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Science News for December 5, 2025


Social lives of viruses affect antiviral resistance

A study found that viral interactions inside cells influence antiviral resistance outcomes, while a less potent drug may ironically improve its future utility by promoting social interactions in viruses. The researchers suggest a trade-off between hitting the virus hard and allowing resistance to rise.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2025

Dose of psilocybin, dash of rabies point to treatment for depression

Researchers at Cornell University used psilocybin and the rabies virus to map brain connectivity changes, finding that psilocybin weakens negative thinking loops and strengthens sensory-motor responses. The study suggests potential therapeutic applications for depression treatment.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell·DateDec 5, 2025

Robust new photocatalyst paves the way for cleaner hydrogen peroxide production and greener chemical manufacturing

A new photocatalyst has been developed that significantly boosts the efficiency and stability of hydrogen peroxide generation under visible light. The catalyst, known as a TTT COF, achieves nearly 30 millimoles per gram per hour in aqueous solution, outperforming its imine-based precursor.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeNews article·DateDec 5, 2025
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Barrow Neurological Institute, University of Calgary study urges “major change” to migraine treatment in Emergency Departments

A new study by Barrow Neurological Institute and the University of Calgary recommends greater occipital nerve blocks and elevating intravenous prochlorperazine to offer effective and safe treatment for migraine attacks. The guidelines aim to reduce opioid reliance and improve patient outcomes in Emergency Departments.

SourceDignity Health Arizona·JournalHeadache The Journal of Head and Face Pain·DateDec 5, 2025

Using smartphones to improve disaster search and rescue

Researchers use smartphone microphones to detect sound waves that can penetrate through rubble, helping locate trapped victims. The method achieved an error of 5.04 degrees away from the hypothetical victim in a field test on a disaster training site.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 5, 2025

NTIDE: Disability employment holds steady after data hiatus

Employment outcomes for people with disabilities remain near historic highs, with the employment-to-population ratio increasing by 1.9% to 38.2% in September 2025. Labor force participation also shows stability, with a slight decrease of 0.2% to 42.1%. These findings suggest sustained labor market engagement among people with disabilit...

SourceKessler Foundation·DateDec 5, 2025
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Ultrafast material captures toxic PFAS at record speed and capacity

Researchers have developed a new material that captures harmful PFAS chemicals from water in seconds, surpassing traditional adsorbents' limited capacity. The nitrate-intercalated layered double hydroxide removes perfluorooctanoic acid with an exceptional capacity of 1,702 milligrams per gram.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeNews article·DateDec 5, 2025

Beyond biology: Why social context is the key for improving modern medicine

A new monthly series in The Lancet, led by UC Berkeley Professor Seth Holmes, provides critical lens into cultural and social forces contributing to patient conditions. It showcases the need for 'structural intercompetency' among healthcare professionals, highlighting the importance of collaborative work.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalThe Lancet·TypeCase study·DateDec 5, 2025
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.

Astronomers watch stars explode in real time through new images

The study reveals multiple outflows of material and dramatic delays in the ejection process, challenging long-held views about nova eruptions. Images captured using interferometry allow scientists to directly observe the rapidly evolving explosions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateDec 5, 2025

The deadly trade-off of electronic waste recycling in Ghana

A University of Michigan study reveals that Ghana's informal e-waste recycling industry exposes workers to severe air pollution, compromising their health and the environment. The study finds that urbanization drives population growth, which exacerbates pollution in settlements like Agbogbloshie.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·Journalnpj Urban Sustainability·DateDec 5, 2025

Membrane ‘neighborhood’ helps transporter protein regulate cell signaling

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified a protein network that stabilizes ABCC4 transporters in place to maintain cyclic AMP signaling levels. The discovery reveals a previously unappreciated protein neighborhood and opens new therapeutic opportunities for regulating ABC transporters.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers from the HSE University investigated reading in adolescents

The study revealed that phonological processing skills continue to impact text reading fluency in adolescents, with better phoneme operation leading to faster coherent text reading. Attitude towards reading also played a significant role, with emotional involvement being crucial for reading skill development.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPLOS One·DateDec 5, 2025

