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Science News for February 13, 2025


HSE neurolinguists create russian adaptation of classic verbal memory test

Researchers at HSE Centre for Language and Brain create Russian-language adaptation of Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), suitable for testing adults of all ages. The adapted test has been incorporated into the RAVLT World tablet application, providing automated administration and scoring.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalThe Clinical Neuropsychologist·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Atomic-level diamond surface polishing with high quality, efficiency, and material removal rates

A new photocatalytic chemical mechanical polishing (PCMP) slurry has been developed for Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) polishing, resulting in exceptionally smooth surfaces with minimal damage. The Material Removal Rate (MRR) peaks at 1168 nm·h−1, emphasizing the efficiency and effectiveness of this advanced polishing technique.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateFeb 13, 2025

The opportunity costs of carbon capture

A recent study by Stanford University researchers found that deploying carbon capture technologies would be more expensive and harmful than transitioning to renewable energy sources. The authors compared two extreme scenarios: a complete switch to renewable energy versus maintaining current fossil fuel reliance with some renewables, nu...

SourceStanford University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 13, 2025

Ancient Egyptian mummified bodies smell ‘woody,’ ‘spicy’ and ‘sweet’

Researchers from UCL and the University of Ljubljana conducted a systematic study on the smells of nine ancient Egyptian mummified bodies, identifying materials used in mumification and evolution of practices. The study also provides insights into how museums conserve remains and preserves their olfactory heritage.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Graphite production gets a makeover

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new catalytic graphitization technology to convert petroleum coke into graphite, reducing emissions and cost associated with conventional synthetic graphite production. The process uses lower temperatures and shorter times, making it more sustainable and efficient.

Cracking the code of lethal antibodies in a new blood-clotting disorder

A team of researchers has identified a new chronic blood clotting disorder, VITT-like monoclonal gammopathy of thrombotic significance (MGTS), characterized by antibodies similar to those causing vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT). The disorder can lead to severe symptoms despite treatment with full-dose bloo...

SourceFlinders University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Mini flow battery speeds energy storage research

Researchers at PNNL developed a mini flow battery test system that requires less starting material while delivering comparable performance to standard lab-scale systems. This innovation reduces time and resources needed for testing new battery materials, accelerating the discovery of grid energy storage technology.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Mini flow battery speeds energy storage research

Researchers have designed a compact, high-efficiency flow battery test system that requires an order of magnitude less starting material while delivering results comparable to standard lab-scale systems. The mini flow cell design is geared towards rapid screening and development of new battery materials, reducing the time and resources...

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Reduced prediabetes in people who ate broccoli compound

A study by University of Gothenburg researchers found that consuming sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts improved blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes. The compound had a significant effect on fasting blood sugar levels, particularly in those with certain pathophysiological and microbiome characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 13, 2025

Landmark atlas reveals how aging breast tissue shapes breast cancer risk

Researchers at The Jackson Laboratory have created an atlas of how healthy breast tissue ages, revealing key cellular and molecular changes that may contribute to breast cancer development. The study found that epithelial cells lose their job descriptions, becoming more prone to malignancy, while stromal cells lose their specialized id...

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

NTT Research and Harvard scientists optimize biohybrid ray development with machine learning

Researchers developed mini biohybrid rays using cardiomyocytes and rubber, demonstrating improved swimming efficiencies approximately two times greater than previous biomimetic designs. The application of machine-learning directed optimization enabled an efficient search for high-performance design configurations.

Bristol scientists herald active matter breakthrough with creation of three-dimensional ‘synthetic worms’

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed 'synthetic worms' that can move independently using active matter, a new class of materials. The 3D structures were created by applying an electric field to micron-sized particles suspended in a liquid mixture, and exhibit fascinating life-like behavior.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Record-speed waves on extremely water-repellent surfaces

Researchers from Aalto University have created a synthetic surface inspired by lotus leaves and found that plastronic waves travel along the surface at speeds up to 45 times faster than capillary waves. The discovery could lead to new applications in biotechnology, materials science, and pharmaceuticals.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2025

When politics becomes a risk factor – how the political climate influences the health of migrant trainees

A new study by the Cluster of Excellence 'The Politics of Inequality' at the University of Konstanz examines how right-wing populist election results impact migrant trainees' perceptions of discrimination and mental health. The research, conducted with around 1,000 trainees, reveals that regions with high levels of support for far-righ...

