Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 25, 2025


Burden of silicosis based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021: trend analysis of incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years, and projections for the next 30 years

Silicosis shows a decreasing global trend in incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years from 1990 to 2021. The disease burden varies significantly across countries and regions, with China, South Africa, and Chile having higher rates than the global average.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 25, 2025

New study reveals 'all or nothing' business strategies can backfire

A new study co-authored by Matthew Lyle finds that 'all or nothing' strategies can weaken employee support for future initiatives if they fail to meet their objectives. Instead, framing new initiatives as chances to improve upon past mistakes while building on successes is more effective in motivating employees and achieving success.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalOrganization Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 25, 2025

Enzyme engineering opens door to novel therapies for Parkinson’s, cancers and other hard-to-target protein diseases

Researchers have developed a new strategy to target hard-to-target proteins in human cells by reprogramming proteases to selectively degrade disease-causing proteins. The study demonstrates proof of concept for developing novel therapies for Parkinson's disease, cancers, and other illnesses, using α-Synuclein as a model protein.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2025

Were our blue oceans once green?

Research suggests the Earth's oceans were green 2.4 billion years ago due to iron precipitation, leading to a new understanding of ancient photosynthetic organisms and their potential for life beyond Earth. The discovery could aid in the search for extraterrestrial life by identifying green oceans as a possible indicator.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 25, 2025

Anti-free radical, antibacterial and whitening effects of sea buckthorn extract

Researchers verified the skincare functionalities of sea buckthorn flavonoids through plate antibacterial assays and ABTS free radical scavenging assays. The study found significant improvements in skin parameters, including reduced roughness and enhanced pigmentation balance.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

Breakthrough in anti-aging solutions: supramolecular bakuchiol in ionic liquid enhances efficacy and minimizing irritation

Researchers have developed a supramolecular delivery system that integrates bakuchiol with an ionic liquid, enhancing its anti-aging efficacy while minimizing redness and itching. The breakthrough increases the permeability of bakuchiol by 4.17 times, promoting collagen synthesis and exerting anti-aging effects on the skin.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalSupramolecular Materials·DateMar 25, 2025

Hunger shifts attention towards less healthy food options

A new study reveals how hunger influences dietary decisions by prioritizing tastiness over healthiness, leading to poorer nutritional choices. Researchers used eye-tracking technology and computational modeling to demonstrate that hungry individuals focus more on the visual appeal of food options and ignore nutritional information.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateMar 25, 2025

HKUST researchers’ breakthrough method reveals clouds amplify global warming far more than previously understood

Researchers at HKUST have developed a groundbreaking method that significantly improves accuracy in climate predictions. The new approach reveals tropical cloud feedback has amplified the greenhouse effect by 71%, narrowing uncertainty in one of the largest unknowns in climate science.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 25, 2025

Open-label placebo appears to reduce premenstrual symptoms, study suggests

Women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) experience reduced symptom intensity and interference in their lives when taking open-label placebos, especially when provided with a treatment explanation. The study found significant reductions in PMS symptoms and side effects, suggesting an acceptable and efficacious intervention.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Evidence-Based Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 2025

CU Cancer Center researchers identify the ‘switch’ that allows intestinal cells to regenerate after injury

CU Cancer Center researchers discovered that H3K36 methylation regulates plasticity and regeneration in intestinal cells. The process, identified as a key 'switch', allows intestinal cells to regenerate after injury. This finding may lead to better treatments for colorectal cancer and other intestinal conditions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMar 25, 2025

How ancient stone kitchens preserve food secrets

Researchers extracted starch granules from bedrock metates, revealing insights into ancient Indigenous diets and traditions. The team used new techniques to recover the tiny structures within plant cells, providing evidence of plant processing on these ancient cooking implements.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAmerican Antiquity·TypeObservational study·DateMar 25, 2025

Milk as Medicine: New Study Shows Breast Milk Transforms Challenges into Triumphs

A recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that breast milk from mothers with gestational diabetes has a unique composition that benefits their infant children. Babies of mothers with gestational diabetes experience faster linear growth, lower fat percentages, and reduced weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 2025

Lessons from Venezuela’s democratic collapse: How opposition movements can defy autocratic leaders

A new paper by Laura Gamboa analyzes Venezuela's 25-year evolution, highlighting the importance of leveraging institutional spaces during democratic erasure. The study shows that using both radical strategies and institutional tactics can be effective in resisting authoritarian regimes.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·TypeCase study·DateMar 25, 2025

Engineering antibodies with a novel fusion protein

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys developed a new method of generating antibodies by fusing two immune system proteins, enabling the creation of stable monoclonal antibodies. This breakthrough has potential applications in diagnosing and monitoring diseases such as lupus and cancers.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalJournal of Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

