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Science News Archive December 2025


Page 15 of 46

The gut bacteria that put the brakes on weight gain in mice

Researchers identified a specific type of gut bacteria, Turicibacter, that promotes metabolic health and reduces weight gain in mice. The bacterium produces fatty molecules that are absorbed by the small intestine, improving ceramide levels and preventing excessive weight gain.

Exploring how patients feel about AI transcription

A comprehensive survey conducted by UC Davis Health revealed that patients have mixed feelings about AI transcription technology, with concerns about note accuracy and privacy. The study found that younger patients were more skeptical than older patients, but overall, the majority of respondents supported the use of AI scribes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Biodegradable dishes could transfer gluten to foods

Researchers found that some biodegradable tableware can transfer gluten into foods and drinks, exceeding regulatory thresholds. The study urges mandatory labeling for materials that contact food to prevent unexpected gluten exposure.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Opposing forces in cells could hold clues to treating disease

Researchers found that two proteins in the CCR4-NOT complex have opposing roles in controlling genetic messages, with one destabilizing and the other steadying mRNA. This balance is critical to gene regulation and understanding cellular differentiation, adaptation to environmental stimuli, and disease mechanisms.

Mxene-based e-tattoos harvest energy and monitor health in real time

Researchers at Boise State University developed a breakthrough e-tattoo that integrates energy harvesting, energy storage, and biometric sensing into a single platform. The e-tattoo uses MXene-coated fibers to harness energy from human motion and store it for low-power applications.

Combination therapy shows potential to treat pediatric brain cancer ATRT

Researchers found that reactivating and maintaining p53 using idasantulin and selinexor significantly extended survival in ATRT and MRT mouse models, reducing tumor burden and increasing survival rates. The study's findings provide a strong rationale for investigating this treatment approach for rhabdoid tumors.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Study links seabird nesting to shark turf wars in Hawai‘i

A new study reveals that seasonal seabird nesting concentrates tiger sharks in specific areas, forcing other species to shift their habitat use to avoid predation. The presence of fledgling seabirds influences the behavior of apex predators, including gray reef and Galapagos sharks.

Novel SwRI-developed IMAP instrument delivers first-light data

The CoDICE instrument has successfully collected first-light data from IMAP, measuring energized particles from interstellar space, the solar wind, and solar energetic particles. This will provide a better understanding of our place in the universe by studying the interaction between the interstellar medium and the solar wind.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Climate change's hidden price tag: a drop in our income

A new study estimates climate change has reduced US income by 12%, with economic impacts felt nationwide due to regional trade connections. The research uses a novel approach to measure climate change's current economic force, providing insights for businesses and policymakers.

A stormy ocean voyage yields insights on the global carbon cycle

A team of scientists, led by UC Santa Barbara's David Siegel, embarked on a research expedition to the North Atlantic to study the ocean's carbon cycle. They found that tiny organic particles, known as marine snow, transport carbon from the surface to depths, and this process is critical for understanding Earth's climate.

Possible "superkilonova" exploded not once but twice

Scientists have discovered a rare superkilonova event, which may have produced gravitational waves and light, as detected by LIGO and Virgo. The candidate kilonova AT2025ulz showed signs of a supernova before fading and brightening again in red wavelengths.

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.

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.

“Robot, make me a chair”

An AI-driven robotic assembly system allows people to build physical objects by simply describing them in words. The system uses generative AI models to build a 3D representation of an object's geometry based on the user's prompt, and then iterates on the design based on feedback from the user.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Eyes for an agricultural robot: AI system identifies weeds in apple orchards

Researchers at Penn State developed an AI machine vision model that accurately finds, outlines, and estimates the density of weeds in apple orchards. The system achieved high accuracy for weed detection, segmentation, localization, tracking, and identification, paving the way for automated precision herbicide sprayer guidance.

The smoky signature of climate change

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences quantify the role of climate change in wildfires and air quality, finding that 60-82% of total burned area in western US forests is directly attributable to warming temperatures and drier conditions caused by climate change.

Transparent ceramic could boost internet speeds and cut energy use

Researchers have created transparent ceramics that can control light with exceptional efficiency, surpassing theoretical predictions. The breakthrough is attributed to the zentropy theory developed by Penn State professor Zi-Kui Liu, which explains the material's unique electro-optic properties.

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.

New ALS diagnostic blood test

A new rapid blood test for ALS has been developed by Brain Chemistry Labs, providing 97% accuracy in diagnosing the disease from a single blood draw. The test is based on microRNA analysis and can also rule out patients without ALS, offering hope to those struggling with this debilitating condition.

Poor health is the primary driver of involuntary retirement, study finds

A study by Penn State's Allison Fleming found that poor health is the primary driver of forced retirements. State vocational rehabilitation agencies may be able to help individuals with disabilities remain in the workforce longer, addressing issues such as financial and health costs associated with early retirement.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Scientists identify first non-coding gene that controls cell size

Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children have identified a non-coding gene called CISTR-ACT that regulates cell size. By exploring its molecular mechanism, the team found that CISTR-ACT guides a protein called FOSL2 to bind to other genes, controlling cell growth and development.

Hua Bai and Sheng Dai named NAI Fellows

Hua Bai and Sheng Dai, faculty members at the University of Tennessee, have been elected National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Fellows for their innovative research in power electronics and advanced materials. Their work has led to significant advancements in electrical vehicle technology and energy-related applications.

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.

Research upturns assumptions about battery failure

Researchers have uncovered root causes of battery failure, including nanoscopic strains that lead to cracking. The study identifies distinct mechanical failure modes and composition requirements for single-crystal cathodes.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Blood analysis shows whether brain cancer treatment is working

Researchers developed a new diagnostic chip that can detect tumor cells in blood, allowing for real-time monitoring of brain cancer treatment effectiveness. The GlioExoChip uses extracellular vesicles to assess treatment response, providing a quick and minimally invasive way to inform doctors about chemotherapy efficacy.

A new study reveals the microbial biodiversity of dehesa soil

A new study has identified the underground interactions between fungi and oomycetes in twenty Andalusian dehesas, revealing water as the main driver of microorganism diversity. The research also sheds light on the pathogen responsible for la seca, a disease affecting holm oak ecosystems.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Empress cicada wings help illuminate molecular structure

Researchers use empress cicada wings as a ready-made nanostructure template to enhance surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) performance. The cylindrical nanostructures separated by five-nanometer gaps amplify Raman scattering signals by a factor of a million compared to non-coated cicada wings.

Your Christmas decorations may be hiding a tiny bit of badger and toad

Researchers found 13 bird species, 11 mammal species, and 2 amphibian species in Danish moss samples, demonstrating its potential for monitoring global biodiversity. The study suggests that moss-based DNA sampling could work globally due to its simplicity, effectiveness, and gentle nature.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Raising legal drinking age improves academic performance and mental health

A new study finds that raising the minimum legal drinking age from 16 to 18 years significantly improves academic performance and mental health among European teenagers. The research, conducted by Carmen Villa, shows a decrease in binge drinking and intoxication, leading to better PISA exam scores and reduced anxiety medication use.