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Science News for January 17, 2025


The new Human Microglia Atlas provides insights on the roles of these immune cells in neurodegenerative diseases

The study provides insights into the roles of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases, revealing nine transcriptionally distinct subpopulations. The GPNMB-high Lipo.DAM signature is associated with Alzheimer's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis, and may hold relevance for immune-based therapies.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025

Ship sliming study could enable lower costs and emissions in ocean transport

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developed a model to estimate biofilm growth, enabling optimal hull cleaning schedules to save on fuel consumption. Biofilm fouling can increase fuel friction by up to 18%, leading to higher emissions and consumer prices.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Direct measurements can reduce uncertainty in soil carbon credit markets

A study co-authored by Yale School of the Environment scientists found that directly measuring soil carbon can provide reliable evidence of how much carbon is being stored. This approach, coupled with suitable study designs, allows for feasible verification of climate-smart practices such as crop cover and reduced tillage.

SourceYale University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 17, 2025

Bioactive compounds with possible industrial applications are identified in extremophilic bacteria from the Andes

Biofilm produced by Pseudomonas alcaligenes has unique structural properties and thermal stability, exhibiting antioxidant, emulsification and flocculation activity. The EPS can be used as a natural additive for the pharmaceutical and food industries with potential applications in developing sustainable or ecofriendly additives.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 17, 2025
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Panorama of our nearest galactic neighbor unveils hundreds of millions of stars

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a panoramic view of the Andromeda Galaxy, unveiling hundreds of millions of stars and providing new clues to its evolutionary history. The galaxy's unique structural features, such as coherent streams of stars, suggest a more active recent star formation and interaction history than the Milky Way.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2025

New data shows how ‘rage giving’ boosted immigrant-serving nonprofits during the first Trump Administration

Financial contributions to immigrant-serving legal aid nonprofits increased by 4-11 percentage points during the 2016 election and 8-17 percentage points through 2019. This surge in funding helped these organizations adapt to anti-immigrant policies and position themselves as important safeguards for immigrant communities.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalInternational Migration Review·DateJan 17, 2025
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

UT Health San Antonio, UTSA researchers receive prestigious 2025 Hill Prizes for medicine and technology

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio and The University of Texas at San Antonio have won the 2025 Hill Prizes for their groundbreaking work on non-opioid painkillers and emergency airway management. The $500,000 prize funding will support the development of novel analgesics and a new design for endotracheal tubes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·DateJan 17, 2025

Online advertising of compounded glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists

A cross-sectional study found that websites selling compounded glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists often misinformed potential consumers about the medications' safety, efficacy, and FDA approval status. The study highlights the need for increased transparency and regulation in the online advertising of these medications.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJan 17, 2025

MSK Research Highlights, January 17, 2025

A recent study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center sheds new light on the heterogeneity of GBM tumors and the role of cancer stem cells in tumor growth. The research identifies six distinct transcriptional states, each with its own unique gene signature, and provides guidance for future research to develop targeted therapies.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·DateJan 17, 2025

Higher costs limit attendance for life changing cardiac rehab

A Michigan Medicine study suggests that higher out-of-pocket costs for initial cardiac rehabilitation sessions are a major barrier to participation. Patients who shared the cost of their first session attended more sessions than those who paid nothing, but still had lower odds of completing over 24 sessions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Taking stock of the known and unknown microbial space

Researchers studied publicly available genome sequence data to understand the fraction of known and unknown microbial diversity. They found that only 9.73% of bacterial isolate genomes represent the total estimated diversity, with MAGs accounting for nearly 49%, while 42% remains unrepresented.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2025

The art and science of twisting light

A team of researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design has developed a new type of metasurface that can generate circularly polarized light without complex optical setups. The metasurface exhibits chirality, enabling it to convert arbitrary optical excitation into circularly polarized light at specific frequency ranges.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 17, 2025

On the way to a “new” second

A newly developed ion crystal clock has demonstrated record accuracy, reaching an uncertainty close to the 18th decimal place. This achievement marks a significant step towards redefining the second in the International System of Units (SI), as optical clocks are now 100 times more accurate than current caesium clocks.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025

