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Science News for May 1, 2025


Society for Vascular Medicine publishes scientific statement on research priorities for peripheral artery disease

The Society for Vascular Medicine identifies top research priorities for peripheral artery disease (PAD) to reduce incidence and improve health outcomes. The report aims to accelerate discovery and inform funding agencies about high-priority topics in epidemiology, basic science, clinical research, and implementation studies.

SourceSAGE·JournalVascular Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 1, 2025

University of Utah Researchers Develop Explainable AI Toolkit to Predict Disease Before Symptoms Appear

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed RiskPath, an Explainable AI toolkit that predicts disease progression years before symptoms manifest. The technology analyzes health data to identify high-risk individuals with unprecedented accuracy, offering new insights into risk factor interactions and disease development.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalPatterns·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 1, 2025

Unique molecule may lead to smaller, more efficient computers

Physicists at the University of Miami have discovered a unique molecule that can conduct electricity without losing energy, paving the way for smaller and more powerful computing devices. The molecule, composed of chemical elements found in nature, offers unparalleled electrical conductance and stability under everyday conditions.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2025

Under the hood: Probing the molecular mechanisms of metastasis

A team of researchers has revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying the binding of small extracellular vesicles to host cells, which could lead to the development of more effective cancer treatments. The study found that EVs primarily bind to laminin via CD151-associated integrin heterodimers and GM1, eliciting responses in recipien...

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health: Monoclonal antibody nirsevimab provides strong real-world protection against severe RSV in infants, suggests meta-analysis

Monoclonal antibody nirsevimab provides strong real-world protection against severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in infants. The analysis found that nirsevimab reduces hospitalization rates by 83% and intensive care admissions by 81% in children aged 12 months and younger.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 1, 2025

Is your heart aging too fast?

A new MRI technique measures a person's 'functional age' of their heart, revealing how unhealthy lifestyles add years to their heart's aging process. This method has the potential to transform heart disease diagnosis and offer a lifeline to millions by catching problems early.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalOpen Heart·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2025

New research analysis predicts that reductions in Medicaid access could result in poorer health outcomes, including increased deaths

A new analysis predicts that reducing Medicaid access could lead to thousands of additional deaths among working-age Americans and disastrous financial burdens. The study found that eliminating the ACA provision expanding Medicaid access could drive millions to delay needed care.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2025

CDI scientists introduce new engineered drug candidate for Mycobacterium abscessus to save lives

Scientists have engineered a new drug candidate to target the deadly Mycobacterium abscessus infection, which is growing threat among immunocompromised patients and those with certain lung diseases. The new findings offer a promising solution for cystic fibrosis patients who are most endangered by M. abscessus infections.

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2025

Most Appropriate Pathway to Revascularize Using Angiography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve (Quantitative Flow Ratio) to Guide Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

The FAVOR III China Trial showed that machine learning-based approach identify top 10 prognostic factors for predicting 2-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after Quantitative Flow Ratio (QFR)-guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). Patients with pre-random PCI strategy changed, Left Circumflex artery (LCX) lesion...

Are hotel managers becoming obsolete in the age of AI?

A recent study by the University of Surrey suggests that hotel managers may need to adapt to AI-driven system management, shifting their focus from controlling to coaching staff. Effective communication, emotional intelligence, and creativity are key strategies for managers to navigate this transformation.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2025

Good karma for me, bad karma for you

A study by the American Psychological Association reveals that people tend to believe they've earned good things through karmic merit, while bad events in others are due to punishment. The research shows how supernatural beliefs like karma help people make sense of their experiences and feel good about themselves.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology of Religion and Spirituality·DateMay 1, 2025

Shelters at bus stops intended to provide relief from heat can actually result in higher temperatures, UTHealth Houston researchers discover

A study by UTHealth Houston found that some public transit shelter designs can trap heat and increase temperatures, posing a significant risk to bus riders' health. Providing shade through trees or strategic shelter design can mitigate this issue.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·DateMay 1, 2025

May issues of APA journals feature research on better depression care, improving mental health in disaster-affected communities, school-based prevention efforts, and more

