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Science News for November 20, 2025


Efficient neutral nitrate-to-ammonia electrosynthesis using synergistic Ru-based nanoalloys on nitrogen-doped carbon

Researchers have developed a selective-etching route to RuM nanoalloys that deliver high Faradaic efficiency for neutral ammonia electro-synthesis. The catalysts enhance energy efficiency and in-electrode conversion, making them suitable for nitrate remediation and self-powered chemical plants.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2025

Two-dimensional MXene-based advanced sensors for neuromorphic computing intelligent application

Researchers have developed MXene materials that act as ultra-sensitive sensors and neuromorphic synapses, enabling self-powered edge-intelligent systems. The devices deliver femto-joule per spike consumption and perform weighted summation and activation without external ADC or DRAM.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2025

Cute little marsupials pack a punch at mealtimes

Australian bettong species have developed unique adaptations to crack open hard seeds, including shorter faces and reinforced skulls. This discovery is vital for conservation initiatives, as all four bettong species are threatened by predation and habitat loss.

SourceFlinders University·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 20, 2025

Deep learning-assisted organogel pressure sensor for alphabet recognition and bio-mechanical motion monitoring

A new organogel pressure sensor, developed by Prof. Sang-Jae Kim's team, demonstrates sub-zero toughness, self-healing, and AI-grade pattern recognition. The device achieves 98% accuracy in handwritten English letter classification and tracks bio-mechanical motion with high sensitivity.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2025

Targeting brain immune cells could restore Alzheimer’s-related lipid imbalance, UT Health San Antonio research shows

Researchers from UT Health San Antonio discovered that changes in brain fats play a major role in Alzheimer's development and progression. Targeting microglia, the brain's immune cells, may help restore balance and support brain health. Progranulin levels also emerged as a key lipid regulator.

SourceThe University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2025

Single-photon switch could enable photonic computing

Researchers at Purdue University have achieved a long-sought milestone by controlling light with light itself at the most fundamental level using single photons. The discovery could enable photonic computing and revolutionize data centers, optical communications, and data transfer systems.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 20, 2025

Study finds Indigenous-led hunting most effective for tackling deer overabundance on B.C. islands

A new study led by UBC with Coast Salish Nations and regional research partners identifies Indigenous-led hunting as the most successful strategy for managing hyperabundant deer on the Southern Gulf Islands. This approach delivers significant ecological and cultural benefits, increasing human and ecological wellbeing by nearly 60%.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPeople and Nature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 20, 2025

Quantum calculations expose hidden chemistry of ice

Researchers used quantum mechanical simulations to study the interaction of light with ice, revealing new insights into its chemical properties. The findings have implications for understanding the release of greenhouse gases from thawing permafrost and improving predictions of climate change.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2025

New theory promises faster, more accurate predictions of chemical reaction energetics

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new theoretical framework that replaces traditional computational models used in quantum chemistry. The new method, which uses an independent atom reference state, provides a more elegant and computationally affordable alternative for predicting chemical reaction energetics.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 20, 2025

How and when could AI be used in emergency medicine?

A Drexel University study found that providing both AI-synthesized information and treatment recommendations to emergency medical doctors improved diagnostic accuracy. The technology was tested in a simulated environment, where participants made correct decisions in 64.4% of scenarios with full support.

SourceDrexel University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·DateNov 20, 2025

Global Virus Network experts: New flu strain underscores urgent need for vigilance, vaccination, and investment in virus science

Global Virus Network experts warn of a more intense flu season worldwide due to the emergence of the new H3N2 subclade K variant. The strain is spreading rapidly and may contribute to earlier and more widespread influenza activity across multiple regions, underscoring the importance of continued investment in virus science.

Soil carbon decomposition varies vastly, holding implications for climate models

A new study found that the rate of organic carbon decomposition in soil samples collected across the US differed by up to tenfold, with factors like fungi and iron levels strongly associated with variation. This could improve the accuracy of soil carbon feedback estimates in climate models, leading to more refined projections.

SourceIowa State University·JournalOne Earth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 20, 2025

Community program boosts diet, fitness, and disease prevention for rural Latino families

A University of California, Riverside-led study found a community-based health program improving lifestyle changes in low-income, rural Latinas. The program, ¡Coma, Muévase y Viva!, combined health education, cooking demos, and exercise, resulting in increased healthy habits, weight loss, and improved chronic disease management.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateNov 20, 2025

From light to logic

McMaster and Pittsburgh researchers have developed a soft material that can perform a NAND logic operation using only three beams of visible light. The breakthrough paves the way for autonomous systems with computation capabilities without traditional electronics.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 20, 2025

Wayne State University, University of Kansas and University of Arizona launch landmark collaborative approach to prepare leaders in special education backed by federal funding

A new four-year doctoral program will prepare scholars for special education leadership roles through rigorous coursework, interdisciplinary collaboration, and field experiences. The tri-university collaboration aims to cultivate a new generation of special education leaders who can enact meaningful local and systemic change.

