Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 5, 2025


Reduction in length of immunotherapy treatment for hard-to-treat melanoma shows promise in clinical trial

A five-year trial found that discontinuing immunotherapy after 12 months allowed 80.2% of patients to maintain disease control, comparable to those who continued treatment for two years or more. The study suggests that reducing treatment duration may be a viable option without diminishing disease control.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2025

Why seismic waves spontaneously race inside the earth

Researchers discovered that solid rock flows horizontally in the lower edge of the Earth's mantle, accelerating seismic waves. This finding solves the mystery of the D" layer and opens a window into the dynamics of the Earth's deepest interior.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

Multiple sclerosis: Triggers in the gut flora

A study of twins reveals that certain bacteria in the small intestine may trigger MS. Researchers identified two specific bacteria, Lachnoclostridium sp and Eisenbergiella tayi, which are associated with the disease. The findings suggest a new potential therapeutic target for MS treatment.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2025

Advance in creating organoids could aid research, lead to treatment

Researchers at Stanford Medicine successfully grew heart and liver organoids with integrated blood vessels, allowing them to overcome the current size limit. These vascularized organoids can grow larger and reach a more mature state, making them more useful as biological models for research and potential treatment of various diseases.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

NRG Oncology study shows the addition of regional nodal irradiation does not decrease rates of invasive breast cancer recurrence in patients whose axillary nodes convert from positive to negative following neoadjuvant chemotherapy

A recent NRG-NSABP B-51/RTOG 1304 clinical study found that regional nodal irradiation (RNI) does not decrease the rates of invasive breast cancer recurrence in patients whose positive axillary nodes convert to negative following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The study enrolled 1,641 patients and demonstrated no significant benefit from RNI.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 5, 2025

Cancer treatments should be licensed for all ages, oncologists say

Recent advances in tissue-agnostic cancer drugs have resulted in highly effective treatments, but few are approved for children. Oncologists argue that these drugs should be licensed for all ages due to their effectiveness and fewer side effects. The researchers suggest that age-agnostic approvals could be made through analyzing electr...

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cancer·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 5, 2025

Biweekly dose of TAS-102 reduces toxicity and remains effective for treatment of colorectal cancer, says study

Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with biweekly TAS-102 showed similar treatment effectiveness while experiencing reduced toxicity and lower rates of myelosuppression compared to standard dosing. This alternative schedule may be particularly useful for older patients or those with chemotherapy-related toxicities.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalThe Oncologist·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 5, 2025

Scientists argue for more FDA oversight of healthcare AI tools

A new report calls for stronger rules around transparency and bias in AI-driven medical technologies, especially to protect vulnerable populations. The authors recommend creating public data repositories to track AI performance and offering tax incentives for companies that follow ethical practices.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 5, 2025

A study characterizes for the first time how people with COPD walk, beyond how much they walk

A study characterizes how people with COPD walk, revealing that gait quality deteriorates as the disease progresses. Individuals with more severe breathing difficulties exhibit slower walking speeds, shorter steps, and lower step frequencies compared to those with milder forms of the disease.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeCase study·DateJun 5, 2025

Wake perception during sleep is common and healthy

Research suggests that people with insomnia disorders have intact sleep-wake regulatory systems, indicating that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) may be an effective treatment. Objective sleep parameters and direct sleep-wake perception did not significantly differ from healthy participants, highlighting the potential ...

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·TypeNews article·DateJun 5, 2025

New study finds Transcendental Meditation may significantly reduce cardiovascular events in high-risk Black adults

A major randomized clinical trial highlights potential long-term heart health benefits of stress-reducing meditation practice. The study found a 65% relative risk reduction in cardiovascular events over a 5-year period among those who practiced Transcendental Meditation.

SourceMaharishi International University·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2025

Dehorning of rhinos reduced poaching by 78% in Greater Kruger African reserves from 2017 to 2023

A new study found that dehorning rhinos proactively reduced poaching activity by 78% across 11 Greater Kruger African reserves from 2017 to 2023. In contrast, law enforcement interventions had no statistical effect on poaching. Dehorning removed the incentive for poachers and was cost-effective, with only a 1.2% of the budget spent.

