Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for July 30, 2025


Is ancient Roman concrete more sustainable than modern concrete?

Researchers investigated the sustainability of ancient Roman concrete, finding that reproducing its recipe would require comparable energy and water, emitting similar CO2. However, Roman concrete's heightened durability might make it a more sustainable option due to reduced maintenance needs, potentially reducing environmental impact.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 30, 2025

Instagram images could influence public opinion on certain major events

A new study has found a strong correlation between the sentiment of Instagram images and user sentiments on social media, particularly for anti-war images. The research suggests that social media images can significantly influence public opinion on sociopolitical events, with notable effects observed in comments from users.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 30, 2025

Phase-regulated FACsPbI3 films via triple-source thermal co-evaporation enable high-efficiency near-infrared perovskite LEDs

Researchers introduced a novel approach for fabricating high-performance near-infrared perovskite light-emitting diodes (NIR-PeLEDs) using triple-source thermal co-evaporation. This strategy directly forms the black-phase α-FACsPbI3 perovskite, overcoming phase instability and surface roughness issues.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2025

Prevalence and related factors of antenatal depression in 11 provinces and cities of China: a 100,000 population-based study

A large-scale study in China found that nearly one-quarter of pregnant women experience depressive symptoms, highlighting the need for effective preventive and management strategies. Socioeconomic factors and partner support play crucial roles in the development and risk reduction of antenatal depression.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJul 30, 2025

Western biologists solve long-held mystery of how crickets sing

Researchers developed a new computer modelling method that adheres to a cricket's physical characteristics, predicting precise vibration patterns and song frequency. The study used preserved specimens and wetting the wing with water to recover correct frequencies, providing a more reliable way of reconstructing cricket acoustic function.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 30, 2025

Multi-heterointerface lightweight ceramics achieving temperature-insensitive dielectric properties for high-temperature electromagnetic wave effective absorption

Researchers at Tsinghua University Press have developed a novel molecular-scale strategy to create high-temperature EMW absorbing materials with temperature-insensitive permittivity. The multi-heterointerface lightweight ceramics demonstrate outstanding performance in absorbing EMW across a wide temperature range.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateJul 30, 2025

How likely is a second colon Cancer?

A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that around one in five people with Lynch syndrome develop a second colon cancer over an average of 7.9 years. The risk depends on the genetic subtype, with changes in MLH1 or MSH2 genes increasing the likelihood of a second tumor.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJul 30, 2025

Scientists say protein separates message-bearing ‘bubbles’ at intersection between brain cells, deepening understanding of cognition

Researchers found that a protein called intersectin separates message-bearing bubbles in brain cells at the synapse, enabling the brain to decide when to use them. This discovery advances our understanding of memory formation and learning, and may lead to new treatments for cognitive disorders like Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 30, 2025

Mortality among surgeons in the United States

A recent study reveals that surgeons in the United States have a disproportionately high mortality rate compared to other highly educated professionals, including nonsurgeon physicians. The study suggests that factors such as work environment and lifestyle may contribute to this disparity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJul 30, 2025

Study identifies genes that can predict response to immunotherapy in melanoma patients

A recent study identified four genes associated with treatment resistance to immunotherapy in melanoma patients. The genes, CD24, NFIL3, FN1, and KLRK1, were found to be linked to mechanisms of immune evasion and suppression of the inflammatory response. Patients with high expression of these genes had significantly lower overall survi...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Molecular Medicine·DateJul 30, 2025

Dual-mode optical imaging system offers new noninvasive approach to skin cancer diagnosis

Researchers develop compact, noninvasive imaging system combining LC-OCT and Raman microspectroscopy to examine skin cancer structures and chemical composition. The AI model achieves high classification accuracy for basal cell carcinoma and other types, offering new insights into cancer development and behavior.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJul 30, 2025

AI can fake peer reviews and escape detection, study finds

A new study reveals that large language models can generate convincing but biased peer reviews, nearly indistinguishable from human writing. The AI excelled at generating persuasive rejection comments and fabricating reasons to cite unrelated studies, posing a serious risk to the integrity of scientific publishing.

