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Science News for February 12, 2025


Is this the new 5:2 diet?

Researchers at the University of Sydney recommend adopting a primarily plant-centric fibre-rich diet to enhance overall health and longevity. The plan involves incorporating more plant-based meals into one's diet, starting with two days a week and increasing to five days as recommended by Professor Luigi Fontana.

Global biodiversity loss tied to outsourced deforestation: Princeton study reveals the hidden costs of consumption

A Princeton study reveals how consumption-driven deforestation by high-income nations drives biodiversity loss in other countries, responsible for 13.3% of global range loss. The study finds that these countries cause international biodiversity losses 15 times greater than their domestic impacts.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2025

How satellites can save our lakes

A new remote sensing algorithm enhances lake ecological management and controlling eutrophication by providing a more accurate tool for assessing lake health. The algorithm overcomes traditional limitations by considering the entire water column, resulting in more comprehensive assessments of algal biomass.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·DateFeb 12, 2025

Researchers achieve high-rate and stable ammonia electrosynthesis from nitrate

A new method for ammonia synthesis has been developed, utilizing a unique electrode structure to achieve high rates and stability. The approach uses nitrate as a nitrogen source and water as a hydrogen source, reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional Haber-Bosch process.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 12, 2025

Discrimination can arise from individual, random difference, study finds

A study led by Dr Eliane Deschrijver found people tend to discriminate in favour of individuals who show a similarity to them, regardless of group affiliation. The research used a simple coin toss as a trigger for discriminatory tendencies, suggesting individual processes may play a role in discrimination.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Discrimination can arise from individual, random difference, study finds

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that people tend to discriminate in favor of individuals who show a similarity to them, even when the similarity arises from a random event. The research suggests that individual differences are enough to trigger discrimination, contradicting traditional theories.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Researchers create chemotaxic biomimetic liquid metallic leukocytes with versatile behavior

The researchers created a chemotaxic biomimetic liquid metallic entity that exhibits various behaviors like engulfing foreign substances and changing shape, similar to living cells. These liquid metal structures can autonomously climb slopes and move through complicated surfaces with versatility and potential for future applications.

Removal of parental consent requirement reduces gestational duration at abortion for minors

Researchers found a 60-day decrease in gestational duration at abortion among 16-17 year olds in Massachusetts after the ROE Act removed parental consent requirements. This policy change led to earlier access to abortion care for this age group, highlighting the importance of decreasing barriers to reproductive autonomy.

SourceAmerican Public Health Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Activating complex regions of the genome to treat rare diseases

Scientists at Duke University have discovered a master epigenetic switch that can be activated using CRISPR to compensate for missing genes in Prader-Willi syndrome. This approach could potentially treat the disease by turning on naturally suppressed genes from one parent, addressing the underlying genetic defect.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025

New study finds lower cardiovascular risk in Type 1 diabetes compared to Type 2 diabetes

A new study published in JSCAI reveals a lower risk of cardiovascular events for people with Type 1 diabetes, compared to those with Type 2 diabetes. The research highlights the importance of distinguishing between the two types of diabetes and developing targeted treatment strategies.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalJournal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions·DateFeb 12, 2025

Macaque monkeys can learn to associate pictures with sounds and words, even when the words are then spoken by new individuals, showing impressive abilities to learn cross-modal associations

In a groundbreaking study, macaque monkeys demonstrated the ability to form connections between visual images and auditory signals, as well as verbal cues. This remarkable capacity for cross-modal learning was observed even when the spoken words were presented by new individuals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateFeb 12, 2025

Companies quietly switching out toxic product ingredients in response to California law

A new study by Silent Spring Institute reveals how California's Proposition 65 law has driven companies to reformulate products, reducing the use of toxic chemicals and promoting safer consumer goods. The research found that companies prioritize eliminating Prop 65 chemicals altogether to avoid warnings and litigation.

