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Science News for May 19, 2025


Maintaining balance in the immune system

Research from Babraham Institute uncovers importance of RNA binding proteins in regulatory T cell function. The study sheds light on how the immune system maintains balance and forms foundation for understanding age-related inflammation.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2025

Exploring the link between overlapping chronic conditions and heart failure in seniors

A study of 1,113 patients aged 65+ found that nearly half had two or three overlapping cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic conditions, leading to poorer physical function and higher mortality rates. The findings support the need for early identification of vulnerable individuals and risk stratification without advanced diagnostics.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2025

New evidence links tire chemicals to chronic liver and brain toxicity

Researchers found that prolonged exposure to N-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) and its oxidation product 6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ) disrupts lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, causes liver injury, and alters behavioral patterns in zebrafish. The study suggests that transformation products may pose even greater risks.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateMay 19, 2025

Using sound waves to create a smart T-shirt

The ETH Zurich researchers have developed SonoTextiles, a novel technology that uses acoustic waves to measure touch, pressure, and movement in fabrics. This allows for accurate health monitoring, such as tracking breathing patterns, with minimal power consumption and high precision.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Electronics·DateMay 19, 2025

Decoding fear: KAIST identifies an affective brain circuit crucial for fear memory formation by non-nociceptive threat stimulus​

A KAIST research team has identified a key neural pathway involved in forming fear memories triggered by psychological threats. The pIC-PBN circuit processes psychological distress and drives fear memory formation, offering a significant advance in understanding how psychological distress is processed.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 19, 2025

Interfacial molecular anchor enhances performance of ambient all-bladed perovskite solar cells

Researchers introduced tetramethylammonium chloride to suppress SnO2 nanoparticle agglomeration, reducing pinhole defects and improving colloidal stability. The molecular anchor strategy bridged the performance gap between laboratory-scale and large-area devices, achieving high efficiency and durability.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJoule·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 19, 2025

Limited evidence suggests calorie restriction may slightly reduce depressive symptoms in people with elevated cardiometabolic risk

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that calorie restrictive and low-fat diets may reduce depression symptoms in those with high cardiometabolic risk. However, the evidence is limited, and researchers recommend further exploration of dietary interventions alongside first-line treatment for depression and/or anxiety.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMay 19, 2025

How to swim without a brain

A team of scientists simulated the movement of microorganisms in liquids without a central control system. They found that simple rules and decentralized control can lead to efficient swimming behavior, potentially enabling nanobots to transport drugs or perform other complex tasks.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 19, 2025

With evolutionary AI, scientists find hidden keys for better land use

The AI system uses evolutionary computing to find optimal policy solutions that balance trade-offs between carbon storage, economic disruptions, and environmental benefits. It recommends nuanced approaches to land-use strategies, such as replacing crop land with forest, rather than simply converting all land into forests.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEnvironmental Data Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 19, 2025

Luminous magnets

Researchers visualized new quantum phenomenon: luminous excitons appearing on surface of antiferromagnetic semiconductor CrSBr. Excitons are created when photons strike the material, absorbing light and storing energy.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Materials·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2025

The US has a new most powerful laser

The US National Science Foundation-funded ZEUS facility at the University of Michigan has roughly doubled the peak power of any other laser in the country with its first official experiment reaching 2 petawatts. Research at ZEUS will have applications in medicine, national security, materials science and astrophysics.

Scientists discover NELL2’s dual role: boosting bone formation while curbing fat accumulation

Scientists have discovered NELL2's dual role in boosting bone formation and inhibiting fat accumulation in osteoporosis, promoting osteoblast differentiation and suppressing adipocyte formation. The study reveals NELL2's activation of the FAK/AKT signaling pathway through interactions with Fibronectin 1 and integrins.

A groundbreaking discovery of a common master switch to cure Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other brain-related diseases

Davis Joseph's groundbreaking discovery identifies a common master switch that can cure multiple brain-related diseases with a single method. The unified theory establishes that regulating axon-based 4E-BP2 protein deamidation can control disease progression.

SourceFLOGEN Star Outreach·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 19, 2025

MSK Research Highlights May 19, 2025

Researchers at MSK uncovered a key signaling molecule involved in the body's immune response against leptomeningeal metastasis. A new grading system to assess thrombocytopenia risk after CAR T cell therapy was also developed. Additionally, a statistical method called UnitedMet estimates metabolic characteristics from challenging clinic...

