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Science News for July 8, 2025


Genes for surviving plague in prairie dogs

A study of the genetic basis of plague immunity in prairie dogs has identified key genes linked to survival. The research provides insights into rapid adaptation to a globally introduced virulent pathogen in a keystone species.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJul 8, 2025

Study sheds light on why some prostate tumors are resistant to treatment

A new study from the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center identifies a cellular signature that explains why about one-third of prostate cancers respond especially poorly to treatment. The researchers found that docetaxel could be a good option earlier on in patients whose tumor harbors a specific gene program linked to extreme no...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 8, 2025

City of Hope Research Spotlight, April/May 2025

Researchers found that belly fat increases in middle age due to active adipose progenitor cells, a new type of cell linked to fat creation. CD84 is validated as a potential target for AML, while subtle workplace challenges to women's authority accumulate over time, leading to increased burnout.

The gut microbiota in elderly patients with acute hepatitis E infection

The study found that elderly patients with acute hepatitis E infection have distinct gut microbiota compositions compared to healthy controls. The relative abundance of Bacteroides fragilis was significantly associated with disease outcomes, including self-healing and non-self-healing cases. This suggests a potential role for Bacteroid...

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJul 8, 2025

Researchers find crab and clam resilience etched into shells

Researchers found that crab and clam species have remained stable in the Broken Group Islands for the past 3,000 years due to their resilience etched into shells. The study's novel approach uses repair scars on clam shells to assess historical crab populations, providing a tool for coastal conservation efforts.

SourceHakai Institute·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2025

Does exercise really improve mental health?

Regular leisure-time physical activity correlates with better mental health outcomes, but the impact depends on the environment and circumstances surrounding the activity. Context matters as much as intensity or amount of physical activity, influencing mental health differently.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateJul 8, 2025

New discovery in small primate could pave the way for im-proved stem cell therapies

Researchers have discovered adult stem cells from a non-human primate that closely resemble human biology, offering new potential treatment targets for diseases. The discovery uses a novel computational method to identify the optimal animal model, reducing animal usage and paving the way for more effective stem cell therapies.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2025

The Three Gorges region of the Yangtze River hits record high temperatures in 2024

The Three Gorges Region of the Yangtze River experienced a new historic record for annual mean temperature in 2024, with spring and autumn recording their highest temperatures since 1961. The region also saw an acceleration of climate warming trends, with more frequent extreme high-temperature events.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJul 8, 2025

KAIST presents a breakthrough in overcoming drug resistance in cancer – hope for treating intractable diseases like diabetes​

Researchers at KAIST developed a computational framework to predict key metabolic genes that can re-sensitize resistant cancer cells to treatment. This approach holds promise not only for various cancer therapies but also for treating metabolic diseases like diabetes.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2025

Regulating high-concentration precursor crystallization to reduce photon loss in bifacial perovskite solar cells

Researchers developed a strategy to control high-concentration precursor crystallization, enabling the formation of thick, high-quality perovskite films that minimize photon loss. The optimized bifacial solar cells achieved record-breaking power conversion efficiency and outstanding operational stability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2025

"Magic molecules" reduce transistor resistance by 16 times, paving way for flexible electronics

Researchers from Soochow University have developed a novel method using fluorinated thiol molecules to enhance the performance of single-crystal organic thin-film transistors. The 'magic molecules' significantly reduce electrical resistance at metal-semiconductor interfaces, paving the way for next-generation flexible devices.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2025

Reducing multiple tap water contaminants may prevent over 50,000 cancer cases

A new peer-reviewed study by the Environmental Working Group analyzed data from over 17,000 community water systems and found that treating multiple contaminants simultaneously can prevent tens of thousands of cancer cases. The study highlights the benefits of a multi-contaminant approach to drinking water treatment.

