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Science News for June 9, 2025


Can AI accurately detect live oysters?

A new study published in Frontiers in Robotics and AI explores the use of artificial intelligence to detect live oysters. While the AI model ODYSSEE shows promise, it lags behind humans in accuracy, correctly identifying live oysters at a rate of 63% compared to 74% for expert annotators.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateJun 9, 2025

Patients are opting in for 10 years of breast cancer treatment

A new study of 591 women with early-stage breast cancer found that nearly two-thirds opted for continued endocrine therapy beyond the initial five years. Patients with higher-risk stage 2 disease were more likely to continue treatment, highlighting potential benefits in extending hormone-based therapy for these patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeSurvey·DateJun 9, 2025

Mount Sinai Health System earns several prestigious national honors for environmental excellence

Mount Sinai Health System has received three prestigious awards from Practice Greenhealth for its commitment to environmental sustainability. The system's Mount Sinai Green program aims to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and create healthier environments. Recent initiatives include reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and improvi...

Nature’s toolkit: Scientists breed mushrooms to build versatile natural substitutes for commonly used materials

Researchers at McMaster University have developed new strains of the split gill mushroom with customized properties for various applications. The study demonstrates that natural genetic variations can be used to create sustainable materials like vegan leather and foam alternatives.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2025

Firearm laws and pediatric mortality in the US

A new study reveals that states with permissive firearm laws have significantly higher rates of pediatric mortality due to gun accidents. The research highlights the need for stricter regulations to prevent such tragedies and determine which laws are most effective in reducing harm.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 9, 2025

Primary care clinics can successfully use glucose monitors to help people with diabetes

A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus shows that primary care clinics can effectively introduce continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) into their practices. The study found that both self-guided and virtual CGM initiation services were successful, regardless of clinic size or diabetes expertise.

Cancer screenings continue years after guidelines change to limit unnecessary tests, study finds

Researchers found that it took 13 years for cervical cancer screenings to halve among women over 65, and even longer for prostate cancer screenings to decrease significantly. The study emphasizes the need for more effective tracking mechanisms to identify and reduce inappropriate screening practices.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2025

Wasps thought to be asexual could support chemical-free pest control enhancements

Scientists have discovered that a species of wasp can reproduce both with and without a mate, challenging previous assumptions about the evolution of this insect. This finding opens up possibilities for improving natural pest control by harnessing the reproductive behavior of these wasps to adapt them to different regions.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 2025

Virginia Tech study sheds light on solar farm impacts to property values

A new study by Virginia Tech researchers found that large-scale solar farms have a complex impact on nearby property values. Agricultural land within two miles of the site saw a 19.4% increase in value, while residential homes lost an average of 4.8%. The negative impact was more pronounced in counties with conservative leanings.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2025

Partnership to support Indigenous researchers, ensure that cancer research reflects the needs of Indigenous groups and that it results in better care

The Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association and the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research are partnering to improve cancer research with Indigenous communities. The partnership aims to address unique cancer-related priorities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis populations by supporting training and advancement of Indigenous researchers....

UC San Diego researchers find evidence of accelerated aging in children with multiple sclerosis

Researchers discovered that children with MS show signs of accelerated biological aging, even in their teenage years, which may lead to new treatment possibilities beyond immunosuppression. The study found that youth with MS had evidence of accelerated epigenetic age, a measurement of DNA chemical modifications associated with aging.

Fossilized dinosaur gut shows that sauropods barely chewed

A recent study published in Current Biology found that sauropods, a type of herbivorous dinosaur, relied heavily on their gut microbes for digestion. The analysis of plant fossils in the dinosaur's gut suggests that they engaged in minimal oral processing and instead ate bulk feeders.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 2025

A study led by CIC bioGUNE delves into the complexity of the most aggressive form of prostate cancer

Researchers at CIC bioGUNE have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the most aggressive form of prostate cancer, revealing that it behaves differently from other types. The study shows that cancer cells use a unique 'language' to communicate with normal cells, altering their behavior and benefiting the tumor.

SourceCIC bioGUNE·JournalGenome Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2025

Engineers develop genetic testing device to detect rare mutations

Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a portable device capable of detecting rare genetic mutations from a single drop of blood. The device combines allele-specific polymerase chain reaction with electrical impedance to quickly and accurately test for conditions like hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCommunications Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2025

Mysterious fungi: Researchers pinpoint hotspots of “dark taxa” across Earth’s underground ecosystems

A new study reveals that 83% of ectomycorrhizal fungi are dark taxa, meaning they can't be linked to named or described species, posing problems for conservation efforts. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting these underground fungi, which regulate Earth's climate and ecosystems.