Special issue of Academic Emergency Medicine explores the science of errors in emergency care

A special issue of Academic Emergency Medicine examines the science of errors in emergency care, highlighting the need for a systemic approach to address gaps in knowledge, communication, and awareness. The journal's findings propose actionable solutions to minimize diagnostic errors and enhance patient safety.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateMar 25, 2025

Unlocking the genetic secrets of olive tree flowering: a key to climate adaptation

A recent study identified key genetic loci governing flowering time in olive trees, providing new insights for breeding programs aimed at developing climate-resilient cultivars. The research also highlighted the importance of genomic prediction models and geographical genetic structure in targeted breeding efforts.

POSTECH unveils world’s first dynamic shape-morphing OLED panel with built-in speaker — all while maintaining ultra-thin flexibility

The POSTECH research team developed a smartphone-type OLED panel that can transform its shape while functioning as a speaker, maintaining ultra-thin flexibility. The panel uses electrically driven piezoelectric polymer actuators to achieve complex forms without mechanical hinges or motors.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·DateMar 25, 2025

What does "that" mean in "Did you see that?"

A study from Kyushu University finds that children focus on literal meaning when interpreting phrases like 'Did you see that?', while adults use a more integrated approach to resolve ambiguity. The findings have implications for dialogue robot development and support systems for individuals with communication difficulties.

SourceKyushu University·JournalPLOS One·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

The Frontiers of Knowledge Award goes to Avelino Corma, John Hartwig and Helmut Schwarz for their founding work on the catalysts that are enabling a more efficient, sustainable chemistry

Avelino Corma, John Hartwig, and Helmut Schwarz received the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award for their fundamental advances in catalysis. They have improved efficiency and reduced energy consumption in various industrial processes through their innovative catalysts.

Could an arthritis drug unlock lasting relief from epilepsy and seizures? UW–Madison researchers see promising results in mice

Researchers at UW–Madison have discovered that the arthritis drug tofacitinib can halt brain-damaging seizures in mice, restore short-term memory, and reduce inflammation. The drug has shown promising results in preventing seizures even after treatment is stopped, offering a potential new approach for treating epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

The best butter for a vegan shortbread

Researchers from the University of Strathclyde examined the properties of several vegan butter alternatives and found that those with higher fat content produced biscuits closest to traditional shortbread. The study recommends choosing a vegan butter with similar consistency to dairy butter for optimal results.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 25, 2025

Radiation belt electron wisp inside South Atlantic anomaly due to terrestrial VLF transmitter observed by MSS-1

Scientists detected a 'wisp' precipitation with peak intensity inside the South Atlantic Anomaly, a region of weaker geomagnetic field and higher energetic particle flux. Ground-based VLF transmitter in Australia scatters electrons into this 'wisp', which is characterized by its peak intensity outside the anomaly.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateMar 25, 2025

Are dogs the new children?

Research suggests that dog ownership is connected to declining birth rates, as people turn to dogs for emotional support and companionship. The theory proposes that the popularity of dogs is rooted in biological evolutionary causes, but has culturally escalated as human relationships are often damaged or absent.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateMar 25, 2025

Dr. Vikaas Sohal of The University of California, San Francisco receives a $130,000 SynGAP Research Fund (SRF) grant to explore therapeutic strategies for reversing cognitive deficits in SYNGAP1-related disorders

Dr. Vikaas Sohal's research focuses on cognitive flexibility and prefrontal gamma oscillations to improve cognitive function in individuals with SYNGAP1-related disorders. The grant aims to confirm findings in Syngap1 mutant mice and explore new therapeutic strategies.

Ibuprofen inhibits human sweet taste and glucose detection by taste cells, according to Monell Center study

Researchers found that ibuprofen inhibits the activation of the sweet taste receptor in people and human cells, affecting glucose metabolism. The study suggests this mechanism could contribute to reduced risk of metabolic diseases such as Alzheimer's, diabetes, and colon cancer.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

Offering paid time off dramatically cuts odds of employees quitting their jobs

A study published in the International Journal of Manpower found that offering paid time off (PTO) significantly reduces the likelihood of employees quitting their jobs, with a greater reduction for men. PTO does not affect job satisfaction, which independently reduces turnover by 30-40%. Flexible scheduling also reduces turnover, but ...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalInternational Journal of Manpower·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 25, 2025

Study documents impacts of large-scale entry of rooftop solar panels on competition

A dynamic framework to measure market power in wholesale electricity markets has been developed by researchers, accounting for start-up costs and other unit-level operating constraints. The study found that rooftop solar penetration increases led to sizable boosts in fossil fuel plant profitability, as competition softened at sunset.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateMar 25, 2025

KAIST develops eco-friendly, nylon-like plastic using microorganisms​

Researchers at KAIST have successfully developed an eco-friendly, bio-based plastic that combines the advantages of PET and nylon. The new material was produced through microbial fermentation and exhibited characteristics similar to high-density polyethylene, making it strong and durable enough for industrial use.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

Scientists unlock frogs’ antibacterial secrets to combat superbugs

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have discovered a new class of antibiotics derived from frog secretions, which show promise in targeting harmful bacteria without affecting human cells or beneficial gut bacteria. The synthetic peptides were developed using structure-guided design a...

