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Science News for June 3, 2025


Heterogeneous aquatic robot system: architecture and core technologies

The study reviews recent advances in heterogeneous aquatic robot systems, integrating robots to perform coordinated tasks in complex marine environments. Key findings include the development status of communication, sensing, navigation, control, decision-making, and energy management technologies.

SourceELSP·JournalRobot Learning·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 3, 2025

Insilico Medicine announces Nature Medicine publication of Phase IIa results evaluating rentosertib, the novel TNIK inhibitor for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) discovered and designed with a pioneering AI approach

The Phase IIa trial of Rentosertib showed encouraging clinical data, with patients receiving the treatment experiencing significant improvements in lung function compared to placebo. The study also validated the biological mechanism of TNIK inhibition using exploratory biomarkers analyses.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 3, 2025

HKU engineering team revolutionizes drone technology with bird-like autonomous flight for micro air vehicles

A groundbreaking development by HKU researchers enables drones to navigate unknown environments at high speeds and avoid obstacles using onboard sensors and computing power. The Safety-Assured High-Speed Aerial Robot (SUPER) demonstrates exceptional agility, navigating dense forests at night and skilfully avoiding thin wires.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025

Online game, developed at Harvard, proven to reduce partisan animosity

A new online tool, Tango, pairs Democrats and Republicans on common teams, reducing negative partisanship and increasing warmth and financial generosity. The results showed comparable effects to rolling back rising polarization in American political life, lasting at least a month and often up to four months from gameplay.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 3, 2025

Could lighting be the new gambling regulator?

Researchers at Flinders University found that blue-enriched light can make people less sensitive to losses, leading to riskier gambling behaviors. The study suggests that reducing blue light exposure could be a potential strategy to mitigate impulsive gambling.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025

Individual- and area-level incarceration and mortality

A large cohort study found significant associations between incarceration and increased risk of death from overdoses, as well as a doubling of individual mortality risk at high county incarceration rates. The findings highlight the need for reforms in criminal justice and public health policies to address these risks.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 3, 2025

Study reveals how caregivers of medically complex children build resilience

A study by University of Rochester Medical Center researchers reveals that caregivers of medically complex children (CMC) can build resilience by practicing self-care and building support networks. The study identifies three critical strategies for successful adaptation, including developing a support community and engaging in coping s...

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalHospital Pediatrics·TypeSurvey·DateJun 3, 2025

Exploring the potential of low-dimensional materials from cigarette butts for energy applications

Carbon-based low-dimensional materials from cigarette butts show unique physical and chemical properties, with potential applications in renewable energy. Recent advances in recycling CBs waste are summarized, highlighting its use as a building material in triboelectric nanogenerators and flexible batteries.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalAdvanced Powder Materials·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 3, 2025

Revealing hidden language patterns in the Bible, with the help of AI

A team of researchers combined artificial intelligence and statistical modeling to analyze language patterns in three major sections of the Bible. They distinguished between three distinct scribal traditions spanning the first nine books of the Hebrew Bible, known as the Enneateuch. The model also determined the most likely authorship ...

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS One·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 3, 2025

HKU astrophysicists lead research team to uncover the role of binary star evolution in the origin of a retrograde planet

A team of HKU astrophysicists has confirmed the existence of a retrograde planet in the nu Octantis binary star system, revealing the crucial role of binary star evolution in its origin. The discovery provides new insights into planetary formation and stellar evolution, particularly in tight binary systems with evolved stellar components.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJun 3, 2025

Two plant species invent the same chemically complex and medically interesting substance

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology elucidated the biosynthetic pathway of ipecacuanha alkaloids in two distantly related plant species. The study reveals that both species developed the same pathway independently, with a surprising twist: the first step does not involve an enzyme, but occurs spontaneously.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025

Novel manufacturing technique for piezoelectric thin films

Empa researchers have developed a novel deposition process for piezoelectric thin films using HiPIMS, producing high-quality layers on insulating substrates at low temperatures. The technique overcomes the challenge of argon inclusions by timing the voltage application to accelerate desired ions.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025

Cannabis extract could treat fungal diseases

Researchers at Macquarie University have discovered that cannabis-derived compounds Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabidivarin (CBDV) are effective against a range of fungal pathogens, including Cryptococcus neoformans and dermatophytes. The findings open the door to possible new treatments for these fungal infections.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025

Study reveals college football players experience higher rates of obstructed sleep apnea

