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Science News for December 18, 2025


NUS researchers achieve breakthrough in stabilizing vapor-deposited perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, paving the way for real-world deployment

The new vapour-deposition method delivers unprecedented durability in perovskite–silicon tandem solar cells, achieving over 30% power-conversion efficiency and operating stability exceeding 2,000 hours. This breakthrough paves the way for real-world deployment of tandem solar modules.

Science based energy choices: New perspective urges balanced path for prosperity, climate, and the environment

The article introduces the concept of an Energy and Environment Nexus as a web linking energy services, human well-being and environmental health. It proposes four imperatives of energy: power intensity, energy density, cost and scale to determine practical and sustainable energy systems.

Turning livestock waste into clean water: Animal manure biochar emerges as a low cost tool to remove toxic pollutants from wastewater

Animal manure biochar effectively removes hazardous pollutants such as dyes, antibiotics and heavy metals from wastewater. The material's surface chemistry and mineral content support mechanisms like electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding and ion exchange.

Kinetic careers

Three Sandia National Laboratories engineers, Anton Sumali, Bishnu Khanal and Esther Woon Lyn John, have been recognized for their career achievements in various fields. They share a common trait - continuously learning and adapting to new challenges, making them natural fits for leading innovative projects.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·TypeNews article·DateDec 18, 2025

Fertility remains high in rural Tanzania despite access to family planning

A new study from the University of Illinois found that men in rural Tanzania want an average of 4 more children, while women prefer 2.4, but after participating in a couples consultation program, both spouses' fertility preferences increased. This suggests that factors beyond access to contraception influence fertility decisions.

Vision-impaired individuals estimate the arrival time of approaching vehicles surprisingly

A new international study found that people with central vision loss can judge the motion of vehicles almost as accurately as those with normal vision. When both visual and auditory information were available, the two groups showed comparable accuracy in estimating the arrival time of approaching vehicles. The research, published in PL...

How intersections of race, education, and socioeconomic status may predict unequal greenspace exposure

A new study found that considering factors jointly can capture a more accurate representation of disparities in residential greenspace exposure, driven by structural racism. Exposure to trees and grass provides numerous benefits to physical and mental health, but inequities persist due to disinvestment in marginalized communities.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2025

Life on lava: How microbes colonize new habitats

Research reveals that single-celled organisms are among the first to colonize newly formed lava environments, thriving in scarce water and nutrient conditions. As diversity stabilizes over time, rainwater plays a critical role in shaping microbial communities, suggesting an unexpected link between weather phenomena and life on Earth.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

For Black women with breast cancer, ultra-processed foods may worsen health outcomes

A study from Rutgers Cancer Institute researchers found that Black women with breast cancer who ate the most ultra-processed foods before diagnosis were 36-40% more likely to die from their cancers or other causes of death. The researchers followed 1,733 Black women diagnosed with breast cancer in New Jersey between 2005 and 2019.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 18, 2025

Journal highlights need to transform girls’ mental health care

A special issue of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America seeks to transform how clinicians, educators, and policymakers think about girls' mental health by focusing on systems that support or fail to support them. The issue explores intersectionality, trauma-informed approaches, and the impact of social media on bod...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalChild and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2025

Latin American research indicates a lower prevalence of a type of head and neck cancer

A recent study analyzing over 1,400 cases of squamous cell carcinoma found that more aggressive histopathological variants occur at a rate of 4.6%, significantly lower than previous estimates. The researchers highlight the importance of considering regional differences in tumor origin and behavior to improve treatment outcomes.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAnnals of Diagnostic Pathology·DateDec 18, 2025

Hybrid health care key to alleviating dwindling primary services in Ontario’s underserved communities

A new University of Ottawa study highlights the positive impact of a hybrid approach combining virtual and in-person care, improving access to primary care in rural regions. The hybrid model has been found to be effective in recruiting providers in underserved areas and providing equitable care access for patients.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalBMC Health Services Research·TypeSurvey·DateDec 18, 2025

New PET imaging breakthrough expands possibilities

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new method for attaching fluorine-18 to trifluoromethyl groups, enabling the tagging of previously inaccessible targets in PET scans. This breakthrough expands the range of molecules that can be imaged, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and more targeted treatments for diseases.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience·DateDec 18, 2025

Combined oral contraceptive use among people with migraine with aura persists, despite cautions

A new study found that a sizable minority of people with migraine with aura still receive estrogen-containing birth control pills and hormone therapy, despite treatment contraindications. The study highlights the need for updated research on stroke risks associated with these medications among people with this type of migraine.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalPharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2025

