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Science News for November 17, 2025


Prescribed burning helps store forest carbon in big, fire-resistant trees

A long-term study found that prescribed burning significantly enhances the net productivity of plots with three treatments, increasing carbon sequestration capacity while maintaining large fire-resistant trees. This approach can help reduce wildfire hazard and support California's goal of net zero carbon by 2045.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEcological Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2025

HKUMed leverages Hong Kong big data to identify rare side effects of antipsychotic medications—providing novel evidence for safer global prescribing

Researchers at HKUMed used big data to identify rare side effects of antipsychotic medications, including increased gynaecological cancer risk and infection risk among clozapine users. The findings provide evidence for safer global prescribing and inform clinical guidelines and policy.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2025

Visualization of exciton diffusion in a copper phthalocyanine single nanofiber by femtosecond single-particle spectroscopy

The study reveals that the exciton diffusion coefficient is approximately three times greater in η-phase than β-phase nanofibers, indicating longer-range energy transport. The findings provide new design principles for achieving higher efficiency in organic photoenergy conversion and optoelectronic devices.

SourceEhime University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateNov 17, 2025

HKUMed finds depression doubles mortality rates and increases suicide risk 10-fold; timely treatment can reduce risk by up to 30%

A meta-analysis of 268 cohort studies covering over 10 million people found that depression doubles mortality rates and increases suicide risk 10-fold. Timely and effective treatment can significantly reduce these risks, with antidepressant medication lowering overall mortality risk by approximately 20%.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalWorld Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2025

Linearizing tactile sensing: A soft 3D lattice sensor for accurate human-machine interactions

Researchers developed a 3D lattice iontronic sensor that accurately detects sophisticated tactile interactions by linearizing both electrical responses and mechanical behaviors. The sensor, comprising a hydrogel lattice encapsulated in an origami-inspired framework, enables precise detection under extreme dynamic loading.

SourceJournal Center of Harbin Institute of Technology·JournalSmartBot·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 17, 2025

HKU researchers develop innovative vascularized tumor model to advance cancer immunotherapy

The research team developed a novel vascularised tumour model using a non-surgical injectable hydrogel system, providing a powerful new platform for researching cancer and testing immune cell therapies. The breakthrough model effectively supports the spontaneous formation of solid tumours with functional host-derived vasculature in mice.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalAdvanced Composites and Hybrid Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2025

Unearthing the City of Seven Ravines

Archaeologists uncover vast planned settlement Semiyarka, dating back to 1600 BC, which challenges current understanding of steppe societies and reveals complex bronze production systems. The site provides insight into a period of history when nomadic communities transitioned into permanent settlements.

Ancient sediments reveal Earth’s hidden wildfire past

A team of scientists has uncovered evidence of ancient wildfires during the Early Triassic epoch, about 250 million years ago. The findings suggest that wildfires played a significant role in shaping ecosystems during this time period, contrary to previous assumptions based on a lack of charcoal in the geologic record.

SourceHeriot-Watt University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateNov 17, 2025

The gold standard: Researchers end 20-year spin debate on gold surface with definitive, full-map quantum imaging

The study definitively resolves the controversy by capturing complete two-dimensional snapshots of electron spin and orbital shape on the Au(111) Shockley surface state. The experiment unambiguously confirms the Rashba effect, establishing a robust reference dataset for spin-resolved photoemission.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of the Physical Society of Japan·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2025

Root canal treatment reduces heart disease and diabetes risk

A study published in Journal of Translational Medicine found that successful root canal treatment can reduce inflammation linked to heart disease and improve levels of blood sugar and cholesterol. The researchers discovered a link between monitoring blood metabolic markers after dental treatment, which could help assess recovery and risk.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateNov 17, 2025

“Shika Sonic” device installed near a school in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture no bear sightings for two and a half months — mayor calls it “a major success”

The Shika Sonic device, developed to deter wild animals like bears and deer, was installed near a school in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture. Since its installation, there have been zero bear sightings in the surrounding area. The city is now considering expanding the use of the device to tourist areas based on promising results.

Study reveals insights into long COVID trajectories in adults

Researchers identified eight different long COVID trajectories, depending on severity and duration of symptoms, in a study of over 3,500 adult participants. The study found that 10.3% of patients had long COVID symptoms three months after infection, with 81% continuing to experience persistent or intermittent symptoms a year later.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2025

The genome editing playbook is different in neurons

Researchers found that CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing persists longer and produces more predictable results in non-dividing neurons. They also discovered new DNA repair genes that can be used to control gene editing outcomes, which could lead to safer and more effective therapies for genetic diseases.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 17, 2025

Through the wires: Technology developed by FAMU-FSU College of Engineering faculty mitigates flaws in superconducting wires

Researchers at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have developed a design that uses multiple strands of superconducting tape to create a cable, minimizing the chance of failure from defective spots within a wire. This technology helps solve engineering and manufacturing challenges for manufacturers and could lead to more efficient and les...

