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Science News for March 4, 2025


Montana State research team publishes paradigm-challenging discovery in a Yellowstone thermophile

A Montana State University research team, led by graduate student Lisa Keller, has published a groundbreaking paper on how certain bacteria thrive in extreme environments. The discovery challenges current understanding of microbial survival and sheds light on ancient lifeforms' adaptation to Earth's progressive oxygenation.

SourceMontana State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2025

Novel adsorbent reduces ammonia emissions, replacing N deep placement in wheat fields

A novel ammonium adsorbent developed by the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science significantly reduces ammonia emissions from wheat fields. The application of the adsorbent, composed of humic acid-modified montmorillonite, offers a sustainable alternative to traditional deep nitrogen placement methods.

New raman spectroscopy technique unveils subtle structural changes in porphyrin molecules

A new Raman spectroscopy technique has unveiled subtle structural changes in porphyrin molecules, which are essential for the biological functions of many enzymes. The technique successfully detected tiny deformations and linked them to specific Raman peak shifts.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalSpectrochimica Acta Part A Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy·DateMar 4, 2025

Resistance exercise may be best type for tackling insomnia in older age

Research suggests that resistance exercise is the most effective type for tackling insomnia in older adults, with a significant improvement in sleep quality. Aerobic and combination exercises also show promise, but to a lesser extent. The study analyzed data from 24 studies involving over 2,000 adults aged 60 and above.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalFamily Medicine and Community Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 4, 2025

Genetic mixing: the secret to killer whale resilience and adaptability

Research reveals that gene flow from Antarctica enhances the genetic diversity and adaptive potential of Australasian killer whale populations. This influx of genetic material helps reduce inbreeding and boosts population health, increasing their ability to adapt to environmental changes. The study provides rare evidence of mechanisms ...

SourceFlinders University·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2025

Bonobos and chimps offer clues to how our early ancestors had sex for social purposes

A recent study comparing the sexual behavior of bonobos and chimpanzees during stressful periods has provided insights into humans' own behavioral origins. Both species utilized sex to manage social tension, with bonobos engaging in 'make-up sex' after conflicts and chimpanzees using sex in various ways to ease tensions.

SourceDurham University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2025

Prenatal maternal stressors linked to higher blood pressure during first year after birth, study shows

Research from Keck School of Medicine of USC found that mothers with high prenatal psychosocial stress and depressive symptoms developed higher blood pressure during the first year postpartum. Social cohesion during pregnancy was also associated with lower blood pressure, suggesting a protective factor.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalHypertension·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2025

Amphibians bounce-back from Earth’s greatest mass extinction

Researchers found that ancient frog relatives thrived after the Permian-Triassic mass extinction due to their generalist feeding ecology and ability to feed on a wide variety of prey. They were able to survive and even flourish in freshwater habitats, which provided them with stable food resources amidst the turbulent Triassic ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2025

Creativity boosts NAPLAN literacy and numeracy scores

A University of South Australia study found that students who exhibit higher levels of creativity tend to excel in literacy and numeracy assessments. Higher flexibility in divergent thinking was associated with stronger NAPLAN literacy outcomes, while mathematical creativity was linked to stronger numeracy performance.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThinking Skills and Creativity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2025

Cold atoms on a chip

UC Santa Barbara researchers develop photonic integrated 3D-MOT, a miniaturized version of equipment used to trap and cool atoms. This innovation enables new applications in sensing, precision timekeeping, and quantum computing, and paves the way for accessible quantum research projects.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalOptica Quantum·DateMar 4, 2025

New computer vision system can guide specialty crops monitoring

A new computer vision system, integrating internet of things and artificial intelligence, enables continuous monitoring of plant growth in controlled environment agriculture. The system successfully isolated individual plants and tracked changes in leaf coverage area throughout their growth cycle.

SourcePenn State·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2025

Sleep health may impact mobility for women with chronic conditions

A study published in Sleep Epidemiology found that poor sleep health predicted a decline in mobility over eight years following a chronic health diagnosis. Women with diabetes, osteoarthritis, or multiple sclerosis who also had signs of obstructive sleep apnea were more likely to experience future mobility problems.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalSleep Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2025

How the brain distinguishes between pain and itch

Researchers discovered distinct neuronal populations in the ACC process pain and itch information separately, with stimulus-specific neurons receiving differentiated synaptic inputs from the mediodorsal thalamus. Suppressing these neurons reduced corresponding sensations without affecting the other.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2025

SNU researchers develop a new synthesis technology of single crystal 2D semiconductors, “Hypotaxy,” to enhance the commercialization of next-generation 2D semiconductors

Researchers developed a new growth method leveraging 2D materials as templates to enable the synthesis of perfectly single-crystal TMD films on any substrate. The 'Hypotaxy' technique holds significant industrial potential, allowing for low-temperature growth and precise control over film thickness.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2025

Opportunities and challenges in developing geographic information science and technology in the era of the low-altitude economy

The low-altitude economy is emerging as a new engine for economic growth in China, with significant impacts on urban transportation, logistics, and environmental monitoring. Geographic information science and technology are vital for refined airspace resource utilization, drone operation, and regulatory oversight.

