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Science News Archive December 2025 - Page 15


Page 15 of 46

UN Member States pledge to increase access to diagnosis and inhaled medicines for the 480 million people living with COPD

The UN has pledged to improve access to diagnosis and treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which affects 480 million people worldwide. Inhaled medicines can reduce health and economic costs associated with COPD, but only 7% of pharmacies in low- and middle-income countries currently offer them.

Opposing forces in cells could hold clues to treating disease

Researchers found that two proteins in the CCR4-NOT complex have opposing roles in controlling genetic messages, with one destabilizing and the other steadying mRNA. This balance is critical to gene regulation and understanding cellular differentiation, adaptation to environmental stimuli, and disease mechanisms.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 16, 2025

Demonstration of altermagnetism in RuO₂ thin films -- A new magnetic material for the AI era

Researchers have demonstrated altermagnetism in RuO₂ thin films, a promising new magnetic material for high-speed, high-density memory devices. The discovery overcomes limitations of conventional ferromagnets and has the potential to enable more energy-efficient information processing.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2025

Evolving trends and drug class dynamics in drug-induced fatty liver disease over two decades

A 20-year analysis of drug-induced fatty liver disease reveals rising cases among adults aged 18-64 and females, primarily linked to monoclonal antibodies, antipsychotics, and DMARDs. The study highlights regional differences and emphasizes the need for pharmacovigilance and preventive strategies to optimize patient safety.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalMetabolism and Target Organ Damage·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2025

Eyes for an agricultural robot: AI system identifies weeds in apple orchards

Researchers at Penn State developed an AI machine vision model that accurately finds, outlines, and estimates the density of weeds in apple orchards. The system achieved high accuracy for weed detection, segmentation, localization, tracking, and identification, paving the way for automated precision herbicide sprayer guidance.

SourcePenn State·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2025

Transparent ceramic could boost internet speeds and cut energy use

Researchers have created transparent ceramics that can control light with exceptional efficiency, surpassing theoretical predictions. The breakthrough is attributed to the zentropy theory developed by Penn State professor Zi-Kui Liu, which explains the material's unique electro-optic properties.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2025

New ALS diagnostic blood test

A new rapid blood test for ALS has been developed by Brain Chemistry Labs, providing 97% accuracy in diagnosing the disease from a single blood draw. The test is based on microRNA analysis and can also rule out patients without ALS, offering hope to those struggling with this debilitating condition.

SourceBrain Chemistry Labs·JournalMolecular Neurobiology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2025

The quality of carbohydrates in the diet plays a key role in the prevention of dementia

A study published in International Journal of Epidemiology found that consuming low-glycaemic-index foods can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. Diets with lower glycaemic index values were associated with a 16% reduction in risk, while higher values increased risk by 14%.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2025

Cancer-fighting bacterial product ‘cocktails’ may offer personalized treatment

A team at Penn State has developed a novel approach to treating bladder cancer using bacterial mixtures, known as microbial product cocktail immunotherapy. This method uses AI to personalize the treatment for each patient and has shown promising results in mice with bladder cancer, more than doubling long-term cancer survival rates.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2025

IADR welcomes the adoption of the UN Political Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health

The International Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research (IADR) celebrates the robust inclusion of oral health in the adopted declaration. This recognizes that ~3.7 billion people live with oral diseases, imposing a significant health burden. IADR urges Member States to translate commitments into concrete national actio...

Healthy Nordic diet good for both type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Researchers found that the healthy Nordic diet was more effective in reducing blood glucose levels and improving body weight, inflammation, and lipid profile compared to other diets. The study also showed that participants lost weight despite being allowed to eat as much as they wanted from recommended foods.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2025

Chonnam National University researchers resolve long-standing limitation in thin-film solar cells

Researchers at Chonnam National University have developed a new approach to thin-film solar cells using a nanometric germanium oxide layer, resulting in improved performance and device stability. The innovative design boosts power conversion efficiency by up to 4.81%.

Raising legal drinking age improves academic performance and mental health

A new study finds that raising the minimum legal drinking age from 16 to 18 years significantly improves academic performance and mental health among European teenagers. The research, conducted by Carmen Villa, shows a decrease in binge drinking and intoxication, leading to better PISA exam scores and reduced anxiety medication use.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Health Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2025