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Science News Archive August 2025


Page 3 of 45

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New AI tool identifies 1,000 ‘questionable’ scientific journals

A new AI tool has identified over 1,000 'questionable' scientific journals, including those that charge hundreds or thousands of dollars to publish research without proper vetting. The AI system uses six criteria to evaluate journals, including editorial board composition and website quality.

U-M 'Battery Lab 2.0' expansion open for innovation

The University of Michigan has expanded its open-access Battery Lab with a new facility, increasing capacity for lithium-ion battery production and prototyping. The lab now offers advanced equipment, including an automated laser welder and three-megawatt-hour battery production line.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Yellowstone’s free roaming bison drive grassland resilience

A recent study found that restoring large-scale bison migrations in the northern Yellowstone ecosystem unlocks the species' full ecological power. Bison herds enhance nutrient cycles, diversify habitats, and drive processes like nutrient cycling and productivity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

No strong evidence for alternative autism treatments, study finds

A comprehensive review of 248 meta-analyses and 200 clinical trials found that most complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments for autism showed weak or poor-quality evidence, making their effects unreliable. The study also highlighted the lack of safety assessments for these treatments, which can be misleading.

MSU study: Screen time aids learning, but gender gaps remain

A Michigan State University study found that unstructured digital media use contributes to digital skills, which are strong predictors of performance across academic domains. However, the study also highlights a significant gender gap, with boys experiencing substantially larger benefits from digital media use.

Molecular test personalizes prostate cancer treatment

A new study found that a gene expression test can help guide therapy choices for prostate cancer patients with metastatic disease. The Decipher Prostate Genomic Classifier test identified groups of patients who are more likely to benefit from docetaxel chemotherapy, reducing the risk of death by 36%.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Mental time travel: a new case of autobiographical hypermnesia

Hyperthymesics possess extraordinary control over memories of life events, organizing them within a mental space for vivid recall. This ability allows for intense mental travel through time, with some individuals recalling details from different points of view.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Daytime moths reveal larger ears, challenging evolutionary assumptions

Research reveals that day-flying moths have larger hearing organs than their night-flying counterparts despite facing less threat from echolocating bats. This counterintuitive finding suggests a possible new function for tympanal organs in detecting lower-frequency sounds produced by birds or reptiles.

When waves meet the shore

Researchers found that strong wave breaking along shorelines produces significant amounts of sea spray aerosols, increasing cloud condensation nuclei and aerosol mass concentration. This can lead to gross overestimations of sea spray aerosols in open oceans using coastal measurements.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

How plants rot: New method decodes hidden decomposers of wood and leaves

A new bioinformatics-based method, fDOG, has been developed to search for genes with certain functions, including those involved in plant cell wall degradation. The study reveals a detailed global map of enzymes capable of degrading plant cell walls, with surprising discoveries among fungi and animals.

Revealed: Genetic shifts that helped tame horses and made them rideable

A recent study of ancient horse genomes has shed light on the genetic changes that contributed to making horses tame, strong, and rideable by humans. The research found that selective breeding practices, particularly at the GSDMC locus, enabled horses to meet human demands for mobility and warfare.

Bacteria that "breathe" rocks and Sulfur

A team of scientists has discovered a new microbial metabolism that removes toxic sulfide and uses iron minerals for growth, coupling the reduction of iron with the oxidation of sulfide. This process, known as MISO, could play a crucial role in regulating nutrient availability and mitigating pollution in aquatic environments.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

How a superfluid simultaneously becomes a solid

Researchers at Heidelberg University have successfully triggered supersolid sound waves in a driven quantum system, exhibiting both liquid and solid characteristics. The system, which is far from equilibrium, shows two types of sound waves traveling at different speeds.

World’s first custom anterior cervical spine surgery

The procedure uses a combination of advanced imaging, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing to create a customized implant tailored to each patient's unique anatomy. This technology allows for more precise spinal alignment, reduced surgical complications, and faster recovery times.