“There could be irreversible, long-term damage”

A study published in Pediatric Pulmonology found that protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) in early childhood can lead to long-term pulmonary sequelae, including irreversible chronic lung damage. Children who did not receive antibiotics for at least two weeks were at higher risk of developing these consequences.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPediatric Pulmonology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 5, 2025

Lighting a new way to predict earthquakes

A new laboratory earthquake model connects the microscopic real contact area between fault surfaces to earthquake occurrences, offering insights into earthquake mechanics and potential prediction. Continuous monitoring of physical properties could provide new tools for short-term systems and reliable prediction.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

Endangered mountain caribou possess unique gut microbiome that may be important for recovery efforts

A new study from the University of Alberta found that endangered mountain caribou possess a unique gut microbiome in late winter, when they feed on tree lichens. This specialized diet and associated microbes could guide caribou recovery efforts and highlight the importance of maintaining oldgrowth forests to support their food supply.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

Oxford physicists recreate extreme quantum vacuum effects

Researchers from Oxford University and the Instituto Superior Técnico recreated the quantum vacuum effect, a state previously thought to be empty but predicted to contain virtual electron-positron pairs. The simulation reveals new insights into how intense laser beams alter the quantum vacuum, enabling future high-energy experiments.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCommunications Physics·DateJun 5, 2025

Researchers develop dissolvable battery using probiotics

A team of researchers at Binghamton University has developed a dissolvable battery using probiotics, which can provide a safe and sustainable energy source for transient applications. The battery utilizes electricity-producing bacteria that are commonly found in the human digestive system and are considered biocompatible.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

Caterpillar factories produce fluorescent nanocarbons

Researchers have successfully used insects as mini molecule-making factories to create and modify complex molecules, including fluorescent nanocarbons. The 'in-insect synthesis' technique enables the production of functional molecules with unprecedented precision and versatility.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

Pregnant women are often uninsured and go without needed care in abortion-ban states, study shows

A new study finds pregnant women in abortion-ban states have worse access to routine medical care and pregnancy coverage due to skimpy Medicaid programs. The researchers identified three Medicaid policies driving this disparity, highlighting the need for Congress to expand coverage and ensure all women can get needed care.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2025

Drought-resilient plant holds promise for future food production, study finds

Researchers at Colorado State University have demonstrated the reversal of embolism in a type of wild grass, which can recover from extended drought within 24 hours. This finding has significant implications for improving agricultural productivity and food security, as it could potentially be bred into crops to make them more resilient...

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

Electronic ink for room-temperature printing of high-resolution, variable-stiffness electronics developed by​ KAIST research team

Researchers developed a novel liquid metal electronic ink that allows for micro-scale circuit printing at room temperature, with reversible stiffness switching depending on temperature. This advancement marks a significant leap toward next-generation wearable, implantable, and robotic devices with tunable mechanical properties.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

New hope for patients with Werner syndrome

Researchers have discovered that nicotinamide riboside supplementation significantly improves NAD+ levels, reducing arterial stiffness, skin ulcer area, and kidney dysfunction. This breakthrough offers new hope for patients with Werner syndrome who lack effective treatment options.

SourceChiba University·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

An ultrasound scan of the baby's heart at the onset of labor is useful for safe childbirth

An ultrasound scan of the baby's heart at the onset of labor can predict the outcome of birth and determine if contractions will be tolerated. The study suggests that identifying fetal cardiac function abnormalities early in labor may impact clinical management, potentially leading to expedited birth through operative delivery.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2025

SNU researchers develop long-lasting water electrolysis operation technology without pre-synthesized catalysts

Researchers at Seoul National University have developed a novel water electrolysis operation strategy that can produce green hydrogen without complex catalyst manufacturing processes. The 'Electrochemical Activation' method allows for high-efficiency and long-lasting hydrogen production using commercial nickel electrodes, eliminating t...

