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Science News for January 27, 2025


Young adults more active after starting work, but sleep less – unless working from home

Research by scientists at the University of Cambridge found that young adults' physical activity increases when they start work, with a notable decrease seen among those working from home. Meanwhile, sleep levels drop immediately after starting work and remain stable over time, except for those without a university degree.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2025

Transforming longevity research: AI paves the way for personalised treatments in ageing science

A collaborative study investigates how advanced AI tools can make it easier to evaluate interventions for ageing, providing personalised recommendations. The researchers identified eight critical requirements for effective AI-based evaluations and found that following specific guidelines improved the quality of the recommendations.

Humanoid robots join human musicians for synchronized musical performances

Researchers develop a human-robot musical band featuring humanoid robots that perform alongside human musicians, achieving natural synchronization through advanced robotic systems. The project showcases the potential of humanoid robots in creative fields like music, highlighting real-time interaction, adaptability, and artistry.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ Computer Science·DateJan 27, 2025

NUS researchers pioneer DNA-tagged gold nanoparticles for targeted cancer treatment

The team's novel technique enables high-throughput screening of nanoparticle shapes, sizes, and modifications, reducing associated screening costs. The research demonstrates the distinct preferences of tumour cells for certain nanoparticle configurations, enabling personalized cancer treatments that are safer and more effective.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2025

Peer health navigators improve health equity and patient well-being for transgender and gender-diverse patients

A peer health navigator pilot program in Saskatchewan improved access to affirming health care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals. The program reduced stress and positively impacted clients' mental health by providing tailored guidance and connecting them with affirming providers.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 27, 2025

Special report proposes strategies for preserving diversity in medicine after reshaped affirmative action policies

The article proposes innovative strategies for preserving diversity in higher education and professional fields, including medicine. Institutions must expand STEM enrichment programs, strengthen K-16 recruitment efforts, and maintain holistic admissions processes to address declining enrollment of underrepresented minority students.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 27, 2025

Motivational interviewing techniques and reframing universal screening for patients with alcohol abuse or risk reduces stigma

The AHRQ EvidenceNOW initiative reduces stigma by training primary care practices in universal screening, brief interventions, and medication-assisted therapy. Motivational interviewing techniques help clinicians address unhealthy alcohol use, promoting person-centered communication and empathetic interactions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 27, 2025

International disease classification codes ambiguities create challenges in comparing respiratory infection diagnosis

Researchers identified regional differences in how ICD codes were applied, with some codes being used interchangeably for different conditions. The study highlights the need to address variation in physician coding practices to ensure accurate comparisons and avoid false conclusions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 27, 2025

Taking blood pressure in a public or noisy settings does not affect reading

Researchers found that taking blood pressure in public or noisy settings does not affect reading. The study supports the implementation of mass hypertension-screening programs in public settings. Bariatric surgery with sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass both substantially lower healthcare expenses for patients with diabetes, with to...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJan 27, 2025

From Fox News to MSNBC: Diverse media diet linked to higher trust in vaccines

A study of 1,700 people found that those who consumed more conservative news were less likely to be vaccinated, but a diverse media diet made them more likely to get vaccinated. People who got their news from an ideologically diverse array of sources were more critical thinkers and less likely to be misled by misinformation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateJan 27, 2025

Colorado’s parental notification law can impede adolescent access to abortion, study says

A new study found that Colorado's parental notification law imposes emotional, physical hurdles on adolescents seeking abortion care, delaying access and increasing stress. The law disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including those with unstable family relationships or histories of trauma.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJan 27, 2025

Study finds inconsistencies in hospital toxicology screening protocols following serious motor vehicle collisions

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found significant inconsistencies in hospital toxicology screening practices following serious motor vehicle collisions. The study highlights the need for standardized, equitable reporting protocols to ensure every patient receives consistent care.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2025

From roots to rugged circuits: the future of flexible electronics unveiled

Researchers have developed a cutting-edge solution to create durable and high-resolution conformal circuits, enabling them to withstand extreme conditions. The Template-Constrained Additive (TCA) printing technology achieves high-resolution printing capabilities and supports a diverse range of materials.

