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Science News for July 28, 2025


Shanghai University Professor Yang Jiong’s team publishes review in Research: Structural Characteristics and Recent Advances in Thermoelectric Binary Indium Chalcogenides

Binary indium chalcogenides exhibit unique structural properties and excellent thermoelectric performance, making them valuable for research and applications. The review reveals the importance of mixed valence states and unconventional chemical bonds in regulating electron-phonon transport and achieving low lattice thermal conductivity.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateJul 28, 2025

Novel ZIF-based heterojunction filler boosting Li-ion transport of composite solid-state electrolytes

A novel heterojunction nanoparticle filler, TiO2@Zn/Co-ZIF, enhances the ionic conductivity and interfacial stability of PVDF-based composite solid-state electrolytes. The resulting electrolyte demonstrates exceptional performance in Li-ion batteries, including high conductivity and lithium-ion transference numbers.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalEnergy Materials and Devices·DateJul 28, 2025

Most women in STEM feel like frauds, new study shows

A new study by Binghamton University reveals that 97.5% of women in STEM graduate programs experience moderate to severe impostor feelings, which can lead to poorer mental health and increased burnout. Strategies such as shifting mindset and social support may help alleviate these feelings.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalSocial Psychology of Education·TypeSurvey·DateJul 28, 2025

FAU researchers advise: prescribe high potency statins in treatment, prevention

Researchers from FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine recommend using high-potency statins as the primary pharmacologic approach in treating and preventing cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity and a healthy diet, are also crucial in reducing cardiovascular risk.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalTrends in Cardiovascular Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 28, 2025

New examination of fish considered a ‘living fossil’ changes our understanding of vertebrate skull evolution

Researchers reanalyzed the coelacanth's skull musculature and found that only 13% of previously identified evolutionary muscle novelties were accurate. The study also identified nine new evolutionary transformations related to feeding and respiration, revealing a more similar anatomy to cartilaginous fish and tetrapods.

High-toughness Al2O3 composite ceramics enabled by innovative SiCw@TiC core-shell whisker toughening phase

Researchers from Hebei University of Engineering developed a novel strategy for Al2O3 ceramic toughening using TiC-coated SiCw core-shell structured whiskers, achieving remarkable fracture toughness. The unique core-shell architecture creates multiscale heterogeneity, generating intricate stress fields that activate multiple energy-dis...

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateJul 28, 2025

New research uncovers gut microbe-derived metabolites as potential therapy for obesity-related metabolic disorders

Researchers discovered that indole, a key tryptophan metabolite produced by gut bacteria, can restore enteroendocrine cells in the intestines, which are diminished in obesity. The study suggests that microbial metabolites derived from dietary tryptophan may hold promise as a novel therapy for obesity-associated metabolic complications.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2025

At-home melanoma testing with skin patch test

A new silicone patch with star-shaped microneedles, called the ExoPatch, distinguishes melanoma from healthy skin in mice, capturing cancer biomarkers from exosomes. The test shows promise for early detection of the most aggressive form of skin cancer without a biopsy or blood draw.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateJul 28, 2025

Saving women first? What the Gaza hostage crisis tells us about gender and public opinion

A study found that public support for releasing women first is widespread, but linked to beliefs about gender, with benevolent sexism being a key predictor. Attitudes also followed a pattern tied to ideals of motherhood, suggesting that these cultural narratives may weigh more heavily than gender alone in shaping public judgment.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateJul 28, 2025

A leading-edge review maps path to better Asian monsoon predictions under global change

A comprehensive review synthesizes decades of research on Asian monsoon climate prediction, highlighting three key pillars: ENSO, atmospheric teleconnections, and monsoon-ocean interactions. The study emphasizes the need for a multi-pronged approach to overcome challenges in forecasting, including leveraging AI and improving model accu...

