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Science News for June 23, 2025


Your smartwatch might know you’re sick before you do — and it might help stop pandemics

A recent study by Texas A&M University shows that smartwatches' health apps and sensors can accurately predict when a person has become infected with a disease, even within 12 hours. This early detection could lower pandemic transmission risk by nearly 50% by providing warnings to people with potential infections.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 23, 2025

Predicting miRNA-drug interactions via dual-channel network based on TCN and BiLSTM

A new research published in Frontiers of Computer Science proposes a dual-channel network model to predict miRNA-drug interactions. The model achieves high accuracy using Temporal Convolutional Network and BiLSTM algorithms, with average AUC scores of 0.9567, 0.9365, and 0.8975 on three different datasets.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2025

Interpretation on feature groups for tree models

A new research method effectively interprets feature groups in tree models by leveraging inherent correlations and structures among multiple features. The approach measures the importance of feature groups using a novel metric called BGShapvalue, which is then used to identify salient feature groups with large values.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2025

ADHD link to severe premenstrual disorder uncovered in women

A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that women with ADHD are significantly more likely to suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Women with high levels of ADHD symptoms and impairment were over four times more likely to have PMDD, emphasizing the need for screening in females with ADHD. The findings high...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJun 23, 2025

Digital finance catalyzes household carbon reduction in China

The study investigates how digital finance impacts household carbon emissions and finds robust evidence that it is a powerful tool to reduce carbon footprints. It highlights the value of expanding digital financial infrastructure, improving financial literacy, and tailoring low-carbon policies to different types of households.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalChina Finance Review International·DateJun 23, 2025

New PET tracer delivers high-quality images of brain inflammation activity

Researchers developed a novel PET tracer targeting phosphodiesterase 4B to visualize real-time brain inflammation. The tracer showed superior image quality and greater brain distribution compared to existing tracers, highlighting its potential for early diagnosis and personalized therapy in neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 23, 2025

The research team led by Professor Jichuan Kang has elucidated the regulatory mechanism of AICAR biosynthesis in endophytic Fusarium solani.

A research team led by Professor Jichuan Kang has elucidated the regulatory mechanism of AICAR biosynthesis in endophytic Fusarium solani. The study identifies PRPS2 as a key enzyme and transcription factor MtfA as a negative regulator of AICAR synthesis.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalMycology: An International Journal on Fungal Biology·DateJun 23, 2025

Scientists develop test that predicts which patients will not respond to cancer chemotherapy

A new test developed by CNIO scientists can predict which patients will not respond to common chemotherapy drugs, allowing for targeted treatment and reducing side effects. The test uses biomarkers based on chromosomal instability patterns to identify resistant patients.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 23, 2025

U.S. neonatal mortality from perinatal causes

Mortality from slow fetal growth and malnutrition has increased nearly 2% annually, potentially linked to impaired prenatal nutrition. Medical advancements, improved prenatal care, and neonatal intensive care interventions may have contributed to the overall decline in U.S. neonatal mortality.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 23, 2025

Beyond Access: The hidden factors behind active ageing in communities

Two systematic reviews found that feeling part of a community, owning a dog, and having safe green spaces are crucial factors influencing physical activity. Wealthier communities with better neighborhood quality have older adults who stay more active, regardless of access to parks or facilities nearby.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 23, 2025

ImmunoPET tracer enhances early detection of liver cancer

A novel molecular imaging agent targeting glypican-3 has demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including tumors smaller than one centimeter. The agent provides high-contrast images of GPC3-positive liver tumors, offering a promising new tool for early diagnosis and staging of HCC.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 23, 2025

Corn after soy: New study quantifies rotation benefits and trade-offs

Researchers found that corn-soy rotation boosts corn yields and reduces nitrogen fertilizer needs, but with trade-offs in soil greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen leaching. The study's results suggest a complex interplay between crop yield, environmental impacts, and economic returns under various rotation scenarios.

New resistance mechanism discovered in CAR-T cell therapy

Researchers at University of Cologne have discovered a previously unknown mechanism that explains why many patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma don't respond to CAR-T cell therapy. Combining this innovative treatment with CSF1R inhibitors improves its effectiveness, according to the study published in Cancer Cell.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2025

How babies are affected by their mother’s age

Children of older mothers are more likely to be born prematurely or with complications. The study found that babies born to mothers 45 years and older had the highest risks of stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight compared to younger mothers.

