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Science News for May 6, 2025


Comparison of laser-guided technology and conventional manual percutaneous lung biopsy: a single-center retrospective study

This study compares laser-guided technology to conventional manual percutaneous lung biopsy, finding that laser-guided technology can reduce operational time and needle adjustments. However, it did not reduce complication rates or improve pathological diagnosis accuracy compared to traditional methods.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeObservational study·DateMay 6, 2025

Artificial intelligence-based diagnosis of breast cancer by mammography microcalcification

A novel deep-learning approach automatically finds and classifies microcalcifications across different machines and patient populations, achieving 75% overall accuracy at the microcalcification-lesion level. The system enables radiologists to quickly focus on areas of concern, reducing missed diagnoses and unnecessary biopsies.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalFundamental Research·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 6, 2025

Providing medications for opioid use disorder to people with HIV recently released from incarceration in South Africa

A pilot program was conducted in South Africa to provide harm reduction and medications for opioid use disorder among people living with HIV and illicit opioid use. The study found low uptake of medication-assisted treatment after release, citing perceived ineffectiveness and delays in initiation.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Correctional Health Care·TypeObservational study·DateMay 6, 2025

Terahertz photoneuromodulation of lateral orbitofrontal cortex neurons ameliorates stress-induced depression and cognitive impairment

Researchers have discovered terahertz light waves can reduce hyperactivity in brain regions associated with depression, leading to rapid improvements in mood and thinking ability. The treatment works without introducing foreign substances into the brain and is safe for use at therapeutic intensities.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalFundamental Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2025

Flagship Pioneering, the National University of Singapore, National University Hospital and the National University Health System announce collaboration to advance biotech research & development

The collaboration aims to create new research projects and foster career development opportunities for scientists and students. The partnership will leverage clinical data from NUH and NUHS to drive breakthroughs in human health and sustainability.

Piezoelectric performance and curie temperature synergy in Bi4Ti3O12: can A/B site co-doping revolutionize high-temperature piezoceramics?

Researchers develop a new A/B-site co-doped strategy to enhance piezoelectric performance and retention of high Curie temperature in Bi4Ti3O12-based ceramics. The method improves thermal stability and piezoelectric activity, opening doors for high-temperature device applications.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateMay 6, 2025

High-performance 3D-printed graphene composites developed for efficient ice control

A research team at the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed high-performance 3D-printed graphene composites with improved thermal and electrical conductivity. The composites achieved an in-plane thermal conductivity of 4.54 W/(m·K) and showed enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency.

A healthy diet in childhood is linked to starting menstrual periods later, regardless of BMI or height

A study published in Human Reproduction found that healthy childhood diets are associated with delayed onset of menstruation, independent of body mass index (BMI) or height. The research suggests that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and breast cancer.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateMay 6, 2025

Researchers identify two new crocodile species

Two new species of crocodiles have been identified on the island of Cozumel and the atoll of Banco Chinchorro in Mexico. The discovery challenges long-held assumptions about the American crocodile and emphasizes the importance of protecting these isolated populations.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateMay 6, 2025

Gender characteristics of service robots can influence customer decisions

Researchers found that service robots with male characteristics can be more persuasive when interacting with women who have a low sense of power. Conversely, cute features in robot design can reduce the effect of portrayed gender on persuasiveness, making them effective for both male and female customers.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Hospitality and Tourism Management·TypeSurvey·DateMay 6, 2025

Environmental awareness trumps cost in electric car purchase decisions

A recent study found that environmental awareness is the most decisive factor in choosing an electric car, outweighing concerns about cost and performance. The research, conducted by the University of Córdoba, suggests that governments and companies can promote adoption by emphasizing sustainability and improving charging infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalTechnology in Society·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 6, 2025

Low blood sugar contributes to eye damage and vision loss in diabetic retinopathy; experimental drug may help treat condition

A study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that low blood sugar contributes to eye damage and vision loss in diabetic retinopathy. The research suggests that an experimental drug called 32-134D may help treat the condition by inhibiting the HIF protein, which triggers a chain reaction leading to blood vessel leakage.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 6, 2025

Silver nanoparticles produced by fungus could be used to prevent and treat COVID-19

Researchers have discovered that silver nanoparticles produced by the fungus Trichoderma reesei can inhibit the infection of SARS-CoV-2 in hamster lungs, reducing inflammation and viral load. The study also suggests that these nanoparticles could be used to prevent and treat other viral diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, shingles, and influenza.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCurrent Research in Biotechnology·DateMay 6, 2025

Do manta rays benefit from collective motion?

