Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive March 2025


Page 1 of 51

“Two-pronged approach” unlocks material secret to cool laser lighting devices Northeastern University researchers slash operating temperatures and boost efficiency in high-power laser systems

Northeastern University researchers develop a new material that cools high-power laser systems while increasing luminous efficiency by 73.2%. The breakthrough enables practical, high-performance laser lighting technologies with improved thermal stability.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateMar 31, 2025

New cases of dementia picked up by researchers

Researchers in New Zealand are shedding light on the prevalence of dementia in multicultural communities, revealing up to half of those affected are unaware they have the condition. Early diagnosis can be life-changing, providing access to social support and improving quality of life for both individuals and caregivers.

How nostalgic music helps minds remember

A new study from USC Dornsife's Brain and Creativity Institute found that nostalgic music engages the brain's default mode network linked to memory and self-reflection, as well as its reward circuitry. This discovery could support emotional well-being and cognitive function in individuals with memory impairments.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 31, 2025

New live-cell labeling sheds light on how our DNA is packed and behaves in cells

Researchers developed a method to visualize different types of chromatin and revealed distinct physical properties. They found that euchromatin is more flexible and dynamic, while heterochromatin is more rigid and static. This discovery changes how scientists think about chromatin and its role in regulating gene function.

Why our reasons for pursuing goals either help or hinder wellbeing

A new study by Edith Cowan University found that people who pursue goals for reasons connected to relationships experience greater happiness and wellbeing, while those driven by external pressures report lower levels. The study also suggests that personally autonomous motivation is generally associated with personal wellbeing.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of Cross-Cultural Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 31, 2025

Semen podocarpi extract enhances radiosensitivity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells via Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway

The study found that Semen podocarpi extract (SPE) promotes apoptosis, arrests cell cycle, and presents radiosensitizing effects on radioresistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. SPE regulates the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway, increasing C-Raf gene expression and reducing ERK1 and ERK2 protein levels.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalAsian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2025

AI breakthrough in knee surgery

Researchers developed an AI algorithm to help surgeons position knee components in a way that better matches each patient's natural anatomy. Patients with naturally bowed legs responded well to the 'functionally aligned' knee surgery, reporting better outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalThe Journal of Arthroplasty·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 31, 2025

Trigonelline exerts its neuroprotective effects in experimental spinal cord injury through modulation of inflammation, apoptosis, and neurotrophic factors

Trigonelline effectively mitigates SCI-induced changes in behavioral tests, biochemical markers, and histological damage in rat models. The compound downregulates apoptotic and inflammatory markers while upregulating neurotrophic factors.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalAsian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2025

Many TB cases may have gone undetected in prisons in Europe and the Americas during COVID-19

A new study found that reported tuberculosis diagnoses among incarcerated people in Europe and the Americas plummeted by up to 100% during the pandemic, despite consistent incarceration rates. This reduction was distinct from general population trends, highlighting the need for improved healthcare systems within prisons.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2025

Artificial neural network (ANN) systems performed better at predicting future frames of a movie when trained on retinal waves mimicking the spontaneous activity patterns of the retina in animals' eyes, in addition to training on naturalistic movies

Artificial neural networks trained on spontaneous retinal activity patterns show improved motion prediction in natural scenes. The approach also enhances performance when combined with naturalistic movie data.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 31, 2025

A new clue to how multicellular life may have evolved

Researchers explore fluid dynamics of stentors' cooperative feeding behavior, discovering that grouping together generates more powerful flows to sweep in food from a greater distance. This finding could provide insight into how single-cell organisms evolved into complex organisms like humans.

SourceEmory University·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 31, 2025

ED nurses report radio silence when it comes to guidance for care of pregnant patients in states with abortion bans

Nurses in states with abortion bans face communication gaps and moral distress when providing care to pregnant patients. They resort to 'work-arounds' like reading the room for allies or using online resources to find legal reproductive health care, highlighting the need for better guidance and support.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJONA The Journal of Nursing Administration·TypeSurvey·DateMar 31, 2025

New study validates lower limits of human heat tolerance

A new study from the University of Ottawa's Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit has validated lower limits of human heat tolerance, highlighting the urgent need to address climate change impacts on human health. The research found that many regions may soon experience conditions exceeding safe limits for human survival.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 31, 2025

