Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive March 2025 - Page 9


Page 9 of 51

Mini rolling robot takes virtual biopsies

Researchers developed a tiny magnetic robot that can take 3D scans from deep within the body, enabling 'virtual biopsies' for non-invasive cancer diagnosis and treatment. The device uses high-frequency imaging to create detailed 3D reconstructions, allowing clinicians to diagnose and treat colorectal cancer in a single procedure.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2025

Open-label placebos improve premenstrual syndrome

A study found that open-label placebos alleviated symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women, with effects greatest when provided with additional information. The placebo effect played a significant role, accompanied by improved self-efficacy and reduced symptom intensity.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalBMJ Evidence-Based Medicine·DateMar 26, 2025

City of Hope-led study demystifies tumor formation’s two-step process — a foundational understanding needed to prevent cancer

Researchers at City of Hope discovered that mutated cells can persist for years without becoming cancer and require an additional inflammatory push for malignancy to occur. Chronic inflammation is a key trigger for tumor formation, making it essential to avoid situations like high-fat diets and obesity.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 26, 2025

Researchers link exosomes to blood-brain barrier dysfunction in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea

A new study found that exosomes from children with pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) disrupted blood-brain barrier integrity, leading to cognitive impairments. The research suggests a broader impact on barrier function and identifies potential biomarkers for OSA-related neurocognitive dysfunction.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalExperimental Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 26, 2025

Cleaning microplastics

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a system that actively removes microplastics from water in a single cycle. The microcleaners, made from biodegradable materials, use the Marangoni effect to self-disperse and capture microplastics, which are then collected by skimming.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2025

Daily physical activity, even at light intensities, linked to lower cancer risk

A new NIH study found that individuals who engaged in light- and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity daily physical activity had a lower risk of cancer than those who were more sedentary. The researchers also discovered that higher daily step count was associated with a reduced risk of cancer, regardless of the pace of steps.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMar 26, 2025

Introducing 'Between a Rocket & a Hard Space': the ISS National Lab’s new podcast exploring the future of space innovation

The ISS National Lab's new podcast, 'Between a Rocket & a Hard Space', offers exclusive insights from scientists, engineers, and visionaries on the future of space research. The first episode explores the groundbreaking science happening on the International Space Station, including its impact on medicine, technology, and industry.

Most older adults say Medicare and other insurance should cover obesity drugs, and many show interest in using them

A large majority of older Americans believe health insurance – including Medicare – should cover anti-obesity medications. Nearly 37% of respondents met the criteria for overweight and 36% for obesity. Medicare currently covers a drug used for weight management but only in people with diabetes or a history of heart attack or stroke.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateMar 26, 2025

Researchers achieve quantum computing milestone, realizing certified randomness

A team of researchers from JPMorganChase, Quantinuum, and the University of Texas at Austin have successfully demonstrated certified randomness using a 56-qubit quantum computer. This achievement has significant implications for cryptography, fairness, and privacy, as it enables the generation of truly random numbers that cannot be man...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2025

UT Health San Antonio-led research discovers a way to slow or block recurrence of glioblastoma

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have discovered a way to delay or even block recurrence of the deadliest brain cancer after radiation by targeting senescent cells with experimental 'senolytic' drugs. This approach shows promise in preventing tumor growth and improving patient survival.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2025

Smart insoles that could change the game for sports and health

Researchers at the University of Portsmouth have developed a smart insole system that accurately measures ground reaction forces, providing real-world movement analysis. The technology outperforms existing wearable technologies and has potential applications in sports performance, injury prevention, and healthcare monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalIntelligent Sports and Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 26, 2025

Using LLMS to understand how autism gets diagnosed

Researchers used large language models to analyze healthcare records of over 1,000 children with suspected autism, finding that current criteria prioritize socialization skills and not enough on interests and natural behaviors. The study suggests revising the criteria to focus more on repetitive behaviors and special interests.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalCell·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 26, 2025

The devastating human impact on biodiversity

A study by Eawag and the University of Zurich found that human impacts on biodiversity are widespread and severe, with average species declines of 20% across all biogeographic regions. The composition of species communities is also shifting, with environmental pollution and habitat changes having a particularly negative impact.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 26, 2025

Remember ebola?

Researchers at Kyoto University have captured the first high-resolution structure of Ebola's nucleocapsid using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. This visualization reveals sophisticated interactions between structural components, including VP24 and NP proteins, which govern virus assembly, RNA synthesis, and transport.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2025

Chan Zuckerberg Initiative announces new biohub to develop breakthrough imaging technologies to observe cells in action

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative's CZ Biohub San Francisco and CZ Imaging Institute will join forces to develop novel imaging technologies that provide entirely new insights into human biology. This new Biohub aims to illuminate the dynamic architecture of living systems, making what was invisible visible, measurable and understandable.

Blurring the line between rain and snow: the limits of meteorological classification

Researchers evaluate traditional precipitation phase partitioning methods and machine learning models, revealing near-freezing temperatures create inherent limitations in distinguishing between rain and snow. Accurate identification is critical for weather forecasting, hydrologic modeling, and climate research.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 26, 2025