A study by Northwestern Polytechnical University and the Ningbo Institute modeled manta ray group dynamics to understand their propulsion. The researchers found that tandem formation significantly improves middle manta ray's performance but two triangular setups decrease overall efficiency compared to a single swimmer.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 6, 2025

HDAC11 deficiency improves muscle function and regeneration during ageing

A study led by the Badalona Neuromuscular Research Group found that HDAC11 deficiency reduces muscle mass loss, promotes muscle regeneration, and improves overall muscle function in aged murine models. This discovery proposes a new therapeutic strategy to slow down age-related muscular decline and promote healthier ageing.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalGeroScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2025

Long COVID may cause long-term changes in the heart and lungs and may lead to cardiac and pulmonary diseases

Researchers found persistent inflammation in heart and lungs of patients with long COVID, even after standard tests return normal results. This study uses advanced PET/MRI imaging to detect abnormal patterns that could serve as early warning signs of future cardiac and pulmonary conditions.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 6, 2025

Accelerating drug discovery with a single carbon atom

University of Oklahoma researchers have developed a method to add a single carbon atom to drug molecules, increasing chemical diversity without compromising sensitive structures. This technique, called skeletal editing, has the potential to revolutionize DNA-encoded library technology and reduce healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2025

Deep-trench 3D printing enables next-gen RF devices with unprecedented precision

Researchers developed a novel fabrication process combining 2PP, electroplating, and dry etching to create high-aspect-ratio microstructures with sub-10 micron resolution. The technique enables precise control over resonance properties, improving Q-factor and frequency tunability of RF metastructures.

Global confidence degree based graph neural network for financial fraud detectionGlobal confidence degree based graph neural network for financial fraud detection

The Global Confidence Degree-based Graph Neural Network (GCD-GNN) framework improves financial fraud detection by integrating global confidence metrics with advanced graph learning techniques. It achieves record-breaking accuracy on real-world datasets, including a 97.26% AUC on T-Finance.

SourceELSP·JournalArtificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2025

Review: Social drinking also a well-worn path to alcohol use disorder

A new review paper suggests that social drinking is a significant contributor to alcohol use disorder, contrary to the common perception of solitary drinking. Research highlights the importance of social contexts in driving excessive alcohol consumption and related societal harms.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 6, 2025

Smart, stretchable, and sustainable: the future of DLP-printed flexible devices

Researchers explore the cutting-edge role of Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printing in producing soft sensors, actuators, and energy systems with enhanced sensitivity, stretchability, and functionality. DLP achieves unprecedented capabilities by addressing core challenges in resolution, speed, and material integration.

The APPLE’s core question—upfront osimertinib versus the sequential approach for EGFR mutated non-small cell lung cancer

The APPLE trial updated investigated the treatment strategy's impact on brain metastasis control and circulating tumour DNA progression-free survival. The study found no significant differences between upfront osimertinib or sequential treatment, but suggested a viable option for regions with first-line osimertinib access issues.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 6, 2025

Hope for the orphans of October 7 and the Swords of Iron War: New Reichman University study reveals that parental loss impacts biological and emotional mechanisms, fostering long-term growth and resilience

A new study led by students Adi Shapira and Hodaya Zadok explores how childhood parental loss affects biological and emotional mechanisms, leading to increased attachment, creativity, and social connection. The research highlights the transformative power of trauma, suggesting that it can pave the way for personal growth and resilience.

SourceReichman University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2025

New chronic pain therapy retrains the brain to process emotions

A new study shows that enhancing emotional processing through therapeutic intervention is an effective approach to managing chronic pain. The trial demonstrated a significant reduction in pain intensity and improved emotional regulation among participants who received the novel eHealth intervention, Pain and Emotion Therapy.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 6, 2025

AI may speed up the grading process for teachers

Large Language Models (LLMs) like Mixtral can grade student responses quickly, but often rely on shortcuts and assume students understand topics. Researchers found that LLMs are more accurate when provided with human-made rubrics, which include specific rules for grading. This suggests that AI can be used to streamline grading processe...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalTechnology Knowledge and Learning·DateMay 6, 2025

Racism in schools harms Black youths’ mental health

A new study by the University of Ottawa reveals a clear link between racism in schools and symptoms of depression among Black students. The research identifies how academic racism hinders Black youths and their social and economic contribution to Canadian society.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalResearch on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 6, 2025

Parent coaching sparks major communication growth in infants with social and communication delays

A new study published by Kennedy Krieger Institute found that targeted coaching for caregivers of infants as young as 8 months significantly enhances babies' communication and cognitive development. This early intervention model empowers families to learn strategies to increase their infant's engagement and communication.