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateFeb 13, 2025

IEEE study reveals breakthroughs in high-performance photon detectors

Researchers developed a fabrication technique to overcome design challenges for scalable single-photon detectors, enabling ultra-fast detection of photons regardless of direction or polarization. The study provides a comprehensive guide to fabricating high-quality fractal SNSPDs with improved sensitivity and system detection efficiency.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

UK gambling industry is using Big Tobacco tactics to downplay harms and influence the public argues new analysis

A recent study published in the BMJ reveals that the UK gambling industry is employing similar tactics used by Big Tobacco to downplay the harms of gambling. The authors call for urgent action to protect public health from the devastating effects of gambling addiction, including financial distress, family breakdown, and even suicide.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2025

Rice-BCM research achieves gene-editing breakthrough that could improve treatment for liver disease, other disorders

The Rice University lab, in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine, has developed a new gene-editing strategy called Repair Drive that improves the effectiveness of gene therapies in the liver. The technique enables the repair of liver cells at higher rates and equips them with a selective advantage to outcompete incorrectly edi...

SourceRice University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Smart cities get smarter: AI-powered material detection for sustainable urban planning

A new study introduces an AI-powered framework that uses deep learning and remote sensing to accurately identify building materials, enabling customized material intensity databases for diverse regions. This technology facilitates sustainable urban planning, reduces embodied carbon, and enhances energy efficiency in smart cities.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateFeb 13, 2025

Alkalinity on demand: innovative tech for instant water quality analysis

Researchers developed an innovative method for analyzing water alkalinity using low-cost commercial reagents, machine learning, and smartphone technology. The technique offers accurate measurements across diverse water matrices with impressive R² values, making it a game-changer for water quality testing and monitoring.

SourceNanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE·JournalEco-Environment & Health·DateFeb 13, 2025

USTC achieves electrical manipulation of spin filling sequence in bilayer graphene based quantum dots

Researchers at USTC achieve electrical control over spin filling sequence in bilayer graphene quantum dot, leveraging trigonal warping effect and minivalley interactions. This finding holds promise for generating 3-spin states and simulating SU(3) symmetry, with implications for quantum computing and advanced electronics.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 13, 2025

Elephant seals in the Pacific serve as deep-ocean sentinels, revealing patterns otherwise hard to measure

Researchers found northern elephant seals serve as sentinels for northeast Pacific Ocean twilight zone ecosystem health, providing insights into prey dynamics and food webs. The study reveals rapid fluctuations in fish populations every three to five years, patterns impossible to measure through direct observation.

Jacket uses AI to keep you comfortable

A team of researchers developed a smart jacket with environmental sensors, heat-generating yarns, and AI to monitor and regulate temperature. The jacket provides immediate temperature readings and color-changing yarns to indicate potential overheating.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 13, 2025

Carbon emission drivers in the Belt and Road Initiative countries—An empirical analysis based on countries with different income levels

A study analyzes the carbon emission drivers in Belt and Road Initiative countries, finding that economic development and population growth are major contributors. The research also highlights the importance of reducing energy intensity and carbon intensity in middle and high-income countries.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalEnergy and Climate Management·DateFeb 13, 2025

Researchers create world’s largest digital microbe collection to transform health research

The team created APOLLO, a collection of 247,092 advanced computer models, each representing the unique metabolic processes of a distinct microbe found within these communities. The unprecedented database will allow scientists to study how microbes function within the human body and interact with health and disease.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalCell Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 13, 2025

Disordered eating and certain foods linked to higher risk for urinary incontinence in middle-aged women

A recent study found that disordered eating is associated with a higher risk of symptoms of pelvic floor disorders in middle-aged women. The research revealed that consuming highly processed ready-made foods and fast food increases the risk for stress urinary incontinence, while a higher quality diet decreases the risk.