The latest APA journal issues focus on improving depression care and mental health in disaster-affected communities. Research also explores school-based prevention efforts, with publications like the American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services featuring diverse treatment strategies.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 1, 2025

New research from Mass General Brigham guides treatment regimen for aggressive blood cancer

Researchers at Mass General Brigham found that patients with relapsed/refractory mature T- and NK-cell lymphomas had improved survival rates when treated with small molecule inhibitors as second-line therapy, followed by epigenetic modifiers as third-line therapy. The study, published in the British Journal of Haematolog, also showed t...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalBritish Journal of Haematology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2025

Nationwide study finds ambulatory surgery centers treat 15% more patients in socially vulnerable areas for cardiac interventions

A nationwide study found that ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are treating 15% more patients from socially vulnerable areas for cardiac interventions, despite lower adverse event rates. The study also showed that ASC patients had a higher rate of repeat PCI compared to hospital outpatient department patients.

Virtual pulmonary rehabilitation programs are safe, effective for people with COPD

A new report published in the COPD Foundation's journal found virtual pulmonary rehabilitation to be a safe and effective alternative for people with COPD who require supplemental oxygen. The program improved clinical outcomes and quality of life for participants, demonstrating its potential to increase access to care.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateMay 1, 2025

Studies underscore occupational health hazards for Cath lab personnel and highlight need for lead-less solutions

The ERGO-CATH study reveals traditional lead aprons cause 43% discomfort among interventional cardiologists due to high-risk positions like cervical axial rotation. Researchers advocate for novel lead-less solutions, such as the Rampart device, to shield staff from radiation exposure and prevent orthopedic pain.

Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study explores new treatment strategy for patients with glioblastoma

Researchers investigated the clinical outcomes of concurrent TTFields therapy with CRT in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, finding no significant difference in survival outcomes compared to adjuvant therapy. The study also showed comparable safety profiles for both treatment groups.

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2025

Breakthrough provides new hope for patients with knee osteoarthritis

Scientists at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences have identified a circulating microRNA called miR-126-3p as a mechanistic biomarker of knee osteoarthritis. This discovery may lead to the development of blood tests for early detection and therapeutics for slowing or stopping disease progression.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 1, 2025

Stenting improves long-term survival for patients with complete blockages undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

A retrospective study found stenting to be associated with improved long-term outcomes, including lower risk of cardiovascular death and cardiac arrest. The study suggests that stenting should be considered a safe and effective treatment option for patients undergoing chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention.

Scientists develop super strong antibodies for new cancer treatment

Researchers from the University of Southampton engineered a new type of super-strong antibody that triggers a stronger response from the immune system compared to naturally produced antibodies. The study confirms that making subtle increases in rigidity stimulates immune activity, creating a powerful immune response against disease.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2025

Long-term field experiment shows combined approach can maximise the benefits of grassland restoration

A long-term field experiment in Yorkshire Dales shows that combining different restoration techniques can enhance ecological benefits of grasslands. The study found that using combinations of fertilizers, seeds, and manure boosts plant diversity, pollination, and carbon storage while balancing hay yields for livestock.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2025

Single antiplatelet therapy reduced risk of mortality and major bleeding in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement by half

A large registry study found that single antiplatelet therapy is associated with lower six-month mortality and major bleeding risk compared to dual antiplatelet therapy after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. This new standard of care may provide better outcomes for high-risk patients with coronary artery disease.

Gamified sleep-tracking app improves sleep and reduces body mass index in some users

A recent study by the International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine found that a gamified sleep-tracking mobile application improved sleep parameters, including total sleep time and sleep latency, among participants. The study also showed that these improvements correlated with reduced body mass index (BMI) in some users.

With CCTA poised to transform PCI planning, SCAI/SCCT publish expert opinion document

The SCAI/SCCT expert opinion document presents a comprehensive framework for using CCTA to guide PCI. It outlines current evidence and future opportunities, providing practical guidance on image acquisition, interpretation, and procedural strategy. The document aims to bridge the gap between imaging and intervention, emphasizing educat...

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalJournal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 1, 2025

GLP-1 studies add to growing body of evidence demonstrating significant benefit on cardiovascular outcomes

New findings from multiple studies demonstrate the significant benefit of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on cardiovascular outcomes like heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, and peripheral artery disease. GLP-1RA use has been associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes.