SourceKennedy Krieger Institute·JournalAutism Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 6, 2025

Breakthrough in fuel cell recycling turns ‘forever chemicals’ into renewable resources

Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a technique using soundwaves to separate valuable catalyst materials and fluorinated polymer membranes from catalyst-coated membranes. This breakthrough addresses critical environmental challenges posed by PFAS, which contaminate drinking water and have serious health implications.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalRSC Sustainability·DateMay 6, 2025

Physician-led online nutrition intervention program is practical, cost-effective, and successful at improving patient health

A new study by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that an online physician-led plant-based nutrition intervention program is practical, cost-effective, and successful at improving patient health. The program led to reductions in diabetes medications, body weight, A1C, and total and LDL cholesterol levels.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 6, 2025

Neoadjuvant dual immuno-combination therapy with anti-LAG3 and anti-PD-1 antibodies is feasible and safe for resectable non-small cell lung cancer

A new study found that neoadjuvant dual immuno-combination therapy with relatlimab and nivolumab achieved a 93% one-year disease-free survival rate and 100% one-year overall survival rate in patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer. The therapy also showed promising outcomes, including a pathological complete response rate o...

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 6, 2025

Development, agriculture present risks for drinking water quality

A new study from North Carolina State University researchers finds that conversion of forests to urban development or agriculture near streams can have harmful effects on water quality downstream. The study suggests that more attention should be paid to where development might have serious effects on water quality for people living nea...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS Water·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 6, 2025

Scientists discover a new way to convert corn waste into low-cost sugar for biofuel

Researchers at Washington State University have discovered a new way to produce sugar from corn stalks and other crop waste using an ammonium sulfite-based alkali salts process. This method allows for the efficient conversion of cellulosic biomass into sugar, making it a potentially cost-competitive alternative to traditional methods.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBioresource Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2025

Electronic patient-reported outcome-based symptom management, a new era in surgical patient management

This study demonstrates the benefits of electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) in improving symptom control and reducing symptom interference for surgical patients. The findings show that ePROs can lead to lower composite scores and better symptom reports for fatigue, distress, and other symptoms.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 6, 2025

How hunting harriers home in on their prey

A new study reveals that harriers have independently evolved owl-like traits in their ear and brain anatomy, allowing them to locate prey by sound. This discovery provides insights into how birds perceive their surroundings and may contribute to bird conservation efforts.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Anatomy·TypeObservational study·DateMay 6, 2025

Food as medicine: How diet shapes gut microbiome health

Researchers found that mice on a Mediterranean-style diet recovered quickly and restored a healthy gut microbiome after antibiotics, while those on a Western-style diet were susceptible to infection. The study suggests that diet can be used to treat infections in patients following cancer treatment or organ transplants.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2025

Total and minimum energy efficiency tradeoff in robust multigroup multicast satellite communications

Researchers investigate the total and minimum energy efficiency tradeoff in robust multigroup multicast satellite communication systems, introducing a new metric to balance system performance and fairness. The study presents an optimization framework for robust beamforming design under imperfect channel phase uncertainty.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace Science & Technology·DateMay 6, 2025

Risk factors affecting pulmonary complications in elderly patients with isolated rib fractures

Traumatic mechanisms and fracture patterns are key risk factors for pulmonary complications in elderly patients with isolated rib fractures. This study found no significant relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, age, or pulmonary complications in these patients.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeObservational study·DateMay 6, 2025

Hebrew University’s Dr. Chaim Garfinkel named 2025 Blavatnik Awards Laureate for Pioneering Climate Research

Dr. Chaim Garfinkel's groundbreaking work in climate modeling and atmospheric dynamics enhances predictions of climate patterns on seasonal to decadal timescales, providing critical tools for weather forecasting systems and international efforts to mitigate climate change. His research aims to predict extreme weather events weeks in ad...

Black holes: Beyond the singularity

Researchers explore alternative models of black holes without singularities, which could be distinguishable from standard black holes through subtle deviations in predictions. Observational tests using sophisticated instruments and different channels may reveal clues about internal structure.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 6, 2025