SourceSilent Spring Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2025

AI speeds up nanoparticle research

Researchers at the University of Konstanz developed an AI system to speed up nanoparticle measurements, reducing time from hours to minutes. The system, based on Meta's open source AI technology, can accurately count complex particles and measure individual particles with high precision.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 2025

Study finds food deliveries to Gaza met nutritional standards, but distribution challenges persist

A new study in the Israel Journal of Health Policy Research found that food deliveries to Gaza between January and July 2024 exceeded international caloric and nutritional standards, except for dietary iron. Despite meeting energy and protein needs, distribution challenges prevented equitable access to food.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalIsrael Journal of Health Policy Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2025

New blood test identifies hard-to-detect pancreatic cancer with 85% accuracy

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have developed a new blood test called PAC-MANN, which can detect pancreatic cancer with 85% accuracy. The test uses a small blood sample to identify changes in protease activity, a key indicator of the most common and deadly form of pancreatic cancer.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025

New study identifies brain region that can prevent aggressive social behavior and induce pro social behavior

Researchers identified the cortical amygdala as a key brain region in promoting aggression, but inhibiting this area reduces aggressive behavior and induces pro-social behavior. The study found that cells in the cortical amygdala respond to male social stimuli, enhancing attack behavior.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025

First detection of an ultra-high-energy neutrino

The detection of a single muon from a cosmic neutrino interacting with the ARCA detector provides compelling evidence for the origin of the event. The ultra-high-energy neutrino has an estimated energy of 220 PeV, opening a new observational window on the Universe and expanding our understanding of high-energy phenomena.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 2025

AI in 6G development: direction and purpose

The University of Oulu's 6G research programme explores AI-based applications and services for mobile networks. The recently published paper focuses on artificial intelligence methods to provide communication links and offer AI-based services between devices, base stations, massive data centres, and cloud services.

SourceUniversity of Oulu, Finland·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 12, 2025

Models show intensifying wildfires in a warming world due to changes in vegetation and humidity; only a minor role for lightning

A new study reveals that climate change is driving intensifying wildfires by altering vegetation and humidity levels, but not significantly impacting lightning strikes. The simulations predict a 14% increase in global area burned by fires annually with every degree of global warming.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 12, 2025

Economically, culturally important marine species vulnerable to changing climate, new study shows

A new study by UC Santa Cruz researchers identifies the most vulnerable marine species in California's coastal waters due to climate change. The study categorizes over 34 fish and invertebrate species into four vulnerability levels, providing a clear framework for fisheries managers to prioritize conservation and adaptation efforts.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2025

Telehealth may be closing the care gap for people with substance use disorder in rural areas

A recent study found that telehealth is closing the care gap for people with substance use disorder in rural areas, but those covered by Medicaid managed care have lower access to this treatment. Rural individuals experienced the greatest overall increase in substance use disorder treatment among all populations studied.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2025

New immune-probing technique could boost treatment discovery

Researchers at Osaka University developed a new technique called single-cell suppressive profiling of regulatory T cells (scSPOT) that can pinpoint the effects of Tregs on all other immune cells. The study found that Tregs most strongly affect CD8-EM T cells, which play a key role in fighting cancer and infections.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025

New study uncovers hidden gender bias in workplace leadership programs

A new study published in Organization Science finds that passion benefits men more than women in high-potential designations, perpetuating gender inequities. The research highlights a double standard where men's passion is perceived as diligence, while women's passion is seen as emotional, hindering their career advancement.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalOrganization Science·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Biohybrid hand gestures with human muscles

Researchers at the University of Tokyo developed a biohybrid hand that can move objects and mimic real-life forms, using multiple muscle tissue actuators created from lab-grown muscle tissue. The hand demonstrated its ability to perform complex gestures, including scissor motions, and showed signs of fatigue but recovered within an hour.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Brown astronomers create new technique to eliminate signals disrupting sensitive radio telescopes

Astronomers at Brown University have created a new method to pinpoint and filter out unwanted radio frequencies, crucial for preserving high-quality observations in the face of increasing satellite activity. By combining near-field corrections and beamforming techniques, researchers successfully tracked an airplane transmitting a telev...

