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Science News Archive December 2025 - Page 12


Page 12 of 46

Without campus leftovers to pick through, the beaks of this bird changed shape during the pandemic

During the pandemic closure, UCLA's urban junco bills evolved to resemble those of mountain juncos, as they had less human-provided food. Once campus life returned, the bills reverted to their previous shape. This finding demonstrates how quickly traits can evolve under changing selective pressures.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2025

Marshall University and University of Missouri researchers co-develop new deep learning platform to advance precision medicine

Researchers developed G2PDeep, a web-based platform integrating six molecular data types to predict complex health outcomes. The platform enables better identification of omics-based molecular markers and improves personalized treatment strategies.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalBiomolecules·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 17, 2025

Q&A: From 'mongoose-like' to lions, tigers and bears (oh my) — how changes in Earth's climate shaped carnivorans

Research led by the University of Washington found that climate transitions over 56 million years ago fueled the emergence of diverse carnivoran body shapes. The Eocene-Oligocene Transition led to changes between families, while the Mid-Miocene Climate Transition drove diversification within families.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateDec 17, 2025

One and Done? Research challenges past studies of evolution

A new study found remarkable variation in how populations evolve in variable environments, with some cases benefiting from changes and others being hindered. The research has implications for understanding evolution and adapting to climate change, as well as informing AI and machine learning.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Q&A: From 'mongoose-like' to lions, tigers and bears (oh my) — how changes in Earth's climate shaped carnivorans

A study by University of Washington researchers found that climate changes over 56 million years ago led to diversification of modern carnivores. The Eocene-Oligocene Transition and Mid-Miocene Climate Transition drove the emergence of new body shapes among species such as dogs, cats, bears, and seals.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateDec 17, 2025

How many insects fly in the sky above the USA?

Researchers estimate 100 trillion insects fly in US skies daily, with stability over past decade but regional fluctuations. Winter temperatures significantly impact insect populations, which may hide species sensitive to environmental change.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 17, 2025

Who faces more difficulty recovering from stroke?

A recent study found that female participants experienced slightly worse recovery from ischemic stroke compared to male participants. The study analyzed data from 1,046 people who experienced their first stroke and tracked their recovery over three, six, and 12 months. Female participants showed poorer recovery in daily tasks such as e...

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateDec 17, 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.

Could cheese protect your brain health?

A new study published in Neurology found an association between high-fat dairy products and a reduced risk of dementia. Researchers analyzed data from 27,670 people in Sweden and found that those who ate more high-fat cheese had a 13% lower risk of developing dementia.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateDec 17, 2025

How many insects fly in the sky above the USA?

Researchers estimated that around 100 trillion insects fly above the US every day using weather radar data. Insect populations remained relatively stable over the past decade, but regional fluctuations were observed, with warmer temperatures leading to declines in insect density.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 17, 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.

KAIST-UEL team develops “origami” airless wheel to explore lunar caves

The KAIST-UEL team has developed a transformative wheel capable of traversing the Moon's extreme terrains, including steep lunar pits and lava tubes. The 'origami' airless wheel expands from a compact size to overcome obstacles, while utilizing flexible materials and specialized design elements to withstand harsh lunar conditions.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Robotics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 17, 2025

US Congressmembers’ responses on X to mass shooting events differ along party lines

A study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that US Congress members' social media responses to mass shootings vary along party lines. Democratic congressmembers are more likely to post about guns, framing their responses in terms of community, victims, and legislature, whereas Republican members focus on Second Amendment righ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2025

NEJM Evidence and CIDRAP announce Public Health Alerts

Public Health Alerts provide concise, data-driven information on disease outbreaks and urgent health events. The new series, launched by NEJM Evidence and CIDRAP, offers expert-reviewed reports to support public health evidence-based care.

