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Science News for March 24, 2025


Daily sedentary behavior and physical activity are associated with exercise capacity in adult patients with congenital heart disease

Adult patients with congenital heart disease have poor exercise capacity due to increased sedentary behavior. Increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for 10 minutes daily can boost peak oxygen uptake by up to 0.454 mL/min/kg, suggesting a positive impact on prognosis and mobility.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology Congenital Heart Disease·DateMar 24, 2025

"Mars and Earth are even more different than we thought": researchers from the Faculty of Sciences publish groundbreaking study on Martian observations

Researchers from the Faculty of Sciences discover a deeper understanding of Martian climate through analysis of atmospheric waves. The study highlights greater asymmetry between Mars' southern and northern hemispheres, shedding new light on the Red Planet's climate dynamics.

SourceFaculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon·JournalAGU Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2025

Exercise of any kind boosts brainpower at any age

Groundbreaking research from the University of South Australia shows that any form of exercise can significantly boost brain function and memory across children, adults, and older adults. Regular exercise improves general cognition, memory, and executive function in both healthy individuals and those with clinical conditions.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 24, 2025

Scientific argumentation on satellite indicators to further meet Global stocktake requirements

Scientists have identified critical gaps in existing monitoring systems and proposed technological advancements to improve global carbon stocktake accuracy. Next-generation satellites with enhanced precision and spatial resolution could revolutionize carbon emission tracking, enabling countries to better meet their climate commitments.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·DateMar 24, 2025

Correcting imbalance with the gut microbiota after stroke could reduce brain inflammation, open pathway to potential therapies

Researchers found that changes in gut bacteria after a stroke lead to an increase in harmful substances and a decrease in beneficial ones, potentially causing inflammation. Restoring these beneficial substances from gut bacteria could help reduce inflammation after a stroke.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2025

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of urinary tract infections using targeted next-generation sequencing: A multicenter comparative study with metagenomic sequencing and traditional culture methods

A multicenter study found targeted next-generation sequencing to significantly outperform traditional culture methods in detecting urinary tract infections, including polymicrobial cases. The method's detection time was notably shorter, with high concordance rates for both culture-positive and negative samples.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Infection·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2025

Expectant and new fathers seek more support to improve maternal health

A new study reveals that expectant and new fathers, particularly Black American fathers, express a significant need for more resources and support to better assist mothers during pregnancy and childbirth. The research highlights a gap in tailored information and resources for fathers within healthcare and social service systems.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateMar 24, 2025

NYU Abu Dhabi researchers develop affordable sensing system to restore sense of touch in minimally invasive surgery

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed an innovative sensing system that restores tactile feedback in minimally invasive surgery. The 'off-the-jaw' system integrates force and angle sensors into laparoscopic tools, providing real-time measurements of grasping forces and tissue stiffness.

SourceNew York University·JournalIEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine·DateMar 24, 2025

Increased use of chest x-rays linked to earlier lung cancer diagnosis and improved survival

A study published in the British Journal of General Practice found a significant link between chest x-ray referrals and earlier lung cancer diagnosis and better survival rates. Patients attending practices with high chest x-ray usage were more likely to be diagnosed at an earlier stage, leading to improved survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2025

From economic struggles to culture wars: New study reveals how GDP influences polarization around the globe

A new study from City St George's University of London found that lower-income countries focus on material concerns like economic issues, while richer nations debate personal freedoms and identity-related issues. The research analyzed 40 years of global data to explore how modernization influences ideological divides.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalCross-Cultural Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2025

Teaching kids about bugs benefits the environment

Participating in insect-related citizen science projects boosts students' intentions to change their personal behavior and encourage others to protect nature. Teachers also report increased interest in incorporating insect-related topics into their teaching, leading to a positive association with student pro-environmental behavior change.

An extension of process calculus for asynchronous communications between agents with epistemic states

Researchers have developed an extension of process calculus to model epistemic interactions between agents with epistemic states, enabling the capture of asynchrony. The e-calculus can be used to characterize synchronous and asynchronous communications between agents, with potential applications in intelligent agent systems.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2025

March/April Annals of Family Medicine Tip Sheet

A family-based approach to lifestyle interventions significantly improves weight management and cardiovascular health among individuals with a family history of premature coronary heart disease. The study found that participants who received structured lifestyle counseling experienced notable reductions in weight, BMI, and waist circum...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 24, 2025

A simple way to boost math progress

A megastudy involving over 140,000 teachers and 3 million elementary students found that behaviorally informed email messages improved students' math progress by 1.89% compared to standard email reminders. Personalized nudges referencing students' progress updates were more effective than nonpersonalized ones.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2025

New IVF method mimics fallopian tube environment, increasing sperm viability

Researchers developed a new IVF method that uses glycans to bind and store sperm, increasing fertilization rates and prolonging sperm viability. The method aims to improve IVF success for both animals and humans, particularly in cases where timing mismatches between egg maturity and sperm viability are critical.