A new study reveals that college football players experience a higher rate of obstructed sleep apnea, often associated with cardiometabolic diseases. Researchers used wearable devices and questionnaires to determine OSA prevalence among 58 CSU football players, finding 35% had clinically defined mild to moderate OSA.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 3, 2025

Low vs. High blood pressure avoidance in non-cardiac surgery: Neurocognitive outcomes unchanged

A large international study has found that managing low and high blood pressure in non-cardiac surgery has no significant impact on in-hospital delirium or cognitive changes one year after surgery. The study included 2,603 patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery and compared two strategies for mean arterial pressure targeting.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 3, 2025

Colorectal cancer: towards a diagnostic test

Researchers have identified a specific microbial signature associated with colorectal cancer, allowing for non-invasive screening approaches. The accuracy of this method is close to 90%, and it's also correlated with the clinical stage of the disease.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 3, 2025

Structure of the natural red pigment carmine revealed

Advanced electron crystallography techniques have revealed the unexpected structure of carmine, a natural red colouring agent. The substance has a well-defined, three-dimensional porous structure composed of two calcium ions, two aluminium ions, and four organic ligand molecules.

SourceStockholm University·JournalCrystal Growth & Design·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025

FAU study explores barriers and trends in cannabis use disorder treatment

A new FAU study analyzing 16 years of national data reveals the most common reasons why people with cannabis problems don't seek help, including lack of knowledge, cost, stigma, and fear of job impacts. The study also identifies consistent predictors of access to treatment, highlighting an urgent need for targeted outreach and improved...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 3, 2025

Collaboration can unlock Australia’s energy transition without sacrificing natural capital

New research led by Princeton University demonstrates that Australia can fully decarbonize its domestic and energy export economies by 2060 while avoiding harm to important areas for biodiversity outcomes. The study proposes a 'traffic-light' approach for siting renewable infrastructure, identifying suitable lands for development and t...

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 3, 2025

Scientists say next few years vital to securing the future of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet

A study published in Communications Earth & Environment suggests that a four-meter global sea level rise could be triggered if the West Antarctic Ice Sheet collapses, with temperatures just above present-day levels being sufficient to trigger collapse. Immediate actions to reduce emissions could still prevent this catastrophic outcome.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 3, 2025

Chinese scientists propose building next-generation η meson factory to unveil new physics and cosmic mysteries

Researchers plan to build a high-energy η meson factory in China to study rare decay channels and explore portal particles bridging the Standard Model and hidden sector. The facility aims to probe new mechanisms of CP violation and precision test strong interaction theory.

SourceNuclear Science and Techniques·JournalNuclear Science and Techniques·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025

SwRI-led research finds particles energized by magnetic reconnection in the nascent solar wind

A Southwest Research Institute-led study using NASA's Parker Solar Probe has identified a new source of energetic particles in the nascent solar wind. The research found that magnetic reconnection near the heliospheric current sheet heats the solar atmosphere and accelerates charged particles to near-relativistic speeds.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 3, 2025

Targeting viral enzymes to strengthen brain immunity against HSV-1

A new study has identified a way to target the viral enzyme uracil-DNA glycosylase (vUNG) that helps HSV-1 evade the immune system, allowing reactivation of APOBEC1 and improving survival in infected mice. This approach offers a promising therapeutic strategy for treating HSV-1 encephalitis by strengthening brain immunity.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025

Thermodynamics in a millionth of a millionth of a second

Researchers developed a method to quantify thermodynamic magnitudes from spectroscopic measurements, revealing a 1:1 correlation between spectroscopic data and heat capacity or free energy. This allows for the study of biological processes like protein folding and fibril formation in unprecedented detail.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Reviews Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025

Innovative HKUMed treatment results in complete long-term remission of advanced liver cancer without surgery in 46% of patients in study

A novel treatment combining locoregional therapy and immunotherapy has shown a 46% complete response rate for advanced liver cancer, with two-thirds of responders remaining cancer-free at three years. This approach is safe, effective, and sustainable, offering new hope for patients with late-stage disease.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025

Taxonomic contributions to Pleosporales and Kirschsteiniotheliales from the Xizang Autonomous Region, China

Researchers discovered ten new fungi species in the Xizang Autonomous Region, including one new genus and nine new species, highlighting the region's significant fungal diversity. The study addresses classification challenges and underscores the importance of continued exploration in this plateau region.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalMycology: An International Journal on Fungal Biology·DateJun 3, 2025

ChatGPT is useful for learning languages, but students’ critical vision must be fostered when using it, according to a pioneering study by UPF