SourceNEJM Group·JournalNEJM Evidence·DateDec 17, 2025

A hydrocarbon waste solution through a symbiosis network

Texas A&M researchers create a symbiosis network to interconnect industrial facilities, converting hydrocarbon waste into valuable products. The framework aims to maximize carbon utilization while minimizing emissions, cost, and processing steps.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalSustainability·DateDec 17, 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 explores role of neutrophils in canine atopic dermatitis

A new study from North Carolina State University found that neutrophils play a role in the early stages of atopic dermatitis flares in dogs. The researchers compared skin samples from four dogs with house dust mite-induced AD with samples from five healthy, or control, dogs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Allergy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2025

Engineering dendritic cells boosts cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at EPFL have developed two bioengineering approaches that exploit extracellular vesicles to train dendritic cells to identify cancer cells without the need for tumor material. The approaches, published in Nature Communications and Science Translational Medicine, show promising results in enhancing cancer immunotherapy.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 17, 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.

A RNA-based molecule enhances therapies against pancreatic cancer

Researchers at IIT identified a candidate molecule called Apt1 that enhances existing anticancer therapies by making tumour cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy drugs. The molecule slows DNA repair and impairs the interaction between RAD51 and BRCA2 proteins, inducing synthetic lethality in cancerous cells.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2025

This genetic trick gives woodrats an evolutionary advantage against rattlesnake venom

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered that woodrats' duplicate SERPINA3 genes give them a potent immunity against rattlesnake venom. The study found that the different proteins encoded by these genes can block toxic components in snake venom, allowing woodrats to survive bites that would be deadly for humans.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateDec 17, 2025

Artificial intelligence detects early signs of aging from chest X-rays

A new study finds that a deep learning model can detect subtle age-related changes in the heart, lungs, and overall health using chest X-rays. The AI model, CXR-Age, showed strong associations with early signs of aging, including coronary calcium, worsening lung function, and frailty.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of Gerontology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 17, 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.

Neuroscience research reveals synapse functions, relationships in detail

Research from Colorado State University sheds light on the regulation of chemical balance in the brain, focusing on GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps calm brain activity. The study provides insights into how neurons maintain effective communication with each other, even when GABA is produced far from synapses.

SourceColorado State University·JournalJNeurosci·DateDec 17, 2025

Why sexual assault care falls short in rural areas

New research from UT Arlington highlights critical gaps in forensic nursing and the challenges rural nurses face in becoming certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE). With limited resources and low case volume in rural areas, tele-mentoring is proposed as a possible solution to support newly trained SANEs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJNeurosci·DateDec 17, 2025
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.

AIBS announces winners of 2025 Faces of Biology Photo Contest

The AIBS has selected four winners in its 2025 Faces of Biology Photo Contest, showcasing biological field research through powerful imagery. The contest highlights the importance of biological research and education, aiming to make it visible to the public and policymakers.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·DateDec 17, 2025

How to reduce the risk of lymphedema

Researchers found that patients with low physical activity levels are at higher risk of developing lymphedema. The study used a lymph scanner to measure tissue water and identified limits for what is considered lymphedema. Regular physical activity may help reduce the risk of lymphedema after head and neck cancer treatment.

SourceLund University·JournalOral Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2025
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.

Reported use of most drugs remains low among US teens

According to the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research, US teens continue to exhibit historically low drug use. Abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and nicotine holds steady at high levels. Meanwhile, daily energy drink consumption reaches record highs among teens.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateDec 17, 2025

Sophisticated neuroimaging reveals PTSD in WTC responders is linked to measurable physical changes in brain structure

A study among WTC responders with chronic PTSD found measurable physical changes in their brain structure, including cortical changes and imbalance of myelinated to unmyelinated neurons. These changes were most strongly associated with re-experiencing symptoms in individuals with PTSD.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 17, 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.

Individual genetic differences render some therapies ineffective

Research from the University of Basel found that individual genetic differences can make antibody-based therapies ineffective in some people. The study analyzed thousands of genetic sequences and discovered a large number of naturally occurring variations in amino acid sequences, which can render treatments ineffective.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 17, 2025

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prizes 2026

The 2026 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prizes were awarded to three female and seven male researchers. The winners received €2.5 million in prize money to support their research work for up to seven years. Klaus Blaum, a physicist, was recognized for his high-precision measurements of natural constants and symmetries.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateDec 17, 2025

Observing synapses in action

A team of researchers has captured the process of synaptic vesicle fusion with neurotransmitters, revealing a direct form of vesicle recruitment that enables neurons to send signals over longer periods. This breakthrough could lead to targeted therapies for synaptic disorders and improve our understanding of brain function.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 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.

