Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 7, 2025


The buried treasure in your old smartphone

Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing a new method to recover rare earth elements from old electronics, such as tablets and phones, using solid-phase extraction technology. This method aims to reduce energy use, cut down on solvents, and streamline the process, making it more environmentally friendly and commercially viable.

Harnessing protein power to deliver medicine

Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed protein cages that can package and deliver chemotherapy drugs with greater precision. The technology has the potential to reduce side effects associated with current treatment methods.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2025

Tiny vibrations have a massive impact: Transmitting clear signals over long distances using nonlinear math

Researchers at Nagoya University discovered that combining two tiny vibrating elements can amplify their signal up to 100 million times, enabling the transmission of clear signals over long distances. This finding could innovate long-distance communications and remote medical devices without requiring high energy consumption.

SourceNagoya University·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·DateMay 7, 2025

New study shows obesity linked to long COVID

A recent study by Edith Cowan University has found a significant association between excess weight and long-term neurological and mental health symptoms after COVID-19. The researchers suggest that this link could be due to an exaggerated inflammatory response linked to fat tissue, which may store the virus and increase its spread.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalPLOS One·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 7, 2025

GP-led talking therapy eases PTSD symptoms after critical illness

A brief spell of talking therapy with a general practitioner reduces symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in survivors of critical illness. The effects are modest, but the intervention may help bridge long waiting times between ICU discharge and access to specialist mental health services.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 7, 2025

Satellites observe glacier committing “ice piracy”

Researchers at the University of Leeds have found that one glacier in Antarctica is rapidly losing ice to its neighboring glacier due to changes in flow direction. This 'ice piracy' effect has been observed over less than 18 years, contrary to previous estimates of hundreds or thousands of years.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Cryosphere·TypeObservational study·DateMay 7, 2025

The hope for detecting Parkinson’s disease much earlier with a simple brain scan

A team of researchers has shown that it may be possible to diagnose Parkinson's disease years before it becomes untreatable by scanning people's brains with fMRI. The study used ultra-high field experimental MRI scanners and analyzed brain activity in response to sensory impairments such as loss of smell and visual deficits.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2025

Removing ovaries and fallopian tubes linked to lower risk of early death among breast cancer patients with BRCA cancer genes

A study found that removing ovaries and fallopian tubes in women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic variants significantly reduces the risk of early death from cancer. This procedure, known as bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO), also decreases the risk of developing a second cancer without any serious side effects.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 7, 2025

Vaccines of the future: harnessing the immune system for long-lasting protection

Scientists have discovered a novel way to enhance the effectiveness of vaccines by boosting stem cell-like memory CD8+ T cells, which can provide decades-long immunity. The study uses mRNA vaccine technology to increase the formation of these cells, offering a promising solution for viruses and cancer therapies.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 7, 2025

Foot traffic can predict COVID-19 spread in New York City neighborhoods

A new study uses foot traffic data to enhance neighborhood-level COVID-19 forecasts in New York City. The research reveals how routine activities like dining out and shopping became major transmission pathways, enabling the development of a behavior-driven model that outperforms traditional forecasting methods.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 7, 2025

New method provides fresh insights into insect decline

A new method using DNA metabarcoding has provided fresh insights into the impact of agriculture on insect biodiversity. The study found a 44% decline in total insect species diversity and a nearly 30% loss of evolutionary diversity in agricultural landscapes.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 7, 2025

Knowing your Alzheimer’s risk may ease anxiety but reduce motivation for healthy habits

A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that learning one's Alzheimer's risk can decrease negative emotions like depression and anxiety, but also leads to decreased motivation for maintaining healthy lifestyle changes. Researchers emphasize the importance of personalized disclosure processes to sustain healthy behaviors.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAlzheimer’s & Dementia·TypeSurvey·DateMay 7, 2025

Piecing together the brain puzzle

A new microscopy method, LICONN, developed by ISTA scientists and Google Research, can reconstruct mammalian brain tissue with all synaptic connections between neurons. This technique uses standard light microscopes and hydrogel to achieve high resolution and opens up possibilities for visualizing complex molecular machinery.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 7, 2025

Inclusive peer support groups are expanding at US colleges, but stable funding is needed

A new study found that collegiate recovery programs with multiple funding sources served twice as many students, providing dedicated space and relapse management support. These programs offer inclusive All Recovery meetings, which provide a welcoming space for students on different recovery journeys to connect and heal.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeSurvey·DateMay 7, 2025

Is virtual-only couture the new clothing craze?

