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Science News for March 5, 2025


Building bridges in physics

Researchers from Osaka University have discovered a connection between strain equations for atomic dislocations and the Biot-Savart law in electromagnetism. This link enables researchers to use a well-known formula to analyze the effects of dislocations, leading to new findings on material science.

SourceOsaka University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 5, 2025

Actuarially fair endowment funds enable equitable risk-sharing in large pools

A new framework for endowment contingency funds ensures equitable compensation among participants by pooling contributions and distributing resources upon adverse events. The framework's mathematical modeling reveals that as the pool approaches infinity, the distribution of payouts converges to traditional insurance mechanisms.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalRisk Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 5, 2025

Anti-obesity drugs benefit kidney transplant recipients with type 2 diabetes

A new study shows that anti-obesity drugs, including GLP-1 agonists, are safe and effective in treating type 2 diabetes in kidney transplant recipients. The medications were found to reduce the risk of organ failure and death, but also increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2025

Maternal cannabis use triples risk of disruptive behaviour in children

A recent study published in Psychiatry Research found that children exposed to their mother's cannabis use during pregnancy and after birth are three times more likely to develop behavioural problems. The research analysed data from over 222,600 Australian mothers and children, revealing a significant increase in the risk of childhood ...

SourceCurtin University·JournalPsychiatry Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2025

Flooding expected sooner in Hawai’i’s sinking coastal areas

A recent study by researchers at the University of Hawaii found that subsidence is a major factor in future flood exposure in low-lying areas. The study highlights that areas like Oahu's south shore are experiencing land sinking nearly 40 times faster than others, exacerbating flooding sooner than anticipated.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2025

Phosphorus doping stabilizes high-energy polymeric nitrogen at ambient pressure

Researchers have successfully stabilized high-energy polymeric nitrogen with a black-phosphorus structure using phosphorus doping. The doping process prevents the material's decomposition under low-pressure conditions, allowing for its ambient-pressure synthesis and potential applications.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalMatter and Radiation at Extremes·DateMar 5, 2025

Magnetic catalysts enhance tumor treatment via electronic density regulation

Researchers developed a novel carbon-coated nickel ferrite nanocatalyst that converts hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl radicals, increasing the efficiency of cancer therapy. The nanocatalyst also shows excellent ability to convert near-infrared light into heat, demonstrating its powerful therapeutic effect.

Lightening the load of augmented reality glasses

A team of researchers developed augmented reality glasses that receive images from projectors instead of generating them, reducing weight while maintaining high-quality visuals. The new light-receiving mechanism expands the angle at which the glasses can receive projected light, allowing users to freely move their heads.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2025

The chances of anything coming from Mars

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy method to detect microbial cells in ancient rocks, analogous to those found on Mars. The study strengthens Mars sample return protocols by providing a reliable way to assess the presence or absence of life in samples.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalInternational Journal of Astrobiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2025

Scientists unlock clues to new treatments for muscular dystrophy

Researchers at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences have made a breakthrough discovery about how tiny protein clusters form in cells. These nanoclusters play a crucial role in mechanotransduction, a process that fails in people with Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, leading to muscle weakness and heart problems.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 5, 2025

Diabetes drug could help cancer patients make better recovery

A new study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that a type of diabetes medication called SGLT2 inhibitors can significantly lower the risk of heart failure and hospital visits related to heart failure in cancer patients. The benefits were particularly promising for breast cancer patients receiving anthracy...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 5, 2025

Origami metasurfaces: Unveiling a new horizon in holographic electromagnetics - innovative breakthroughs in reconfigurable origami chiral responses

Researchers have developed origami metasurfaces with reconfigurable chiral responses, achieving holographic encryption and multiplexed holographic images. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of this technology in applications such as information security and target interference.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Science·DateMar 5, 2025

AI can open up beds in the ICU

Researchers developed an AI model that predicts ICU length of stay with high accuracy, while providing comprehensive explanations for patient outcomes. The model's predictions were found to be just as accurate as other XAI models, but its explanations were more detailed and useful for hospital staff.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateMar 5, 2025

