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Science News for December 11, 2025


Chinese scientists reveal how isoflavone 6-hydroxylase mediates soybean resistance to Phytophthora sojae

Researchers discovered the biosynthetic pathway of glycitein, a key soybean isoflavonoid, and its role in plant immunity. They found that GmIF6H1 enzyme catalyzes the production of glycitein, which acts synergistically with glyceollins to defend soybeans against infection by Phytophthora sojae.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2025

Atomic Josephson junctions: How Bose-Einstein condensates replicate Shapiro steps

Researchers simulated the Josephson effect using ultracold atomic gases and observed characteristic Shapiro steps, confirming its universality. The findings enable the study of quantum effects in atomic systems, paving the way for 'atomtronics' and potential applications in quantum computing and medical diagnostics.

Risk to Amazon rainforest from land use and climate change

A new study estimates that the Amazon rainforest could lose up to 38% of its area by the end of the 21st century due to land use changes and climate change. The research, published in PNAS, suggests that abrupt transitions from dense forest coverage to savannah-like landscapes pose a significant risk to the ecosystem.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2025

The key to increasing patients’ advance care medical planning may be automatic patient outreach

Research finds that automatic patient outreach significantly increased the number of patients who completed advance care planning documentation. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, suggests that health systems can implement automated mechanisms to promote advance care planning conversations and improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 11, 2025

Wildfires can turn harmless minerals in soils into contaminants

Researchers found that wildfires can convert chromium 3, a benign form in rocks and soil, into the carcinogenic chromium 6. Soils from summits contained high levels of chromium 6 when burned at temperatures above 750 F, which could taint groundwater for up to 2.5 years. The study highlights the need for better understanding of fire's i...

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 11, 2025

UBCO study finds microdosing can temporarily improve mood, creativity

A UBC Okanagan study found that microdosing psychedelics temporarily improves mood, creativity, and wellbeing, but these effects do not persist on non-dosing days. The study, tracking over 1,435 participants from 49 countries, suggests that microdosing may 'reactivate' or build upon prior effects of larger-dose psychedelic experiences.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalPsychopharmacology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 11, 2025

Blood test reveals prognosis after cardiac arrest

A new blood biomarker, neurofilament light (NFL), has been shown to accurately predict the extent of brain damage after a cardiac arrest. This breakthrough discovery may transform care for patients in intensive care units, allowing for more informed decisions about their treatment.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2025

The Lancet: New single dose oral treatment for gonorrhoea effectively combats drug-resistant infections, trial finds

A new single-dose oral medication called zoliflodacin shows promise as a treatment for antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea, with over 90% of infections cured at genital sites. The medication is well-tolerated and has the potential to improve global efforts to control drug-resistant gonorrhea infections.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 11, 2025

Canadian wildfire smoke worsened pediatric asthma in US Northeast: UVM study

Research from University of Vermont reveals exposure to Canadian wildfire smoke worsened asthma symptoms in children in the US Northeast. The study found that smoke from hundreds of miles away affected children's health, highlighting growing health risks for the region as climate change fuels more smoke-filled summers.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalEnvironmental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 11, 2025

Proton therapy shows survival benefit in Phase III trial for patients with head and neck cancers

A Phase III trial has demonstrated the survival benefit of proton therapy compared to traditional radiation therapy for oropharyngeal cancer patients, with improved overall survival at five years. Proton therapy also resulted in reduced toxicities and feeding tube dependence, highlighting its potential as a standard treatment option.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 11, 2025

Tracing a path through photosynthesis to food security

A new review evaluates biological strategies to improve the efficiency of photosynthesis, highlighting promising solutions such as engineering Rubisco enzyme and developing cooperative crops. The research aims to address global challenges in agriculture and ensure food security for the world's population.

Nationally renowned anesthesiology physician-scientist and clinical operations leader David Mintz, MD, PhD, named Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at the UM School of Medicine

Dr. Mintz brings exceptional clinical care, research, and education expertise to the role. He will lead transformative initiatives in perioperative operations, improving financial performance, employee satisfaction, quality, safety, and patient experience.

