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Science News for July 14, 2025


New way to produce nitric oxide on-demand

Researchers have developed new artificial nitrite reductases that can precisely generate nitric oxide under conditions relevant to medicine, food safety, and environmental protection. These synthetic catalysts promise low-cost supplements for hypertension or ischemia and precise antibiofilm treatments.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateJul 14, 2025

How new genes get switched on

A team of researchers has discovered the regulation of de novo genes in fruit flies, finding that transcription factors and genomic neighbors play a crucial role in switching these genes on. The study also reveals that de novo genes often share regulatory elements with adjacent genes, suggesting a mechanism of co-regulation.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 14, 2025

Revolutionizing motor drives: model-free predictive control takes center stage

Researchers have analyzed four model-free predictive control (MFPC) approaches, showcasing their flexibility and robustness in motor drives. The study highlights the potential for MFPC to address challenges in various industries, including cybersecurity, power grids, and aerospace.

SourceCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·JournalCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

Supporting autistic patients in health care

The article highlights the need for healthcare providers to understand autism and its diversity, as well as actively ask about patients' lived experiences. Additionally, suggestions are provided on adapting healthcare delivery and environments, tailoring communications, and addressing barriers faced by autistic individuals with margina...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 14, 2025

More research needed to explore potential racial, gender and socioeconomic differences in stroke treatment and recovery

Researchers reviewed medical records to identify disparities in stroke treatment and post-stroke health among patients from different racial and socioeconomic groups. The studies found that telestroke networks can help reduce racial disparities but highlight the need for further research into long-term recovery and rehabilitation dispa...

Aluminum exposure from childhood vaccines not linked to increased risk of autoimmune, allergic, or neurodevelopmental disorders

A nationwide Danish cohort study found no evidence linking cumulative aluminum exposure from early childhood vaccination to autoimmune, atopic, or neurodevelopmental disorders. The study followed over 1.2 million children and used national health registries to track their aluminum exposure and chronic disorder development.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJul 14, 2025

Deep learning accelerates research on early pregnancies

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have created a deep learning tool called deepBlastoid to study human embryo development in artificial laboratory conditions. The tool can evaluate images of blastoids equally well as expert scientists but 1000 times faster than traditional methods.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalLife Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

Vapes more effective for smoking cessation than nicotine gum and lozenges

A randomized controlled trial found that vaporized nicotine products were more effective than nicotine replacement therapies for smoking cessation in a low socioeconomic status population. The study suggests that Vapes may have a critical role in promoting smoking abstinence among this disproportionately affected group.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJul 14, 2025

Isotopic transient study elucidates reaction rate enhancement by microwave heating in dry reforming of methane

This study uses Steady-State Isotopic Transient Kinetic Analysis to investigate the effects of microwave heating on Dry Reforming of Methane. The results show that microwave activation induces the formation of reactive coke, enhancing the reaction rate and reducing surface intermediate concentrations.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

Performance enhancement of terahertz communication devices achieved through mechanical tuning technology

The study successfully demonstrated impedance tuning of a 250 GHz waveguide transition, validating the effectiveness of mechanical tuning as a method to compensate for fabrication-induced performance variation. Terahertz frequencies above 100 GHz offer extremely wide bandwidths suitable for next-generation wireless communications.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalIEEE Access·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

Pusan National University researchers unveil game-changing UV-fueled shape-shifting and shape-fixing smart materials

Researchers at Pusan National University have created novel materials called disulfide-based covalent adaptable networks (DS-CAN) that can change, fix, and retain their shape reversibly using magnetic fields and ultraviolet light. These materials enable UV- or heat-assisted shape fixation after deformation, which is also reversible.

SourcePusan National University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

For tastier and hardier citrus, researchers built a tool for probing plant metabolism

A new tool allows researchers to probe the metabolic processes of key citrus crop, clementine, to improve yields, flavor, and nutritional value. The comprehensive genome-scale model captures Citrus clementina's metabolism with exceptional accuracy, enabling simulating economically-relevant scenarios.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

Record-breaking human imaging project crosses the finish line: 100,000 volunteers provide science with most detailed look inside the body

The UK Biobank has completed a groundbreaking imaging project, scanning the brains, hearts, abdomens, blood vessels, bones and joints of 100,000 volunteers to understand how diseases develop. The project is already improving patient care in the NHS and beyond, with over 1,300 peer-reviewed scientific papers published based on the data.

What cats may teach us about Long COVID

Scientists found that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) therapy improved immune recovery in cats with FIP, a disease similar to Long COVID. The study showed reduced systemic inflammation and increased regulatory T cells, suggesting potential benefits for human patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 14, 2025

Smarter tools for policymakers: Notre Dame researchers target urban carbon emissions, building by building

Researchers at Notre Dame's School of Architecture and the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society developed EcoSphere, an AI-powered platform that visualizes embodied carbon emissions. The tool helps city planners identify strategies to reduce carbon emissions through renovation and extended building life.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalAutomation in Construction·DateJul 14, 2025

In a competitive world, mean leaders look smart

Research suggests that individuals who view the world as a competitive jungle are more likely to admire antagonistic leaders, praising their competence. In contrast, those who see the social world as cooperative and benign may call such leaders clueless. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that p...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

Nighttime pistachio snacking may reshape gut microbiome in prediabetic adults

A new study found that consuming pistachios every night for 12 weeks altered bacteria in the gut of adults with prediabetes, increasing beneficial short-chain fatty acids like butyrate. The changes may offer long-term health benefits, potentially slowing Type 2 diabetes development or reducing inflammation.

