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Science News for November 18, 2025


Discovery of plant reproductive success provides insights into human fertility

Scientists have discovered a protein called SCEP3 that ensures even chromosome segregation in plants, preventing infertility and genetic diseases. This finding has implications for plant breeding and understanding human fertility, with the equivalent gene SIX6OS1 potentially playing a role in promoting correct chromosome segregation.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2025

Clogged ‘drains’ in the brain a likely early-warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease, find NTU Singapore scientists

A study by NTU Singapore researchers found that enlarged perivascular spaces, or 'clogged drains', in the brain are a likely early-warning sign of Alzheimer's disease. The condition can be visually identified on routine MRI scans, complementing existing methods to detect Alzheimer's earlier.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 18, 2025

Parental monitoring is linked to fewer teen conduct problems despite genetic risk

Researchers found consistent parental monitoring can offset genetic risk for developing behavior problems during adolescence. High levels of parental monitoring appeared to buffer the influence of genetic risk, making a measurable difference even for children who are more vulnerable biologically.

SourceRutgers University·JournalFrontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2025

From stadiums to cyberspace: How the metaverse will redefine sports fandom

Researchers from Edith Cowan University explore how the metaverse transforms sports fandom, offering new opportunities for inclusion, innovation, and engagement. The metaverse promises to bring society closer together through collective identity and experiences, but also raises concerns over privacy, security, and user safety.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalSport in Society·TypeObservational study·DateNov 18, 2025

Can AI help us predict earthquakes?

Machine learning models detected subtle signals that emerge just before the onset of laboratory earthquakes. The key predictive factor is the evolution of shear stress on creeping regions of the fault.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2025

The hidden rule behind ignition — An analytic law governing multi-shock implosions for ultrahigh compression

Researchers have developed a new framework that governs the hidden rule behind stacked-shock implosions, allowing for efficient and scalable compression. This work extends classical theory into modern high-energy-density regimes, revealing a natural harmony underlying extreme physics processes.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalPhysical Review E·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2025

Ancient bogs reveal 15,000-year climate secret, say scientists

Researchers have discovered that sudden shifts in the Southern Westerly Winds 15,000 years ago triggered a massive growth of ancient bogs across the Southern Hemisphere. The study found that the shifting winds created an ideal climate for the swamps to form, and now believe they play a crucial role in regulating carbon stores in peatland.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeObservational study·DateNov 18, 2025

A new method for the synthesis of giant fullerenes

Researchers developed an ultra-high temperature flash vacuum pyrolysis device to synthesize giant fullerenes. The separation techniques of mechanical grinding and sublimation were optimized to separate the giant fullerenes from soot, allowing comprehensive characterization by laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

SourceChinese Chemical Society·JournalCCS Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2025

Health impacts of eating disorders complex and long-lasting

A large tracking study found that eating disorders are associated with higher risks of poor physical and mental health, as well as premature death, persisting for years after diagnosis. The risks are highest within the first 12 months, but these heightened risks remain high for years afterwards.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 18, 2025

Eating lean beef as part of a healthy diet may not increase heart disease risk

Researchers found that eating a Mediterranean diet with moderate portions of lean beef did not increase blood levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), an emerging indicator of cardiovascular disease risk. This suggests that dietary quality is more important than the amount of beef eaten in relation to heart health.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 18, 2025

Seismic data can identify aircraft by type

Researchers at University of Alaska Fairbanks used seismic data to identify aircraft types by analyzing frequency imprints from sound waves. The method involves removing Doppler effect and creating a frequency comb, which is then matched with a catalog of aircraft frequency patterns.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalThe Seismic Record·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 18, 2025

$3.7 million in NIH funding for research into sand flies, vectors of parasitic disease leishmaniasis, goes to UNC Greensboro

Researchers at UNC Greensboro will study the behavioral and chemical cues that attract egg-bearing P. papatasi sand flies, with the goal of developing an 'attract-and-kill' trap to reduce leishmaniasis transmission. The project aims to understand rodent and sand fly ecology to control the sand fly population.

Heart rate Variability Biofeedback improves PTSD and chronic pain symptoms

A new study found that Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback significantly improves symptoms of both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain. Participants who completed a six-week HRV biofeedback program showed a 24% reduction in PTSD symptoms and nearly 25% improvement in pain-related interference.

SourceMurdoch University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 18, 2025

Serida sequences the first complete genome of the Faba Granja Asturiana, a key advance for its genetic improvement and conservation

The Faba Granja Asturiana genome provides a precise molecular basis for understanding its DNA structure, function, and variability. This genetic resource contributes to the construction of the common bean pangenome and enables the development of more productive, resistant varieties adapted to local needs.

