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Science News for May 27, 2025


Poop news: How does digestion affect molecular analysis of owl pellets?

A study published in Ecology and Evolution found that the digestion process of birds of prey, such as owls and hawks, can significantly impact the ratios of isotopes in their pellets and droppings. This means that previous studies relying on these samples may have inaccurate results when trying to determine an animal's diet or environm...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2025

Global warming could be driving up women’s cancer risk

A study found that rising temperatures in the Middle East and North Africa are associated with higher rates of these cancers. The prevalence of the different cancers rose by 173 to 280 cases per 100,000 people for every additional degree Celsius.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2025

Less bitter, just as satiating

A recent study by the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich shows that less bitter-tasting pea protein hydrolysates can form bioactive peptides during digestion, which induce satiety signals via bitter taste receptors. The study reveals molecular mechanisms that can be used to optimize the tas...

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2025

Study says original COVID-19 vaccination did not stop immune system from fighting variants

A study by researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences found that vaccinated people generated an overall protective immune response to Delta and Omicron strains, with slightly fewer antibodies for the mutated parts of the virus. The research suggests that immune changes due to antigenic imprinting may not be a significant ...

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalNature Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2025

Frontier advances in humins research: Exploring key challenges and opportunities in biomass refining

The study systematically examines humins formation mechanisms from cellulose and hemicellulose feedstocks, highlighting the role of lignin in pseudo-lignin formation. It provides insights into factors influencing humins generation and proposes strategies for inhibition and value-added applications.

Can AI analogize?

A recent study evaluates GPT-4's performance in solving letter-string analogies, a task requiring basic counting and relational understanding. The model excels at this task, demonstrating emergent analogical reasoning capabilities that may be supported by structured operations and relational representations.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 27, 2025

Deterministic form-position deflectometric measurement of monolithic multi-freeform optical structures via Bayesian multisensor fusion

A team of scientists proposes an integrated form-position deflectometric system for measuring monolithic multi-freeform optical elements using Bayesian multisensor fusion. The approach achieves high accuracy and determinacy, enabling hundreds of nanometers measurement accuracy for surface forms.

“Raindrops in the Sun’s corona”: New adaptive optics shows stunning details of our star’s atmosphere

Scientists have developed a groundbreaking adaptive optics system that removes blur from images of the Sun's corona, revealing clearest images to date. The technology has produced remarkable observations of fine-structure in the corona, including raindrops and turbulent internal flows.

Children and young people are waiting longer than necessary for cancer diagnosis, according to new research

The study found that teenagers experienced the longest median time to diagnosis (8.7 weeks), while infants under one year had the shortest (3.7 weeks). Bone tumours were associated with a longer diagnostic interval, highlighting the need for faster diagnoses in certain groups.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2025

Study finds significant declines in maternal mental health across US

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals a concerning decline in self-reported mental health among mothers in the US between 2016 and 2023. The percentage of mothers reporting excellent mental health dropped sharply from 38% to 26%, while those rating their mental health as fair or poor increased by 63.6%.

Study: Emotional responses crucial to attitudes about self-driving cars

A new study from Washington State University examines the role of emotional responses in shaping public attitudes toward self-driving cars. Researchers found that feelings of excitement and curiosity, as well as beliefs in technology's social benefits, play a significant role in determining whether people would adopt autonomous vehicles.

SourceWashington State University·JournalTransportation Research·TypeSurvey·DateMay 27, 2025

New clinical practice guideline for the surgical management of chronic rhinosinusitis in adults

The new Clinical Practice Guideline offers proven, research-based treatment options for patients with chronic sinus problems. The guideline provides key action statements covering surgery and additional treatments to ensure patients receive excellent care before, during, and after surgery.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·JournalOtolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery·DateMay 27, 2025

Newly discovered ‘molecular fingerprints’ could transform diabetes treatment and diagnosis

Researchers have uncovered unique molecular fingerprints for insulin sensitivity, challenging traditional binary classification of people with type 2 diabetes. These signatures can help identify individuals at risk earlier than current methods, paving the way for personalized treatments and precision medicine.

Timely initiation of statin therapy for diabetes shown to dramatically reduce risk of heart attack and stroke

A new study from Mass General Brigham found that patients with diabetes who started statin therapy immediately reduced the rate of heart attacks and strokes by one-third compared to those who delayed treatment. The study analyzed data from over 7,000 patients and used artificial intelligence to gather information.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2025

GIS based solutions for management of public building and infrastructure assets: a review of state of the art and research trend analysis

The review highlights gaps in research for remote sensing, land use, urban growth, and forecasting, as well as opportunities to focus on specific types of risk. A new tool using natural language processing enables more in-depth gap analysis, revealing areas like AI methods and Water Resources as major opportunities.

