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Science News for June 4, 2025


New technology developed at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University promises faster, earlier diagnosis of deadly form of heart failure

A novel screening approach called VEST uses virtual echocardiography to identify patients at high risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension, a life-threatening form of heart failure. The tool has been shown to generate accurate PAH risk scores without manual calculations and can guide timely referrals for expert care.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalAmerican Heart Journal·DateJun 4, 2025

Electrifying results shed light on graphene foam as a potential material for lab grown cartilage

Researchers at Boise State University have developed a technique to use graphene foam to stimulate cells into forming cartilage. The study found that applying direct electrical stimulation strengthens the mechanical properties of cartilage and improves cell growth, paving the way for new treatments for osteoarthritis.

SourceBoise State University College of Engineering·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2025

Bacteria hitch a ride on yeast puddles to zoom around

Researchers discovered that bacteria can utilize fluid pockets created by yeast cells to speed up their movement and spread. This new mechanism reveals a key role for physical properties in microbial interactions, potentially enhancing bacterial colonization of environments with limited moisture.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2025

When trauma and psychedelics meet: new Reichman University study finds reduced anxiety and PTSD among Nova festival survivors

A new study by Reichman University researchers found that survivors of the deadly Nova Festival attack who used classic psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD reported significantly lower levels of anxiety and post-traumatic symptoms. The study's findings suggest that these substances may help reduce trauma symptoms, providing new insigh...

SourceReichman University·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2025

The heaviest proton emitter: A new type of atomic nucleus discovered in the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have measured the heaviest nucleus decaying via proton emission, revealing a 'watermelon-shaped' structure and unprecedented interactions in heavy nuclei. This discovery expands our understanding of atomic nuclei and their properties.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2025

Diabetes drug shows benefits for patients with liver disease

A clinical trial found that dapagliflozin improved metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis in patients with progressive liver disease, a condition affecting over 5% of adults. The treatment also showed resolution of inflammation and improvement without worsening of fibrosis.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 4, 2025

Genomic evolution reshapes cell-type diversification in the amniote brain

A team of researchers constructed a cross-species single-nucleus RNA-seq atlas of amniote brains, uncovering conserved and divergent cell-type evolution. Functional divergence or loss of paralogous genes significantly drove the evolution of brain cell types, with distinct expression patterns across species.

SourceShenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2025

Western researchers show the effects of nostalgia on our desire to groove to familiar songs

A recent study by Western University neuroscientists found that nostalgic songs elicited a higher desire to dance than familiar songs, with popular hits from the late 2000s scoring high for both familiarity and nostalgia. The researchers used a controlled online experiment to test participants' responses to different types of music.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalPLOS One·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2025

How useful are states’ adolescent social media laws?

State policies on adolescent social media use have significant limitations, according to research published in The Milbank Quarterly. While there is evidence of negative outcomes from excessive social media use, particularly among vulnerable youth, the current research cannot definitively establish causal effects.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Milbank Quarterly·DateJun 4, 2025

Researchers uncover hidden airport hotspots in global wildlife trafficking using AI

A study published in Communications Earth & Environment reveals how AI can help combat global wildlife trafficking by identifying key airport nodes. Researchers analyzed nearly 2,000 airports and predicted 307 potentially involved airports, including two US airports that had not been previously flagged. The model also identified signif...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 4, 2025

New study links longer reproductive years to healthier brain aging in women

A new study suggests that women who spend more time in their reproductive phase may experience slower brain aging. Estradiol, the most potent form of estrogen during this period, may help protect the brain from age-related decline. However, further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between estradiol and brain health.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalGigaScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 4, 2025

Surgical ablation during CABG linked to improved survival in patients with preexisting atrial fibrillation, new study finds

A new study found that surgical ablation during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with a risk-adjusted median survival advantage of 4.4 months compared to those who did not receive ablation. Patients treated by surgeons who frequently performed the procedure had an even greater median survival advantage.

