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Science News for June 25, 2025


Adipose-derived stem cells remember obesity – anti-inflammatory capacity restored only years after weight loss

Recent research reveals that adipose-derived stem cells from obese individuals do not fully recover their anti-inflammatory capacity even two to three years after significant weight loss. The study, published in Stem Cells International, used bariatric surgery as a model to investigate the impact of weight loss on these stem cells.

SourceTampere University·JournalStem Cells International·DateJun 25, 2025

Targeting newly-identified brain protein brings hope of new treatment for Parkinson's disease

Researchers at the University of Sydney have identified a new brain protein involved in Parkinson's disease and found that targeting it with a drug treatment improved motor function in experimental models. The study suggests that this approach could slow or stop the progression of Parkinson's disease in humans.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2025

Grip strength gives researchers a new handle on psychosis

A new study explores the connection between grip strength and psychosis, finding that impaired grip strength and well-being share common patterns of brain connectivity. The research provides a unifying brain circuit explanation for psychosis and identifies potential brain targets for new treatments.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2025

Risk of crime rises when darkness falls

A UK study analyzed over 30,000 crimes and found that the overall risk of crime increases after dark, but only for specific types such as burglary, robbery, and criminal damage. The risk varies by neighborhood, suggesting that darkness itself may be a contributing factor to crime.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2025

Smaller islands offer crucial refuge for endangered mammals in Wallacea

A new study reveals smaller islands in Wallacea are critical refuges for endangered mammals, with lower genetic diversity but fewer harmful mutations. Habitat quality on these islands is higher than on larger ones, emphasizing the importance of protecting them for long-term survival.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 25, 2025

Landmark study uncovers role of tumor microenvironment in nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression which supports personalized treatment

A landmark study found that the tumour immune microenvironment plays a critical role in the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, paving the way for precision oncology approaches. The study discovered distinct molecular differences between NPC subtypes, which influence disease progression and treatment responsiveness.

SourceSingHealth·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateJun 25, 2025

An international study validates the efficacy of a drug in adults with neurofibromatosis type 1

A phase 3 trial demonstrated the efficacy of selumetinib in reducing tumor size and alleviating pain in adults with neurofibromatosis type 1. The treatment was found to be effective in patients who received it from day one, as well as those who started it later, with significant reductions in tumor size and pain reported.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 25, 2025

New insights into seasonal shifts in sleep

The study found that sleep schedules differ between weekdays and weekends, with most people catching up on lost sleep over the weekend. Seasonal changes also play a bigger role than expected, with people sleeping more in winter and less during summer months. Irregular sleep can be linked to adverse health risks.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSLEEP·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 25, 2025

Interface-engineering to boost the performance and durability of nickel-metal supported reversible proton ceramic cells for power generation and hydrogen production

Researchers have developed a new type of reversible proton ceramic cell that combines the advantages of metal-supported solid oxide cells and protonic ceramic cells. The cell features an engineered transition layer to mitigate thermal expansion mismatch, resulting in improved structural stability and electrochemical performance.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateJun 25, 2025

Cornell Prof. Bruce Lewenstein wins inaugural PCST award for the advancement of science communication as a professional field

Professor Bruce Lewenstein won the inaugural PCST Award for his decades-long impact on science communication research, education, and infrastructure worldwide. Susana Herrera-Lima and Toss Gascoigne were named runners-up for their transformative work in building science communication capacity globally.

Liver organoid breakthrough: Generating organ-specific blood vessels

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have successfully grown liver tissue that can produce its own internal blood vessels. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for people living with hemophilia and those experiencing acute or chronic liver failure, as the liver organoids can secrete coagulation factors.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2025

Surgery plus speech therapy linked to improved language after stroke

Combining neck surgery with intensive speech therapy has been shown to improve communication skills and quality of life in patients with chronic post-stroke aphasia. The study found significant improvements in language function and reduced symptoms of depression, with no severe adverse events reported.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 25, 2025

What animal bones reveal about life on the medieval Liao frontier

The discovery of thousands of animal bones at a remote garrison site in northeastern Mongolia sheds new light on the lives of soldiers and civilians who lived along the medieval Liao Empire's long wall. The analysis suggests a largely self-sufficient pastoral economy, with evidence of herding, hunting, fishing, and seasonal climate var...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalArchaeological Research in Asia·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2025

Creation of new molecule could help develop stamp-sized hard drives capable of storing 100 times more data than current tech

Researchers have engineered a new type of molecule that can store information at extremely low temperatures, potentially leading to ultra-high data densities and smaller storage devices. The discovery could enable the development of stamp-sized hard drives capable of storing 100 times more data than current technologies.

Spotting bad batteries before they malfunction

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a low-cost, accessible method to detect structural defects and damage in lithium-ion batteries using ultrasound technology. The technique can identify gas presence, material deficiencies, and other issues that may cause electrical shorts or performance hampers.

