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Science News for March 7, 2025


Research reveals how and why a redesigned FTC website increased consumer reporting of fraud by 28%

A redesigned Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website has led to a significant increase in consumer reporting of fraud, with complaints jumping by 28%. The new website's improved accessibility and user-friendliness have made it easier for consumers to file complaints, resulting in a greater cross-section of the population participating.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2025

Metasurface technology offers a compact way to generate multiphoton entanglement

Researchers developed a new approach using metasurfaces to generate multiphoton entanglement, simplifying the process while increasing efficiency. This breakthrough enables the creation of different types of entangled states and facilitates the fusion of multiple pairs into larger groups.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2025

Effort seeks to increase cancer-gene testing in primary care

Researchers assess two approaches to test patients' hereditary cancer risks in primary care clinics, finding the point-of-care approach increases completion rates while the direct patient engagement method boosts testing rates among those eligible. The study's goal is to develop ways to improve uptake and reduce barriers to testing.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 7, 2025

The role of ubiquitination in cancer stem cell regulation

This review highlights the critical role of ubiquitination in governing cancer stem cell (CSC) functionality, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets. The Ub system regulates key pathways essential for CSC maintenance and survival, particularly through E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalGenes & Diseases·DateMar 7, 2025

Bringing expansion microscopy to plants

Researchers have developed ExPOSE, a method that allows for the visualization of plant cells with greater resolution, enabling studies on protein and RNA location, and cellular response. The technique uses protoplasts to overcome cell wall challenges, paving the way for a powerful new toolkit in plant biology.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateMar 7, 2025

GIFs helping footballers to sleep better

A recent study by the University of Kent found that short animations known as GIFs can improve the sleep of professional female footballers. The researchers designed bespoke GIF messages with sleep hygiene tips and implemented them across a two-week period, leading to significant improvements in sleep quality, even during mid-season.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalEuropean Journal of Sport Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2025

Stretching spider silk makes it stronger

Researchers discovered that aligning protein chains and increasing hydrogen bonds through stretching make spider silk stronger, tougher, and more elastic. The study aims to design engineered silk-inspired proteins for strong, biodegradable materials like sutures and body armor.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 7, 2025

Effects of electroacupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine on gut microbiota and metabolomics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Researchers investigated the effects of electroacupuncture on gut microbiota and metabolomics in ALS patients, finding a reduction in Eisenbergiella abundance and improvements in Lachnospiraceae levels. The study suggests that this treatment may be beneficial for patients with ALS.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalFuture Integrative Medicine·DateMar 7, 2025

Earth's orbital rhythms link timing of giant eruptions and climate change

Researchers found a synchronization between geological climate archives and large-scale volcanic eruptions in the Deccan Traps, which may have caused mass extinctions. The study suggests that changes in Earth's orbit around the sun regulate the amount of incoming solar radiation, affecting global climate patterns.

Uncovering dementia’s environmental triggers

A meta-analysis from the University of Georgia's College of Public Health found that factors like air pollution and access to green spaces can significantly raise or lower dementia risk. Living near major roadways was associated with a 10% higher risk, while exposure to fine particulate matter increased risk by 9%.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAgeing Research Reviews·DateMar 7, 2025

Illinois researchers spearhead efforts to establish guidelines for personalized nutrition approaches

Researchers developed guiding principles for personalized nutrition approaches addressing users and beneficiaries, data collection and handling, methodology, and purpose. They also addressed the opportunities and challenges around data and regulatory issues in the field of personalized nutrition.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·DateMar 7, 2025

While most Americans strongly support civics education in schools, partisan divide on DEI policies and free speech on college campuses remains

A new USC report reveals that most Americans support civics education in schools, with high levels of bipartisan agreement on issues like teaching about racism and promoting critical thinking. However, sharp partisan divisions persist on issues like diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and student free speech on college campuses.

Direct exposure to mass shootings among US adults

A survey study found that US adults have regular exposure to mass shootings, which disproportionately affects younger generations and males. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the broader impacts of gun violence on public health and community well-being.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 7, 2025

Silk-inspired in situ web spinning for situated robots

Researchers at Tartu University have developed a robotics concept that redefines adaptability by weaving its body on demand, like spiders spin their webs. The robot creates custom components in situ using heated polymer solutions, enabling it to operate in complex environments and interact with its surroundings dynamically.

SourceEstonian Research Council·Journalnpj Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2025

An aerosol test for airborne bird flu

Researchers developed a prototype sensor that detects H5N1 viruses in air samples, detecting the virus at levels below an infectious dose. The sensor produced results within 5 minutes and showed over 90% accuracy compared to traditional methods, offering promise for noninvasive air monitoring.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateMar 7, 2025

Crystal lattice at a distance

Physicists use a new method to create an artificial crystal lattice by applying an electric voltage, allowing them to study the behavior of electrons in semiconductor materials. The technique enables insights into strong interactions and their effects on material properties.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPhysical Review·DateMar 7, 2025

Breakthrough cardiac regeneration research offers hope for the treatment of ischemic heart failure

Researchers have discovered a new way to stimulate cardiomyocyte proliferation, offering promising results in both human cardiac slices and live animals. This innovative approach targets calcium signaling pathways, potentially transforming the treatment landscape for patients suffering from heart failure.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2025

AI reveals new way to strengthen titanium alloys and speed up manufacturing

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory have discovered a new way to strengthen titanium alloys using AI, enabling faster production and improved mechanical properties. The breakthrough has implications for industries such as shipbuilding, aviation, and medical devices.

SourceJohns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2025

UT Health San Antonio develops drug found to more than double survival time for glioblastoma patients

A new drug formulation called Rhenium Obisbemeda has been shown to significantly extend the median survival and progression-free time of glioblastoma patients, with a median overall survival time of 17 months. The treatment, which uses convection-enhanced delivery, shows promise as a potential cure for this deadly brain tumor.

Suicide, the music industry, and a call to action

A recent study in Frontiers in Public Health documents the prevalence of suicide among musicians, highlighting occupational mortality data from England and US epidemiological data. The research emphasizes the need for evidence-based interventions addressing systemic stressors in music careers.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 7, 2025

Security veins: Advanced biometric authentication through AI and infrared

A new method of biometric authentication has been developed using hyperspectral imaging and AI to identify individuals through the unique patterns in their blood vessels on the palm of their hand. The technology shows great promise for secure personal identification and could potentially be used as a key to unlock homes.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 7, 2025