How ‘self-silencing’ your opinion may change behavior

A recent study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that individuals with minority viewpoints may self-silence themselves in conversation, leading to changed behavior that contradicts their true opinions. The study, led by Kristin Hurst, involved 248 undergraduate students and showed that participants who felt the...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2025

Butterfly-inspired 4D printing of smart hydrogels enables precise micro-nano deformation

A Chinese research team has created a single-step femtosecond laser 4D printing technology that enables rapid and precise micro-scale deformation of smart hydrogels. The innovation mimics the hierarchical structure of butterfly wings, promising applications in flexible electronics and minimally invasive medicine.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalACS Materials Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2025

After sexual misconduct accusations, scholars’ work is cited less

A study published in PLOS One found that scholars accused of sexual misconduct experience a significant decrease in citation rates, unlike those accused of scientific misconduct. Non-academics also reported greater aversion to citing works of accused scholars with sexual misconduct accusations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2025

Study challenges conventional thought on nurse continuity in ICUs

A new study published in Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that increased nurse continuity was not associated with improved patient outcomes in ICU settings. The researchers analyzed data from 47,564 ICU patients and discovered a modest increase in mortality rates among shifts with high nurse continuity.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateMar 5, 2025

The quest for room-temperature superconductors

Physicists at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that room-temperature superconductivity may be theoretically possible within the laws of our Universe. The research reveals that fundamental constants such as electron mass and Planck constant govern the upper limit of superconducting temperature, which comfortably includes ...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of Physics Condensed Matter·DateMar 5, 2025

NC Healthy Opportunities Program helped reduce Medicaid costs

A North Carolina state-run pilot program helped Medicaid recipients address food insecurity, housing instability, and other social needs, resulting in reduced spending over time. The program showed an average monthly savings of $85 per beneficiary after approximately 8 months of enrollment.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2025

The cacao tree species (Theobroma cacao L.), from which we get chocolate, is likely about 7.5 million years old, with chloroplast genomes indicating that the current known diversity diversified during the Pliocene or Miocene epochs

Researchers analyzed chloroplast genomes of cacao trees from northern Peru to determine the species' age and diversity. The study found that the current known diversity diversified during the Pliocene or Miocene epochs, approximately 7.5 million years ago.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateMar 5, 2025

The pupil as a window to the sleeping brain

Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered that pupil dynamics is related to specific patterns of brain activity and arousal levels, contradicting previous assumptions about low arousal during sleep. The study uses pupil measurements to monitor brain activity in humans for the first time.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2025

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers use a “Trojan Horse” approach to develop new antimalarial drugs

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers have discovered a key process where malarial parasites take up human blood cell enzymes, which could provide a new approach for antimalarial treatment. The findings suggest that a human enzyme, acylpeptide hydrolase (APEH), is the major activating enzyme of multiple antimalarial prodrugs.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2025

Mount Sinai is first in the nation to perform deep brain stimulation implant as part of clinical trial for depression

The Mount Sinai Hospital has become the first in the US to perform a deep brain stimulation (DBS) implantation procedure as part of a clinical trial investigating its effectiveness for treatment-resistant depression. The study aims to gather evidence on the impact of DBS systems developed by healthcare company Abbott.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 5, 2025

Hearing triggered by molecular “spring”

Researchers from the University of Göttingen have discovered a molecular 'spring' that triggers the opening of ion channels in sensory hair cells of the ear. The findings provide new insights into how hearing begins at the molecular level and shed light on the function of ion channels.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2025

AI-driven wearable blood pressure sensor for continuous health monitoring – published in nature reviews cardiology​

A new study proposes a theoretical framework for AI-based wearable blood pressure sensors, paving the way for non-invasive and continuous cardiovascular monitoring. The review highlights clinical aspects of implementation, real-time data transmission, and signal quality degradation, and presents strategies to address technical barriers.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Reviews Cardiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2025

Hidden in plain sight: the chemical burden of personal care products

A Rutgers University study found that people are exposed to over 100 chemicals through personal care products daily, with varying health concerns across product categories. Researchers recommend practical steps for consumers to reduce exposure, such as using fewer products and choosing safer alternatives.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·TypeSurvey·DateMar 5, 2025

