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Science News for May 18, 2025


Climate change increases severity of obstructive sleep apnea

A new study published at the ATS 2025 International Conference found that rising temperatures are associated with a 45% increased likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea. The study suggests that climate change will increase the societal burden of OSA, which is expected to double in most countries over the next 75 years.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 18, 2025

More is less: a new state-multiplexed approach to quantum entanglement network

Researchers propose a polychromatic-pumped quantum light source to overcome exponential demand for spectrum in fully connected multi-user networks. The new approach enables significant reduction in wavelength channels required, with a 67% decrease projected for larger user counts.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateMay 18, 2025

USC, UCLA team up for the world’s first-in-human bladder transplant

Surgeons from USC and UCLA have successfully performed the world's first-in-human bladder transplant, offering a new treatment option for patients with terminal bladders. The procedure, which combined kidney and bladder transplants, showed promising results in improving the patient's condition and eliminating the need for dialysis.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·DateMay 18, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Wearable sensor could be used to monitor OSA treatment response

A new wearable sensor has been shown to effectively monitor obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment response, offering a bridge between consumer wearables and medical devices. The device provides continuous data collection and connects to an app for patients and healthcare providers to share information and make informed decisions.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 18, 2025

Weight-loss surgery in jeopardy

Bariatric surgery, a critical tool for combating obesity, is under threat in Australia due to skyrocketing indemnity insurance premiums. The study found that surgeons are being penalized by rising premiums, forcing some to reconsider their future in the field.

SourceFlinders University·JournalANZ Journal of Surgery·TypeSurvey·DateMay 18, 2025

Staying hydrated may protect your heart, major Bar-Ilan University study finds

A landmark Bar-Ilan University study found that individuals with high-normal sodium levels are more likely to develop hypertension and heart failure. The analysis of over 400,000 healthy adults revealed a strong association between higher sodium levels and cardiovascular risk, even among those considered otherwise healthy.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMay 18, 2025

Methotrexate as effective as prednisone in pulmonary sarcoidosis

Researchers found methotrexate to be non-inferior to prednisone in controlling pulmonary sarcoidosis after 24 weeks of treatment, but had a slower onset of efficacy. The study suggests an alternative first-line treatment for patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis who want to avoid steroid side effects.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 18, 2025

HKU chemists develop compact catenane with tuneable mechanical chirality

Researchers from HKU developed a compact catenane with tuneable mechanical chirality, offering promising applications in materials science and nanotechnology. The study showcases an innovative isostructural desymmetrisation strategy to create chiral structures.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Precision Delivery emerges as the third pillar of Precision Medicine

Precision Delivery strategies aim to 'spatially couple' therapies with target cells in vivo, enhancing effectiveness while reducing adverse effects. The technology comprises three interconnected modules: targeted delivery, microenvironment modulation, and cellular interactions.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMedComm·DateMay 18, 2025

New film highlights the hidden impact of climate change on brain health

A new short film sheds light on the urgent need to address the impact of climate change on brain health, particularly for those living with neurological conditions like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. The film features expert insights into the effects of rising temperatures on brain function and calls for research, awareness, and action.

SourceRCSI·DateMay 18, 2025

USTC develops self-positioning microdevices for adaptable spatial displaying

Researchers from USTC developed a series of CPL 3D display systems using integrated microelectronic printing and self-positioning capabilities. This technology enables real-time dynamic modulation of luminescent units, achieving high-quality stereoscopic imaging with minimized visual fatigue.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 18, 2025

Fast food, fast impact: How fatty meals rapidly weaken our gut defenses

A study found that even a few meals high in saturated fats can cause inflammation in the body, despite physical symptoms, and rapidly deplete the gut protective protein IL-22. Researchers hope to influence dietary guidelines to boost gut health and tackle chronic inflammation through natural interventions.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2025
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

A multidimensional diagnostic approach for COPD

A new COPD diagnostic approach integrates respiratory symptoms, quality of life, spirometry, and CT imaging to accurately classify individuals with the disease. This framework reveals increased risks for mortality, exacerbations, and lung function decline among those classified as having COPD.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 18, 2025

Researchers reveal structure and activation mechanism of prostaglandin E2 receptor EP1

The study reveals the structure and activation mechanism of the human EP1 receptor, a key player in pain, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. The researchers identified unique residues that form a distinct binding motif for prostaglandin E2 and uncovered subtype-specific activation mechanisms.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2025

Waitlist deaths dropped under new lung transplant allocation system

Under the new Composite Allocation Score (CAS) system, lung transplant waitlisted patients experienced lower mortality rates, particularly among the sickest patients. The CAS prioritizes medical urgency and other patient factors, leading to a 11.2% decrease in waitlist deaths from 2017 to 2023.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 18, 2025

HKUMed launches sports health initiative for a healthier society

The HKUMed Sports Health initiative aims to unite sports development, medical education, research, and clinical services to foster a healthier society. The initiative will emphasize preventive care and rehabilitation, integrating sports health education into the MBBS curriculum.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·DateMay 18, 2025
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Two out of five patients with heart failure do not see a cardiologist even once a year and these patients are more likely to die

Two out of five heart failure patients do not see a cardiologist annually, significantly increasing mortality risk. Patients who receive regular cardiology care are 24% less likely to die in the following year, with optimal visits ranging from once to four times per year depending on recent hospitalization and diuretic use.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMay 18, 2025

First human bladder transplant performed at UCLA

Surgeons from UCLA Health and Keck Medicine of USC successfully performed the world's first-in-human bladder transplant. The patient, who had lost most of his bladder due to a tumor removal, received a new kidney and bladder through the pioneering technique developed by Drs. Nima Nassiri and Inderbir Gill.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateMay 18, 2025

Waist-to-height ratio predicts heart failure incidence

A study of 1,792 participants found that a higher waist-to-height ratio was associated with an increased risk of heart failure. The research suggests that waist-to-height ratio may be a better metric than BMI to identify patients who could benefit from therapies for obesity.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateMay 18, 2025

Quantum CZ gates on a single gradient metasurface

Researchers propose a novel solution using a single gradient metasurface to realize quantum controlled-Z (CZ) gates, enabling high-density integration and multifunctionality. This design allows for both polarization-encoded and path-encoded CZ gates, with potential applications in quantum computing, communication, and sensing.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateMay 18, 2025
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Australian scientists describe 71 new Australian bee species

A team of Australian researchers has discovered 71 new native bee species belonging to the resin pot bees, expanding our knowledge of these unique insects. The discovery brings the total number of known resin pot bee species to 78, with many still unknown to science due to funding constraints.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAustralian Journal of Taxonomy·DateMay 18, 2025