SourceFAR Publishing Limited·JournalClinical and Translational Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2025

A fully liquid Earth’s core also generates a magnetic field

A team of geophysicists from ETH Zurich and SUSTech, China, used computer models to simulate whether a completely liquid core could generate a stable magnetic field. Their simulations showed that the Earth's magnetic field was generated in the early history of the Earth in a similar way to today.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 30, 2025

Efforts underway to end race-based assessments of lung function

A multi-institutional team has proposed updates to national guidelines to remove race-based assessments from lung function testing. The authors highlight the need for a more equitable evaluation system, warning against overreliance on objective cutoff-based criteria. Several healthcare systems have already shifted to race-neutral refer...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 30, 2025

Too many male animals in zoos could hamper conservation of endangered species, warn scientists

A large-scale study found that zoos are often breeding endangered animals in skewed sex ratios, which can limit genetic diversity and increase the risk of extinction. The research highlights the need for zoos to collaborate and share data on their animal populations to manage conservation efforts effectively.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2025

How cumulative heat exposure affects students

Long-term heat exposure negatively impacts students' cumulative learning, with complex tasks more affected than simpler ones. Lower socioeconomic groups face disproportionately greater impacts, underlining critical inequalities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeObservational study·DateJul 30, 2025

Stepping for digital rewards

A study found that users who exchanged daily walking steps for digital train tickets increased their walking by an average of 626.2 steps/day. Those using shopping coupon incentives walked 715.2 steps/day more on average than non-users. The results suggest effective promotion of active travel through well-designed mHealth apps.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2025

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation announces 2025 Klerman & Freedman Prize winners for exceptional early-career mental health research

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation recognizes Joseph J. Taylor, Ash, and Harnett as recipients of the 2025 Klerman and Freedman Prizes for their outstanding work in mental illness research. Long Li receives the Freedman Prize for his basic research contributions to understanding depression and PTSD.

Researchers find interbreeding intervention for Florida panthers decreased effects of harmful mutations

A recent study by UCLA researchers found that introducing new genetic variation from Texas reduced the influence of harmful mutations in Florida panthers, improving their fitness. However, the effect of this intervention may be temporary, and continued protection is needed to preserve the subspecies.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 30, 2025

Black hole vibes

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has successfully developed a method to calculate the vibrations of black holes using exact WKB analysis. The approach reveals complex patterns in spiraling waves, enabling precise capture of frequency structure and bridging theoretical predictions with observational data.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review D·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 30, 2025

How do our genes influence our sense of smell?

A large-scale genetic study found ten new regions associated with the ability to detect specific odours, with three showing sex-specific effects. The research also uncovered a link between the risk of Alzheimer's disease and the sense of smell, highlighting the interconnectedness of these senses.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2025

Debunking a life-threatening myth: "Tongue swallowing prevention" maneuvers delay CPR and might contribute to brain injury or death for collapsed athletes

A study in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology finds that delaying chest compressions to prevent tongue swallowing can lead to poor outcomes, including death or severe brain injury. The research exposes media-fueled misconceptions and emphasizes the importance of immediate CPR training.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2025

Ten thousand molecules in time – Generation and control of collective vibrations in a liquid

Scientists generate collective molecular vibrations in a liquid by placing an electron ultrafast. These vibrations govern the electric behavior of the liquid and can be tuned to adapt its properties. The study reveals new insights into polar liquids' dynamics.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2025

Phenotypes and endotypes in bronchiectasis: a narrative review of progress toward precision medicine

This article reviews bronchiectasis phenotypes and endotypes, exploring their impact on disease management and treatment strategies. Recent research has identified distinct inflammatory endotypes, guiding targeted therapies and improving patient outcomes through personalized approaches.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 30, 2025

More than telehealth: Social factors shape heart health

Researchers found that high rates of coronary heart disease were linked to poverty, limited healthcare provider availability, and low broadband access. However, some counties with similar challenges reported lower-than-expected cardiovascular outcomes, suggesting the need for tailored strategies to address health disparities.

