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Science News for February 19, 2025


Unique composite architecture of phosphor-in-glass film coated on different heat-conducting substrates for high-brightness laser lighting

A new type of phosphor-in-glass film converter on heat-conducting substrates has been developed to improve the performance and efficiency of high-brightness laser lighting. The researchers found that the converters with different substrates have varying effects on heat transfer, light transport, and luminescence saturation.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateFeb 19, 2025

The first comprehensive field study on Critical Height Sampling (CHS) – A model-free method for Forest Volume Estimation

A new field study on CHS suggests that this approach could revolutionize forest stand volume estimation, providing consistent results across varying environmental conditions. The method eliminates potential biases from traditional methods and offers efficiency advantages in terms of measurement time.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalForest Ecosystems·DateFeb 19, 2025

About 740,000 global deaths from suicide occur annually--that's one death every 43 seconds

The study found that global age-standardized mortality rate for suicide declined by nearly 40% from 1990 to 2021, but progress is not universal, with four regions reporting increases in suicide rates. Males were more than twice as likely to die by suicide than females, but females were 49% more likely to attempt it.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateFeb 19, 2025

Macrophages express high level of Spp1, linking the environmental particle pollution exposure and the development of emphysema - an important finding for COPD

Macrophages expressing high Spp1 levels are found in emphysema patients and those exposed to cigarette smoke or soot-like particles. This study highlights Spp1 as a crucial mediator of environmental particle pollution-related COPD development, offering potential preventive targets.

New toolkit empowers healthcare providers with evidence-based strategies for childhood obesity prevention and treatment

The Childhood Obesity Prevention, Evaluation and Treatment Toolkit provides healthcare providers with practical guidance for preventing, evaluating, and treating childhood obesity. The toolkit is grounded in scientific evidence and offers actionable treatment approaches for children and adolescents dealing with overweight and obesity.

Racism in medicine - are things getting better?

Despite increased efforts to address racism, underreporting remains a significant issue, particularly on clinical placements. Initiatives are transforming workforce experience and representation, but true equity will take time to achieve.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 19, 2025

Fitness apps fuelling disordered eating

A systematic review of 38 studies found that frequent use of health and fitness apps is associated with problematic habits related to food and exercise. The research highlights the need for app developers to consider the psychological impacts of these tools on users' mental health.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBody Image·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 19, 2025

Duke-NUS study targets proteins to reverse lung scarring

Scientists have pinpointed two proteins in immune cells that, when blocked, can significantly reduce lung tissue scarring and restore regeneration. Blocking YAP and TAZ can curb scar formation by dampening inflammation, maintaining a healthy immune cell ratio, and disrupting their communication with nearby cells.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025

Illegal market would dampen effects of menthol cigarette ban

A new study suggests that a menthol cigarette ban could be less effective due to the emergence of an illegal market. The research found that demand for menthol cigarettes would remain high even with limited access to e-cigarettes, leading to a significant black market. This could blunt the intended public health benefits of the ban.

SourceCornell University·JournalHealth Economics·DateFeb 19, 2025

Incheon National University study pioneers breakthrough in wireless charging technology

Researchers at Incheon National University have pioneered a novel resonant tuning rectifier (RTR) for parallel compensated receivers in wireless power transfer. The RTR enhances efficiency via dynamic frequency adaptation, reducing circuit impedance and minimizing interference with other devices.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025

A patient’s ability to perform a cardiac stress test offers a critical window on their mortality risk

A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that patients who can exercise during cardiac stress testing have a lower mortality rate than those who cannot. The researchers discovered that assessing a patient's ability to exercise during testing provides a stronger distinction between high- and low-risk patients.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2025

Stopping asthma in its tracks

Researchers have developed two therapeutic cocktails that inhibit key molecules, stopping immune cells from overreacting to allergens. The treatments reduced asthma attacks in mice by erasing the immune system's memory of asthma-causing allergens.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025

Nature: AI-made lung disease breakthrough

An international team of researchers has created a detailed map of individual cells in the adult lung, including those affected by chronic lung disease. The AI-driven finding shows that some lung tissue in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) exhibits signs of the disease before significant structural changes occur.