DFW backs UTA research to bolster flood resilience

Researchers will develop strategies to stabilize eroding channels and enhance flood-warning capabilities using artificial intelligence. The partnership aims to improve stormwater management and environmental protection in the region with forecasts suggesting population growth could double by 2050.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateDec 5, 2025

U.S. News & World Report gives Hebrew Rehabilitation Center highest rating

Hebrew Rehabilitation Center's skilled nursing units have been recognized as high-performing by U.S. News & World Report, showcasing excellent staffing levels and medical outcomes. The center's Rehabilitative Services Units in Boston and Dedham, MA received the highest designation available.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·DateDec 5, 2025

Penn Nursing study: Virtual nursing programs in hospitals fall short of expectations

A new study from Penn Nursing's Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research surveyed 880 in-hospital nurses about their experiences working alongside virtual nurses. The majority report that virtual nursing programs improve patient care quality, but the benefits are not substantial, according to lead author K. Jane Muir.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 5, 2025
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Loss of brain protein eases Alzheimer’s symptoms and brain damage in mice

Research discovered that eliminating a specific brain protein, Centaurin-α1, can lessen cognitive deficits and brain damage caused by Alzheimer's disease in mice. The study found reduced amyloid plaque formation, improved neuroinflammation, and protected neural connections, suggesting Centaurin-α1 as a potential therapeutic target.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2025

Free radicals caught in the act with slow spectroscopy

Scientists have detected the faint signals of electrons in organic materials, revealing new insights into the physics of photodegradation and long-term photoemission processes. By reimagining conventional spectroscopy setups, researchers have captured the exact mechanisms of weak charge accumulation, providing direct evidence for multi...

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2025
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Although public overwhelmingly supports hepatitis B vaccine for a newborn, partisan differences exist

A national survey of adults found that three-quarters support vaccinating newborns against hepatitis B, but Republicans are less likely to recommend the vaccine. The survey also found that most respondents believe the vaccine protects against liver disease, and there is little evidence justifying delaying vaccination.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·TypeSurvey·DateDec 5, 2025

Visual system of butterflies changes with seasons

A team of researchers found that common buckeye butterflies change their eye tissue gene expression between summer and fall, indicating they see their environment differently. The study confirms seasonal patterns in the expression of many genes important for vision and eye development.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalFunctional Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2025

UCF receives grant to address need for primary care physicians

The program provides financial aid and unique clinical experiences to medical students, encouraging them to become community physicians. UCF College of Medicine hopes the program can be used as a national model to address the nation's primary care physician shortage.

SourceUCF College of Medicine·DateDec 5, 2025

Finnish study shows robust immune responses to H5N8 avian influenza vaccine

A Finnish study published in Nature Microbiology found that the MF59-adjuvanted A(H5N8) vaccine induced strong immune responses against the vaccine virus and heterologous H5 strains. The majority of participants developed seroprotective antibody levels after two doses, with significant increases in T-cell responses.

SourceFinnish Institute for Health and Welfare·JournalNature Microbiology·DateDec 5, 2025
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.

Study reveals key psychological barriers to game meat consumption in Japan

A new study analyzed consumer psychology to understand why game meat remains widely rejected in Japan despite its ecological benefits. The research found that Food Neophobia is a dominant psychological barrier, negatively influencing consumers' intentions primarily due to association with poor quality.

SourceTohoku University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateDec 5, 2025

America doesn’t have enough hospital beds. This could help.

A new study from Michigan Medicine found that its data-driven command center increased hospital bed use efficiency by 63%, reducing emergency department boarding time by 33% and patient transfers by 13%. The initiative also streamlined discharge processes, resulting in a 12% drop in waiting times for patients ready to leave the hospital.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNEJM Catalyst·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 5, 2025

Extreme engineering: Unlocking design secrets of deep-sea microbes

Researchers at Emory University uncover how deep-sea microbes create complex structures through a simple process, driving chaperone-free polymerization of archaeal cannulae. This discovery sheds light on the unique adaptations of extremophiles, which thrive in extreme environments.

