Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2025 - Page 38


Page 38 of 50

Sexual problems often overlooked at the doctor's office

A new study highlights the need for better patient-provider communications regarding sexual health, particularly among general practitioners. Despite considering treating sexual problems an important healthcare practice, GPs are more likely to report barriers due to short appointment times and lack of knowledge about sexual medicine.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeSurvey·DateMay 9, 2025

Chimpanzee groups drum with distinct rhythms

Researchers found that eastern and western chimpanzees exhibit different drumming patterns, including evenly spaced hits and alternating intervals. Western chimpanzees use a faster tempo and integrated their drumming earlier in pant-hoot vocalizations.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 9, 2025

Bringing superconducting nanostructures to 3D

An international team led by the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids created three-dimensional superconducting nanostructures with controlled superconducting states and demonstrated motion of nanoscale defects in a 3D bridge-like superconductor. This breakthrough enables the exploration of novel effects and development ...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2025

Virtual nurse can persuade you to get vaccinated

Researchers from SWPS University developed a virtual nurse, FLORA, to persuade people to get vaccinated. Studies show that conversations with FLORA significantly increase willingness to vaccinate, even in low-risk groups. The approach can combat misinformation and conspiracy theories, promoting public health.

SourceSWPS University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 9, 2025

German satellite measures CO2 and NO2 simultaneously from power plant emissions for the first time

A research team used the EnMAP satellite to detect carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide in power plant emissions with unprecedented spatial resolution. The study provides new insights into industrial pollutant emissions and enables more transparent satellite-based monitoring.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemistry·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 9, 2025

Cryo-EM structures of Nipah virus polymerase complex reveal highly varied interactions between L and P proteins among paramyxoviruses

The study resolved two cryo-EM structures of the Nipah virus L protein in complex with the P protein, revealing well-defined RdRp and PRNTase domains. The P protein formed a tetrameric bundle interacting with the L protein via hydrophobic interactions and zinc-binding sites essential for polymerase activity.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalProtein & Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2025

Heat- and oxygen-stable biocatalyst for hydrogen production

A new biocatalyst for hydrogen production has been discovered in a thermophilic bacterium, demonstrating exceptional heat and oxygen stability. The research team used various techniques to gain insights into the protein's structure and mechanism, revealing crucial amino acids that contribute to its high oxygen resistance.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2025

Machine learning powers new approach to detecting soil contaminants

A team of researchers at Rice University developed a new strategy for identifying hazardous pollutants in soil using light-based imaging and machine learning algorithms. The approach can detect toxic compounds like PAHs and PACs even when no experimental data is available, addressing a critical gap in environmental monitoring.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2025

A more realistic look at DNA in action

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that DNA's behavior changes in a crowded environment, affecting the amount of stress required for strand separation. The study used microscopic magnetic tweezers to investigate interactions between DNA and various molecules.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMay 9, 2025

Studies point to redlining as a ‘perfect storm’ for breast cancer

A University at Buffalo study found that historically redlined neighborhoods have a disproportionate impact on breast cancer factors and survival, with lower socioeconomic status and exposure to pollution contributing to the increased risk. The research suggests that addressing environmental disparities in these communities is crucial ...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCancer Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 9, 2025

Green fabrication of hybrid materials as highly sensitive X-ray detectors

Researchers have developed highly sensitive X-ray detectors using green fabrication methods, surpassing commercial detectors in both sensitivity and long-term stability. The new materials, which can be produced without solvents through ball milling, enable lower radiation exposure during medical imaging procedures.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2025

New research illustrates the relationship between moral outrage on social media and activism

A new study found that expressions of moral outrage on social media increase post virality but don't necessarily translate to petition signing behavior. Online expressions focusing on agency, group identity, and prosociality are more likely to generate signatures.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2025

Is air pollution exposure equal across South Korea?

A recent study from POSTECH University evaluated ground-level NO2 concentrations using satellite remote sensing data, revealing significant socioeconomic disparities in air pollution exposure. The research found that areas with higher socioeconomic levels had higher NO2 concentrations, contradicting previous findings in other countries.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 9, 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...