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Science News for December 3, 2025


Reactive whole-body locomotion-integrated manipulation based on combined learning and optimization

Collaborative robots require adaptive solutions to handle dynamic environments. A new approach integrates reactive planning and control, enabling seamless interaction with humans and surroundings. The method uses combined learning and optimization to generate feasible motion for mobile manipulators, improving efficiency and performance.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalMachine Intelligence Research·DateDec 3, 2025

High-resolution GlyT2 structures point to non-opioid analgesic options

Researchers have identified a previously unknown sodium-binding site on GlyT2, which supplies the energetic drive required for glycine transport. The study also uncovered a distinctive allosteric binding pocket for lipid-based inhibitors, providing a foundation for rational design of improved analgesics.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2025

Photonic compute-in-wire: remotely driven photonic deep neural network with single nonlinear loop

Researchers develop photonic compute-in-wire, a remotely driven photonic deep neural network that leverages optical fibers for low-latency and low-energy computation. The system achieves competitive accuracy in ML tasks while harnessing the advantages of photonic computation.

SourceAdvanced Devices & Instrumentation·JournalAdvanced Devices & Instrumentation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2025

Global initiative for glycolipid metabolic health

A global initiative has been launched to tackle glycolipid metabolic disorders, which are prevalent and linked to various chronic diseases. The initiative aims to improve public health education and develop an integrated screening-diagnosis-treatment-management system to prevent disease progression.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy·TypeNews article·DateDec 3, 2025

High-energy-density barocaloric material could enable smaller, lighter solid-state cooling devices

A team of researchers has discovered a high-energy-density barocaloric effect in Ag₂Te₁₋ₓSₓ, a plastic superionic conductor. The material produces a reversible volumetric entropy change of 0.478 J·cm⁻³·K⁻¹ under moderate pressure, surpassing most known inorganic materials.

Airplane and hospital air is cleaner than you might think

A Northwestern University study found that airplane and hospital air mostly contain harmless microbes from human skin, with some potentially pathogenic species in extremely low abundance. The study used worn face masks as a passive tool to monitor indoor air, revealing the invisible world of microbes floating in our shared air.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMicrobiome·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2025

Note- taking alone or combined with large language models helps students understand and remember better than large language models alone

A new study by Cambridge University Press & Assessment and Microsoft Research found that traditional learning activities like making notes remain critical for students' reading comprehension and retention. Note-taking, either alone or combined with large language models (LLMs), was more effective in helping students understand and reme...

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalComputers & Education·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 3, 2025

Roads, development disrupt movement of young mountain lions in California

Young mountain lions in California struggle to navigate busy roads and developed areas, compromising their ability to access breeding territories and maintain genetic diversity. The study's findings highlight the need for wildlife crossing structures to maintain connectivity and promote healthy populations.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeObservational study·DateDec 3, 2025

New roadmap reveals how everyday chemicals and microbes interact to fuel antimicrobial resistance

A new perspective outlines an urgent scientific roadmap for understanding chemical-microbe interactions and their role in accelerating antimicrobial resistance. Emerging evidence highlights unexpected combined effects of pollutants at low levels, which can promote resistance even when each chemical is present alone.

Breakthrough pediatric kidney therapy emerges from U. Iowa research

Researchers at the University of Iowa Health Care have developed a new class of medication, pegcetacoplan, which directly targets the root cause of C3 glomerulopathy, a rare and severe kidney disease. The treatment has shown significant results, with up to 67% of children achieving complete remission and stabilization of kidney function.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 3, 2025

Breakthrough iron-based magnetic material achieves major reduction in core loss

A new iron-based magnetic material achieves a 50% reduction in core loss compared to initial amorphous materials, particularly in the high-frequency range. This breakthrough is expected to contribute to next-generation transformers and EV components, leading to more energy-efficient electric machines.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2025

Research reveals how disordered protein regions contribute to cancer-causing condensates

Researchers developed a machine learning model that predicts which intrinsically disordered protein regions form condensates in cells, finding they are linked to RNA biology and occur in only about 12% of human proteins. The model, IDR-Puncta ML, provides a valuable resource for studying condensate formation in cancer and RNA biology.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 3, 2025

Valve trials validate better ways of fixing a malfunctioning heart

Recent trials have shown that catheter-based procedures can match the long-term results of open-heart surgery in relatively healthy patients with valvular disease. These procedures offer life-saving options to people too frail for open-heart surgery and are expected to bring more upcoming trials to New Brunswick.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 3, 2025

UT Health Science Center researchers use ‘brain-on-a-chip’ to revolutionize fight against deadly encephalitis viruses

Researchers at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center are using a human brain-on-a-chip system to study lethal encephalitis viruses and develop treatments. The chip replicates the function of the human brain, allowing scientists to test antiviral drugs in a more accurate and human-like environment.