A quantum superhighway for ultrafast NOON states

Researchers at University of Liège have developed a method for rapidly creating NOON states with ultra-cold atoms, accelerating the process by a factor of 10,000 while maintaining high fidelity. This breakthrough opens up prospects in quantum metrology and quantum information technologies.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalPhysical Review A·DateMar 31, 2025

Patient navigators improve colonoscopy rates after abnormal stool tests, study shows

A study found that patient navigators significantly improved one-year follow-up colonoscopy completion rates by 12% and reduced time to follow-up by 27 days. The researchers emphasize the importance of timely follow-up colonoscopies for patients with abnormal stool test results.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 31, 2025

Incidences of urban U.S. hate crime declined slightly in 2024, but anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim crimes continued to rise

Police reports of hate crimes in 42 major US cities declined 2.7% in 2024, with anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim hate crimes rising 12% and 18%, respectively. Anti-Jewish hate crimes reached record levels in several cities, while anti-Asian hate crimes fell more than 14%. The upward trend is attributed to the timing of the Israel-Gaza war.

Program that aims to reduce cyclical, retaliatory gun violence saw shootings decline after prevention program in Lansing, MI

A new report by Michigan State University and Michigan Public Health Institute found that shootings in Lansing fell after the implementation of a prevention program, with some variations between years and communities. The Advance Peace Lansing program employs fellows to engage with individuals affected by gun violence.

Association for Molecular Pathology celebrates U.S. District Court’s decision to vacate FDA rule on laboratory-developed test procedure regulation

The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has won a court ruling that vacates the FDA's rule on laboratory-developed test procedure regulation. This decision will avoid adding billions of dollars in healthcare costs and protect access to high-quality care for hundreds of millions of Americans.

4:3 Intermittent fasting shows modestly greater weight loss than daily caloric restriction

A randomized clinical trial found that 4:3 intermittent fasting resulted in modestly greater weight loss over 12 months compared to daily caloric restriction. The study showed improved cardiometabolic outcomes, including lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, suggesting that fasting may be a more effective approach for weight loss.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 31, 2025

New study links lower proportions of certain sleep stages to brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease

A recent study found that individuals with reduced slow wave sleep and rapid eye movement sleep had smaller volumes in critical brain regions, particularly the inferior parietal region. This association suggests a potential link between sleep deficiency and brain atrophy, which may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 31, 2025

Ultrafast laser alloying enables sub-5 nm Ru-based catalysts for efficient hydrogen evolution

Researchers have developed a method for synthesizing carbon nanotube-supported intermetallic RuM alloys with sub-5 nm nanoparticles using ultrafast laser confined alloying. These alloys exhibit excellent electrochemical catalytic activity and robustness, outperforming commercial benchmarks and existing catalysts.

PTSD can undermine healthy couple communication when people fear their emotions

A new study found that people with PTSD symptoms experience greater fear of their emotions, which is associated with less constructive communication and more unproductive communication in romantic relationships. This fear can lead to a vicious cycle where behavior triggered by PTSD symptoms strain relationships, maintaining PTSD symptoms.

SourcePenn State·JournalBehaviour Research and Therapy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2025

Common anticancer drugs may offer new hope to PTEN Hamartoma Tumour Syndrome patients

Researchers have discovered that common anticancer drugs can reduce vascular growth in patients with PTEN Hamartoma Tumour Syndrome, offering new hope for treatment. These findings were made possible by the development of a mouse model and clinical trials using rapamycin and capivasertib inhibitors.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2025

COVID-19 boosters help avoid breakthrough infections in immunocompromised people, McGill-led study finds

A new study by researchers at McGill University found that annual COVID-19 vaccine booster doses help avoid breakthrough infections in people with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. The study tracked 366 patients across Canada and used saliva PCR tests and antibody measurements, offering a more precise picture of infection risks.

SourceMcGill University·JournalVaccine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 31, 2025

Cannabis use disorder among insured pregnant women in the US between 2015-2020

Between 2015-2020, 893,430 pregnant women were identified with a cannabis use disorder diagnosis, resulting in 1,058,448 total pregnancies. The cumulative prevalence of CUD diagnosis was 0.26%. Clinicians are well-positioned to intervene but may lack structural support due to fear of legal repercussions and underestimated diagnoses.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 31, 2025

The hidden superconducting state in NbSe₂: shedding layers, gaining insights

In extremely thin films of niobium diselenide (NbSe₂), superconductivity becomes confined to the surface when thinner than six atomic layers. This discovery challenges previous theories and could have important implications for understanding superconductivity and developing advanced quantum technologies.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2025