An ECOG-ACRIN imaging study solves a long-standing gap in metastatic breast cancer research and care: accurately measuring treatment response in patients with bone metastases

A prospective multicenter trial validated an improved method for predicting treatment benefits in hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer with bone metastases. Metabolic change assessed by FDG-PET/CT accurately predicted progression-free survival as early as 12 weeks after treatment initiation.

Mars’ salty secrets: how ancient brines imprinted their chemical fingerprints in Martian minerals

Researchers have discovered that jarosite selectively captures bromine under Mars-like conditions, offering insights into the Red Planet's aqueous past and halogen cycling. The study reveals a clear trend: bromine is strongly favored over chlorine for incorporation into jarosite, with specific temperature-dependent effects.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalPlanet·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2025

Lighting strongly influences people’s experience while listening to music, a new study suggests

A new study suggests that indoor lighting can strongly influence listeners' experiences while listening to music. The research found that warm white lights were most effective in evoking positive emotions, while blue lights had the least positive response. These findings have implications for improving well-being and mood regulation in...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalLighting Design + Application·DateDec 11, 2025

Researchers pitch strategies to identify potential fraudulent participants in online qualitative research

Researchers identified various strategies to prevent and detect fraudulent responses, including outreach and recruitment plans, short screener surveys, and community-engaged methods. These approaches can help distinguish real from fake participants and mitigate the impact of fraud on injury and violence prevention studies.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBMJ Open Quality·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 11, 2025

Identification of an immuno-inflammatory biomarker in the brain supports potentially more effective personalized treatment for major psychiatric disorders

A study published in Biological Psychiatry identifies a distinct immuno-inflammatory biomarker in the brain linked to immune system dysfunction and poorer response to standard treatments. The findings provide potential value for clinical prediction and precision therapies.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 11, 2025

Sexual minority individuals face higher cesarean risks

A new study from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that sexual minority individuals have a 7% higher odds of primary Cesarean birth compared to completely heterosexual participants. Disparities were especially pronounced when labor was induced, raising concerns about potential provider bias and unequal interve...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·DateDec 11, 2025

How extreme weather events affect agricultural trade between US states

A new study by University of Illinois researchers finds that extreme weather events can have wide-ranging effects on food production and manufacturing in the US. Climate shocks, such as droughts and floods, can reduce agricultural output and increase prices, affecting states that rely heavily on imports.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2025

Life-long burden

Early life adversity disrupts activity across multiple brain networks when threats are encountered later in life, according to a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study found that mice subjected to adversity in infancy showed abnormal brain activity in response to threats as adults.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2025

Sweeping study shows similar genetic factors underlie multiple psychiatric disorders

A recent study has identified five categories of psychiatric disorders that share similar genetic factors, including compulsive features, internalizing conditions, substance use disorders, neurodevelopmental conditions, and a category combining bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The research suggests that these shared genetic factors ...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 11, 2025

Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study reveals high paralysis risk in corticospinal tract-infiltrating gliomas

A study of 101 glioma cases reveals that one-third of patients develop permanent paralysis after surgery. High tumor grade, pre-operative motor deficits, and larger tumor volume are key predictors. The work underscores the importance of careful surgical planning to maximize survival while safeguarding motor function.

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2025

Dresden PROTHOR study provides new insights for greater patient safety in major lung surgery

The PROTHOR study investigated the effects of different ventilation strategies during one-lung ventilation on postoperative pulmonary complications. The results showed that higher positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and recruitment maneuvers led to better gas exchange, but negatively affected blood pressure. The choice of ventilati...

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateDec 11, 2025

Smallholder farms maintain strong pollinator diversity – even when far from forests

Research suggests that tropical smallholder farms in fragmented landscapes can maintain healthy pollinator populations and fruit production, contrary to expectations. The study's findings highlight the importance of ecological diversity in supporting wild pollinators.

