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Science News for May 21, 2025


Lethal mutations in pregnancy loss

A recent study published in Nature found that millions of pregnancies worldwide are lost each year due to new mutations in the fetus. The researchers discovered that essential genomic sequences are more frequently mutated in lost fetuses compared to adults.

SourcedeCODE genetics·JournalNature·DateMay 21, 2025

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers show stem cell transplant offers potentially curative therapy in pediatric patients with monogenic inflammatory bowel disease

A retrospective study found that allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant is a highly effective method for treating children with monogenic inflammatory bowel disease, resulting in sustained medication-free remission in over 90% of patients. The treatment also led to significant improvements in growth, reduced hospital visits, and...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2025

Can engaging in social activities prolong life?

A study of 2,268 US individuals aged 60+ found strong association between social activities and low 4-year mortality risk. High social engagement, such as charity work and sports participation, was significantly linked to reduced risk of dying.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 21, 2025

Robust interpretation of Pb isotopes

The study addresses complexities like open-system mixing and model age discrepancies, emphasizing Pb evolution frameworks for tracing crustal recycling and ore genesis. Key challenges include mass bias correction, isobaric interferences, and low-Pb sample limitations.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalGeoscience Frontiers·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 21, 2025

Exploring the reasons behind human-lion conflict

A study from the University of Georgia found that a combination of environmental, climatic, and cultural factors drive human-lion conflict in Namibia. The study suggests that areas with less vegetation are more prone to fatalities due to lions being able to hide better from humans.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·DateMay 21, 2025

Plant cell sculptors

The study discovered that closely related SCAR proteins have distinct functions in plant cells, with specific regions impacting protein stability. This knowledge could improve understanding of plant-microbe interactions and develop strategies for improved plant growth.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

Songbirds' great risk results in great genetic reward

A University of Michigan study reveals that songbirds making arduous winter migrations to warmer climates exhibit higher genetic diversity than those staying closer to their breeding locations. This finding highlights the interplay between genetic diversity and climate change/human impact on bird habitats.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 21, 2025

Study shows how EV manufacturers can reduce reliance on virgin rare earth minerals

A recent study shows that electric vehicle manufacturers can reduce their material demands by nearly 15% by adopting a circular manufacturing system decision-making model. This approach enables product design that facilitates eventual remanufacture and reuse, or recycling, resulting in production cost savings of 18.6% and overall carbo...

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Production Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 21, 2025

Mount Sinai experts to present new research on AI models that predict chronic respiratory failure and detect airway obstruction at ATS 2025 International Conference

Researchers will present AI models that predict chronic respiratory failure and detect airway obstruction, with key findings on asthma susceptibility, small airway disease, and lung inflammation. The studies use nasal epithelial gene expression analyses and bronchoscopy to identify potential biomarkers for ICU patient outcomes.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 21, 2025

Emotional expressions shape how help is received in the workplace

New research from Washington State University finds that helpers' emotional expressions can influence whether their assistance is welcomed or resentful. Helpers who express emotions like gratitude and sympathy are more likely to foster trust and future collaboration, while those who display pride or contempt have their motives questioned.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

New clues to autism: epigenetic study identifies RABGGTB as a novel candidate gene

A recent epigenetic study identified RABGGTB as a promising biomarker for autism spectrum disorder, revealing extensive DNA methylation abnormalities in key brain regions. The findings suggest that studying this gene could unlock new doors to understanding ASD and lead to future diagnostic breakthroughs.

SourceUniversity of Fukui·JournalPsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

How Hibiscus flowers lost their bullseyes

A study by University of Cambridge scientists reveals how genetic changes in Hibiscus flowers led to the loss of visually striking bullseye patterns. The research identifies a key gene regulator and demonstrates how similar floral changes can evolve independently through changes in a single genetic element.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

New malaria control strategy efficiently kills parasites in the mosquito, could lead to more effective bed nets

A potent combination of antimalarial compounds blocks parasite transmission in mosquitoes while circumventing insecticide resistance. The new strategy retains activity even after a year and efficiently kills parasites even when applied to the female mosquito up to four days in advance of infection.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

Illinois study: Novel AI methodology improves gully erosion prediction and interpretation

Researchers at University of Illinois develop novel AI approach combining machine learning with SHapley Additive exPlanations to enhance gully formation prediction and understanding. The method achieved a prediction accuracy of 91.6% compared to 86% for individual models.