SourceThe Society of Thoracic Surgeons·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·DateJun 4, 2025

Looking deeply into the universe’s past, scientists detect bursts of new stars

Researchers have found that most Lyman Alpha Emitters (LAEs) are experiencing their first major burst of star formation, revealing crucial insights into galaxy development and the early stages of the universe. The study sheds light on the Milky Way's origin story, providing key information about how galaxies grow and evolve.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 2025

Biggest boom since Big Bang: Hawaiʻi astronomers uncover most energetic explosions in universe

Astronomers have discovered the most energetic cosmic explosions yet discovered, named 'extreme nuclear transients' (ENTs), which occur when massive stars are torn apart after wandering too close to a supermassive black hole. ENTs release vast amounts of energy visible across enormous distances and remain luminous for years.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 2025

Quantum computers simulate fundamental physics: shedding light on the building blocks of nature

Researchers successfully simulated fundamental interactions using Google's quantum processor, demonstrating the potential of quantum computing in particle physics and quantum materials. The study provides new insights into gauge theories and the behavior of particles, with implications for understanding space and time.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2025

Ultrafast neuromorphic computing driven by polariton nonlinearities

Researchers demonstrate a novel system for neuromorphic computing utilizing perovskite microcavity exciton polaritons operating at room temperature. The system achieves high-speed digit recognition with 92% accuracy using only single-step training, opening new opportunities for scalable and light-driven neural hardware.

Study shows making hydrogen with soda cans and seawater is scalable and sustainable

A new process using seawater and recycled soda cans can produce green hydrogen with a low carbon footprint comparable to other green hydrogen technologies. Researchers found that the overall emissions of this method are on par with those of fossil-fuel-based processes, making it a scalable and sustainable option for energy production.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Reports Sustainability·DateJun 4, 2025

University of Barcelona team identifies DNA regions and key genes that activate liver regeneration

The study identified DNA regions and key genes that activate liver regeneration, revealing similarities with embryonic development. Researchers discovered that regeneration involves the repression of enhancers regulating specific metabolic functions, while transcriptional regulators like AP-1, ATF3, and NRF2 orchestrate the process.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalCell Genomics·DateJun 4, 2025

Fluorescent light reveals invisible smoke at high altitudes - as currently from Canadian wildfires across Europe

Researchers used fluorescence lidar technology to detect thin layers of smoke at high altitudes, originating from Canadian forest fires. This suggests the upper troposphere over Europe may be more polluted than previously assumed, with potential impacts on ice cloud formation and climate.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 2025

Engineers make a big splash, turning water treatment sludge into sustainable concrete

Researchers at University of South Australia develop a new material using water treatment sludge and blast-furnace slag, showing over 50% stronger compressive strength and resistance to acid degradation. The discovery has the potential to extend service life of sewage pipes, reduce maintenance costs, and promote circular economy.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Building Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2025

Creating ice layer by layer: the secret mechanisms of ice formation revealed

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, used molecular-scale simulations to understand ice formation. They found that the arrangement of water molecules in the two layers closest to the surface is crucial for nucleation, promoting a low-dimensional hexagonal crystal lattice at the surface.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateJun 4, 2025

Researchers unveil a groundbreaking clay-based solution to capture carbon dioxide and combat climate change

A team of researchers has discovered a novel method for capturing carbon dioxide using clay minerals, expanding the portfolio of absorbent materials for addressing climate change. The study, published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, found that certain types of clay can selectively absorb CO2 from the air at low humidity levels.

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJun 4, 2025

Unlocking the timecode of the Dead Sea Scrolls

A new AI-powered model, Enoch, uses radiocarbon dating and machine learning to accurately date individual Dead Sea Scrolls, pushing the known timeline of their creation. The study reveals that many scrolls are older than previously thought, changing our understanding of ancient Jewish script styles and literary origins.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalPLOS One·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 4, 2025

A game-changing way to treat stroke

Researchers at Stanford University developed a new technique called the milli-spinner thrombectomy that significantly improves success rates in treating strokes and other clot-related diseases. The milli-spinner can reduce clots to as little as 5% of their original volume, making it a promising tool for improving patient outcomes.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateJun 4, 2025

Low-grade clay found to strengthen low-carbon concrete

A team of Australian engineers has developed a process to convert low-grade illite and kaolin clays into high-performance cement supplements, reducing CO2 emissions and increasing concrete strength. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using these clays as substitutes for traditional cement in construction materials.