Hominin presence in Eurasia dated to almost 2 million years ago

Researchers have discovered cut-marked fossil bones from the Grăunceanu site in Romania, dating back to around 1.95 million years ago, indicating early hominin presence in Eurasia 200,000 years earlier than previously thought. The findings provide evidence of tool use by hominins and suggest a more complex history of human evolution.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2025

New research shows a scientific approach can optimize bike lane planning

A new study by University of Toronto researchers has developed a model that can help municipalities choose optimal locations for bike lanes, minimizing congestion and increasing cycling ridership. The model uses traffic and commuter mobility data to predict the impact of bike lane expansion on driving travel time and emissions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalManagement Science·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2025

Mechanism of action of preservatives in cosmetics

Research on preservative mechanisms aims to develop improved preservation methods and identify effective antimicrobial compounds. Factors such as concentration, exposure time, and specific microorganism targeting influence preservative effectiveness, making targeted modifications crucial for enhanced antimicrobial properties.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 27, 2025

The Mount Sinai Hospital becomes first in NYC to offer advanced HYDROS™ Robotic System for treating enlarged prostates

The Mount Sinai Hospital has performed the first procedure in NYC using the HYDROS Robotic System, a cutting-edge technology designed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The minimally invasive procedure preserves continence and sexual function, offering new hope for patients experiencing symptoms of BPH.

Researchers find cholesterol-lowering drugs have no effect on kidney function

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that statin use did not improve kidney function and had no ill effects in older adults. The research provides evidence supporting the kidney safety of statins, suggesting they can be used without concerns related to potential kidney harm.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 27, 2025

New insights into the immune response of plants

A team of researchers has identified a calcium-activated bi-kinase module as the central molecular switch driving plant immune response. This discovery sheds light on how plants transmit immune signals from cell to cell without disrupting other signalling chains, using reactive oxygen species and calcium signals.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2025

Hebrew SeniorLife’s Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health recognized as an age-friendly health system

The Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health has been recognized by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI) as an Age-Friendly Health System level 2. The center provides expertly designed care for older adults with brain health issues and memory loss, incorporating key evidence-based practices into its multidisciplinary care.

Space and time? Here’s how they interact in our brain

A study by cognitive neuroscientists found that the relationship between space and time processing varies across different brain regions. In posterior areas, space and time are processed together, while in anterior areas, they are processed independently. The study highlights a functional hierarchy with distinct neural populations resp...

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2025

Sinking truths: University of Houston confirms Miami’s coastal subsidence challenges

Researchers from the University of Houston have confirmed alarming rates of subsidence in Miami's barrier islands, with 35 skyscrapers sinking up to three inches into the ground since 2016. The study used InSAR technology to detect changes in the earth's surface and found that construction-induced stresses extend beyond building footpr...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalEarth and Space Science·DateJan 27, 2025

Move more, age well: Prescribing physical activity for older adults as a recipe for healthy aging

A review article discusses the importance of physical activity in preventing disease and improving functional independence among older adults. Higher levels of physical activity are associated with improved cognition, mental health, and quality of life, and can potentially add years to an individual's life.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 27, 2025

Development and application of a tornado database for the Chinese mainland

A study presents an open-access tornado database for mainland China, revealing a spatial concentration of tornadoes in Jiangsu and Guangdong provinces. The data shows that tornadoes are most frequent in summer, peaking in July, with high-intensity tornadoes (EF2 and above) calculated for specific counties.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalAdvances in Wind Engineering·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2025

Adderall shortage may be associated with increased use of alternative ADHD medication in children

A national study suggests that the Adderall shortage may have led to an increase in the use of alternative ADHD medications in children. The research found that while prescription fills for ADHD treatments among children aged 5-17 fell during the pandemic, they increased again after the shortage was announced. The study's findings high...

Purdue researcher studies innovative strategies to effectively promote plant-based food choices through online shopping nudges

A Purdue researcher found that online shopping nudges, such as carbon footprint labeling and product categorization, can effectively promote plant-based food choices that benefit health and the environment. The study suggests that small interventions like labeling have a significant impact on consumer behavior.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2025

Global review of acupuncture and moxibustion in CINV/RINV guidelines' status and future focus

A global review of 56 guidelines found inconsistencies in acupuncture and moxibustion recommendations for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV). The study highlights the importance of developing personalized antiemetic programs and integrating acupuncture and moxibustion wit...

