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Science News for March 11, 2025


Catching aromaticity in the act: direct real-time tracking of how ‘excited-state aromaticity’ drives molecular shape changes

Researchers tracked ultrafast structural changes of a molecule driven by excited-state aromaticity, revealing its emergence within hundreds of femtoseconds and facilitating planarization. The study provides new insights for designing photoactive materials like sensors and light-driven switches.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Crosstalk among aging, circadian rhythms, and cancers

Research highlights the interconnected relationship between aging, circadian rhythms, and cancer, with shared mechanisms including genomic instability, cellular senescence, and chronic inflammation. Modulating circadian rhythms may serve as a novel strategy to intervene in age-related functional decline and treat cancer.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateMar 11, 2025

Researchers achieve electrosynthesis of ammonia from NO in pressurized electrolyzer

A research group from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics achieves electrosynthesis of ammonia from NO in a pressurized electrolyzer with ampere-level current density and long-term stability. The method uses an in situ-grown hierarchical porous copper nanowire array electrode to regulate the kinetics and thermodynamics of the reaction.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 11, 2025

Chinese scientists find structural variation that boosts grain number in sorghum

Researchers have uncovered two major genes responsible for sorghum's double-grain spikelet, leading to a significant increase in grain number and crop yield. The study found that the DG1 gene regulates floret meristem formation and differentiation, restoring fertility to the lower floret and resulting in the double-grain trait.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Frontier molecular orbital weighted model based networks for revealing organic delayed fluorescence efficiency

A novel deep learning model, ESIN, integrates molecular geometry and electronic structure data to predict the photoluminescence quantum yield of organic thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials. The model leverages principles of frontier molecular orbitals to enhance predictive accuracy and interpretability.

Researchers forecast shaking damage from crustal earthquake scenarios in Mexico City

Researchers forecast shaking damage from crustal earthquake scenarios in Mexico City, with varying levels of damage depending on the region's underlying geology. The study modeled earthquakes up to magnitude 5.5 and found that one- to two-story buildings received the most damage, particularly in areas with soft lakebed sediments.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Meningococcal vaccine found to be safe and effective for infants in sub-Saharan Africa

A new study has provided evidence for the safety and effectiveness of a meningococcal pentavalent vaccine in young children beginning at 9 months of age in sub-Saharan Africa. The vaccine protects against five strains of meningitis prevalent in the region, and its use could lead to a significant reduction in meningitis cases and deaths.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 11, 2025

Fluorescent dope

Researchers from Kyoto University and Cambridge University developed a fluorescent dopamine sensor to monitor dopamine signals in primate brains. The study found that dopamine signals varied depending on the location in the striatum, with distinct patterns observed in the anterior putamen and caudate head.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Routine asthma test more reliable in the morning and has seasonal effects, say doctors

A study by Cambridge researchers found that a routine lung function test used to diagnose asthma is more reliable in the morning. The reliability of the test decreases throughout the day and differs significantly between winter and autumn, with individuals being 33% less likely to receive a positive result during autumn.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThorax·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 11, 2025

Socioeconomically disadvantaged people still underusing emergency department services in the wake of the COVID pandemic

A study found that socioeconomically disadvantaged patients used emergency departments less for non-avoidable visits, despite an overall rebound in ED use by 2022. This trend reverses pre-pandemic increases in ED utilization among Medicaid and dual-eligible patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 11, 2025

Do you see what I see?

A study published in PNAS found that young children perceive colors similarly to adults, with consistent structure across age groups and cultures. The researchers developed a touch panel interface to evaluate conscious experiences, revealing robustness in their approach.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

New study in the Lancet HIV highlights gaps in HPV-related cancer prevention for people living with HIV

A new study published in The Lancet HIV reveals gaps in knowledge surrounding HPV-related cancers in people living with HIV. Existing disparities in healthcare and a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine in this population highlight the need for further research and targeted interventions.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalThe Lancet HIV·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 11, 2025

Marine litter has already reached the deepest point in the Mediterranean Sea

A team of researchers has identified 167 objects at the bottom of the Calypso Deep, a 5,112-metre-deep depression in the Ionian Sea, with 148 being marine debris and 19 of possible anthropogenic origin. The study highlights the need for global policy actions to reduce ocean waste and changes in citizens' consumption habits.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2025

Study: Medicaid expansion does not lead to increase in non-prescribed drug use

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health refutes claims that Medicaid expansion increases misuse of prescription opioids and benzodiazepines. Despite initial concerns, the study found no association between Medicaid expansion and non-prescribed opioid use among people who inject drugs.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2025