SourceSPUN (Society for the Protection of Underground Networks)·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 9, 2025

Mood disorders in late-life may be early warning signs for dementia

Research found that approximately 50% of participants with late-life depression and bipolar disorder showed tau accumulation in their brains, compared to only about 15% of healthy controls. The study suggests that neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, can initially manifest as psychiatric symptoms.

SourceThe National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 2025

University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute unveils new structural heart program, cardiac catheterization lab at UH Lake West Medical Center

The new program offers minimally invasive treatments for cardiovascular issues, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement and left atrial appendage occlusion. The cardiac catheterization lab features state-of-the-art equipment, allowing improved diagnostic imaging and safer procedures.

An ultra-low platinum loading ORR electrocatalyst with high efficiency: Synergistic effects of Pt and Fe-N-C support

A novel approach to synthesizing an ultra-low platinum loading ORR electrocatalyst is presented, achieving a doubling of mass activity compared to conventional catalysts. The catalyst demonstrates remarkable performance in zinc-air batteries, with impressive peak power density and excellent durability.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers in Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2025

Pinned-surface and double-junction photodiode type super high-performance image sensor with built-in solar cell structure

Researchers have developed a new high-performance image sensor that incorporates a built-in solar cell structure using pinned-surface double-junction photodiodes. This design improves light sensitivity and reduces image lag, making it suitable for applications such as AI smart robot vision chips.

SourceELSP·JournalElectronics and Signal Processing·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2025

Modeling electric response of materials, a million atoms at a time

Researchers developed a machine learning framework that can predict how materials respond to electric fields up to a million atoms, accelerating simulations beyond quantum mechanical methods. This allows for accurate, large-scale simulations of material responses to various external stimuli.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 9, 2025

From puck drop to brain pop

Researchers found that passionate fans show more activity in the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex during offensive faceoff opportunities, indicating emotional involvement and evaluative thinking. The study used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to track brain activity in 20 participants watching a professional European ice hockey game.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 9, 2025

A recipe for success: beefing up the taste of cultured meat with amino acids

Researchers at the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, found that increasing levels of free amino acids in the culture medium can increase intracellular free amino acids and influence flavor compounds in cultured meat. Glutamic acid was the most prominent amino acid, while alanine was higher in conventional beef.

Effects of psilocybin on religious and spiritual attitudes and behaviors in clergy from major world religions

A study found that psilocybin increased overall psychological well-being, including positive changes in religious practices and attitudes. Clergy who received psilocybin reported sustained improvements in their behavior and attitudes up to 16 months after treatment.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPsychedelic Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2025

Protected Antarctic oceanic life threatened by ships anchoring, first underwater videos show

A recent study has gathered the first video evidence of anchoring and chain damage in Antarctic waters, highlighting a critically understudied conservation issue. The research found that anchor impacts can cause localized destruction to seafloor habitats, leading to the loss of slow-growing, sessile species.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 2025

Location of firearm suicides in the United States

Nearly 1 in 5 US firearm suicides occur outside the home, suggesting broader community-based interventions could enhance prevention strategies. The study's findings support extending existing home-based interventions to reduce firearm-related suicides nationwide.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 9, 2025

Lizards of Madagascar

A study found that three lizard species in Madagascar consume fruits from over 20 plant species and expel viable seeds, indicating their potential crucial role as seed dispersers. This discovery is significant as environmental degradation affects large frugivores like lemurs, but lizards can continue to inhabit degraded environments.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBiotropica·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 2025

Marginalized groups more often experience serious maternal complications in planned repeat cesareans, UMass Amherst study finds

A new study by UMass Amherst researchers found that Black and Latinx people experiencing planned repeat cesareans are more likely to suffer severe maternal morbidity. The study analyzed data from over 72,000 births between 2012-2021, revealing a significant disparity in complication rates among marginalized groups.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 2025

Out of the string theory swampland

Researchers propose a new subset of string theories that incorporate dynamic tension could help describe the real universe without violating observational constraints. This approach may alleviate the 'swampland problem,' which has hindered conventional string theory's ability to reproduce inflation and dark energy.

SourceFoundational Questions Institute, FQXi·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 9, 2025

SNU researchers develop world's first 3D microphone capable of position estimation with a single sensor

The research team developed a novel auditory technology that allows sound-based interaction between humans and robots, even in noisy environments. The technology facilitates sound-based recognition of human positions using only a single microphone.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalRobotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2025

KAIST introduces ‘Virtual Teaching Assistant’ that can answer even in the middle of the night – successful first deployment in classroom​

The virtual teaching assistant (VTA) provides personalized feedback to individual students even in large-scale classes. The system, which automatically vectorizes a large volume of course materials and uses them as the basis for answering students' questions, has been shown to significantly reduce the burden on TAs.