Research identifies key antibodies for development of broadly protective norovirus vaccine

Researchers have identified powerful antibodies capable of neutralizing a wide range of norovirus strains, paving the way for designing a broadly effective norovirus vaccine. The discovery brings us closer to a vaccine that could provide lasting protection and prevent devastating effects of norovirus outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2025

Innovations in core-shell nanoparticles advancing drug delivery and precision medicine

Core-shell nanoparticles offer effective drug encapsulation, shielding from degradation, and controlled release. This innovation enables targeted drug delivery, improving treatment outcomes and reducing side effects. The versatility of these nanoparticles allows for tailored materials to suit different therapeutic needs.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalOMICS A Journal of Integrative Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 5, 2025

Footprints of deep-sea mining

A recent study published in Nature Communications provides detailed data on the far-field spatial footprint of mining-induced plume dispersion and redeposition beyond the mining area. The research found that sediment concentrations were up to 10,000 times higher near the mining site and returned to normal levels after 14 hours.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2025

Rutgers Health researchers reveal health care disparities for people with disabilities

A Rutgers Health study reveals that people with disabilities face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare, including negative interactions with providers. The findings underscore the need for disability-competent and affirming care, particularly in light of recent policy changes impacting disabled patients.

SourceRutgers University·JournalHealth Services Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2025

Carnegie Mellon researchers discover new minimally invasive method for deep brain stimulation to treat depression and other neural conditions

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new, minimally invasive method called DeepFocus for treating depression and other neural conditions using transnasal electrical stimulation. This technique offers more accurate and efficient targeting of deep brain structures with lower risk.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateMar 5, 2025

Study reveals how agave plants survive extreme droughts

Researchers used terahertz spectroscopy to study agave plants' ability to retain water in dry environments. They found that agaves store water in a specialized leaf structure and fructans act like molecular sponges to retain moisture. This discovery could lead to better farming practices and drought-resistant crops

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateMar 5, 2025

Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) launches a second funding opportunity to accelerate novel tool development to advance Parkinson's disease research

The Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) initiative offers funding of up to $6M for research community members to develop sustainable tools for Parkinson’s disease research. The funding supports the development of preclinical models, detection reagents, and modulation agents to accelerate therapeutic research.

Korea University study investigates the link between early menopause and type 2 diabetes risk

A large-scale Korea University study investigates the link between early menopause and type 2 diabetes risk among postmenopausal women in South Korea. The research reveals that premature menopause is associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, emphasizing the critical role of hormonal changes in metabolic health.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2025

LehighU professors to host symposium seeking to enhance the reliability, inclusivity, and ethical impact of artificial intelligence in healthcare

A symposium at Lehigh University aims to explore challenges and solutions for improving AI's reliability, inclusivity and ethical impact in healthcare. The event will bring together researchers, clinicians and industry experts to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and promote people-centered AI-enabled healthcare systems.

New drug shows promise in treating liver disease caused by metabolic dysfunction, cancer

A new drug candidate has been developed to target and eliminate senescent cells in the liver, reducing fat buildup and preventing liver damage. The study demonstrates a safer and more effective approach to treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and potentially inhibiting liver cancer development.

F. W. Bert and Mae Dean Wheeler Foundation establishes Nurse Leadership Academy at MD Anderson with $9 million gift

The F. W. Bert and Mae Dean Wheeler Nurse Leadership Academy at MD Anderson aims to cultivate oncology nurse leaders through coaching, mentoring, and continuous learning opportunities. The academy will focus on empowering nurses to reach their personal and professional goals, driving industry change and improving healthcare systems.

Tip-enhanced raman scattering of glucose molecules

Researchers developed a tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy platform to accurately identify molecular Raman scattering of glucose molecules. The platform improves the electric field intensity of a nanofocusing light source by two orders of magnitude, enhancing Raman scattering efficiency.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Science·DateMar 5, 2025

Drs. Dirajlal-Fargo and Fant from Lurie Children's named co-directors of Center for Global Pediatric Health

Dr. Sahera Dirajlal-Fargo and Dr. Colleen Fant, both physicians at Lurie Children's Hospital, have been appointed as co-directors of the Center for Global Pediatric Health. The center will focus on collaboration between the Havey Institute for Global Health and Lurie Children's to improve global pediatric health outcomes.