Hibernating lemurs can turn back the clock on cellular aging

Researchers found that hibernating lemurs' telomeres got longer, contrary to the usual decrease with age, suggesting a potential way to reverse cellular aging. This study, conducted at Duke University and the University of California, San Francisco, provides insights into the mechanisms behind lemur's remarkable survival strategy.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Growth rates of broilers contribute to behavior differences, shed light on welfare impacts

A recent study found that slow-growing broilers displayed behaviors associated with positive animal welfare, including standing and preening. In contrast, conventional broilers sat in a lateral posture. The research suggests that growth rate may impact broiler behavior, highlighting the need for further investigation.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalPoultry Science·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2025

Discovery of mosquito molecular mechanism opens door to new antimalaria strategies

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health discovered a molecular quality-control system in Anopheles mosquitoes that can be targeted to disrupt malaria parasites. Disrupting the prefoldin chaperonin system reduced mosquitoes' ability to host and transmit malaria parasites, killing about 60% of them.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 11, 2025

Nature-inspired 3D-printing method shoots up faster than bamboo

Researchers at Beckman Institute created a new 3D printing process called 'growth printing' that mimics the outward expansion of tree trunks to print polymer parts quickly and efficiently. The process, called FROMP, uses minimal energy to harden resin into its solid form, resulting in faster and more cost-effective production of polymers.

Scientists create a type of catalog, the ‘colocatome,’ of non-cancerous cells’ influence on cancer

Researchers develop a 'colocatome' to study the interactions between cancer cells and their surrounding non-cancerous cells, revealing how these interactions impact tumor growth and treatment resistance. The study aims to provide insights into universal rules of tumor behavior and guide the design of more effective treatments.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 11, 2025

Research reveals ways to keep emergency responders safe in future pandemics

A research study found significant associations between aircraft rescue and firefighting personnel's perceived risk factors of COVID-19 and their actual outcomes. Participants who reported being more susceptible to COVID-19 had a higher likelihood of infection, while those who perceived severity had a lower likelihood.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalWORK A Journal of Prevention Assessment &amp Rehabilitation·TypeSurvey·DateMar 11, 2025

Improving density functional theory one flaw at time

The study identifies a new area where a correction for the self-interaction error breaks down, allowing researchers to pinpoint flaws and develop solutions. By refining DFT, scientists can design better catalysts, leading to improvements in fields such as food production and technology.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 11, 2025

Elementary-particle detectors, 3D printed

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a fully additive-manufactured plastic scintillator detector for elementary particles, showcasing a significant step towards time- and cost-effective ways to build large-scale particle detectors. The detector's three-dimensional particle tracks enable more accurate neutrino tracking and analysis.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCommunications Engineering·DateMar 11, 2025

Study finds that supportive workplace culture advances implementation of lifestyle medicine in health systems

A new study published in BMJ Open finds that supportive workplace culture is crucial for implementing and sustaining lifestyle medicine programs. Synergistic practices such as collaborative groups, visual advertising, and healthy meal options facilitated the adoption of lifestyle medicine programming.

SourceAmerican College of Lifestyle Medicine·JournalBMJ Open·TypeCase study·DateMar 11, 2025

Blood test shows promise for early detection of dementia

Researchers have discovered a blood test that can identify patients with a sleep disorder who are most likely to develop Dementia with Lewy Bodies. The blood test analyzes two proteins in the blood associated with Alzheimer's disease and predicted dementia risk in almost 90% of patients, four years before symptoms appeared.

SourceMcGill University·JournalBrain·DateMar 11, 2025

Advancing catalysis: Novel porous thin-film approach developed at TIFR Hyderabad enhances reaction efficiency

Researchers at TIFR Hyderabad developed a novel porous thin-film approach to enhance catalysis efficiency in industrial reactions. The new methodology increases the density of catalytic sites and improves reactant diffusion rates, resulting in higher turnover frequencies and reaction efficiency.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Dr. Megan Abbott and the University of Colorado awarded $450,000 establishing a Clinical Research Center of Excellence that will also serve as a second site for SYNGAP1 ProMMiS

A new Clinical Research Center of Excellence will improve care for individuals with SYNGAP1-related disorders and expand the Natural History Study to include Prospective Multidisciplinary Multisite Study. The center, established at Children's Hospital Colorado, aims to accelerate research and provide specialized care.