Loss of key visual channel triggers rhythmic retinal signals linked to night blindness

Researchers at Ritsumeikan University have discovered that the loss of TRPM1 ion channels sets off a cascade of changes leading to persistent oscillations in the retina. This finding illuminates the cellular basis of congenital stationary night blindness and identifies a common mechanism underlying retinal degenerative conditions.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalJournal of General Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2025

Starting opioid agonist treatment after hospitalization for toxicity halves risk of repeat event

A new study shows that starting opioid agonist treatment after a hospitalization for toxicity can cut the risk of a repeat event almost in half. The research found that only about 12% of people who experienced a toxicity started OAT within 30 days, but it was highly effective in reducing repeat toxicity.

SourceUniversity of Toronto - Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy·JournalBMJ Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 18, 2025

Researchers enhance durability of pure water-fed anion exchange membrane electrolysis

Scientists developed a new type of AEM composite membrane that achieves over 2,400 hours of stable operation through membrane-electrode interface engineering. The optimized structure enhances OH- transport and current density, demonstrating strong potential for industrial application.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 18, 2025

Muscle protein linked to exercise opens new way to treat Alzheimer’s

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have discovered a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease by targeting muscle protein Cathepsin B. The study found that increasing Ctsb in muscle tissue may offer protection against the effects of AD and promote brain cell growth, restoring protein balance and rebalancing brain activity.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2025

Ancient and colonial legacies still shaping the Amazon’s forests

A new study reveals that the Amazon rainforest still bears deep ecological imprints from both pre-Columbian Indigenous communities and European colonists, which have shaped tree species distribution and biodiversity. The research highlights the importance of recognizing these legacies to improve conservation and climate models.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2025

The human costs of climate overshoot

The human costs of climate overshoot are a pressing concern, with policymakers needing to address humanitarian needs and disaster risk management. Assessing the potential impacts post-peak is necessary for identifying adaptation and risk reduction strategies.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateNov 18, 2025

State-of-the-art multimodal imaging and therapeutic strategies in radiation-induced brain injury

Recent advances in multimodal imaging, including MRI, diffusion imaging, perfusion imaging, MRS, and PET/CT, have improved early detection and differential diagnosis of radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI). Emerging therapeutic strategies target underlying pathological mechanisms, such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and vascu...

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalNeurosurgical Subspecialties·DateNov 18, 2025

Apriori Bio and A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs Announce strategic partnership to advance next generation influenza vaccines

The partnership aims to co-develop and evaluate next-generation self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines targeting seasonal and pandemic influenza. Apriori's Octavia platform will be combined with A*STAR IDL's saRNA delivery technology to develop improved H5 influenza vaccines that anticipate infection in humans.

miR-378 as a metabolic-state-dependent switch controling liver autophagy and fat accumulation

Research reveals that miR-378 acts as a metabolic-state-dependent switch controlling liver autophagy and lipid balance. Under short-term fasting, miR-378 promotes lipid clearance by suppressing its target gene MAFG, while during prolonged fasting or high-fat feeding, it increases bile acid synthesis leading to fat accumulation.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2025

Droplets self-draining on the horizontal slippery surface for real-time anti-/de-icing

The study presents a comprehensive approach to next-generation icephobic technologies, achieving real-time anti-icing on horizontal substrates under sunlight. The self-draining slippery surface (SDSS) converts sunlight into heat and electrostatic repulsion, eliminating external energy input and reducing re-freezing risk.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2025

Most people with a genetic condition that causes significantly high cholesterol go undiagnosed, Mayo Clinic study finds

A Mayo Clinic study found that nearly 90% of people with the inherited condition familial hypercholesterolemia would not have been flagged for standard genetic testing. This condition can cause dangerously high cholesterol and early heart disease, making it highly treatable yet often undiagnosed.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalCirculation Genomic and Precision Medicine·DateNov 18, 2025

"Ice-fire" forge crafts wafer-scale energy storage capacitors in just one second

A new fabrication method has been developed to create wafer-scale energy storage capacitors with astonishing heating and cooling rates of up to 1,000 °C per second. This 'flash annealing' technique enables the synthesis of high-performance relaxor antiferroelectric films on silicon wafers in just one second.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2025

Efficient quantum process tomography for enabling scalable optical quantum computing​

A KAIST research team has developed a highly efficient technique to characterize complex multimode quantum operations, which is essential for scalable optical quantum computing and quantum communication technologies. The new 'Multimode Quantum Process Tomography' technique can analyze large-scale operations with less data, representing...