The Lancet: Additional imaging techniques detect early stage cancers missed by mammograms in women with dense breasts, finds trial

A randomized controlled trial found that additional imaging techniques such as fast MRI and contrast mammography can detect early-stage cancers in women with dense breasts that were missed by mammograms. The study showed a cancer detection rate of 1.7% for fast MRI and 1.9% for contrast mammography, compared to 0.4% for ultrasound.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 21, 2025

Cannabis use disorder is increasing rapidly, especially among older adults and people living with HIV

A new study finds that cannabis use disorder diagnoses rose substantially across all age groups, race/ethnicity, and comorbidity subgroups nationwide from 2000 to 2022. People living with HIV experienced the greatest relative increase in CUD diagnoses, particularly among older adults.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2025

Assessing the low-carbon potential of magnesium silicate hydrate cement: a probabilistic life cycle approach

A study uses a probabilistic life cycle approach to evaluate the carbon emission intensity of magnesium silicate hydrate cement (MSHC), finding that its low-carbon characteristics vary depending on mix proportions and Mg/Si ratio. Machine learning techniques improve accuracy and provide reliable scientific evidence for the construction...

SourceELSP·JournalSmart Construction·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 21, 2025

Study finds pneumonia computerized clinical decision support reduces mortality disparities in patients facing economic hardships

Researchers at Intermountain Health found that using ePneumonia, a computerized clinical decision support tool, reduced mortality rates among patients with pneumonia, particularly those experiencing socioeconomic hardship. The study also showed that this technology helped overcome unconscious biases in treatment decisions.

SourceIntermountain Healthcare·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2025

Prognostic and clinicopathological significance of circPVT1 in solid tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis found elevated circPVT1 expression associated with poorer overall survival in patients with solid tumors. The study also revealed correlations between circPVT1 levels and larger tumor size, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and advanced tumor-stage.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalExploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine·DateMay 21, 2025

A one-pixel camera for recording holographic movies

Researchers at Kobe University have created a single-pixel camera that can record three-dimensional holographic movies, even through tissues. The camera uses a high-speed digital micromirror device to project patterns required for recording the hologram, enabling the capture of moving objects and images outside the visible spectrum.

SourceKobe University·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

Something's fishy here

A Kyoto University study reveals that seasonal timing of terrestrial invertebrate resource subsidies can mediate life-history variation in wild organisms. The researchers found that early subsidies led to the highest life-history variation, while later or no subsidies resulted in lower variation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEcology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

Developing a new analysis method for capturing long-term brain activity in freely moving mice

Researchers have developed CaliAli, an advanced analytical framework that aligns calcium imaging data across multiple sessions, allowing for the continuous tracking of individual neurons. This breakthrough enables long-term brain activity studies and advances understanding of memory formation, retention, and neurological diseases.

Electrophysiology at atomic resolution: scientists simulate ion channel currents with unprecedented accuracy

Researchers have accurately simulated ion channel currents using atom-by-atom computational models, settling a decades-long scientific debate. The findings reveal that up to four potassium ions line up in the channel like pearls on a string, enabling rapid conduction and exquisite selectivity.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2025

A gene variant increases the risk of long COVID

An international team of researchers has identified a genetic link to long-term symptoms after COVID-19, with a gene variant increasing the risk by about 60%. The variant is located near the FOXP4 gene, which affects lung function and development. Impaired lung function plays a key role in developing long COVID.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 21, 2025

Unlocking the secrets of bat immunity

Researchers developed organoids from Egyptian fruit bats' respiratory and intestinal tissue, showcasing a significantly higher baseline antiviral immune activity. These organoids demonstrated an exceptionally strong production of type III interferons, which played a crucial role in mucosal antiviral immunity.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

Paid maternity leave policies could be costing women tech jobs

A study of over 4 million IT job applications reveals that less profitable companies are 22% less likely to interview female applicants after implementing extended paid leave mandates. The research highlights the need for thoughtful policy design that includes cost-sharing mechanisms, gender-neutral benefits and anti-bias safeguards.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2025

Can social and economic welfare policies influence depression risk?

A systematic review of studies found that policies improving paid parental leave, employment access, housing stability, and income support are associated with lower rates of depression. Conversely, cuts to social welfare and financial insecurity increase depression risk, particularly among single parents and low-income households.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 21, 2025

Are groovy brains more efficient?