Navigating a safer path for autonomous vehicles

Researchers are developing a software framework for crowd-sourced 3D map generation and visual localization from camera data to improve real-time updates and low-cost visual localization. This technology aims to advance self-driving vehicles and enable fully automated transportation

SourceTexas A&M University·DateJan 17, 2025
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Florescent probes illuminate cholesterol and Alzheimer’s research

A new study demonstrates how fluorescent cholesterol probes can visualize cholesterol in live cells, revealing its role in amyloid plaque formation and cellular signaling. The novel probes have the potential to enhance our understanding of how cholesterol imbalances contribute to neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 17, 2025

MSU researchers (plus dogs) discover new truffle species

Researchers at Michigan State University, along with citizen scientists and their truffle dogs, have discovered two new species of truffle. The newly named Tuber canirevelatum and Tuber cumberlandense were identified through DNA analysis and have aromatic compounds found in valuable truffle species. These discoveries could lead to incr...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalMycologia·DateJan 17, 2025

Unlocking tomato regeneration: microRNA396's surprising role

A recent study identifies microRNA396 as a key regulator of shoot regeneration in tomatoes, revealing its role in genotype-dependent variability. Suppressing miR396 enhances shoot regeneration rates and boosts GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR expression.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateJan 17, 2025

Cracking the code: what makes butterhead lettuce so unique

Researchers at Huazhong Agricultural University have identified two critical genes, LsKIPK and LsATPase, responsible for butterhead lettuce's distinctive architecture. The study provides a breakthrough in understanding plant morphology and offers possibilities for targeted breeding to develop lettuce varieties with improved traits.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateJan 17, 2025
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Qigong significantly decreases chronic low back pain in US military veterans

A pilot study found that qigong significantly decreases chronic low back pain in US military veterans, improving physical function and reducing sleep disturbance. The holistic practice also showed positive effects on PTSD, depression, anxiety, and social roles, highlighting its potential as a nonpharmacological treatment option.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPain Management Nursing·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 17, 2025

Tiny vortexes help detect dangerous viruses

Researchers at Duke University developed an acoustofluidic integrated molecular diagnostics chip, AIMDx, that uses tiny vortexes to detect dangerous viruses. The vortexes trap cells, bacteria, and larger bioparticles, purifying samples for biomedical tests.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025

Extreme rain heightens E. coli risks for communities of color in Texas

Research led by the University of Michigan reveals that extreme rainfall disproportionately increases E. coli concentrations in recreational waters of communities of color in Texas, particularly those with higher percentages of Black residents in the north and east, and predominantly Latino communities in the south and west.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateJan 17, 2025
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Three million years ago, our ancestors were vegetarian

A study published in Science found that nitrogen isotopes in tooth enamel of Australopithecus individuals indicate a primarily plant-based diet. The analysis revealed low nitrogen isotope ratios similar to those of herbivores, suggesting that human ancestors did not regularly hunt large mammals.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalScience·DateJan 17, 2025

KAIST develops CamBio - a new biotemplating method​

Researchers at KAIST developed CamBio, a biotemplating method utilizing specific intracellular proteins to create functional nanostructures with high tunability. The method enables the selective synthesis of nanostructures from biological samples, showing improved performance in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate detection.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

PECASE winners: 3 UVA engineering professors receive presidential early career awards

Three UVA engineering professors, James T. Burns, Coleen Carrigan, and Liheng Cai, have received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) from President Biden. The award recognizes their innovative work in science and technology, including Burns' research on material fracture under unique conditions and...