Strong global support for protecting our planet

A study from the University of Gothenburg found broad support for achieving the 30–30 target, with 82% of respondents across five continents in favor. The researchers also discovered that design and implementation of conservation policies significantly impact public support, suggesting a need for adaptable approaches to protecting nature.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

We must develop thinkers, not crammers and fact experts

A Norwegian University of Science and Technology expert analyzes national curricula for geography in upper secondary school, revealing shortcomings in teaching geographical thinking and place concepts. The study emphasizes the importance of connecting topics within nature and society, enabling students to analyze world situations and i...

How an in-between quantum state could boost future technologies

Researchers discovered a new in-between quantum state with a power law decay, which could make accessing these states easier and more reliable. This breakthrough opens up novel concepts for fundamental physics and potential applications in emerging fields like quantum computing.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Two-dimensional TiO2 ultraviolet filters for sunscreens

Researchers unveil ultra-thin TiO2 flakes that outperform traditional nanoparticles on transparency, penetration, phototoxicity and spectrum. The new sunscreen platform achieves unparalleled NAF, negligible skin permeation and reduced DNA-damage risk.

GI tumor microbes may predict prognosis and inform treatment

Researchers identified a core group of 15 bacterial genera in 6 types of GI tumors that predicts prognosis. Microbiome signals inside tumors carry prognostic and therapeutic information that can be measured on routine tissue. The study suggests a microbiota-based risk score to identify high-risk patients and inform treatment decisions.

How AI can build bridges between nations, if diplomats use it wisely

A former diplomat warns that algorithms lack empathy and intuition, which are essential for successful negotiations. However, AI can streamline diplomacy and amplify human aspirations when used carefully. Diplomats need training in AI ethics and global cooperation to ensure equal access and deployment.

Dynamic pricing can optimize profits but alienate customers

Researchers warn that dynamic pricing can erode customer loyalty and face regulatory scrutiny, highlighting the need for careful planning and human oversight in algorithmic pricing decisions. Companies must balance profit optimization with marketing strategy and customer sentiment to avoid backlash.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

When did humans first colonize Australia?

A recent genetic study by James O'Connell and colleagues concludes that humans first arrived in Australia no more than 50,000 years ago, challenging the traditional 65,000-year arrival date. The research suggests that the Sahul peoples, who are believed to be the ancestors of modern Aboriginal Australians, interbred with Neanderthals o...

Do increased taxes incentivize the rich to move?

A recent study found that increased taxes do not significantly incentivize high-income earners to relocate. Instead, the COVID-19 pandemic led to temporary tax migration due to disrupted social ties. The authors suggest that embeddedness and social capital are key factors in retaining top talent.

Above the battle, beyond the horizon

The US Navy has developed a technology that uses stratospheric high-altitude balloons (HABs) and unmanned aircraft to enable 'over the horizon' operations. The system combines HABs with hydrogen fuel cell-powered long-range unmanned aircraft, allowing for extended range and persistence in remote locations.

Cracking the KRAS code: new hope for pancreatic cancer patients

Breakthroughs in targeting KRAS, including promising drugs like MRTX1133 and RMC-9805, offer new hope for pancreatic cancer patients. The study explores emerging tools like PROTAC-based degraders and combination therapies involving MEK, PI3K, or CDK4/6 inhibitors to address drug resistance.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Mars’ mantle is a preserved relic of its ancient past, seismic data reveals

A new study of Martian seismic data collected by NASA's InSight mission reveals a highly heterogeneous and disordered mantle on Mars, born from ancient impacts and chaotic convection. The findings offer an unprecedented window into the geological history and thermochemical evolution of a terrestrial planet under a stagnant lid.

Not all calories are equal: Ultra-processed foods harm men’s health

A human study found that ultra-processed diets lead to increased weight gain, disrupt hormone levels, and introduce pollutants affecting sperm quality. Men on an ultra-processed diet gained more fat mass and had lower testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels compared to those on a minimally processed diet.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.