SourceRMIT University·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 4, 2025

Could dietary changes -- even after obesity -- help prevent pancreatic cancer?

A new study from the University of California, Davis found that switching from a high-fat to a low-fat diet slowed precancerous changes in the pancreas, even after weight gain and precancerous changes began. Researchers observed normalized gut microbiome, gene expression, and intercellular communication after dietary change.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2025

Vigilance and targeted public health measures are essential in the face of the diphtheria epidemic that has affected vulnerable populations in Western Europe since 2022

A recent study reveals the diphtheria epidemic in Western Europe is primarily caused by contamination during migratory travel or in destination countries, not in the countries of origin. The researchers emphasize the importance of maintaining high levels of vigilance and public health support among vulnerable populations.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 4, 2025

Blood sugar response to various carbohydrates can point to metabolic health subtypes, study finds

A new study published in Nature Medicine suggests that individual differences in blood sugar responses to various carbohydrates can indicate specific metabolic health subtypes. These subtypes are associated with different levels of insulin resistance or beta-cell dysfunction, which can contribute to prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 2025

Real-time 3D visualization reveals potent antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against superbacteria

A research group in Korea has discovered a novel natural antimicrobial peptide, Hirunipin-2, demonstrating high potential as a new therapeutic effective against superbacteria. The peptide was evaluated using real-time 3D visualization and shown to exhibit synergistic effects when combined with existing antibiotics.

Productivity response to salary transparency suggests workers care more about wage fairness than wage equality

A study of nearly 20,000 employees found that workers care more about wage fairness than wage equality. When underpaid, they respond with a slight decrease in output, while being overpaid leads to a significant increase in productivity. This challenges companies' concerns about the impact of salary transparency on aggregate productivity.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeSurvey·DateJun 4, 2025

Do you trust me now?

Researchers found that plain language summaries increase consumer trust by 2-5% and willingness to share personal info. However, companies should avoid using these summaries to hide malicious practices.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateJun 4, 2025

PolyU scholar honored with the Hong Kong Engineering Science and Technology Award for contributions to Web3 and digital economy

Prof. AU Man Ho Allen has been recognized with the prestigious Hong Kong Engineering Science and Technology (HKEST) Award 2024-25 for his outstanding contributions to the Web3 ecosystem and the digital economy. His research focuses on developing practical, secure, and privacy-preserving cryptographic solutions.

Museum specimens offer new lens on pollution history

A new study uses preserved plants and animals from natural history museums to track pollution trends over two centuries. Researchers found significant changes in pollutant levels between specimens collected in the 19th and 20th centuries, highlighting the impact of industrial activity on human health.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 2025

What information should be reported for sham acupuncture control in clinical trials?

The SHARE guidelines offer a systematic checklist to report sham acupuncture control in clinical trials, covering elements of sham acupuncture and related contextual factors. This comprehensive reporting promotes accurate interpretation of trial results and enhances the quality of sham acupuncture-controlled clinical trials.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWorld Journal of Acupuncture - Moxibustion·TypeNews article·DateJun 4, 2025

Many possible futures: How dopamine in the brain might inform AI that adapts quickly to change

Researchers found that brain's dopamine neurons encode a map of possible future rewards across time and magnitude, guiding adaptive behavior in uncertain environments. This biological insight aligns with recent advances in AI, particularly distributional RL algorithms, which learn from reward distributions rather than averages.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2025

A 1960s idea inspires NBI researchers to study hitherto inaccessible quantum states

Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute have created a novel pathway to study elusive quantum states in superconducting vortices. They designed a tiny superconducting cylinder and applied magnetic flux to mimic the essential physics, allowing them to study these states on their own terms.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 2025

HKUST chemists innovate in the synthesis of chiral bridged polycyclic compounds

A research team from HKUST has developed a catalytic enantioselective type II [5 + 2] cycloaddition method to synthesize complex chiral bridged polycyclic structures, which is a challenging task in organic chemistry. The novel approach utilizes 3-oxidopyrylium ylides and chiral phosphoric acids to create the desired complex shapes.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2025