SourceEnvironmental Working Group·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 8, 2025

Map of how body responds to extreme conditions could help to spot early signs of illness

A new study has mapped how different parts of the body communicate during stress, potentially paving the way for earlier illness diagnosis. The unique method of monitoring body signals, called 'transfer entropy,' shows complex networks of maps that reveal which body parts act as information hubs under different stress conditions.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2025

Study identifies postoperative delirium as preventable “acute brain failure” with major health and financial implications

A new study identifies postoperative delirium as a preventable complication affecting roughly one in 30 older adult patients, significantly increasing their risk for poor outcomes. Simple cost-effective strategies can curb downstream costs and suffering associated with this condition.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 8, 2025

USC study: mindfulness meditation can sharpen attention in adults of all ages

A new study from the University of Southern California reveals that just 30 days of guided mindfulness meditation can significantly enhance key aspects of attentional control. The study demonstrates that even short-term meditation can lead to measurable cognitive improvements, particularly in reaction speed.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournaleNeuro·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 8, 2025

Study shows more support needed for police mental health

A study of police organisations in Australia, New Zealand, England and Wales reveals rising levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related mental health challenges. The research identifies key trends and insights into how policing organisations can enhance support systems to balance job demands with adequate resources.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Forensic Practice·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 8, 2025

Delocalization beyond π-conjugation

Researchers develop molecular conductor with three-dimensionally delocalized unpaired electrons, forming a network of conduction pathways in the solid state. This approach expands design possibilities for electronic and magnetic materials.

SourceEhime University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateJul 8, 2025

New diagnostic framework for adaptation in deltas

A new diagnostic framework developed by Deltares and international researchers identifies 10 key drivers of change in deltas worldwide, emphasizing the urgent need to address human-induced drivers that show measurable impacts within years. The framework provides a holistic understanding of scale in time and space, facilitating a dialog...

SourceDeltares·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 8, 2025

New study highlights how to improve mental health integration in South African primary healthcare

A new study published in Global Mental Health explores the impact of integrating community psychiatric services into primary health care clinics in South Africa. The research reveals persistent challenges related to limited resources, weak management systems, and fragmented collaboration between healthcare providers.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalCambridge Prisms Global Mental Health·DateJul 8, 2025

High performance tungsten-doped VO2 polycrystalline films for advanced dynamic radiant thermal management

Researchers have developed highly polycrystalline WxV1-xO2 films that exhibit exceptional dynamic radiative properties, paving the way for innovative thermal management systems. The films can modulate infrared radiation in response to temperature changes, allowing buildings and devices to optimize heat loss or retention adaptively.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·DateJul 8, 2025

Study shows people perceive biodiversity

Researchers found that perception of visual diversity was linked to color, vegetation density, lighting, and forest structure, while acoustic diversity was linked to birdsong, volume, and seasonal cues. Participants were more accurate when assessing forest biodiversity through sound alone than through sight alone.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalPeople and Nature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2025

Opinions within inner circles influence perception of social division

A new study published in PNAS Nexus explores how opinions within inner circles influence the perception of social division. The researchers found that consensus within one's circle can exaggerate perceptions of polarization, and that subjective lenses change over time, influencing how individuals perceive societal polarization.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 8, 2025

Less snow makes trees absorb less carbon, according to new BU study

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that warmer summer temperatures increase tree growth, but less snow on the ground slows this growth significantly. This means that New England forests' ability to store carbon in future climate scenarios is likely overestimated.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2025

When stem cells feel the squeeze, they start building bone

Researchers found that human stem cells can differentiate into bone cells simply by being squeezed through narrow spaces. This discovery could lead to the development of simpler and safer regenerative therapies by using physical signals instead of chemical cues. The study's findings have broader implications, including potential applic...

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2025

Study shows people back climate policy when weather events feel personal

A new study published in Nature Climate Change found that most people are more likely to support climate policies if they see a connection between extreme weather and climate change. Strong support was observed in African and Asian countries, as well as among individuals who attribute extreme weather events to climate change.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 8, 2025

Experts urge evidence-based regulations of 7-OH, not restriction, as new science emerges showing safe use

A combination of data from the FDA and independent studies confirms 7-OH's strong real-world safety profile, with no confirmed deaths reported despite over half a billion estimated doses consumed nationwide. The analysis also found that 7-OH has a significantly lower risk profile than many other natural compounds currently on the market.