Research from the University of Portsmouth suggests that virtual-only clothing could help bridge the gap between fast fashion and environmental sustainability. Consumers with strong appetites for novel experiences are drawn to e-fashion, valuing its creativity, customisability, and interactivity.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalInternational Journal of Retail & Distribution Management·TypeObservational study·DateMay 7, 2025

Chronic illnesses such as asthma and allergies have psychological impacts

Researchers explore the psychological impact of chronic illnesses on patients with asthma and allergies, finding that fear, anxiety, and social stigma can greatly interfere with treatment. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology discusses ways clinicians can mitigate these effects and provide better care for patients.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·DateMay 7, 2025

Study reveals new source of the heavy elements

A new study reveals that magnetar flares could be a potential source of heavy elements in the universe. By analyzing archival data and observations of magnetar flare events, researchers estimate that up to 10% of heavy elements like gold, uranium, and platinum may come from these cosmic explosions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 7, 2025

Smart spongy device captures water from thin air

Researchers at RMIT University developed a sponge-like device that captures water from the atmosphere and releases it in a cup using solar energy. The device remained effective across a broad range of humidity levels and temperatures, demonstrating its potential for off-grid water harvesting systems.

SourceRMIT University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeObservational study·DateMay 7, 2025

In Reddit posts about climate change, just 1 in 25 links are to scientific sources - versus mass media and social media sources - evidencing the lack of science-based debate

A recent study on Reddit climate change discussions found that only 1 in 25 links are from scientific sources, highlighting the lack of science-based debate on the platform. The study also highlighted the dominance of mass media and social media sources, which often spread misinformation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·DateMay 7, 2025

The atmospheric memory that feeds billions of people: Newly discovered mechanism for monsoon rainfall

A new study reveals the atmosphere can store moisture over extended periods, creating a physical memory effect. This 'memory' allows monsoon systems to flip between two stable states, with severe consequences for regions relying on monsoon rainfall.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 7, 2025

Childhood brain tumors develop early in highly specialized nerve cells

Researchers have identified where and when the most aggressive subgroups of childhood brain tumors develop, revealing that they arise from precursor cells of highly specialized nerve cells. The study suggests that genetic changes occur many years before clinical symptoms appear, paving the way for possible early detection methods.

Formaldehyde releasers found in common personal care products

A new study reveals that over half of Black and Latina women reported using personal care products with formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, highlighting critical safety gaps in product regulation. The study found that these chemicals are present in a wide range of products, including shampoo, lotions, and eyelash glue.

SourceSilent Spring Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMay 7, 2025

Only 0.001% of the deep seafloor visually observed in seventy years, revealing gaps and bias in ocean exploration and global biodiversity understanding

A groundbreaking study estimates that only a minuscule fraction of the deep seafloor has been imaged, with less than 0.001% of the ocean floor having visual records. This limited exploration is largely due to high costs and geographical bias in ocean exploration efforts.

SourceOcean Discovery League·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 7, 2025

Will you live an unprecedented life?

Today's children will endure more climate extremes than any previous generation due to continued greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights the social injustice of climate change and its impacts, with the most vulnerable children facing almost all, or nearly all, unprecedented exposure to heatwaves in their lifetime.

SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalNature·DateMay 7, 2025

A “roadmap” of the fruit fly brain

The study provides an overview of the fruit fly connectome, enabling scientists to intelligently design experiments to investigate individual neurons or circuits. Sex-specific differences were identified between male and female specimens, shedding light on behavioural differences such as egg-laying and mating.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2025

Configuration design method of mega constellation for low earth orbit observation

Researchers propose a configuration design method for mega constellations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using basic and accompanying satellites. The method considers satellite imaging width, formation flying of subgroup satellites, and global uniform coverage by payloads to optimize constellation configuration. By solving nonlinear optimiza...

