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Science News for February 5, 2025


Relief could be on the way for UTI sufferers dealing with debilitating pain

Researchers have found that UTIs cause nerves in the bladder to become hypersensitive, resulting in painful sensations and frequent urination. This new study provides a deeper understanding of how UTIs affect bladder function and offers potential new treatment options for patients suffering from recurrent UTIs or other bladder conditions.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 5, 2025

Testing AI with AI: Ensuring effective AI implementation in clinical practice

Researchers from Flinders University assessed the RAPIDx AI tool using a pioneering artificial intelligence platform, PROLIFERATE_AI. The study found that experienced clinicians demonstrated high comprehension and engagement with the tool, while less experienced users faced usability challenges.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Informatics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2025

Encoding many properties in one material via 3D printing

Researchers have developed a 3D printing technique to create liquid crystal elastomers with controllable alignment, leading to new possibilities for shape-morphing materials. By tuning nozzle design, print speed, and temperature, they achieved uniform molecular-scale alignment, translating to prescribed mechanical behavior.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2025

Understanding aging requires more than counting birthdays

A new study from Penn State finds that oral tissue samples significantly affect epigenetic clock accuracy, leading to older age estimates. Researchers tested five tissue types and seven epigenetic clocks, concluding that blood-based samples are more accurate in measuring biological age.

SourcePenn State·JournalAging Cell·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2025

Hybrid job training improves participation for women in Nepal, study finds

A new study from the University of Illinois found that hybrid distance learning increases training completion rates for rural women in Nepal, with 51% completing the program compared to 30%. The research showed that women with babies and those with existing work obligations were more likely to participate in the hybrid program.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Development Economics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 5, 2025

Recognizing Indigenous rights in environmental data

A team of researchers recommends incorporating principles like collective benefit and ethical governance into ecological data practices to align with existing data infrastructures. They suggest establishing collaborative relationships with Indigenous rights holders and exploring how data can be aligned with Indigenous expertise and wor...

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 5, 2025

Quantum algorithm distributed across multiple processors for the first time – paving the way to quantum supercomputers

Researchers successfully linked two separate quantum processors to form a single, fully connected quantum computer using photonic network interface. This breakthrough enables computations to be distributed across the network, addressing quantum's scalability problem and paving the way for industry-disrupting quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·DateFeb 5, 2025

College commuters: Link between students’ mental health, vehicle crashes

A study at Florida Atlantic University reveals a correlation between commuter students' mental health status and increased risk of being involved in a crash while driving. Researchers found that students with anxiety or depression may be more likely to be distracted or exhausted, impairing their ability to focus on the road.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 5, 2025

Unique Danish study provides surprising new knowledge about the consequences of hereditary high cholesterol

Researchers discovered that people with hereditary high cholesterol (FH) in Denmark are now living as long as the general population, with average life expectancies increasing from 50 to 78 years. However, they are still diagnosed with cardiovascular disease seven years earlier than those without FH.

Rice University researchers discover new way to customize living materials for tissue engineering, drug delivery and 3D printing

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a new method for customizing engineered living materials (ELMs) by altering protein matrices. The study revealed that small genetic changes can significantly impact the behavior of these materials, making them ideal for applications like tissue engineering and drug delivery.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateFeb 5, 2025

Zoom fatigue is linked to dissatisfaction with one’s facial appearance

A study published in PLOS One found that individuals dissatisfied with their facial appearance experience increased Zoom fatigue, leading to more use of impression management features and reduced intention to adopt virtual meeting technologies. The study highlights the need to address worker well-being in virtual communication environm...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 5, 2025

Functional scaffolds and methods for bone tissue engineering applications

Researchers reviewed recent developments on functional scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, highlighting their potential for enhanced oxygen transport and cell differentiation. The study aims to inspire novel solutions for bone regeneration through the use of biocompatible and biodegradable materials with 3D printing techniques.

SourceELSP·JournalBiofunctional Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 5, 2025

Beyond the gut: A new frontier in IBS treatment by targeting the brain

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have found that opioid delta-receptor agonists can alleviate stress-induced IBS symptoms in a validated mouse model by targeting the central nervous system. The study suggests that these drugs could provide a more definitive solution for IBS with minimal adverse effects.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2025

Study shows increase in calls to poison centers for child and adolescent exposures to caffeine energy products, including 633% increase in powdered caffeine exposures

A study of US poison center calls reveals a significant rise in caffeine energy product exposures among children and adolescents, with powdered caffeine exposures skyrocketing by 633%. Most exposures were unintentional and occurred in children under 6 years old.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Medical Toxicology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2025

Educated but easily fooled? Who falls for misinformation and why

A systematic meta-analysis of online misinformation found that education level has no significant impact on people's ability to distinguish true from false information. In fact, older adults were better at distinguishing between true and false headlines than younger adults. The study also showed that individuals with higher analytical ...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 5, 2025

New details about insulin production deciphered

Scientists at the University of Würzburg have discovered that fruit fly nerve cells release insulin into the haemolymph when ingesting sugar, not when it's injected directly. This phenomenon is similar to the incretin effect in humans, suggesting complex mechanisms controlling insulin secretion.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2025

6G vertical pilots for sustainability

The 6G-VERSUS project aims to design and develop a 6G-enabled application framework for sustainable vertical applications, leveraging AI and network technologies. Through six pilot clusters, the consortium will demonstrate and assess framework performance and sustainability impact.