SourceRunSwitch Public Relations·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 8, 2025

Producing desired epoxides from pollutants

Researchers developed a new method for selective conversion of epoxides using glutathione S-transferase enzymes, producing pure substances with desired properties. The process is inspired by nature's detoxification mechanism and demonstrates the potential to translate natural reactions into useful syntheses.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2025

Can one video change a teen's mindset? New study says yes - but there’s a catch

A new study published in JCPP Advances found that watching a ten-minute video can shift how teenagers view themselves by promoting mental well-being. The intervention appeared to have little immediate effect on symptoms of anxiety or depression, but may work best as part of a broader toolkit of services.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJCPP Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 8, 2025

New research shows Americans can’t tell healthy processed foods from unhealthy ones

A recent survey found that 39% of respondents incorrectly identified all processed foods as unhealthy. However, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine reports that it is not processed plant foods but rather meat consumption associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateJul 8, 2025

Medtech innovator GeniPhys receives FDA clearance for first-in-kind self-assembling collagen scaffold for applications in advanced wound care

GeniPhys has received FDA clearance for its self-assembling collagen scaffold, Collymer Self-Assembling Scaffold (SAS), which supports cellular infiltration and vascularization. The technology is indicated for various wound types and anchors a growing intellectual property portfolio with nearly 20 issued or pending patents.

Skin-to-skin contact with babies increased significantly after training

A new study from Uppsala University finds that targeted training for healthcare professionals and parents significantly increases skin-to-skin contact between newborns and their parents in the first 48 hours after birth. This leads to improved health benefits for both the baby and parent, with a notable increase in the proportion of ba...

SourceUppsala University·JournalActa Paediatrica·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2025

Global ocean analysis could replace costly in-situ sound speed profiles in seafloor positioning, study finds

A new study reveals that global ocean analysis products can replace expensive in-situ sound speed measurements for precise seafloor positioning. Global ocean analysis achieves centimeter-level accuracy, comparable to traditional methods, and reduces costs and logistical challenges in marine geodetic surveys.

New LED-based imaging system could transform cancer detection in endoscopy

A new prototype imaging system combines light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with hyperspectral imaging technology to create detailed maps of tissue properties invisible to conventional cameras. The system shows promise for cancer detection during endoscopy, achieving real-time speeds and high-quality data comparable to reference systems.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Medical Imaging·DateJul 8, 2025

New study identifies key ingredients to expanding dental care in the safety net

A new study from the University at Albany's Oral Health Workforce Research Center analyzed data on Federally Qualified Health Centers and found that capacity-building steps such as investing in skilled providers and improving infrastructure enable more people to access essential health services. The study identified three leading facto...

SourceUniversity at Albany, SUNY·JournalJournal of Public Health Dentistry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 8, 2025

World’s first: Lithuanian scientists’ discovery may transform OLED technology and explosives detection

Researchers have observed the luminescence of an excited complex formed by two donor molecules, opening possibilities for developing simpler, more efficient OLED devices. The discovery also enables the creation of sensitive sensors capable of detecting low concentrations of explosive substances.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalACS Applied Electronic Materials·DateJul 8, 2025

Replacing animal products with plant-based foods—even ultra-processed—leads to weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity in people with type 1 diabetes

Replacing animal products with plant-based foods, including ultra-processed ones, leads to significant weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity in people with type 1 diabetes. A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial found that the vegan group experienced reduced body weight and increased insulin sensitivity.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalNutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 8, 2025

Cal Poly Chemistry professor among three U.S. faculty to be honored for contributions to chemistry instruction

Dr. Phil Costanzo, a Cal Poly chemistry professor, has been recognized with the Jack Flack Norris Award for his contributions to chemistry education. He co-founded the Macromolecular Alliance for Community Resources & Outreach (MACRO), a joint service committee that provides freely accessible educational resources for polymer chemists.

Daily consumption of grapes improves muscle strength markers in postmenopausal women

A new study published in Food & Function found that daily grape consumption improved muscle strength markers in postmenopausal women. The results suggest that incorporating grapes into the diet may offer an easy approach to mitigate sarcopenia, a condition with no effective treatment options.

SourceCalifornia Table Grape Commission·JournalFood & Function·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 8, 2025

An international study led by CIC bioGUNE identifies key mechanisms of an enzyme involved in a rare metabolic disease

Researchers identified a specific mutation in the cystathionine beta-synthase enzyme that affects its ability to metabolize homocysteine, leading to accumulation and organ damage. The study proposes new potential therapeutic strategies, including drug design and personalized therapies.

SourceCIC bioGUNE·JournalFEBS Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 8, 2025

Personality type can predict which forms of exercise people enjoy

A new study from UCL found correlations between exercise type and personality traits, including extroverts' preference for high-intensity exercise and those with neuroticism trait enjoying short bursts of activity. The research suggests that understanding individual personality can help tailor physical activity recommendations to suppo...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2025