Most Americans still get nicotine wrong

A new study found that many Americans incorrectly think nicotine is inherently deadly, leading to misconceptions about the dangers of smoking. The researchers discovered that changing the wording of questions can significantly impact the percentage of people answering correctly, from 10% to 80%.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeSurvey·DateDec 18, 2025

Breakthrough in detection of deadly toxins in children’s medicines

A major scientific breakthrough has shown that deadly contaminants in medicinal syrups can be detected in seconds using simple, low-cost tests. This innovation addresses a long-standing problem and offers a realistic new way to prevent contaminated medicines from reaching children, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

SourceUniversity of East London·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

Night waking impacts cognitive performance regardless of sleep duration

A new study published in Sleep Health found that the quality of a night's sleep, rather than its length, predicts how quickly older adults process information the next day. Researchers analyzed data from 261 participants aged 70 and above, who wore devices to track their sleep and completed cognitive assessments six times a day.

SourcePenn State·JournalSleep Health·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2025

Studies by Montana State scientists reveal importance of experimentation on greenhouse gas-producing organisms

Scientists at Montana State University have discovered a new group of methane-producing microbes, Thermoproteota, which defy predictions of genomic models. The organisms grow and produce methane not by feeding on carbon dioxide but on methylated compounds, highlighting the need for further experimental study.

SourceMontana State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

Research reinvents MXene synthesis

Researchers at University of Chicago have developed a new technique for synthesizing MXene materials, enabling faster and more efficient production at a fraction of the cost. The new method uses chemical vapor deposition to create MXenes with remarkable properties.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Synthesis·DateDec 18, 2025

New study finds more comfortable option for guiding breast cancer surgery

A new study has found that radioactive seed localization (RSL) is an effective and comfortable alternative to traditional wire localization for breast cancer surgery. Patients who received RSL reported less pain and anxiety, while surgeons rated the technique as more convenient and satisfying to perform.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAnnals of Surgery·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 18, 2025

Cosmic crash caught on camera

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captured a cosmic fender bender, revealing two luminous clouds of debris from violent collisions between space rocks. The discovery offers insights into planet formation and asteroid composition, shedding light on the structure of asteroids crucial for planetary defense programs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2025

Weekly episode releases drive higher viewer engagement and subscriptions on streaming platforms, study finds

A new study in Marketing Science reveals that gradually releasing TV show episodes leads to higher viewer engagement and substantially higher subscription rates on SVoD platforms. Drip-release strategies keep viewers engaged for weeks, expanding content discovery and strengthening retention.

Researchers observe flat-band ultrastrong coupling

Flat-band ultrastrong coupling is observed experimentally and theoretically verified, revealing a previously unexplored regime of light-matter interaction with potential applications in polariton-driven chemistry and materials science. Hybrid surface plasmon-phonon polariton modes are generated, extending over a wide range of momenta.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 18, 2025

ACC/AHA issue new guideline on managing congenital heart disease in adults

Adults born with heart defects are at increased risk of cardiac complications as they age. The new guideline provides recommendations for monitoring, counseling, and treating Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), including mental health assessment and physical activity guidance. It also emphasizes the importance of access to ongoing speciali...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 18, 2025

Fighting skin diseases with 3D bioprinting

Researchers at TU Wien developed a 3D bioprinting technique to create living biological tissue for studying skin diseases. The method offers a controlled and highly reproducible manner to produce tailor-made structures for different purposes, such as psoriasis and inflammatory models.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeNews article·DateDec 18, 2025

Breakthrough of the Year: Renewable energy begins to eclipse fossil fuel-based sources

Global renewable energy growth accelerates, covering all new electricity demand in the first half of 2025, with solar and wind leading the way. China's manufacturing dominance makes small-scale rooftop solar systems widely accessible, providing reliable energy security for millions across Europe, South Asia, and the Global South.

Is talented youth nurtured the wrong way? New study shows: top performers develop differently than assumed

Top performers in science, music, chess, and sports exhibit different development patterns, contrary to previous research. They often engage in various disciplines early on and show gradual performance development before specializing. The study suggests fostering a pursuit of multiple disciplines can promote world-class performance.