Protected habitats aren’t enough to save endangered species

A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that even within protected habitats, tropical species are still vulnerable to threats from beyond their borders. Human population density and habitat disturbance in surrounding areas can lead to a decline in species richness by up to 1% per 16 persons per square kilometer.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2025

The complicated question of how we determine who has an accent

A recent study published in the Journal of Sociolinguistics suggests that people's judgments of accent are often culturally influenced rather than based on actual auditory differences. Participants rated speakers from different regions of Ohio, but surprisingly, those who believed certain regions had stronger accents did not necessaril...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Sociolinguistics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Child with rare epileptic disorder receives long-awaited diagnosis

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a rare genetic diagnosis in a child with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy and developmental delay. The study reports a highly complex rearrangement of chromosomes 3 and 5, leading to a rare condition known as 5q14.3 microdeletion syndrome.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics Part A·TypeCase study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Safeguarding intestinal stem cells during aging through balanced signaling

The study reveals that the interplay between ERK/MAPK and IFN-gamma signaling is essential for preserving intestinal stem cells during aging. The researchers found that maintaining a balance between these signaling pathways is critical for supporting stem cell maintenance, while also driving age-related changes in differentiated cells.

New study of effect of CCTV cameras on crime in Newark, NJ, highlights value of longer-term evaluations

A new study by Northeastern University's Crime Prevention Lab found that CCTV cameras in Newark, NJ, were associated with reduced auto thefts three to four years after installation. The study highlights the importance of longer-term evaluations to understand the persistence and potential increase of crime prevention effects.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateFeb 13, 2025

U.S. abortion bans and infant mortality

A study found that US states adopting abortion bans experienced significant increases in infant mortality, especially for deaths caused by congenital conditions. These increased mortality rates were disproportionately high among already vulnerable populations, such as Black infants and residents of Southern states.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 13, 2025

Research shows blood test may provide personalized dietary therapy for patients with irritable bowel syndrome

A blood test has been found to identify personalized dietary triggers for patients with irritable bowel syndrome, resulting in improved abdominal pain relief. The study showed that 59.6% of participants who removed trigger foods experienced significant reduction in abdominal pain compared to 42.2% in the control group.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalGastroenterology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 13, 2025

New England’s salt marshes store 10 million cars’ worth of carbon—and add another 15,000-worth every year

Scientists at UMass Amherst accurately quantify coastal carbon storage using satellites, revealing 10 million cars' worth of carbon stored in top meter of soil and an additional 15,000-worth each year. The results are crucial for a resilient, low-carbon future, highlighting the potential for salt marshes to mitigate climate change.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences·DateFeb 13, 2025

Stalled microbiomes: Dartmouth-led study reveals that cystic fibrosis disrupts early gut development in infants

A Dartmouth-led study reveals that cystic fibrosis disrupts the maturation of the gut microbiome in infants, leading to a depletion of health-associated bacteria and potentially poor health outcomes. The study found that the microbiomes of infants with CF remained stunted or delayed in their development compared to healthy infants.

U.S. abortion bans and fertility

A new study suggests that US abortion bans are associated with increased fertility rates, particularly among subpopulations experiencing structural disadvantages. The findings also highlight the negative impact of these policies on maternal and child health outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 13, 2025

An enzyme to disarm tumors

Researchers have discovered an enzyme called CH25H in cancerous lymphatic cells whose properties enable the immune system to fight tumors more effectively. The enzyme converts cholesterol into 25-hydroxycholesterol, a metabolite that promotes antiviral immunity and enhances anti-tumor immunity.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2025

School salad bars raise fruit intake among kids and benefit economically diverse schools, VCU researchers find