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

A new algorithm uses satellite images to distinguish olive grove types without field visits

Researchers develop a method using convolutional networks to automatically identify traditional, intensive, and super-intensive olive grove types from Sentinel-2 satellite images. The algorithm achieved an accuracy of 80% and offers a more efficient and precise alternative to traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

Combination finerenone and empagliflozin shows superior efficacy in reducing albuminuria in chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes patients

The CONFIDENCE trial demonstrates that combination therapy with finerenone and empagliflozin leads to significantly greater reductions in albuminuria than either agent alone. The study shows a 52% median reduction in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, achieving the ADA-recommended target for 70% of patients.

SourceBeyond·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 5, 2025

MRI-based method identifies high-risk cardiac sarcoidosis patients who would benefit from defibrillators

Researchers developed a simpler way to identify patients with suspected cardiac sarcoidosis at increased risk of sudden cardiac death. CMR phenotyping can help determine which patients would benefit from an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for primary prevention, improving decision-making in clinical practice.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 5, 2025

From brine to fresh: bio-inspired solar evaporator achieves zero liquid discharge

A bio-inspired solar evaporator was developed to overcome the limitations of traditional solar evaporators, which suffer from salt crystallization. The new design enables continuous evaporation and automated salt collection under high-salinity brine conditions, achieving zero liquid discharge and efficient freshwater production.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

The quantum physics of forgetting information

Researchers at TU Wien have measured what happens when quantum physical information is lost, confirming Rolf Landauer's principle that deleting information always results in entropy transfer and energy loss. This study explores the connection between thermodynamics, information theory, and quantum physics.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

Noise pollution could cause stress to and disrupt the fauna of Antarctica, according to a study by Udelar and UPF

A study by Udelar and UPF found that noise pollution generated by human activity can be a significant stressor for Antarctic fauna. The researchers recorded sounds on Ardley Island and concluded that the power generator altered the island's soundscape, potentially affecting animal behavior and welfare.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalEcological Informatics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

A phonon’s trampoline

Researchers have created a trampoline that allows phonons to swing sideways and around corners without losing much momentum. The surface contains a pattern of triangular holes, enabling the phonons to move in different directions simultaneously.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2025

Research alert: Alzheimer's gene therapy shows promise in preserving cognitive function

Researchers have developed a gene therapy that targets the root cause of Alzheimer's disease, influencing brain cell behavior to preserve cognitive function. Delivering the treatment at the symptomatic stage preserved hippocampal-dependent memory and altered gene expression in mice, suggesting potential to restore brain health.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·DateJun 5, 2025

Quantum computers boost machine learning algorithms

A recent study by researchers at the University of Vienna demonstrates that small-scale quantum computers can significantly boost the performance of machine learning algorithms. The experiment showed that photonic quantum processors can classify data points with fewer errors than classical algorithms.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 5, 2025

New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai opens first Comprehensive Center for Refractive Solutions in New York

The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai has opened a comprehensive center for refractive solutions, providing innovative treatment options for patients requiring refractive correction. The center offers streamlined care for premium cataract and corneal refractive procedures, including LASIK and custom LASIK.

Stabilizing fleeting quantum states with light

Scientists from Harvard University and PSI have developed a method to stabilize transient quantum states in materials using tailored optical excitation. This breakthrough enables the study of emergent properties of quantum materials, paving the way for transformative technologies such as lossless electronics and high-capacity batteries.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

New technologies help wood-burning stoves burn more efficiently, produce less smoke

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed new monitoring techniques to measure wood stove emissions, revealing that 70% of pollution occurs during startup and reloading. Automated technologies injecting primary and secondary air show a 95% reduction in particulate matter emissions, potentially limiting PM2.5 pollution by 95%.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of the Air & Waste Management Association·TypeObservational study·DateJun 5, 2025

US self-reported race and ethnicity are poor proxies of genetic ancestry

A new study using NIH's All of Us Research Program data finds that people from the same reported racial or ethnic group can have wide ranges of genetic differences. Genetic ancestry is more complex than self-reported race and ethnicity, with significant associations between ancestry and biological traits like BMI and height.