SourceUniversity of Mississippi·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJul 30, 2025

Versatile boron additives in lithium metal batteries

Researchers have found electrolytes with boron additives can mitigate critical challenges of lithium metal batteries, including lithium dendrite formation and low Coulombic efficiency. The boron additives also improve the specific discharge capacity and high-rate performance of lithium-ion batteries.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2025

Neighborhood watch: why closely related tropical animals live together

A study published in the Royal Society's Proceedings B found that closely related bat and bird species share the same habitat due to their shared evolutionary history. This challenges previous ideas about competition driving species apart, suggesting that animals with similar needs tend to group together in suitable habitats.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2025

Engineered enzyme to precisely build complex molecules

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed an engineered enzyme to precisely build complex molecules, such as pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. The new approach uses metal hydride hydrogen atom transfer (MHAT) chemistry with enzymatic catalysis to produce three-dimensional molecules with single-handed configuration.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·DateJul 30, 2025

Several healthy diet patterns are associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes regardless of ethnicity – shows meta-analysis of more than 800,000 people

A large meta-analysis of over 800,000 participants shows that high adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, Alternative Healthy Eating Index, and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension reduces type 2 diabetes risk across diverse ethnic groups. These three diets have been recommended for general health and their potential benefits were fou...

Immune ‘bouncers’ protect the brain from infection

Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that mast cells stand guard at tiny gates through which fluid waste leaves the brain, mounting a response when a pathogen is detected to close the gates and prevent invaders from entering. Enhanced mast cell activity before an infection reduced bacterial load.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2025

New method for detecting neutrinos

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics have successfully detected antineutrinos from a nuclear reactor using the CONUS+ experiment. The detection uses Coherent Elastic Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering (CEvNS), allowing for improved sensitivity to new physics beyond the Standard Model.

SourceMax-Planck-Institut fur Kernphysik·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2025

PO43- unit doped Li5.5PS4.5Cl1.5 electrolyte with improved air stability and electrochemical performance in all-solid-state lithium metal batteries

The study introduces a modified electrolyte LPSC-5%Li3PO4 with enhanced chemical/electrochemical stability, demonstrating an ionic conductivity of 5.71 mS cm–1 and suppressing dendrite growth. The PO43- doped electrolyte exhibits excellent mechanical stability and good compatibility with lithium metal.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2025

Increasing solar power could lead to significant cuts in CO2 emissions

A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that increasing solar power generation in the US by 15% could lead to significant cuts in CO2 emissions. The researchers pinpointed regions where clean energy investments return the greatest climate dividends and demonstrated the value of coordinated clean energy efforts.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJul 30, 2025

Developing next-generation analytical technique for gene and cell doping and ensuring ethics and fairness in sports

Researchers at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have developed a high-throughput multiplexed gene and cell doping analysis technique using CRISPR-Cas technology. This breakthrough offers superior performance in detecting exogenous genes, demonstrating potential applications in sports ethics and fairness, as well as ...

Clinical trial finds safe, effective treatment for children with severe post-Covid syndrome

Researchers at Mass General Brigham found larazotide effective in treating children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a rare but serious condition. The oral drug strengthened intestinal barriers to limit SARS-CoV-2 viral particle entry, resolving symptoms and improving recovery.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 30, 2025

Large study uncovers specific impacts of flooding on older adult health

A large study examines 17 years of Medicare hospitalization claims and major flooding events, finding increased rates of specific health issues among older adults. The research highlights the need for targeted outreach, robust evacuation planning, and improved access to medical services to protect public health during climate change.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2025

Researchers at university hospitals and the Cleveland VA say long-term exercise programs may restore neural connections in Parkinson’s patients

Researchers found measurable changes in brain signals responsible for motor control and movement after 12 dynamic cycling sessions. The study suggests long-term exercise programs could have wider restorative effects on the brain signals of Parkinson's Disease patients.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalClinical Neurophysiology·DateJul 30, 2025

The hidden science of allergy shots

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology investigate the fundamentals of allergy immunotherapies by examining T cells in children with cockroach allergies, finding that dosage and underlying response don't affect treatment efficacy.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2025

How does metformin lower blood sugar?

