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Science News Archive February 2025 - Page 13


Page 13 of 44

Review: Foundation models in bioinformatics

Researchers identified recent advancements in bioinformatics foundation models, enhancing understanding of molecular landscapes and providing practical foundations for innovation in molecular biology. The models are versatile and essential tools for various downstream tasks, including genomics and drug discovery.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateFeb 21, 2025

Underwater mics and machine learning aid right whale conservation

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new method using underwater microphones and machine learning to estimate the population of North Atlantic right whales. The study demonstrates how this method can aid in the conservation of these critically endangered species by providing real-time monitoring capabilities. By analyzing...

SourceCornell University·JournalEndangered Species Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 21, 2025

Forensic Sciences Research Volume 9, Issue 4 publishes

This special issue of Forensic Sciences Research explores the latest advancements in forensic document examination, including handwriting analysis, ink stain characterization, and collaboration between forensic and criminal intelligence. The contributions showcase a global snapshot of expertise from North America, South America, Europe...

Breathing and vision may be linked

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered a fundamental mechanism linking breathing to pupil size, which affects vision. The study shows that the pupil is smallest during inhalation and largest during exhalation, impacting visual perception.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateFeb 21, 2025

Why GPT can’t think like us

A new study reveals that GPT models perform well on some analogy tasks but struggle with variations, highlighting key weaknesses in AI's reasoning capabilities. Analogical reasoning is a crucial aspect of human cognition and decision-making, yet AI models often rely on superficial patterns rather than deep comprehension.

Pattern of compounds in blood may indicate severity of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia

Researchers identified 19 metabolites and found that levels of certain compounds correlated with increased blood pressure, worse obstetric outcomes, and poorer end-organ function. The study expands scientific knowledge of preeclampsia and its mechanisms, paving the way for future therapeutic strategies.

Optimism can encourage healthy habits

A study by Syracuse University researchers found that optimism promotes healthier behaviors and better psychological well-being in the face of stressors like the pandemic. Individuals with higher optimism levels engaged in more physical activity, perceived greater social support, and were less stressed and lonely.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateFeb 21, 2025

Study reveals Arabia's rainfall was five times more extreme 400 years ago

A new study reveals Arabia's rainfall was significantly more extreme in the past, with the region once resembling a vegetated savannah. The findings underscore the critical need for enhanced climate resilience and disaster preparedness to address the growing threat of extreme weather events.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2025

Designing homochiral metal–organic frameworks with ultrahigh surface areas and stability for practical applications

A novel mixed-ligand strategy creates ultrahigh surface area, chemically stable chiral MOFs ideal for practical applications in asymmetric catalysis. The frameworks demonstrate record-breaking surface areas and exceptional structural features, making them suitable as heterogeneous catalysts.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2025

Digital screen time and nearsightedness

A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis found a daily 1-hour increment in digital screen time was associated with a 21% higher odds of myopia. Researchers suggest that exposure to screens for less than 1 hour per day may be safe, but prolonged use increases the risk of nearsightedness.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 21, 2025

Flexible crystals reveal secrets of elasticity

Australian scientists have identified the origin of the restoring force in elastic crystals, allowing for the design of new hybrid materials. The study found that energy is stored in molecular interactions under compressive and expansive strain, enabling the crystal to return to its original shape.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2025

Breakthrough discovery: HKUMed identifies novel gene behind neurodevelopmental syndrome for enhanced clinical treatment

A clinical research team from HKUMed discovered a novel gene DDX39B linked to a rare neurodevelopmental syndrome, causing developmental delay and hypotonia. The study used multi-omics analysis and identified six patients worldwide with variations in the gene, providing crucial information for targeted diagnostic and treatment plans.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2025

Effects of cold pool dynamics and vertical motion on the convergence of mountainous downslope and plain thunderstorm clusters

Research in Beijing reveals that differences in wind fields and thermodynamic conditions hinder or enhance thunderstorm cluster movement, with cold pools acting like topographical features to strengthen convergence. The study analyzed a specific merger process using simulation data from the Weather Research and Forecasting Model.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateFeb 20, 2025

The brain perceives unexpected pain more strongly

The study investigates how the brain perceives pain and finds that the Surprise Hypothesis better explains the mechanism. Participants in the experiment reported stronger pain when they were surprised by painful stimuli, confirming the importance of reducing the gap between expected and unexpected events.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCognition·DateFeb 20, 2025

Impacts of workplace bullying on sleep can be “contagious” between partners

Research by the University of East Anglia found that exposure to workplace bullying can lead to increased symptoms of insomnia in both individuals and their partners. The study also highlights the 'contagious' nature of sleep issues between partners, where one person's sleep problems can influence the other.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2025