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Science News Archive December 2025 - Page 45


Page 45 of 46

Helium leak on the exoplanet WASP-107b

Astronomers from UNIGE and others observe large streams of helium gas escaping from WASP-107b, a super-puff exoplanet with extremely low density. This is the first time helium has been detected on an exoplanet using JWST, revealing valuable clues for understanding atmospheric escape.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeNews article·DateDec 1, 2025

Cause of partner’s death linked to widowhood mortality – differences more pronounced in cohabiting couples

A nationwide study in Finland finds that widows and widowers from cohabiting relationships face higher mortality risks, especially after accidental deaths. Forming a new relationship reduces mortality compared to living alone, with marriage associated with lower mortality for both men and women.

SourceUniversity of Oulu, Finland·JournalJournal of Gerontology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2025

Bird-of-paradise inspires darkest fabric ever mad

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a method to produce the darkest fabric currently reported, with no angle dependency. The team used polydopamine and etching in a plasma chamber to create nanofibrils that mimic the light-trapping capabilities of the riflebird's ultrablack feathers.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 1, 2025

Priming for planned sex increases desire, frequency in parents with young children, York study finds

A new study published by York University found that encouraging couples with young children to plan sex led to increased desire and frequency. The researchers also discovered that planning sex reduced feelings of obligation to have sex, allowing participants to engage in more frequent and satisfying sexual experiences.

SourceYork University·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2025

Changing the sweet taste of someone’s diet has no impact on their sweet tooth or health, study suggests

A new trial found that increasing or decreasing sugar intake in a person's diet has no effect on their preference for sweet foods. Researchers suggest that public health advice may need to focus on reducing sugar and energy-dense foods, rather than eliminating all sweet options.

SourceBournemouth University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2025

X-rays bring high-resolution brain mapping within reach

Researchers have developed a new method to image brain tissue using X-rays, achieving unprecedented resolution and resolving the long-standing challenge of studying connectomics. The technique uses a specially designed epoxy resin and cooled stage to stabilize the sample, enabling the study of synapses and neural connections in three d...

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Methods·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 1, 2025

Effective, evidence-based treatments for adolescents with substance use disorder are lacking

A review of medications for adolescents with substance use disorders found only 36 studies in the past 25 years, highlighting a significant gap in research and treatment options. The study emphasizes the need for additional research and policy initiatives to support medication treatments for diverse youth with SUD.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 1, 2025

One in eight adolescents shows signs of hearing damage by age 18

A landmark study published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery reveals alarming rates of hearing loss among adolescents. The research found that 6.2% experienced sensorineural hearing loss and 12.9% showed signs of probable noise-induced hearing damage by age 18. Early monitoring and prevention are crucial to mitigate the long-term...

A new possibility for life: Study suggests ancient skies rained down ingredients

Researchers found sulfur-containing molecules in ancient Earth's atmosphere, which could have supplied life with building blocks like amino acids. The discovery challenges the idea that these molecules emerged after life already formed, suggesting a more complex role for the environment in life's origin.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2025

Bridging controversy: New international guidelines redefine diagnosis and treatment of fungal eye infections

Fungal endophthalmitis is a devastating intraocular infection with low frequency, variable presentation, and limited clinical trial data. New international guidelines provide comprehensive guidance for diagnosis and management, emphasizing early recognition, rapid microbiological confirmation, and prompt multimodal antifungal therapy.

SourceWenzhou Medical University·JournalEye and Vision·DateDec 1, 2025

All life copies DNA unambiguously into proteins. Archaea may be the exception.

Researchers discovered that one microorganism can live with a bit of ambiguity in its genetic code, synthesizing two different proteins seemingly at random. This finding contradicts a long-held dogma and has implications for future disease therapies, including treating diseases caused by premature stop codons.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2025

Biophysics: Delayed supply of building blocks facilitates assembly

Researchers at LMU München demonstrate how delayed supply of building blocks facilitates the self-assembly of complex structures in compartmentalized systems. The new model shows that a slow supply from a reservoir increases yield and shortens assembly time, preventing resource competition among growing structures.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2025

In recognition of World AIDS Day 2025, Gregory Folkers and Anthony Fauci reflect on progress made in antiretroviral treatments and prevention of HIV/AIDS, highlighting promising therapeutic developments and looking ahead to what is needed to end the AIDS

Experts Gregory Folkers and Anthony Fauci highlight promising therapeutic developments in antiretroviral treatments for HIV/AIDS. The authors emphasize the need for continued research to end the AIDS epidemic, citing recent advances as unfinished business.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 1, 2025

Chemistry meets biology: controlling artificial cell membranes through catalysis

Scientists at Institute of Science Tokyo have developed an artificial metalloenzyme-based platform that enables dynamic control of artificial membranes, mimicking the behavior of natural biological membranes. The researchers successfully induced phase-separated domain disappearance and membrane division in artificial membranes using a ...

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2025

Health risks of air pollution from stubble burning poorly understood in various parts of Punjab, India

A study conducted in Punjab, India, reveals a significant perception gap regarding air pollution from stubble burning. Residents are more likely to recognize severe air pollution in urban areas but underestimate its impact locally. Personal or familial health experiences play a crucial role in shaping awareness of the issue.

SourceResearch Institute for Humanity and Nature·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2025

Incidence and mortality risks of gastrointestinal cancers during working-age period: Trends and disparities in 204 countries and territories (1990–2021)

The study analyzed global data from 1990 to 2021, finding that GI cancer risks peak between ages 40-64 and differ by sex, socioeconomic status, and geography. Colorectal cancer has the highest incidence risk, while stomach cancer demonstrates the highest mortality risk.

SourceFAR Publishing Limited·JournalMed Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2025

Sticky beginnings: When life began to gel

A team of international researchers proposes that sticky, surface-bound gels may have played a crucial role in the origins of life on Earth. These primitive gels could have provided the necessary structure and function for early chemical systems to become increasingly complex. The study's findings also extend to astrobiology, suggestin...

SourceHiroshima University·JournalChemSystemsChem·DateDec 1, 2025

Challenges and opportunities in next-generation LED therapeutic devices

The latest advancements in photomedicine, materials science, and soft electronics are driving the development of next-generation phototherapy devices. These innovations include wearable and implantable flexible sensing technologies combined with AI, enabling closed-loop systems for real-time adjustments and improved medical outcomes.

Probiotics and prebiotics offer safer alternatives to antibiotics in animal agriculture

A study by Shinshu University researchers highlights the potential of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics to enhance livestock gut health, immunity, and growth while reducing dependence on antibiotics. The findings support sustainable livestock management and contribute to reducing antimicrobial resistance risks.

SourceShinshu University·JournalVeterinary Research Communications·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 1, 2025