Price of a bot army revealed across hundreds of online platforms worldwide – from TikTok to Amazon

A new analysis using COTSI data reveals that verifying fake accounts for use in the US and UK is almost as cheap as in Russia, while Japan and Australia have high prices due to SIM costs and photo ID rules. The average price of SMS verification for an online platform was $0.26 in the US and $0.10 in the UK.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 11, 2025

New study links untreated sleep apnea to premature cardiovascular aging and increased mortality

A new study finds that untreated obstructive sleep apnea accelerates cardiovascular aging, leading to higher mortality rates. Researchers used a long-term mouse model to demonstrate the chronic physiological stress created by sleep apnea fundamentally alters cardiovascular structure and function.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·Journalnpj Aging·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 11, 2025

Ultra-hot lava world has thick atmosphere, upending expectations

A team of astronomers used NASA's JWST to reveal an alien atmosphere in the ancient, ultra-hot super-Earth TOI-561 b. The planet's thick atmosphere is upending conventional wisdom about ultra-short-period planets, and its composition could be representative of planets that formed when the universe was relatively young.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2025

New “molecular ruler” tracks growth of Alzheimer’s-linked tau fibrils

Researchers developed a new tool, FibrilPaint combined with the FibrilRuler test, to measure the length of toxic Tau amyloid fibrils directly in solution. This 'molecular ruler' represents a major advance in understanding how these fibrils grow, break, and respond to potential drugs.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2025

Engineering magnetism and thermal expansion in BiFeO3 for next-generation memory devices

Scientists successfully introduce ferromagnetism into bismuth ferrite at room temperature through dual-cation substitution, enabling potential use in low-power memory devices. Negative thermal expansion is also observed, which could help solve problems caused by thermal expansion in electronic components.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2025

MIT researchers find new way to deliver antibodies that could make treatment much easier for patients

MIT researchers have found a new way to create solid particles of highly concentrated antibodies, suspended in a solution, which can be injected using a standard syringe. This advance could make antibody treatments more convenient and accessible for patients, particularly older people with difficulty visiting hospitals.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 11, 2025

Taxing homes in an economic boom and subsidising them in a crash could prevent the next housing crisis

Researchers argue that taxing housing purchases during economic booms and providing temporary subsidies on housing during recessions could help prevent the next housing crisis. The study found that this approach can lift house prices exactly when the system is at greatest risk, preventing fire sales and severe price collapses.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Economic Dynamics and Control·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2025

Fungal allies arm plant roots against disease by rewriting the rules of infection

Researchers discovered that beneficial fungi enhance plant resistance to disease by remodelling the plant cell membrane at pathogen infection sites. This transformation coincides with a significant reduction in pathogen colonisation and offers critical new insights into how plants coordinate defences in complex natural environments.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2025

Chinese intertidal shellfish farming: an unexpected fuel station for millions of migrating shorebirds

A decade-long study found that cultured shellfish distribution determines spatial hotspots and seasonal peaks of shorebirds along China's coast. The research suggests managed mariculture is a better solution to food security for migratory bird protection than imposing a ban.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2025

Influenza clade K viruses prolong the influenza season in Australia and New Zealand

The emergence of A(H3N2) subclade K viruses in Australia and New Zealand extended their influenza seasons, with Australia experiencing a record-breaking season. The viruses were likely imported from the US and accounted for half of Australian viruses and over two-thirds of New Zealand viruses.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 11, 2025

Feeling the heat

Researchers at Harvard University have discovered that cycads heat up their reproductive organs to attract beetle pollinators, who possess infrared sensors to detect these signals. The study found that all 17 cycad species followed a circadian pattern, with male cones heating first and females cooling down before warming up again.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2025

How you eat may be connected to how you sleep

A study by Raedeh Basiri found associations between dietary patterns, glycemic status, diabetes control, and sleep outcomes. Individuals with diabetes or prediabetes were more likely to have trouble sleeping and experience abnormal sleep duration compared to those without these conditions.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateDec 11, 2025

