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Science News Archive December 2025 - Page 8


Page 8 of 46

Livestock-induced changes in soil properties and microbial dominance determine soil microbial diversity in a conifer forest

A study reveals that livestock grazing leads to an increase in soil bacterial diversity despite altering soil properties, while disrupting the competitive hierarchy of fungi. The researchers found that grazing suppresses dominant fungal phylum Basidiomycota, releasing subordinate microbial groups.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalSoil Ecology Letters·TypeCase study·DateDec 19, 2025

Ending federal support for housing first programs could increase U.S. homelessness by 5% in one year, new JAMA study finds

A new study published in JAMA Health Forum estimates that ending federal funding for Housing First programs would result in 44,590 additional people experiencing homelessness within a year, a roughly 5% increase from 2024 levels. This could push tens of thousands of people back into homelessness almost overnight.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateDec 19, 2025

Researchers develop new system for high-energy-density, long-life, multi-electron transfer bromine-based flow batteries

Researchers developed a novel bromine-based two-electron transfer reaction system to improve zinc-bromine flow batteries. The new system achieves high energy density and long lifespan with ultra-low bromine concentration, reducing electrolyte corrosivity.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Energy·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 19, 2025

Innovative NDAVI index improves photosynthesis estimation in rice across growth stages

A new index called NDAVI improves photosynthesis estimation in rice crops by accounting for senescent leaves, providing more accurate fAPARgreen estimates. This innovation enhances crop monitoring, allowing for better assessment of crop health, yield predictions, and field management practices.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2025

Kangaroos fix their posture to save energy at high hopping speeds

A study published in eLife reveals how kangaroos increase their hopping speeds without incurring an associated energetic cost. By adjusting their posture, kangaroos reduce tendon stress and energy storage, allowing them to maintain the same amount of net work at the ankle, regardless of speed.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 19, 2025

Toxin-to-treasure: Chonnam National University scientists use engineered enzyme to turn formaldehyde pollutant into high-value chemical

Chonnam National University scientists use an engineered enzyme to convert formaldehyde into L-glyceraldehyde, a valuable chiral C3 compound. The novel approach demonstrates how enzyme engineering can turn pollution into useful building blocks for medicine and industry.

SourceChonnam National University, The Research Information Management Team, Office of Research Promotion·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2025

University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies releases white paper on AI-driven skilling to reduce burnout and restore worker autonomy

The University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies has released a new white paper on the role of AI-driven skilling in reducing burnout and restoring worker autonomy. The report highlights the need for employers to invest in AI literacy and personalized development pathways to close existing gaps in career development.

Advancing wetland vegetation monitoring: A novel spectral method to estimate key nutrient elements

A new spectral method was developed to estimate leaf nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content in wetland vegetation. The study used hyperspectral leaf data from seven species in a karst wetland ecosystem, achieving high precision in nutrient estimation with an average inversion accuracy of 71%.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2025

AIs fail at the game of visual “telephone”

Researchers found that AIs consistently converged on 12 common themes despite diverse prompts, suggesting biases in training data. The models failed to generate novel or creative outputs, highlighting the need for anti-convergence mechanisms and human input for AI's creative potential.

SourceCell Press·JournalPatterns·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2025

Novel composite copper oxides with strong and stable antiviral activity

Composite copper oxides La₂CuO₄ and Y₂Cu₂O₅ demonstrate exceptionally high antiviral activity against non-enveloped viruses, outperforming individual constituent oxides. The oxides' cation-rich surfaces enhance electrostatic adsorption of viruses, leading to protein inactivation and viral neutralization.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2025

Sleep duration, timing, and quality: how smartphone data predict labor productivity

A study analyzing smartphone-based sleep data from over 80,000 Japanese workers found associations between short and long sleep duration, sleep latency, and social jetlag with presenteeism scores. These factors can predict labor productivity loss, emphasizing the need for personalized interventions to improve sleep health.

Candida auris: genetic process revealed which could be treatment target for deadly fungal disease

Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered a genetic process in Candida auris that could unlock new ways to treat the deadly fungal infection. The study found that genes activated during infection include those that code for nutrient pumps, potentially making it vulnerable to iron-based drugs.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2025

Groundbreaking discovery turns household plastic recycling into anti-cancer medication

Researchers at the University of St. Andrews have discovered a way to turn household PET waste into the building block for anti-cancer drugs through a ruthenium-catalysed semi-hydrogenation process. This breakthrough offers substantial environmental benefits and has potential to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

SourceUniversity of St. Andrews·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2025

HKUST Engineering researchers developed a novel photodetector to enhance the performance of on-chip light monitoring

Researchers from HKUST developed a germanium-ion-implanted silicon waveguide photodiode that achieves high responsivity and ultra-low optical loss, significantly enhancing the performance of on-chip light monitoring. The device is well-suited for integration into photonic circuits without disturbing primary signal flow.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2025

NUS researchers achieve breakthrough in stabilizing vapor-deposited perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, paving the way for real-world deployment

The new vapour-deposition method delivers unprecedented durability in perovskite–silicon tandem solar cells, achieving over 30% power-conversion efficiency and operating stability exceeding 2,000 hours. This breakthrough paves the way for real-world deployment of tandem solar modules.

Science based energy choices: New perspective urges balanced path for prosperity, climate, and the environment

The article introduces the concept of an Energy and Environment Nexus as a web linking energy services, human well-being and environmental health. It proposes four imperatives of energy: power intensity, energy density, cost and scale to determine practical and sustainable energy systems.

Turning livestock waste into clean water: Animal manure biochar emerges as a low cost tool to remove toxic pollutants from wastewater

Animal manure biochar effectively removes hazardous pollutants such as dyes, antibiotics and heavy metals from wastewater. The material's surface chemistry and mineral content support mechanisms like electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding and ion exchange.