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJul 28, 2025

Type 2 diabetes and financial outcomes

Patients with type 2 diabetes experience more severe financial difficulties compared to those without the condition. The study emphasizes the importance of considering patient financial health when treating type 2 diabetes, particularly for vulnerable populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 28, 2025

Thousands more B.C. women chose top-tier birth control after patient costs eliminated

A new study found that B.C.'s universal, no-cost coverage policy led to a significant increase in the use of long-acting reversible contraception among reproductive-aged women. The study tracked nearly 860,000 women and discovered that cost was a major barrier to accessing effective birth control methods like IUDs and implants.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalBMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2025

Zooming into the nanoworld: how high-order signals clarify the invisible

Researchers developed a refined imaging method using fifth-order near-field signals to sharpen visualization of nanoscale materials under infrared light. The technique captures subtle plasmonic effects and material interfaces with high fidelity, surpassing the resolution of standard atomic force microscopy.

Artificial biosensor can better measure the body’s main stress hormone

A new artificial biosensor developed by University of California, Santa Cruz's Andy Yeh can accurately measure cortisol levels across all relevant ranges for human health. The sensor uses a smartphone camera to detect light emissions, providing high sensitivity and dynamic range for detecting small molecule analytes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 28, 2025

There’s something in the air

Researchers at the University of Tokyo found that certain scent compounds in female body odor increase during ovulation and can subtly influence how men feel, making them perceive the scent as more pleasant and reducing stress. The study suggests that smell may play a role in shaping human interactions.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2025

Helping Canada lead in health innovation

Dr. Muhammad Mamdani advocates for reframing Canada's approach to funding health research and commercialization to focus on clinical uses and align with healthcare organizations. This will help reduce the failure rate of health start-ups, which are often disconnected from clinical environments.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 28, 2025

The key to success: Why university startups don’t perform as well as corporate startups

A study by Professor Alex Coad found that university startup entrepreneurs lack the commercial acumen and autonomy needed for success, with a focus on societal impact rather than financial performance. This can be overcome with guidance, peer networks, and support institutions, enabling them to adapt to their entrepreneurial role.

SourceWaseda University·JournalThe Journal of Technology Transfer·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 28, 2025

U.S.-born Latinos have higher rates of obesity compared to foreign-born Latino and white youth

A recent study analyzed data from community health centers in the US between 2012-2020, finding that U.S.-born Latinos have significantly higher obesity rates compared to foreign-born Latino and non-Hispanic White youth. The researchers noted a trend of increasing obesity prevalence over time across all three groups.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 28, 2025

Safety of JN.1-updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines

A nationwide cohort study of 1 million adults found no increased risk of 29 adverse events after vaccination with the updated COVID-19 mRNA vaccine containing the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron JN.1 lineage. The study provides reassuring safety data on the new vaccine, which has been widely adopted in response to the Omicron variant

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 28, 2025

TFLN-based RGB multiplexer for energy-efficient laser beam scanning

Researchers have developed a new RGB multiplexer based on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) that enables faster and more energy-efficient light modulation for laser beam scanning systems. The multiplexer successfully combined red, green, and blue laser beams, generating mixed colors such as cyan, magenta, and yellow, and even white light.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJul 28, 2025

Research for stronger bones and muscles in old age

Scientists at Leipzig University have discovered that the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor GPR133 plays a central role in building and maintaining healthy bone. By mimicking natural activation, a new active substance AP503 can strengthen bones and potentially treat osteoporosis.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2025

Employees who spot problems help the bottom line, so why do leaders give more power to bootlickers?