Remote booster program after cardiac rehabilitation reduces daily sitting time

A remote booster program after cardiac rehabilitation significantly reduces daily sitting time and increases light physical activity, lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Participants who received coaching via phone and digital communication showed a clear improvement in sedentary behavior and increased physical activity.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 2025

Why some breast cancer treatments stop working

A new review highlights how breast cancer cells change their communication and growth patterns, helping tumors survive, spread, and resist treatment. The review explores disrupted signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt/mTOR and RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, which can promote tumor progression and resistance to treatment.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 25, 2025

Solutions are a big part of alternative media’s environmental reporting but need consistent support, Concordia study shows

A recent study by Concordia researchers found that solutions journalism in Canadian alternative media outlets is often constrained by institutional lack of support and daily pressures. Despite its benefits, the practice requires strong nurturing environments to flourish.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEnvironmental Communication·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 25, 2025

New study maps the life situation of transgender people in Sweden

A new study maps the life situation of transgender people in Sweden, revealing a socioeconomically vulnerable group with significantly lower incomes compared to others. The research, published in Demography, analyzed data from 1973 to 2020 and found that only 0.07% of Sweden's population had received a gender incongruence diagnosis.

SourceStockholm University·JournalDemography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 25, 2025

Low-threshold anisotropic polychromatic emission from monodisperse quantum-dots

Researchers have successfully achieved low-threshold anisotropic polychromatic emission from monodisperse quantum dots by coupling them with microcavities, overcame technical bottlenecks for practical applications. This enables broadband gain, amplification, and even lasing, as well as full-color display and patterning.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

New study calls for uplisting emperor penguins to threatened on IUCN red list

Scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution develop a novel approach to assess extinction risk for emperor penguins, revealing they meet criteria for Vulnerable to Endangered under IUCN guidelines. This change highlights the elevated risk emperor penguins face due to future changes in their Antarctic habitat.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 25, 2025

Reducing traffic in Barcelona by 25% would prevent around 200 premature deaths a year linked to pollution

A study by Barcelona Institute for Global Health estimates that reducing motorized traffic in the city would lead to a 17.6% reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels and prevent nearly 200 premature deaths annually. The addition of port electrification could further increase avoidable deaths to 228 per year.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalHealth & Place·TypeCase study·DateMar 25, 2025

Study explores how characteristics of communications networks affect development of shared social identity, group performance

A new study by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that groups with less centralized communication networks exhibit a stronger shared social identity, leading to better group performance. Density and centralization of communication networks play crucial roles in the dynamic of group work.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalSmall Group Research·DateMar 25, 2025

Global research trends on chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a bibliometric analysis (January 2000–January 2024)

The number of publications on chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) has significantly increased over the last 24 years, with a notable rise in top academic journals. Future research will likely focus on elucidating pathophysiological mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic approaches.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 25, 2025

The evolution of low-temperature adapted enzymes

Researchers used ancestral sequence reconstruction to study the evolution of enzyme thermostability and cold adaptation. They identified key amino acid substitutions that enhanced catalytic activity at low temperatures, revealing a structural shift between intermediate ancestral enzymes.

SourceWaseda University·JournalProtein Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

ACS study finds nearly four million pre-mature lung cancer deaths in U.S. averted and 76 million years of lives gained due to tobacco control

A new study published by the American Cancer Society estimates that tobacco control measures have averted over 3.8 million lung cancer deaths and gained 76 million years of life in the US between 1970 and 2022. The study highlights the significant impact of progress against smoking on reducing premature mortality from lung cancer.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCA A Cancer Journal for Clinicians·DateMar 25, 2025

Study implicates 60 genes in congenital heart disease, including some that that also contribute to related to disorders such as autism

Researchers identified 60 genes linked to congenital heart disease, with some also contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. The study provides new insight into the genetic architecture of CHD and has implications for prenatal screening and early risk assessment.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2025

Nickel(0) and boron, together at last in square-planar complexes

Scientists from Osaka University have reported a new class of transition metal complexes featuring direct nickel-boron bonds without additional support. The resulting square-planar geometry allows for efficient catalysis in the synthesis of high-value materials like polymers and pharmaceuticals.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

New study reveals high levels of anxiety and emotional distress following the April 2024 Iranian missile attack

A new study reveals high levels of peritraumatic distress (41%) and anxiety (19%) among adults in Israel five days after the Iranian drone and missile attack. The study highlights the need for early identification and timely therapeutic intervention to mitigate long-term psychological harm.