DGIST develops high-performance piezoelectric fiber sensor for real-time landslide detection

Researchers developed a new nanomaterial and fiber structure that improves power output of piezoelectric fibers, generating enough electricity to light LEDs or run small devices. The fiber sensor can detect external forces and transmit data wirelessly for real-time landslide detection systems.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 19, 2025

‘Every single species is a unique product of evolution, like a work of art’: how Dr Kit Prendergast champions bees and biodiversity

Native bee species play diverse roles in Australian ecosystems, from pollination services to hosting parasitoids and parasites. Dr. Prendergast's research emphasizes the importance of conserving these unique species and provides guidance on how individuals can support their protection.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Bee Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2025

Whisker whisperers

Research reveals that mouse whiskers can 'hear' the world by generating sounds that are encoded in the auditory cortex. The study shows that mice use these sounds to recognize objects, even when touch sensation is abolished.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 19, 2025

Sophisticated data analysis uncovers how city living disrupts ADHD's path to obesity

A study using complex systems analysis found that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) contributes to obesity indirectly by reducing physical activity. Researchers identified potential intervention points in cities, including access to mental health services and food insecurity, which can be targeted through urban planning.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalPLOS Complex Systems·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 19, 2025

Tiny microlaser sensors offer supercharged biosensing

Researchers have developed a 3D micro-printed sensor that uses whispering-gallery-mode microlasers to detect biomarkers with attogram per milliliter sensitivity. The sensors' unique Limacon-shaped design improves efficiency and enables on-chip integration, making them suitable for high-performance lab-on-a-chip devices.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateMay 19, 2025

Can police be trained to be fairer? A groundbreaking study says yes

A groundbreaking study found that training police officers in procedural justice leads to notable changes in their behavior, including increased patience, neutrality, and transparency. The results suggest that this approach can be a high-impact, low-cost strategy for improving public trust and community relationships.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2025

Efficient hybrid environment expression for look-and-step behavior of bipedal walking

Researchers at Beijing Institute of Technology developed an efficient method to represent the environment as a hybrid of feasible planar regions and heightmaps. The method accelerates planar region extraction and ensures walking safety for biped robots, completing the perception process in 0.16 s per frame.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateMay 19, 2025

Unveiling boracycles: HKUST chemists develop a new approach to synthesizing strained boracycles

Researchers from HKUST have developed an efficient synthetic approach to four-membered boracycles, unlocking their potential in catalysis, synthesis, and materials science. This advancement enables the facile synthesis of previously inaccessible boracycles, which may lead to valuable applications.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2025

DGIST’s discovery of proteins that affect brain signaling opens precision treatment possibilities

The DGIST research team has identified a molecular mechanism that coordinates the operation of NMDA glutamate receptors, key to regulating excitatory synapse function in the brain. This discovery provides clues for developing treatments for brain diseases such as autism spectrum disorders.

Blood eosinophil count is associated with pseudomonas aeruginosa infection but not the efficacy of inhaled tobramycin (Eur Respir J)

A study found that elevated blood eosinophil counts correlate with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in bronchiectasis patients. Inhaled tobramycin reduced symptom burdens and bacterial load without affecting BEC levels, suggesting a targeted therapeutic approach

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 19, 2025

Clay can help make for tomorrow’s environmentally friendly quantum technologies

Scientists have found a 2D semiconductor clay material with antiferromagnetic properties, which could be used in sustainable materials and technology. The material is cheap, easily available, and stable, making it an exciting discovery for the development of environmentally friendly quantum technologies.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·Journalnpj 2D Materials and Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2025

Modification makes immunotherapy for blood cancer even more effective

Researchers at A.C.Camargo Cancer Center developed a more powerful version of CAR-T cells by inhibiting the epigenetic alterations that made them inefficient against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This modification resulted in improved treatment efficacy, tumor elimination, and reduced side effects.