Studies found that leaders are less likely to empower employees who raise concerns about workplace decisions, instead favoring those who praise the status quo. Employees who exhibit challenging voice are seen as threats to leadership, while supportive voice is viewed as an indicator of shared goals.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2025

Tip sheet summaries Annals of Family Medicine July/August 2025

Researchers found that veterans who gained housing were more than twice as likely to undergo colorectal and breast cancer screening, with significant differences between those who secured housing and those who continued to experience homelessness. The study suggests that housing may facilitate screening by promoting access to communica...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 28, 2025

Report proposes considerations for data transformation to advance AI research and implementation in primary care

The report outlines five key considerations for data transformation in primary care, including automation of data collection and integration with human workflows. Effective implementation requires cross-sectoral collaborations between government, industry, and academia to upgrade human and data infrastructures.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 28, 2025

Study finds that white students visit college advisers the least, but benefit most in terms of graduation rates and GPA

A new study by NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that White students who don't meet with academic advisers have higher GPAs and graduation rates compared to nonwhite students and international students. Despite meeting with advisers more frequently, students of color received fewer benefits.

SourceNew York University·JournalEducational Researcher·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2025

From WebMD to AI chatbots: How innovation has empowered patients to take control of their health

New research highlights the transformative power of digital technology in shaping the e-patient era, enabling active participation and co-production in healthcare. Key technological innovations have built upon each other, providing patients with unprecedented tools for self-care and interaction with the healthcare system.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJournal of Participatory Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 28, 2025

VR nature scenes reduce sensitivity to pain – especially for those who feel present during the experience

A study by the University of Exeter found that immersive VR nature scenes can reduce symptoms of long-term pain. Participants who felt more present during the experience experienced the strongest effects. The study suggests that nature scenes delivered using VR can help change how pain signals are transmitted in the brain and spinal cord.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPain·TypeObservational study·DateJul 28, 2025

Chungnam National University researchers reveal how vitamin D is shown to reduce liver damage by boosting TXNIP activity in cholangiocytes

Researchers found that vitamin D supplementation reduces liver inflammation and fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease by upregulating the TXNIP gene in ductular cells. The study provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of liver diseases and offers a potential therapeutic target for improving outcomes.

SourceChungnam National University Evaluation Team·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2025

A more climate-friendly way to produce nitrogen fertilizer

A team of scientists at the University of Bonn has discovered a more climate-friendly alternative for producing ammonia, a key component in modern agriculture. The process uses electricity from solar and wind power to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, which is then converted into ammonia.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2025

Study identifies gene clusters in rhizobia linked to robust legume growth

Researchers have identified clusters of genes in rhizobia that drive greater plant biomass in legumes, shedding light on the complex chemical interactions between host and bacterial genomes. The study's findings could help optimize plant growth by improving the rhizosphere.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2025

Could living near water mean you’ll live longer?

A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that living in coastal areas is linked to a longer life expectancy, while inland water areas have the opposite effect. The analysis suggests that factors such as milder temperatures, better air quality, and higher incomes contribute to the benefits of coastal living.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJul 28, 2025

NTU Singapore scientists use AI-powered robot to assemble cyborg insects for use in search and rescue efforts

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed an AI-powered robotic system to assemble cyborg insects for search and rescue efforts, significantly reducing preparation time and human error. The automated system can attach electronic backpacks to Madagascar hissing cockroaches in under 8 minutes, about 30 times quicker than manual methods.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2025

Safflower yellow pigments in coronary heart disease: Mechanisms, applications, and future perspectives

Safflower yellow pigments have demonstrated clear clinical efficacy in the treatment of coronary heart disease, with anti-myocardial ischemia, mitigation of ischemia-reperfusion injury, and reduction of atherosclerotic damage. Their mechanisms involve inhibition of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and platelet aggregation.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalFuture Integrative Medicine·DateJul 28, 2025

A financial toll on patients with type 2 diabetes

A recent study found that patients with type 2 diabetes experience worse financial outcomes, including below-prime credit scores and medical debt in collections. Nearly two-thirds of diabetes patients were estimated to have an adverse financial outcome, compared to half of other patients. The findings highlight the importance of screen...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2025

When light collides with light

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have discovered that tensor mesons play a significant role in light-light scattering, influencing muon magnetic properties. This finding resolves discrepancies between theoretical calculations and experimental results, paving the way for more precise tests of the Standard Model.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 28, 2025