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJan 17, 2025

Shocking cues

A study reveals that cells in the neural crest, which forms bones and nervous system tissues, use internal electric fields to migrate. This process, known as electrotaxis, is guided by an enzyme called voltage-sensitive phosphatase 1 (Vsp1), which converts electrical signals into directional cues.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 17, 2025

KAIST develops insect-eye-inspired camera capturing 9,120 frames per second​

A novel bio-inspired camera capable of ultra-high-speed imaging and high sensitivity has been developed by KAIST researchers. The camera mimics the visual structure of insect eyes and achieves frame rates thousands of times faster than conventional cameras, while providing clear images in low-light conditions.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

NIH to lead implementation of National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act

The NIH is leading the implementation of the Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act, which aims to coordinate research and services across federal agencies, speed treatment development, and improve early diagnosis for Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·DateJan 17, 2025

Researchers discover how cigarette smoke impairs critical lung immune cells

Researchers discover how cigarette smoke alters the function of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, a key type of immune cell in the lungs. This impairment increases susceptibility to respiratory infections and worsens chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025

Stem cell therapy jumpstarts brain recovery after stroke

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have shown that modified stem cells can improve brain activity after a stroke, even when administered one month later. The treatment reversed brain hyperexcitability and restored balance in neural networks, leading to long-lasting effects on brain function and repair.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateJan 17, 2025

New insights into pancreatic disease and diabetes

Researchers have developed a rabbit model to study CF-related pancreatic endocrine pathology, offering new insights into the disease's pathophysiology. The model identifies an indeterminate glucose tolerance stage in young CF rabbits, mirroring early signs of diabetes progression in humans.

SourceFirst Hospital of Jilin University·JournaleGastroenterology·DateJan 17, 2025
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

New study offers insights into how populations conform or go against the crowd

A new mathematical model offers a more realistic representation of how conformist and anti-conformist biases shape cultural traits through a population. The study finds that populations rarely converge to a single trait, and even small variations in individual behavior result in persistent diversity.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2025

Unlocking the secrets of tomato's defense mechanisms against insects

Researchers uncover the genetic and metabolic intricacies of wild tomato species Solanum habrochaites to develop pest-resistant crops. The study reveals unique glandular trichomes storing anti-insect metabolites, offering a promising approach for reducing chemical pesticide dependency.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateJan 17, 2025

Super-sized electric vehicles (EVs) will not solve the climate crisis

The article reveals that larger EVs are weighing more than conventional cars and require greater critical minerals to produce, delaying efforts to decarbonize the electricity grid. The growing size of EVs is also making waste processing and recycling hazardous

SourceOK International·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 17, 2025

Excess weight gain in first trimester associated with fetal fat accumulation

A NIH study found that excess weight gain in the first trimester is associated with increased abdominal circumference and arm fat thickness in fetuses. The findings suggest that early intervention may prevent adult obesity and related conditions by targeting fetal weight gain.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 17, 2025

Effectiveness and safety of tenofovir amibufenamide in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B: A real-world, multicenter study

A real-world multicenter study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of tenofovir amibufenamide in treating chronic hepatitis B. The study found that TMF was comparable to TDF in terms of treatment effectiveness, with improved renal safety and no impact on lipid levels.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJan 17, 2025
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Development of a high-performance AI device utilizing ion-controlled spin wave interference in magnetic materials

Researchers at NIMS developed a next-generation AI device leveraging ion-controlled spin wave interference in magnetic materials, outperforming conventional devices by up to 10 times. The technology enables energy-efficient computations with minimal degradation when miniaturized, opening doors for various industrial applications.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025

Researcher studies the power of native plants to combat road salt pollution

A study published in Science of the Total Environment found that stormwater detention basins in Northern Virginia face significant salt stress due to road salts. Native plant species, such as cattails, showed promise in tolerating high salt concentrations, but their impact on overall salt removal was limited.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateJan 17, 2025

Rotavirus protein NSP4 manipulates gastrointestinal disease severity

Researchers found that rotavirus protein NSP4 is necessary and sufficient for disrupting calcium signaling in infected and uninfected cells, affecting disease severity. Manipulating NSP4 could lead to new approaches to prevent or treat rotavirus infections.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025

94% of the grey matter in the brains of mothers undergoes changes during pregnancy

A study analyzing the brains of women during pregnancy for the first time reveals that 94% of grey matter undergoes changes, particularly in social cognition regions. The research shows a reduction and partial recovery of brain volume, associated with steroid hormone fluctuations and maternal well-being.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2025
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Technology for oxidizing atmospheric methane won’t help the climate

