Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2025 - Page 24


Page 24 of 44

Breakthrough catalyst boosts green hydrogen production with enhanced OER efficiency and stability

A new catalyst, Ru3Zn0.85W0.15Ox (RZW), has been developed to improve the efficiency and stability of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acidic media, enabling more efficient green hydrogen production. The catalyst harnesses the unique electron-withdrawing properties of tungsten and sacrificial behavior of zinc to enhance OER performance.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 14, 2025

A new switch for the cell therapies of the future

Researchers have developed a new gene switch that uses nitroglycerine to trigger the production of insulin and regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This switch is made exclusively of human constituents, eliminating the risk of false triggering or immune reactions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateFeb 14, 2025

New study finds brake pad emissions can be more toxic than diesel exhaust

A new study by the University of Southampton has found that brake pad emissions can be more toxic than diesel exhaust, particularly due to high copper content. The research highlights the need for policy changes to mitigate the health effects of vehicle particulate matter, as electric vehicles are not emission-free.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalParticle and Fibre Toxicology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2025

Want some salt with that?

Researchers found evidence of sodium carbonate, halite, and sodium sulfates on Ryugu, indicating liquid saline water once existed within its parent body. This discovery provides insights into the chemical history of Ryugu and sheds light on the loss of liquid water in the outer Solar System.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2025

Flies play too, researchers find

In a groundbreaking study, researchers observed flies displaying play-like behaviors, such as swinging and sliding, in response to a rotating carousel. The findings provide valuable insights into the genetic and neuronal factors underlying playful behavior in insects.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2025

Hybrid entanglement carrying orbital angular momentum

The team led by Xiaolong Su prepares hybrid polarization-cat entangled state with OAM degree of freedom, demonstrating non-zero logarithmic negativities for various OAM states. This breakthrough enables increased information capacity in quantum communication and takes a crucial step towards hybrid quantum information processing.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2025

New horizons in breast cancer care: insights from China's CSCO BC guidelines

The 2024 Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology Breast Cancer (CSCO BC) guidelines offer a comprehensive approach to managing breast cancer, informed by high-quality clinical studies and real-world data from China. The updated guidelines prioritize precision medicine, recommending tailored treatment approaches for various subtypes of bre...

SourceChina Anti-Cancer Association·JournalCancer Biology & Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2025

Research reveals how Earth got its ice caps

A team of scientists found that Earth's current ice-covered state is not typical for the planet's history and was only achieved through a lucky coincidence. The researchers concluded that no single process could drive these cold climates, and that multiple processes working together were necessary.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 14, 2025

Under-sea mountains are key ‘hubs’ for sharks

Researchers found that seamounts support vast numbers of predators, including sharks and tuna, with shark biomass being 41 times higher at shallow seamounts. The study suggests that seamounts serve as 'hubs' for predators to gather, socialize, mate, or rest, and concentrate food in predictable spots.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 14, 2025

Chiral Exceptional point enhanced tuning and non-reciprocity in silicon microring

Researchers explore the contribution of exceptional points to electro-optic tunability, modulation, and nonreciprocal responses in silicon microring. A novel EP system enables precise phase-sensitive control of coupling between clockwise and counterclockwise modes, leading to enhanced amplitude modulation.

Mouse study finds impaired cell development: Intermittent fasting could be unsafe for teenagers

A recent study reveals that intermittent fasting can impair beta-cell function and maturation in young mice, potentially leading to diabetes. Researchers found that adolescent mice showed a decline in insulin production after prolonged fasting, with defective beta cells resembling those of type 1 diabetes patients.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 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