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Science News Archive December 2025


Page 36 of 46

This fossil bird choked to death on rocks, and no one knows why

A tiny fossil bird named Chromeornis funkyi has been discovered with a massive cluster of stones in its throat, suggesting it likely choked to death. The unusual find provides new insights into the evolution of dinosaurs and birds, revealing that this species may have died due to regurgitation of swallowed rocks.

A new tunable cell-sorting device with potential biomedical applications

Researchers at Science Tokyo have developed a tunable deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) cell-sorting platform using poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel arrays. The device sorts cancer cells of defined sizes from blood samples with high-resolution size-based sorting, offering a promising tool for biomedical applications.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Aluminum prevents 'rapid aging' in high-energy batteries

Researchers from POSTECH found that aluminum reduces internal structural distortion in cathodes, preventing oxygen holes and shortening battery life. By adding a small amount of aluminum, the team extends battery lifespan while improving energy density.

When you’re happy, your dog might look sad

Researchers found that people perceive dogs as happier when they are in a sad mood and vice versa. The study suggests that there is a significant gap in understanding canine emotions, which can impact human-animal interaction and animal care.

An iron-on electronic circuit to create wearable tech

Scientists have developed an electrically conductive patch that can be ironed onto fabric, enabling diverse applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and robotics. The innovative technology uses a gallium-indium alloy and polyurethane mixture to create a stretchable film.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Protein puppeteer pulls muscle stem cells’ strings

Researchers found that the tenascin-C protein promotes a thriving community of functional muscle stem cells needed for efficient muscle regeneration. Aging reduces skeletal muscle regeneration due to lower levels of TnC and impaired muscle stem cell function.

A new kind of copper from the research reactor

Scientists at TU Wien have created an alternative production method for Cu-64, a crucial copper isotope used in medicine. By harnessing recoil chemistry and utilizing a specially designed metal–organic complex, they can efficiently separate the desired isotope from ordinary copper.

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.

With reservations: the spread of AI in UK journalism

A survey of UK journalists found that most (56%) use AI weekly, while 27% use it daily. However, concerns remain, with 62% viewing AI as a threat to journalism. The study also revealed a gap between independent and large corporate media outlets in their adoption of AI.

Depression more common among women with gynecological disorders

A new study from the University of Southern Denmark reveals that depression is significantly more common among women with gynaecological disorders—both before and after receiving a diagnosis. The study highlights the need for earlier detection and a more integrated approach between somatic and psychiatric care.

Student performance decline after shift to online NAPLAN testing

Children from low-income groups were disproportionately disadvantaged by online testing, with numeracy and spelling subjects most affected. Researchers call for targeted support for disadvantaged communities to address educational inequality and promote equal access to digital resources.

Observing nanoscale dynamics with soft X-rays

Researchers at the Max Born Institute developed a laboratory-scale soft-X-ray instrument to study ultrafast processes of emergent textures in magnetic materials. They observed nanoscale magnetic maze domains and discovered complex reorganization patterns on picosecond to nanosecond timescales.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

A speed camera for the universe

Astronomers at the University of Tokyo use time-delay cosmography to measure the universe's expansion rate, finding a result consistent with current-day observations. The method exploits gravitational lensing to improve models of cosmic expansion and potentially resolve the Hubble tension.

Making simulations more accurate than ever with deep learning

A Kobe University team has introduced a new method using deep learning for creating tailored simulations that respect physical laws while being computationally efficient. The approach shows superior accuracy in simulating diverse physical systems, including those with chaotic behavior.

Five ways microplastics may harm your brain

A new study highlights five ways microplastics can trigger inflammation and damage in the brain, including immune cell activity and oxidative stress. Microplastics weaken the blood–brain barrier, causing immune cells to attack them and leading to further damage.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

High seas fisheries management falls short of mandates, analysis finds

An analysis published in Environmental Research Letters found that Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) are underperforming and failing to meet their conservation goals. The study graded 16 RFMOs in 10 categories, with an average score of 46 out of 100, indicating a significant gap between performance and mandates.

UTA, TEES open biomanufacturing hub

The University of Texas at Arlington and TEES launched a new biomanufacturing training and research hub in Dallas, providing hands-on training and state-of-the-art lab space. The National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing satellite campus strengthens North Texas' biotech workforce and expands research opportunities.