Researchers identify 166 human pluripotent stem cell lines available for use in clinical applications

Researchers have compiled a comprehensive list of 166 human pluripotent stem cell lines available for clinical applications, guiding researchers and developers in selecting optimal cell lines. The study aims to drive hPSC-derived products towards the clinic, addressing a knowledge gap in off-the-shelf product development.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateDec 18, 2025

AI helps detect kidney cancer faster

Researchers developed an AI-based tool called BMVision to help radiologists detect kidney cancer faster and more accurately. The tool was validated in a study, which showed that AI assistance reduced the time needed to identify and report malignant lesions by one-third.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 18, 2025

Archaeologists use AI to create prehistoric video game

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have developed an educational dynamic 3D computer game about the Neolithic period in Northern Europe using AI and free digital tools. The game features two AI-driven characters and allows players to explore a dramatized universe, promoting interactive learning and historical accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalAdvances in Archaeological Practice·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 18, 2025

HKU-led cross-institutional team develops new memristor-based converter to boost AI chip performance and efficiency

A cross-institutional research team developed a new type of ADC using innovative memristor technology, improving energy efficiency by 15.1x and reducing circuit area by 30% compared to state-of-the-art solutions. The new adaptive converter also maintains high accuracy when running neural network tasks.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

New machine-learning models capture the rapid evolution of antimicrobial resistance

Researchers developed a tool to quickly identify resistant strains of S. aureus using genomic profiles and machine-learning models. The approach is based on gene-content information rather than highly detailed genomic profiles, making it more practical for real-life clinical contexts.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·Journalnpj Antimicrobials and Resistance·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 18, 2025

HKUMed reveals childhood maltreatment raises schizophrenia risk five-fold and leaves lasting genetic marks linked to neurodegenerative diseases

A study by HKUMed found that childhood maltreatment increases the risk of schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders through altered behavior, cognition, and genomic changes. The research identified key risk factors and genetic markers associated with increased susceptibility to such disorders.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

Mitochondria migrate toward the cell membrane in response to high glucose levels

Research shows that high glucose levels cause mitochondria to move towards the periphery of pancreatic beta cells. This movement is linked to insulin secretion and may play a role in regulating blood sugar levels. The study found that inhibiting microtubules disrupted this process, suggesting a key role for these structures in mitochon...

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

HKU Engineering team unveils self-protecting catalyst

A new catalyst made with single atoms of ruthenium and manganese oxybromide overcomes the challenge of producing oxygen efficiently in acidic conditions. The self-forming layer shields the catalyst from damage while remaining highly active, allowing it to produce hydrogen efficiently and stay stable over time.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

HKUMed leads new Lancet Commission with global experts to accelerate the transformation of primary health care in the post-COVID era

The Lancet Commission on Transforming Primary Health Care aims to rebuild equitable and digitally enabled PHC systems worldwide. With a focus on people-centred care and digital innovation, the Commission seeks to address long-standing vulnerabilities in PHC, including ageing populations, social inequalities, and climate change.

HKU Civil Engineering researchers develop novel tracking method to reveal spread of antibiotic resistance across Hong Kong’s environment

A novel genome-resolved tracking method reveals how antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their resistance genes move across Hong Kong's urban waters, connecting human, animal, and environmental sources. The study provides insights into strategies for safeguarding public health and informs integrated monitoring systems.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

Subtyping colorectal cancer

Researchers at Kyoto University identified five molecular subtypes of colorectal cancer stem cells and developed a practical prognostic indicator, the general colorectal cancer signature (GCS), to predict patient outcomes. The GCS was validated with a novel orthotopic xenograft mouse model and showed promising clinical significance.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCancer Science·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2025

Menstrual cycle phases and acne flares: A retrospective analysis in Indian women

A retrospective analysis of Indian women with mild to moderate acne reveals a significant increase in acne counts during the late luteal and early follicular phases, corresponding to premenstrual and menstrual periods. Topical interventions and skincare practices may mitigate hormonally driven acne fluctuations.

SourceJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·JournalJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

How to predict hip fractures among women with osteoporosis by analyzing only 7% of the joint?

Scientists have discovered that studying 7% of the bone mass can accurately predict whether a woman with osteoporosis will suffer a hip fracture. The new computational model has an accuracy rate of 95%, allowing for personalized treatments tailored to specific areas of need.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalComputers in Biology and Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 18, 2025

Boston Children’s receives a $7.5 million grant from Aligning Research to Impact Autism (ARIA) to provide clinical research coordination for the IMPACT Network

Boston Children's Hospital will provide clinical research coordination for the IMPACT Network, a multisite clinical trial infrastructure enabling rapid and effective therapeutic development for autism. The grant, from ARIA, will support the development of study design protocols, recruitment strategies, and efficient workflows.

Real estate investment trust (REIT) acquisition associated with hospital closure and bankruptcy

A study found that hospitals sold to REITs were more than five times as likely to close or file for bankruptcy compared to similar hospitals. The researchers analyzed nearly 20 years of data and found no immediate improvements in finances or quality, but long-term harms, including increased risk of closure or bankruptcy.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalThe BMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 18, 2025

What prevents more cancer patients from enrolling in potentially life-saving clinical trials?