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Photonics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 18, 2025

Replacing meat, dairy, and eggs with grains, legumes, and other plant foods reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 51%, new research shows

A low-fat vegan diet is associated with a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and cumulative energy demand, mainly due to reduced meat consumption. The study found a 51% reduction in GHGE and CED, equivalent to driving a gas-powered vehicle about 4.3 miles daily.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2025

Researchers boost biosynthetic capacity in yeast through extended lifespan

Researchers demonstrated a method to enhance biosynthetic capacity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by extending cellular lifespan, resulting in increased sclareol production. The strategy combines lifespan engineering with metabolic pathway optimization, showing improved product synthesis and robustness.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 18, 2025

Uncovering how cells build tissues and organs

Engineers from the University of Rochester's Department of Biomedical Engineering are studying how cells interact mechanically with the extracellular matrix to build tissues and organs. The study aims to shed light on developmental diseases, such as cancer and failed wound healing, which involve distorted principles during development.

ASTRO publishes first clinical guideline on radiation therapy for gastric cancer

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has published its first clinical guideline on radiation therapy for gastric cancer. The guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the role of radiation therapy in multidisciplinary care, including patient selection, integration with systemic therapy and treatment delivery.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 18, 2025

The American Pediatric Society names Dr. Tara O. Henderson as the recipient of the 2026 Norman J. Siegel New Member Outstanding Science Award

Dr. Tara O. Henderson is the recipient of the 2026 Norman J. Siegel New Member Outstanding Science Award, recognizing her groundbreaking research and dedication to improving outcomes for children with cancer. She has established a distinguished record as a mentor and educator, shaping the careers of numerous physicians and scientists i...

Team studies beryllium-7 variations over Antarctic regions of the Southern Ocean

A Japanese research team studied beryllium-7 concentrations in the surface air over Antarctic regions of the Southern Ocean. Their findings showed that variations in beryllium-7 were connected to synoptic-scale disturbances, which also deposit other stratospheric materials onto the Antarctic ice sheet.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·DateNov 18, 2025

Machine learning to scan for signs of extraterrestrial life

A machine learning framework, LifeTracer, has been developed to analyze mass spectrometry data and identify patterns distinguishing abiotic from biotic origins. The framework achieved over 87% accuracy in classifying meteoritic and terrestrial samples, with key predictive features including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateNov 18, 2025

Brain mechanisms in acute and chronic depression vary, according to new research

A new study found that individuals with a history of major depression showed higher MRI markers associated with neuroinflammation in the VTA, suggesting increased extracellular inflammatory processes. Current depressive symptom severity was associated with distinct microstructural changes indicating different underlying pathophysiologi...

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 18, 2025

New study suggests chiral skyrmion flows can be used for logic devices

Researchers at Waseda University have demonstrated a transformative approach for realizing skyrmion logic based on fluidic principles, utilizing the flow behavior of many skyrmions to simplify device operations. This breakthrough enables the development of nanofluidic logic gates with reduced complexity and improved stability.

SourceWaseda University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2025

Humans are evolved for nature, not cities

A new paper argues that modern life has outpaced human evolution, leading to chronic stress and health issues. The researchers suggest that societies need to rethink their relationship with nature and design healthier environments to mitigate these effects.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalBiological Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 18, 2025

Evaluation of a state-level incentive program to improve diet

A state-level incentive program aimed at improving diet in SNAP participants showed no significant increase in fruit and vegetable intake. However, the study found benefits among existing high-fruit-and-vegetable consumers. Enhanced implementation strategies may be needed to maximize public health outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 18, 2025

Severity of obesity closely associated with likelihood of disease burden in US national study

A recent study published in Obesity found a direct relationship between obesity severity and the likelihood of disease burden in the US population. The researchers discovered that higher BMI levels were associated with increased odds for various cardiometabolic conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalObesity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2025

Shingles vaccine most promising common drug to potentially prevent Alzheimer’s  – research

A new study has identified three existing medications that could potentially prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease. The shingles vaccine is the most promising candidate, showing a strong safety record and reducing dementia risk by 16%. Repurposing medicines from other conditions offers a quicker and safer route to potential new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAlzheimer s Research & Therapy·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 18, 2025

Watch cells trek along vesicle ‘breadcrumbs’

A new tool called LEVA allows researchers to precisely arrange and track tiny biological packages called surface-bound extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs). By studying EVPs' messages, scientists can gain insights into various biological processes, including wound healing, infection, regeneration, and cancer spread.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 18, 2025

New study shows why clothing take-back programs fail — and what truly moves consumers to act

A new peer-reviewed study finds that generic environmental information significantly increases participation in take-back programs, while mentioning profit motives decreases it. Convenient return options also play a crucial role in improving program effectiveness.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateNov 18, 2025

Flower to fruit: tracking the changing fungal community on blueberry plants

Researchers studied fungal communities on highbush blueberry plants from buds to ripe fruits, revealing a core microbiome with beneficial and pathogenic members. The study highlights the importance of understanding plant development's impact on phyllosphere microbiomes for improving disease management and reducing fungicide reliance.

