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Science News for February 3, 2025


Russian scientists improve water purification membranes using metal ions

Researchers have developed polymer membranes with enhanced selectivity for monovalent ions, allowing for efficient water recycling. The use of metal ions such as copper, zinc, and chromium enables the separation of nitrates from sulphates, opening new possibilities for sustainable water treatment.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025

Pea-based cappuccino: The greener future of food

Researchers at Institut Laue-Langevin and Aarhus University developed a new method to characterise foam structure, enabling the creation of plant-derived foaming ingredients in food. The technique uses small-angle neutron scattering, imaging, and electrical conductivity measurements to provide insights into pea albumin-based foams.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025

Taal volcanic ash can be used for radiation shielding, Filipino researchers find

Filipino researchers have discovered that Taal volcanic ash can be used as a sustainable and lightweight alternative to expensive materials like concrete and lead. The natural presence of iron-rich minerals in the ash gives it strong radiation attenuation properties, making it effective for shielding against harmful X-rays and gamma rays.

SourceAteneo de Manila University·JournalJournal of Building Engineering·DateFeb 3, 2025

Revolutionizing dental surgery with AI

Dental implant surgeries require optimal mechanical stress levels for successful bone healing and long-term implant success. Researchers are developing a hybrid biomechanical model using machine learning to provide precise, patient-specific predictions of mechanical stress.

New ACP guideline on migraine prevention shows no clinically important advantages for newer, expensive medications

The American College of Physicians recommends preventing episodic migraines with monotherapy, including beta-adrenergic blockers and antiseizure medications. However, a comparative effectiveness systematic review found no significant differences in clinical net benefit among treatments.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateFeb 3, 2025

Exposure to air pollution associated with more hospital admissions for lower respiratory infections

Research found that long-term exposure to air pollutants like PM2.5, NO2, and ozone increases hospital admissions for lower respiratory tract infections in adults, particularly among men and people over 65. The study used a large cohort of adults from Catalonia and found stronger associations in these vulnerable groups.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2025

Generative AI bias poses risk to democratic values

A study by the University of East Anglia found that generative AI tools like ChatGPT exhibit biases leaning towards left-wing political values. This can distort public discourse and exacerbate societal divides, highlighting the need for transparency and regulatory safeguards to ensure alignment with democratic values.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 3, 2025

Don’t know something? Apes can tell

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that apes can intuit another's ignorance and communicate unknown information in the name of teamwork. The study demonstrates the rich mental foundations shared by humans and other apes, suggesting that these abilities evolved millions of years ago in common ancestors.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2025

Selenoproteins: The fountain of youth?

Researchers from Osaka University found that selenoproteins are essential for counteracting lipid peroxides and maintaining hematopoiesis in human cells. The study also showed that dietary Vitamin E can protect hematopoiesis and repair impaired B cell differentiation, providing potential strategies for fighting age-related diseases.

SourceOsaka University·JournalBlood·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2025

HKUST researchers introduce world’s first high-resolution global groundwater sulfate distribution map uncovering public health risks

A high-resolution global groundwater sulfate distribution map has been launched by HKUST, highlighting public health risks and water quality issues. Approximately 17 million people worldwide face gastrointestinal problems due to excessive sulfate levels in groundwater.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2025

Vitamin D matters during first trimester, researchers find

A new study led by Penn State researchers found that low vitamin D levels during the first trimester of pregnancy are associated with higher rates of preterm birth and decreased fetal length. Pregnant women with low vitamin D concentrations were four times more likely to experience a preterm birth compared to those with sufficient levels.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2025

Earth detecting Earth

Researchers found that radio signals, such as planetary radar emissions, are the most detectable technosignatures, visible from up to 12,000 light-years away. Atmospheric technosignatures like nitrogen dioxide emissions can be detected from 5.7 light-years away with the upcoming Habitable Worlds Observatory.

SourceSETI Institute·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateFeb 3, 2025

More, bigger crevasses open up in Greenland ice sheet, threatening increased sea level rise

A new study reveals that Greenland's ice sheet has experienced a significant increase in crevasses over the past five years, equivalent to adding a crack the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza every few days. The findings suggest a potential feedback loop that accelerates ice loss from the glacier, ultimately raising sea levels.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 3, 2025

How flooding soybeans in early reproductive stages impacts yield, seed composition

Researchers at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture conducted a two-year study exposing 31 soybean varieties to flood conditions during the early reproductive stage. The study found that four-day flooding did not significantly alter the seed composition of any variety, but grain yield losses were observed across al...

