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Science News Archive May 2025


Page 37 of 50

It’s not just El Niño: New climate phenomenon impacts Hawai‘i rainfall

A new study reveals that the Pacific Meridional Mode plays a major role in Hawaiian rainfall variability, particularly in spring. The research suggests that El Niño emerges as the primary driver of winter rainfall, but the PMM is crucial for spring rainfall, especially on Maui and the Island of Hawai‘i.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

T cell-based cancer immunotherapy: Opportunities and challenges

Recent advances and challenges in T cell immunotherapy highlight the need for deeper understanding of T cell fate determination mechanisms to overcome immunotherapy resistance. Key regulatory factors, transcription factors, and metabolic pathways govern T cell differentiation and function.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Phthalates may impact key genital measurement in 3-year-olds

Research finds high levels of phthalates in mothers' urine associated with shorter anogenital distances in 3-year-old boys and girls, a marker of reproductive health and hormone disruption. The study emphasizes the need for preventive measures to protect vulnerable groups from endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

National Cancer Institute grant funds prostate cancer imaging study

A new $4 million grant will test whether Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA)-Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Computed Tomography (CT) can improve prostate cancer monitoring while reducing screening-related harms. The study aims to reduce the need for biopsies in men with low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancers.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Phosphate levels in blood strongly affect sperm quality in men

Research shows that low phosphate levels in blood are associated with reduced sperm motility and poor semen quality. The findings suggest a potential link between phosphate and male fertility, highlighting the importance of understanding biological factors involved in reproductive health.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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

Swedish study explores differences in how the sexes break down fat

A Swedish study discovered that lipolysis is more effective in women than in men, potentially explaining why women are less likely to develop metabolic complications despite having more body fat. The study suggests that understanding this difference could aid in the development of drugs that lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in men.

Antibiotics taken during infancy linked to early puberty in girls

Research suggests that antibiotics taken during infancy, especially in the first three months, may lead to earlier onset of puberty in girls. The study, which analyzed data on over 322,000 children in South Korea, found a significant association between early antibiotic exposure and increased risk of central precocious puberty.

The skinny on fat, ascites and anti-tumor immunity

Researchers discovered that ascites fluid produced by ovarian cancer suppresses cytotoxic lymphocytes, crippling immune cells' ability to kill cancer cells. Fats in ascites cripple NK cells, T cells, and innate T cells, which are attractive candidates for cellular immunotherapies.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

UO researcher develops new tool that could aid drug development

A University of Oregon graduate student has developed a new mathematical equation that significantly improves the accuracy of simplified computer models used to study large molecules. This breakthrough could aid in understanding diseases linked to errors in DNA replication, potentially leading to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Americans’ use of illicit opioids is higher than previously reported

A recent study found that 11% of Americans used illicit opioids within the past 12 months, with fentanyl use rates significantly higher than previously reported. The survey also revealed intentional and unintentional use patterns, emphasizing the need for more accurate tracking methods to address the nation's opioid crisis.

Can frisky flies save human lives?

Researchers found that Wolbachia bacteria makes infected female fruit flies more likely to mate and lay eggs, potentially helping to curb mosquito-borne diseases. The study also identified key proteins that influence mating behavior in infected females.

Heart rhythm disorder traced to bacterium lurking in our gums

Researchers at Hiroshima University find that Porphyromonas gingivalis can infiltrate the heart and drive scar tissue buildup, raising the risk of atrial fibrillation. The study provides evidence that periodontitis may be contributing to the surge in AFib cases globally.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

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

New gene linked to severe cases of Fanconi anemia

Researchers have identified a new gene, FANCX, associated with an aggressive form of Fanconi anemia. Mutations in this gene lead to severe forms of the disease, including miscarriages and early death. The discovery could help identify carriers who can prevent Fanconi anemia in future pregnancies through IVF screening.

A smarter way to make sulfones: Using molecular oxygen and a functional catalyst

Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo developed a novel catalyst that efficiently produces sulfones at low temperatures, achieving high selectivity and reducing precious metal consumption. The new SrMn₁₋xRu_xO₃ catalyst offers significant advantages over conventional systems, making it suitable for various industries.

Estimates of illicit opioid use in the U.S.

A national survey found that 11.0% of adults reported using illicit opioids within the past year, with even higher rates of fentanyl use, indicating a pressing need for improved data collection efforts to inform policy and intervention strategies.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

The origins of language

Researchers found that wild chimpanzees use compositional and non-compositional call combinations to create new meanings, similar to human language. This suggests a highly generative vocal communication system in chimpanzees, challenging previous views on the evolution of language.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

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

Fat-rich fluid fuels immune failure in ovarian cancer

Researchers found that phospholipids in ascites fluid disrupt immune cell function, particularly NK cells, leading to impaired anti-tumor activity. Blocking these lipids can restore NK cell activity, providing a promising therapeutic target.

First fossil evidence of endangered tropical tree discovered

Scientists have uncovered fossilized leaves of the Kapur Paya tree, a towering dipterocarp species, at least two million years old. This discovery provides new insights into the ecological importance and historical significance of these forests, emphasizing the need for conservation.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

American Society of Plant Biologists names 2025 award recipients

The American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) has recognized outstanding achievements in plant biology with its 2025 awards. The awards honor distinction in service, outreach, education, and research, recognizing the contributions of plant biologists worldwide.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

An enzyme as key to protein quality

A recent study published in Nature Communications highlights the crucial role of the ubiquitin-selective unfoldase p97/VCP in breaking down aggresomes, which are protein aggregates that can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The research found that blocking this enzyme leads to improper protein folding and aggregation.

New ancient fish species earliest known salmon ancestor

Scientists have named a new species of fish from the Cretaceous Period, Sivulliusalmo alaskensis, which is the oldest salmonid in the fossil record. The discovery provides insight into the evolutionary history of the salmon family and suggests that they likely originated in the North.

Protecting Iceland’s towns from lava flows – with dirt

Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology built three embankment dams to divert lava flows in Iceland, delaying the molten lava by up to 16 days. The dams were constructed using in situ material and showed promising results in protecting civil society and critical infrastructure.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Ultrasound unlocks a safer, greener way to make hydrogels

Researchers at McGill University have developed a new way to create hydrogels using ultrasound, eliminating the need for toxic chemical initiators. The breakthrough offers a faster, cleaner and more sustainable approach to hydrogel fabrication.

Stability solution brings unique form of carbon closer to practical application

Researchers at Penn State discover a way to stabilize and produce large quantities of carbyne, a one-dimensional chain of carbon atoms, by encasing it in single-walled carbon nanotubes. This breakthrough could lead to new advancements in materials science and technology, with potential applications in electronics and computing.

Central Asia's alpine forests: growing against the tide

Researchers found a significant positive trend in tree growth since the 20th century due to low-latitude warming. This growth acceleration is attributed to enhanced regional temperatures and precipitation, promoting tree growth conditions.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.