New Bayesian method enables rapid detection of quantum dot charge states

A new technique using Bayesian inference has been developed to rapidly and accurately determine the charge state of electrons in semiconductor quantum dots, which is crucial for quantum computing systems. The method outperforms traditional threshold-based techniques, especially in situations with varying measurement noise.

Detecting Parkinson's disease with a simple retinal exam

Researchers from Université Laval discovered a non-invasive retinal exam can detect Parkinson's disease biomarkers, offering early diagnosis and potential intervention. The study found distinct retinal responses to light stimuli in people with Parkinson's compared to healthy individuals.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2025

Invasive rats and rainforest mammals are sharing gut microbes as urban areas grow

A study by Swansea University reveals that native and invasive small mammals are sharing their gut microbes as habitats change, highlighting the importance of microbiome similarity in adaptation to new environments. This finding has implications for understanding the impact of urbanization on wildlife health and disease spread.

SourceSwansea University·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2025

ECNU Review of Education study provides novel insights into China’s major education discursive blueprinting in 2024

The ECNU Review of Education study identifies five core policy tasks emphasized at the 2024 conference: fostering virtue through education, ensuring educational equity, integrating education with science, technology, and talent development, strengthening the teaching workforce, and advancing educational opening-up. The research also re...

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 1, 2025

STEM students: Work hard, but don’t compare yourself to others

A recent study published in Contemporary Educational Psychology found that college students who compared their effort to others were less likely to believe they had the ability to succeed in science. In contrast, women who thought they tried hard without comparing themselves to others tended to do better in class.

SourceOhio State University·JournalContemporary Educational Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2025

Researchers develop a novel vote-based model for more accurate hand-held object pose estimation

Researchers developed a novel vote-based model for accurate hand-held object pose estimation, addressing issues with existing approaches. The new framework achieves significant improvements in accuracy and robustness, enabling robots to handle complex objects and advancing AR technologies.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalAlexandria Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2025

Dr. Adithya Hari joins Pennington Biomedical as physician/nuclear oncologist, adds to center’s strategic expansion of cancer metabolism program

Pennington Biomedical welcomes Dr. Adithya Hari, MD, with expertise in nuclear oncology and translational science, strengthening cancer research and patient-centered innovation in Louisiana. He will establish a research program focused on nuclear medicine and dedicate time to direct patient care through a clinical partnership.

Consumer resistance to frozen foods driven by health fears, new study finds

A new study found that consumers' health fears and concerns over freshness are driving resistance to frozen foods, with credible information a key factor in reducing scepticism. The research highlights the importance of transparent communication about the benefits of frozen foods, particularly when they are seen as affordable options.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalBritish Food Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2025

Large, highly likely rewards can increase motivation in individuals who have recovered from depression

Previous depression survivors exhibit reduced motivation for everyday tasks but become equally motivated with large and certain rewards. This research sheds light on subtle motivational deficits persisting in recovered depression, guiding targeted treatment for sustained recovery.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 1, 2025

Researchers find neurons in the fruit fly’s brain that tell it whether it’s moving straight ahead… or not

Scientists discovered a compact neural network in fruit flies that detects self-motion and maintains direction by integrating visual input from both eyes. The study reveals how the fly's brain extracts subtle deviations from straight paths, enabling precise course corrections at high speeds.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2025

Intensifying farmland can sometimes degrade biodiversity more than expansion

A new study by University College London researchers suggests that intensifying existing farmland can degrade local biodiversity more than expanding agricultural land, depending on factors like region and crop type. The study highlights the need for sustainable intensification techniques to mitigate the impact of farming on the environ...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 1, 2025

Artificial sense of touch, improved

Scientists develop brain-computer interface that allows users to design distinct tactile experiences for different objects, enabling them to guess the object by sensation alone. The study represents an important step towards creating a neuroprosthetic that feels pleasant and intuitive to use.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 2025

New research reveals how physiology-inspired networks could improve political decision-making

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health have developed a framework for rethinking political decision-making by drawing inspiration from physiological systems. The study found that certain governance models are more effective than others in balancing democratic values, efficiency, and technical limitations.