SourceEmory University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 5, 2025
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.

DFG to fund eleven new research training groups

The DFG is establishing 11 new Research Training Groups, including an international IRTG in Australia, to support early-career researchers. The groups will receive €82 million over five years to investigate various research topics.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateDec 5, 2025

Duncan T. Moore named Optica Honorary Member

Moore is recognized for his distinguished leadership in academia, government and professional societies, as well as his pioneering contributions to gradient-index optics. He has received numerous awards, including election to the National Academy of Engineering and Optica's Robert E. Hopkins Leadership Award.

SourceOptica·DateDec 5, 2025

Birds move higher up mountains as the climate warms

A new study found that 63% of bird species in four large European mountain ranges have shifted uphill in the past two decades, with an average movement of half a metre per year. This trend is driven by broader climatic trends and is observed in regions such as Scandinavia and the Alps.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateDec 5, 2025

A nanoscale chameleon

A team of scientists from the University of Amsterdam developed a nanoscale material that can reflect different colors of light depending on its stretching. The material's structure determines its color, allowing it to change smoothly from green to yellow and red.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalACS Photonics·DateDec 5, 2025
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.

AI data processing meets privacy at the Josep Carreras Institute

The SECURED project aims to provide a secure environment for decentralized, cooperative processing of health data and anonymisation assessment. The consortium is developing AI models to diagnose and treat patients with blood malignancies in a secure way, ensuring patient data protection and compliance with European privacy regulations.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·DateDec 5, 2025

PFAS exposure and endocrine disruption among women

Exposure to single and mixtures of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was associated with higher odds of endocrine disruption (ED) among women. Certain PFAS compounds, particularly n-PFOS, were found to disrupt endocrine function and harm health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 5, 2025

Engineering the next superfood: BTI unlocks goldenberry’s commercial potential

Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute engineered compact goldenberry plants that are 35% shorter than their wild relatives, making them viable for commercial agriculture. These new plants have the same nutritional profile as commercially available goldenberries but can be grown at higher density and with reduced maintenance.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalPlants People Planet·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2025

Close-up images show how stars explode

Researchers used the CHARA Array to image two stellar explosions, Nova V1674 Herculis and Nova V1405 Cassiopeiae, providing direct evidence of multiple outflows and delayed expulsion. The images reveal unprecedented complexity in novae, with dramatic delays in ejection process.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2025
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.

Wood that bounces water off like rubber

The wood exhibits superhydrophobicity even after mechanical abuse, chemical attacks, and UV exposure, with water absorption reducing from 64% to 7%. The process is cost-effective, uses no fluorine, and can be applied to six species of timber.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2025

Virtual companions, real responsibility: Researchers call for clear regulations on AI tools used for mental health interactions

The researchers argue that systems imitating human behavior must meet appropriate safety requirements and operate within defined legal frameworks. They recommend that LLMs clearly state that they are not an approved mental health medical tool, refrain from impersonating therapists, and limit themselves to basic, non-medical information.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateDec 5, 2025

The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Ahead-of-Print Tip Sheet: December 5, 2025

Recent studies explore new PET/CT imaging methods for prostate cancer staging and detection. Researchers assess improved performance of these advanced scans in detecting lymph node or bone spread, as well as their impact on treatment plans. Additionally, researchers examine the effectiveness of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PR...

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateDec 5, 2025

Microplastics filter inspired by fish

Researchers at the University of Bonn developed a filter to curb microplastic pollution in washing machines, inspired by the gill arch system in fish. The filter achieves high efficiency and can remove over 99% of microplastics from washing machine wastewater.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2025

New approach narrows uncertainty in future warming and remaining carbon budget for 2 °C

A new study improves projection accuracy by combining climate model projections with observational data. The analysis reveals that many models overestimate global warming and refines estimates of the remaining carbon budget, narrowing the uncertainty range from 352-702 billion tons to 251-666 billion tons.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalOne Earth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 5, 2025
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.

