Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 14, 2025


New method predicts prices in uncertain times

A new AI model developed by UC Riverside scholars combines historical sales data with economic demand theory to predict prices in uncertain times. The model retains high accuracy, demonstrating a substantial improvement over other methods in reducing generalization errors.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 14, 2025

New tool brings us one step closer to visual implants

Researchers have created a new open-source tool to optimize the placement of visual brain implants on a large scale. The tool, developed by the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, uses data from participants with intact vision to predict optimal implant locations and minimize safety risks.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateMar 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
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

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

Good fences make good neighbors (with carnivores)

A new study from Colorado State University found that fortified corrals can reduce livestock losses due to predator attacks on nearby carnivores. The study demonstrated a beneficial spillover effect where households neighboring those with chain-link corrals also reported fewer attacks on their livestock.

SourceColorado State University·JournalConservation Letters·DateMar 14, 2025

Open-Source AI matches top proprietary model in solving tough medical cases

A new study finds that an open-source AI model, Llama 3.1 405B, has caught up with a leading proprietary model, GPT-4, in solving challenging clinical cases. This development could offer a valuable alternative to proprietary models, benefiting patients and clinicians alike.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·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.

SourceNRG Oncology·DateMar 14, 2025
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New method uncovers dynamic microbial community in coastal sediments

A new method has been developed to link individual microbes to their genetic code, providing insights into the activity of microorganisms in coastal sediments. The study reveals a diverse microbial community thriving in environments subject to frequent disruptions from rapid temperature changes and tides.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalThe ISME Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2025

Introducing our new cohort of AGA Future Leaders

The American Gastroenterological Association has chosen 16 exceptional gastroenterologists and hepatologists for its Future Leaders program. The selected doctors will work on career development projects over 18 months, focusing on the future of the digestive diseases field.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMar 14, 2025

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

NJIT mathematician to help map Earth's last frontier with Navy grant

Eliza Michalopoulou is leading a research project to improve ocean floor mapping using sound waves, aiming to understand the seabed's properties and characteristics. The goal is to enhance anti-submarine warfare strategies and contribute to global efforts like Seabed 2030 and Ocean Decade.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateMar 14, 2025

Breakthrough in Wild Barley Genomics paves the way for climate-resilient crops

An international team of scientists has unveiled the first chromosome-scale genome of a wild barley species, identifying critical genetic adaptations that enable efficient nutrient intake under alkaline stress. The study developed a new hexaploid crop, Tritordeum, which exhibits significant yield improvements in harsh conditions.

SourceMurdoch University·JournalNature Plants·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 14, 2025
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

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

Tapuy rice wine fermentation yields possible anti-aging superfood

Filipino researchers found a way to enhance tapuy lees for high polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, extending test animal lifespan and health. The study suggests repurposing tapuy lees as a health food to combat aging and oxidative stress-related diseases.

SourceAteneo de Manila University·JournalDiscover Food·DateMar 14, 2025

‘Microlightning’ in water droplets may have sparked life on Earth

Researchers propose that microlightning in water droplets, rather than lightning strikes, sparked the formation of organic molecules with carbon-nitrogen bonds. This new mechanism suggests a more plausible explanation for the origin of life on Earth, overcoming criticisms of the Miller-Urey hypothesis.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 14, 2025

ESMO Sarcoma and Rare Cancers Congress 2025: Event announcement

The ESMO Sarcoma and Rare Cancers Congress 2025 will bring together experts to present and discuss developments in diagnosing and treating rare solid tumours. The event will focus on immunotherapy, global challenges, and opportunities for international collaboration.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateMar 14, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

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

TOI-1453 c: a key sub-Neptune in a system of two exoplanets

The discovery of two exoplanets around TOI-1453, a star about 250 light years away, reveals insights into planetary configuration and formation. The super-Earth and sub-Neptune present an interesting contrast in their characteristics, with the sub-Neptune exhibiting unusually low mass and density.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·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
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

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

Promising new therapeutic approach for pediatric brain tumors

Researchers identified PDGFRA as a promising therapeutic target for pediatric high-grade gliomas. Inhibition of the PDGFRA signaling pathway leads to tumor cell death and has shown potential in laboratory and animal models, as well as initial clinical experience with avapritinib therapy.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 14, 2025

YouTube influencers: gaming’s best friend or worst enemy?

A new study reveals that YouTube influencers can increase playtime and engagement with video games, but their content may also discourage purchases. The research found that influencers can turn a game into a viral sensation, but for story-driven games, people may choose to watch instead of buy.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2025
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

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

Stem cell trial for early Alzheimer’s disease begins at UTHealth Houston

A new stem cell therapy trial at UTHealth Houston aims to reduce neuroinflammation in patients with presymptomatic Alzheimer's disease. The study, which is sponsored by Weston Brain Institute, will enroll 12 patients and use PET imaging to determine whether stem cells reduce brain inflammation before symptoms develop.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·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
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Why is plant-based diet still frowned upon in Europe?

