Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2025 - Page 5


Page 5 of 44

New screening tool for stroke survivors with visual perception problems

A new 15-minute screening tool can identify visual perception problems in stroke survivors, affecting their quality of life and independence. The Oxford Visual Perception Screen (OxVPS) assesses object and face recognition, reading, eye-hand coordination, and neglect, providing an easy-to-interpret guide for healthcare professionals.

SourceDurham University·JournalClinical Rehabilitation·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2025

Better poverty mapping: New machine-learning approach targets aid more effectively

A new machine-learning approach to mapping poverty has been developed by Cornell University researchers, aiming to help policymakers and NGOs better identify the poorest populations in poor countries. The approach uses national surveys and Earth observation data to create actionable terms for policymakers, outperforming previous methods.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 26, 2025

A new path to recovery: Scientists uncover key brain circuit in the fight against cocaine use disorder

Researchers at Penn Nursing have discovered a critical brain circuit that regulates cocaine-seeking behavior, which they believe can be targeted by developing new GLP-1-based treatments. By understanding how this circuit functions, scientists may develop innovative therapies to treat cocaine use disorder.

No complications associated with early weight bearing on broken ankles

A new study suggests that early weight bearing on broken ankles is generally safe and can help speed up patient recovery by preventing muscle deconditioning and improving joint range of motion. Healthy patients can typically start bearing weight within three weeks of surgical intervention without experiencing increased complications.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 26, 2025

Researchers make recommendations for promoting sustainable development in mangrove forest areas

Researchers from University of Jyväskylä recommend addressing vulnerabilities in coastal communities, such as uncontrolled shrimp farming and pollution. They suggest supporting environmentally friendly livelihoods like freshwater harvesting and agroforestry to promote sustainable development in mangrove forest areas.

Do starchy carbs cause cavities?

A new study published in Microorganisms explores the impact of starch on oral health and finds that high AMY1 copy numbers alter the oral microbiome, increasing disease risk. The researchers discovered that populations with a history of agriculture and starch consumption have more copies of the gene, which provides a survival advantage.

SourceCornell University·JournalMicroorganisms·DateFeb 26, 2025

Innovative CT scan technique could improve prognosis and treatments for head and neck cancers, new research suggests

Researchers analyzed pre-treatment CT scans of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to identify radiomic biomarkers that can predict the aggressiveness of the disease and its response to treatment. These biomarkers may lead to more targeted therapies and improved survival outcomes for patients.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 26, 2025

In preparing children for a racially unequal society, families of colour can benefit from more support, study finds

Researchers at McGill University found that parents of colour need information and support to teach their children the skills they need to survive and thrive in a racially unequal society. The study identified three key messages that focus on feeling pride, valuing diversity and recognizing and responding to discrimination.

SourceMcGill University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateFeb 26, 2025

The future of telescope lenses is flar

A team of Utah engineers has developed a large aperture flat lens that focuses light as effectively as traditional curved lenses while preserving accurate color. This technology could transform astrophotography imaging systems in space-constrained applications.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 26, 2025

What is it like in the core of Mars?

Scientists have identified a crystal phase that could theoretically crystallize under Martian core conditions, suggesting the Red Planet may have a solid inner core. This discovery was made using diamond anvil cells and single-crystal diffraction at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2025

Sea sponge inspires super strong compressible material

Researchers developed a new material inspired by the Venus' flower basket deep-sea sponge, showcasing remarkable compressive strength and stiffness. The double lattice design overcomes limitations of existing auxetic materials, offering potential applications in construction, sports gear, and medical devices.

SourceRMIT University·JournalComposite Structures·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2025

Eavesdropping on whale songs sparks new discoveries in whale ecology

Researchers tracked changes in baleen whale song detection over six years, finding correlations with shifts in foraging conditions and food availability. The study's findings suggest that whale song data can provide insights into the health of marine ecosystems and inform conservation efforts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 26, 2025

New spatial mechanism for the coexistence of tree species

Researchers discovered a novel spatial mechanism underlying the coexistence of tree species in forests, with mechanisms such as seed dispersal driving patterns in tropical forests and mycorrhizal fungi shaping patterns in temperate forests. This finding has implications for understanding biodiversity stability and species coexistence.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 26, 2025

When dads take leave, moms breastfeed longer

A recent survey by Northwestern University found that fathers who take at least two weeks of leave are more likely to report their infant being breastfed at eight weeks. Additionally, families where dads took at least two weeks off had a higher rate of continued breastfeeding at eight weeks compared to those with shorter leave.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalBMC Public Health·DateFeb 26, 2025

New genetic risk score identifies individuals at risk for heart disease who may benefit most from cholesterol-lowering therapies

Researchers developed a polygenic risk score that examines genes associated with endothelial cell function to identify individuals with higher cardiovascular disease risk. The study found that individuals with intact endothelial function may have protection, while those with EC dysfunction may be more sensitive to LDL-C concentrations.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2025

Beyond the burn: Harvesting dead wood to reduce wildfires and store carbon

A study by Florida Atlantic University investigated how removing dead wood could reduce wildfire risks and enhance carbon storage. The research found that combining physical harvesting with thinning significantly reduced wildfire risks, while lowering carbon emissions and offering carbon sequestration through products like biochar.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 26, 2025

A new legal standard for medical malpractice

The American Law Institute has established a new legal framework for resolving medical malpractice claims, focusing on clinical care, patient communication, and practice environment. This updated standard aims to improve healthcare quality and accountability.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 26, 2025

Adsorptive regolith on mars soaks up water, researchers reveal

Researchers from Tohoku University have improved a Mars climate model to account for the planet's non-uniform regolith properties. The enhanced model shows that highly absorptive regolith in mid- and low latitudes retains substantial amounts of absorbed water, which remains on the surface as stable adsorbed water.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·DateFeb 26, 2025

Preserved ratio impaired spirometry: clinical, imaging and artificial intelligence perspective

PRISm is a form of Pre-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Pre-COPD) characterized by respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function. Imaging assessments, such as computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging, play a crucial role in diagnosing and predicting the prognosis of PRISm.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 26, 2025