SourceCell Press·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2025

Mice can recognize an artificial limb as their own

Researchers developed an animal model of forelimb embodiment in mice to study the neural basis of sensory-based forelimb embodiment. The findings suggest that mice can develop a sense of embodiment of an artificial limb, similar to humans who participate in the rubber-hand illusion experiment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 5, 2025

Breakthrough reveals how cells master difficult DNA repair and protect the genome with protein droplets

Researchers discovered that Nup98 forms droplet-like structures to protect broken DNA in tightly packed zones, allowing for accurate repairs and reducing genetic mistakes. This finding has implications for cancer and aging, with potential applications for therapies that mimic Nup98's protective functions.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

Sex-changing fish quick to assert dominance

A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B discovered that sex-changing fish can rapidly assert dominance after a change in social hierarchy. In this species, known as the New Zealand spotty or paketi, dominant behavior emerges within minutes of removing the current dominant fish.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

Adopting a healthy diet may have cardiometabolic benefits regardless of weight loss

A new study found that nearly one-third of individuals adopting healthy diets didn't lose weight but still experienced significant improvements in cardiometabolic markers, including increased HDL cholesterol and reduced visceral fat. The research suggests a healthy diet can have benefits beyond weight loss.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2025

Smithsonian research reveals that probiotics slow spread of deadly disease decimating Caribbean reefs

Researchers have discovered that a bacterial probiotic helps slow the spread of stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) in already infected wild corals in Florida. Applying the probiotic treatment across entire coral colonies helped prevent tissue loss, providing a more lasting protection than traditional antibiotics.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

KAIST develops virtual staining technology for 3D histopathology​

A collaborative research team led by KAIST has developed a groundbreaking technology that uses advanced optical techniques combined with an AI-based deep learning algorithm to create realistic 3D images of cancer tissue. This breakthrough paves the way for next-generation non-invasive pathological diagnosis.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 5, 2025

Cuyahoga County Healthcare Sector Partnership, Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals launch initiative to train more nurse educators

The Cuyahoga County Healthcare Sector Partnership is launching an initiative to train more nurse educators, aiming to address the national nursing educator shortage in Northeast Ohio. The program will recruit and train clinical faculty to support increased enrollment in nursing programs and reduce student waitlists.

UN-backed global research shows benefits of tracking ocean giants for marine conservation

A global research project has identified the most critical locations in the world's oceans for better marine conservation efforts. The study found that current Marine Protected Areas only cover 8% of the ocean, highlighting the need for additional protection and mitigation strategies to conserve threatened marine megafauna.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2025

MET mutation and cancer immunity

A recent study found that MET mutations are associated with enhanced tumor immunogenicity, increased immune cell infiltration, and improved response rates to immune checkpoint blockade. Certain single base substitutions identified as robust predictive biomarkers for survival in pan-cancer immunotherapy.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalGenes & Diseases·DateJun 5, 2025

Magnetically-driven innovative solution developed for personalized intracranial tumor therapy

Researchers developed magnetically driven biohybrid blood hydrogel fibers that can deliver chemotherapy directly to brain tumors while evading the immune system. These fibers exhibit exceptional capability to navigate intricate environments and offer real-time tracking capabilities.

SourceShenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

Expanded child tax credit helped middle-class families pay energy bills, but not the poorest

A new study from UCLA Health finds that middle-class families with children benefited from the 2021 expanded Child Tax Credit by reducing energy insecurity. However, the poorest households saw no measurable benefit and even experienced increased energy insecurity after the credit expired.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 5, 2025

Encouraging findings on public acceptance of global climate policy

A study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found strong support for international carbon pricing, redistribution to poorer countries, and global climate policies. High acceptance rates were recorded in 20 countries and the EU/US, with significant willingness to pay for climate protection in the Global South.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeSurvey·DateJun 5, 2025