Pet dogs could combat genetic eczema risk in children

Researchers found that exposure to dogs in early life reduced the risk of eczema in genetically predisposed children by suppressing skin inflammation. The study identified a genetic variant near an interleukin-7 receptor gene that responded differently to dog ownership, providing potential targets for future treatment or prevention.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalAllergy·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 2025

The Great Lakes are in an extreme new era

A new study from the University of Michigan reveals that heat waves and cold spells on the Great Lakes have increased by more than 100% since 1998, coinciding with the strongest El Niño event. This trend has significant implications for the region's weather, economy, and ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJun 4, 2025

A threesome that hatches potato parasites

A Kobe University team has identified a new molecule, solanoeclepin C, that plants secrete to attract soil microbes. This newly found compound is converted into hatching factors that cause potato cyst nematodes to hatch prematurely, potentially offering a novel approach to parasite control.

SourceKobe University·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2025

New data-driven method reveals how (un)predictable complex systems can be

A team of researchers developed a novel method called Time-Lagged Recurrence (TLR) to estimate the predictability of complex dynamical systems. TLR uses data-driven approach to evaluate how an ensemble of similar initial states evolves over time, determining local predictability at that state.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 4, 2025

Studying the 12C+12C fusion reaction at astrophysical energies using HOPG target

Researchers have made the most sensitive direct measurement yet of the 12C(12C,a0)23Na reaction down to an excitation energy of 2.22 MeV using a HOPG target and intense carbon beam. The results represent the highest sensitivity achieved for this channel, with a thick-target yield on the order of 10−17 per incident carbon ion.

SourceNuclear Science and Techniques·JournalNuclear Science and Techniques·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2025

Magnetism in new exotic material opens the way for robust quantum computers

Researchers have developed a new type of exotic quantum material that can maintain its quantum properties when exposed to external disturbances, paving the way for robust quantum computers. The breakthrough uses magnetism to create stability, making it an important step towards realising practical topological quantum computing.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2025

FAMU-FSU College of Engineering researchers discover universal law of quantum vortex dynamics

FAMU-FSU College of Engineering researchers have discovered a fundamental universal principle governing the behavior of microscopic whirlpools in quantum fluids, which also has implications for understanding turbulent flows in classical physics. The study reveals that when these quantum vortices intersect and reconnect, they separate f...

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2025

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev researchers several steps closer to harnessing patient's own T-cells to fight off cancer

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have made a breakthrough in harnessing patient's own T-cells to fight off cancer by creating artificial surfaces mimicking natural immune cells. These surfaces, engineered with nanostructures, strengthen and prolong activation of T-cells, leading to more effective immunotherapy.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2025

Evidence to support state policies regulating teen use of social media is limited, study finds

A study published in the Milbank Quarterly found that evidence supporting state policies regulating teen social media use is limited. The authors analyzed 69 state social media legislative initiatives and concluded that while there is some association between social media use and adverse adolescent outcomes, the causal effects of harm ...

Self-harm in adolescence: young people report on strategies to alleviate mental suffering in a booklet

A recent study by Luiza Cesar Riani Costa and Diene Monique Carlos has provided insights into non-suicidal self-harm among adolescents. The booklet, featuring photographs and experiences of young people, offers a low-cost therapeutic and educational tool to address mental health concerns.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNew Trends in Qualitative Research·DateJun 4, 2025

NZ study supports evolutionary theory of `punctuated equilibrium’

A New Zealand study supports the theory of punctuated equilibrium, which suggests that evolution occurs in short, intense periods followed by long stretches of stability. The research confirms rapid evolutionary change coincides with species branching, potentially leading to its wider acceptance.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 4, 2025

Our online world relies on encryption. What happens if it fails?

Researchers at Boston University are developing a groundbreaking method for securing sensitive data in the face of emerging quantum computing threats. Their approach, called Encrypted Operator Computing (EOC), merges physics, computer science, and mathematics to enable scalable methods for computing directly on encrypted data.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 4, 2025