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWorld Journal of Acupuncture - Moxibustion·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 27, 2025

Pilot edition of international acupuncture guidelines for non-specific low back pain

A set of international acupuncture guidelines has been published for treating non-specific low back pain, providing seven recommendations for clinical questions. The guidelines aim to improve the efficacy and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy for NSLBP, with a focus on patient-centered care.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWorld Journal of Acupuncture - Moxibustion·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 27, 2025

Progress toward a new generation of rechargeable batteries

A Chinese team proposes adding a soluble catalyst to electrolytes in lithium-air batteries, enhancing charge transport and counteracting electrode passivation. The addition improves the batteries' performance and lifespan by reducing overpotential and increasing discharge capacity.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2025

former NIJ director proposes new framework to enhance rigor, impact of criminal justice intervention evaluations

A new framework by former NIJ director Nancy La Vigne aims to improve the effectiveness of social programs through deliberate implementation and adaptation to local contexts. The Titanium Law of Evaluation emphasizes the importance of both implementation fidelity and local context in evaluating criminal justice interventions.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJournal of Experimental Criminology·DateJan 27, 2025

Dynamics of laser surface texturing in boosting lightweight vehicle design: a study by Seoul National University of Science and Technology

A Seoul National University team developed a breakthrough technique to improve metal-polymer joints, enabling the use of plastics in car parts and reducing overall vehicle weight. This method uses laser surface texturing to create strong and durable bonds between steel and plastic materials.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalOptics & Laser Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2025

Weight-loss surgery lowers risk of developing complications of liver disease in patients with cirrhosis and obesity

A Cleveland Clinic study shows that bariatric surgery significantly lowers the risk of developing serious liver complications in patients with obesity and fatty liver-related cirrhosis. The study found a 72% lower risk of liver disease complications and an 80% lower risk of progression to decompensated stage among surgical patients.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 27, 2025

New discovery paves the way for more resistant soybeans to combat $1.5 billion crop loss from nematode infection

Researchers have identified a key protein responsible for nematode infection in soybeans, paving the way for the development of more resistant crops. By engineering 'decoy' proteins that trick nematodes into cleaving themselves, scientists aim to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and lower agriculture's environmental impact.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJan 27, 2025

Climate study: Rise in heat deaths will substantially outweigh fewer cold deaths

A new study estimates that climate change will lead to a significant increase in heat-related deaths across Europe, surpassing any decrease in cold-related deaths. The study suggests that swift cuts to carbon emissions are necessary to mitigate this trend and prevent millions of additional deaths.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 27, 2025

The Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation partners with the Technology Innovation Institute to further drug discovery and disease modeling in neurology

The collaboration aims to develop advanced 3D mini-brain models for replicating human brain architecture, enabling researchers to explore neurological diseases and screen drug candidates. The platform offers a high-throughput screening method for rapid testing of potential drug candidates.

Firearm-related hospitalizations had dropped before the pandemic, then shot up, study finds

A new study found a significant increase in firearm-related hospitalizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, with rates 34% higher than predicted pre-pandemic trends. The gap was largest for Black patients, children, and those covered by Medicaid, who experienced rates 44%, 46%, and 41% higher, respectively.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2025

A new experimental system to bring quantum technologies closer to students

A new experimental system designed by a team from the University of Barcelona allows students to study phenomena unique to quantum mechanics, such as Bell inequalities and entangled systems. The system enables direct measurements of quantum entanglement, facilitating a deeper understanding of this unintuitive phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalEPJ Quantum Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2025

Wireless communication technology for training communication networks

Researchers from China developed a wireless train communication network that demonstrates excellent performance in high-speed railway environments. The system, which integrates LoRa and GNSS technologies, offers lower cabling complexity and maintenance costs while providing greater flexibility for upgrades and fault recovery.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalHigh-speed Railway·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2025

Men and women equally attracted to younger partners, UC Davis study suggests

A University of California, Davis study of 4,500 blind dates found that both men and women are drawn to younger partners, with women's preferences revealing a surprising trend. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that youth may be more appealing in initial attraction settings.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 27, 2025