SourceFlorida State University·JournalSuperconductor Science and Technology·DateNov 17, 2025

The most effective online fact-checkers? Your peers

A recent study by researchers from the University of Rochester, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, and University of Virginia found that publicly displayed community notes can effectively curb misinformation on social media platforms. The study analyzed 264,600 posts on X that received at least one community note and found that p...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalInformation Systems Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2025

ACP encourages all adults to receive the 2025-2026 influenza vaccine

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued new influenza vaccine practice points that recommend standard-dose trivalent or quadrivalent vaccines for healthy adults aged 18-64, and high-dose trivalent or quadrivalent vaccines for those 65 years old. The guidelines aim to prevent seasonal epidemics caused by highly infectious fl...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateNov 17, 2025

Breakthrough material advances uranium extraction from seawater, paving the way for sustainable nuclear energy

Researchers create a new material that dramatically boosts uranium extraction efficiency, addressing one of the key challenges in sustainable nuclear energy. The study introduces a special type of covalent organic framework (COF) that shows record-high efficiency and selectivity in isolating uranium from seawater.

Emerging pollutants threaten efficiency of wastewater treatment: New review highlights urgent research needs

The study highlights how emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and industrial chemicals interfere with biological phosphorus removal processes in wastewater treatment plants. The review emphasizes the need for updated strategies and experimental designs to address these new contaminants.

Micropores pave the way for infection research

Researchers developed a new type of porous gel that solves the problem of dense gels hindering the passage of microbes and immune cells. The new material supported better growth and organisation of bone marrow cells and helped the formation of structures similar to blood vessels, allowing fluids and particles to flow more efficiently.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2025

Medications change our gut microbiome in predictable ways

Research reveals that medications can reshape the trillions of microbes in the gut by competing for nutrients, leading to predictable changes in the microbiome. The study provides a framework for predicting how a person's microbial community might change with a given drug, potentially helping scientists find ways to prevent side effects.

SourceStanford University·JournalCell·DateNov 17, 2025

Chemical evidence of ancient life detected in 3.3 billion-year-old rocks: Carnegie Science / PNAS

A team of scientists has discovered chemical evidence of ancient life in 3.3 billion-year-old rocks, doubling the window of time for detecting organic molecules that reveal information about original organisms. The study also found molecular signs of photosynthesis dating back over 800 million years earlier than previously documented.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2025

From warriors to healers: a muscle stem cell signal redirects macrophages toward tadpole tail regeneration

Muscle stem cells secrete c1qtnf3, which redirects macrophages from immune to regenerative functions, promoting tadpole tail regeneration. This discovery offers insights into the regenerative capabilities of certain animals and paves the way for further research into potential applications in mammals.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2025

Numerical study of a parabolic-trough CPV-T collector with spectral-splitting liquid filters

Researchers developed a fully coupled optical, electrical and thermal-fluid model for a parabolic-trough CPV-T collector with spectral-splitting liquid filters. The design achieved high-performance solar thermal energy generation, reaching maximum thermal efficiency of 45% and electrical efficiency of 15%.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers in Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2025

Groundbreaking research identifies lethal dose of plastics for seabirds, sea turtles and marine mammals: “It’s much smaller than you might think”

A recent study by Ocean Conservancy reveals that consuming as little as three sugar cubes' worth of plastics can be fatal to seabirds, while less than one-sixth of a soccer ball's worth can kill sea turtles. Marine mammals are also vulnerable, with nearly half dying from ingesting plastics, often of varying types.

SourceOcean Conservancy·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 17, 2025

How AI can rig polls

A new study reveals AI can corrupt public opinion surveys at scale, passing quality checks and flipping predicted outcomes with fake responses. The findings have significant implications for scientific research and policy-making, highlighting the need for transparency and verification of human participation.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2025

Small changes in turnout could substantially alter election results in the future, study warns

A new study by University of Exeter's Elections Centre finds that small changes in voter turnout can significantly impact election outcomes due to the UK's multiparty system. The research reveals a fragmented electorate with diverse preferences, leading to increased instability and competitiveness in constituencies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalParliamentary Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2025

A promising avenue for improving antibiotic efficacy

Researchers at Institut Pasteur found that aminoglycosides use sugar transporters to enter bacteria, increasing their effectiveness and potentially reducing the need for high doses. By doubling the number of transporters, they improved antibiotics' penetration rate and efficacy in even the most resistant E. coli strains.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2025

Ultra-long focal depth annular lithography for fabricating micro ring-shaped metasurface unit cells on highly curved substrates

Researchers proposed ACAL system for fabricating micro ring-shaped metasurface unit cells on highly curved substrates, demonstrating extended depth of focus and robustness against defocus. The method improved minimum annular feature size by over 10 times compared to conventional methods.