Astronomers challenge 50-year-old quasar law

New research reveals the structure of matter surrounding supermassive black holes has changed over cosmic time, challenging a fundamental assumption about their behavior. The study combines new X-ray observations to explore the relation between X-ray and ultraviolet light intensity of an unprecedentedly large sample of quasars.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 11, 2025

Researchers discover how Ebola and Marburg disrupt the gastrointestinal tract

A new study found that both EBOV and MARV are capable of infecting human gut epithelial cells and disrupting fluid secretion, mirroring severe symptoms. The researchers developed a mini-gut model using induced pluripotent stem cells and discovered key signaling pathways involved in ion and fluid transport.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 11, 2025

Comeback of the biphenomycins

Researchers at HIPS have fully elucidated the biosynthetic pathway of biphenomycins, a potent antibiotic family against Gram-positive pathogens. They can now produce sufficient quantities and create new variants with improved pharmaceutical properties to combat drug-resistant S. aureus infections.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2025

Rare image of Tatooine-like planet is closest to its twin stars yet

Astronomers at Northwestern University have directly imaged a Tatooine-like exoplanet orbiting two suns, revealing unique insights into how planets form around multiple stars. The discovery provides an unprecedented look at the complex dynamics of binary systems and offers new opportunities to test theories of planet formation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2025

Climate research reveals global warming intensifies temperature "roller coasters”

A new study reveals that rapid temperature fluctuations have intensified under global warming, posing significant health risks. The research defines these events as occurring when the temperature difference between two consecutive days exceeds historical records, leading to more frequent and sharp swings between temperature extremes.

New model makes machine learning potentials more accurate and more accessible

A new dataset and model improve the efficiency of machine-learning interatomic potentials and their applicability to different chemical elements and material classes. The PET-MAD model uses a compact and denser dataset of 95,595 structures and an original neural network architecture, achieving robust simulations with minimal fine-tuning.

Population-level trends in ADHD medication prescribing

A repeated cross-sectional study found a significant increase in stimulant prescribing for ADHD, with the largest acceleration observed among female adolescents and young adults aged 18 to 64. The study's findings are consistent with prior research but provide new insights into population-level trends.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 11, 2025

How to build a genome

Leading synthetic biologists share hard-won lessons from their decade-long quest to build the world's first synthetic eukaryotic genome. The insights could accelerate development of climate-resilient crops and custom-built cell factories.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2025

Exploring dominant endophytic Pleosporales in grasses: New taxonomic insights in the suborder Massarineae

Researchers identified multiple well-supported clades corresponding to known genera and detected previously unrecognized lineages. They described two new genera and three new species, including Proxiconiothyrium yunnanense and Periconia longibrachiatum, expanding knowledge of Pleosporales diversity.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalMycology: An International Journal on Fungal Biology·DateDec 11, 2025

Environmental variability and migration promote the evolution of cooperation among humans: A simulation-based analysis

This study investigates how environmental variability and human migration influence the evolution of cooperation among humans. Simulation results reveal that cooperation is more likely to evolve when these factors are sufficiently high, hindering non-cooperative groups and encouraging cooperative groups.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalChaos Solitons & Fractals·DateDec 11, 2025

Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be safely omitted in some patients with early-stage breast cancer

A recent study found that omitting sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in clinically node-negative, HR-positive, HER2-negative early-stage breast cancer patients did not compromise regional control or survival after a median five years of follow-up. The recurrence of the cancer in the lymph nodes surrounding the primary tumor was observe...

Illinois Tech biomedical engineering professor Philip R. Troyk elected as Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors

Philip R. Troyk, director of the Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering at Illinois Tech, has been elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors for his groundbreaking work on neuroprosthetic devices, including an implanted cortical visual prosthesis that provides artificial vision to individuals with profo...