Sibling roles change when a parent dies

A comprehensive study of Korean families reveals that sibling roles shift significantly after a parent's death. Eldest sons initially provide financial support, while eldest daughters take on primary caregiving responsibilities in the terminal phase. Younger siblings tend to contribute less to both care and household support.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2025

Decoding dark matter’s imprint on black-hole gravitational waves

Researchers at the University of Amsterdam developed a new model to track dark matter's effect on black holes' gravitational waves. The study focuses on extreme mass-ratio inspirals, where a smaller object orbits a massive black hole, emitting gravitational waves that can reveal dark matter's distribution around black holes.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 5, 2025

Miniature microscope captures real-time voltage signals in awake animals

The MiniVolt microscope enables recording of both rapid electrical spikes and smaller sub-threshold voltage changes in freely moving animals. This allows for a more complete view of how brain cells process information during natural behavior, leading to potential new treatments for neurological disorders.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateDec 5, 2025

Early normalization of weight can protect the heart from childhood overweight

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics suggests that early normalization of weight can protect the heart from childhood overweight. Researchers found that individuals who had normal weight in young adulthood after being overweight as children had a lower risk of heart attack compared to those who remained overweight.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2025

Optica announces 2026 Fellows class

The Optica Board of Directors elected 121 members from 23 countries to the Society's 2026 Fellow Class. The new Fellows were recognized for their innovative work advancing the science of light, including semiconductor spectroscopy, broadband plasmonics, and digital holography.

SourceOptica·DateDec 5, 2025
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.

Next-generation targeted alpha therapy using astatine shows promise in thyroid cancer resistant to conventional treatment

A first-in-human study found that a single dose of the alpha-emitting radionuclide <sup> 211 </sup> At was both well-tolerated and effective in achieving disease control without molecularly targeted drugs. The therapy has potential to reduce treatment burden and broaden access to effective care for patients with refractory disease.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateDec 5, 2025

New annealing method unlocks stable, high-efficiency organic solar cells

The VTA method creates an optimal internal architecture within photovoltaic material, resulting in devices with high performance and extended stability. Champion cells reached 20.5% power conversion efficiency and demonstrated improved structural organization and reduced degradation.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2025

Rydberg-atom detector conquers a new spectral frontier

Scientists developed a Rydberg-atom detector to measure weak terahertz signals, enabling precise spectroscopy and quantum sensors. The detector uses a gas of rubidium atoms in a Rydberg state, tuning them to specific frequencies for calibration.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalOptica·DateDec 5, 2025
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Vaccines and the 2024 US presidential election

A survey study found that US voters generally support government role in ensuring safe vaccines, with high partisan divide among Trump and Harris supporters. Vaccine requirements for schools show similar support across parties.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateDec 5, 2025

Physicists provide key mass data for determining X-ray burst reaction rate

Physicists have directly measured the masses of phosphorus-26 and sulfur-27, crucial for determining the nuclear reaction rate during X-ray bursts. The new data reveal a significant enhancement in the reaction rate, increasing the abundance ratio of sulfur-27 to phosphorus-26.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2025

When pregnancy emergencies collide with state abortion bans

A new study found that states with abortion bans without health exceptions saw a substantial increase in pregnancy-related violations of EMTALA. This led to a rise in medical screening examination and general compliance citations, suggesting early breakdowns in the emergency-care-seeking process.

SourceTufts University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 5, 2025
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

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.

SourceField Museum·DateDec 5, 2025

Shaping quantum light unlocks new possibilities for future technologies

Researchers have demonstrated how controlling the structure of photons in space and time enables tailored quantum states for next-generation communication, sensing, and imaging. This breakthrough offers new pathways for high-capacity quantum communication and advanced technologies.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 5, 2025
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.

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.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2025

American College of Cardiology supports front of package nutrition labeling

The American College of Cardiology recommends a standardized front-of-packaging food labeling system to highlight key nutrients, helping consumers make informed dietary choices. The guidance also aims to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and promote overall health.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 5, 2025

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.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 5, 2025

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.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPeerJ·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2025

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 5, 2025
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.

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.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2025

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.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalDalton Transactions·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2025
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.