SourceSt Vincent's Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Genetics·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 19, 2025

Synthetic RIG-I-agonist RNA induces death of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

A synthetic retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) agonist RNA has been shown to induce innate immune signaling and death of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro. The addition of recombinant interferon-b potentiated this cell death, suggesting a potential new mechanism for treating patients with liver cancer.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025

Dynamic volumetric displays enabled by tunable upconversion in rare-Earth-doped glasses

Researchers developed innovative RE³⁺-doped monolithic glasses capable of tunable full-color emission under NIR laser excitation. These glasses overcome key obstacles faced by existing technologies and demonstrate the potential as materials for dynamic, full-color laser-based volumetric displays.

Emergency clinicians increase prescriptions of buprenorphine, effectively help patients get started on the path to recovery

A study found that emergency clinician prescribing of buprenorphine increased in California, leading to more patients starting treatment for opioid use disorder. The efforts were successful in getting patients started, with at least one in three filling a second prescription within 40 days.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2025

The role of ketamine in treatment-resistant depression

Ketamine has been shown to rapidly reduce depressive symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression, often within hours of administration. However, the long-term efficacy and safety of ketamine therapy remain uncertain, with potential risks including cognitive impairment and cardiovascular effects.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology·DateFeb 19, 2025

Human Immunome Project and Michelson Medical Research Foundation award $150,000 grants to three early-career scientists researching immunology and vaccines

Three early-career scientists, Dr. Omar Abudayyeh, Dr. Caleb Lareau, and Dr. Yuzhong Liu, are awarded $150,000 grants for their innovative research on human immunology, vaccine discovery, and cancer immunotherapy. Their proposals aim to advance our understanding of the immune system and develop new treatments for deadly diseases.

New process gets common rocks to trap carbon rapidly, cheaply

Stanford researchers have developed a practical and low-cost method to remove atmospheric carbon dioxide from the air using common minerals. The new process, known as enhanced weathering, uses heat to transform silicates into materials that capture and store CO2, offering a potentially scalable solution to mitigate global warming.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025

New environmentally-friendly mortar reduces heat loss

Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a new environmentally-friendly mortar made from recycled plastic and silica aerogel, which improves insulation and reduces plastic waste. The new mortar mix reduced heat loss by up to 55% while maintaining the required strength for masonry construction.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025

Professor Kazunari Domen: Groundbreaking contributions to photocatalytic water splitting

Professor Kazunari Domen's research develops novel materials and techniques for efficient solar energy harvesting and scalable hydrogen production. His work enables the successful development of large-scale solar-driven hydrogen production units, paving the way for a clean energy future.

Relationship between sleep and nutrition with app data: A large-scale study

A large-scale study examined the relationship between nutrients and sleep using data from people who used mobile applications to track their eating and sleeping habits. The results showed that participants with high protein, monounsaturated fatty acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake had improved sleep outcomes.

DESI uncovers 300 new intermediate-mass black holes plus 2500 new active black holes in dwarf galaxies

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) has discovered a treasure trove of actively feeding black holes in small galaxies, revealing surprisingly few are of intermediate mass. The team identified 300 new intermediate-mass black hole candidates and 2500 active black holes in dwarf galaxies.

AI in retail: how to spark creativity and improve job satisfaction

A study by researchers from Florida Atlantic University and Hanyang University explores how AI service quality affects retail employees' innovation, job fit, and job satisfaction. The results suggest that employees are more likely to engage in innovative behaviors when they perceive benefits from AI interactions.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Retailing and Consumer Services·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 2025

A breakthrough in hydrogen catalysis: Electronic fine-tuning unlocks superior performance

Researchers develop a new electronic fine-tuning approach to enhance the interactions between zinc and ruthenium, resulting in a highly active and stable catalyst for both oxygen reduction reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction. This breakthrough offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional platinum-based catalysts.

Natural hydrogen: a sustainable energy source in mountain ranges

A team of researchers found that mountain ranges with deep mantle rocks near the surface are ideal for large-scale natural hydrogen generation and accumulation. This process, called serpentinization, can produce up to 20 times more hydrogen than in rift environments, providing a promising alternative to synthetic hydrogen production.

SourceGFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum für Geoforschung·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 19, 2025

All generic drugs are not equal, study finds

A new study found that generic drugs made in India have significantly more 'severe adverse events' for patients, including hospitalization and death. The researchers matched 2,443 drugs made in the US and emerging economies, finding that mature generic drugs were responsible for the higher rates of severe adverse events.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProduction and Operations Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 2025

New molecular mechanisms linked to insulin resistance

A study published in Cell Communication and Signaling describes new molecular mechanisms underlying insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. The research reveals that PPARβ/δ regulates InsRβ protein levels by reducing lysosomal activity and EphB4 levels, offering potential drug targets for type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalCell Communication and Signaling·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025

Parasitic orchids live healthier

Researchers at Kobe University found that some orchids have stopped photosynthesis and become parasites feeding on fungi, boosting their nutrient budget without ceasing to employ photosynthesis. The study reveals a clear link between parasitic behavior and improved plant vigor.

