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Science News for July 23, 2025


New research supports Ivermectin as an effective strategy to control malaria transmission

The BOHEMIA trial showed a 26% reduction in new malaria infection incidence among children aged 5-15 in Kenya, demonstrating Ivermectin's potential as a complementary tool in malaria control. Ivermectin could complement existing measures and contribute to elimination efforts, particularly in areas with mosquito resistance.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 23, 2025

Utah engineers develop novel material that efficiently removes ‘forever chemicals’

Researchers created a dual-functional metal-organic framework that both adsorbs and detects perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in real-time, making it a versatile solution for water treatment and environmental monitoring. The material's ability to fluoresce in the presence of PFOA enables efficient quantification and remediation.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2025

Molecules in motion

An international team of scientists organized a competition to evaluate analytical tools for single-molecule motion analysis, with the goal of extracting meaningful insights from complex molecular trajectories. The results offer practical guidance for experimentalists seeking the right tools for their studies.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 23, 2025

On-demand recording and key takeaway available: Insilico introduces generative AI platform enhancements across drug discovery stages in Pharma.ai summer updates webinar

The Insilico Medicine recent summer updates webinar introduced new features and functional updates to the company's generative AI platform, including Generative Biologics, Chemistry42, PandaOmics, DORA, and PreciousGPT. These updates aim to accelerate drug discovery and advance life sciences research.

Cellular immunotherapies carry seeds of self-destruction but can be rescued with genetic engineering

A team of researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has made a groundbreaking discovery about why genetically engineered immune cells sometimes fail to fully destroy tumors. They found that FAS ligand, produced by the immune cells themselves, causes self-destruction and reduces therapy's effectiveness.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2025

Moon under bombardment

Researchers at TU Wien found that the solar wind ions' erosive effect on the Moon has been vastly overestimated. The actual yield is up to an order of magnitude lower than previously assumed due to the regolith's porous structure.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2025

Measuring how – and where – Antarctic ice is cracking with new data tool

Researchers at Penn State developed a novel technique to analyze ice fractures in the Thwaites Glacier, a key indicator of potential collapse and sea-level rise. The new method provides high-resolution profiles of surface elevations and visual cross-sections of fractures, shedding light on fracture depth and activity.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Earth Surface·TypeObservational study·DateJul 23, 2025

Targeting the “undruggable”: New molecular degraders offer hope for aggressive breast cancer

A team from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has developed innovative druglike molecules capable of degrading HuR, a key RNA-binding protein that stabilizes oncogenes and fuels cancer progression. These molecular degraders improve anticancer properties by up to 3-4 orders of magnitude compared to traditional HuR-binding molecules.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJACS·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2025

Deep genome skimming untangles Adenophora reticulation, redefining Campanulaceae genera

A recent study using deep genome skimming reveals the complex evolutionary history of Adenophora and its allies within the Campanulaceae family. The research shows that hybridization played a crucial role in shaping their phylogenetic relationships, leading to redefinition of genera and subspecies.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalPlant Diversity·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 23, 2025

New study finds distinct city-specific gut microbiota linked to diet

A new study reveals that the human gut microbiota can pinpoint an individual's city of residence with high accuracy, strongly linked to each city's characteristic diet. The researchers identified unique microbial signatures and interaction networks between cities in China, shedding light on how local environments shape our inner biology.

SourceBGI Genomics·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJul 23, 2025

New play in the chemical-reaction playbook uncovered

A team of Penn State researchers has found a new way for the fundamental reaction of oxidative addition to occur, potentially opening up new space for chemical design. This discovery could lead to more efficient industrial processes and the creation of new reactions that break down stubborn pollutants.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2025

SPUN launches Underground Atlas: First global map of fungal biodiversity reveals 90% conservation gap

The SPUN Underground Atlas reveals that over 90% of mycorrhizal biodiversity hotspots lie outside protected areas, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts. The digital map provides insights into fungal diversity and environmental factors, enabling predictions for previously unmapped regions.