Nearly 4 of 10 Americans report sports-related mistreatment

A new study found that nearly 40% of adult Americans report experiencing some form of sport-related mistreatment, with psychological and emotional abuse leading the way. The study also revealed that weight issues were a common reason for mistreatment, cited by 52% of respondents.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of the Sociology of Leisure·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2025

Searching for structure and purpose in disordered behavior

A recent special issue of Perspectives on Psychological Science delves into the study of individual variability, or 'noise,' in human behavior. Researchers argue that noise is not an error to be minimized but rather a source of information that can provide insights into psychological processes. By analyzing distributions of noise, scie...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateMar 4, 2025

Clusters of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease for precision medicine

Research identifies six clusters of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) with varying pathophysiology and clinical outcomes. These clusters may enable personalized risk prognosis and treatment through lifestyle modification programs and targeted therapies.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeNews article·DateMar 4, 2025

Anxiety sensitivity led to pandemic problem drinking, new Concordia study shows

A new Concordia study shows that consuming alcohol to cope with fears of anxiety was linked to unhealthy outcomes in young adults during the pandemic. Anxiety sensitivity, a fear of experiencing anxiety symptoms and negative health consequences, was also found to predict higher levels of drinking among young adults.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of American College Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2025

Mapping consensus locations for offshore wind

The study identifies suitable areas for offshore wind installations, with 18% of sites acceptable from a socio-environmental perspective. Smaller projects may offer less uncertainty in their impacts, making them more robust for development.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMar 4, 2025

Dicamba drift: New use of an old herbicide disrupts pollinators

A University of Michigan study found that dicamba drift reduces pollinator abundance and visits to some weeds but not others. Weeds exposed to dicamba drift have fewer pollinators near them and reduced pollinator visits. Dicamba damages plants by mimicking the hormone auxin, impacting plant growth size, flower production, and timing.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2025

Association of statin use with 28-day mortality in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database: a retrospective cohort study

The study found that statin use was associated with reduced 28-day all-cause mortality in critically ill patients. Simvastatin had the highest reduction of mortality among patients in the ICU, particularly in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, acute kidney injury, sepsis, or myocardial infarction.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2025

First-of-its-kind AI tool can predict water quality across the U.S.

Researchers have developed a new AI tool that uses sensors and real-time data to predict water quality across the US. This tool can be applied nationwide, benefiting communities by providing water quality forecasts, streamlining operations, and informing strategies for managing turbidity in basins worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 4, 2025

New University of Minnesota research shows impact of anxiety and apathy on decision-making

A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that anxiety and apathy lead to different patterns in how people process uncertainty and make decisions. Participants made choices between exploring new options or sticking with familiar ones, revealing distinct computational mechanisms underlying these behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2025

Chinese Medical Journal article reveals the anticancer potential of poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors

PARP inhibitors have been found to be effective in treating cancers with BRCA1/2 mutations by blocking DNA repair pathways. The combination of PARPis with chemotherapeutic drugs can also improve treatment efficacy, increasing DNA damage and blocking repair processes.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 4, 2025

Proposes the idea and technical roadmap for the evolution from Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to Geographic Intelligent Agents

The research proposes a new framework for Geographic Intelligent Agents, integrating embodied intelligence and self-supervised learning. This framework enables GIS to achieve bidirectional interaction between physical and informational spaces, significantly enhancing its decision-making capabilities.

Teachers' negative emotions impact engagement of students, new study finds

A new study found that about 10% of teachers displayed notable amounts of negative emotions during instructional time, leading to reduced student enjoyment and engagement. The researchers suggest providing training on mindfulness and emotion regulation to help teachers manage negative emotions while teaching.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalContemporary Educational Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2025

SNU researchers develop world’s first technology to observe atomic structural changes of nanoparticles in 3D

The study resolves a long-standing challenge in observing nanostructures and enables real-time tracking of three-dimensional atomic structural changes in individual nanoparticles. Researchers successfully captured the precise moments when surface atoms detached, rearranged, or reattached in three dimensions.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2025

Brain waves measured during sleep predict cognitive impairment years before symptoms appear, study finds

