Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive December 2025 - Page 20


Page 20 of 46

Scientists develop a smarter mRNA therapy that knows which cells to target

Researchers have created an mRNA system that activates therapeutic genes in specific cell populations, potentially leading to safer and more precise cancer treatments. The system uses microRNAs to recognize cancer cells and shuts off the treatment if it's not needed, reducing toxicity and expanding mRNA therapy's reach.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2025

Jeonbuk National University researchers explore the impact of different seasonings on the flavor perception of Doenjang soup

Jeonbuk National University researchers examine how different seasonings shape kokumi perception in doenjang soup, influencing consumer acceptance. They found that umami is a major sensory driver of kokumi perception and can be enhanced to improve the flavor quality of fermented foods.

World-first discovery uncovers how glioblastoma tumours dodge chemotherapy, potentially opening the door to new treatments

Researchers discovered glioblastoma cells use PRDM9 to survive chemotherapy and regrow tumors. By blocking PRDM9 or cutting off cholesterol supply, persister cells can be wiped out, improving survival in mice. This breakthrough offers new strategies for treating the deadliest brain cancer.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2025

Immune system keeps mucosal fungi in check

A study by University of Zurich researchers has shed light on the mechanisms that maintain homeostasis with mucosal fungi. The team discovered that the fungus Candida albicans uses a toxin called candidalysin to survive in the mouth, and that interleukin 17-mediated immunity prevents it from growing out of control.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2025

Combination pills for high blood pressure may simplify treatment, improve long-term health

A new American Heart Association scientific statement suggests that combination pills combining two or more medications may help adults with high blood pressure achieve optimal blood pressure goals more quickly, reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke, and improve long-term health. Currently, most people need two or more medicatio...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalHypertension·DateDec 15, 2025

Electrodes created using light

Researchers at Linköping University have successfully created electrodes from conductive plastics using visible light, eliminating the need for toxic chemicals. The technology allows for the creation of flexible electronics and biocompatible sensors on various surfaces, including skin.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 15, 2025

How human interaction drove evolution to make bears less aggressive

A new study found that Italian bears living in areas with many villages have evolved to become smaller and less aggressive. The researchers attributed this change to the removal of more aggressive bears by humans, which led to a selection for behavior-related genetic variants associated with reduced aggressiveness.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2025

Clues to the origin of hot Jupiters hidden in their orbits

A team of researchers has discovered a distinct group of hot Jupiters whose circular orbits contradict the expected timescale for tidal migration. These planets exhibit characteristics consistent with disk migration, such as primordial alignment and planet multiplicity, suggesting they formed smoothly within the protoplanetary disk.

Canada’s reduced pledge to Global Fund will impact domestic health

A reduced pledge by Canada to the Global Fund could lead to decreased success in controlling tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in the country. The authors of an editorial urge Canada's government to invest in improving social determinants of health and implement disease-specific suggestions to address these pressing global health issues.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 15, 2025

1 in 4 children with major traumatic injuries not cared for in pediatric trauma centres

Research shows that 77% of severely injured children are transported or transferred to pediatric trauma centers, highlighting the need for improved access and evidence-based strategies. Variability in access exists across Canadian provinces, with some areas having higher access than others.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2025

Hierarchical temporal processing in the primate thalamocortical system: insights from nonlinguistic structured stimuli

The study demonstrates the auditory cortex's ability to integrate fine-scale and coarse-scale temporal cues during synchronization, with better performance in macaques compared to the middle glandular body. The nonlinguistic oddball paradigm shows promise for clinical applications in psychiatric disorders and future research should exp...

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateDec 14, 2025

AI chatbots could help reduce mental health stigma

A new study suggests that AI chatbots like ChatGPT can help reduce mental health stigma by making people feel more comfortable seeking support. The research found that believing the tool is effective plays a key role in reducing concerns about external judgment and increasing its perceived effectiveness.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalBehavioral Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateDec 14, 2025

Acid-treated carbon nanotubes boost efficiency and stability of flexible perovskite solar modules

Researchers have developed flexible perovskite solar modules with power conversion efficiency (PCE) over 20% using acid-treated carbon nanotubes as window electrodes. These modules exhibit improved stability, bendability, and scalability, making them a promising solution for sustainable energy systems.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2025

New oceanic data assimilation system improves prediction accuracy

A new global ocean data assimilation system has been developed to improve the accuracy of sea-surface temperature and sea-level anomaly forecasts. The YHGO platform integrates a fully nonlinear and non-Gaussian data assimilation method with a mass-conserving ocean model, leading to improved performance compared to existing systems.

SourceOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research (OLAR)·JournalOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2025

Room-temperature mott insulator discovered in kagome material Nb₃Cl₈ opens a new path for strongly correlated quantum physics

Researchers have discovered a room-temperature Mott insulator in the kagome compound Nb₃Cl₈, which provides a highly tunable platform for exploring strong electron correlations. The material exhibits a thermally induced melting behavior of its energy gap, a hallmark of a Mott insulator.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2025

When neural spikes break time's symmetry

Researchers developed a method that characterizes collective dynamics of neural activity using principles from thermodynamics. They found that neurons dynamically reshape their interactions during behavior and that the brain's internal temporal asymmetry shifts during task engagement, shedding light on efficient computation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2025

Robert I. Schattner Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities established at Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine

The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine has established a new center dedicated to providing quality dental care for people with physical, cognitive, and complex medical conditions. The center will offer holistic, multidisciplinary care under one roof, serving approximately 30-40 patients daily.

Tech savvy users have most digital concerns

A new study found that highly educated, Western European millennials have the most digital concerns, with individuals having higher levels of digital literacy being the most affected. The research also found that people's perceptions of digital harm are heightened by their level of digital exposure and knowledge.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalInformation Communication & Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2025

China’s ecological redlines offer fast track to 30 x 30 global conservation goal

China's Ecological Protection Redline system has identified 32% of the nation's land as crucial ecological space, safeguarding major ecosystems and wildlife species. Recognizing these areas as 'other effective area-based conservation measures' (OECMs) could close the remaining gap to achieving 30x30 without creating new parks.

Study links genetic variants to risk of blinding eye disease in premature infants

A new study from the University of Oklahoma suggests that small genetic differences in two proteins may influence how their eyes develop, affecting the risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Researchers found four genetic variants specific to eye disease, with two protective and two increasing the risk. Early genetic testing could h...

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalPediatric Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2025