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Science News Archive January 2025 - Page 8


Page 8 of 44

Nourishing T cells to fight cancer

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new way to grow T cells that can live longer and better destroy cancer cells in mice. By adding a compound called dichloroacetate to growth media, they created T cells less reliant on glucose and more efficient at using other energy sources.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 28, 2025

Study reveals gaps in healthcare quality assessments across Israel, the US, and the UK

A new study reveals striking similarities and critical gaps in how three major countries measure healthcare quality, with an emphasis on family medicine and process-focused metrics. The findings underscore the need for a more balanced approach that includes all aspects of medical care, from infrastructure to patient outcomes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 28, 2025

Empathy for other peoples’ pain peaks in young adulthood

A new study found that empathy responses peak in young adulthood, with increased sensitivity to social pain. This development demonstrates that empathy strengthens as people age, but also accompanies reduced ratings of pain for others, highlighting the complexities of empathic responses.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2025

Towards a natural control of robotic limbs

Researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia and Imperial College London demonstrate the connection between hand movement patterns and motoneuron control patterns, enabling natural control of bionic limbs. The study reports successful testing of a soft prosthetic hand with individuals with physical impairments.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2025

Standardizing provider assessments reveals important information about gun and opioid access for veterans at risk of suicide

Researchers found that fewer veterans reported having access to firearms than expected, with only 5% included in discussions. The study also revealed that most veterans with opioid access did not accept overdose-reversing medication, highlighting the need for improved suicide safety planning.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 28, 2025

A new triple combination of inhibitors based on precision medicine emerges as a potential new treatment for Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors

Researchers identified a potential new treatment for aggressive sarcoma arising in nerves, using a pre-clinical platform that combines inhibitors targeting specific mutations. The triple combination of MEKi-BETi-CDKi showed promising results in shrinking tumors and even eliminating some cases, offering hope for improved treatment options.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2025

Pancreas cells secrete neuroprotective factor

Researchers discovered that pancreatic β cells produce a neuroprotective agent called Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23), which can stop amyloid-β-induced neuronal cell death. FGF23 may increase ribosomal proteins, helping to maintain homeostasis in neurons.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 28, 2025

Ocean-surface warming four times faster now than late-1980s

A new study found that ocean temperatures have more than quadrupled since the late 1980s, rising from 0.06°C/decade to 0.27°C/decade. This accelerating warming is driven by the Earth's growing energy imbalance and is expected to lead to even more rapid temperature increases in the future.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 28, 2025

The oral microbiome and dementia

A study found a link between oral microbiome and dementia risk, with certain bacteria associated with better executive function. A nitrate-rich diet may favor beneficial oral bacteria, potentially delaying cognitive decline.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 28, 2025

Cell death and aging in cancer research review

A review of cell death and aging in cancer research reveals the significance of cellular senescence in promoting cancer growth. The study highlights the potential of various types of programmed cell death, such as necroptosis and pyroptosis, as therapeutic targets against senescent cells.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalSeminars in Cancer Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 28, 2025

Structural color shields: water repellent coatings

Researchers developed a novel coating material that captures the brilliance of structural colors using melanin particles, producing non-iridescent color even when viewed from different angles. The coatings displayed a contact angle of over 160 degrees, monochromatic hues, and a self-cleaning surface.

SourceChiba University·JournalMacromolecular Reaction Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2025

Paywalls shape newspaper coverage

Adopting paywalls leads to a strategic shift in newspaper coverage, with a 5.1% decrease in local news and modest declines in soft news, according to a study of US newspapers between 2006-2022. Smaller cities and urban areas experiencing demographic changes exhibit notable declines in local news and increases in popular content.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 28, 2025

Q&A: How rate of CO2 rise can affect a global ocean current

A recent University of Washington study found that a slower increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels has less impact on the Atlantic Ocean's circulation. The research, published in PNAS, suggests that this slowdown allows the ocean system more time to adapt to rising CO2 levels and mitigates its effects.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 28, 2025

University of Virginia study reveals air pollution inequities linked to industrial swine facilities are detectable from space

A University of Virginia study uses satellite data to show long-term air pollution inequalities tied to industrialized swine facilities in Eastern North Carolina. The research finds that these disparities extend multiple kilometers beyond the immediate vicinity of facilities, affecting communities of color disproportionately.

SourceUniversity of Virginia College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 28, 2025

Could fecal microbiota transplantation help patients heal after stem cell transplantation?

A new phase 2 clinical trial demonstrates the safety of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in preventing acute graft-versus-host disease in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplants. The study found that FMT helped restore microbial diversity and promote beneficial bacterial species, supporting a healthy immune system.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 28, 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