SourceSPUN (Society for the Protection of Underground Networks)·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 23, 2025

Pusan National University researchers investigate how air pollution triggers immune imbalance and lung damage

Research found that chronic exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 air pollutants activates harmful allergic-like immune responses in the lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring. The study suggests targeting oxidative stress or modulating NRF2 activity could be a new strategy to treat pollution-induced allergic inflammation.

SourcePusan National University·JournalRedox Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2025

Cracking the code to trying vegan eggs

A study by Da Eun Kim and Brenna Ellison found that consumers were more likely to purchase plant-based eggs when they were mixed into something familiar, like pancakes. The team also discovered that environmental impact and animal welfare became major factors in consumer choice. Familiarity with the end product, such as a tasty pancake...

KRISS unveils record-breaking “absolute distance measurement system” nearing the quantum limit

The KRISS research team has developed a length measurement system that achieves a level of precision approaching the theoretical limit allowed by quantum physics, boasting world-leading measurement accuracy and compact design. The system measures 0.34 nanometers in just 25 microseconds, operating rapidly and reliably for field deployment.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·DateJul 23, 2025

New study brings vaccine hopes for deadly Nipah virus

A team of researchers has developed three Nipah vaccine candidates using different viral surface proteins, achieving protection in mice, pigs, and 'backyard' pigs under field conditions. The study marks a major step forward in controlling the virus, which poses a significant threat to public and animal health.

SourceThe Pirbright Institute·Journalnpj Vaccines·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2025

New study reveals coral reef food webs are more siloed and vulnerable than previously understood

A recent study led by Kelton McMahon at the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography found that coral reef food webs are more fragmented and specialized than thought. The researchers used a novel technique called compound-specific stable isotope analysis to trace energy flows through the ecosystem, revealing distinc...

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 23, 2025

Laser tattoo removal hits a red light—new review urges “pause” for allergic ink

Allergic responses to tattoo ink can lead to severe symptoms like urticaria, angioedema, and granulomatous reactions. Laser therapy can worsen these conditions, leading to hypertrophic scars or keloids. Alternative treatments like corticosteroids and surgical excision are recommended.

SourceJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·JournalJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 23, 2025

Beyond the mammogram: Study finds differences between benign and cancerous breast calcifications

Researchers at the University of Illinois found that benign and cancerous breast calcifications have unique structures and formation processes. The study provides a new classification scheme and opens the possibility of treating benign calcifications using certain drugs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJul 23, 2025

Free AI tools can help doctors read medical scans—safely and affordably

A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus shows that free, open-source AI tools can help doctors report medical scans just as well as more expensive commercial systems without compromising patient privacy. The research highlights a promising and cost-effective alternative to widely known tools like ChatGPT.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateJul 23, 2025

Collaborative initiative highlights successes and challenges in global bioethics training

A new collaborative initiative explores the impact of federally funded international bioethics training programs, highlighting both significant achievements and ongoing challenges. The study advocates for continued investment in these programs to build robust bioethics capacity worldwide and address emerging ethical dilemmas.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics·DateJul 23, 2025

Colonial-era land-use changes in India led to severe decline in grassland birds, study finds

A new study found that colonial-era landscape modifications resulted in a devastating 80% loss of grassland habitat and significant declines in grassland bird populations in India's Nilgiri hills over the past 170 years. The research team analyzed historical land cover maps, bird observations, and satellite imagery to estimate baseline...

SourceCornell University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 23, 2025

A novel AI-powered flood damage assessment

A novel AI-powered flood damage assessment using satellite imagery has been developed, achieving 74% of fully supervised performance with just 10% labeled data. The Simple Prior Attention Disaster Assessment Net (SPADANet) model improves recall by over 9% compared to existing models.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 23, 2025

Watermarks offer no defense against deepfakes

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have created a tool called UnMarker that can remove any AI image watermark, highlighting the vulnerability of this technology to deepfakes. The team's discovery shows that even invisible encoded watermarks can be destroyed without knowing their design or internal parameters.