Robust mucosal SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells effectively combat COVID-19 and establish polyfunctional resident memory in patient lungs

Researchers found robust, virus-fighting T cells in lung tissue that correlate with reduced viral load, inflammation, and improved respiratory function. These cells maintain a polyfunctional memory phenotype after viral clearance, highlighting their role in controlling COVID-19.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2025

Delay of more than 42 days for breast cancer surgery raises death risk for certain subtypes, University of Oklahoma study finds

Patients with hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative breast cancers face a higher risk of death from the cancer if they wait more than 42 days after diagnosis to have surgery. Delayed surgery increases the patient's risk exponentially, with risks of death increasing by 21%, 79%, and 183% at 60, 90, and 120 days, respectively.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalBreast Cancer Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2025

Family-based lifestyle intervention improves weight management and cardiovascular health among high-risk patients

A family-based approach to lifestyle interventions significantly improved weight management and obesity-related health outcomes among individuals with a family history of premature coronary heart disease. The study found that participants experienced an average reduction of 2.61 kg in weight, 1.06 kg/m² in BMI, and 4.17 cm in waist cir...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 24, 2025

Shared decision making among primary care clinic staff and family involvement improves follow-up for chronic patients

A qualitative study identified key teamwork strategies that high-performing clinics use to promote regular follow-up visits for adults with chronic conditions. These strategies include close working relationships between staff members, structured follow-up systems, and proactive patient outreach.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 24, 2025

Organic molecules of unprecedented size discovered on Mars

Researchers have detected unprecedentedly large organic molecules on Mars, containing up to 12 consecutive carbon atoms. These findings provide valuable insights into the planet's potential for life and pave the way for future interplanetary science missions.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2025

Amplified global heating risk due to climate and carbon cycle feedbacks

A new study finds that global heating could exceed previous estimates, with even low emission scenarios leading to higher temperatures. The Paris Agreement's goal of limiting warming to 2°C may only be achievable under very low emissions and lower-than-estimated climate sensitivity.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 24, 2025

New study: Fewer women want to have children

A new study from Uppsala University found that 75% of women aged 24 wanted to have children, significantly lower than the 91% in 2014. The survey also revealed that 40 women stated they didn't want children due to various reasons, including uncertainty about the future and health concerns.

SourceUppsala University·JournalThe European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care·TypeSurvey·DateMar 24, 2025

Study evaluates airborne transmission risk of mpox compared to COVID-19 and smallpox

A collaborative research effort has provided new insights into the likelihood of mpox spreading by airborne respiratory particles, comparing it to SARS-CoV-2 and smallpox. The study suggests that future viral evolution could alter this dynamic, underscoring the need for continued surveillance.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 24, 2025

Meters closer, miles faster: HKUST engineering researchers introduce novel cryogenic in-memory computing scheme to bridge AI with quantum computing

Researchers developed a new computing scheme that works at extremely low temperatures, significantly reducing latency between AI agents and quantum processors while boosting energy efficiency. The solution utilizes magnetic topological insulator Hall-bar devices to enable efficient implementation of reinforcement learning algorithms.

How sleep keeps our memories fresh

Researchers at ISTA discovered that neural activity patterns during sleep reflect recently learned spatial memories and transform into those seen later upon awakening. This 'representational drift' phenomenon optimizes memory representations for long-term storage, allowing the brain to free up resources for new memories.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2025

Mount Sinai launches Center for Artificial Intelligence in Children’s Health to advance AI-driven outcomes in children

The Mount Sinai Hospital has launched a new center focused on advancing artificial intelligence (AI) driven outcomes in children's health. The center aims to improve diagnostics, personalize treatments and optimize healthcare delivery for youth and adolescents. Dr. Benjamin S. Glicksberg will lead the Center.