New design tackles heat challenges in high-power fiber lasers

Researchers at Fraunhofer IOF have developed a single-material cladding light stripper with self-adapting behavior, overcoming nonlinear effects and heat buildup in thulium fiber lasers. The design enables over 20 W of stripped signal light at 2 µm and up to 675 W at 793 nm, setting a new record for single-material CLS designs.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2025

Long-term benefits of daily multivitamin use may vary by diet quality and baseline blood pressure

A daily multivitamin may be beneficial for reducing the risk of hypertension in people with poorer nutritional intake. Multivitamins lowered risk of hypertension in participants with comparatively lower diet quality, as measured by Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) and Alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED) scores.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalAmerican Journal of Hypertension·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 3, 2025

Diabetes drugs may help older adults slow frailty

A new study suggests that SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists may help older adults with type 2 diabetes maintain strength, mobility, and independence. The findings indicate a potential direct benefit of these medications on frailty itself, which could change how clinicians think about medication choices for aging patients.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 3, 2025

Women who receive mammograms also undergo lung scans if notified of eligibility

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that targeted outreach can increase lung cancer screenings for eligible women who undergo mammograms. The CALM model, which coordinates lung screening with mammography, exceeded its target enrollment and demonstrated effectiveness in increasing uptake. By i...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateDec 3, 2025

Authoritative parenting styles are associated with better mental health and self-esteem among adolescents, while authoritarian parenting styles are associated with depression and lower self-esteem and permissive parenting styles are associated with stress

A Nepalese study of 583 adolescents found that authoritative parenting is associated with improved mental health and self-esteem, while authoritarian parenting is linked to depression and lower self-esteem. Permissive parenting styles are also connected to increased stress levels among adolescents.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateDec 3, 2025

Mental health conditions may heighten liver cancer risk in veterans due to increased hepatitis C, UCLA study finds

A recent study by UCLA Health investigators found that mental health conditions significantly raise the likelihood of developing liver cancer among US veterans living with cirrhosis and hepatitis C. The study suggests that these disorders limit access to hepatitis C care, reducing the chance of a cure.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateDec 3, 2025

Increased use of cannabis seen among adolescents with psychiatric illnesses after cannabis sales became legal

After cannabis sales became legal, rates of cannabis use and cannabis-related disorders increased significantly among adolescents aged 12 to 17 presenting for psychiatric emergencies. The study found a fourfold increase in cannabis use and a similar rise in cannabis-related disorders among this age group.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeContent analysis·DateDec 3, 2025

The odds of iron deficiency in adolescent girls are almost 14 times higher among those who experience heavy menstruation and follow a meat-restricted diet, compared to girls with normal menstruation who eat an omnivorous diet

A cross-sectional study found that adolescent girls experiencing heavy menstruation and following a meat-restricted diet have nearly 14 times higher odds of iron deficiency. This risk is significantly higher than those with normal menstruation who consume an omnivorous diet.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateDec 3, 2025

Prehab can improve recovery after surgery, but barriers remain

A large clinical trial published in JAMA Surgery shows that prehabilitation can reduce disability after surgery in older adults with frailty, provided they fully participate in the program. Participants who completed at least 75% of exercises had significantly lower levels of disability after surgery.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalJAMA Surgery·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 3, 2025

Antipsychotic medication use by older adults

A growing trend of antipsychotic medication prescription increases in older U.S. adults, with long-term care pharmacies being a primary source. Non-psychiatrist prescribers contribute to the trend, highlighting concerns over medication accessibility and oversight.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 3, 2025

Recent changes to EU chemicals legislation are rarely reflected in the EU pharmaceutical sector

A new study reveals that changes to EU chemicals legislation are often overlooked in the pharmaceutical sector, despite their potential impact on human health and environmental sustainability. The analysis highlights the need for closer cooperation between regulatory agencies to address the complex interactions between different sectors.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice·DateDec 3, 2025

NeuMap: a pioneering map of neutrophils that redefines their role in health, infection, and inflammation

Scientists created the first comprehensive map of neutrophils using next-generation sequencing technologies, revealing a stable architecture despite individual cells' short lifespan. This discovery opens new avenues for guiding immunity toward healing and facilitating translation to clinical studies.

