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Science News Archive August 2025 - Page 18


Page 18 of 45

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

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