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Science News for May 14, 2025


VR flight experience reduces fear of heights by action-based prediction of safety

A VR flight experience has been shown to reduce both physiological and subjective fear responses to heights. The degree of fear reduction correlates with the extent to which participants felt they could transition to a safe state through self-initiated actions.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

Autistic people communicate just as effectively as others, study finds

Researchers found that social difficulties faced by autistic individuals are primarily due to differences in communication styles, rather than a lack of social ability. Autistic people often communicate more directly, but struggle with reading social cues, leading to varying conversation dynamics compared to non-autistic peers.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

Satellite data from ship captures landslide-generated tsunami for the first time

Scientists have detected landslide-generated tsunamis using satellite data from a ship's receiver, providing life-saving information to coastal communities. The study shows the potential for this approach to improve tsunami detection and warning, confirming its effectiveness in detecting localized ground movement caused by landslides.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 14, 2025

These structures shrink when pulled

The study, published in PNAS, discovered a new type of behavior called 'countersnapping' where structures shrink when pulled. This finding has exciting applications in soft robotics, vibration control systems, and wearable exosuits, enabling one-way sliding motion, materials that switch stiffness on demand, and structures that dampen e...

SourceAMOLF·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

No car, no problem: Unlikely car-free families

A new study from the Hebrew University explores middle-class parents in Israel who choose to live car-free due to personal values like promoting children's independence and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These 'outlier' families offer valuable insights into reducing society's dependence on private vehicles, highlighting instrumental ...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2025

Following the folds – with quantum technology

Researchers developed advanced quantum components using niobium nitride CCAs, which feature high kinetic inductance and are well-suited for superconducting applications. The topology of the CCAs plays a crucial role in their function, enabling new possibilities for quantum simulations and controlled model systems.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2025

Is it time to redefine the public health workforce? New research proposes a broader, more inclusive approach

A new paper calls for a redefinition of the public health workforce, recognizing professionals outside government agencies who contribute to public health. An intersectional framework proposes two tiers: Essential Public Health Services and Foundational Public Health Services.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 14, 2025

Blood type a identified as potential breast cancer risk factor

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that individuals with blood type A have a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those with blood type O. The research, which pooled data from over 13,000 breast cancer patients and 717,000 controls, suggests an 18% increased risk associated with blood type A.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 14, 2025

A new technique to use generative AI to design RNA

A new generative AI technique allows for the design of RNA molecules with improved functions, opening up potential for novel therapeutics and diagnostics. The SANDSTORM and GARDN systems enable the prediction and generation of RNA sequences tailored for specific tasks in cells or diagnostic assays.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 14, 2025

Chimpanzees use medicinal leaves to perform first aid

In a groundbreaking study, scientists observed chimpanzees in Uganda using medicinal leaves to clean and treat their own and others' wounds. The research provides insight into the cognitive and social foundations of human healthcare behaviors, highlighting the potential for natural remedies and community care.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2025

Daratumumab may help cancer patients with low physical function to live longer, study finds

A new study found that patients with lower physical function at treatment initiation receive the greatest survival benefit from daratumumab-based therapy, with a 47% reduced risk of death. In contrast, patients with high physical function show less pronounced benefits and experience increased cancer progression risks.

SourceUniversity of Sharjah·JournalEuropean Journal Of Haematology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 14, 2025

Gelada monkeys understand complex "conversations" involving distress calls and prosocial comforting responses, exhibiting surprise when such vocal exchanges are manipulated to violate their expectations

In a study published in PLOS, gelada monkeys demonstrated an understanding of complex vocal exchanges involving distress calls and prosocial comforting responses. The monkeys exhibited surprise when such vocal exchanges were manipulated to violate their expectations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateMay 14, 2025

Groups of AI agents spontaneously form their own social norms without human help, suggests study

A study suggests that groups of artificial intelligence language models can self-organise into societies, reaching consensus on linguistic norms, and are prone to tipping points in social convention. Collective biases emerge between agents through interactions, a blind spot in most current AI safety work.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 14, 2025

Rediscovering the first known cellular receptor

Researchers have reexamined the Ashwell-Morell receptor's functions using innovative glycoengineering techniques, clarifying its roles in sepsis and inflammation control. The study reveals that the receptor can bind to a specific type of protein glycan chain, which was previously thought to be incompatible with binding.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