Autonomic-cyclooxygenase-2 mechanisms of electroacupuncture on thermal injury-induced gastric dysmotility in rats

This study found that electroacupuncture (EA) improved gastric emptying in rats with burn-induced dysmotility by down-regulating cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. EA also normalized sympathetic hyperactivity and enhanced vagal activity, suggesting a potential therapeutic benefit for burn-induced gastric dysmotility.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Translational Gastroenterology·DateMar 11, 2025

Self-optimizing catalysts facilitate water-splitting for the green production of hydrogen

Researchers have developed cost-effective and efficient water-splitting catalysts using cobalt and tungsten, which surprisingly increase in performance over time. The unique self-optimization process involves changes in the chemical nature of the catalyzing oxide, leading to improved activity and reduced overpotentials.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 11, 2025

Gd-induced oxygen vacancy activates lattice oxygen oxidation for water electrolysis

Researchers at Tohoku University found that incorporating gadolinium into iron-doped nickel oxide markedly enhances oxygen evolution reaction activity. Gd-doping reduces theoretical overpotentials and demonstrates favorable kinematics, leading to remarkable long-term stability and robust performance in water electrolysis.

Outdated assumptions about cost efficiency are costing firms millions, according to new study

A new study from the University of Surrey found that traditional methods for evaluating cost savings from diversification are fundamentally flawed. The research proposes a more accurate way of assessing production costs, highlighting the importance of considering supply chain management, resource allocation, and production bottlenecks.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAnnals of Operations Research·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2025

AI in engineering

The article explores the role of AI in engineering, highlighting benefits such as improved transportation and manufacturing, but also raises concerns about safety, privacy, bias, and governance. The authors discuss weaknesses in data-driven models and call for research into regulatory frameworks to address these issues.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMar 11, 2025

Long visit in the ER? It’s a good time to learn about cervical cancer screening

Researchers found that women who received text message reminders were twice as likely to get their cervical cancer screenings within 150 days compared to those without reminders. The study suggests a promising low-cost approach to increasing cancer screenings in underserved populations.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 11, 2025

Muscles from the printer

Scientists at Empa have developed a method to produce complex soft actuators using 3D printing, overcoming challenges of elasticity, softness, and material properties. The actuators, made from silicone-based materials, can be used in various applications, including robotics, cars, and potentially even medical devices.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Researchers co-led by NTU Singapore develop technique to manipulate water waves to precisely control floating objects

A team of international scientists co-led by NTU Singapore has discovered a way to manipulate water waves to trap and precisely move floating objects. The method involves generating complex surface patterns that can pull in nearby objects, allowing for precise control over their movement.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

USPSTF statement on screening for food insecurity

The USPSTF has concluded that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for food insecurity on health outcomes. Nearly one-third of households with incomes below the federal poverty threshold experience food insecurity, highlighting a significant public health concern.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 11, 2025

Wild bees thrive among diverse flower communities, Concordia study shows

A study published in Ecological Applications found that a diversity of corolla sizes in urban flower communities positively impacts wild bee biodiversity. Researchers from Concordia University collected data from 16 sites around Montreal and identified 94 different species of bees and almost 150 different species of flowers.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEcological Applications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2025

Microplastics increase antimicrobial resistance

A recent study has discovered that microplastics can facilitate the development of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria, even in the absence of antibiotics. The researchers used different types and sizes of plastic to expose E. coli bacteria to various antibiotics and found significant increases in multidrug resistance after exposure.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 11, 2025

Amino acid assists in recycling rechargeable batteries

A Chinese research team has developed a new strategy for recycling spent lithium-ion batteries using a hydrometallurgical process in neutral solution. The addition of glycine improves the leaching efficiency, allowing for the extraction of valuable metals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese with high accuracy.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Taking taiga’s temperature

A new study introduces a powerful tool for analyzing satellite imagery of boreal forests, offering insights into their health and dynamics. The 'needleleaf index' provides critical information on forest cover fluctuations, particularly the impact of recent wildfires, highlighting the vulnerability of these ecosystems to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·Journalnpj Natural Hazards·TypeCase study·DateMar 11, 2025

Microplastics could be fueling antibiotic resistance, Boston University study finds

A recent study by Boston University researchers has discovered that exposure to microplastics enhances the antimicrobial resistance of bacteria, making them more resistant to antibiotics. This finding is particularly concerning for refugees and underfunded health systems, where access to healthcare is already limited.