Researchers at University of Utah find proposed geoengineering method to oxidize methane has low efficiency and can cause negative air-quality side effects. The study suggests that manipulating the atmosphere on a global scale is not a reliable solution to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 17, 2025

New research: How Spotify shapes your music listening habits with playlists

A new study published in INFORMS Journal Marketing Science found that users are more likely to listen to playlists prominently featured on Spotify's Search Page than those created by third parties. The research also shows that superstar artists added to playlists increase followers, but platform algorithms prioritize these playlists ov...

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2025

Brits still associate working-class accents with criminal behavior – study warns of bias in the criminal justice system

A recent study published in Frontiers in Communication reveals that people with non-standard accents are more likely to be associated with criminal behaviour, but perceptions vary between accents. The researchers found a significant link between class or status, negative traits, and expected behavior, particularly when it comes to crime.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalFrontiers in Communication·DateJan 17, 2025

Polymer editing can upcycle waste into higher-performance plastics

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a method to edit polymers from discarded plastics, generating new macromolecules with more valuable properties. This process utilizes existing building blocks to provide added functionality and value, reducing energy consumption and emissions compared to traditional recycling.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Over 500 patients receive diagnosis through genetic reanalysis

A European consortium has successfully diagnosed over 500 patients with unknown conditions, including rare neurological disorders and hereditary cancers. The diagnoses were made possible by extensive collaboration and reanalysis of existing genome data.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2025

Brains of people with sickle cell disease appear older

A study found that individuals with sickle cell disease have brains that appear 14 years older than their actual age, and socioeconomic status is also linked to brain health in adults. This can lead to cognitive problems and challenges in school and work.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

In-situ magic: A game changer for stabilizing electrode/electrolyte interfaces in aqueous zinc batteries

Scientists introduce a novel approach to construct robust electrode/electrolyte interphase layers on both cathode and anode of aqueous zinc batteries. The use of glutamate additives enables efficient suppression of undesirable side reactions, leading to improved electrochemical performance and cycling stability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025

Social bonds are essential for capuchin monkeys to learn new skills, study shows

Researchers found that capuchin monkeys in Brazil's Serra da Capivara National Park learn from each other's actions and that social tolerance is crucial for this process. The study showed that partners in collective activities, such as searching for parasites and playing games, are more likely to learn new skills from their companions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2025

Research on past hurricanes aims to reduce future risk

Researchers analyzed tropical storm-related precipitation to understand its impact on local water resources and provide insights into climate predictions. The study aims to help communities prepare for extreme storms and manage water resources before and after the storms.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2025
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

A chain reaction: HIV vaccines can lead to antibodies against antibodies

Scientists discovered that repetitive HIV vaccinations can lead to the production of antibodies targeting immune complexes already bound to the virus. This chain reaction was observed in follow-up experiments on HIV-vaccinated animals and may impact vaccine design strategies. Understanding this response could lead to improved vaccines ...

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Immunology·DateJan 17, 2025

WashU researchers map individual brain dynamics

Neuroscientists at WashU develop a novel method to create personalized brain models, shedding light on individual variations in brain dynamics and their impact on cognition and behavior. The study reveals new insights into the mechanisms underlying person-specific differences in brain electrophysiology.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2025

From lab to field: CABBI pipeline delivers oil-rich sorghum

Researchers have developed a new sorghum variant that can outperform soybeans in oil production, with great potential as a clean source of renewable fuel. The 'push-pull-protect' strategy successfully engineered sorghum lines to accumulate up to 5.5% TAG in their leaves and 3.5% dry weight in their stems under field conditions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

‘Ding-dong:’ A study finds specific neurons with an immune doorbell

Research identifies IL-1R1-expressing neurons in key brain regions, including the somatosensory cortex and hippocampus, which regulate sensory processing, mood regulation, and memory. The study provides new insights into how inflammation contributes to sensory, mood, and memory disorders.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 17, 2025
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.