Remote regulation of molecular diffusion in extracellular space of Parkinson’s disease rat model by subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation

STN-DBS treatment modifies the extracellular space (ECS) by increasing hyaluronic acid content, EAAT2 expression, and reducing extracellular glutamate concentration. This study demonstrates that STN-DBS enhances ISF drainage by restoring AQP-4 expression while decreasing α-synuclein levels.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateMay 7, 2025

One-week breast cancer radiotherapy proven as safe and effective as standard three-week treatment in 4,000-patient study over 10 years

A 10-year study confirms a one-week course of post-surgery radiotherapy is just as safe and effective as the traditional three-week regimen for early-stage breast cancer patients. This shorter schedule provides similar cancer control without additional long-term side effects.

SourceEuropean Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)·JournalRadiotherapy and Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 7, 2025

Smart lactation pads can monitor safety of breast milk in real time

Scientists at the University of Southern California have developed a wearable lactation pad that monitors breast milk for safe levels of acetaminophen. The device provides real-time information, enabling parents to make informed decisions about breastfeeding and medication use, and may also be adapted to detect other drugs and biomarkers.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2025

Excess weight, including overweight and obesity, is linked with experiencing Long COVID neurological symptoms including headaches, vertigo, sleep problems and depression, per meta-analysis of studies comprising almost 140,000 total participants

A meta-analysis of over 140,000 participants found a significant association between excess weight and neurological/neuropsychiatric symptoms in post-COVID-19 condition. The study suggests that maintaining a healthy weight may be crucial in mitigating these symptoms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateMay 7, 2025

Integrating in situ vaccination with checkpoint blockade therapy: a novel approach to enhance anti-tumor immunity in colorectal cancer

Researchers explored combining checkpoint blockade therapy with in situ vaccination to improve anti-tumor immunity in colorectal cancer. This innovative approach aims to mitigate adverse effects and enhance treatment effectiveness by targeting immune checkpoints and promoting tumor-specific T cell responses.

SourceELSP·JournalBiofunctional Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 7, 2025

Paper: AI-human task-sharing could cut mammography screening costs by up to 30%

A new study suggests that collaborating with human radiologists and using AI for initial screenings can streamline the process, reducing costs by up to 30%. This delegation strategy leverages AI's strengths in identifying low-risk cases while allowing humans to focus on complex or ambiguous ones.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 7, 2025

Family Heart Foundation announces results of real-world study in 273,770 individuals with cardiovascular disease demonstrating that risk of subsequent cardiovascular event increases with rising lipoprotein(a) levels

A study of 273,770 individuals with cardiovascular disease found that increasing lipoprotein(a) levels significantly increases the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events. Treatment with high-impact LDL-C lowering therapies may help reduce this risk.

SourceFamily Heart Foundation·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 7, 2025

After global catastrophe, urban and near-urban farming could be sufficient to sustain mid-size cities

A new study suggests that urban agriculture alone can only feed about one fifth of a city's population, but combining it with near-urban farming can ensure food security for the entire city. Peas are found to be the best crop for maximizing protein and calories while minimizing land requirements in normal climate scenarios.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 7, 2025

Bird flu study points to risk of another pandemic

A major global review of bird flu in cats found 607 cases, including 302 deaths, from 18 countries and 12 cat species. The virus is highly infectious and can spread through direct contact with infected birds or other mammals, leading to severe symptoms like brain swelling.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 7, 2025

Discovery from Mass General Brigham researchers yields insights on preventing organ transplant rejection

A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers has identified a natural 'brake' within the innate immune system that can prevent organ transplant rejection. The discovery highlights a promising target for new therapies and offers hope for longer-lasting transplant success and reduced need for lifelong immunosuppression.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 7, 2025

Junk food for thought: Landmark Canadian study directly links ultra-processed foods to poor health

A Canadian study found a strong association between ultra-processed food consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors, including high blood pressure and diabetes. Individuals who consumed the most ultra-processed foods had higher BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure levels than those who consumed fewer or no such foods.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNutrition and Metabolism·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 7, 2025

Viruses under the super microscope: How influenza viruses communicate with cells

Scientists have developed a universal protocol to investigate how viruses interact with host cells, revealing a cascade of cellular reactions triggered by contact between the virus and cell surface. This breakthrough provides insights into the biology of influenza viruses and identifies potential targets for antiviral therapies.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2025

Join Us at ATS | Insilico Medicine Announces Upcoming Presentations at the 2025 American Thoracic Society International Conference

Insilico Medicine will present detailed Phase IIa data on rentosertib, a novel TNIK inhibitor developed using generative AI, for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The company has previously demonstrated encouraging results from its Phase IIa study, showing favorable safety and tolerability across all dose levels.