SourceBoston University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Highly tough and responsible ionic liquid/polyvinyl alcohol-based hydrogels for stretchable electronics

A new hydrogel material combines toughness, electrical conductivity, and environmental sustainability, offering a promising solution for flexible electronics. The hydrogel exhibits exceptional mechanical properties and antibacterial properties, making it suitable for applications in strain sensors and supercapacitors.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

People with COPD and arthritis have an increased risk of death

A new study found that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and arthritis have a significantly increased risk of death compared to those with only arthritis. The research analyzed data from over 11,000 individuals in the US and discovered a strong association between COPD and mortality rates in people with arthritis.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateMar 11, 2025

Plastic recycling gets a breath of fresh air

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a solvent-free process to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics using a molybdenum catalyst and ambient air moisture. The process converts PET into monomers, the building blocks for plastics, paving the way for more sustainable plastic recycling.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Watching electron motion in solids

A German-Italian team has discovered a way to simplify the experimental implementation of two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy, allowing for real-time study of electron motion in solids. By adding an optical component to Cerullo's interferometer, researchers were able to control laser pulses more precisely, enabling the investigatio...

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Acoustic monitoring network for birds enhances forest management

Researchers at Cornell Lab of Ornithology use acoustic monitoring to track forest bird species and inform forest management decisions. The study creates detailed maps showing where different birds are likely to live, helping managers make better-informed decisions about thinning forests or conducting controlled burns.

SourceCornell University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2025

UK’s wealthiest citizens may be rich with climate-positive potential

Wealthy individuals, despite being major contributors to global emissions, possess three positive climate capabilities: investing in green technologies, knowledge about climate change, and social influence. Researchers suggest harnessing their potential to accelerate the UK's transition to net-zero carbon emissions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeSurvey·DateMar 11, 2025

Study explores effects of climatic changes on Christmas Island’s iconic red crabs

A new study by the University of Plymouth investigated the effect of changing global climate conditions on Christmas Island's red crab embryos. The researchers found that lower salinity levels did not delay embryonic development, but emphasized the need for further research to understand the species' response to environmental stressors.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon has done more damage to peatlands in the last two years than in the previous three decades

A new study reveals that artisanal gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon has caused significant damage to carbon-rich peatlands, releasing millions of tons of carbon into the atmosphere. The destruction exceeds all previous decades and poses a serious threat to the environment and climate.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 11, 2025

Rare frog rediscovered after 130 years

A team of researchers has rediscovered the elusive Alsodes vittatus frog species in Chile, providing critical ecological data and highlighting conservation concerns. The rediscovery is a significant milestone for South American herpetology, emphasizing the need to study and protect this rare species.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateMar 11, 2025

Douglas Hanahan, Ph.D., FAACR, honored with the 2025 Pezcoller Foundation-AACR International Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Cancer Research

Hanahan's fundamental discoveries have had a far-reaching translational impact on cancer research, defining multistep tumorigenesis and uncovering molecular mechanisms required to drive cancer growth. His work has also led to critical insights into therapeutic strategies for targeting tumor angiogenesis.

Mapping DNA's hidden switches: A methylation atlas

The study identified over 34,000 genomic regions with distinct ON/OFF methylation patterns, including novel imprinted regions and tissue-specific variability. This atlas provides valuable insights into epigenetic regulation and may help explain the inheritance patterns of genetic diseases such as CHARGE syndrome.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 11, 2025

New research reveals psychological ‘booster shots’ can strengthen resistance to misinformation over time

A new study found that psychological booster shots, such as memory-enhancing exercises and follow-up reminders, can significantly enhance long-term resistance to misinformation. The interventions were effective in improving memory retention and helping individuals recognize and resist misleading information more effectively over time.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Socioeconomic factors fuel global inequalities in Alzheimer's disease burden, study finds

A new study analyzing global data from 1990 to 2021 found significant cross-country disparities in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, with approximately two-thirds of individuals living in low- and middle-income countries. The study highlights the need for targeted prevention and control strategies in different countries.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 11, 2025

Breakthrough in next-generation polio vaccines

Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a more affordable and lower-risk polio vaccine using virus-like particles (VLPs). VLPs mimic the outer protein shell of poliovirus but are empty inside, making them non-infectious yet capable of triggering an immune response.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 2025

No place like home—how proteins that plasma cells express at their origin affect migration

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine reveals that plasma cells are programmed from birth to migrate to protected sites in the body, where they produce large amounts of antibodies. High expression of integrin β7 is an excellent marker for these cells' ability to home to the bone marrow.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025