SourceDrexel University·JournalElectrochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2025

Still top cause of death, the types of heart disease people are dying from is changing

Research reveals significant drop in heart attack deaths, while increases observed in deaths from heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertensive heart disease over the past 50 years. Studies suggest advancements in medical treatment, bystander CPR, and public health initiatives have contributed to these findings.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 25, 2025

Powering your phone with a laser

The University of Ottawa's SUNLAB has developed a simulation model for multi-junction photonic power converters, which enable the conversion of laser light into electrical power with higher efficiencies and voltages. This technology could lead to more reliable telecommunication networks, reduce costs by enhancing systems performance, a...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 25, 2025

Multifunctional composite aerogel for multi-energy conversion and electromagnetic shielding

The researchers developed a multifunctional phase-change composite that integrates multiple energy conversion capabilities with superior EMI shielding. The novel composite combines solar-thermal, thermoelectric, electrothermal, and magnetothermal energy conversion with high EMI shielding effectiveness.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2025

As fewer Americans die from heart attacks, more succumb to chronic heart disease

A decrease in acute myocardial infarction deaths has led to an increase in deaths from other types of chronic heart conditions. The researchers attribute this shift to improved management and prevention of heart attacks, resulting in more patients living beyond these events and developing other heart conditions.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 25, 2025

Depression + inflammation: A bad combo for lung cancer patients

Researchers found that lung cancer patients with both high levels of depression and inflammation at diagnosis had increasing depressive symptoms over the next eight months. These patients showed no changes in depression when only having high levels of depression or only high levels of inflammation, or neither. The study suggests an add...

SourceOhio State University·JournalBiopsychosocial Science and Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2025

Following the tracks of an extremely adaptive bacterium

The study identified two new families of natural compounds, syrilipamides and secimides, produced by the bacterium. These molecules show remarkable toxicity against competing microorganisms, particularly fungi and amoebae. The discovery also highlights the importance of the SecA enzyme in expanding the chemical repertoire of Pseudomona...

How aortic valve stenosis develops

Researchers have identified the endothelial cells' critical role in aortic valve stenosis, revealing that calcification is more pronounced on one side of three-leaflet valves. Genetic predispositions also play a significant role, with those having two-leaflet valves suffering from earlier onset and more widespread damage.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2025

James Webb Space Telescope discovers its first exoplanet

The James Webb Space Telescope has captured the direct image of a previously unknown exoplanet, TWA 7 b, located within a disk of rocky debris and dust. The exoplanet is ten times lighter than previously captured ones and more similar to Earth than gas giants.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2025

Exposure to particulate matter during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of childhood obesity

A large European meta-analysis has found that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during pregnancy and childhood is associated with an increased risk of childhood overweight or obesity. Higher levels of PM2.5 during pregnancy were linked to a 23% increased risk of childhood obesity in children aged 9-12 years.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 25, 2025

One in five packaged foods and drinks sold in the United States contains synthetic dyes, study shows

A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that 19% of packaged foods and beverages sold in the US contain synthetic food dyes. Synthetic dyes are particularly prevalent in products marketed to children, with confectionery and sugar-sweetened beverages being the top categories.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 25, 2025

AI models identify personality traits from written texts

Researchers used BERT and RoBERTa AI models to detect personality traits from written texts, analyzing the influence of linguistic elements on predictions. The study highlights the limitations of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator model and demonstrates the potential for more natural and less intrusive assessment methods.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalPLOS One·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 25, 2025

KAIST's li-fi - achieves 100 times faster speed and enhanced security of wi-fi​

Researchers at KAIST have created a new Li-Fi platform that offers speeds up to 224 Gbps and enhances security through on-device encryption. The device uses eco-friendly quantum dots and demonstrates improved brightness and efficiency, opening up new possibilities for ultra-high-speed data communication.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2025

Staying physically active may slow cognitive decline

A new study from the University of Georgia found that sustained physical activity can reduce the rate of cognitive decline for older adults. The research analyzed data from over 13,000 survey respondents and found a significant association between longer and more frequent engagement in physical activity and delayed cognitive decline.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalThe Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer s Disease·DateJun 25, 2025

More staff addressing mental health in schools buffers toll of growing up in disadvantaged communities

A new study from Mass General Brigham found that greater access to mental health staff in schools can help lower risk of mental health conditions among students growing up in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Higher school mental health staffing ratios counteracted the effects of neighborhood deprivation on anxiety and depressive symptoms, ...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 25, 2025

Machine learning methods are best suited to catch liars, according to new science of deception detection

Researchers have found that Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) excel in detecting lies and deception, surpassing conventional non-machine learning methods. The study analyzes a comprehensive literature review of deception detection techniques leveraging machine learning, highlighting its potential to provide accurate predictions desp...