Race and ethnicity often not reported in trials of medications for mental health conditions

A new study found that only 39% of clinical trials report the race or ethnicity of participants involved. The research highlights the need for more comprehensive reporting and recruitment practices to ensure studies better reflect diverse populations globally. This is crucial for developing inclusive, effective, and equitable treatments.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 7, 2025

MCT4: A novel therapeutic target for NAFLD

Researchers found that MCT4 inhibition up-regulates genes involved in triglyceride and fatty acid synthesis, increasing intracellular lipid accumulation. Overexpression of MCT4 reduces lipid accumulation by down-regulating hepatic lipid metabolism-related genes.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalGenes & Diseases·DateMay 7, 2025

Importance of reinstating CDC’s Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC)

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America strongly urges CDC to reinstate HICPAC due to its critical role in providing evidence-based guidance on infection control practices. Disbanding the committee jeopardizes decades of progress in preventing healthcare-associated infections, putting patients at risk and creating uncertaint...

SMART launches new research group WISDOM to pioneer technologies that will help machines “see” like humans

The Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology has launched the Wafer-scale Integrated Sensing Devices based on Optoelectronic Metasurfaces (WISDOM) research group, focusing on developing ultra-thin sensing devices for machines to perceive depth and spatial detail like human vision. This multi-million-dollar program aims to adv...

Study finds giving pre-service social studies teachers practice in teaching difficult topics boosts confidence

A new study from the University of Kansas found that providing pre-service teachers with a low-stakes setting to teach difficult topics, such as the Holocaust, improves their confidence. The research involved four novice educators who delivered lessons on the book 'Night' by Elie Wiesel in a mixed-reality simulated classroom.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalThe Social Studies·TypeObservational study·DateMay 7, 2025

Obesity a leading cause of knee osteoarthritis

A recent study published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage reveals that obesity is a leading cause of knee osteoarthritis. The research also found that certain lifestyle changes, such as following a Mediterranean diet and engaging in regular physical activity, can significantly reduce the risk of developing the condition.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalOsteoarthritis and Cartilage·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 7, 2025

Dementia rates in China are rising disproportionately

Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are rising rapidly in China due to population growth and high-risk factors like high blood sugar, smoking, and obesity. The study projects continued rise unless effective interventions are implemented.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMay 7, 2025

Don’t mess with mama spider! Parental care helps invasive spiders thwart their parasites

Researchers found that invasive brown widow spiders effectively defend their egg sacs against wasp parasites through multiple defence strategies. By constructing denser spikes on their egg sacs and using guarding behaviors, the spiders protect themselves against high levels of predation and parasitism.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2025

Grains of truth: New focus issue explores how pathogens and pests of cereal crops undermine global food security

The latest focus issue of Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions explores the molecular, cellular, and genomic details of cereal crop diseases, highlighting key research on plant-pathogen interactions. Groundbreaking work has advanced the field, offering new insights into disease resistance and management strategies.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateMay 7, 2025

AI Model Improves Delirium Prediction, Leading to Better Health Outcomes for Hospitalized Patients

A novel AI model developed by researchers at Mount Sinai improved delirium detection by quadrupling the rate of identification and treatment in hospitalized patients. The model accurately calculates delirium risk in real-time and integrates smoothly into clinical workflows, helping staff catch and treat more patients with delirium.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 7, 2025

CiQUS researchers lead European Innovation Council Project to develop novel anticancer agent

The MEDiCS project, led by Prof. José Luis Mascareñas, aims to develop a new anticancer agent targeting cancer stem cells using ruthenium-based metallic complexes. The €2.5 million funded project will progress the technology through preclinical phase and human clinical trials for pancreatic and colon cancers.

Cannabis-related hospital visits rising, often tied to mental health conditions: Study

A new study found that cannabis-related hospital visits increased by 20% in Arizona between 2016 and 2021, with nearly eight times more patients having a primary diagnosis of a mental health disorder. The study suggests easier access to cannabis may be partly responsible for the trend.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 7, 2025