According to a new study by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers, school salad bars increased elementary school students' fruit intake but had no impact on vegetable consumption. Students in 'salad bar' schools selected a greater variety of fruits and vegetables, potentially leading to a greater range of nutrient intake.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateFeb 13, 2025

The KM3NeT detector, a powerful telescope submerged in the depths of the Mediterranean Sea, detects the highest-energy neutrino ever observed

The KM3NeT collaboration has detected the highest-energy neutrino ever captured by a similar experiment, with an estimated energy of 220 PeV. This finding provides evidence that high-energy neutrinos are produced in the universe and opens new avenues for observing extreme astrophysical phenomena.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

New genetic mutation linked to Alzheimer’s risk

Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered a novel genetic mutation associated with an accumulation of toxic proteins in Alzheimer's brains. The study found that people carrying a specific variation of this repeated DNA strand have more than double the risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Branching channel:

Researchers found that neural activity in the prefrontal cortex maintained a stable state, which was then integrated with information from a sensory cue. This study introduces the concept of 'branching channels' in neural networks, which can be concatenated to form tree-structured representations.

SourceInternational Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 13, 2025

USTC develops high-performance rechargeable lithium-hydrogen gas batteries

A research team at USTC has introduced a new chemical battery system utilizing hydrogen gas as the anode, achieving exceptional electrochemical performance and a round-trip efficiency of 99.7%. The Li-H battery demonstrated high theoretical energy density and stable voltage, making it a strong candidate for next-generation power storage.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 13, 2025

Curbing the global spread of sexually transmitted diseases

A team of scientists has developed a cutting-edge technology to analyze bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) using genome sequencing. The 'target enrichment' method enables high-resolution analysis of Chlamydia trachomatis and other pathogens, revealing new insights into their transmission and development pathways.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalMicrobial Genomics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 13, 2025

Recyclable plastic for the printer

Researchers have introduced a new class of polymers called polythioenones, which are mechanically and chemically recyclable and suitable for 3D printing. These polythioenones demonstrate better mechanical properties than conventional polyolefins thanks to a special ring-shaped building block.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Feeling supported and listened to by our partner improves physical and emotional health, according to a study by the University of Granada

A study by the University of Granada found that feeling supported and listened to by one's partner has a significant impact on general health and well-being. The Perceived Responsiveness and Insensitivity Scale (PRIS-SA) tool, adapted from an English scale, measures this aspect of relationships.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 13, 2025

Engineers discover key barrier to longer-lasting batteries

University of Texas at Dallas researchers have discovered why LiNiO2 batteries break down during charging and are testing a solution to remove the key barrier to widespread use. They developed a theoretical solution that reinforces the material by adding a positively charged ion, creating pillars to strengthen the cathode.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 13, 2025

Greetings from the Fourth Dimension

Researchers from the Technion and University of Stuttgart discovered that higher-dimensional crystals dictate the topological properties of quasiperiodic crystals. The discovery paves the way for new methods to measure thermodynamic properties, offering insights into the interplay between thermodynamic and topological properties.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

A simple supplement improves survival in patients with a new type of heart disease

A study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research found that tricaprin improved long-term survival and recovery from heart failure in patients with triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy. The supplement reversed structural changes and improved heart muscle function, leading to higher survival rates compared to controls.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Comprehensive global study shows pesticides are major contributor to biodiversity crisis

A comprehensive global study reveals pesticides are a major contributor to the biodiversity crisis, affecting over 800 species of plants, animals, fungi, and microbes. The research highlights the need for policies and practices to reduce pesticide use, including regenerative agriculture and Integrated Pest Management.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 13, 2025

IR Sant Pau study reveals immune system’s crucial role in ALS at cellular level

A recent study from IR Sant Pau investigates the peripheral immune system's role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the single-cell level. The research found altered NK cell subpopulations associated with ALS progression, suggesting a potential target for new therapies.

SourceInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau (Sant Pau Research Institute)·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025