SourceELSP·JournalSmart Construction·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 27, 2025

AHRQ’s National Center for Excellence in Primary Care Research (NCEPCR) consolidates primary care research

The National Center for Excellence in Primary Care Research (NCEPCR) consolidates primary care research under one roof, enhancing the nation's primary care system. NCEPCR aims to tackle critical challenges such as workforce shortages and rising healthcare costs by curating essential tools and cultivating researchers.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 27, 2025

Decision involvement and trust shape seniors’ willingness to cut back prescriptions

A qualitative study found that patients' attitudes towards deprescribing are shaped by their perception of medication's benefits and risks, as well as their level of autonomy. Patients who valued negative aspects of medication and had a proactive approach to health were more likely to consider cutting back on prescriptions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 27, 2025

Antidepressant use in teens contributes to increased pain sensitivity in adulthood

A new study from the University of Texas at El Paso finds that adolescent antidepressant use, particularly Prozac, may contribute to increased pain sensitivity in adulthood. The research suggests that early exposure to these medications can disrupt brain development and increase inflammatory markers, leading to heightened pain perception.

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateMay 27, 2025

Burden of coexisting hypertension and type 2 diabetes in US adults is increasing and linked to substantially higher mortality risk

A study from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that coexisting hypertension and type 2 diabetes nearly doubled over two decades, with about two-thirds of participants with diabetes also having hypertension. This combination is linked to substantially higher mortality risk compared to having neither condition.

Iowa State researchers find key factor linking longer maturation to longer life in fruit flies

A recent study by Iowa State University researchers found that fruit flies missing a crucial developmental hormone, PTTH, live up to 30% longer due to reduced inflammaging. The connection between developmental timing and lifespan in fruit flies could be a useful model for studying human longevity.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2025

NTU Singapore launches new series of courses for all undergraduates to bridge community service and academic learning

NTU Singapore's new Care, Serve, Learn course series aims to nurture socially conscious and civic-minded graduates through meaningful community service and academic credits. The program builds on the university's existing culture of volunteerism and provides students with essential skills like active listening and project management.

Home water-use app improves water conservation

A UC Riverside-led study found that a smartphone app tracking household water use reduced average daily consumption by 6%, with greater savings among high-volume users. The app provides real-time feedback and behavioral nudges to encourage water-saving actions, resulting in sustained reductions even six months later.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalResource and Energy Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2025

Peer support groups make a difference in nurse wellbeing

Research by Dr Alannah Cooper found that peer support groups promoted social support in the workplace, leading to improved wellbeing scores among mental health nurses. The intervention addressed underlying issues with workplace conditions, highlighting the importance of flexible attendance and supportive nurse managers.

SourceMurdoch University·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health Nursing·TypeSurvey·DateMay 27, 2025

Sleep aid blocks neurodegeneration in mice

Researchers found that lemborexant improves sleep patterns and reduces abnormal tau protein buildup, which causes inflammation and brain cell death. The study suggests lemborexant could help treat or prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal syndrome.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 27, 2025

Few diffusers and many bottlenecks: the French labor market according to statistical physics

A new study applies network analysis to large-scale data from the French labor market, identifying four main clusters: diffusers, channels, hubs, and condensers. Diffuser occupations offer wide exit opportunities but are hard to enter, while channels and hubs face accessibility issues.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Statistical Mechanics Theory and Experiment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2025

The ISSCR launches consortium to support adoption of stem cell-derived disease models for drug discovery and development

The ISSCR has assembled an international consortium to support the adoption of human stem cell-derived disease models for drug discovery and development. This initiative aims to reduce R&D costs and accelerate therapy development, aligning with efforts by regulatory bodies such as the FDA, NIH, and European Commission.

Joining the dots for better health surveillance

A team of researchers at KAUST has developed a powerful modeling approach to integrate spatially misaligned datasets, including air pollution prediction and disease mapping. The new model uses the Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) framework to merge geographically inconsistent datasets, providing faster and more accurate p...

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalStochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment·DateMay 27, 2025

Boys who are overweight in their early teens risk passing on harmful epigenetic traits to future children

A new study reveals that boys who are overweight in their early teens risk damaging the genes of their future children, increasing the chances of developing asthma, obesity, and low lung function. The researchers identified epigenetic changes in over 2,000 sites in 1,962 genes linked to fat cell formation and lipid metabolism.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMay 27, 2025

New method of measuring gravity with 3D velocities of wide binary stars is developed and confirms modified gravity at low acceleration

Astrophysicist Kyu-Hyun Chae develops a new method to measure gravity with 3D velocities of wide binary stars, confirming modified gravity at low acceleration. The results show that standard gravity is outside the 99.997% probability range for internal accelerations below 1 nm/s^2.