Researchers developed an AI tool to predict cognitive impairment over the next five years by analyzing brain wave patterns during sleep using EEG. The tool identified subtle differences in brain wave patterns that predicted which participants would later be diagnosed with cognitive impairment.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2025

The first Bronze Age settlement in the Maghreb

A research study led by Hamza Benattia Melgarejo has uncovered the first Bronze Age settlement in the Maghreb, dating back to between 2200 and 600 BC. The excavations at Kach Kouch, Morocco reveal a human occupation with distinct phases of settlement, showcasing a thriving agricultural economy based on crops like barley and wheat.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalAntiquity·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2025

Study provides novel insights into GenAI feedback

Researchers found that GenAI feedback offers timely and personalized feedback, educational benefits as an essay editor and tutor, and social benefits as a supportive environment. However, challenges include limited AI skills, dependency risk, and emotional understanding limitations.

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2025

Mount Sinai researchers identify molecular glues that protect insulin-producing cells from damage related to diabetes

Researchers have discovered a novel approach to protecting insulin-producing beta cells from glucolipotoxicity, a condition linked to type 2 diabetes progression. The findings could lead to promising treatments targeting beta cell dysfunction, potentially slowing or preventing disease progression.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2025

Postoperative outcomes following preweekend surgery

Patients undergoing surgery immediately before a weekend experienced significantly higher risks of postoperative complications, hospital readmissions, and death compared to those treated after the weekend. The study emphasizes the need for improved care quality regardless of the day of the week.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 4, 2025

White blood cells use brute force to dislodge bacteria

A recent study in Nature Communications reveals that white blood cells employ a novel mechanism to dislodge bacteria from human tissues using brute force and integrin-based adhesion rings. The research, led by Xuefeng Wang, has significant implications for understanding the role of macrophages in cleaning up environmental pollutants.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2025

New consensus report on anaphylaxis: A major advancement in allergy care

A new consensus report on anaphylaxis has been released, providing updated clinical criteria and guidelines for diagnosing and treating the condition. The report includes distinct infant findings to improve management in young children, addressing a significant burden on patients and caregivers worldwide.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMar 4, 2025

Merging schools to reduce segregation

Researchers explore merging public elementary schools to reduce racial segregation, finding a median reduction of 20% in some districts. The approach also slightly increases commute times, but can halve district-wide segregation with careful planning.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMar 4, 2025

People with intellectual disabilities less likely to participate in population screening

Research from Radboud University Medical Center found that people with intellectual disabilities are significantly less likely to participate in cancer screenings for cervical, breast, and colon cancer. The results highlight the need for better alignment of screening programs with the needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateMar 4, 2025

NASA’s Hubble finds Kuiper Belt duo may be trio

A team of researchers has found a stable trio of icy space rocks in the Kuiper Belt using data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and the W. M. Keck Observatory. The Altjira system suggests that similar triples may exist, supporting a theory of solar system formation and the formation of Kuiper Belt objects.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2025

Study: Smartwatches could end the next pandemic

Researchers at Aalto University and others have developed a model that shows smartwatches can accurately detect viral infections several days before symptoms appear. This early detection can lead to significant reductions in disease transmission and could potentially stop a pandemic before it starts.

SourceAalto University·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMar 4, 2025

Royalty among us

Richard Willson, a University of Houston professor, has been elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry for his contributions to the chemical sciences. He has developed innovative methods to detect viruses and other biological threats using glow-in-the-dark nanoparticles.

Urban inequality scaling – Research indicates correlation between population size and elite wealth in urban spaces

A new study by the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology reveals striking quantitative similarities between ancient and modern cities regarding elite wealth concentration. As cities grow larger, elite wealth increases in a sublinear way, with diminishing returns on each increase in city size.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature Cities·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2025

Researchers see breakthrough with biofuel

Researchers from UC and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have made a breakthrough in understanding how alcohol damages microbes that produce it. The study reveals the primary location of toxicity is in the cell membrane, which can be stabilized to increase efficiency in biofuel production.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalLangmuir·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2025

Ending pandemics with smartwatches

Recent studies demonstrate that smartwatches can detect infections early through subtle physiological changes, prompting timely action to slow disease spread. By identifying infections sooner and reducing social contacts, wearable technology may help contain future outbreaks and prevent pandemics.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMar 4, 2025

From classical hydrodynamics to quantum hydrodynamics and back again – how the Navier-Stokes equations describe quantum systems

Researchers from the University of Warsaw have shown that Navier-Stokes equations can be generalized to quantum systems, specifically quantum liquids with restricted particle motion. This discovery opens up new possibilities for research into transport in one-dimensional quantum systems.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 4, 2025

Challenging our intuitions: How social forces shape success

A literature review reveals that our intuitions about success are often misleading, with failure being a predictor of future success and early successes reinforcing inequalities. The study also shows that persuading 'bridge' individuals in social networks is more effective at driving mass adoption than celebrity endorsements.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 4, 2025

Evidence-based strategies improve colonoscopy bowel preparation quality, performance, and patient experience

The updated recommendations from the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer aim to achieve a benchmark of 90% exams with adequate bowel preparation. The guidelines focus on optimizing bowel preparation before, during, and after colonoscopy, including patient education, dietary restrictions, and choice of preparation agent.