SourceUppsala University·JournalActa Paediatrica·TypeObservational study·DateJun 23, 2025

Emotional and directional enabled programmable flexible haptic interface for enhanced cognition in disabled community

A research group developed a flexible electret tactile feedback actuator that can encode complex emotional information and dynamic command interactions. The actuator achieved ultra-low driven voltage, high gain, and wide frequency range, enabling a six-point actuator array system with four-dimensional tactile programming ability.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateJun 23, 2025

Formamide-engineered VOPO4 cathodes with high volumetric capacity and mass loading for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

This study introduces formamide (FA)-intercalated VOPO₄ nanosheets, which enhance structural stability and ion transport pathways. The resulting electrodes deliver remarkable electrochemical performance, including a specific mass capacity of 463 mAh/g and a volumetric capacity of 733 mAh/cm³.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers in Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2025

System log isolation for containers

Researchers propose a solution to system log isolation problems in containers by introducing private logs (POGs), which provide individual log configuration, storage, and view for each container. This approach addresses configuration conflict, operation conflict, namespace escape, information leakage, and log redundancy.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2025

Research reveals why receiving food before others is a source of discomfort for social diners

A study by Bayes Business School found that people are more concerned about violating the norm of waiting for others to be served than they are about others doing so. The research suggests that restaurants and dinner hosts could improve dining experiences by serving guests at the same time, reducing social awkwardness.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalAppetite·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2025

Scientists reveal timeline and uneven evolution of endemic flora on Qinghai-Tibet plateau

A team of researchers has revealed how unique native plant life on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau evolved over time, with origins dating back to the Early Eocene. The study highlights the Hengduan Mountains as a crucial center of endemism and emphasizes the need for conservation efforts.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCase study·DateJun 23, 2025

Research alert: CBD might help children with autism, but more research needed

A controlled clinical trial found that two-thirds of participants showed behavioral improvements with CBD treatment, highlighting its potential benefits. However, the study also revealed a significant placebo effect, emphasizing the need for further research to fully understand CBD's therapeutic potential.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateJun 23, 2025

In diseases due to exposure to toxic particles like gout, macrophages elicit separate pathways for inflammation and lysosomal function

Research found that macrophages use two independent pathways to regulate inflammatory and lysosomal responses to toxic particles. The study identified key transcription factors and signaling pathways involved, offering potential therapeutic opportunities to quell inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2025

How will the “water footprint” of Xinjiang cotton change under climate change?

A study simulates three irrigation technologies in Xinjiang's driest region, predicting a decrease in the total water footprint of cotton production. Sprinkler irrigation demonstrates the most notable water-saving effects, while furrow and micro-irrigation show relatively smaller reductions.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2025

Mapping the gaps: New global assessment reveals stark biases in ocean biodiversity data

A new study reveals that global marine biodiversity data is heavily biased towards shallow waters and vertebrates, with vast areas of the deep sea and invertebrates poorly represented. The findings highlight the need for prioritized sampling to fill these gaps and support sustainable ocean management.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 23, 2025

Non-contact and nanometer-scale measurement of shallow PN junction depth buried in Si wafers

Researchers developed a new method to estimate PN junction depth in Si wafers with nanometer scale resolution, using terahertz emission spectroscopy. This technology enables rapid, non-destructive, and non-contact access to the interior of wafers, contributing to improving device reliability and reducing manufacturing resources.

HSE scientists reveal how staying at alma mater can affect early-career researchers

A study by Victoria Slepyh found that academic inbreeding, or staying at the same university after graduation, has an ambiguous impact on publication activity. Graduates who moved to different universities had higher publication counts, journal acceptances, and citation counts compared to those who remained at their alma mater.

Coupled electrons and phonons predicted to flow like water in 2D semiconductors

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have found that in 2D semiconductors, the interactions between electrons and phonons can conserve momentum and energy, leading to efficient hydrodynamic flow behavior. This discovery has significant implications for designing highly efficient electrical conductivity materials, even at room temperature.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 23, 2025

Basic fibroblast growth factor-loaded hydrogel biomaterial patches for promoting the healing of esophageal anastomosis: An experimental animal study

Researchers developed biomaterial patches loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor to enhance esophageal anastomosis healing. The study showed improved mechanical strength, increased fibroblast proliferation, and enhanced collagen secretion in the experimental group compared to controls.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2025

Black women’s beauty, fashion choices intertwined with Black history, politics

A recent study by University of Illinois researcher Brittney Miles explores how Black women use their bodies, beauty practices, and adornment to advocate for social change. The study found that Black women's fashion choices are not just about aesthetics, but also about resistance and empowerment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCritical Studies in Fashion and Beauty·TypeSurvey·DateJun 23, 2025

Engineering ultra-thin magnets to power next-gen electronics

A team of international researchers has developed a way to strengthen magnetism in ultra-thin materials, which could lead to breakthroughs in quantum computing and advanced communication systems. By pairing these materials with topological insulators, they improved the magnets' strength and stability, even at higher temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalReports on Progress in Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2025

Which legume crop rotation pattern better promotes soil health?