Memories drift across neurons over time

Researchers found that map-making brain cells in the hippocampus are activated differently even when navigating a static environment, shedding light on how the brain processes spatial memories. The study's findings could have profound implications for understanding memory, learning, and aging.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2025

Fungicides intended to suppress turfgrass diseases may damage fairways

Researchers evaluated nine commercially available demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides on annual bluegrass and creeping bentgrass fairways. The study found that two fungicides caused injury to annual bluegrass but not creeping bentgrass, while another fungicide resulted in the lowest injury on both species.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Turfgrass Society Research Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2025

Matches in online dating illuminated in study of Czech app

A recent study of a Czech dating app analyzed heterosexual users and found that men pursue more desirable women, while mutual matches occur between those with similar desirability levels. This pattern is largely due to rejection by less desirable counterparts rather than an initial preference for similarity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateJul 23, 2025

Gut cells found to 'whisper' like brain neurons: Discovery redefines how the body heals itself

Scientists discovered a precise communication system in the gut, where telocytes deliver signals directly to intestinal stem cells using fine extensions. This finding challenges long-standing assumptions about gut healing and repair, potentially leading to better treatments for conditions like IBD and colon cancer.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2025

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers analyze best methods to minimize risk of pediatric vehicular heatstroke

A combination of technological interventions is required to prevent children from dying in overheated cars, according to a new study. The researchers identified exemplar scenarios that led to pediatric vehicular heatstroke and found that no single technology can prevent all cases.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 23, 2025

Transfer printing technology for lithium protective layers to prevent battery explosions

A research team in South Korea has developed a new transfer printing technology that forms protective thin layers on lithium metal surfaces, overcoming the limitations of wet processes. The hybrid protective layers suppress dendrite growth and maintain stable cycling performance, enabling high-energy-density lithium-metal batteries.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·DateJul 23, 2025

Study lays groundwork for preventing dangerous falls on dry spills

Researchers developed a new testing method to assess floor slipperiness caused by dry contaminants, revealing particles like salt and flour can be just as dangerous as oil or water. The study found that even sparse layers of salt can reduce friction by up to 28%, making tile far slicker than permitted safety thresholds.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 23, 2025

Hidden in plain sight: A century-old museum specimen turns out to be a landmark in evolution

The discovery of Palaeocampa anthrax, an armored freshwater lobopodian, reveals new insights into early animal evolution and the diversity of ancient ecosystems. The fossil's analysis confirms its status as a nonmarine species, predating previously known marine lobopodians by nearly fifty years.

Ecosystem engineers at risk: Underground maps reveal 90% of mycorrhizal fungal biodiversity hotspots lie outside protected areas

Scientists have released high-resolution maps revealing 90% of mycorrhizal fungal biodiversity hotspots outside protected areas, posing a threat to carbon drawdown and ecosystem resilience. The research highlights the critical role of mycorrhizal fungi in regulating Earth's climate and ecosystems.

SourceSPUN (Society for the Protection of Underground Networks)·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 23, 2025

Glowing under pressure: Hinge-like mechanophores for smarter polymeric materials

Scientists create a new class of mechanochromic mechanophores that can detect and respond to mechanical stress in polymeric materials through fluorescence. The developed molecule exhibits excellent stress-sensing with high durability, offering a powerful tool for real-time monitoring of mechanical damage.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2025

Can seismic signals detect fragmentation of a fireball meteoroid?

Researchers successfully used seismic signals to detect the re-entry of a Hayabusa2 sample capsule and compare it with signals from natural meteoroids. The study found that intact objects had a distinct seismic signature compared to fragmented ones, providing valuable information on planetary defense strategies.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJul 23, 2025

New study validates insulin nasal spray to deliver Alzheimer’s drug directly to the brain

A groundbreaking brain imaging study confirms intranasal insulin safely reaches key memory regions in older adults with Alzheimer's. The research reveals differences in uptake among individuals with early cognitive decline, paving the way for personalized treatment approaches.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions·DateJul 23, 2025

A molecular system with potential to target DNA structures associated with cancer

A team at CiQUS has created a molecule that self-assembles into fibrous materials, becoming active upon stimulation by cobalt ions. The molecule selectively binds to DNA three-way junctions, opening new opportunities for spatiotemporal control in targeted anticancer therapies.

