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Science News for March 14, 2025


‘I Will Vote’: Using future-oriented frames to motivate voters

Researchers at Annenberg Public Policy Center found that using 'I Will Vote' stickers significantly enhances voting intentions and attitudes towards voting. The study suggests that a future-oriented perspective promotes thoughts about outcomes and planning, strengthening citizens' capacity to successfully perform the intended behavior.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalPolitical Communication·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2025

Preferred orientation and microstructure evolution of Al3Ni Phase in the Al–18.at%Ni alloy during directional solidification under a high magnetic field

The study reveals that a high magnetic field significantly affects the directional solidification microstructure of the Al–18 at.%Ni alloy, causing hypereutectic reactions instead of peritectic reactions. The preferred orientation of the Al3Ni phase is also influenced by the growth velocity.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalMaterials and Solidification·DateMar 14, 2025

NRG Oncology trial supports radiotherapy alone following radical hysterectomy should remain the standard of care for early-stage, intermediate-risk cervical cancer

The NRG Oncology GOG-0263 phase III clinical trial found that adding cisplatin-based chemotherapy to adjuvant radiotherapy following radical hysterectomy did not improve outcomes and led to increased toxicity. Radiotherapy alone remains the standard of care for early-stage, intermediate-risk cervical cancer.

Lifetime and past-year defensive gun use

Defensive gun use is a rare occurrence despite gun violence exposure, suggesting that perceived threats may not necessitate action. The study highlights the potential consequences of defensive gun use, emphasizing the need for accurate risk assessment in firearm policies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 14, 2025

Not knowing what to expect can make pain feel worse

A new study from Aarhus University shows that uncertainty in pain expectations can increase pain perception. Researchers found that when the brain is unsure about what to expect, it intensifies pain beyond what's necessary. This discovery may help shape more effective ways to manage pain in the future.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2025

The seismic mechanisms and seismogenic environment of the Ms 6.2 earthquake in Jishishan, Gansu, China: Evidence from relocation, focal mechanisms, and rupture processes

The study found the main shock and aftershocks concentrated at a depth of 12 km with high consistency across multiple methods, indicating a reverse thrust event with a small dextral strike-slip component. Historical GPS observations and geological surveys revealed the earthquake was triggered by Lajishan Fault activity.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalEarth and Planetary Physics·DateMar 14, 2025

UConn uncovers new clue on what is leading to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and ALS

Researchers from UConn School of Medicine reveal a novel pathway in cellular dysfunction contributing to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS. They discovered that endothelial cells, the inner lining of blood vessels, play a critical role in neurodegeneration by disrupting the blood-brain barrier's protection.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 14, 2025

Two factors could help close the hiring gap for autistic job seekers, VCU researcher finds

New VCU research suggests that employer neurodiversity training, coupled with candidates' disclosure of their autism diagnosis during the hiring process, can help level the playing field for autistic job seekers. The study found that such training persisted in improving hiring outcomes even two months after the training.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMar 14, 2025

How do crop domestication and improvement reshape the root system and microbial community?

Crop domestication and improvement significantly reshape root traits, including lateral root density, main root length, and cortical cell size. The structure and function of the associated microbial community also undergo profound changes, affecting nutrient absorption and immune capacity.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2025

BU researchers develop computational tools to safeguard privacy without degrading voice-based cognitive markers

Boston University researchers have introduced a novel computational framework that applies pitch-shifting to protect speaker identity while preserving acoustic features essential for cognitive assessment. The framework achieved accurate diagnosis of normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia in 62% and 63% of datasets.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 14, 2025

Earthquake rupture patterns improve the assessment of seismic hazard

Researchers have shown that earthquakes in the Marmara region transport a large amount of energy towards Istanbul, with most quakes exhibiting an eastward rupture direction. This finding has important implications for urban planning, emergency response, and seismic hazard maps, which will be taken into account in future studies.

SourceGFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum für Geoforschung·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 14, 2025

Clostridioides difficile infection: a review of emerging practices for infection treatment and prevention of recurrence

Fidaxomicin and fecal microbiota transplantation are effective treatments for Clostridioides difficile infection, reducing recurrence rates. Emerging strategies like vaccines, bacteriophage therapies, and AI-based risk models hold promise for better management and prevention of CDI.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Translational Gastroenterology·DateMar 14, 2025

Breakthrough study led by CHLA neurologists links blood-brain barrier dysfunction and inflammation with Down syndrome regression disorder

Researchers have identified signs of neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier dysfunction in patients with Down syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD). The study, published in Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, reveals a potential immune-related cause for DSRD.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·TypeCase study·DateMar 14, 2025

Deep learning technique enhances lightning risk prediction for power grids

Researchers developed a deep learning-based nowcasting model to predict lightning risks to power grids, accurately forecasting location and frequency trends of organized thunderstorms. The model achieved excellent performance in predicting winter and spring thunderstorms, supporting enhanced protection against lightning disasters.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 14, 2025

Small messengers called extracellular vesicles deliver molecules between cells using protein signal

Researchers discovered a new process by which cancer cells use small extracellular vesicles to spread to healthy tissue. The study found that these vesicles are primarily internalized by clathrin-independent endocytosis via galectin-3, which is facilitated by an increase in intracellular calcium concentration.

Quantum spin model made from nanographene molecules

Empa researchers successfully realized a one-dimensional alternating Heisenberg model with a synthetic material, demonstrating strongly entangled spins and long-range correlations. In contrast, an evenly connected homogeneous chain develops an energy gap, exhibiting strong pairwise bonds and rapidly decreasing correlations.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2025

Topical steroid withdrawal diagnostic criteria defined by NIH researchers

Researchers at NIH identified characteristic symptoms of topical steroid withdrawal (TSW), including elevated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels, which can be diagnosed using provisional criteria. TSW treatment may involve mitochondrial complex I-blocking drugs, such as metformin or berberine.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateMar 14, 2025

Pacific island water security requires new approach

Experts at Flinders University are calling for a new approach to water security on Pacific islands, where rising sea levels threaten local water supplies. Infiltration galleries, which extract fresh groundwater from shallow depths, may provide a solution, but more research is needed on their optimal design and performance.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Hydrology·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 14, 2025

New CRISPR-based diagnostic test detects pathogens in blood without amplification

Researchers developed a CRISPR-based diagnostic test that rapidly detects low levels of pathogen genetic material in blood without nucleic acid amplification. The test demonstrated unprecedented sensitivity and could be used to develop highly sensitive CRISPR-based diagnostic tests for detecting pathogens in minutes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2025

Artificial photosynthesis: Researchers mimic plants

Researchers have successfully imitated one of the first steps of natural photosynthesis by creating a stack of dyes that absorbs light energy and transfers charge carriers. This breakthrough has significant implications for artificial photosynthesis, which could potentially produce hydrogen and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2025

Breaking free from dependence on rare resources! A domestic high-performance permanent magnet emerges!

Researchers at KIMS have successfully developed a two-step grain boundary diffusion process to fabricate high-performance permanent magnets without heavy rare earth elements. This technology enhances coercivity and reduces manufacturing costs for industries such as electric vehicles, drones, and flying cars.