Long-standing puzzle in electron scattering deepens with new measurement

A team of physicists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has taken an important step toward answering the question of why lead behaves differently from other atomic nuclei when struck by electrons. The new measurement reveals unexpected behaviour in heavy nuclei, intensifying a long-standing puzzle that current theory cannot explain.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2025

Lemon shark caught preying on invasive freshwater fish in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Researchers recorded lemon sharks preying on jaguar cichlids, an invasive species introduced to Fernando de Noronha, in Sueste Bay. The bay's saltwater environment allows for the interaction due to freshwater inflows after heavy rains. This observation suggests that sharks may play a role in controlling invasive species populations.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEnvironmental Biology of Fishes·DateDec 3, 2025

Researchers identify the molecular mechanisms linking early-life environments with memory

Researchers identified a molecular mechanism linking early-life environments with memory by activating AP-1, which regulates genes involved in neuronal plasticity and learning. Early-life experiences produce long-lasting modulation of AP-1 activity, boosting gene networks that strengthen neuronal connections.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2025

Vibrating tools carve custom functional surfaces with precision and flexibility

Scientists at Tsinghua University introduce a new technique to carve complex shapes on material surfaces, enabling more design freedom and efficiency in surface design. The method uses high-speed vibrations to create convex microstructures that can change how a surface interacts with its environment.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateDec 3, 2025

Announcing the 2025 Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Discovery Awards: Christina Camell, PhD (University of Minnesota) and Elaine Fuchs, PhD (The Rockefeller University)

The 2025 Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Discovery Awards support groundbreaking research on human aging. Christina Camell, PhD, investigates the role of macrophages in cellular dysfunction during aging, while Elaine Fuchs, PhD, explores epigenetic memories of past inflammatory experiences and their impact on tissue health.

Americans more likely to accept guidance from AMA than CDC on vaccine safety

A survey of adults in the US found that most people prefer the American Medical Association's (AMA) guidance on vaccine safety over the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC), citing concerns about the CDC's recent changes to its website. According to the survey, 35% of Americans would accept the AMA's recommendation, while...

During times of market volatility, investors should track insider trades

Researchers found that corporate insiders' trading patterns provided excellent forecasts of future stock performance during the Covid-19 pandemic. Insiders bought undervalued stocks and sold overvalued ones, which predicted market activity. This study highlights the importance of insider trading in times of unprecedented uncertainty.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPacific-Basin Finance Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 3, 2025

Genome Research publishes a special issue on advances in computational biology and their applications in genomics

The special issue highlights novel computational methods for integrating spatial transcriptomics data, improving haplotype assembly and analysis of genomic variation. Several studies present innovative approaches for metagenomic data analyses, long-read sequencing, and genome karyotyping.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press·JournalGenome Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 3, 2025

FAU study finds connection between poor mental health and dark web use

A new FAU study reveals significant mental health differences between dark web users and surface web users, with dark web users reporting substantially higher levels of depressive symptoms and paranoid thoughts. The study also found substantial differences in suicidal thoughts, non-suicidal self-injury, and digital self-harm.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking·TypeSurvey·DateDec 3, 2025

New Family Heart Foundation study finds only 13% of adults with cardiovascular disease achieve comprehensive LDL-C management

A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that only 13% of US adults with cardiovascular disease met optimal LDL-C management, highlighting significant gaps between guideline recommendations and clinical care. The study suggests actionable steps to improve adherence, including increased use of non-...

SourceFamily Heart Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 3, 2025

Building better, building beautiful

Researchers have developed a novel computational form-finding method that allows for the creation of complex, lattice-structured gridshells. This breakthrough method reduces computation cost by 98% and provides a standardized approach to designing attractive and robust gridshell structures.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 3, 2025

Atomically-tailored single atom platforms hold promise for next-generation catalysis

Researchers have developed a new approach to overcome limitations in single-atom catalysts by creating one-dimensional organic polymers capable of selectively binding metal atoms. The platform marks a major advance in single atom catalysis, enabling stronger gas binding compared to other structures.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2025

USC study reveals hidden cellular layers in the brain’s memory center

Researchers at USC have identified four distinct layers of specialized cell types in the CA1 region of the mouse hippocampus, a structure vital for memory formation. This discovery changes our understanding of how information is processed in the brain and could explain why certain cells are more vulnerable in diseases like Alzheimer's ...

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2025

SPHERE’s debris disk gallery: tell-tale signs of dust and small bodies in distant solar systems

The SPHERE instrument has produced an unprecedented gallery of debris disks in exoplanetary systems, allowing for deductions of smaller bodies. These observations provide a glimpse of the earliest history of the solar system, with small bodies serving as remnants from planetesimals that did not evolve into larger planets.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Astronomy·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeObservational study·DateDec 3, 2025

Experts call for AED placement on every commercial aircraft to boost in-flight cardiac arrest survival rates from 6% to up to 70%

In-flight cardiac arrest is a rare yet catastrophic event that claims up to 86% of air fatalities. Implementing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on board could significantly boost survival rates from 6% to up to 70%. The authors recommend standardized CPR protocols training, telemedicine integration, and mandatory AED placement.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 3, 2025