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Science News Archive May 2025 - Page 29


Page 29 of 50

No car, no problem: Unlikely car-free families

A new study from the Hebrew University explores middle-class parents in Israel who choose to live car-free due to personal values like promoting children's independence and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These 'outlier' families offer valuable insights into reducing society's dependence on private vehicles, highlighting instrumental ...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2025

Following the folds – with quantum technology

Researchers developed advanced quantum components using niobium nitride CCAs, which feature high kinetic inductance and are well-suited for superconducting applications. The topology of the CCAs plays a crucial role in their function, enabling new possibilities for quantum simulations and controlled model systems.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2025

Is it time to redefine the public health workforce? New research proposes a broader, more inclusive approach

A new paper calls for a redefinition of the public health workforce, recognizing professionals outside government agencies who contribute to public health. An intersectional framework proposes two tiers: Essential Public Health Services and Foundational Public Health Services.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 14, 2025

Blood type a identified as potential breast cancer risk factor

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that individuals with blood type A have a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those with blood type O. The research, which pooled data from over 13,000 breast cancer patients and 717,000 controls, suggests an 18% increased risk associated with blood type A.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 14, 2025

A new technique to use generative AI to design RNA

A new generative AI technique allows for the design of RNA molecules with improved functions, opening up potential for novel therapeutics and diagnostics. The SANDSTORM and GARDN systems enable the prediction and generation of RNA sequences tailored for specific tasks in cells or diagnostic assays.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 14, 2025

Chimpanzees use medicinal leaves to perform first aid

In a groundbreaking study, scientists observed chimpanzees in Uganda using medicinal leaves to clean and treat their own and others' wounds. The research provides insight into the cognitive and social foundations of human healthcare behaviors, highlighting the potential for natural remedies and community care.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2025

Daratumumab may help cancer patients with low physical function to live longer, study finds

A new study found that patients with lower physical function at treatment initiation receive the greatest survival benefit from daratumumab-based therapy, with a 47% reduced risk of death. In contrast, patients with high physical function show less pronounced benefits and experience increased cancer progression risks.

SourceUniversity of Sharjah·JournalEuropean Journal Of Haematology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 14, 2025

Gelada monkeys understand complex "conversations" involving distress calls and prosocial comforting responses, exhibiting surprise when such vocal exchanges are manipulated to violate their expectations

In a study published in PLOS, gelada monkeys demonstrated an understanding of complex vocal exchanges involving distress calls and prosocial comforting responses. The monkeys exhibited surprise when such vocal exchanges were manipulated to violate their expectations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateMay 14, 2025

Groups of AI agents spontaneously form their own social norms without human help, suggests study

A study suggests that groups of artificial intelligence language models can self-organise into societies, reaching consensus on linguistic norms, and are prone to tipping points in social convention. Collective biases emerge between agents through interactions, a blind spot in most current AI safety work.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 14, 2025

Rediscovering the first known cellular receptor

Researchers have reexamined the Ashwell-Morell receptor's functions using innovative glycoengineering techniques, clarifying its roles in sepsis and inflammation control. The study reveals that the receptor can bind to a specific type of protein glycan chain, which was previously thought to be incompatible with binding.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

An ink that boosts coral reef settlement by 20 times

Researchers have engineered a bio-ink that can promote coral larvae settlement and restore coral reefs. The ink, dubbed SNAP-X, slowly releases chemical cues into seawater, attracting coral larvae and encouraging them to settle on the reef. Testing showed that larvae were 20 times more likely to settle on substrates sprayed with SNAP-X.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

Multi-directionally oriented collagen tissue fabrication achieved using 3D printing

Researchers from Yokohama National University have developed a method to fabricate complex oriented tissues with multiple directionality using 3D printing. This technique utilizes flow to orient collagen fibers and cells, allowing for the creation of fine, micro-oriented structures in both horizontal and vertical directions.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateMay 14, 2025

How the brain allows us to infer emotions

Researchers have identified the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) as the basis of emotional inference in animals and humans. In a study published in Nature, Xiaowei Gu and Joshua Johansen found that rats can learn inferred emotions by associating a neutral stimulus with an unpleasant experience.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateMay 14, 2025

Astronomers take a second look at twin star systems

Astronomers have identified nearly 600 edge-on binary star systems using Gaia DR3 catalogue data, which could facilitate the discovery of new planets and compare planet formation across stars in the same system. The study suggests that certain orientations of twin star systems provide critical information about planet formation.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 14, 2025

Scientists discover new way the brain learns

Researchers identified a dual learning system in the brain that enables habits to form and provides a scientific basis for breaking bad habits. The study suggests that replacing an action consistently can lead to the APE system forming a new habit, offering a potential strategy for overcoming addictions.

SourceSainsbury Wellcome Centre·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

New marine-biodegradable polymer decomposes by 92% in one year, rivals nylon in strength

A Korean research team has developed a high-performance polyester-amide polymer that decomposes by over 92% in one year under real marine conditions while maintaining strength and flexibility comparable to nylon. This material is applicable to various uses, including textiles, fishing nets, and food packaging.

Dark matter formed when fast particles slowed down and got heavy, new theory says

Researchers at Dartmouth College propose a new theory on the origin of dark matter, suggesting it could have formed from high-energy massless particles that rapidly condensed into cold, heavy particles. The theory can be tested using existing observational data, including the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 14, 2025

Multiple defects renovation and phase reconstruction of reduced-dimensional perovskites via in situ chlorination for efficient deep-blue (454 nm) light-emitting diodes

Researchers propose a novel in-situ chlorination post-treatment method to renovate defects and reconstruct phase structure, enhancing optoelectronic performance. Deep-blue LEDs achieved an external quantum efficiency of 6.17%, demonstrating faster carrier transport and increased operational stability.

Differences in weight loss among ethnicities points to need to look at socio-economic issues, York University study suggests

A new study by York University suggests that the broad ethnic categories used in clinical settings may mask differences in sub-ethnic groups. The findings indicate that socio-economic factors play a significant role in weight loss disparities among Black, Middle Eastern, Latin, and South Asian communities.

SourceYork University·JournalClinical Obesity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2025

Epigenetics predicts the aggressiveness of Burkitt Lymphoma, a common pediatric tumor in developing countries

Researchers identified two distinct epigenetic profiles in Burkitt Lymphoma, one associated with a favorable clinical course and the other with early relapse and shorter survival. This discovery has implications for treatment strategies and may lead to personalized medicine approaches.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

Australia’s oldest prehistoric tree frog hops 22 million years back in time

A new species of ancient tree frog, Litoria tylerantiqua, has been discovered in Australia, challenging previous estimates of when Australian and South American tree frogs separated. The fossil record indicates that the separation occurred approximately 22 million years ago, rather than 33 million years ago as previously thought.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 14, 2025