Comparative transcriptomic analysis of human maxillary and mandibular tooth germs reveals discrepancies in gene expression patterns

The study found that upper and lower tooth germs exhibit distinct transcriptomic profiles at the cap stage, with maxillary-enriched genes associated with morphogenesis and lower-enriched genes linked to mineralization. The researchers also validated key findings using RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence staining.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalOral Science and Homeostatic Medicine·DateDec 11, 2025

Rats may seek cannabis to cope with stress

A recent study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that rats with higher natural stress levels are more likely to self-administer cannabis. The study also identified links between stress hormone levels and cognitive flexibility, suggesting potential early markers for problematic drug use patterns.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2025

Multi-scale modelling framework predicts mechanical responses of Fe–Cr–Al alloys across composition and processing conditions

A new study presents a comprehensive multi-scale computational framework capable of predicting the mechanical responses of Fe–Cr–Al alloys. The framework integrates molecular dynamics, phase-field simulations, and finite element modelling to simulate solid-solution effects and processing-induced microstructural evolution.

SourceELSP·JournalAI & Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 11, 2025

Insilico Medicine and Taigen achieves license agreement to develop and commercialize AI-driven PHD inhibitor for anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Insilico Medicine and Taigen Biotechnology collaborate to develop and commercialize ISM4808, an AI-driven PHD inhibitor for treating anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The partnership grants TaiGen exclusive rights for further development, commercialization, and sub-licensing in the Greater China area.

Dr. Pengfei Liu receives 2026 O'Donnell Award in Medicine for pioneering advances in genetic diagnostics and rare disease treatment

Dr. Liu's work uses genome and RNA sequencing to improve diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic diseases, benefiting thousands of patients. He has established whole-genome and RNA sequencing as clinically approved tests, enabling individualized medicine and personalized treatment.

Dr. Bilal Akin wins 2026 O'Donnell Award in Engineering for transformative work in EV energy systems and industrial automation

Dr. Bilal Akin has been recognized for his groundbreaking research on sustainable and high-efficiency energy conversion systems for electric vehicles and industrial automation. His innovative contributions have enabled early warnings and enhanced system safety, shaping the future of energy and transportation.

Dr. Yunsun Nam receives 2026 O'Donnell Award in Biological Sciences for pioneering RNA research transforming gene regulation and cancer therapy

Dr. Yunsun Nam's groundbreaking research on RNA-protein interactions reveals key insights for gene regulation, cancer biology, and RNA-based therapeutics. Her work uncovers molecular rules governing specificity between proteins and RNAs, shedding light on novel mechanisms linking dysregulated RNA methylation to cancer.

JMC Publication: Insilico’s AI platforms enable discovery of potent, selective, oral DGKα inhibitor to overcome checkpoint resistance

Insilico Medicine's AI platforms enable discovery of a novel, potent, selective, and orally administered DGKα inhibitor that restores T cell function and overcomes checkpoint resistance. The compound exhibits strong combination activity with anti–PD-1 and anti–CTLA-4 therapies in preclinical studies.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateDec 11, 2025

Gut health à la CAR T

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have devised a new approach to stimulate cell growth and repair in the intestine using CAR T-cell therapy. This therapy has shown promising results in improving gut health in both young and old mice, with significant reductions in inflammation and improved nutrient absorption.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Aging·DateDec 11, 2025

When socially responsible investing backfires

A new study by University of Rochester finance professors argues that socially responsible investors' capital can inadvertently create incentives for firms to postpone green reforms. The researchers suggest public commitments and binding principles of responsible investing could overcome this issue, making impact investing more effective.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 11, 2025

Researchers map how the cerebellum builds its connections with the rest of the brain during early development

A team of researchers has reconstructed how the cerebellum establishes its connections with the rest of the brain during earliest stages of life. The work describes the phases in which these neural connections emerge, expand, and are refined, offering a comprehensive map of cerebellar projections across the mouse brain.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2025

Pandemic ‘beneath the surface’ has been quietly wiping out sea urchins around the world

A study found that a global pandemic is quietly wiping out sea urchins around the world, with populations nearing local extinction in the Canary Islands. The 2022-2023 mass mortality event affected the entire population of the species across the archipelago, causing a 74% decrease in La Palma and a 99.7% decrease in Tenerife.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2025