Microbial teamwork slashes uranium pollution in just 48 hours

A synthetic microbial consortium, combining Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa LXZ1, completely reduces soluble uranium to insoluble U(IV) within 48 hours. The cooperative system accelerates extracellular electron transfer through pyocyanin-mediated interaction and extracellular DNA conductive networks.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateNov 17, 2025

A study by Fisabio analyses how having animals in the early years of life can influence children's emotional development

A study by Fisabio found that children who owned 'other animals' had a protective effect against emotional problems, while cat ownership at ages 4-5 showed a mild association. The study suggests that less demanding pets may help create stable relationships and enhance psychological well-being.

SourceUniversitat Jaume I·JournalWorld Journal of Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2025

The international system for assessing organ dysfunction in critically ill patients is updated after thirty years

The new SOFA-2 system updates the global reference for assessing organ dysfunction in intensive care, reflecting advances in diagnostics and life support. With over 3.3 million ICU admissions analyzed, SOFA-2 provides a more accurate representation of critical care management.

SourceInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau (Sant Pau Research Institute)·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2025

New satellite study reveals a widespread transition zone in the sky, challenging climate models

A new study using CALIOP lidar data found nearly 10% of atmospheric profiles feature ambiguous transition zones between clouds and aerosols. The high frequency of these zones poses a challenge to current climate models, highlighting the need for more sophisticated representations of atmospheric particles.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateNov 17, 2025

Acceptance, lack of negativity are keys for passing parenting styles on to the next generation

The study by researchers at Oregon State University and Utrecht University found that children of parents with high levels of acceptance and low negativity tend to struggle less with their own parenting, while those who experienced little acceptance and a lot of negativity as children are more likely to become parents with similar diff...

SourceOregon State University·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 17, 2025

Green chemistry for sustainable personal care

Biosurfactants, such as rhamnolipids and sophorolipids, have been found to be highly effective and biodegradable alternatives to synthetic surfactants in shampoo formulations. They offer improved environmental compatibility and are suitable for sensitive skin, with properties that surpass those of traditional surfactants.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 17, 2025

Fine-tuning a classic climate model yields better ENSO simulations

A team of researchers has developed an improved version of the Zebiak-Cane model by fine-tuning key atmospheric parameters, resulting in more realistic ENSO simulations. The study demonstrates that adjusting heating efficiency, drag coefficient, and frictional coefficient can mitigate biases and improve the model's realism.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateNov 17, 2025

Lighting and acoustics matter for better work environments in ICUs

A study conducted in a Japanese ICU found that healthcare workers experience reduced satisfaction and concentration due to poor lighting and excessive noise. The findings suggest that designing ICUs with improved natural light and mitigating noise can enhance worker satisfaction, productivity, and quality of patient care.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalIntensive and Critical Care Nursing·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2025

UCLA’s Dr. Mina Sedrak receives international award for driving advancements in cancer and aging research

Dr. Sedrak receives King Hussein Cancer Research Award for innovative work on accelerated aging in cancer survivors, with a focus on developing new strategies to prevent or reverse age-related effects. His research aims to improve health span and quality of life for cancer patients, holding promise for other age-related diseases.

Urban infrastructure renewal: Sustainable circulating mixing for urban pile removal

Researchers propose a novel approach to ensure uniform backfilling throughout borehole depth, addressing immediate safety concerns and long-term sustainability. The circulating mixing method improves process parameters and quality control through advanced numerical simulations.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalCleaner Engineering and Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 17, 2025

Needs salt: Table seasoning enables new nanomaterial development

A team of researchers has successfully developed niobium disulfide metallic nanotubes with predictable properties, a long-sought goal in advanced materials science. The breakthrough was made possible by adding table salt to the growth process, which helped create stable shells and revealed two-layer tubes.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2025

Tirzepatide may only temporarily suppress brain activity involved in “food noise”

Research using brain-computer interface reveals tirzepatide's temporary suppression of brain activity involved in 'food noise' in a patient with severe obesity, calling for further investigation. The medication, originally developed to manage Type 2 diabetes, may have potential in treating impulse control disorders like binge eating di...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeCase study·DateNov 17, 2025

Reducing arsenic in drinking water cuts risk of death, even after years of chronic exposure

A 20-year study of 11,000 adults in Bangladesh found that reducing arsenic levels in drinking water was associated with lower mortality rates from heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. The study provides the first long-term, individual-level evidence that reducing arsenic exposure may lower mortality even among people exp...