SourceSejong University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 27, 2025

AI aversion in social interactions

An experimental study found that humans are less likely to exhibit fairness, trust, and cooperation when interacting with a large language model (LLM) compared to another human. Participants in online games played with either a human or an LLM acting on behalf of another person showed reduced social behavior.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 27, 2025

Tip Sheet Summaries May/June 2025

A study of Ontario family physicians found that 19.2% worked in focused roles, with emergency medicine accounting for 37%, while comprehensive care declined despite a growing workforce. A second study identified opportunities for AI to improve primary care eVisits, highlighting staff and patient concerns and potential uses of AI.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 27, 2025

Sanitary towels morph into test strips

MenstruAI analyzes menstrual blood to detect disease biomarkers, offering an early warning system for women's health. The technology uses a paper-based test strip and smartphone app to analyze protein concentrations.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2025

A chip with natural blood vessels

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a method to create artificial blood vessels using ultrashort laser pulses, enabling the creation of mini organ models with precise control and reproducibility. The technology has been successfully applied to liver tissue models, resulting in improved metabolic activity and adequate nutrient supply.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalBiofabrication·DateMay 27, 2025

Study examines authorship inequities in global health research published in family medicine journals in high-income countries

A recent study analyzed journal articles from low- and middle-income countries published in family medicine journals based in high-income countries. The findings revealed an increase in publication of research articles from these regions, with a higher proportion of senior authors from upper-middle-income countries.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 27, 2025

Employees assigned more complex projects early in their work history had better outcomes later in their careers

A study by Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Kentucky found that employees assigned to more complex projects during their first two years had higher levels of learning, professional certifications, and promotion rates. This suggests that early career experiences play a crucial role in shaping future career development.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateMay 27, 2025

Free-space terabit/s coherent optical links via platicon frequency microcombs

Researchers have developed a novel approach to achieve high-speed data transmission over long distances using platicon frequency microcombs. The technology demonstrates stable terabit/s coherent optical communication in free-space links, overcoming previous challenges such as beam stabilization and phase recovery. This breakthrough sup...

Cardiorespiratory function assessment and biometric recognition with intelligent photonic wristband

Researchers developed a wearable smart photonic wristband that assesses cardiorespiratory function and performs biometric identification, expanding personalized medicine applications. The device features an all-polymer sensing unit with high stability and durability, enabling continuous real-time monitoring of physiological information.

SourceOpto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalElectronics·DateMay 27, 2025

Preserving the past, protecting the future: Historic village water tanks provide a lifeline for amphibians

Researchers found that artificial water bodies, especially historic stone tanks, support a higher diversity of species compared to natural habitats. These structures serve as stable environments for vulnerable eggs and larvae, providing a lifeline for amphibian populations amidst climate change and land-use change.

New study: Teen drivers safer with more practice

A new study by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that teen drivers who practiced more had 30% fewer crash or near-crash incidents. Researchers analyzed data from 82 teen drivers monitored for 22 months, revealing that supervised driving experiences and safety education are crucial for reducing novice driver risks.

Sensing color cues to monitor coral health in the Red Sea

Researchers developed a remote sensing tool to monitor coral bleaching in the Red Sea, utilizing satellite imaging and analyzing changes in light reflection. The tool can accurately identify bleached corals, providing early warnings for conservation strategies, and supporting sustainable fisheries and tourism management.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalRemote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation·DateMay 27, 2025

USTC reveals how tidal forces affect seismic wave speed within fault zone

A USTC research team monitored seismic wave speeds in the Anninghe fault zone, finding distinct diurnal and semi-diurnal cycles that correlated with tidal forces. These periodic changes reflect the impact of tidal forces on the internal stress field of the fault zone, offering a new method for detecting earthquake precursors.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 27, 2025

Is the ocean getting darker?

The global ocean has experienced a significant reduction in the depth of its photic zones, home to 90% of all marine life, leading to widespread ocean darkening. This change could have profound implications for the planet's marine species and ecosystem services.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 27, 2025

MicroRNA-124-3p and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in rat spinal cord injury: Inverse expression pattern

This study investigated the correlation between miR-124-3p expression and BDNF levels in a rat model of spinal cord injury. The findings show a significant downregulation of miR-124-3p and upregulation of BDNF levels following SCI, suggesting a potential regulatory role of miR-124-3p in BDNF expression and SCI pathophysiology.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalGene Expression·DateMay 27, 2025

Hitting the right notes to play music by ear

The study identified four simple ways music learning technology can aid prospective musicians, including helping people improve recall while listening and replaying notes indefinitely. Researchers found that existing digital learning tools were not being used effectively by students despite their availability.