SourceUniversity of Sharjah·JournalExpert Systems with Applications·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 25, 2025

Scientists detect deep Earth pulses beneath Africa

Research at the University of Southampton reveals a single, asymmetric plume beneath the Afar region in Ethiopia, which is pulsing like a heartbeat. The team found distinct chemical signatures in volcanic rock samples, suggesting that the plume is dynamic and responsive to tectonic plate movement.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 25, 2025

Olympians' hearts in focus: groundbreaking study reveals elite rowers' surprising AFib risk

A new study involving 121 former elite rowers from Australia found that one in five develops atrial fibrillation, a condition that can lead to stroke and heart failure. The researchers identified genetic and clinical tools that enable early preventive strategies, highlighting the paradox that AFib is more common among fit athletes.

SourceVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2025

Large global study links severe bleeding after childbirth to increased risk of cardiovascular disease

A large global study found that women who experience severe bleeding after childbirth face an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure and ischemic heart disease, for up to 15 years. The study analyzed data from over 9.7 million women across Europe, North America, and Asia.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 25, 2025

Technical refinement in airway surgery: Wrapping tracheobronchial anastomoses

A study of 95 patients found that wrapping autologous tissue materials around anastomoses after airway reconstruction significantly reduced short-term postoperative complications. This technique may offer a positive effect on the prognosis of patients undergoing complex tracheobronchial resection and reconstruction.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalTranslational Lung Cancer Research·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2025

Smart amplifier enabler for more qubits in future quantum computers

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a highly efficient amplifier that activates only when reading information from qubits. The amplifier consumes just one-tenth of the power consumed by the best amplifiers available today, reducing qubit decoherence and laying the foundation for more powerful quantum computers.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2025

Newborns require better care to improve survival and long-term health

A global report urges better care for newborns to improve survival and long-term health, citing significant challenges in leadership, collaboration, regulation, and funding. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health Commission on the future of neonatology recommends increased investment in research and development to address these issues.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2025

AI-assisted model enhances MRI heart scans

A cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan usually takes anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. The AI-assisted model developed by Mizzou researchers can turn low-quality MRI heart scans into high-quality images in less time, while improving patient experience and reducing costs.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMagnetic Resonance in Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 25, 2025

New study uncovers brain damage progression in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers analyzed single-cell transcriptomes from early, middle, and late stages of AD to identify subtle shifts in cellular activity. They found that mitochondria in vulnerable brain areas began to fail early in the disease, even before amyloid plaque buildup. The study also identified a gene called MEG3 involved in regulating mito...

SourceBGI Genomics·JournalProtein & Cell·DateJun 25, 2025

Baby talk – a human superpower?

A study by researchers from the University of Zurich found that humans are the most frequent users of child-directed speech among five species of great apes. However, non-human great ape infants may acquire language through surrounding communication and gestures, similar to human children.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2025

Tackling depressive symptoms in high school students by honing emotional and social skills

A year-long intervention program in Japan has shown promising results in reducing depressive symptoms among high school students. The Mastery of Interpersonal Relationships and Emotional Skills (MIRaES) program addresses practical constraints to provide a feasible universal prevention approach for school settings.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2025

New study calls for rethink on alcohol policy

A new study by psychologists, linguists, and policy experts reveals that policymakers and drinkers have different ways of framing alcohol consumption. The findings suggest that policies must reflect real-life behaviours and motivations to make a meaningful difference.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 25, 2025

Nitrate in drinking water linked to preterm birth rates

A study of Iowa's birth records and county-level nitrate measurements found a link between prenatal nitrate exposure and increased preterm birth and low birthweight babies. The study suggests that current regulatory standards may be insufficient to protect against the risks of nitrate exposure.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Water·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2025

Researchers identify protein essential for balancing bone tissue

A team of researchers from the University of São Paulo identified agrin as a crucial protein in maintaining bone mass and quality. The study found that osteocytes produce agrin, which plays an essential role in preserving bone health. Without agrin, bone tissue becomes less dense and more fragile, making bones susceptible to fractures.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·DateJun 25, 2025

Newborns require better care to improve survival and long-term health

A global report highlights the need for better platforms for drug and medical device development, as well as cross-sector engagement, to reduce newborn deaths. The report also emphasizes the importance of innovative approaches to address challenges in leadership, collaboration, regulation, and funding in neonatology.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2025

BMI a poor predictor of future health

A new study published in the Annals of Family Medicine has found that body mass index (BMI) is not a reliable predictor of future health risks and heart disease mortality. In contrast, bioelectrical impedance analysis, which measures body fat directly, was shown to be significantly more accurate, with individuals having high body fat l...

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJun 25, 2025