An ink that boosts coral reef settlement by 20 times

Researchers have engineered a bio-ink that can promote coral larvae settlement and restore coral reefs. The ink, dubbed SNAP-X, slowly releases chemical cues into seawater, attracting coral larvae and encouraging them to settle on the reef. Testing showed that larvae were 20 times more likely to settle on substrates sprayed with SNAP-X.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

Multi-directionally oriented collagen tissue fabrication achieved using 3D printing

Researchers from Yokohama National University have developed a method to fabricate complex oriented tissues with multiple directionality using 3D printing. This technique utilizes flow to orient collagen fibers and cells, allowing for the creation of fine, micro-oriented structures in both horizontal and vertical directions.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateMay 14, 2025

How the brain allows us to infer emotions

Researchers have identified the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) as the basis of emotional inference in animals and humans. In a study published in Nature, Xiaowei Gu and Joshua Johansen found that rats can learn inferred emotions by associating a neutral stimulus with an unpleasant experience.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateMay 14, 2025

Astronomers take a second look at twin star systems

Astronomers have identified nearly 600 edge-on binary star systems using Gaia DR3 catalogue data, which could facilitate the discovery of new planets and compare planet formation across stars in the same system. The study suggests that certain orientations of twin star systems provide critical information about planet formation.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 14, 2025

Scientists discover new way the brain learns

Researchers identified a dual learning system in the brain that enables habits to form and provides a scientific basis for breaking bad habits. The study suggests that replacing an action consistently can lead to the APE system forming a new habit, offering a potential strategy for overcoming addictions.

SourceSainsbury Wellcome Centre·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

New marine-biodegradable polymer decomposes by 92% in one year, rivals nylon in strength

A Korean research team has developed a high-performance polyester-amide polymer that decomposes by over 92% in one year under real marine conditions while maintaining strength and flexibility comparable to nylon. This material is applicable to various uses, including textiles, fishing nets, and food packaging.

Dark matter formed when fast particles slowed down and got heavy, new theory says

Researchers at Dartmouth College propose a new theory on the origin of dark matter, suggesting it could have formed from high-energy massless particles that rapidly condensed into cold, heavy particles. The theory can be tested using existing observational data, including the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 14, 2025

Multiple defects renovation and phase reconstruction of reduced-dimensional perovskites via in situ chlorination for efficient deep-blue (454 nm) light-emitting diodes

Researchers propose a novel in-situ chlorination post-treatment method to renovate defects and reconstruct phase structure, enhancing optoelectronic performance. Deep-blue LEDs achieved an external quantum efficiency of 6.17%, demonstrating faster carrier transport and increased operational stability.

Differences in weight loss among ethnicities points to need to look at socio-economic issues, York University study suggests

A new study by York University suggests that the broad ethnic categories used in clinical settings may mask differences in sub-ethnic groups. The findings indicate that socio-economic factors play a significant role in weight loss disparities among Black, Middle Eastern, Latin, and South Asian communities.

SourceYork University·JournalClinical Obesity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2025

Epigenetics predicts the aggressiveness of Burkitt Lymphoma, a common pediatric tumor in developing countries

Researchers identified two distinct epigenetic profiles in Burkitt Lymphoma, one associated with a favorable clinical course and the other with early relapse and shorter survival. This discovery has implications for treatment strategies and may lead to personalized medicine approaches.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

Australia’s oldest prehistoric tree frog hops 22 million years back in time

A new species of ancient tree frog, Litoria tylerantiqua, has been discovered in Australia, challenging previous estimates of when Australian and South American tree frogs separated. The fossil record indicates that the separation occurred approximately 22 million years ago, rather than 33 million years ago as previously thought.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 14, 2025

New global model shows how to bring environmental pressures back to 2015 levels by 2050

A new global model shows that targeted interventions across emissions, diets, food waste, and water efficiency could halter environmental degradation by 2050. The study identifies five measures to reduce transgression: climate mitigation, food-consumption change, reduced food waste, improved water-use efficiency, and improved nitrogen-...