SourcePenn State·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 14, 2025

Middle meningeal artery treatment, AI and robotics in neurointervention, GLP-1s on stroke and infant firearm injuries to take center stage at Society of Neurointerventional Surgery’s 22nd Annual Meeting

The 22nd Annual Meeting will highlight dozens of promising research studies on middle meningeal artery treatment, AI and robotics in neurointervention, GLP-1s on stroke and infant firearm injuries. Neurointerventional specialists will share their expertise to advance patient care.

Researchers hit ‘fast forward’ on materials discovery with self-driving labs

Researchers developed a self-driving lab that collects at least 10 times more data than previous techniques, dramatically expediting materials discovery research while slashing costs and environmental impact. The system uses dynamic flow experiments to continuously characterize samples, capturing data every half second.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

High-purity green hydrogen with very low tar from biomass, with chemical looping gasification

A study from the University of Johannesburg presents a promising industrial process that can turn sugarcane waste into green hydrogen with high energy efficiency and low tar content. The Sorption-Enhanced Chemical Looping Gasification (SECLG) process produces a small fraction of unwanted by-products, making it an attractive alternative...

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalRenewable Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 14, 2025

Study finds political instability, environmental conditions, and social inequality accelerate aging

A global study of 161,981 participants across 40 countries reveals that air pollution, social inequality, and weak democratic institutions accelerate aging. BBAGs, a novel measure of accelerated aging, show that exposure to toxic air, political instability, and economic inequality can age you several years faster.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 14, 2025

New technique can dramatically improve laser linewidth

Researchers at Macquarie University developed a new technique to narrow laser linewidth by factors exceeding 10,000 using diamond crystals and Raman scattering. This breakthrough could revolutionize quantum computing, atomic clocks, and gravitational wave detection with improved spectral purity.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalAPL Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

New study highlights how perceived economic inequality undermines individual well-being across 71 countries

A comprehensive new study examining data from 71 countries suggests that perceiving high levels of economic inequality significantly undermines individual well-being. The research demonstrates that awareness of economic disparity negatively affects overall well-being and widens the gap between current and desired feelings.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

Colombia’s biofortified rice has untapped potential to improve nutrition. And consumers want it

Biofortified rice in Colombia has high potential to improve nutrition and is preferred by consumers despite its increased zinc content, with a 41% premium over standard rice. The variety was developed to address zinc deficiency in the country's Caribbean region, where rates are 41% among children aged 1-4.

Macromolecular gene delivery systems: advancing non-viral therapeutics with synthetic and natural polymers

Gene therapy relies on efficient and safe delivery of therapeutic genes to target cells. Macromolecular carriers, including synthetic and natural polymers, offer biocompatibility, controlled release, and targeted delivery. These systems have shown promise in treating genetic disorders and complex diseases like cancer.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology·DateJul 14, 2025

Study finds cities with proactive, risk-tolerant governing styles most likely to have ambitious climate strategies

A new study by researchers at the University of Kansas finds that cities with proactive, learning-oriented and risk-tolerant governance styles are more likely to implement ambitious climate resilience strategies. These cities are better positioned to protect their communities and lead meaningful change in an era of mounting climate risks.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalClimate Policy·TypeSurvey·DateJul 14, 2025

TUM creates seal of approval for robotics

Researchers at TUM create standardized procedure to compare industrial robots and assess their sensitivity, categorizing them into 'industrial robots,' 'cobots,' 'soft robots' and 'tactile robots.' This evaluation scheme has the potential to become an industrial testing standard, creating a seal of quality for the robotics market.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

Brain biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease can be detected as early as middle age

A Finnish population study reveals that middle-aged individuals can have high levels of blood-based biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study found a link between kidney disease and higher biomarker levels in middle age, as well as an association between the APOE ε4 gene and older age biomarker concentrations. Further r...

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·DateJul 14, 2025

With the second grant to therapy

Researchers at the University of Würzburg are developing a new therapy for KEAP1-mutated lung cancer using a sulfite inhibitor to block tumor cell growth. The team has identified a first-of-its-kind compound, SulfExstatin-1, which accumulates toxic sulfite in cancer cells, initiating their death.