Heat from the sun affects seismic activity on Earth

Researchers found a correlation between solar heat and seismic activity, suggesting that incorporating solar activity predictions into detailed Earth temperature models can improve earthquake forecasts. This study sheds light on the role of solar heat in triggering earthquakes, potentially providing a more accurate prediction method.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·DateMar 4, 2025

Using computer science to save the bees

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and UC-Riverside developed a system to monitor and analyze beehive health using sensors and forecasting models. The Electronic Bee-Veterinarian (EBV) uses real-time temperature data to calculate the hive health factor, helping beekeepers take corrective actions before colony collapse.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalACM Transactions on Knowledge Discovery from Data·DateMar 4, 2025

A new family member of toroidal electromagnetic excitations

Scientists have proposed and successfully generated hybrid electromagnetic toroidal vortices, combining vectorial and scalar electromagnetic toroidal vortices. These structures integrate key features such as topological skyrmions, transverse orbital angular momentum, spatiotemporal fields, and electromagnetic vortex streets.

Nearly 90% of US adults believe inaccurately that it’s important to eat animal products to get adequate protein

A new survey found that nearly 9 out of 10 US adults incorrectly assume they need to eat meat and dairy to get enough protein. Research supports the use of plant-based diets, with studies showing equal effectiveness in building muscle mass and containing fewer artery-clogging cholesterol and saturated fat.

Texas A&M Researcher compares AI, human evaluators in swine medicine

A Texas A&M research team led by Dr. Robert Valeris-Chacin is investigating the use of artificial intelligence to detect lesions in pig lungs, a sign of pneumonia-causing bacteria. The study found that while AI is not yet as accurate as human evaluators, it exhibits similar behaviors and has perfect consistency in its scoring.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalVeterinary Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2025

Excellent high-temperature strength of (HfZrTiTaNb)C high-entropy carbide diffusion-bonded joint via in-situ alloying of Ni/Nb/Ni composite interlayer

A breakthrough in bonding technology has created high-strength HEC joints capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1000°C at relatively low bonding temperatures. The key innovation is the in-situ construction of a high-melting-point Nb₂Ni layer without generating low-melting-point compounds.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateMar 4, 2025

Nemours Children’s study demonstrates babies prenatally diagnosed with lethal osteogenesis imperfecta may survive with medical interventions

A new study by Nemours Children's Health reveals that prenatal diagnosis of OI does not accurately predict mortality, and many babies can survive with medical interventions. The study found that 16 out of 18 infants with lethal OI diagnoses survived and achieved significant mobility milestones.

SourceNemours·JournalJBMR Plus·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2025

Long-term outcomes of concomitant Cox-Maze III procedure in patients with aortic valve diseases and preoperative atrial fibrillation

The concomitant Cox-Maze procedure with aortic valve replacement in patients with atrial fibrillation showed lower rates of atrial fibrillation and higher anticoagulation discontinuation rates. Long-term outcomes were favorable, with no significant increase in early mortality or morbidity.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2025

Study reveals hope for immunotherapy as prostate cancer treatment

Researchers at University of Arizona Cancer Center found that an immunotherapy previously shown to be ineffective against prostate cancer may have therapeutic potential when combined with a specific protein inhibitor. The study's co-author, Noel Warfel, PhD, identified a way to sensitize prostate tumors to immune checkpoint inhibitors ...

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalCancer Immunology Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2025

One-third of older Canadians at nutritional risk, study finds

A new study found that one-third of Canadian adults aged 55 or older are nutritionally at risk, potentially leading to increased hospital stays and emergency visits. The SCREEN-8 tool was used to measure an individual's nutrition risk, and those with higher scores had significantly lower odds of reporting healthcare issues.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalApplied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism·DateMar 4, 2025

Giant clone of seaweed in the Baltic Sea

The discovery challenges our understanding of seaweed in a changing ocean and has implications for predicting its future. The giant clone, found to be a single species with millions of individuals, thrives in low-salinity waters and provides habitat for various marine life.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2025