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Science News for June 26, 2025


Fire smoke exposure may alter the immune system, even in healthy individuals

A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found that fire smoke exposure can alter the immune system on a cellular level, even in healthy individuals. Exposure to particulate matter, gases, and other compounds in fire smoke was linked to changes in immune cells, inflammation, and gene expression.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2025

Cascading impacts of groundwater input to coral reefs

A new study found that submarine groundwater discharge increases nutrient availability, alters seawater acidity, and impacts coral skeleton calcification. This research provides insights into the complex interactions between land and ocean, highlighting the importance of keeping groundwater free of contaminants for coral reef health.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalEcological Monographs·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2025

New gene therapy delivery device could let hospitals create personalized nanomedicines on-demand

A new gene therapy delivery device called NANOSPRESSO could revolutionize how hospitals treat rare diseases by allowing them to create personalized nanomedicines in-house. This democratized approach to precision medicine could boost access to low-cost bespoke gene and RNA therapies, especially in low-resource settings.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 26, 2025

Novel “digital fossil-mining” approach uncovers hidden fossils, revealing squids’ ancient origins

Researchers have discovered hundreds of previously hidden fossilized squid beaks using a novel 'digital fossil-mining' approach. The findings indicate that squids originated around 100 million years ago and rapidly diversified thereafter, suggesting they played a key role in shaping modern ocean ecosystems.

Launch of Materials and Solidification: A new international journal focused on solidification science and technology

Materials and Solidification is an international journal focused on solidification theory, materials design, and processing technology. It aims to serve as a high-level academic platform for global researchers and engineers to drive innovations in solidification science and its industrial applications.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalMaterials and Solidification·DateJun 26, 2025

A Pitt study has identified a protein that can separate critical metals from electronic waste

A University of Pittsburgh study has identified a protein called ferritin that can selectively recover critical metals like cobalt and nickel from liquid solutions. The process uses benign conditions and could significantly reduce energy demands and costs associated with metal recovery.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2025

Tribocatalytic recycling of lithium-ion batteries

Researchers developed an efficient tribocatalytic recycling process to recover valuable materials from spent lithium-ion batteries, reducing environmental harm. The method achieves high recovery efficiency with milder reaction conditions, making it a promising alternative to conventional pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateJun 26, 2025

Ancient squids dominated the ocean 100 million years ago

A new study published in Science reveals that ancient squids were the most abundant swimmers in the ocean 100 million years ago, with over 40 new species discovered. The advanced fossil discovery technique allowed researchers to identify thousands of fossilized cephalopod beaks, providing key clues for studying squid evolution.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 26, 2025

USC researchers define brain scan marker to better classify Alzheimer’s disease-related changes

A new brain imaging benchmark may improve how researchers classify biologically meaningful changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found a tau cut-point that distinguished individuals with cognitive impairment from those aging normally, but its effectiveness was limited in non-Hispanic Black participants.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalImaging Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 26, 2025

Chicago’s rodents are evolving to handle city living

Researchers found that chipmunks' skulls became larger but teeth shorter due to increased human food availability. Voles' auditory bullae decreased in size possibly to dampen environmental noise. These changes demonstrate the profound impact of humans on wildlife and their environment.

SourceField Museum·JournalIntegrative and Comparative Biology·DateJun 26, 2025

Warmer spots within fields have more blooms and more bees

A new study found that warmer areas within fields have more blooms and bees, with flower density being the primary driver of foraging behavior. The research suggests that precision agriculture approaches could be used to inform conservation efforts by identifying low-performing sites.

SourcePenn State·JournalAgriculture Ecosystems & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2025

Se-regulated MnS porous nanocubes encapsulated in carbon nanofibers for high-performance sodium-ion battery anodes

Researchers developed Se-regulated MnS porous nanocubes encapsulated in carbon nanofibers for high-performance sodium-ion batteries. These novel anode materials show significant improvements in electrochemical performance, making them a promising candidate for high-energy-density SIBs.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2025

Leafy greens could be good for the heart

Research from Edith Cowan University found that consuming a cup and a half of leafy green vegetables daily can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. High intakes of Vitamin K1 were also associated with reduced subclinical atherosclerosis and improved musculoskeletal health.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 26, 2025

Cambrian explosion may have occurred much earlier than previously thought

A new study published in Geology analysis the body profiles of organisms from around 545 million years ago and suggest that the Cambrian explosion may have happened much earlier than estimated. The researchers found that organisms with slender body profiles thrived during this period, indicating a level of complexity and adaptability t...