From prey to predator: How carnivores spread beneficial fungi

Research finds that carnivores aid in dispersing mycorrhizal fungi through secondary dispersal, facilitating the transfer of spores over long distances. This process plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem structure and function, particularly in forests facing environmental stress.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalEcology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2025

New algorithm developed that enables wireless communications without perceptible delays in industrial environments

A team of researchers developed an innovative algorithm called 'Ponte' that integrates advanced functionalities to provide reliable wireless communications in industrial environments. The algorithm guarantees strict limits on delay and reliability, even over Wi-Fi, making it suitable for controlling robotic arms and autonomous vehicles.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalIEEE Internet of Things Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 17, 2025

The COVID-19 virus manipulates host cell RNA to shut down the immune system

Researchers discovered that SARS-CoV-2 interacts with infected lung cells' genetic material in an unprecedented way, manipulating RNA to shut down the immune system. The virus uses methylation to destabilize RNA structures, weakening interferon signaling and impairing the immune response.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNAR Molecular Medicine·DateDec 17, 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.

Why neurodiversity might be the hidden engine of entrepreneurial success

Researchers found that ADHD enables high entrepreneurial alertness and risk-taking, while dyslexia fosters advanced delegation strategies. Bipolar traits correlate with creativity and a willingness to pursue bold ventures. The study advocates for business environments that value neurodiverse strengths, rather than seeking normalcy.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2025

Obesity and inflammation may accelerate lung aging and increase the risk of COPD

A Brazilian study of nearly 900 adults under 40 found that obesity and systemic inflammation accelerate lung aging and increase the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking remains the main risk factor for lung function loss, but these two conditions can also contribute to COPD.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBMC Pulmonary Medicine·DateDec 17, 2025

An enzyme neutralizes pathogens by cleaving a bacterial toxin

Scientists at Leibniz-HKI discovered an enzyme called BurK that cleaves the toxic molecule malleicyprol in human pathogenic bacteria. This mechanism regulates toxin levels and renders it harmless to humans, offering a potential therapeutic approach for antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 17, 2025
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.

Sharp rise in nicotine pouch use in Great Britain driven by young men

A study found a sharp rise in nicotine pouch use among young men in Great Britain, particularly those aged 16-24, with 1 in 13 using them. The product's lower risk to health compared to cigarettes may help reduce harm for non-smokers, but its potential for youth uptake and regulation are concerns.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateDec 17, 2025

Fifteen-year cattle manure application reshapes phoD- and gcd-harboring microbiomes, enhancing vegetable yields

This study demonstrates that combined manure and chemical fertilizer application significantly alters the abundance, diversity, and composition of phosphorus-cycling microorganisms harboring key functional genes. The researchers found a 74.6% increase in positive microbial correlations through network analysis.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalSoil Ecology Letters·TypeCase study·DateDec 17, 2025

Tourism is quietly rewriting women’s lives in countries under strict religious rule, according to a new study

A new study from the University of Surrey found that women in Iran's tourism sector are navigating state control, religious authority, and patriarchal norms to earn, lead, and be seen. They use digital platforms, peer networks, mentoring, and training to build visibility, income, and independence.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAnnals of Tourism Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 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.

Real-world data gives Africa a smarter path to fighting HIV and TB

Biostatisticians applied statistical method to existing routine data to understand how TB prevention protocols are functioning in real-world conditions. The results show clear progress and serious gaps in TB preventive treatment uptake among patients initiating antiretroviral therapy.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalHIV Medicine·DateDec 17, 2025

Confused by the doctor's questionnaire? U of A study suggests it's common

A University of Arizona study found that most people who fill out the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) are confused by its instructions, leading to inaccurate data. The study highlights a problematic phrasing in the questionnaire's instructions, which asks patients to indicate the frequency with which they've been bothered by symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 17, 2025