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.

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.

Gerontological Society of America welcomes three new journal editors-in-chief

The Gerontological Society of America has selected three new editors-in-chief for its peer-reviewed journals, effective January 1. Jason Flatt will lead the Social Sciences section of The Journal of Gerontology, Series B, while Karen Kopera-Frye will oversee Gerontology & Geriatrics Education. Joyce Siette will take charge of the Medic...

Ultrasonic pest control to protect beehives

Researchers develop sustainable and efficient pest control method that doesn't harm bees, targeting vulnerable species like greater and lesser wax moths. The technique uses ultrasonic signals to deter the pests, offering a potential solution to declining bee populations and food security concerns.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Avoiding marine collisions with SMART-SEA

Researchers at Texas A&M University have created a system called SMART-SEA to combat marine collisions by providing seafarers with real-time guidance on how and when to maneuver their vessel. The system combines raw radar imaging data with advanced machine learning to identify stationary objects and recommend safe actions.

Software platform helps users find the best hearing protection

The Hearing Protection Optimization Tool translates acoustic and psychoacoustic factors into clear visuals, helping users compare different hearing protection devices. The tool matches users with regulatory-approved HPDs based on their noise environment and preferences.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Internet use may protect caregivers against loneliness

A study by NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing found that older, unpaid caregivers who used the internet more often felt less lonely and coped better with stress. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,957 participants ages 65 and older, and discovered a buffering effect: internet use reduced loneliness in caregivers with health issues.

Preempting a flesh-eating fly’s return to California

Researchers are tracking the New World screwworm's potential return to California, deploying traps baited with a lure that attracts the fly. Early detection is critical to preventing an outbreak, particularly among farm animals vulnerable to wounds. The project aims to raise awareness and prevent infestations if the fly were to reappear.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New findings upend long-held beliefs about NFL player health risks

A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study of over 1,500 former NFL players found that years played and playing position are not linked to poorer long-term physical or mental health. Instead, concussion history is a more accurate predictor of long-term health challenges.

Space shuttle lessons: Backtracks can create breakthroughs

A study by Francisco Polidoro Jr. found that NASA's space shuttle design process used a meandering knowledge-building approach, combining oscillation and accumulation to create breakthroughs. This process can be applied to other fields, such as pharmaceuticals, where temporary setbacks can lead to new discoveries.

Scientists rule out the existence of a long-suspected particle

A team of scientists from Rutgers University has debunked a decades-old theory about a mysterious particle using data from the MicroBooNE experiment. The study found no sign of sterile neutrinos, which were proposed to explain strange neutrino behavior, closing the door on one popular explanation.

Study links rising temperatures to reduced sleep in US adults

A new study links rising temperatures to reduced sleep quality and length in US adults, particularly those living on the West Coast. The research estimates that by 2099, people could lose up to 24 hours of sleep each year due to heat, highlighting the potential impact of climate change on sleep health.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

When will quantum technologies become part of everyday life?

Quantum technologies have accelerated out of the lab and into the real world, with six leading platforms compared for technology-readiness. The field stands at a turning point, similar to the early computing age, where foundational physics concepts are established but system-level demonstrations must be substantially improved and scaled.

A smarter way for large language models to think about hard problems

Researchers developed instance-adaptive scaling framework that uses process reward model to estimate difficulty of question, enabling LLMs to spend more compute on promising solution paths. This approach achieves comparable accuracy with existing methods while reducing computational cost by up to one-half.

Discovery could give investigators a new tool in death investigations

Forensic researchers at Florida International University have developed a new technique to estimate the time of death by analyzing the genetic markers of maggots. This method, known as a molecular clock, can accurately determine the age of late-stage maggots and revolutionize death investigations worldwide.

From the Heartland to the Arctic, Starlink and OneWeb are redefining navigation

Researchers from Ohio State University used Starlink and OneWeb satellites to deliver accurate positioning in the Arctic, reducing errors from over a kilometer to just 27 meters. This technology has the potential to provide reliable navigation alternatives for various industries, including transportation and telecommunications.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.