War's educational toll: NYU Tandon research reveals 78,000 Ukrainian students directly impacted by Russian war

A new study published in Nature's Humanities and Social Sciences Communications found that at least 78,000 Ukrainian students were directly affected by the war, with 16% of graduating high school seniors displaced. Rural male students experienced the greatest decrease in exam participation, indicating an intersectional disadvantage.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2025

Electric vehicle batteries: Prioritize reuse before recycling

A study by researchers at the University of Münster found that deploying end-of-life EV batteries as stationary energy storage devices can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By prioritizing reuse, countries with high renewable energies can save up to 56 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2025

Journal of Environmental Sciences study analyzes impact of ozone pollution on crop yields in China and effects from COVID-19

A study analyzing ozone pollution's impact on crop yields in China reveals significant yield losses of major staple crops, including rice, wheat, and maize. The researchers found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to reduced emissions, but projections suggest a continued risk of 8%–18% yield loss by 2050 without emission control.

SourceEditorial Office of Journal of Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2025

Spotlight on technology to protect older Australians from respiratory infections

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that commercially available UV-C light appliances reduced rates of viral respiratory infections by more than 12% in aged care facilities. The technology is easily installed and cost-effective, making it a transformative solution for protecting residents from emerging pathogens.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 28, 2025

HKUST researchers pioneer breakthroughs in lithium-ion battery recycling to enhance critical metal recovery and reduce carbon emissions

HKUST researchers have discovered a previously unrecognized atomic-scale mechanism that obstructs efficient LIB recycling. Aluminum impurities infiltrate NCM cathode crystals, altering internal chemistry and suppressing metal leachability. The study equips industry with tools for scalable sustainable battery recovery systems.

A non-invasive test enables accurate detection of infant meningitis

A new ultrasound-based tool has shown high accuracy in detecting suspected meningitis in newborns and infants, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional lumbar puncture. The device can correctly classify 17 out of 18 meningitis cases and detect high white blood cell levels with approximately 94% sensitivity.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalPediatric Research·TypeObservational study·DateJul 28, 2025

European study offers clearer picture of childhood brain tumor survival

A European study analyzed data from over 30,000 children with brain tumors, providing a clear overview of their survival outcomes. The study found that differences in survival rates between countries are smaller than previously thought, suggesting improved access to similar treatments across Europe.

SourcePrincess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2025

Research alert: Synergistic treatment approach supercharges cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have developed a novel approach to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Delivering radiation therapy that preserves tumor-draining lymph nodes followed by immunotherapy resulted in a complete and durable tumor response in...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2025

The Lancet: Three in five liver cancer cases due to preventable risk factors; obesity-linked cases on the rise, new analysis suggest

Three in five liver cancer cases can be prevented by reducing viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. The Lancet Commission estimates that if countries can reduce liver cancer incidence by 2-5% annually by 2050, it could prevent 9-17 million new cases and save 8-15 million lives.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2025

New paper suggests a well-armed ally in kelp-forest recovery

A new scientific study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that voracious sunflower sea stars create a 'landscape of fear' among red sea urchins, reducing grazing on kelp. This study suggests using sunflower sea stars as a potential tool for restoring degraded kelp forests.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2025

Risk of long COVID increases with social and economic hardship

A nationwide study found that financial hardship, food insecurity, lack of healthcare access, and other social risk factors increase the risk of long COVID. The RECOVER-Adult cohort study analyzed 3,700 participants and found significant associations between individual-level social risk factors and increased risk of developing long COVID.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJul 28, 2025

University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University and Siemens Healthineers celebrate 40-plus years in radiology innovation celebrate 40-plus years in radiology innovation

The tripartite agreement has driven $100M in NIH funding, 217 invention disclosures, 136 U.S. patents, and 31 international patents, accelerating MRI technology adoption and improving patient care. Technologies developed through this collaboration have shaped multiple FDA-approved products used worldwide.