental delays and growth retardation.

SourcePediatric Investigation·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2025

Fat microscopy: Imaging lipids in cells

A new imaging approach enables visualization of specific lipids in cells, revealing that non-vesicular lipid transport by proteins is the primary mechanism maintaining organelle membrane composition. This breakthrough has implications for understanding lipid imbalances in diseases and accelerating discoveries of new drug targets.

Mount Sinai-Duke University study identifies DNA variants that increase testosterone production in PCOS patients

A study by Mount Sinai-Duke University identifies specific DNA variants in the DENND1A gene that increase testosterone production in PCOS patients. This finding could lead to new therapies targeting the genetic source of elevated testosterone levels in PCOS, which is a common condition affecting reproductive-age women.

Study reveals how a popular fentanyl additive affects breathing and heart rate

A new U-M study found that xylazine does not amplify the decrease in breathing rate caused by fentanyl use, but reduces heart rate more than fentanyl. This reduction in heart rate may be a more important driver of increased overdose risk, highlighting the need for further research into polysubstance use involving opioids.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateAug 29, 2025

Pusan National University scientists develop self-deploying material for next-gen robotics

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel, multi-resin dispensing process for fiber-reinforced polymer fabrication, enabling precise patterning of mechanical properties within a monolithic structure. The breakthrough composite material combines flexibility and strength for advanced robotic applications.

SourcePusan National University·JournalComposites Part B Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2025

Why male embryos grow faster: Study reveals genetic clues

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered genetic triggers that cause male and female bovine embryos to develop differently. Male embryos prioritize genes associated with energy metabolism, leading to faster growth, while female embryos emphasize genes related to sex differentiation and inflammatory pathways.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell & Bioscience·DateAug 29, 2025

Remote screening for asymptomatic atrial fibrillation

A remote randomized clinical trial found that mail-based atrial fibrillation screening with an electrocardiogram patch increased AF diagnosis in older patients at moderate to high risk of stroke over 2.5 years. The study suggests that this method could be a potential strategy for stroke prevention.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 29, 2025

High-durability hydrogel electrolyte boosts quasi-solid-state zinc-ion battery performance

Researchers developed a high mechanical durability hydrogel electrolyte using urea as a zincophilic solubilizer, allowing for stable Zn stripping/plating in a dendrite and passivation-free manner. The material enhances the battery's overall performance and retention over time.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 29, 2025

New DNA test reveals plants’ hidden climate role

Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a method to measure plant roots using DNA technology, revealing their essential role in food production and climate. The new method enables accurate measurement of biomass and species distribution, opening up applications in climate research, plant breeding, and biodiversity analysis.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateAug 29, 2025

Capturing language change through the genes

Researchers discovered that languages from different continents and populations become more similar after contact, with rates of borrowing ranging from 4-9%. The team found that linguistic features are not consistently transferable, challenging long-held assumptions about language learning.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 29, 2025

Research on stigma says to just ‘shake it off’

A recent University of Cincinnati study reveals that employees with high self-confidence are less affected by societal stigma, while supportive management can help mitigate emotional exhaustion. The research suggests that pride in one's job is crucial to offsetting negative judgments from others.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Management & Organization·TypeSurvey·DateAug 29, 2025

Retinitis pigmentosa mouse models reflect pathobiology of human RP59

Scientists at the University of Alabama at Birmingham created novel mouse models with mutations in the DHDDS gene to study retinitis pigmentosa (RP) 59, a genetic cause of blindness. The studies revealed that both T206A/K42E and K42E/K42E mouse models exhibited changes in retinal structure and function similar to human RP59 disease.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2025

Microalgae are more significant for carbon dioxide absorption in the Southern Ocean than previously thought

A study by Alfred Wegener Institute revealed that microalgae in the Southern Ocean played a significant role in reducing global atmospheric CO2 levels 14,000 years ago. The findings suggest that changes in sea ice extent had a direct impact on algal productivity and carbon transport to the deep sea.

How cancer puts other cells to work

Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered that cancer cells can transfer their mitochondria to healthy fibroblasts, reprogramming them into tumour-associated fibroblasts that support cancer cell growth. The mitochondrial transfer mechanism involves the protein MIRO2, which is produced in high quantities in cancer cells.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Cancer·DateAug 29, 2025

Unusual carbon dioxide-rich disk detected around young star challenges planet formation models

A study by Stockholm University revealed a planet-forming disk with an unexpectedly high abundance of carbon dioxide, challenging long-standing assumptions about planetary birthplaces. The discovery was made using the James Webb Space Telescope and suggests intense ultraviolet radiation may be reshaping the chemistry of the disk.

SourceStockholm University·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2025

Millions of women rely on contraceptives, but new Rice study shows they may do more than just prevent pregnancy

A new Rice University study finds hormonal contraceptives shape how women experience emotions in the moment and remember emotional events later. Women on hormonal contraceptives showed stronger emotional reactions and remembered fewer details of negative events when using emotion regulation strategies.

SourceRice University·JournalHormones and Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2025

New multi-omics study uncovers key RNA-driven network behind colorectal cancer progression and immune resistance

A multi-omics study identified a key RNA-driven network behind colorectal cancer progression and immune resistance. Restoring a specific long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression reactivated tumor suppressor genes and enhanced immune cell infiltration, promoting anti-tumor effects.