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Science News for May 28, 2025


Hot flashes may be less bothersome for vegans

A new analysis shows that a plant-based diet is effective for managing weight and hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The study found that vegans experienced a 92% reduction in severe hot flashes after 12 weeks on a low-fat vegan diet supplemented with soybeans.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 28, 2025

AI meets game theory: How language models perform in human-like social scenarios

Large language models perform well in games that require logical reasoning, but struggle with tasks that demand teamwork and coordination. Researchers implemented a technique called Social Chain-of-Thought (SCoT) to encourage more socially aware behavior, resulting in significant improvements.

New study reveals key to increasing Black women tech founders: startup employment

A new study published in Strategic Management Journal found that working at a startup increases the likelihood of founding a company, with Black women facing a disproportionate advantage. The research team analyzed data from Venture For America and discovered that individuals with startup experience are 91% more likely to start their o...

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 28, 2025

Autism linked to elevated risk of Parkinson’s disease

A large-scale study from Karolinska Institutet reports that individuals with an autism diagnosis are four times more likely to develop early-onset Parkinson's disease. The researchers believe that shared underlying biological mechanisms may be at play, particularly involving the neurotransmitter dopamine.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 28, 2025

Live longer

A combination of Rapamycin and Trametinib therapies significantly prolongs the life of mice by up to 30%, reducing chronic inflammation and delaying cancer onset. The unique combination achieves novel effects on gene expression, offering a potential geroprotector approach to extend human lifespan.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2025

Bottom-up approaches to form superatom-assembled 2D few-layered borophanes and carborophanes and 3D α-B12, γ-B28, and B4C based on icosahedral B12 and CB11

Researchers create freestanding few-layered borophanes and carborophanes using icosahedral B12 and CB11 as precursors, which appear to be semiconductors in nature. The materials are highly stable and can be extended into 3D structures, offering a general bottom-up strategy for forming low-dimensional boron-based nanomaterials.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateMay 28, 2025

More than 70% of young women suffer from itching, irritation, pain, and other symptoms in the genital area

A study found that 72.5% of young Brazilian women suffer from symptoms like itching, discharge, and pain during intercourse, negatively affecting quality of life and sexual health. The research suggests that vulvovaginal symptoms are often normalized, leading to undertreatment and emphasizing the need for more intimate health education.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBrazilian Journal of Physical Therapy·DateMay 28, 2025

Q&A: What universities can learn about navigating ideological tension from the history of same-sex domestic partner benefits

Researchers found that public universities in conservative states adjusted their policy decisions and justification frames to reduce backlash. In contrast, institutions in more progressive states often cited social justice arguments and framed their decisions around fairness and inclusion. These findings offer valuable lessons on how o...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalOrganization Science·DateMay 28, 2025

Potential to prevent and treat a common type of inflammatory arthritis advanced by the identification of new genetic links

Researchers have identified two genes, RNF144B and ENPP1, that cause calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease in Americans of European and African descent. This discovery opens up promising new avenues for targeted prevention and treatment of CPPD disease, which is currently lacking effective options.

SourceElsevier·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 28, 2025

Study finds home healthcare agencies discontinuing telehealth post-pandemic

A national survey reveals that many home healthcare agencies have discontinued telehealth services, highlighting funding policy gaps and the need for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reimbursement. The study's findings suggest that without reimbursement, providers may abandon telehealth opportunities to improve care and manage ...

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalHealth Services Research·DateMay 28, 2025

Microbial proteins reveal chemical signatures of body sites and inflammation

A new study reveals that protein sequences associated with microbial communities in the human gut have uniquely low stoichiometric water content and undergo counterintuitive chemical shifts during inflammation. Microbial communities inhabit distinct chemical environments throughout the human body, influencing microbial evolution.

SourceELSP·JournalBiomedical Informatics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2025

Photothermal recycling of real-world polylactic acid via cooperative depolymerization and reforming

Researchers propose a synergistic strategy combining photothermal depolymerization and reforming to convert real-world polylactic acid into valuable platform chemicals. The approach facilitates efficient product separation and avoids contamination from impurities, producing hydrogen, CO, and other desired products.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2025

SwRI scientists contribute to uncovering ongoing surface modification on Jupiter’s moon Europa

New data from the James Webb Space Telescope suggests that Europa's icy surface is constantly changing due to interactions with charged particles. Laboratory experiments also found evidence of crystalline ice beneath the amorphous ice layer, indicating a possible liquid ocean beneath the surface.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMay 28, 2025

Drones and genetics team up for drought smarter wheat

Researchers used drones with advanced cameras to measure how wheat plants cope with climate change, identifying key traits like leaf area index and chlorophyll content. They matched these traits to specific genes in the wheat genome, discovering 16 genetic markers linked to better performance under normal and dry conditions.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2025

Refugees in Sweden who lived in institutional housing during the asylum process are prescribed more anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medication and visit hospital more than those who lived in self-organized housing

