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Science News for May 8, 2025


Atomically dispersed tungsten for enhanced platinum-based catalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Researchers developed a novel Pt/W@NCNF composite catalyst with enhanced CO tolerance and catalytic stability, achieving higher HOR exchange current density and mass activity than state-of-the-art Pt/C. The unique atomical dispersion of W sites on N-doped carbon nanofibers modifies the electronic structure of Pt.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Powder Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2025

Impacts of road networks on the geography of floristic collections in China

A study found that road networks have a significant effect on the distribution of plant specimens in China, with collection activities becoming increasingly reliant on roads. To improve representativeness and completeness of survey outcomes, future surveys should prioritize areas with limited road network coverage.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalPlant Diversity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 8, 2025

solar cycles as superior driver of bark beetle forest calamities in central Europe: New robust evidence

A study found a consistent 9–12-year cycle in beetle-related salvage logging across Austria, Czechia, and Slovakia, aligned with solar minima. During low TSI, logging spikes up to 24%, while high TSI drops as low as 3%–5%. This pattern sheds light on climate and solar dynamics converging to affect forest health.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalForest Ecosystems·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 8, 2025

Periostin, a valuable serum biomarker in the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and prediction of acute exacerbations

This study reveals periostin as a superior serum biomarker for diagnosing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, with high sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional markers. Periostin levels also correlate with disease severity and predict acute exacerbations in IPF patients.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeObservational study·DateMay 8, 2025

Health care workers, firefighters have increased PFAS levels, study finds

A study found moderate elevations of certain PFAS in health care workers' blood, with notably higher odds of detecting Sb-PFOA and PFDoA compared to other professions. Firefighters had the highest concentrations of PFAS, specifically concentrations of PFHxS, Sm-PFOS, n-PFOS and PFHpS.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 8, 2025

Unique model of rare epileptic disease helps pinpoint potential treatment route

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital created a cortical organoid model for the rare disorder UBA5-associated encephalopathy, revealing stunted GABAergic interneuron growth and imbalance in neuronal excitation and inhibition. The model suggests boosting the expression of the existing partially functioning copy of UBA5 may...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 8, 2025

Mass General Brigham gene and cell therapy researchers present key findings from multiple innovative studies at ASGCT 2025

Researchers from Mass General Brigham presented key findings from multiple innovative studies on gene and cell therapy, focusing on rare diseases, brain cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. The studies explored strategies to improve care delivery and accelerate translation from lab to clinic, with potential breakthroughs in treatin...

Technion researchers’ discovery will help improve the personalization of immunotherapy treatments

Researchers have identified a unique genetic signature in T cell clones that predicts treatment success, enabling personalized immunotherapy approaches. The study's findings also suggest that activating specific T cell clones within the tumor can enhance immune response and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalCell Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2025

Enhanced DLP-based one-step 3D printing of multifunctional magnetic soft robot

Researchers have developed an enhanced Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printing technology that can create composite magnetic structures with different materials in one step. The new method, introduced by Tsinghua University scientists, presents extensive potential for designing and manufacturing multifunctional soft robots.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateMay 8, 2025

Waxing and waning prairie: new study unravels causes of ancient climate changes

A new study from the University of Helsinki unravels the causes of ancient climate changes that led to severe droughts in North America thousands of years ago. Researchers used fossil pollen grains and machine learning algorithms to reconstruct moisture levels, confirming that conditions were below modern levels for thousands of years.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 8, 2025

Stabilizing renewable energy based microgrid: AI-optimized control tackles EV integration challenges

Researchers present an intelligent solution to manage complex energy systems, improving frequency stability and reducing settling time by up to 283% compared to traditional controllers. The innovative FO-Fuzzy PSS controller incorporates a specialized washout filter, ensuring smooth operation even during turbulent conditions.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2025

New Reichman University study: a temporary international market exit may lead to future global expansion

A new study by Reichman University and Copenhagen Business School found that companies reducing international operations by 10% or more can subsequently expand at a faster rate than those that didn't. These companies invested freed-up resources into new initiatives, such as patent applications, indicating growth in innovation capacity.

