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Science News Archive December 2025 - Page 22


Page 22 of 46

Chromatin accessibility maps reveal how stem cells drive myelodysplastic progression

Chromatin accessibility maps reveal that MDS stem cells gradually lose their normal identity and acquire characteristics typical of myeloid progenitors. A 'progenitor score' developed by the team tracks cell movement toward a progenitor-like state, correlating with disease severity and prognosis.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2025

Global measures consistently underestimate food insecurity; one in five who suffer from hunger may go uncounted

A new study reveals that global food insecurity analyses systematically underestimate hunger, with significant implications for humanitarian aid allocation. The researchers found that 66.2 million people, or one in five, who suffer from hunger may go uncounted due to underestimation.

Largest study of its kind highlights benefits – and risks – of plant-based diets in children

A large meta-analysis of over 48,000 children found that well-planned plant-based diets can support healthy growth and even offer additional health benefits for children. However, the study also highlights risks of deficiencies in key nutrients such as vitamin B12 and zinc if not obtained through fortified foods or supplements.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 12, 2025

Chinese scientists reveal how isoflavone 6-hydroxylase mediates soybean resistance to Phytophthora sojae

Researchers discovered the biosynthetic pathway of glycitein, a key soybean isoflavonoid, and its role in plant immunity. They found that GmIF6H1 enzyme catalyzes the production of glycitein, which acts synergistically with glyceollins to defend soybeans against infection by Phytophthora sojae.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2025

Atomic Josephson junctions: How Bose-Einstein condensates replicate Shapiro steps

Researchers simulated the Josephson effect using ultracold atomic gases and observed characteristic Shapiro steps, confirming its universality. The findings enable the study of quantum effects in atomic systems, paving the way for 'atomtronics' and potential applications in quantum computing and medical diagnostics.

Risk to Amazon rainforest from land use and climate change

A new study estimates that the Amazon rainforest could lose up to 38% of its area by the end of the 21st century due to land use changes and climate change. The research, published in PNAS, suggests that abrupt transitions from dense forest coverage to savannah-like landscapes pose a significant risk to the ecosystem.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2025

The key to increasing patients’ advance care medical planning may be automatic patient outreach

Research finds that automatic patient outreach significantly increased the number of patients who completed advance care planning documentation. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, suggests that health systems can implement automated mechanisms to promote advance care planning conversations and improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 11, 2025

Wildfires can turn harmless minerals in soils into contaminants

Researchers found that wildfires can convert chromium 3, a benign form in rocks and soil, into the carcinogenic chromium 6. Soils from summits contained high levels of chromium 6 when burned at temperatures above 750 F, which could taint groundwater for up to 2.5 years. The study highlights the need for better understanding of fire's i...

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 11, 2025

UBCO study finds microdosing can temporarily improve mood, creativity

A UBC Okanagan study found that microdosing psychedelics temporarily improves mood, creativity, and wellbeing, but these effects do not persist on non-dosing days. The study, tracking over 1,435 participants from 49 countries, suggests that microdosing may 'reactivate' or build upon prior effects of larger-dose psychedelic experiences.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalPsychopharmacology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 11, 2025

Blood test reveals prognosis after cardiac arrest

A new blood biomarker, neurofilament light (NFL), has been shown to accurately predict the extent of brain damage after a cardiac arrest. This breakthrough discovery may transform care for patients in intensive care units, allowing for more informed decisions about their treatment.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2025

The Lancet: New single dose oral treatment for gonorrhoea effectively combats drug-resistant infections, trial finds

A new single-dose oral medication called zoliflodacin shows promise as a treatment for antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea, with over 90% of infections cured at genital sites. The medication is well-tolerated and has the potential to improve global efforts to control drug-resistant gonorrhea infections.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 11, 2025

Canadian wildfire smoke worsened pediatric asthma in US Northeast: UVM study

Research from University of Vermont reveals exposure to Canadian wildfire smoke worsened asthma symptoms in children in the US Northeast. The study found that smoke from hundreds of miles away affected children's health, highlighting growing health risks for the region as climate change fuels more smoke-filled summers.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalEnvironmental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 11, 2025

Proton therapy shows survival benefit in Phase III trial for patients with head and neck cancers

A Phase III trial has demonstrated the survival benefit of proton therapy compared to traditional radiation therapy for oropharyngeal cancer patients, with improved overall survival at five years. Proton therapy also resulted in reduced toxicities and feeding tube dependence, highlighting its potential as a standard treatment option.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 11, 2025

Tracing a path through photosynthesis to food security

A new review evaluates biological strategies to improve the efficiency of photosynthesis, highlighting promising solutions such as engineering Rubisco enzyme and developing cooperative crops. The research aims to address global challenges in agriculture and ensure food security for the world's population.

Nationally renowned anesthesiology physician-scientist and clinical operations leader David Mintz, MD, PhD, named Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at the UM School of Medicine

Dr. Mintz brings exceptional clinical care, research, and education expertise to the role. He will lead transformative initiatives in perioperative operations, improving financial performance, employee satisfaction, quality, safety, and patient experience.

An ECOG-ACRIN imaging study solves a long-standing gap in metastatic breast cancer research and care: accurately measuring treatment response in patients with bone metastases

A prospective multicenter trial validated an improved method for predicting treatment benefits in hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer with bone metastases. Metabolic change assessed by FDG-PET/CT accurately predicted progression-free survival as early as 12 weeks after treatment initiation.

Mars’ salty secrets: how ancient brines imprinted their chemical fingerprints in Martian minerals

Researchers have discovered that jarosite selectively captures bromine under Mars-like conditions, offering insights into the Red Planet's aqueous past and halogen cycling. The study reveals a clear trend: bromine is strongly favored over chlorine for incorporation into jarosite, with specific temperature-dependent effects.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalPlanet·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2025

Lighting strongly influences people’s experience while listening to music, a new study suggests

A new study suggests that indoor lighting can strongly influence listeners' experiences while listening to music. The research found that warm white lights were most effective in evoking positive emotions, while blue lights had the least positive response. These findings have implications for improving well-being and mood regulation in...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalLighting Design + Application·DateDec 11, 2025