Level-ground and stair adaptation for hip exoskeletons based on continuous locomotion mode perception

A new study presents a learning-free method for hip exoskeleton control, achieving seamless adaptation to continuous locomotion modes without user-specific data training. The proposed three-layer control framework ensures smooth transitions by predicting terrain changes before the end of transition periods.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateMay 19, 2025

Study links dementia care gaps in Quebec to socio-economic status

A new study found stark differences in dementia care received by people in richer and poorer neighborhoods in Quebec. People in more deprived areas were more likely to be hospitalized, receive inappropriate medications, and die within a year of diagnosis, while those in wealthier neighborhoods had more visits to cognition specialists.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Behavior & Socioeconomics of Aging·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 19, 2025

Investment risk for energy infrastructure construction is highest for nuclear power plants, lowest for solar

A new study from Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability finds that over 60% of energy infrastructure projects worldwide run over budget and take longer than expected to complete. Nuclear power plants are the worst offenders, with an average construction cost overrun of 102.5%. In contrast, solar energy and wind farms hav...

SourceBoston University·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateMay 19, 2025

Study finds that testosterone gel use in women recovering from hip fracture does not improve outcomes compared to supervised exercise alone

A recent multi-center randomized controlled trial found that testosterone gel does not improve physical function compared to exercise alone in older women recovering from a hip fracture. The study, STEP-HI, is the largest such study of testosterone administration to women following a fracture of the hip.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 19, 2025

DGIST has linked brain inflammation to repetitive behaviors in autism and obsessive–compulsive disorder and confirmed the ability of commercially available treatments to suppress symptoms

A study by DGIST researchers found that brain inflammation leads to overactivity in NMDA glutamate receptors, causing repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Administering memantine, a treatment for Alzheimer's disease, reduced symptoms and restored normal activity.

Researchers discover why donor hearts fail in cold storage — and how to prevent it

A new molecular process discovered by researchers contributes to the failure of donor hearts after transplant, but a therapy using medication for high blood pressure has been found to reduce damage. The treatment significantly improves the function of donor hearts and increases their distance in cold storage.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2025

Innovative metal-free method upcycles PET waste into valuable chemicals

Researchers have developed a novel metal-free catalytic approach for upcycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste into valuable products like dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) and ethylene carbonate (EC). The method achieves impressive yields under mild conditions, showcasing its potential for large-scale industrial implementation.

SourceNanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE·JournalEco-Environment & Health·DateMay 19, 2025

Oleanolic acid restores drug sensitivity in sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma: evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies

A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology found that oleanolic acid can restore drug sensitivity to sorafenib in sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The compound inhibited cell invasion, migration, and upregulated fabp3 expression, leading to restored sensitivity to sorafenib.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateMay 19, 2025

Study finds Reform voters more datable than Tories

A new study from the University of Southampton and Harvard University found that Reform voters are more likely to be matched on dating apps than Conservative voters. Left-wing voters also had an advantage in finding romantic matches, suggesting a polarized society where centre-right voters may be more comfortable with those who disagre...

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Journal of Politics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2025

NRL hosts Innovation Day for Industry

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) showcased its six emerging technologies, including materials and energy innovations, electronics advancements, and tropical cyclone prediction methods. Industry attendees gained valuable insights into NRL's research efforts and networking opportunities.

How did plants evolve the ability to transport massive amounts of protein into seed vacuoles?

Researchers discovered that the plant-specific vacuolar transport system arose from molecular innovations in VAMP7, including amino acid insertions and acidification. This pathway enabled massive accumulation of storage proteins in seed protein storage vacuoles, making it a crucial adaptation for plant growth.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2025

Gut bacteria and acetate, a great combination for weight loss

A study published in Cell Metabolism finds that a combination of gut bacteria and acetate reduces obesity in mice. The researchers discovered that the specific combination of Bacteroides species and acetate leads to increased fat burning and reduced sugar storage, resulting in weight loss.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 19, 2025

Breaking the quantum decay barrier: energy confinement redefines spontaneous decay rate limits in waveguide QED

A team from Tsinghua University has shattered the paradigm of traditional waveguide QED by achieving a total decay rate below γ₀ through energy quantum confinement effect. This mechanism, operating in non-Markovian regime, dynamically traps energy quanta within the waveguide, converting energy loss into temporary storage.

SourceChinese Society for Optical Engineering·JournalPhotoniX·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2025

Eating craved foods with meals lessens cravings, boosts weight loss

A new study from the University of Illinois found that consuming craved foods as part of a balanced meal plan can significantly reduce cravings and boost weight loss in dieters. Participants who incorporated craved foods into their diet lost more weight during the 12-month program and maintained minimal cravings throughout.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2025