Breastfeeding duration and child development

Exclusive or longer breastfeeding duration is associated with lower risk of developmental delays and social/neurodevelopmental conditions. This finding may inform parents, caregivers, and public health initiatives promoting early child development.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 24, 2025

Type 2 diabetes may suppress reward

A rat study found that type 2 diabetes can suppress the activity of the anterior cingulate cortex, a region critical for cognition and emotions. This weakening affects reward signals and leads to altered behavior, highlighting a potential link between T2D and psychiatric disorders.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateMar 24, 2025

World’s first! Found a new key with lactic acid bacteria to prevent cervical cancer

A team led by Professor Jeong Youngtae has discovered the identity and differentiation process of human cervical stem cells using organoid models. Lactic acid bacteria were found to inhibit the development of cervical cancer by secreting lactic acid that impedes the effects of the human papillomavirus.

RNF167 mediates atypical ubiquitylation and degradation of RLRs via two distinct proteolytic pathways

RNF167 mediates atypical ubiquitylation of RIG-I/MDA5, leading to autophagic degradation via K6-linked polyubiquitination. K11-linked polyubiquitination also promotes proteasome-dependent degradation of RLRs. This study reveals the importance of dual proteolysis in regulating antiviral immunity.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2025

The right moves to reign in fibrosis

Researchers at WashU have developed a method to manipulate the mechanical side of fibrosis, a complex condition that can lead to scarring and breathing difficulties. By controlling the direction of tension forces, they aim to prevent or treat fibrosis and develop personalized treatment plans for patients.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 24, 2025

The secret behind pedestrian crossings – and why some spiral into chaos

Researchers discovered that pedestrians form neat lanes in crossing roads only until people start veering off at extreme angles, after which the flow becomes disordered. The team's theory predicts that critical angle of 13 degrees marks the point where crowds collapse from order to disorder.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 24, 2025

Delft University of Technology and Brown University pioneer technology for next-generation lightsails in space exploration

Researchers have developed scalable nanotechnology-based lightsails that can be fabricated in a single day, reducing the traditional 15-year process. These lightsails use laser-driven radiation pressure to propel spacecraft at high speeds, enabling rapid interplanetary travel and opening new possibilities for experimental physics.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2025

Ultra-broadband near-field Josephson microwave microscopy

Researchers have created a superconducting Josephson probe microscope that combines high sensitivity, resolution, and low bias magnetic fields. The device enables spatial-resolved microwave imaging with sub-micrometer resolution, making it suitable for applications in quantum computing, magnonics, and high-frequency electronics.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2025

New study by Korea University researchers reveals a safer alternative for long-term hepatitis B treatment

A new study by Korea University researchers reveals that switching to besifovir may improve patient kidney and bone health for long-term hepatitis B treatment. The study showed that patients who switched to besifovir had higher estimated glomerular filtration rate indicating improved kidney function and higher hip and spine bone densit...

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalClinical and Molecular Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 24, 2025

New research reveals chimpanzees act as ‘engineers’, choosing materials to make tools based on the structural and mechanical properties which make them ideal for the job

Researchers found that chimpanzees deliberately select plant materials with flexible properties for termite fishing, indicating an intuitive comprehension of material properties. This 'folk physics' ability has implications for understanding human technological evolution and tool use.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournaliScience·DateMar 24, 2025

Traditional breeding falls short in boosting soybean photosynthesis

A team from the University of Illinois found that traditional breeding methods are unlikely to improve soybean light-harvesting efficiency. Gene editing is likely needed to unlock soybean potential. The researchers gathered detailed measurements throughout an entire growing season to understand photoprotection relaxation in soybeans.

AI reshapes how we observe the stars

Researchers developed an AI model that classifies variable stars from light curves with high accuracy, outperforming traditional approaches. The StarWhisper LightCurve series achieves near 90% accuracy with minimal manual intervention, paving the way for parallel data analysis and multi-modal AI applications in astronomy.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·DateMar 24, 2025

A new CAR-T-cell therapy tricks cancer cells with a decoy to increase treatment efficiency in B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

Researchers have developed a TIM-3 decoy that improves the effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy in treating B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The decoy blocks the interaction between the tumor and immune cells, allowing CAR-T cells to persist and attack cancer cells more effectively.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2025

Childhood brain injuries can affect educational attainment in adulthood – even a concussion can be enough

A study by Tampere University found that childhood brain injuries, including mild concussions, can lead to lower educational attainment in adulthood. Researchers compared individuals with brain injuries to those with limb fractures and found significant differences in educational outcomes over a 20-year period.