A pioneering study by UPF reveals that ChatGPT helps Chinese students solve vocabulary, writing, and reading comprehension queries. However, its use often lacks a coherent learning process and fails to encourage critical thinking, highlighting the need for teachers to guide students in using AI tools effectively.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalJournal of China Computer-Assisted Language Learning·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 3, 2025

Sensing fat

Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science discovered that nerve cells can sense mechanical forces in fat tissue, regulating brown fat activity and influencing energy balance. Mice lacking this sensing ability were resistant to obesity and metabolic conditions.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 3, 2025

Low calorie diets linked to heightened risk of depressive symptoms

Research finds that following a low-calorie diet is associated with a heightened risk of depressive symptoms, especially in men who are overweight. The study analyzed data from over 28,500 adults and found that calorie-restrictive diets were linked to higher cognitive-affective symptom scores in men.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health·TypeObservational study·DateJun 3, 2025

HKU professor Guy Abel collaborates on groundbreaking study to measure global migration

A new study by Professor Guy Abel of the University of Hong Kong, in collaboration with Meta and Harvard researchers, measures global migration flows using online data. The research provides comprehensive and near-real-time estimates, accounting for biases in social media usage to generate reliable insights.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJun 3, 2025

Annual Alzheimer's clinical trials pipeline report shows increased reason for optimism

The annual Alzheimer's disease drug development pipeline report, led by Dr. Jeffrey Cummings, highlights an increase in active clinical trials and promising drugs, offering reason for optimism. The report assesses 138 drugs currently being studied and notes the growing importance of biomarkers in clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 3, 2025

ECT sessions shape depression treatment outcomes

A comprehensive review reveals that early ECT sessions show substantial improvement, but subsequent sessions may lead to diminishing returns and cognitive side effects. The researchers propose a response-guided sequential treatment strategy, categorizing patients into three groups based on their response patterns.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalBrain Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 3, 2025

Gradient tri-layered TGOs in MoSi2/HfO2 duplex EBCs for effective protection of SiC substrate against steam corrosion at 1500 °C for 200 h

Scientists have created a novel environmental barrier coating (EBC) system using MoSi2/HfO2 duplex layers on SiC substrates, demonstrating effective protection against steam corrosion at 1500 °C for up to 200 hours. The tri-layered TGOs structure plays a key role in blocking channel cracks and promoting self-healing.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateJun 3, 2025

Being incarcerated and living in areas where more have gone to jail is associated with higher death rates

Individual incarceration is strongly associated with increased mortality in the US, as well as higher all-cause mortality among people living in counties with high incarceration rates. Incarcerated individuals face a 39% higher risk of dying from any cause and are three times more likely to die from drug overdose.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 3, 2025

Major new study reveals key insights into incel community

A major new study provides unprecedented insights into the incel community, revealing a diverse group marked by poor mental health, loneliness, and neurodiversity. The research challenges common stereotypes and highlights two key factors that contribute to the development of harmful attitudes and beliefs among incels.

SourceSwansea University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateJun 3, 2025

The use of commercial video games helps students to learn basic programming

Researchers found that playing certain commercial video games increased students' confidence in their ability to pass a programming course. The games, Human Resource Machine and 7 Billion Humans, presented puzzles that required programming commands, promoting computational thinking. The study's results suggest that playing these games ...

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalEntertainment Computing·DateJun 3, 2025

Experimental Drug Development Centre announces the presentation of updated data from the phase 1 study of antibody-drug conjugate EBC-129 at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

The Phase 1 study of EBC-129 has shown encouraging signs of efficacy in heavily pre-treated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients, with an overall response rate of 25% and disease control rate of 87.5%. The drug also demonstrated a manageable safety profile, with no major treatment-related adverse events.

Controlling bacteria with light: from tackling antibiotic resistance to “bacterial robots”

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano have developed a system that allows bacteria to sense light and convert it into electrical signals without genetic modification. This method has the potential to develop next-generation antimicrobial platforms and biocompatible 'bacterial robots' for targeted drug delivery.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025

International study: Asthma drug could help to treat a rare neurological disorder

A new study published by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg found that theophylline significantly improved symptoms and quality of life for patients with ADCY5-related dyskinesia. The treatment yielded impressive results, including reduced muscle twitches, improved gait, and better psychosocial well-being.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalMovement Disorders·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025

The Obesity Society announces new CEO

Sherlyn Celone-Arnold, with over 20 years of experience, takes over as CEO, promising a culture of innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement. She aims to address stigma and bias, advocating for people living with obesity while driving TOS' mission to advance evidence-based clinical care models.