SourceReichman University·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2025

Music therapy helps brain-injured children

Researchers developed MuSICCA, a music therapy tool that uses musical stimulation to assess levels of consciousness in children with brain injuries. The study found high agreement among participants that the tool is suitable for use with children, providing guidance for caregivers and supporting clinical teams.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateMay 8, 2025

Discovery opens up for new ways to treat chlamydia

Researchers at Umeå University and Michigan State University have found a type of molecule that can kill chlamydia bacteria without harming human cells or beneficial bacteria. This breakthrough discovery opens the door for developing new antibiotics against chlamydia, the world's most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease.

SourceUmea University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 8, 2025

Advanced imaging and targeted therapy help men with prostate cancer safely defer surgery and radiation therapy

A new study by UCLA researchers shows that advanced MRI imaging and targeted focal therapy can help many men with low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer safely stay on active surveillance long-term, avoiding follow-up biopsies and delaying or avoiding invasive treatments. The findings suggest that routine follow-up biopsy can now be...

Maternal cardiometabolic health during pregnancy associated with higher blood pressure in children, NIH study finds

A new NIH study found that maternal cardiometabolic health before and during pregnancy is associated with higher blood pressure in children. The study analyzed data from 12,480 mother-child pairs and identified three key risk factors: pre-pregnancy obesity, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure during pregnancy.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 8, 2025

USTC researchers developed rapid fluorescence sensing for tertiary amines and opioids

Researchers developed a rapid fluorochromic sensing method for detecting tertiary amines and opioids, enabling faster and more accurate analysis. The new approach uses photoinduced charge-transfer complexes to differentiate between structurally similar amines based on their substituents and molecular flexibility.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 8, 2025

Depression and heart failure in US veterans

A cohort study of US veterans found that depression is associated with a higher hazard of incident heart failure after controlling for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors. Depression remains consistent as a risk factor even in low-risk cohorts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 8, 2025

Slimming with Mitch

Researchers found that silencing Mitch, a key regulator of mitochondrial fusion, increases cellular respiration and burns more fats and carbohydrates. In human cells, deleting Mitch leads to increased muscular endurance and a decrease in fat accumulation.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMay 8, 2025

In study of incarcerated burglars’ evaluations of VR houses, offenders changed their perceptions of risk, reward based on environmental factors

Researchers used virtual reality to test how incarcerated burglars evaluated a neighborhood with houses differing in features. The study found that offenders adjusted their perceptions of risk and reward based on the environment. Environmental features like street lighting and housing design influenced the men's likelihood of breaking in.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalCriminology·DateMay 8, 2025

Critical review of compensation converters for capacitive power transfer in wireless electric vehicle charging circuit topologies

Recent advancements in compensation circuits have achieved impressive results in addressing key inefficiencies in wireless EV charging. Researchers refined converter topologies to deliver high-power, high-efficiency charging without physical connectors, demonstrating improved power transfer.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2025

Innovative new detector to hunt for neutrinos

Physicist Matthias Schott is developing a dedicated neutrino detector for the LHC that can handle high data transfer rates, enabling researchers to study high-energy neutrinos. The detector uses GridPix technology and may reveal new insights into neutrino interactions, including potential evidence of anti-tau neutrinos.

The first remote photoactivation device

A new breakthrough in photopharmacology has been achieved with the design of a wireless capable of remotely activating a photoactivable drug. The device demonstrates efficacy in treating pain and opens up new perspectives for designing safer and more effective analgesic treatments.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2025

Lawsuits could choke off the candy‑flavored vape pipeline

A new paper proposes targeting domestic vape distributors with state and local lawsuits to regulate flavored e-cigarettes. The strategy could result in stiff financial penalties for lawbreakers, forcing them to stock only FDA-cleared vapes. If successful, this approach may align what's on the shelves with what's legal.

SourceRutgers University·JournalTobacco Control·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 8, 2025

New study: high efficiency of severe thalassemia prevention with HTS based carrier screening

A recent study found that strict adherence to High-Throughput Sequencing (HTS) technology based carrier screening can achieve high efficiency in preventing severe thalassemia birth defects. The study identified 15.07% of women as carriers of thalassemia and confirmed 59 fetuses with severe thalassemia, all of which were in high-risk co...