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalGeology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2025

Making an impact

The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (ARD) has achieved a notable increase in its impact factor to 20.6, surpassing 58 other titles in rheumatology and reaffirming its status as the leading journal for original research in both basic and clinical fields. This recognitio...

Footy umpires blow the whistle on abuse

A recent study by the University of South Australia found that almost half of Australian Rules Football umpires have experienced verbal abuse, while one in five reported physical abuse. The survey also highlighted the need for support and communication between umpires, clubs, and authorities to prevent such incidents.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe International Journal of Sport and Society·TypeSurvey·DateJun 26, 2025

Further insights into the consequences of abnormal chromosome numbers

A study by RPTU researchers reveals that abnormal chromosome numbers lead to impaired mitochondrial function, which could be relevant for drug treatment of cancer. Cells with extra chromosomes accumulate protein aggregates containing a specific receptor, impairing mitochondrial precursor proteins' passage into the mitochondria.

Jackpot! Gold from e-waste opens a rich vein for miners and the environment

An interdisciplinary team at Flinders University has developed a safer and more sustainable approach to extract and recover gold from ore and electronic waste. The new method uses a low-cost and benign compound to extract gold, which can then be selectively bound to a novel sulfur-rich polymer, allowing for high-purity gold recovery.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2025

From hydration layers to nanoarchitectures: Water’s pivotal role in peptide organization on 2D nanomaterials

A team of researchers reveals the critical role of water in guiding nanoarchitecture formation on solid surfaces. They designed short peptides that form linear, crystalline structures aligned with the underlying atomic lattice, showcasing the interplay between aromatic interactions and solvation effects.

Neopred: A dual-phase CT AI tool for preoperative prediction of pathological response in NSCLC

A new dual-phase CT AI tool, NeoPred, combines pre-treatment and pre-surgery scans with clinical data to predict major pathological response in NSCLC patients. The model achieved high accuracy rates, including AUCs of 0.772-0.787, outperforming surgeons and improving diagnostic accuracy.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 26, 2025

SEB Conference 2025

The SEB Conference 2025 will feature over 500 talks on latest advances in experimental research across animal, plant and cell biology. The event highlights groundbreaking research in biomechanics, wildlife conservation, human disease and bio-inspired robotics.

USC technology may reduce shipping emissions by half

A USC-developed shipboard system using limestone and seawater can remove up to half of carbon dioxide emitted from shipping vessels, cutting maritime CO2 emissions by 50%. The process mimics a natural chemical reaction in the ocean, where CO2 is absorbed into water pumped onboard and then neutralized through a bed of limestone.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 26, 2025

Improving how we design materials

Advanced computer simulations reveal shear deformations and internal mechanical stresses play a crucial role in grain growth and evolution. This discovery helps explain why real polycrystals behave differently than predicted and offers insights into designing stronger materials.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 26, 2025

From mild to severe hypoxia: How HIF-1α conducts the “survival symphony” of tumor cells?

A study reveals how HIF-1α adapts cells to different levels of oxygen deprivation by activating specific genes, including those involved in glycolysis, immune suppression and angiogenesis. The research provides a framework for understanding hypoxia-induced cellular responses and identifying precision targets for therapeutic strategies.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateJun 26, 2025

‘Chemo brain’ and the aging brain: Researchers examine similarities in search for improved cognition

Researchers at the University of Oklahoma investigate the overlap between cognitive decline caused by chemotherapy and aging, discovering decreased blood flow, disrupted blood-brain barriers, and senescent cells. Removing these cells with senolytics can improve cerebral blood flow, cognition, and overall brain health.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2025

New study identifies brain networks underlying psychopathy

Researchers used advanced neuroimaging and the Julich-Brain Atlas to identify specific brain networks linked to psychopathy, finding reduced volumes in multiple regions including basal ganglia, thalamus, and cortex. This study advances research on neuropsychobiological correlates of aggression.

