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Science News Archive March 2025 - Page 44


Page 44 of 51

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.