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalCrop Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025

Tufts University School of Medicine, ATI Physical Therapy launch first-of-its-kind collaboration to make physical therapy education and career advancement more accessible and affordable

The collaboration aims to create new opportunities for aspiring physical therapists, offering scholarships and accelerated programs. It will also advance residency and fellowship training through admission pathways and co-develop a primary care physical therapy fellowship.

The right kind of fusion neutrons

A new Zap research paper validates the company's sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch fusion approach by measuring nearly isotropic neutron energies, indicating stable thermal plasma. This achievement provides a benchmark milestone for scaling fusion to higher energy yields and confidence in reaching higher performance on the FuZE-Q device.

SourceZap Energy·JournalNuclear Fusion·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025

UT-led study finds vulnerable communities face greater risks from multiple environmental hazards

A new UT Knoxville study reveals that over 37 million people in the US are at high risk from compounded effects of environmental hazards such as water shortages, air pollution, and wildfires. Socially vulnerable populations, including low-income households and those with limited access to healthcare, face disproportionate burdens.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 3, 2025

Advanced wearable technology improves support for people with dementia and their caregivers

A new pilot study assesses how caregivers use advanced wearable technology to support people with dementia, finding that it reduces emotional strain and increases caregiver satisfaction. The technology, called Theora Care, provides a wearable device and smartphone application that alerts caregivers when the person has wandered.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateFeb 3, 2025

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers lead first study to identify molecular basis of food allergy

A multi-institutional study identified the specific milk protein triggering a patient's case of eosinophilic esophagitis, an inflammatory disease of the esophagus. The findings represent the first time any research team has described molecular details of food antigen recognition in EoE.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025

Seoul National University of Science and Technology researchers develop bioink for personalized tissue repair using kombucha SCOBY nanocellulose

Seoul National University researchers create bioink from Kombucha SCOBY nanocellulose, suitable for in vivo tissue engineering. The bioink can be precisely applied directly onto damaged tissues using a digital biopen, paving the way for more personalized and effective wound healing.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025

The metal that does not expand

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new alloy, pyrochlore magnet, that exhibits nearly zero thermal expansion over an extremely large temperature range. This breakthrough is due to the material's heterogeneous composition, which balances out the usual thermal expansion effect.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025

JMIR Publications announces new CEO

Dr. Gunther Eysenbach is stepping down as CEO of JMIR Publications to focus on innovation in academic publishing and AI-driven solutions. Sean Jeong takes over with a proven track record in digital transformation, agile delivery, and program execution.

A familiar face at childbirth makes a difference

A Dartmouth-led study reveals that pregnant individuals with no emotional support during childbirth experience higher levels of perceived stress, comparable to a C-section delivery. The research highlights the importance of access to emotional support in reducing stress and improving maternal and child outcomes.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEvolution Medicine and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 3, 2025

The cost of preventing extinction of Australia’s priority species

A new study estimates it would cost $15.6 billion per year for 30 years to prevent extinction for 99 of Australia's priority species, due to habitat destruction, invasive species, and climate change. The Australian Government has committed to reversing the decline of 110 priority species, but experts warn that urgent action is needed t...

SourceGriffith University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2025

Research aims to standardize rock climbing route difficulty through machine learning techniques

A recent study by University of New Hampshire researchers explores how to standardize rock climbing route difficulty through machine learning techniques, aiming to promote inclusivity and accuracy. The most successful approach used route-centric natural language processing methods, achieving an accuracy of 84.7%.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalFrontiers in Sports and Active Living·DateFeb 3, 2025

Study shows high-precision radiation therapy is safe for patients with cancer that has spread throughout body

A new Phase I clinical trial from London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute found high-precision radiation therapy to be safe in treating patients with polymetastatic disease. The study, known as ARREST, used stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) to treat cancer that has spread to more than 10 spots in the body.

SourceLondon Health Sciences Centre Research Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 3, 2025

High-yield rice breed emits up to 70% less methane

Scientists have identified chemical compounds released by rice roots that determine how much methane the plants emit. A new strain of rice was bred using traditional breeding methods, resulting in yields of 8.96 tons/hectare while emitting up to 70% less methane.

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Plant·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025

Nearly half of adults mistakenly think benefits of daily aspirin outweigh risks

A new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that nearly half of US adults incorrectly think taking a daily low-dose aspirin reduces heart attack and stroke risk. The survey reveals significant gaps in understanding about aspirin use among older adults, with younger respondents more likely to correctly assess the risks.

