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Science News Archive December 2025 - Page 24


Page 24 of 46

Comeback of the biphenomycins

Researchers at HIPS have fully elucidated the biosynthetic pathway of biphenomycins, a potent antibiotic family against Gram-positive pathogens. They can now produce sufficient quantities and create new variants with improved pharmaceutical properties to combat drug-resistant S. aureus infections.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2025

Rare image of Tatooine-like planet is closest to its twin stars yet

Astronomers at Northwestern University have directly imaged a Tatooine-like exoplanet orbiting two suns, revealing unique insights into how planets form around multiple stars. The discovery provides an unprecedented look at the complex dynamics of binary systems and offers new opportunities to test theories of planet formation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2025

Climate research reveals global warming intensifies temperature "roller coasters”

A new study reveals that rapid temperature fluctuations have intensified under global warming, posing significant health risks. The research defines these events as occurring when the temperature difference between two consecutive days exceeds historical records, leading to more frequent and sharp swings between temperature extremes.

New model makes machine learning potentials more accurate and more accessible

A new dataset and model improve the efficiency of machine-learning interatomic potentials and their applicability to different chemical elements and material classes. The PET-MAD model uses a compact and denser dataset of 95,595 structures and an original neural network architecture, achieving robust simulations with minimal fine-tuning.

Population-level trends in ADHD medication prescribing

A repeated cross-sectional study found a significant increase in stimulant prescribing for ADHD, with the largest acceleration observed among female adolescents and young adults aged 18 to 64. The study's findings are consistent with prior research but provide new insights into population-level trends.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 11, 2025

How to build a genome

Leading synthetic biologists share hard-won lessons from their decade-long quest to build the world's first synthetic eukaryotic genome. The insights could accelerate development of climate-resilient crops and custom-built cell factories.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2025

Exploring dominant endophytic Pleosporales in grasses: New taxonomic insights in the suborder Massarineae

Researchers identified multiple well-supported clades corresponding to known genera and detected previously unrecognized lineages. They described two new genera and three new species, including Proxiconiothyrium yunnanense and Periconia longibrachiatum, expanding knowledge of Pleosporales diversity.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalMycology: An International Journal on Fungal Biology·DateDec 11, 2025

Environmental variability and migration promote the evolution of cooperation among humans: A simulation-based analysis

This study investigates how environmental variability and human migration influence the evolution of cooperation among humans. Simulation results reveal that cooperation is more likely to evolve when these factors are sufficiently high, hindering non-cooperative groups and encouraging cooperative groups.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalChaos Solitons & Fractals·DateDec 11, 2025

Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be safely omitted in some patients with early-stage breast cancer

A recent study found that omitting sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in clinically node-negative, HR-positive, HER2-negative early-stage breast cancer patients did not compromise regional control or survival after a median five years of follow-up. The recurrence of the cancer in the lymph nodes surrounding the primary tumor was observe...

Illinois Tech biomedical engineering professor Philip R. Troyk elected as Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors

Philip R. Troyk, director of the Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering at Illinois Tech, has been elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors for his groundbreaking work on neuroprosthetic devices, including an implanted cortical visual prosthesis that provides artificial vision to individuals with profo...

Comparative transcriptomic analysis of human maxillary and mandibular tooth germs reveals discrepancies in gene expression patterns

The study found that upper and lower tooth germs exhibit distinct transcriptomic profiles at the cap stage, with maxillary-enriched genes associated with morphogenesis and lower-enriched genes linked to mineralization. The researchers also validated key findings using RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence staining.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalOral Science and Homeostatic Medicine·DateDec 11, 2025

Rats may seek cannabis to cope with stress

A recent study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that rats with higher natural stress levels are more likely to self-administer cannabis. The study also identified links between stress hormone levels and cognitive flexibility, suggesting potential early markers for problematic drug use patterns.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2025

Multi-scale modelling framework predicts mechanical responses of Fe–Cr–Al alloys across composition and processing conditions

A new study presents a comprehensive multi-scale computational framework capable of predicting the mechanical responses of Fe–Cr–Al alloys. The framework integrates molecular dynamics, phase-field simulations, and finite element modelling to simulate solid-solution effects and processing-induced microstructural evolution.

SourceELSP·JournalAI & Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 11, 2025

Insilico Medicine and Taigen achieves license agreement to develop and commercialize AI-driven PHD inhibitor for anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Insilico Medicine and Taigen Biotechnology collaborate to develop and commercialize ISM4808, an AI-driven PHD inhibitor for treating anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The partnership grants TaiGen exclusive rights for further development, commercialization, and sub-licensing in the Greater China area.

Dr. Pengfei Liu receives 2026 O'Donnell Award in Medicine for pioneering advances in genetic diagnostics and rare disease treatment

Dr. Liu's work uses genome and RNA sequencing to improve diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic diseases, benefiting thousands of patients. He has established whole-genome and RNA sequencing as clinically approved tests, enabling individualized medicine and personalized treatment.

Dr. Bilal Akin wins 2026 O'Donnell Award in Engineering for transformative work in EV energy systems and industrial automation

Dr. Bilal Akin has been recognized for his groundbreaking research on sustainable and high-efficiency energy conversion systems for electric vehicles and industrial automation. His innovative contributions have enabled early warnings and enhanced system safety, shaping the future of energy and transportation.

Dr. Yunsun Nam receives 2026 O'Donnell Award in Biological Sciences for pioneering RNA research transforming gene regulation and cancer therapy

Dr. Yunsun Nam's groundbreaking research on RNA-protein interactions reveals key insights for gene regulation, cancer biology, and RNA-based therapeutics. Her work uncovers molecular rules governing specificity between proteins and RNAs, shedding light on novel mechanisms linking dysregulated RNA methylation to cancer.

JMC Publication: Insilico’s AI platforms enable discovery of potent, selective, oral DGKα inhibitor to overcome checkpoint resistance

Insilico Medicine's AI platforms enable discovery of a novel, potent, selective, and orally administered DGKα inhibitor that restores T cell function and overcomes checkpoint resistance. The compound exhibits strong combination activity with anti–PD-1 and anti–CTLA-4 therapies in preclinical studies.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateDec 11, 2025

Gut health à la CAR T

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have devised a new approach to stimulate cell growth and repair in the intestine using CAR T-cell therapy. This therapy has shown promising results in improving gut health in both young and old mice, with significant reductions in inflammation and improved nutrient absorption.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Aging·DateDec 11, 2025

When socially responsible investing backfires

A new study by University of Rochester finance professors argues that socially responsible investors' capital can inadvertently create incentives for firms to postpone green reforms. The researchers suggest public commitments and binding principles of responsible investing could overcome this issue, making impact investing more effective.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 11, 2025