SourceReichman University·JournalEuropean Journal of Psychotraumatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

How Zika virus knocks out our immune defenses

Researchers from La Jolla Institute for Immunology and UC San Diego discover Zika virus blocks dendritic cells' ability to alert T cells, while dengue virus stimulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to a stronger but uncontrolled immune response. Understanding these differences is key to developing life-saving vaccines.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

Delaying the net zero transition could impose significant economic costs, new research reveals

A new study from the University of Surrey warns that delayed and disorderly energy transitions could lead to increased inflation, higher interest rates, economic stagnation, and financial instability. However, an orderly transition with targeted investments in green technologies and a robust financial framework can mitigate these risks.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEcological Economics·TypeObservational study·DateMar 25, 2025

New study may help predict cardiometabolic disease risk and personalize prevention strategies

A new study explores the link between epigenetic markers, lifestyle factors, and cardiometabolic disease risk. Researchers found that poly-epigenetic scores (PEGS) can help predict disease risk and personalize prevention strategies for US adults aged 50+, with associations strongest in younger individuals and females.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalEpigenetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 25, 2025

Hepatitis B: new rapid diagnostic test to halt mother-to-child transmission

A new rapid diagnostic test can accurately identify pregnant women with high levels of the hepatitis B virus, allowing for early detection and intervention. This breakthrough test could have a significant impact on hepatitis B management in low- and middle-income countries, reducing the spread of the infection.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 2025

Nonprofit science advocacy group calls for retraction of intimate partner violence study for which more than 100 young female animals were strangled and killed

A nonprofit science advocacy group is requesting the retraction of a research study that used traumatic brain injuries and non-fatal strangulation on young female rats. The study's methods are deemed unethical and fail to produce scientifically valid insights relevant to human health, with proponents advocating for human-specific model...

Tracking net-zero carbon debt: who is responsible for overshoot of the 1.5°C climate limit?

Researchers explore 'net-zero carbon debt' to track responsibility for climate overshoot, with implications for emission reduction targets and international cooperation. The study suggests that regions bearing greater debt should strengthen mitigation plans and establish support mechanisms.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 25, 2025

Were large soda lakes the cradle of life?

Phosphorus is essential for life, but it's rare at Earth's surface. Large soda lakes can maintain high phosphorus concentrations through constant inflow and minimal evaporation. This creates an ideal environment for prebiotic chemistry, making these lakes a potential cradle of life.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 25, 2025

Ecosystem disrupted following the disappearance of Great white sharks, new study finds

A new study found that the loss of Great white sharks from False Bay has triggered significant shifts in the marine food web. The absence of apex predators led to an increase in sightings of Cape fur seals and sevengill sharks, which coincided with a decline in species they rely on for food.

Artisanal fishers are almost as accurate as satellites in producing environmental data

A study published in Ocean and Coastal Management reveals that artisanal fishers can be almost as accurate as satellites in producing environmental data. The researchers mapped seagrass beds along the coastlines of five Greek islands, with fishermen's maps showing an average accuracy of 78%, compared to 11% more than government policies.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalOcean & Coastal Management·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

Biological pathway in the brain could help explain why teenage girls are more depressed than boys

Researchers found that adolescents with higher risk for depression had lower levels of neuroprotective compounds, while inflammation-driven neurotoxic chemicals were more prevalent in females. This study suggests an imbalance in the kynurenine pathway may contribute to the higher incidence of depression among teenage girls.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateMar 25, 2025

Uncovering the brain’s flexible mechanisms for representing diverse numbers

Researchers found that brain areas respond to relative quantity rather than absolute quantity, with representations becoming more pronounced along the pathway from parietal to frontal lobe. This flexible nature of numerical quantity processing advances our understanding of how the brain handles other magnitude concepts like time and size.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

Why does one person develop schizophrenia while another does not? A leading psychiatric geneticist investigates the answer

Dr. Consuelo Walss-Bass shares her groundbreaking research on schizophrenia, emphasizing the importance of considering both genetic predisposition and environmental factors. She also discusses her work with induced pluripotent stem cells to develop personalized psychiatry and reduce stigma around mental health.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalGenomic Psychiatry·TypeNews article·DateMar 25, 2025