SourceCenter for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 23, 2025

A new European study with the participation of GCAT reveals that the combination of urban environmental factors increases asthma risk

A new European study using geolocation technologies and satellite imagery found a clear link between urban conditions and increased asthma risk. The combined impact of urban environmental factors was shown to contribute to up to 11.6% of new cases, emphasizing the importance of health-focused environmental policies.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 23, 2025

Scientific study finds better health in households using improved cookstoves in Rwanda

Researchers found that households using improved cookstoves experienced reduced indoor fine particle levels, decreased respiratory symptoms, and slower declines in lung function compared to traditional cooking methods. Cleaner cooking solutions may support broader adoption in Rwanda and similar settings.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2025

Tiny soil microbes turn detective to uncover the timeline of oil spill contamination

Scientists developed a diagnostic tool using functional gene ratios to assess crude oil contamination status and apparent age in soils. The novel molecular diagnostic tool offers rapid field-deployable assessment of site condition and pollution age, providing evidence-based approach for prioritizing clean-up efforts.

SourceApplied Microbiology International·JournalLetters in Applied Microbiology·DateJul 23, 2025

Breakthrough in cold sintering process: Water enables low-temperature densification of water-insoluble Li2TiO3 ceramics

Researchers at Tsinghua University and other institutions have developed a breakthrough cold sintering process that uses water to densify water-insoluble Li2TiO3 ceramics at low temperatures. The process enables the production of nanoceramics with improved properties, including high hardness and electrical conductivity.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateJul 23, 2025

How does infection with respiratory syncytial virus affect the health of older adults?

A retrospective study found that older adults hospitalized with RSV experienced significantly longer hospital stays, transfers to intensive care, and 30-day mortality compared to patients with other conditions. Additionally, RSV hospitalization was associated with higher rates of heart failure and atrial fibrillation post-discharge.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 23, 2025

The Lancet Public Health:  Aiming for 7,000 daily steps can reduce risk of chronic diseases, cognitive decline, and death, finds new study

A comprehensive study analyzing over 160,000 adults found that walking 7,000 steps per day is associated with reduced risks of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, dementia, depression, and falls. Even modest step counts, such as 4,000 steps per day, offer health benefits compared to low activity levels.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 23, 2025

The Evolution of escape

A study by Harvard biologists found that two deer mouse species, one living in densely-vegetated areas and the other in open areas, have evolved distinct brain circuitry responses to aerial predators. The research revealed that the difference in escape behaviors is not just visual or peripheral, but central processing in the brain.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJul 23, 2025

Uncovering the secrets of maize roots: High-throughput phenotyping reveals genetic drivers of growth

Researchers developed a high-throughput phenotyping pipeline to analyze maize root development across genotypes, revealing extensive variability in root morphology and transcriptional profiles. Transcriptomic analysis identified thousands of differentially expressed genes related to hormone signaling, stress response, and cell wall org...

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2025

Rethink the 10,000 a day step goal, study suggests

A new study published in The Lancet Public Health found that walking 7000 steps a day offers similar health benefits as walking 10,000 steps. The research analyzed data from 57 studies and found significant improvements in eight major health outcomes, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 23, 2025

Cells sense energy stress via ROS

A recent study reveals that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) under energy stress conditions. This process involves the S-glutathionylation of PKCζ, which facilitates its interaction with LKB1 and activation of AMPK.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2025

Lower dose of abiraterone acetate as effective for prostate cancer treatment

Researchers have found that a lower dose of abiraterone acetate, 500 mg daily, is as effective in treating prostate cancer as the standard regimen, but with fewer side effects. The study involved nine men with metastatic prostate cancer and showed comparable cancer suppression through reduced PSA levels and hormone suppression.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalCancer Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2025