A new study from UC Berkeley reveals that the depth of small grooves on the brain's surface is correlated with increased connectivity between regions involved in reasoning. The researchers found that these tertiary sulci, unique to humans, may help explain individual differences in cognitive performance and serve as diagnostic indicato...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

Increased risk of psychopathology found in offspring of people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder

Children of people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder have a higher risk of developing psychopathology compared to those without these conditions. The study highlights factors that mitigate this risk, such as better parental psychosocial functioning and socioeconomic status.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2025

Yeast reveals how species adapt to a warmer climate

Researchers used yeast populations to measure evolutionary potential to adapt to future warming in real-time, highlighting species-specific responses. Different species employed distinct strategies to cope with heat, with some expanding temperature ranges and others reducing fitness.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2025

Penn engineers discover a new class of materials that passively harvest water from air

Researchers have developed a material that can collect moisture from the air and release it onto surfaces without external energy input. The material works through capillary condensation, where water vapor condenses inside tiny pores at lower humidity levels, creating a feedback loop of water harvesting.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2025

Chemical synthesis driven by high pressure

Researchers have successfully synthesized high-performance materials using high pressure, including superhard and superconducting materials. The article highlights the potential of high-pressure chemistry for discovering new materials and phases, despite challenges remaining in terms of experimental costs and equipment operation.

SourceChinese Chemical Society·JournalCCS Chemistry·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 21, 2025

Common antidepressants could help the immune system fight cancer, UCLA study finds

A UCLA study found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can significantly enhance the ability of T cells to fight cancer and suppress tumor growth across various cancer types in mouse and human tumor models. SSRIs increased access to serotonin signals, making killer T cells happier and more effective at killing cancer c...

Fuel breaks for forest fires could be more effective in reducing potential risks and impacts if planned using a new optimization approach, which accounts for uncertain wildfire behavior in fire-prone landscapes of Alberta, Canada

A new optimization approach for fuel breaks in Alberta, Canada's fire-prone landscapes can effectively reduce potential risks and impacts of forest fires. By accounting for uncertain wildfire behavior, this method helps compartmentalize a fire-prone forest landscape.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateMay 21, 2025

New method paves way for fewer severe birth injuries

A new prediction model developed by researchers at the University of Gothenburg has been found to accurately assess the risk of severe birth injuries during childbirth. The study's findings suggest that larger babies are the main risk factor for these injuries, and previous obstetric anal sphincter injuries also play a significant role.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Clinical Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2025

KAIST and Mainz researchers unveil 3D magnon control, charting a new course for neuromorphic and quantum technologies​

KAIST and Mainz researchers have predicted a 3D magnon Hall effect, demonstrating the ability of magnons to move freely and complexly in 3D space. This breakthrough could lead to novel functionalities in next-generation computing structures.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 21, 2025

Insulin resistance in the brain may be one of the factors linking Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy

Researchers found that insulin signaling changes affect both Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy in animal tests. This discovery confirms clinical evidence of increased risk of Alzheimer's in people with epilepsy and highlights the need for a broader therapeutic approach to address the complex nature of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Neural Transmission·DateMay 21, 2025

How stress disrupts emotion control in people with mental health conditions

A new study by ECU Masters student Tee-Jay Scott and Professor Joanne Dickson found that acute stress may impair key brain functions involved in managing emotions, particularly in people living with depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. The researchers suggest that these disruptions could undermine the effectiveness...

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders Reports·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 21, 2025

A leap forward in transparent antimicrobial coatings

Researchers have discovered that hydrogen boride nanosheets can inactivate a wide range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, without the need for light activation. The nanosheets' ability to denature microbial proteins through strong physicochemical interactions confirms their effectiveness in combating various microbi...

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry B·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

Cleveland Clinic receives $5 million grant to lead biorepository coordinating center for cystic fibrosis lung transplant consortium

The Cleveland Clinic has been awarded a $5 million grant from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to continue its role as the Biorepository Coordinating Center for the Cystic Fibrosis Lung Transplant Consortium until 2030. The center will support research to improve understanding of factors affecting lung transplant outcomes and advance kno...