Gene therapy may be “one shot stop” for rare bone disease

A new study adds weight to the safety and effectiveness of a gene therapy for hypophosphatasia, a rare inherited disorder that causes abnormal bone development. The treatment, AAV8-TNAP-D10, has shown promising results in mice models, with female mice achieving improvements in bone and teeth at lower doses.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025

UC San Diego physician-scientist to lead new Lancet commission on U.S. societal resilience in a global pandemic age

The Lancet Commission, led by Eliah Aronoff-Spencer, aims to strengthen communities against pandemics, climate change, and other global challenges. The commission will conduct three phases of work, including planning, fact-finding, and collaborative simulation, to produce a future-oriented report with policy recommendations.

University of Cincinnati researcher uses AI to reimagine telehealth billing

A new approach using artificial intelligence and electronic health records is being developed to create a fairer, more effective billing model for telehealth services. The current time-based billing model undervalues experienced doctors' expertise and time, leading to inequities in compensation.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 3, 2025

Innovative program helps seniors manage stress

A six-week stress management program, O'stress, has been shown to improve the emotional health of seniors by increasing problem-solving strategies and reducing anxiety. The program also addresses emotional contagion, a significant factor in psychological distress among seniors.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 3, 2025

People prefer meat alternatives if they are significantly cheaper than real meat, study shows

A recent survey of 2,100 US customers found that the price of meat alternatives is the most decisive factor for their acceptance. When both options were priced the same, respondents often favored the animal product, but significantly cheaper alternatives made them more attractive.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 3, 2025

Common treatment for binge eating disorder shows mixed results

Researchers found that while lisdexamfetamine reduced binge episodes and improved appetite control in some patients, others experienced significant side effects and inconsistent efficacy. The study highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the drug's effects on patients with binge eating disorder.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPsychiatry Research Communications·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 3, 2025

Study finds most Americans oppose detaining sick undocumented immigrants but support post-treatment detention

A study by Texas A&M University found that most people in the US are not in favor of detaining sick undocumented immigrants who reach interior border checkpoints. However, they do support detention after medical treatment is complete. The survey also found broad public support for expanding existing policies to allow undocumented indiv...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalHealth Economics Policy and Law·DateFeb 3, 2025

Groundbreaking studies reveal lasting impact of PTSD on Vietnam veterans, linking combat to CVD and chronic health issues; psychosocial conditions more than 50 years later

New studies reveal lasting impact of PTSD on Vietnam veterans, linking combat to cardiovascular disease and chronic health issues. Veterans with PTSD or sub-threshold conditions face significant psychological and physical health challenges, including heart disease, arthritis, sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateFeb 3, 2025

A light-activated drug to fight psoriasis

A new compound, MRS7787, has been shown to treat psoriasis in an animal model with anti-inflammatory effects. The therapy is activated by blue light and opens new avenues for multimodal treatment, especially for treatment-resistant cases.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025

Houston Methodist researchers identify inhibitor drugs to treat aggressive breast cancer

Researchers have identified two inhibitor drugs, phosphoinositide 3 kinase inhibitor (P13K) and nitric oxide inhibitor (NOS), with potential to disrupt disease progression in metaplastic breast cancer. The study found that these drugs can make treatment more effective by disrupting unique signaling pathways in the cell interaction.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 3, 2025

Alcohol-related deaths up 18% during pandemic

New research reveals a 18% increase in alcohol-related deaths in Canada during the pandemic, with higher increases in 2020 and 2021. The study also found increased hospitalizations related to alcohol use, particularly among younger adults and females, suggesting potential early warning signs for future liver-related disease.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2025

Skin disease patients show response to targeted treatment

Researchers have identified a targeted therapy that could bring relief to people living with lichen planus, a chronic inflammatory skin condition. The treatment, baricitinib, selectively blocks specific inflammatory pathways, reducing inflammation and suppressing the overactive immune response that contributes to the disease.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 3, 2025

Can ocean-floor mining oversights help us regulate space debris and mining on the Moon?

The regulation of ocean-floor mining may hold key lessons for the management of space debris and mining on the Moon. International discussions on space traffic management and active debris control could help prevent space debris from orbiting the Moon and Mars. Effective regulations are crucial to ensuring sustainable space activities.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Space Technologies·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 3, 2025

Keeper or corner?

Neuroscientists investigated how the brain implements flexibility in decision-making, revealing that it either reuses known neural pathways or develops new patterns. The findings help understand why some adaptations are more difficult than others, especially in social interactions and motor tasks.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025