Researchers discovered that metformin's ability to lower blood sugar depends on turning off a small protein called Rap1 in the brain. The study found that low doses of metformin can significantly drop blood sugar levels even with thousands of times smaller doses than typical oral administration.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2025

Study reveals importance of culture in intimate partner violence recovery

A recent study from the University of California, Riverside, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison emphasizes the need for culturally responsive approaches to support healing among Latina college students who have experienced intimate partner violence. Resilient coping and social support were found to be strong predictors of well-being.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalViolence Against Women·TypeSurvey·DateJul 30, 2025

Chinese Medical Journal study highlights the role of artificial intelligence in prostate cancer management

Recent AI-based models, such as Asian Prostate Cancer Artificial Intelligence and Galen Prostate, optimize screening and reduce unnecessary biopsies. These models use multimodal clinical parameters and convolutional neural networks to detect prostate cancer and identify aggressiveness of cancer cells.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 30, 2025

Clinical potential of undercarboxylated osteocalcin in metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases: From biomarker to therapeutic target

Research examines undercarboxylated osteocalcin's impact on diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, and other conditions like NAFLD and depression. Glu-OCN's influence on glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and cholesterol metabolism is discussed.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalLabMed Discovery·TypeObservational study·DateJul 30, 2025

Chemical fermentation-induced porous bio-carbon with embedded Ni–Fe alloy for ultra-efficient oxygen evolution electrocatalysis

Researchers introduce a novel electrocatalyst design strategy using chemical fermentation, creating a multilevel porous carbon architecture embedded with Ni–Fe alloy nanoparticles. This approach achieves ultra-efficient oxygen evolution reaction performance, with a record-low overpotential of 165 mV at 10 mA cm−2.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2025

The brain shapes what we feel in real time

A UNIGE team has identified a new brain mechanism responsible for modulating sensory signals. This discovery reveals a previously unknown form of communication between the thalamus and somatosensory cortex, which could explain perception variations and open up new avenues for understanding mental disorders.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateJul 30, 2025

A pilot cohort study of a microfluidic-based point-of-care bilirubin measurement system

A pilot cohort study assesses the efficacy of a microfluidic-based point-of-care bilirubin measurement system in detecting bilirubin levels with high accuracy, comparable to standard clinical laboratory methods. The device's miniaturized optical sensing module and microfluidic test cartridge enable scalable adoption and portability.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalLabMed Discovery·TypeNews article·DateJul 30, 2025

Magnetic medicine made clear: field strength, shape, and their role in healing

Researchers from the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences studied the biological effects of permanent magnetic fields and found that their distribution in space plays a critical role in healing. The study's detailed field maps offer practical guidance for optimizing magnet use in medicine and magnetobiology.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalMagnetic Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 30, 2025

The eagles resistant to poisonous toads

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that crested serpent eagles possess a unique genetic mutation allowing them to resist the toxins of invasive cane toads. The eagle's toxin resistance is attributed to the same amino acid sequence as the Siamese red-necked keelback snake.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBMC Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJul 30, 2025

University of Maryland geophysicist helps identify moonquake dangers that could threaten future missions

Researchers found that ground acceleration from moonquakes can shift lunar landscapes and threaten stability of future missions. The study assesses damage risk using new models of quakes and finds a one in 20 million chance of a potentially damaging moonquake occurring near an active fault.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 30, 2025

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers show eye tracking metrics help identify concussion-related vision disorders

A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers has found that eye-tracking metrics can help identify concussion-related vision disorders in patients with persisting post-concussive symptoms. The study used an objective infrared eye tracking device to measure gaze positions and found a significant correlation between the...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Health and Sport Scıences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 30, 2025