A step forward towards green hydrogen

A team of researchers from the University of Trento has developed a new method for producing clean hydrogen through photoelectrochemistry, utilizing two-dimensional materials. The study shows that these materials can break the chemical bond of water molecules to produce hydrogen with superior performance compared to previous methods.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalCarbon·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 5, 2025

Scholars accused of sexual misconduct are cited less after allegations come to light

A study from UC San Diego found that scholars accused of sexual misconduct experienced a significant decline in citations within three years of public allegations. In contrast, those accused of scientific misconduct showed no significant decrease in citations. Academics also reported being more likely to cite research by scholars accus...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS One·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2025

Topple weeds with a PRE-POST combo

Researchers found that a combination of preemergence and postemergence herbicide treatments provided the greatest and most consistent weed control in early planted soybean. The study's results suggest that using both PRE and POST treatments can optimize weed control outcomes and yield in early planted soybeans.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2025

Melatonin protects against muscle damage and restores the proportion of fibers altered by obesity and diabetes

Researchers found that melatonin improves mitochondrial function, reduces cellular stress, and prevents programmed cell death, promoting the conversion of glycolytic to oxidative fibers in muscle tissue. This change optimizes energy production and protects against muscle deterioration caused by obesity and type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalAntioxidants·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2025

Canadian Women’s Movement Archives Collection added to the Canada Memory of the World Register

The Canadian Women’s Movement Archives Collection has been added to the Canada Memory of the World Register, preserving a unique resource for learning about feminist advocacy groups and collective resistance. The collection includes documents, photographs, posters, buttons, textiles, and audiovisual recordings highlighting key issues s...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·TypeNews article·DateMar 5, 2025

Pusan National University researchers developed an advanced AI model for accelerating therapeutic gene target discovery

The new AI model leverages hypergraphs to quickly and accurately identify therapeutic gene targets for diseases. HIT outperformed existing models in all tested metrics, demonstrating its accuracy in classifying therapeutic gene targets with great precision.

SourcePusan National University·JournalBriefings in Bioinformatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 5, 2025

SLAC scientists created the most powerful ultrashort electron beam in the world

SLAC researchers develop a laser-based shaping technique to compress billions of electrons into a length less than one micrometer, producing an electron beam with femtosecond-duration and petawatt peak power. This achievement opens up new discoveries in quantum chemistry, astrophysics, and material science.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2025

Among older women, hormone therapy linked to tau accumulation, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease

A study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that women over 70 who took hormone therapy had faster tau accumulation than those who didn't. This increase was seen in specific brain regions vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest delaying hormone therapy may lead to worse Alzheimer's outcomes.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2025

Can long-term use of anti-inflammatory medications prevent dementia?

A large prospective study found that long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications may help prevent dementia due to their anti-inflammatory effects. The study showed a 12% reduced risk of developing dementia among participants who used NSAIDs for an extended period.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 5, 2025

Body image perceptions take shape from early childhood, psychologists reveal

Researchers at Durham University found that children as young as seven years old adjust their perception of body weight after seeing pictures of low or high weight bodies. The study suggests that media influences can impact both children's and adults' body perceptions, shaping their ideas about what constitutes a healthy weight.

SourceDurham University·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2025

How are human activities affecting sea otters?

New research reveals that human disturbances near southern sea otters can increase their energetic costs, potentially affecting their health and survival. The likelihood of disturbance decreases with distance from the otters, but even small craft within 29 meters can have a significant impact.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Wildlife Management·DateMar 5, 2025

How one researcher equipped with a smartphone is creating detailed reports on the insides of stranded sea creatures

A researcher is using accessible 3D scanning technologies to document and analyze stranded marine mammals, providing precise morphometric assessments and creating interactive visualizations. This approach enhances data collection, democratizes access, and expands the impact of conservation efforts worldwide.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 5, 2025