SourceBrown University·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Australia·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Exotic observations with neutrons at the ILL

The study reveals three distinct phases: liquid, solid, and plastic ice, with the latter exhibiting picosecond rotational motion. The implementation of state-of-the-art spectrometers and sample environments enabled the first experimental observation of plastic ice VII at high temperatures and pressures.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Chinese scientists find key genes to fight against crop parasites

Researchers have identified two ABCG family SL transporter genes, SbSLT1 and SbSLT2, responsible for sorghum's resistance to Striga. Knocking out these genes inhibits SL secretion, preventing Striga germination and infestation. This breakthrough has wide-ranging applications in enhancing parasitic plant resistance across various crops.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 12, 2025

Gene variant could protect against ultra-rare seizure disorder, fruit fly research finds

Researchers at the University of Utah Health have identified a gene variant called CNTN2 that may protect against PIGA-CDG, an ultra-rare genetic disease causing seizures and developmental delays. This finding could lead to better therapies for PIGA-CDG by targeting multiple genes involved in symptom severity.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Pennington Biomedical researchers assemble comprehensive history of electronic health records and their role in medical research

A comprehensive review explores the evolution and application of electronic health records (EHRs) in medical research over the past 25 years. The study highlights significant advancements in data analysis, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine, while also discussing challenges such as data security and privacy.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 12, 2025

Study examines grief of zoo employees and volunteers across the US after animal losses

A recent study by researchers from Colorado State University and Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance found that poor grief support in some US zoos leaves staff feeling limited empathy from leadership, burned out, and unable to openly express their grief. The research emphasizes the importance of developing comprehensive grief-affirming po...

SourceCABI·JournalHuman-Animal Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025

ChatGPT has the potential to improve psychotherapeutic processes

A study published in PLOS Mental Health found that ChatGPT's responses were generally rated higher than those written by therapists, particularly in terms of core psychotherapy guiding principles. The AI model was also found to contextualize more extensively, leading respondents to rate its responses higher on common therapy components.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Global warming and mass extinctions: What we can learn from plants from the last ice age

Researchers used ancient plant DNA to study the impact of global warming on plant diversity and interactions. They found that temperature changes led to fundamental shifts in ecological conditions, with some plant species supporting each other during cold periods.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Mpox: a better understanding of tecovirimat resistance

Researchers at the Institut Pasteur have gained a better understanding of how mpox variants become resistant to tecovirimat. They found that the drug works by binding two phospholipases together, preventing viral particles from spreading. This knowledge will help develop new antiviral treatments effective across all mpox strains.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2025

Extensive study on telemedicine for diabetes and coronary heart disease – Senior author concludes: "The hype around medical apps needs to be put into perspective"

A large study found that telemedicine and training apps had minimal positive effects on patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. The study suggests that direct care from medical professionals remains crucial for improving health outcomes in this population.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 12, 2025

Type 1 diabetes: Hybrid closed-loop and open-loop systems compared

A study comparing hybrid closed-loop and open-loop systems in young people with type 1 diabetes found that hybrid closed-loop systems offered improved long-term blood sugar values, a lower risk of hypoglycemic coma, but a higher rate of diabetic ketoacidosis. The results suggest that hybrid closed-loop therapies may be beneficial for i...

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with alcohol use disorder

Researchers found that low-dose semaglutide can reduce craving and some drinking outcomes in adults with alcohol use disorder, providing initial prospective evidence for its potential as a treatment. Larger clinical trials are needed to fully evaluate the efficacy of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) for this condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 12, 2025

New research finds that certain packaging materials can show 70% lower emissions than alternatives

Researchers at Michigan State University found that polyethylene (PE) packaging can have an average life cycle global warming potential savings of approximately 70% compared to commonly used packaging materials. This is due to PE's lower fossil resource use, GWP, water scarcity and mineral resource use in most applications.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateFeb 12, 2025

Research spotlight: Mapping lesions that cause psychosis to a human brain circuit and proposed stimulation target

Studies identified 153 cases of psychosis caused by brain lesions, which connected to a common circuit in the hippocampus. The circuit, including the rostromedial prefrontal cortex, is a promising target for transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, potentially improving symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 12, 2025

Splicing twins: unravelling the secrets of the minor spliceosome complex

Researchers in the Galej Group at EMBL Grenoble have provided new structural insights into the U11 snRNP subunit of the minor spliceosome, revealing its ability to specifically identify rare substrates. The study sheds light on the complex assembly pathway of the minor spliceosome, which is critical for processing minor introns in genes.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Overcoming nicotine withdrawal: Clues found in neural mechanisms of the brain

Researchers have identified striatal cholinergic interneurons as key players in nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Administering a single dose of an FDA-approved Parkinson's disease drug, Procyclidine, significantly alleviated tremors caused by nicotine withdrawal. This study suggests a promising new treatment option for smoking cessation.