SourceUtrecht University·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 14, 2025

Mass General Brigham researchers pinpoint ‘sweet spot’ for focused ultrasound to provide essential tremor relief

Researchers at Mass General Brigham have pinpointed a 'sweet spot' for focused ultrasound treatment to provide significant relief from essential tremor. The study identified a specific subregion of the brain's thalamus that can result in optimal and long-lasting tremor improvements while reducing side effects. With this breakthrough, p...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2025

Evaluation of in-vitro activity of ceftazidime-avibactam against carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria: A cross-sectional study from Pakistan

This study found that ceftazidime-avibactam is ineffective against most carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacterial strains, with only a small proportion showing susceptibility. The results suggest that alternative strategies are needed to control antimicrobial resistance in Pakistan.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology·DateMay 14, 2025

Quantum simulation of chemical dynamics achieved for the first time using Sydney quantum computer

Scientists successfully simulated real chemical interactions with light, marking a major breakthrough in applying quantum computing to chemistry and medicine. This achievement holds promise for understanding complex light-driven phenomena, such as photosynthesis and cancer research.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

Tech meets tornado recovery

Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a new AI model to speed up building damage assessments and predict recovery times after a tornado. The model uses remote sensing, deep learning, and restoration models to generate damage assessments in under an hour, providing actionable intelligence for first responders and policymakers.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 14, 2025

Models predict severity of pneumonia in kids to help guide treatment

Researchers developed pragmatic models that accurately distinguish between mild, moderate and severe pneumonia in children based on evidence from 73 EDs across 14 countries. The new predictive tools are intended to complement clinician judgement in deciding whether a child’s pneumonia warrants hospitalization or intensive care.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateMay 14, 2025

Stranger things: How Netflix teaches economics

A new study by UBC Okanagan professor Dr. Julien Picault explores how Netflix content can help students grasp economic concepts like cartels, creative destruction, and inflation. An online resource called EcoNetflix offers teaching guides built around clips from popular shows, featuring clear connections to economics concepts.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalThe Journal of Economic Education·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 14, 2025

Academy award-nominated movie helps researchers identify brain region biased towards drug cues and treatment effects in individuals with heroin use disorder

A study published in Brain found that the orbitofrontal cortex responds more strongly to drug content than other stimuli, even after treatment and abstinence. The researchers used an Academy Award-nominated movie to assess brain responses in individuals with heroin use disorder and healthy controls.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalBrain·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2025

Dental flosser for at-home stress monitoring

Researchers developed a dental floss pick with a built-in sensor that accurately measures cortisol levels in saliva, mimicking blood levels. The device takes around 10 minutes to report results and has been shown to be sensitive enough to detect small increases in cortisol indicative of stress.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 14, 2025

New gel could boost coral reef restoration

Researchers at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography developed a gel called SNAP-X that releases chemical cues encouraging coral larvae settlement. In laboratory tests, SNAP-X increased coral settlement by up to 20 times compared to untreated surfaces, offering a promising solution for coral reef restoration efforts.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateMay 14, 2025

Protons on the move

The BASE collaboration successfully relocated protons outside an antimatter laboratory using an autonomous Penning trap system. The technology enables low-energy antiprotons to be transported to high-precision laboratories, allowing for stringent matter-antimatter comparisons.

New insights into the energy balance of brain neurons

A study by Leipzig University researchers has provided high-resolution insights into the energy balance of brain neurons during spreading depolarizations. The findings show that even in 'healthy' brain tissue, these waves cause a temporary drop in ATP levels.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

Cannabis use among older adults

A cross-sectional study found that more than one-third of veterans aged 65-84 who used cannabis in the past 30 days had a cannabis use disorder. Routine health screening for cannabis use is necessary to identify older adults with cannabis use. Frequent and inhaled cannabis use was associated with higher odds of any cannabis use disorder.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 14, 2025

An experimental immunotherapy reverses heart energy damage caused by cholesterol

Researchers developed an experimental immunotherapy capable of reversing heart energy production damage caused by cholesterol accumulation. The therapy targets the LRP1 receptor, preventing cholesterol from accumulating in mitochondrial membranes and restoring cellular energy production.

SourceInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau (Sant Pau Research Institute)·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

Researchers gain insights into the brain’s ‘dimmer switch’

Researchers have gained insights into the brain's locus coeruleus and peri-LC neurons, revealing their role in regulating arousal, attention and response to stress and fear. The study provides a detailed roadmap for studying these key players, potentially opening doors for new treatments for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

Programmable electron-induced color router array

A new programmable color router array is designed to manipulate photon momentum in multi-frequency channels, enabling efficient spectrum utilization and encryption. The device utilizes dichromatic photon momentum and beam intensity to promote information processing ability, increasing capacity based on frequency-dependent angular measu...