SourceEBRAINS·JournalEuropean Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience·DateJun 26, 2025

IPK researchers reveal that timely KNL2 degradation is critical for maintaining genome stability

Research reveals that KNL2 degradation is critical for centromere integrity and mitotic fidelity. The study found that alpha-KNL2 in Arabidopsis thaliana is degraded during mitosis through ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis, highlighting the importance of tight protein regulation during cell division.

New IQ research shows why smarter people make better decisions

A new study from the University of Bath found that individuals with a higher IQ make more realistic predictions, leading to improved life outcomes. Smarter people are significantly better at forecasting, making fewer errors and showing more consistent judgement compared to those with a lower IQ.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2025

Optica Quantum June 2025 issue press tip sheet

The latest issue of Optica Quantum features research on cryogenic photonic links for superconducting qubits, spatio-spectral quantum state estimation of photon pairs from optical fiber, and quantum optical reservoir computing powered by boson sampling. These studies demonstrate breakthroughs in measuring and optimizing quantum states, ...

SourceOptica·JournalOptica Quantum·DateJun 26, 2025

Mount Sinai researchers use wearable technology to explore the link between IBD and sleep disruption

The study found that significant changes in sleep metrics occurred only when inflammation was present in the body, with symptoms alone not resulting in any notable sleep disruption. Sleep disturbances worsened leading up to inflammatory flares and improved afterward, suggesting that sleep changes may signal upcoming disease activity.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJun 26, 2025

Using data and AI to create better health care systems

Academic medical centers can transform patient care by adopting learning health system principles, harnessing real-time data analysis and AI to improve patient outcomes. The proposed model aims to establish a smarter, more efficient and equitable care model by integrating diverse databases and leveraging AI for personalized, proactive ...

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·Journalnpj Health Systems·DateJun 26, 2025

SNU researchers develop world's first concealable PUF using V-NAND flash memory

Researchers from SNU developed a groundbreaking hardware security technology based on commercially available V-NAND flash memory, enabling secure generation, storage, and concealment of keys. The Concealable PUF technology maintains unclonability and randomness while adding the ability to hide and reveal the security key as needed.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2025

6-PPD quinone at environmentally relevant concentrations disrupts citric acid cycle in Caenorhabditis elegans: Role of reduction in acetyl CoA and pyruvate contents

Researchers studied the effects of 6-PPDQ on the citric acid cycle in C. elegans, finding disruptions at environmentally relevant concentrations. The study revealed reductions in key metabolites and enzyme gene expressions, contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction and toxicity.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEnvironmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2025

Unlocking the circuitry of anxiety

PTEN-deficient mouse models exhibit ASD-like characteristics due to circuit imbalance and altered behavior. The study reveals specific circuit changes in the amygdala resulting from PTEN loss in inhibitory neurons, providing new insights into the underlying circuit alterations that contribute to heightened fear and anxiety.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2025

Despite recovery from depression, the brain retains sensitivity to negative cues

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging found that individuals with remitted depression show increased habenula activity and reduced connectivity between the habenula and dopamine-producing regions, suggesting a heightened sensitivity to negative cues. This suggests that even after recove...

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 26, 2025

Survival of the fuzziest: Open-source fuzzer uses evolutionary algorithm to produce customized test inputs

FANDANGO, a new open-source fuzzing tool, employs an iterative procedure modeled on biological evolution to produce high-quality test inputs that cover both semantics and syntax. The tool enables complete control over test inputs, allowing testers to specify input characteristics and explore specific parts of the program.

SourceCISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Software Engineering·DateJun 26, 2025

SLAS Technology Vol. 32: AI, Robotics and Precision Diagnostics

This issue of SLAS Technology features a high-precision microfluidic flow splitter that outperforms commercial alternatives, enabling even flow division and simplifying multi-inlet perfusion. The journal showcases technological leaps in the life sciences, including rapid pathogen detection and AI-driven insights into schizophrenia.