SourceBGI Genomics·JournalJournal of Genetics and Genomics·DateMay 8, 2025

Mitigating laughing gas emissions from wastewater

A recent study has identified a key factor contributing to nitrous oxide emissions in wastewater treatment plants: an imbalance between bacteria groups and oxygen levels. By increasing oxygen concentrations, the researchers suggest that emissions can be significantly reduced without requiring major infrastructural changes.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Water·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 8, 2025

3D printing in vivo using sound

Researchers have developed a technique for in vivo 3D printing of polymers using sound localization, which can be used for drug delivery, tissue repair, and internal wound sealing. The new method, called deep tissue in vivo sound printing (DISP), has been successfully tested in mice and shows promising results.

Turning non-magnetic materials magnetic with atomically thin films

Scientists at Tohoku University discovered that chromium selenide transforms into a magnetic material when reduced to atomically thin layers, challenging previous theoretical predictions. The research opens new possibilities for spintronics applications and could lead to faster, smaller, and more efficient electronic components.

Biological age predicts cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality

A multicentre study found that biological ageing, measured by frailty index and telomere length, can predict cardiovascular disease risk more accurately than traditional tools. The study, involving over 14,000 individuals, suggests that incorporating biological age into risk assessments could improve cardiovascular health outcomes.

Why people reject new rules – but only until they take effect

A study by Technical University of Munich and University of Vienna found that resistance to restrictive measures is often less robust than feared by policymakers. Once the new rules come into force, people's attitudes towards them decline significantly, revealing a psychological mechanism behind this phenomenon.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2025

This soft robot “thinks” with its legs

A research team from AMOLF created a soft robot that moves with surprising coordination and autonomy, thanks to the principle of physical synchronization. The robot's soft tubes oscillate to create rhythmic locomotion gaits, adapting to obstacles and environments without central control.

SourceAMOLF·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2025

CDI lab demonstrates key molecular factor in exhaustion of immune cells - with treatment implications

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science demonstrates a critical enzyme pathway in maintaining immune cell activity. The research suggests that histone deacetylase (Hdac1) plays a crucial role in preventing excessive decline of effectiveness in exhausted cells.

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2025

Physics: Eggs less likely to crack when dropped side-on

Research published in Communications Physics found that eggs are more likely to survive drops when oriented horizontally, contradicting a common classroom science experiment assumption. The study's findings suggest that the shell of an egg can better withstand impact when dropped side-on due to its flexibility around the equator.

SourceSpringer Nature·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2025

Major US cities are sinking

A study by Virginia Tech found that all 28 major US cities are sinking, with 20-65% of urban areas affected, impacting structural integrity and flood risks. The research highlights the importance of integrating land subsidence monitoring into urban planning policies to mitigate infrastructure risks.

Database reveals vital ocean links to aid conservation

The University of Queensland and Duke University scientists have developed a global map to show the migratory patterns of over 100 marine species. The MiCO database highlights critical areas and connections that transcend political boundaries, emphasizing the need for globally-aligned conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 8, 2025

Common lung bacteria team up to evade immune defenses

A study found that co-infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Mycobacterium abscessus suppresses immune responses, leading to worsened lung function decline in patients with cystic fibrosis and COPD. The presence of both bacteria together reduces the production of key immune signalling molecules, effectively dampening the body's inflam...

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalVirulence·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2025

Mammal’s lifespans linked to brain size and immune system function, says new study

A new study found that mammals with bigger brains and more complex immune systems tend to live longer. The research suggests that the immune system plays a major role in driving the evolution of longer lifespans across mammals, removing aging and damaged cells, controlling infections, and preventing tumor formation.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 8, 2025

All of the biggest U.S. cities are sinking

A new study reveals that 25 of the 28 most populous US cities are sinking, with some areas subsiding at rates of over 5 millimeters per year. The primary cause is massive ongoing groundwater extraction, which can lead to stresses on infrastructure and buildings.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Cities·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 8, 2025

How to reduce global CO2 emissions from industry

Global CO2 emissions from industry can be reduced by up to 5% through improved energy management and social constructions of energy efficiency. The key findings highlight the importance of system-wide processes, increased knowledge dissemination, and corporate culture changes in achieving this goal.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2025