Better cataract surgery thanks to AI video analysis

A new study uses AI to analyze surgical videos of manual small incision cataract surgery (SICS) with over 85% accuracy, enabling quantitative comparison between surgeons and feedback on critical steps. The 'SICS-155 Challenge' invites international teams to test their algorithms for phase recognition in 155 SICS operations.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 21, 2025

A breakthrough in energy equalization for lithium-ion battery packs

A new two-layer active balancing strategy improves energy transfer efficiency and speed by redistributing energy among cells. The layered structure integrates inductor and transformer circuits to balance both within and between battery cell groups, achieving faster equalization and increased energy efficiency.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

Achieving a record-high Curie temperature in ferromagnetic semiconductor

Scientists develop high-quality (Ga,Fe)Sb ferromagnetic semiconductor with a record-high Curie temperature of up to 530 K, exceeding previous limits and enabling stable operation at room temperature. The material exhibits excellent crystallinity and superior magnetic properties, making it suitable for spintronics applications.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

Climate change has affected wine regions worldwide, but with uneven impacts

A new study reveals climate change is affecting wine regions globally, but unevenly. European winegrowers face the most significant challenges, with rising heat extremes and faster-ripening grapes altering wine taste. The study provides insights into adapting to these changes by identifying regions changing fastest due to warming.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2025

Mount Sinai researchers uncover a promising new way to modulate brain cell activity to potentially treat major depressive disorder in adults

Researchers have identified a mechanism involving potassium channels that could provide a new approach to treating depression. The study, led by Dr. James Murrough, found that ezogabine improved depression symptoms and anhedonia in patients, normalizing brain activity in key regions.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

National scientists group asks National Institutes of Health to investigate study that resulted in deaths of 100 animals

A group of national scientists filed a complaint with the National Institutes of Health's Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare requesting an investigation into a study on the effects of ginger root extract on pain in rats that resulted in the deaths of 100 animals. The researchers claimed to assess 'emotional pain' by interpreting vocal...

Researchers identify drug candidate for difficult-to-treat heart disease

A team of researchers from the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson has identified a potential drug candidate for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The study, published in Cell Metabolism, found that a key ingredient triggering HFpEF is an enzyme that converts glucose into harmful byproducts, ultimat...

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

Computational tool predicts materials for new energy economy

Researchers at UChicago's Catalyst Design for Decarbonization Center developed a new computational tool that predicts stable metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for efficient energy storage and catalysis. The tool uses thermodynamic integration to calculate MOF stability, enabling the rapid discovery of promising materials.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 21, 2025

Nano-engineered thermoelectrics enable scalable, compressor-free cooling

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory have developed nano-engineered thermoelectric refrigeration technology with controlled hierarchically engineered superlattice structures (CHESS) that is twice as efficient as traditional bulk materials. The CHESS technology offers a scalable alternative to traditional c...

SourceJohns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 21, 2025

Discovering the rich biodiversity of coral reefs using a comprehensive new system

Researchers have developed a comprehensive system to identify the diversity of reef-building corals using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding. This new method successfully detects 83 of 85 genera of Scleractinia in Japan, providing a powerful tool for efficient monitoring and conservation of coral reefs.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalGalaxea Journal of Coral Reef Studies·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 21, 2025

When fungi take your breath - How a mold can unbalance the lungs

A new study reveals that Aspergillus fumigatus infection can unbalance the lungs by creating a microaerophilic niche for bacteria like Ligilactobacillus murinus. This interaction may influence disease progression and enable new treatment approaches, highlighting the importance of understanding the gut-lung axis.

Effects of blood pressure management on cardiovascular health vary across education levels

A new study found that intensive blood pressure reduction had similar outcomes across educational attainment levels, but high-educated individuals experienced greater cardiovascular risk reductions. The research analyzed data from the SPRINT trial and suggested that unmeasured social factors may play a role in heart health disparities.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 21, 2025

Major step for flat and adjustable optics

Scientists at Linköping University have made a significant breakthrough in creating controllable flat optics using nanostructures on a flat surface. By precisely controlling the distance between antennas, they achieved up to tenfold improvement in performance, opening up new avenues for applications such as video holograms and biomedic...

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 21, 2025

When lightning strikes: Gamma-ray burst unleashed by lightning collision

Researchers from The University of Osaka observed a rare phenomenon where lightning discharges accelerated electrons to near light speed, producing a gamma-ray flash. This study contributes critical data to understanding the mechanism behind these intense radiation bursts and their potential role in shaping Earth's atmosphere.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2025

Fool’s gold: A hidden climate stabilizer

Scientists have found that oceanic anaerobic respiration produces sulfur species, forming pyrite or 'fool's gold', which helps buffer the alkalinity of water and prevent acidification. This process has a stabilizing effect on the ocean, playing a significant role in preserving its alkalinity for millions of years.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 21, 2025