SourceUniversity of Oulu, Finland·TypeNews article·DateFeb 5, 2025

Quantum leap in material design

A new quantum-classical approach has been developed for designing photochromic materials, accelerating the discovery of novel compounds. The method identified five promising candidates with key properties essential for photopharmacology applications.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·DateFeb 5, 2025

Sliding into novel materials: A new frontier in material science

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a method to transform graphite into novel materials with controlled atomic layers, enabling the creation of tiny electronic memory units. This process, known as 'Slidetronics,' allows for precise manipulation of material properties, opening doors to innovative applications in electronic...

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Reviews Physics·DateFeb 5, 2025

Ancient engravings shed light on early human symbolic thought and complexity in the levantine middle palaeolithic

A new study sheds light on intentional, symbolic engravings from Levantine Middle Palaeolithic sites, indicating advanced cognitive and symbolic behaviour among early humans. The findings provide key insights into the development of abstract thinking and cultural complexity of Middle Palaeolithic societies.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 5, 2025

How AI bias shapes everything from hiring to healthcare

A recent study emphasizes the urgent need to address bias in generative AI systems, which can distort outcomes and erode public trust. The research suggests that developing and deploying ethical, explainable AI is crucial to ensure fairness and transparency in critical decision-making areas.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalInformation & Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2025

Obese and healthy

A comprehensive study has provided a detailed atlas of gene activity in adipose tissue from healthy and unhealthy overweight people. The researchers found significant functional changes in cells in the visceral adipose tissue of people with metabolic diseases, including altered fat burning and immune responses. The study's findings cou...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 5, 2025

Genoa Instruments, a deep-tech startup born from the Italian Institute of Technology, secures €1 million funding round led by Deep Blue Ventures to transform super-resolution optical microscopy

Genoa Instruments has secured €1 million funding to expand its market presence, develop new products, and democratize access to super-resolution microscopy. The company aims to enable researchers and professionals worldwide to access cutting-edge imaging technology.

Cancer vaccine shows promise for patients with stage III and IV kidney cancer

A phase 1 trial of a personalized cancer vaccine for patients with stage III or IV clear cell renal cell carcinoma showed a positive response in all nine patients, with no higher-grade side effects reported. The vaccine generated a successful anti-cancer immune response and kept patients cancer-free at the time of data cut-off.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 5, 2025

Paved with good inventions: Road management needs new technologies, simpler regulations and improved collaboration

Two EU-funded projects presented digital, robotic, and other technologies for improved road monitoring and maintenance, emphasizing the need for automation, data-driven solutions, and sustainability. High-level participants highlighted the importance of collaboration and regulation in paving the way for smarter infrastructure management.

Lots of screentime in toddlers is linked with worse language skills, but educational content and screen use accompanied by adults might help, per study across 19 Latin American countries

A study across 19 Latin American countries found that excessive toddler screen time is associated with poorer language skills. On the other hand, incorporating educational content and screen use accompanied by adults may mitigate this effect, according to the research.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateFeb 5, 2025

Labor market immigrants moving to Germany are less likely to make their first choice of residence in regions where xenophobic attitudes, measured by right-wing party support and xenophobic violence, are stronger, per 2004-2017 data

Research by PLOS found that labor market immigrants in Germany are less likely to choose their preferred region of residence when faced with stronger xenophobic attitudes. This suggests that hostile environments may discourage migrants from choosing areas they would prefer.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateFeb 5, 2025

Stormwater pollution sucked up by specialized sponge

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a specialized sponge that can collect and release metals, plastics, and nutrients from stormwater pollution. The technology uses nanoparticles to attract pollutants and then releases them at different pH levels, making it a potential low-cost solution for environmental remediation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS ES&T Water·DateFeb 5, 2025

As Scandinavian peninsula rises from sea, new satellite data shows gravity changes

Scientists at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a refined method for measuring and predicting gravity changes as the Nordic region rises. The study found that the Ferroscandinavian peninsula's land mass is more dense than previously known, with an upper mantle density of approximately 3,546 kilograms per cubic meter.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Geodesy·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 5, 2025

Only seven out of 100 people worldwide receive effective treatment for their mental health or substance-use disorders

Researchers found that a person's lack of recognition is the biggest barrier to effective treatment, while patients who contact healthcare often do not receive it. The study highlights gaps in service needs and outcomes for nine common disorders, identifying areas for targeted investments.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2025

Research finds drinking ketones improves heart health

A new study from the University of Portsmouth found that drinking ketone esters improves cardiac efficiency and reduces cardiovascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes. The researchers discovered that the supplement induces ketosis, allowing the heart to use ketones as an alternative energy source.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 5, 2025

Shut the nano gate! Electrical control of nanopore diameter

Scientists from SANKEN at Osaka University created an electrically controlled nanogate that can be tailored for specific molecules. The gate's diameter was adjusted using voltage, leading to distinct ion transport behaviors. This technology has the potential to enable precise control over molecule transport and reaction systems.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2025

School bans alone not enough to tackle negative impacts of phone and social media use

A first-of-its-kind study found that restrictive school policies didn't lead to lower phone and social media use among students, nor better outcomes in mental health and wellbeing. The study suggests that reducing time spent on phones is crucial, but schools must consider phone use beyond their boundaries.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 5, 2025

Explaining science in court with comics

A study found that using comics to explain forensic science in court significantly improved jurors' understanding of the evidence. Participants who watched comics discussed the evidence in greater detail, showed increased confidence in their reasoning, and made more explicit references to scientific concepts.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Science Communication·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2025