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2025

A study conducted in the Technion Faculty of Biology reveals a unique mechanism in immune system aging

Researchers at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology identify a unique mechanism in the aging of the immune system and propose a framework for improving its function in older individuals. Controlled iron supplementation has been shown to improve T-cell activation and enhance the immune response in elderly mice.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2025

Consensus on the management of liver injury associated with targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors for hepatocellular carcinoma (version 2024)

The Chinese Society of Hepatology outlines a structured framework for monitoring, diagnosing, preventing, and managing drug-induced liver injury in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Key risk factors include underlying liver disease, genetic predisposition, and drug-specific factors.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateNov 17, 2025

Do all countries benefit from clinical trials? A new Yale study examines the data

A new Yale study found that only 24% of medicines tested in clinical trials received market authorization, highlighting a significant 'test it but don't sell it' problem. The study highlights the need for collective effort from pharma companies, countries, and other stakeholders to improve post-trial access to life-saving medicines.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2025

California beach widths show resilience

Most San Diego County beaches grew in width last year during the post-El Niño recovery phase. California's average beach width has remained stable across nearly four decades despite notable examples of beach erosion. Beach nourishment projects also contributed to recent increases in beach width.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2025

Lowering arsenic levels in groundwater decreases death rates from chronic disease

A new study finds that reducing arsenic levels in drinking water can decrease death rates from chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Over a 20-year period, efforts to lower arsenic levels resulted in a 70% decrease in chemical levels, halving arsenic levels in urine among study participants.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2025

New research shows how friends’ support protects intercultural couples

A new study examines the role of social approval in intercultural relationships, finding that supportive friends are a powerful protective factor. The research highlights the unique challenges faced by these couples and emphasizes the importance of building strong social networks to understand and respect their relationship.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2025

Research alert: Precision therapy could stop breast cancer at the source

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have identified a promising new therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), employing an antibody-drug conjugate to deliver chemotherapy directly into cancer cells. Targeting tumor-initiating cells through FZD7 may offer a path forward for patients with aggressive TNBC that fails to ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2025

New study identifies part of brain animals use to make inferences

A team of New York University researchers has identified the orbitofrontal cortex as an 'inference engine' that allows animals to update their understanding of their surroundings based on changing circumstances. The study found that trained rats waited longer for water rewards in low states and less time in reward-rich states, indicati...

SourceNew York University·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2025

Duke-NUS study: Over 90% of older adults with dementia undergo burdensome interventions in their final year

A new study by Duke-NUS reveals that almost all community-dwelling older adults with advanced dementia experience at least one potentially burdensome intervention in their last year of life. The study highlights the need for new strategies to support families and reduce unnecessary interventions at the end of life.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series A·TypeSurvey·DateNov 17, 2025

How early morning practices affect college athletes’ sleep

A study of over 27,000 collegiate athlete sleep records found that early morning team practices lead to reduced sleep time and lower sleep efficiency scores. Male athletes averaged 30 minutes less sleep, while female athletes averaged 20 minutes less, with both experiencing longer wake-up times and reduced sleep quality.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2025

Study shows people support higher taxes after understanding benefits of public goods

Researchers found that providing information on the benefits of public goods increases support for higher taxation, with effects observed across income levels and political stances. The study suggests that investment in public goods can act as a 'political foundation' to enhance citizens' support for government and enable redistribution.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJapanese Economic Review·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2025

Learning to see after being born blind

A study by neuroscientists found that babies born blind retain the ability to recognize faces and objects, but not small details like contours, in their brains. The research suggests that early vision loss may not hinder brain development as much as previously thought, paving the way for new visual therapies.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalNature Communications·TypeCase study·DateNov 17, 2025

Fertility preservation for patients with cancer

A case study in CMAJ describes successful ovarian tissue preservation in a young woman with Hodgkin lymphoma, highlighting the need for improved access to fertility preservation services. The 'hub-and-spoke' model presented offers a potential solution to overcome geographical barriers and improve patient outcomes.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeCase study·DateNov 17, 2025

Physician responses to patient expectations affect their income

A qualitative study found that physician responses to patient expectations contribute to pay gaps among Canadian physicians, particularly women, racialized, and immigrant physicians. Researchers suggest adjusting compensation models for extra time required for certain care types and examining fee schedules for underpaid services.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2025