Researchers use meteorological data to understand how climate and altitude affect bird migration

A global ecology study reveals that birds migrating through tropical regions travel at a steadier pace but with more variation in altitude compared to temperate regions. Birds adjust their flight altitudes to avoid strong winds, a key finding with implications for conservation efforts in tropical cities.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 14, 2025

Good prognosis for men with prostate cancer treated according to guidelines

A new study from Uppsala University found that most men with prostate cancer who receive recommended treatment have a good prognosis, with a lower risk of dying from prostate cancer than other causes. The study's findings highlight the importance of assessing a patient's life expectancy in choosing an appropriate treatment strategy.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 2025

Bronchoscopic lung-biopsy techniques match percutaneous approaches for comprehensive biomarker testing with fewer complications, new guideline concludes

A multidisciplinary guideline panel has determined that guided-bronchoscopy sampling provides tissue of comparable adequacy to percutaneous biopsy for comprehensive biomarker testing, while delivering a superior safety profile. Modern navigational bronchoscopy offers a safer path to molecular insights in lung cancer care.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJul 14, 2025

The H5N1 influenza outbreaks in the US dairy cattle likely triggered by the "milk-stealing" behavior of lactating cows

Researchers found that the H5N1 virus enters the mammary glands through the teat, not via respiratory infection. Lactating cows' self-nursing or mutual-nursing behaviors may facilitate this transmission. Vaccination with two different vaccines showed complete protection against H5N1 infection in cattle.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

New research challenges animal dietary classifications in Yellowstone National Park

A new study led by Brown University biologists found that different species of large herbivores have diets that are more diverse and complex than previously known. Researchers analyzed fecal and plant samples to identify the types of plants consumed by each species, revealing smaller dietary differences between species than expected.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 2025

Improved prognosis for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension over recent decades

Recent studies have revealed significant improvements in patient prognosis for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) over the past few decades. Advances in surgical techniques, drug development, and multimodal therapies have led to increased treatment rates and improved survival rates among patients.

SourceNational Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJul 14, 2025

Forensics study helps investigators draw new clues from bloodstains

A new study has provided insights into how blood stains cotton fabrics, allowing investigators to gather additional information from forensic evidence. The researchers found that the number and spread of 'fingers' in the bloodstain correlate to the velocity of the blood spatter, with faster-moving blood leaving more prominent tendrils.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalForensic Science International·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

World Snake Week is here

Cal Poly biological sciences Professor Emily Taylor is co-organizing the worldwide awareness week for snakes, highlighting over 3,500 globally significant species. The event promotes peaceful coexistence between humans and snakes, educating people about their importance in food webs and disease control.

What fuels preschool teacher development: lessons from China, Japan, and the United States

A comparative study explores how different systems of professional development influence preschool teacher growth in Japan, China, and the United States. The findings highlight the importance of culturally rooted practices and institutional structures in shaping teacher development, revealing no universal model for this process.

SourceKeio University·JournalComparative Education·TypeSurvey·DateJul 14, 2025

“Science and the humanities in the crosshairs” – DFG Annual Meeting focuses on the growing global threat to freedom of research. DFG Press Release no. 16

The DFG Annual Meeting focused on the growing global threat to freedom of research, with a particular emphasis on the US situation and anti-intellectual currents in other countries. The DFG President proposed targeted support measures and mechanisms of resistance, including additional funding agreements and joint publications.

The dark side of time

Researchers propose a novel method for detecting dark matter using thorium-229 nucleus properties, with potential to detect forces 10 trillion times weaker than gravity. The new approach aims to identify minute deviations in the absorption spectrum of thorium-229 to reveal dark matter's influence.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJul 14, 2025

New insights into Pd and Pt catalyst surface reconstruction and reaction selectivity

Researchers used advanced techniques to study propylene electrooxidation on Pd and Pt catalysts, revealing that surface reconstruction governs reaction selectivity. The findings show that changes in the catalyst surface under working potentials determine which products are formed.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 14, 2025

The secret life of neutrinos

A team of researchers has proposed that massive star collapse can create a 'neutrino collider,' leading to dramatic changes in supernova outcomes. This process could produce a neutron core or even a black hole remnant, depending on the presence of secret neutrino interactions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 14, 2025

First electronic–photonic quantum chip created in commercial foundry

Researchers from Boston University and Northwestern University develop a system that integrates quantum light sources and control electronics on a single piece of silicon, creating reliable streams of correlated photon pairs. The advance enables mass-producible 'quantum light factory' chips and large-scale quantum systems.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Electronics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 14, 2025

Theory for aerosol droplets from contaminated bubbles bursting gives insight into spread of pollution, microplastics, infectious disease

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a model predicting contaminant influence on aerosol droplet size, finding it depends on oil layer thickness, viscosity, and surface tension. The study aims to understand airborne contaminants from oil spills and respiratory diseases.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 14, 2025

New label-free imaging tracks cancer treatment in single cells

MiROM identifies proteins by detecting molecular vibrations and detects structural changes in proteins, such as misfolding, allowing for real-time assessments of treatment effectiveness. This technology holds great potential for other diseases linked to protein misfolding, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Team discovers electrochemical method for highly selective single-carbon insertion in aromatic rings

A team at Yokohama National University has developed an electrochemical method for highly selective single-carbon insertion into polysubstituted pyrroles, enabling the creation of structurally diverse pyridine derivatives. This approach has significant implications for synthetic organic chemistry and pharmaceutical synthesis.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 14, 2025