SourceKobe University·JournalThe Plant Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2025

Princeton Chemistry demonstrates high-performance Sodium-ion cathode towards new battery technology

The Mircea Dincă Group at Princeton University has developed a sodium-ion cathode using bis-tetraaminobenzoquinone (TAQ) that outperforms traditional lithium-ion cathodes. This innovation has the potential to address the challenges of limited resources and scalability in battery technology, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alt...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025

Eddy-mean flow energy exchange depends on three variables

Researchers found that the eddy-mean kinetic energy exchange term is separated into three parts: one associated with cross-stream variation, one with along-stream variation, and one with mean flow direction. This new framework describes eddy-mean energy exchange without accounting for forces or physical properties.

SourceOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research (OLAR)·JournalOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 2025

Socially dominant individuals are more confident but not necessarily more competent

Research from the University of Kent found that socially dominant individuals are more confident in their decisions, debunking the notion that confidence equals competence. The study, published in Personality and Individual Differences, used two-choice statistical learning tasks to assess participants' performance.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025

Global retreat of glaciers has strongly accelerated

Since the turn of the millennium, glaciers worldwide have lost around 273 billion tonnes of ice per year, corresponding to about five and a half times the volume of Lake Constance. The loss of ice from glaciers has led to a rise in sea level of 18 millimetres, making it the second strongest driver of sea level rise after ocean warming.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 2025

Did Twitter favour tweets from right-wing politicians? International study ends prematurely in 2023

Researchers analyzed 8,600 politician accounts from 12 countries and found no significant difference in engagement patterns between left and right-leaning politicians. However, they observed a considerable increase in likes after Musk's acquisition, which may be due to early followers' increased support.

SourceSaarland University·JournalJournal of Quantitative Description Digital Media·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 2025

Groundbreaking study reveals how topology drives complexity in brain, climate, and AI

A new framework for understanding complex systems has been introduced by a groundbreaking study led by Professor Ginestra Bianconi from Queen Mary University of London. The study establishes the field of higher-order topological dynamics and reveals how hidden geometry shapes brain activity, climate patterns, and artificial intelligence.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Physics·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2025

A new treatment for post-amputation pain?

A new treatment for post-amputation pain may have reduced residual limb pain and opioid dependence, according to a Northwestern Medicine study. Hydrodissection, a simple procedure that injects fluid around nerves, showed significant improvements in pain relief and mental health benefits.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalRegional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2025

Does the brain produce estrogen to control appetite?

New research found that neuroestrogens produced in the brain help suppress appetite, as confirmed by experiments where aromatase expression was restored specifically in the brain. This suggests a link between neuroestrogen levels and body weight regulation.

SourceWiley·JournalFEBS Journal·DateFeb 19, 2025

Using light to activate treatments in the right place

Researchers at UNIGE have developed a system that uses light to activate targeted molecules, enabling spatial and temporal control over the activity of a molecule in a living organism. This technology has vast potential applications in both basic research and improving existing medical treatments, such as those for skin cancer.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateFeb 19, 2025

Lifestyle and environmental factors affect health and ageing more than our genes

A new study published in Nature Medicine reveals that lifestyle and environmental factors, such as smoking and physical activity, have a profound impact on health and premature death. The research suggests that targeting socioeconomic conditions, reducing smoking, and promoting physical activity can mitigate the risks of chronic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 2025

Magnetic semiconductor preserves 2D quantum properties in 3D material

Researchers developed a novel approach to maintain quantum characteristics in three-dimensional materials by exploiting the magnetic properties of chromium sulfide bromide. This method enables the preservation of excitons' unique optical properties and their ability to carry energy without charge, making it suitable for advanced optica...

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025

Why is Japanese knotweed so highly invasive?

Research published in New Phytologist reveals that Japanese knotweed's ability to outcompete native plants lies in its rapid clonal propagation method. This study provides crucial insights into the invasive plant's success and offers valuable knowledge for developing effective control methods.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateFeb 19, 2025