Researchers analyzed 261 Chinese soil samples to compare legume crop rotations, revealing faba bean rotation's benefits in enhancing soil properties and microbial communities. Faba bean rotation increased organic carbon, total nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as microbial biomass and respiration rate.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2025

Killer whales groom each other using tools made from kelp

A team of whale experts discovered that southern resident killer whales regularly use lengths of bull kelp as tools to groom each other during social interactions. The whales fashion the tools by breaking off the ends of kelp stalks and then press them against a partner, rolling them between their bodies for long periods.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 23, 2025

How has agricultural carbon emissions in Fujian evolved over 20 years?

Agricultural carbon emissions in Fujian exhibited a 'double decline' trend from 2002 to 2022, with total emissions fluctuating downward by 11% and carbon emission intensity plummeting by 82.46%. Promoting organic fertilizers, optimizing rice planting patterns, and improving resource utilization can further reduce emissions.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2025

University of Minnesota study finds COVID-19 wastewater surveillance accurately predicts community infections

A University of Minnesota research team has found that measuring SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater continues to accurately predict subsequent COVID-19 case counts in a community. The study demonstrates the continued importance of wastewater surveillance for public health planning and informing real-time decision-making frameworks.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateJun 23, 2025

Quantum bootcamp

The Quantum Technician Bootcamp at Central New Mexico Community College is a 400-hour course that provides students with hands-on skills necessary for job placement in the quantum industry. The program, led by Sandia National Laboratories and CNM, aims to address the shortage of trained workers in the field.

Development of an eco-friendly photovoltaic (PV) hydrogen production method using eco-friendly quantum dots! The secret lies in the "quantum dot synthesis mechanism"

Researchers at DGIST developed a high-efficiency PV-based hydrogen production technology using eco-friendly ternary quantum dots. The team successfully controlled the synthesis mechanism of copper indium sulfide, eliminating heavy metals and producing hydrogen using sunlight.

Repeated exposure to wildfires can incrementally increase heart failure risk

A study published in JACC found that long-term exposure to wildfire smoke may increase the risk of heart failure, particularly among older adults, women, and those living in lower-income areas. The risk was found to be higher with increased levels of PM2.5 air pollution from wildfires compared to other types of air pollution.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 23, 2025

Weekly semaglutide improves blood sugar and weight in adults with Type 1 diabetes

A new clinical trial found that taking semaglutide once weekly significantly improves blood sugar levels and leads to substantial weight loss in adults with Type 1 diabetes. The study involved 72 participants across four medical centers and showed a 36% improvement rate compared to the placebo group.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNEJM Evidence·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 23, 2025

ImmunoCheckDB: A comprehensive web platform integrating meta-analysis and multiomic profiling to advance cancer immunotherapy biomarker discovery

The study presents ImmunoCheckDB, a web platform that bridges a critical gap in existing resources by enabling pan-cancer exploration of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies through combined meta-analytical and multiomic approaches. It curates 173 studies involving 93,234 individuals across 18 cancer types and 30 ICI regimens.

PET imaging links brain inflammation to speech disorder and Parkinson-like syndrome

Researchers used PET imaging to map brain inflammation in PAOS patients, finding distinct patterns that correlate with tau pathology and Parkinson-plus syndrome. The study provides new insights into neuroinflammation's role in disease progression and may lead to earlier diagnosis and targeted treatments.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 23, 2025

Military discharge is a time of challenge and opportunity

A recent study found that nearly 400 former Australian Defence Force members experienced negative discharge experiences, with many feeling disrespected, mistreated, or abused. The research highlights the need for reform to prevent long-term psychological harm and provides preliminary evidence suggesting that transition-related identity...

SourceFlinders University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateJun 23, 2025

‘Closed loop’ learning barriers prevent doctors from using life-saving bedside ultrasound

A new study reveals six 'closed loop' barriers that prevent doctors from using point-of-care ultrasound, leading to missed opportunities for life-saving interventions. The researchers propose practical steps to address these cultural and practical challenges, aiming to increase POCUS uptake and benefit patients.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAdvances in Health Sciences Education·DateJun 23, 2025

Urinary metal exposure linked to increased risk of heart failure, landmark study finds

A new multi-cohort study found that exposure to certain metals detected in urine is associated with a higher risk of heart failure. The study analyzed over 10,000 adults across diverse geographic and racial backgrounds and observed consistent associations between elevated urinary metal levels and increased HF risk.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 23, 2025

Predictors of successful closure following open-window thoracostomy in patients with empyema: A single-center retrospective cohort study

A single-center retrospective cohort study found that performance status before open-window thoracostomy (OWT) is a significant factor affecting window closure. The study included 42 patients with empyema who underwent OWT, and the results showed that patients with poor performance status were less likely to have successful closure.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeObservational study·DateJun 23, 2025