Researchers from the University of Vaasa found that consumers who prefer plant-based alternatives are perceived as socially different, evoking feelings of admiration and envy. Marketing strategies must address prevailing prejudices to make vegetarianism socially acceptable.

SourceUniversity of Vaasa·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateMar 14, 2025

Growing solar: Optimizing agrivoltaic systems for crops and clean energy

Research proposes a new methodology for dynamically optimizing solar panel positioning based on the light needs of crops. Advanced ray tracing techniques are used to evaluate the distribution of solar radiation, enabling the automation of design optimization of agrivoltaic systems.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateMar 14, 2025

New members of the CDKL family of genes linked to neurodevelopmental disorders

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified new variants of CDKL2 and CDKL1 genes associated with developmental disorders, including epilepsy. The study proposes a mechanism by which defective variants cause neurological symptoms in affected individuals.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2025
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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

Sharks are dying at alarming rates, mostly due to fishing. Retention bans may help

Retention bans are a good first step in addressing shark overfishing, but won't be enough to prevent continued decline. Small sharks and threatened species are most likely to die after being caught, highlighting the need for complementary strategies like area-based fishing restrictions and catch quotas.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateMar 14, 2025

How to freeze bottles without making a mess

Researchers discovered that trapped pockets of liquid can form inside ice, leading to extreme pressure that breaks glass. To prevent this, ensure water freezes slowly by supercooling or use containers with water-repelling surfaces.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalScientific Reports·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

CeSPIACE: A broad-spectrum peptide inhibitor against variable SARS-CoV-2 spikes

Researchers developed CeSPIACE, a 39-amino-acid peptide drug candidate that binds to the spike protein, blocking viral entry. It demonstrates strong binding to major SARS-CoV-2 variants and shows efficacy against multiple strains in vivo and in vitro experiments.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

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

Scientists discover how to reactivate cancer’s molecular “kill switch”

Researchers have found a way to reactivate the body's natural ability to destroy excess cancer proteins by introducing synthetic RNA fragments that increase poison exon inclusion. This discovery could lead to game-changing therapies for aggressive cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer and certain brain tumors.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2025

Immunotherapy may boost KRAS-targeted therapy in pancreatic cancer

A new type of RAS inhibitor, daraxonrasib (RMC-6236), has shown significant promise when combined with immunotherapy in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. The study found that the treatment not only inhibited tumor growth but also reshaped the tumor microenvironment to make it more receptive to immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCancer Discovery·DateMar 14, 2025
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

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.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2025

Understanding the origin of magnetic moment enhancement in novel alloys

Scientists identify the origin of magnetic moment enhancement in an iridium-doped iron-cobalt alloy through high-throughput X-ray measurements. The study reveals that Ir addition leads to increased electron localization and spin-orbit coupling, resulting in enhanced magnetic moments.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPhysical Review Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2025

uOttawa scientists use light to unlock secret of atoms

Researchers at the University of Ottawa have made significant strides in controlling ionization using specially structured light beams. This discovery opens up new possibilities for enhancing technology in areas such as medical imaging and quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2025

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
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Smoke from wildland-urban interface fires more deadly than remote wildfires

Emissions from WUI fires are proportionately three times more likely to lead to premature deaths than emissions from remote wildfires. The study drew on a database of WUI fires and advanced computer modeling techniques to simulate pollutants from fires.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 14, 2025
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

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

Color-changing fluorescent dyes unlock new frontiers in cellular thermosensing

Scientists developed a novel solvatochromic fluorescent dye that enables high-precision temperature measurements through changes in fluorescence properties. The researchers achieved exceptional sensitivity and resolution, ideal for bioimaging applications.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2025

Defensive firearm use is far less common than exposure to gun violence

Less than 1% of people with firearm access engage in defensive use annually, with most firearm users never using their weapons for self-defense. Those who have experienced gun violence or quick access to firearms are more likely to perceive threats and respond defensively.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·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
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

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

A closer look at biomolecular ‘silly putty’

Researchers used novel fluorogen imaging techniques to visualize biomolecular condensates, revealing distinct environmental and structural features. The study provides insights into the dynamic behavior of these condensates, which play a crucial role in various diseases.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·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

Breakthrough in rapid polymer nanostructure production

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a new method for rapid scalable preparation of uniform nanostructures directly from block polymers, significantly reducing processing time from weeks to just minutes.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2025
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Social disadvantage can accelerate ageing and increase disease risk

A new study led by University College London researchers found that social disadvantages can accelerate ageing and increase disease risk. People with favourable socioeconomic conditions show fewer signs of biological ageing than peers of the same age.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational 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.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalActa Materialia·DateMar 14, 2025