Amorphous Ni-Fe Oxide: A high-performance, low-cost OER electrocatalyst for AEMWEs

Researchers developed amorphous Ni-Fe mixed oxides using sol-gel method to enhance oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity and operational durability in anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs). The material demonstrated optimal OER performance, achieving a low overpotential of 291 mV and remarkable stability.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

Loss of Medicare Part D subsidy linked to higher mortality among low-income older adults

A study by University of Pennsylvania and Harvard researchers found that losing the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy is associated with significant increases in mortality among low-income Medicare beneficiaries. The risk of death was 4-22% higher, with greater risks for those using HIV antiretroviral therapy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 14, 2025

UPF and the Royal Veterinary College make the first 3D reconstructions of cat hearts to compare them with humans’

Scientists at UPF and the Royal Veterinary College have generated 3D reconstructions of cat hearts to analyze thrombi formation. The study reveals a similar risk pattern between cats and humans, highlighting the importance of heart morphology in blood clotting.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 14, 2025

Should we protect non-native species? A new study says maybe

A new study finds that over a quarter of naturalised plant species worldwide are threatened in parts of their native range, raising questions about global conservation efforts. The researchers argue for a nuanced approach to evaluating non-native species, acknowledging both risks and potential conservation opportunities.

Too much sleep can hurt cognitive performance, especially for those with depression, UT Health San Antonio study finds

Long sleep duration is associated with poorer global cognition and specific cognitive abilities like memory, visuospatial skills and executive functions. This association is strongest in people with depressive symptoms, regardless of antidepressant usage.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalAlzheimer’s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2025

$500,000 Gruber Neuroscience Prize awarded to Edward Chang for groundbreaking discoveries on the neural coding of speech comprehension and production

Dr. Edward F. Chang's pioneering research has revealed how the human brain encodes speech sounds and movements, leading to the development of a successful speech neuroprosthesis that restores communication in paralyzed individuals. His work combines high-precision neurosurgery with advanced neuroscience and brain mapping.

Abeona Therapeutics® and Lurie Children's open first center for ZEVASKYNTM gene therapy to treat wounds in painful skin disorder

Lurie Children's is now a Qualified Treatment Center (QTC) for ZEVASKYN, the first and only cell-based gene therapy for patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). This therapy promises to provide long-term healing of wounds, reduction in pain and reduced risk of infection.

PolyU research reveals sharp depletion in soil moisture, driving land water to flow into the oceans and contributing to a rise in sea levels

A PolyU research team found a rapid decline in global soil moisture over the past 40 years, resulting in significant water loss and sea level rise. The study suggests that precipitation deficits, global warming, and changing rainfall patterns are key factors behind this depletion.

Non-local metasurface generates highly efficient transmission vortex by intrinsic singularity and generalized Kerker effect

Researchers propose a non-local metasurface that combines the generalized Kerker effect with non-local collective interactions to generate highly efficient and directional vortex beams. The design leverages intrinsic dipole singularities, non-local coupling, and Bragg scattering to achieve high-performance results.

SourceChinese Society for Optical Engineering·JournalPhotoniX·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

Planting a mosaic of shrub fringes

A comprehensive study examines the effects of shrub fringe management on biodiversity, revealing that open and semi-open edges with high habitat quality support the highest species richness. Landowners are advised to provide sufficient space for these habitats to protect rare and endangered species.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2025

Successful experiments at GSI/FAIR uncover new island of asymmetric fission

An international team identified a new region of heavy, neutron-deficient isotopes where nuclear fission is predominantly governed by an asymmetric mode. The research found increasingly asymmetric fission in these nuclei, characterized by light krypton fragments, marking the discovery of a new island in the nuclear chart.

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

Low-viscosity oil boosts PDMS SlipChip: Enabling safer cell studies and gradient generation

Scientists at Toyohashi University of Technology created a more reliable PDMS SlipChip using low-viscosity silicone oil, allowing for smoother channel operation and better cell compatibility. The improved device enables safer cell studies and concentration gradient generation, opening new avenues for biomedical research.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalMicromachines·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

Highly dispersed MoOx-Ru/C bimetallic catalyst for efficient hydrogenolysis of esters

A new MoOx-Ru/C bimetallic catalyst has been developed for the efficient hydrogenolysis of esters to alkanes, exhibiting high conversion rates and selectivity. The catalyst's unique synergistic effect between Ru and MoOx species promotes the conversion of esters into alkanes without carbon loss.

What behavioral strategies motivate environmental action?

Researchers tested 17 behavioral strategies to overcome barriers to climate action, finding that emphasizing relevance and future thinking are most effective. Interventions like letter-writing and brainstorming short-term benefits increased intentions to act on both individual and collective levels.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025