SourceTampere University·JournalEuropean Journal of Epidemiology·DateMar 24, 2025

New tool enables remote hardware troubleshooting

A new tool called SplatOverflow enables remote hardware troubleshooting using 3D phone scans, creating a scalable and structured approach to support users. This innovation addresses the current gap in hardware maintenance by connecting design information, documentation, and end-user discussions to actual hardware.

Oxygen for Mars

A Chinese research team has developed an electrochemical process that can directly split CO2 into elemental carbon and oxygen. This innovative method uses lithium as a mediator to produce oxygen with a high yield of over 98.6%, significantly exceeding the efficiency of natural photosynthesis.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2025

White-collar crimes: ‘Fall from grace’ and the stigma of reentry into society

A Florida Atlantic University study reveals that middle-class white-collar offenders face unique challenges during reentry into society, including stigma, anxiety, and fear of public exposure. Despite these challenges, they tend to secure employment and stable housing more easily than non-white-collar offenders.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJustice Quarterly·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2025

Induction chemotherapy followed by camrelizumab plus apatinib and chemotherapy demonstrates promising antitumor activity with acceptable safety as first-line treatment for extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: A multicenter, single-arm trial

A single-arm trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of first-line camrelizumab, apatinib, and chemotherapy in untreated extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer patients. The treatment demonstrated an ORR of 88.9% and median PFS and OS of 7.3 and 17.3 months, respectively.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2025

Moiré than meets the eye

A team of researchers has uncovered a new property of moiré potentials, which emerge when TMDs are stacked. They found that these potentials are constantly moving, even at very cold temperatures, and this movement enables the transport of energy and information through the material. This discovery contributes to foundational knowledge ...

Researchers develop novel biomimetic fabrication technique for flexible electronics such as wearable sensors and electronic skins

A research team at the University of Turku developed a novel biomimetic fabrication technique to replicate bioinspired microstructures found in plant leaf skeletons. The resulting surfaces offer superior flexibility, breathability, and transparency, making them ideal for next-generation flexible electronics.

SourceUniversity of Turku·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·DateMar 24, 2025

Synthesis of organophosphorus (III) compounds from white phosphorus via an adduct-catalyzed tandem electro-thermal approach

Scientists have developed a novel synthesis method for trivalent phosphorus compounds, leveraging an adduct-catalyzed tandem electro-thermal approach to produce high-yielding organophosphorus compounds with improved efficiency and selectivity. The approach also enables the in-situ consumption of renewable energy sources.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2025

Zoom bias: The social costs of having a ‘tinny’ sound during video conferences

A new Yale study reveals that tinny speech during video conferences can lead to lower judgments of a speaker's intelligence, credibility, and romantic desirability. The researchers found that even subtle audio quality differences can impact listeners' perceptions, potentially contributing to unintentional bias and discrimination.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 2025

New research helps reconstruct sudden, dramatic sea level rise after last ice age

Researchers have reconstructed Meltwater Pulse 1a, a catastrophic sea level rise that occurred around 14,500 years ago. The study suggests that an initial melting of the Laurentide ice sheet over North America triggered a global cascade of ice loss, with surprising linkages between ice sheets across hemispheres.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 24, 2025

New S$130 million national research initiative to enhance Singapore’s strategic research capabilities in RNA biology and its applications

The National Initiative for RNA Biology and Its Applications (NIRBA) aims to strengthen Singapore's RNA research capabilities, focusing on human health and diverse applications. The program will integrate leading institutions and promote interdisciplinary collaborations to achieve groundbreaking scientific discoveries.

Study shows almost all people claiming Universal Credit struggle to afford to eat properly

A new study found that 85% of Universal Credit recipients experience food insecurity, with many going whole days without food or consuming limited diets lacking essential nutrients. The loss of a £20 weekly uplift added during COVID exacerbated the issue, leading to increased reliance on food banks.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2025

Research spotlight: A generalized epilepsy network derived from brain abnormalities and deep brain stimulation

A team of researchers has identified a common brain network that generalized seizures hijack, which is located in the region where deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes are placed. This finding could help explain why DBS is effective in alleviating generalized seizures and potentially improve treatment outcomes.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2025

Do lifetime body weight patterns affect kidney cancer risk?

New research suggests that maintaining a healthy weight throughout life and losing weight later in life may reduce the risk of kidney cancer. Higher BMI at various ages across adulthood was associated with increased risks of developing different types of kidney cancer, including renal cell carcinoma, papillary RCC, and chromophobe RCC.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMar 24, 2025