Refugees in Sweden who lived in institutional housing during the asylum process were prescribed more anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medication and visited hospital more often. This association persisted for years, highlighting potential long-term effects of institutional care on mental health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateMay 28, 2025

New cooling technology raises power and longevity of solar panels

Researchers developed a composite material that enhances solar cell performance, raising power output and lifespan while reducing heat absorption and electricity consumption. The passive cooling technology, tested in various environments, showed excellent results with increased power output by 12.9% and lifespan by over 200%.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalMaterials Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2025

New study highlights health risks of ultrasonic cigarettes

A new study by UC Riverside researchers reveals that ultrasonic cigarettes may pose significant health risks due to the presence of harmful metals in their liquids and aerosols. The study found elevated levels of metals like arsenic and selenium in u-cigarette products, which can lead to lung diseases, organ damage, and cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2025

Understanding cultural differences in salt usage may help lower consumption

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that consuming too much sodium increases the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The study highlights cultural differences in salt usage, suggesting that tailored advice on sodium intake may be effective in reducing consumption.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 28, 2025

Green hydrogen: MXene boosts the effectiveness of catalysts

Researchers at HZB have developed MXene-based catalysts that significantly enhance the oxygen evolution reaction in electrolysis, a crucial step for producing green hydrogen. The study found that embedding catalytically active particles into the flaky structure of MXenes increases the reaction's efficiency.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2025

Experimental Drug Development Centre granted US FDA fast track designation for antibody-drug conjugate EBC-129 to treat pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

The Experimental Drug Development Centre's EBC-129, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting pancreatic cancer, has received FDA fast track designation. The treatment is undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials and aims to provide new treatment options for patients with solid tumours.

Mother’s warmth in childhood influences teen health by shaping perceptions of social safety

A new UCLA Health study found that maternal warmth in early childhood predicts better physical and mental health outcomes for teens by shaping their perceptions of social safety. Children who experience more maternal warmth at age 3 have more positive social safety schemas, leading to improved health outcomes at age 17.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 28, 2025

Amplifcation-free electrochemiluminescent biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of fusobacterium nucleatum using tetrahedral DNA-based CRISPR/Cas12a

Researchers developed an amplification-free biosensing platform for ultrasensitive detection of F. nucleatum using a tetrahedral DNA nanostructure and electrochemiluminescence. The platform showed improved sensitivity and specificity, enabling detection down to 1 colony-forming unit/ml.

Study highlights key difference in how cells interact, a finding that could aid in development of more effective drugs

Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center discovered that talin has distinct binding modes for two types of integrins in blood cells, which could enhance their function and lead to more effective treatments. The study highlights the importance of understanding how talin interacts with different integrin subtypes to modulate its activity.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalCell Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 28, 2025

New model revolutionizes zeolite catalyst design for enhanced stability

Researchers developed a theoretical model describing metal cluster migration and aggregation within individual zeolites, revealing key factors affecting catalyst stability. The model shows that increasing zeolite support properties can achieve 'migration-aggregation-self locking' of Pt species, creating ultra-stable catalysts.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 28, 2025

The world's first near-real-time prediction model for earthquake-triggered landslides has been developed, initiating a new era in hazard prevention

A new near-real-time prediction model for earthquake-triggered landslides has been developed, utilizing a global database of 398,698 mapped events and cutting-edge deep learning. The model achieves spatial accuracy exceeding 82% and can generate probability maps of landslide occurrence in under one minute.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 28, 2025

The Second International Conference on Space Science and Technology opens grandly in Suzhou!

The Second International Conference on Space Science and Technology was held in Suzhou, bringing together over 300 experts from around the world to discuss cutting-edge research and innovative applications in the aerospace field. The conference focused on key technologies and explored solutions to global aerospace research challenges.

In nature’s math, freedoms are fundamental

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a unified theory for gauge freedoms in models of biological sequences, which could revolutionize fields like plant breeding and drug development. The new approach provides efficient formulas for scientists to interpret research results with greater confidence.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 28, 2025

Clinical trial and multi-omics analysis demonstrates the impact of therapeutic plasma exchange on biological age

A first-of-its-kind clinical trial demonstrates the impact of therapeutic plasma exchange on biological age, reducing it by an average of 2.6 years. The study used multi-omics biomarkers to investigate the effects of TPE on biological age and found promising results for its potential in disease prevention and longevity applications.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalAging Cell·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 28, 2025

When the forest is no longer a home – forest bats seek refuge in settlements

Leisler's bats are shifting from forest habitats to urban areas and settlements due to forest management practices. The study highlights the importance of preserving old trees and structurally rich forests to support bat populations, with recommendations for sustainable forestry practices and protected green spaces.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 28, 2025

Vesicle cycle model reveals inner workings of brain synapse

Researchers have successfully modeled the synaptic vesicle cycle with unprecedented detail, shedding new light on how our brains function. The model predicts parameters of synaptic function that could not be tested experimentally, opening new avenues for neuroscience investigations.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 28, 2025

Lack of gender lens in tobacco control research could stymie efforts to help smokers quit, York University researchers say

A study by York University researchers found a lack of gender analysis in tobacco control research, which may hinder the development of effective strategies to help smokers quit. The researchers examined 43 peer-reviewed studies and found that only five evaluated the gender-specific impacts of tobacco control policies.