A new study by Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals found that financial factors are the strongest predictors of participation in cancer research studies. The researchers recommend addressing practical challenges like transportation, childcare, and lost wages to make clinical trials more inclusive.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 18, 2025

ESMT Berlin study: What makes a first offer successful in negotiations

The ESMT Berlin study analyzed 90 studies with over 16,000 participants to conclude that those who make the first offer and come well-prepared tend to achieve better outcomes. Higher first offers often lead to better final outcomes, but there are limits to this approach, particularly when demands are very high or unrealistic.

SourceESMT Berlin·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 18, 2025

New Raman imaging system detects subtle tumor signals

Researchers developed a new compact Raman imaging system that can differentiate between tumor and normal tissue, offering a promising route to earlier cancer detection. The system uses special SERS nanoparticles to detect faint signals from tumor markers, highlighting spots likely to contain tumor tissue.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateDec 18, 2025

Why swearing makes you stronger

Research published by the American Psychological Association suggests that swearing can improve physical performance by helping individuals feel focused, confident, and less distracted. Participants who swore during a chair pushup task were able to support their body weight significantly longer than those who repeated a neutral word.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Psychologist·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

TAMEST announces Maralice Conacci-Sorrell, Ph.D., UT Southwestern Medical Center, as 2026 Mary Beth Maddox Award & Lectureship Recipient

Dr. Conacci-Sorrell's research reveals how cancer cells harness nutrients to drive growth and creates targeted strategies to suppress untreatable cancers. Her work focuses on nutrient utilization and protein synthesis, uncovering potential therapeutic targets in various types of tumors.

A decline in churchgoing linked to more deaths of despair

A decline in churchgoing among middle-aged, less educated white Americans is linked to increased mortality rates from drug overdoses, suicide, and alcoholic liver disease. The study found that states with the largest declines in churchgoing experienced larger increases in deaths of despair, starting years before the opioid crisis began.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the European Economic Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 18, 2025

Detecting the hidden magnetism of altermagnets

Altermagnets exhibit unique magnetic structure due to unconventional symmetries, enabling spin-polarized electron currents. A new method reveals this hidden structure using circularly polarized light and resonant photoelectron diffraction.

SourceChiba University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2025

Chonnam National University researchers propose innovative voltage-loop control for power factor correction

Researchers from Chonnam National University propose a novel delay-compensated control strategy that eliminates current sensors in boost PFC converters. This simplifies circuitry, reduces hardware failure points, and enhances power quality, leading to smaller, more efficient, and cost-effective power adapters.

SourceChonnam National University, The Research Information Management Team, Office of Research Promotion·JournalIEEE Transactions on Consumer Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

Clues to Alzheimer’s disease may be hiding in our ‘junk’ DNA

Researchers have identified DNA switches that control how brain cells called astrocytes work, which are known to play a role in Alzheimer's disease. The study used CRISPRi technology and single-cell RNA sequencing to test nearly 1000 potential switches, finding that about 150 of them controlled genes implicated in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

City of Hope scientists study rare disorder to uncover mechanism and hormone regulation underlying fatty liver disease and sweet aversion

A landmark study published in Nature Metabolism reveals how citrin deficiency, a rare genetic disorder, triggers fat buildup in the liver despite being lean. The research also discovers a hormone that reduces cravings for sweets and alcohol, providing new therapeutic targets for MASLD and fatty liver disease.

SourceCity of Hope·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University researchers capture real-time molecular movies of enzyme catalysis

Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University researchers have captured time-resolved structures of an enzyme during its catalytic cycle, revealing dynamics that are nearly impossible to observe by other methods. This breakthrough offers valuable insights into enzyme function and potential applications in molecular design of novel enzymes.

SourceOsaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2025

Study reveals that the body uses different sensors to detect cold in the skin and in internal organs

Researchers found that the skin relies on TRPM8 sensor for cold detection, while internal organs primarily use TRPA1 sensor. This difference explains variations in external and internal cold perception, and has implications for understanding thermal homeostasis and pathologies related to cold sensitivity.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalActa Physiologica·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

iPS cells from dish to freezer and back

Researchers at Kobe University developed a method to preserve iPS cells directly in their culture dishes using D-proline as a cryoprotectant. This allows for easy automation of the process, reducing costs and increasing efficiency in regenerative medicine and drug discovery research. The breakthrough enables the direct freezing, thawin...

SourceKobe University·JournalBiochemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025