Edging, tab-jumping, and more: Researchers identify behavioral markers of problematic pornography use

A recent study investigated problematic pornography use (PPU) among men and found that increased time spent on pornography was closely associated with other intensity indicators. Binge sessions, tab-jumping, and edging were strongly linked to PPU, suggesting that digital novelty plays a central role in usage patterns.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateNov 18, 2025

UC Irvine researchers link Antarctic ice loss to ‘storms’ at the ocean’s subsurface

Researchers at UC Irvine have identified stormlike circulation patterns beneath Antarctic ice shelves causing aggressive melting of Thwaites and Pine Island glaciers. The study found that these ephemeral processes account for nearly a fifth of total submarine melt variance, with implications for global sea level rise projections.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeObservational study·DateNov 18, 2025

Many displaced girls in Uganda trapped in cycles of sexual, physical violence

A recent study by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign professor Moses Okumu found that nearly 36% of forcibly displaced adolescent girls and young women in Kampala, Uganda, reported nonconsensual first sexual experiences, leading to cycles of sexual and physical violence. The research highlights critical gaps in comprehensive se...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAIDS and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateNov 18, 2025

Almost half of Oregon elk population carries advantageous genetic variant against CWD, study shows

A new study from the University of Illinois found that about half of Oregon's elk population carry a gene variant that makes them less susceptible to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This could help slow down the spread of the disease in the state. The research also highlights the importance of monitoring and managing cervid populations.

Type 1 diabetes cured in mice with gentle blood stem-cell and pancreatic islet transplant

Researchers at Stanford Medicine have successfully transplanted a hybrid immune system into mice with Type 1 diabetes, preventing the disease from progressing. The approach involves adding a drug to the pre-transplant regimen, which resulted in all mice being cured or prevented from developing the disease.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2025

AI and extended reality help to preserve built cultural heritage

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed an immersive digital co-pilot to support conservators in restoring historic buildings. The tool uses spatial computing technologies and augmented reality to provide structural analysis insights, enhancing decision-making and disseminating heritage knowledge.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARCHITECTURE·DateNov 18, 2025

Research on intelligent analysis method for dynamic response of onshore wind turbines

A new nonlinear dynamic modeling framework captures complex tower-blade interactions, including torsional effects, achieving a remarkable agreement with high-fidelity benchmarks. The framework enables accurate and efficient simulations, contributing to the design of lighter, safer, and more economically competitive wind turbine towers.

SourceELSP·JournalSmart Construction·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2025

Colorectal cancer screenings remain low for people ages 45 to 49 despite guideline change

Researchers found that fewer than 1 in 4 eligible younger adults completed colorectal cancer screenings after the USPSTF lowered the recommended screening age to 45. Despite investigating unmet social needs, no significant differences were found in testing uptake for this early midlife cohort.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2025

Study finds longer, more consistent addiction medication use among youth sharply lowers risk of overdose, hospitalization

Adolescents and young adults who stayed on medication for at least a year had lower risks of opioid overdose and hospitalization compared to those who discontinued early or took it inconsistently. Consistent, year-long use likely provides the greatest protection against overdose and other serious outcomes.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2025

A new way to trigger responses in the body

Researchers developed a novel method to induce physiological responses similar to those experienced under psychological pressure. The approach, which involves aiming for consecutive successes, shows promise for studying the impact of pressure on human performance, including physical and intellectual tasks.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2025

Blink to the beat

A study published in PLOS Biology found that people's spontaneous eye blinks synchronize with musical beats, indicating a deep coordination between hearing and action. This discovery sheds light on how our brains process rhythm and could lead to new treatments for neurological conditions affecting body movement.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2025

“Cellular Big Brother”: 3D model with human cells allows real-time observation of brain metastases and paves the way for new treatments

A study led by Brazilian researchers has reconstructed the brain environment in the lab, revealing live interactions between cancer and healthy tissue. The 3D model allows real-time observation of brain metastases and has potential to reshape future therapies against metastatic melanoma.

Predicting disease outbreaks using social media

A new approach developed by University of Waterloo researchers uses social media posts to identify early warning signs of increasing vaccine skepticism. This method can detect patterns in data much more effectively than traditional methods, providing a bigger lead time before an outbreak occurs.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalMathematical Biosciences and Engineering·DateNov 18, 2025