Avocado pruning residue is transformed into a biological additive to stabilize emulsions

Researchers at the University of Córdoba develop a biodegradable emulsifier from avocado pruning residue, improving stability and shelf life of emulsions. The new emulsifier also exhibits enhanced antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, making it a promising alternative to petrochemical-based emulsifiers.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·DateJun 26, 2025

Finding the enzymatic needle in the database haystack

A Kobe University team developed a technique to classify thousands of enzymes, allowing for rapid evaluation and identification of highly active and versatile enzymes. The approach enabled the discovery of an enzyme with up to 10 times higher productivity than industry standards.

SourceKobe University·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2025

ASTRO updates guideline on radiation therapy for high-grade diffuse glioma, the most common primary brain tumor in adults

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has updated its guideline on radiation therapy for high-grade diffuse gliomas, the most common primary brain tumor in adults. The new guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for multidisciplinary treatment and addresses optimal radiation dosing, fractionation, and techniques.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateJun 26, 2025

International team identifies key to reliable tropical cyclone projections—realistic ocean warming patterns

A new review synthesizes decades of observational evidence and climate modeling advances to chart a path forward for more reliable TC projections. The team determined that tropical sea surface temperature (SST) warming patterns modulate TC genesis, intensity, and spatial distribution.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 26, 2025

Ingroup bias leads to troubled waters for regulatory enforcement, shows study of private shipping inspectors

A study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that ingroup bias led to shorter inspections for domestic vessels and increased scrutiny after a catastrophic accident. However, additional training can counteract this bias, suggesting that human capital is crucial in enforcing standards.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2025

COVID-19 pandemic significantly eroded American public’s trust in US public health institutions like the CDC, shows longitudinal assessment from 2020-2024

A longitudinal study found that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly decreased US adults' confidence in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while increasing trust in personal doctors and local health departments. Confidence in these institutions dropped by 26% between 2020 and 2024.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateJun 26, 2025

Study finds that common bacteria in the mouth can help predict the progression of head and neck cancer

Brazilian researchers have identified a link between the oral bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum and head and neck cancer, finding that its presence is associated with a more favorable prognosis. The study suggests that F. nucleatum may regulate immune factors, boosting the immune system's response and making tumors less aggressive.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Oral Microbiology·DateJun 26, 2025

A nutritional epigenetics study protocol indicates changes in prenatal ultra-processed food intake may reduce lead and mercury exposures to prevent autism and ADHD

A new nutritional epigenetics study protocol aims to reduce lead and mercury exposures in pregnant women to prevent childhood autism and ADHD. The protocol provides a valid method for measuring changes in ultra-processed food intake and diet, which may impact child neurodevelopment.

SourceFood Ingredient and Health Research Institute·JournalWorld Journal of Experimental Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 26, 2025

New ASU research hunts down drug-resistant microbes

Researchers from ASU and international collaborators tested a handheld DNA sequencing device at six chicken slaughterhouses in Indonesia. The study found signs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria spreading from wastewater into nearby rivers, highlighting the need for targeted solutions to reduce its spread.

SourceArizona State University·JournalAntibiotics·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2025

New noncoding RNA identified as key regulator in ovarian cell survival

Researchers have discovered a new noncoding RNA, lnc2300, that plays a protective role in ovarian granulosa cells but is downregulated under oxidative stress conditions. The study reveals that the transcription factor FoxO1 directly binds to the promoter of lnc2300 and suppresses its transcription, leading to increased cell apoptosis.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalAnimal Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2025

IEEE study reveal the physics of laser emission from Mamyshev oscillator

Researchers from Hunan University uncover buildup dynamics of harmonic mode-locking in fiber-based Mamyshev oscillators, achieving high stability and signal-to-noise ratio. The study identifies five distinct phases in the generation of stable harmonic mode-locking, challenging conventional understanding of laser emission.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalJournal of Lightwave Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2025