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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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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