Where the green streets were: Tracking global urban vegetation

A new IIASA-led study uses satellite imagery and machine learning to monitor street-level greenery in cities worldwide. The results show a global decline of 0.3-0.5% per year, with sharper declines in Asia and Oceania. Uneven distribution raises concerns about fairness and access to green space.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnvironmental Research Infrastructure and Sustainability·DateMay 27, 2025

Wilms tumors: How genes and imprinting pave the way for cancer

A study published in Genome Medicine has identified the underlying predisposition for Wilms' tumors, highlighting the role of mutations in tumor suppressor genes like WT1. The research also reveals a significant proportion of childhood kidney tumors have a hereditary component, with implications for genetic counseling and monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2025

Mild breast tenderness and a little swelling before flow are expected in healthy ovulatory cycles

A one-year study of 53 healthy women with regular ovulatory cycles found that mild breast tenderness and swelling before menstruation are common and expected. The study suggests that these symptoms may occur more frequently during normal ovulation than previously thought, contradicting previous assumptions about premenstrual syndrome.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2025

Space-to-ground infrared camouflage with radiative heat dissipation

Researchers developed a multilayer device with high absorptivity in H/K bands and low emissivity in MWIR/LWIR bands, while utilizing VLWIR for efficient radiative heat dissipation. The device successfully concealed thermal radiation and reflected signals, achieving significant temperature reductions.

Roadblock for traffic injury compensation for Aboriginal people

New research reveals complex challenges Aboriginal people face when seeking support after a road traffic injury, including lack of awareness and culturally insensitive systems. The study calls for a national overhaul of compensation and return-to-work programs centered on Indigenous knowledge and cultural determinants of health.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·TypeSurvey·DateMay 27, 2025

How you handle your home life can boost work performance, shows new study

A new study published in Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology shows that proactively reorganizing family routines can make people more effective and innovative at work. Employees who take initiative at home carry the momentum into their professional lives, becoming more resilient and forward-thinking.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2025

Protective effects of Ejiao on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in mice via modulation of the ER/AKT/NF-κB pathway

This study investigates the immunomodulatory effects of Ejiao on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), focusing on its impact on inflammatory pathways and macrophages. Ejiao significantly improves lung function in COPD model mice, reduces inflammation, and modulates the ER/AKT/NF-κB pathway.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalFuture Integrative Medicine·DateMay 27, 2025

Mental disorders, cardiovascular diseases, smoking, and road injuries among the top causes of death and disability for millions in the ASEAN region

The study reveals alarming increases in mental disorders, cardiovascular diseases, smoking, and road injuries across the ASEAN region. Mental disorders affect over 80 million people, while cardiovascular diseases claim 37 million lives, with smoking and road injuries exacerbating the problem.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateMay 27, 2025

Oldest whale bone tools discovered

Researchers have uncovered evidence of humans using whale bones as tools from 20,000 years ago, shedding light on the marine ecology of the time and the role whales played in past ecosystems. The study identifies five species of large whales used by early humans.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2025

Rural location and racial segregation drive gaps in primary care access in Virginia

A recent study found that rural location and racial segregation significantly impact primary care access in Virginia, with nearly half of the state's census tracts lacking adequate physicians within a 30-minute drive. Racial segregation and rurality were strongly associated with reduced access to primary care physicians.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 27, 2025

Stratifying the immune landscape of tongue cancer

Researchers identify five distinct immunotypes in tongue squamous cell carcinoma, shedding light on why current immunotherapies fail. The study's findings highlight the need for immune-based assessments to guide treatment decisions and suggest a new approach to personalized medicine.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalCancer Immunology Immunotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2025

Engineered simplicity: New microfluidic device offers rapid kidney health check

A new microfluidic device promises to revolutionize kidney disease screening by enabling rapid, accurate, and low-cost testing of creatinine levels in urine. The uCR-Chip delivers clinically relevant results within 7 minutes and meets the sensitivity standards of existing point-of-care tests.

The generalization of statistical mechanics makes it possible to regularize the theory of critical phenomena

Researchers have developed a new approach to regularize the theory of critical phenomena by generalizing statistical mechanics. The new method, based on non-additive entropy, provides finite values for quantities that diverge in traditional theories, offering insights into complex systems.

Eyes on the future: Microfluidic lenses monitor health and deliver medication

These next-generation contact lenses analyze tear fluid, track intraocular pressure, and release medications without requiring external power or invasive procedures. They offer a promising solution for continuous, noninvasive health monitoring and have the potential to transform ophthalmic care.

New study on the global race for future battery technologies

A study reveals an increasing polarisation between Asia and Western nations in future battery technologies, with Europe and the US focusing on improving existing lithium-ion batteries. Meanwhile, countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are investing in high-energy batteries and low-cost alternatives.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2025