SourceYork University·JournalTobacco Control·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 28, 2025

How do we transform global health?

A study suggests that decolonizing global health requires Northern institutions to accept losing resources, shifting funding directly to Global South. Faculty members expressed anxiety about impact on livelihoods due to changes in financial structures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeCase study·DateMay 28, 2025

Cardiorespiratory effects of wildfire smoke particles can persist for months, even after a fire has ended

Exposure to lingering fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke was associated with increased hospitalization risks for various cardiorespiratory conditions, including ischemic heart disease and respiratory diseases. The study's findings highlight the need for research into the long-term health impacts of wildfire smoke.

AI-driven model supports safer and more precise blood sugar management after heart surgery

A new machine learning tool called GLUCOSE helps doctors manage blood sugar levels in patients recovering from heart surgery by recommending tailored insulin doses. The model outperformed experienced clinicians in keeping blood sugar levels within a safe range, despite using only current patient data.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 28, 2025

National nonprofit calls on National Institutes of Health, USDA to investigate federally funded, decades-long alcohol and reproductive experiments on nonhuman primates at Oregon Health & Science University

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has filed a complaint with the National Institutes of Health and USDA, requesting an investigation into decades-long alcohol-related experiments on nonhuman primates at Oregon Health & Science University. The ongoing experiments have cost over $70 million and involve inducing binge-drin...

Yeast produces human DNase1 for the first time

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum successfully produced human DNase1 in yeast cells for the first time, overcoming previous challenges. The achievement could lead to a more affordable and efficient method for manufacturing this enzyme, which is currently used to treat cystic fibrosis.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS One·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2025

Do night owls decline cognitively faster than early birds?

A recent study published in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease found that evening people experience a greater rate of cognitive decline over time. This decline is attributed to unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and poor sleep habits, which can be mitigated by working with one's natural chronotype.

SourceUniversitair Medisch Centrum Groningen·JournalThe Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer s Disease·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 28, 2025

Timing, consistency of activity linked to better fitness

A University of Florida Health study found that earlier and more consistent daily activity patterns are associated with better heart and lung fitness in older adults. The research suggests that understanding individual circadian rhythms could lead to personalized health strategies, including tailoring activity and treatment schedules.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 28, 2025

Cats recognize their owner’s scent

A study published in PLOS One found that domestic cats can discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar humans based on their odor. Cats spend longer sniffing the odor of a stranger than that of their owner, suggesting they can identify human scent patterns.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMay 28, 2025

New research reveals unexpected benefit of tariffs – managers make better investment decisions

A study of firms in China found that trade shocks have a positive impact on managerial behavior, improving investment decisions and reducing inefficiencies. The researchers discovered that tariffs and sanctions concentrate managers' minds on efficiency and focus resources towards more lucrative projects.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Corporate Finance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 28, 2025

Advanced protection strategy of lithium metal anodes

Researchers from Zhengzhou University present a roadmap to stabilize lithium metal anodes by tailoring electrolyte formulations and coating the anode surface. The study identifies six core strategies, including artificial SEI layers, separator regulation, and solid-state electrolytes, to enhance battery performance and safety.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalMaterials and Solidification·DateMay 28, 2025

GPT-4o exhibits humanlike cognitive dissonance, study finds

Researchers found GPT-4o exhibits humanlike cognitive dissonance by changing its views on Vladimir Putin after being given the illusion of choosing essay topics. The AI's responses mirror human psychology's tendency to rationalize past behaviors, highlighting the fragility of its opinions.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2025

Study deepens understanding of cell migration, important for potential medical advances

Researchers at the University of Maryland Baltimore County have made an important discovery about how cells move through tissues, combining mathematical modeling with advanced imaging to show that physical shape and chemical signals interact. The study's findings could inform new strategies for controlling cell movement via medical tre...

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2025

Even birds can’t outfly climate change

A new Yale study found that few bird species can escape the effects of climate change due to their limited migration capabilities. Despite some species being able to move northward or to higher elevations, they still experience significant temperature increases.

SourceYale University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateMay 28, 2025

Coastal Alaska wolves exposed to high mercury concentrations from eating sea otters: research

Research reveals that Alaska wolves consuming sea otters have unprecedented mercury levels, potentially driven by climate change and coastal ecosystem changes. The study, led by University of Calgary ecotoxicology expert Ben Barst, found higher mercury concentrations in wolves from Pleasant Island compared to mainland Alaskan wolves.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2025