Scientists get a first look at the innermost region of a white dwarf system

Researchers used NASA's IXPE telescope to study the innermost region of an intermediate polar, revealing a surprisingly high degree of X-ray polarization and an unexpected direction of polarization. The team found that X-rays were emitted from a column of white-hot material pulled in by the white dwarf's strong magnetic field.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateNov 20, 2025

Everyday routines in early infancy may shape later obesity risk, study finds

Researchers found that everyday routines in early infancy can shape later obesity risk. A new study from Penn State suggests that a handful of routines around feeding, sleep and play during the first two months of an infant's life can be linked to higher weight just a few months later. The EHL tool helps pediatricians identify specific...

SourcePenn State·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2025

Medical School research laboratory team awarded $11.3M to study innovative tools to treat genetic disorders

A research team led by the University of Minnesota Medical School will investigate alternative genetic decoding in single-celled organisms and identify readthrough-inducing drugs to treat genetic disorders caused by premature termination codons. The goal is to restore normal function of genes and proteins in cells, potentially helping ...

Calcium “waves” shape flies’ eyes

A new study reveals that fruit flies have retinal waves of calcium activity during development, shaping their growing eyes and creating a precisely ordered architecture. These waves refine connections in the visual brain while also playing a key role in building the physical architecture of the eye.

SourceNew York University·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 2025

Theoretical framework developed by University of Tartu researchers creates new opportunities for clean energy production

Researchers from the University of Tartu developed a theoretical framework to address current limitations in electrocatalysis, enabling more efficient conversion of electrical energy into chemical energy. The framework identifies strategies to overcome scaling relations, which have set limits to catalyst efficiency.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalChemical Society Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 20, 2025

Researchers warn of the need for Brazil to turn promises into practical actions at COP30

Researchers warn that Brazil's domestic policies must align with international commitments on forest conservation and climate justice. The country must take concrete actions, such as reversing anti-environmental policies and protecting indigenous peoples' rights.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Environmental Agreements Politics Law and Economics·DateNov 20, 2025

Modeling of electrostatic and contact interaction between low-velocity lunar dust and spacecraft

Researchers develop comprehensive model to analyze electrostatic and contact interaction between low-velocity lunar dust and spacecraft. The study focuses on the effects of plasma sheaths and electric charges on dust particles, aiming to improve long-term extravehicular activity and permanent station establishment on the lunar surface.

Efficient clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-based gene activation using combinatorial human transcription activation domains

Researchers engineered human-derived transcriptional activators that surpass viral benchmarks like VPR, offering compact and efficient CRISPR tools for precise gene activation. Combinations of hTADs showed improved efficacy and reduced immunogenicity risk.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalProtein & Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2025

Behind the 2025 “shroom boom” hides a bad trip

The article highlights the mismatch between psychedelics and economic drug development principles. Pharmaceutical companies are developing short-acting compounds and neuroplastogens to engineer trips out of the experience altogether. Dr. Sandy Hager's research suggests investors should remain cautious due to weak intellectual property ...

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalFinance and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2025

New conductive hydrogel is as soft as the brain

Researchers at the University of Groningen have developed a new conductive hydrogel that is as soft as the brain, enabling biocompatible electronics. The gel's high sensitivity and flexibility make it ideal for continuous monitoring of vital signs in smart health devices.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalMaterials Today Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2025

The batman effect: The mere sight of the 'superhero' makes us more altruistic

A study found that the sudden appearance of Batman increases prosocial behavior, such as helping others, by interrupting routines and increasing present-moment awareness. In an experiment on the Milan subway, 67.21% of passengers offered their seats to a pregnant woman in the presence of Batman, compared to 37.66% without.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·Journalnpj Mental Health Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2025

Scientists quantitatively identify main causes of Russian once-in-a-century heatwave

A new study reveals that surface dynamics and aerosol processes were the key drivers behind the extraordinary 2010 heatwave in western Russia. The researchers used a model-free approach to quantify the contributions of individual radiative and dynamical processes, finding surface dynamics to be the primary contributor.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 20, 2025

Makes summer cooler and winter warmer without power​

The research team created a flexible hydrogel-based 'Latent-Radiative Thermostat' that autonomously switches between cooling and heating modes. The LRT can maintain temperatures up to 3.7 °C lower in summer and 3.5 °C higher in winter, reducing energy consumption by up to 153 MJ/m² compared to existing roof coatings.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 20, 2025

SIMPO: A simplified intelligent modelling platform online for code-free and shareable wastewater treatment process modelling

A simplified intelligent modelling platform online (SIMPO) has been developed to enable everyone to use professional-grade wastewater treatment modelling. SIMPO automates complex tasks, provides a practical tool for designing and optimizing processes, and offers an intuitive interface for students.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater & Ecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 20, 2025

Developing dehydration and other age-related conditions following major surgery linked to dramatically worse outcomes for older adults

A national study found that older adults who develop geriatric syndromes after major surgery face higher risks of poor outcomes, including complications, fewer days spent at home, and increased likelihood of dying within a year. The study emphasizes the need for specialized surgical care approaches to optimize outcomes for older adults.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 20, 2025

Dancing on the brain

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo used AI and fMRI to study brain activity while participants viewed dance clips. They found that experts exhibited more diverse neural patterns than non-experts, suggesting a greater freedom in artistic expression.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2025

The riddle of rising extreme heat days in Europe: Remote “triggers” and local “amplifiers”

A new study reveals a significant interdecadal shift in European summer hot days around 1998, driven by remote climate signals and exacerbated by regional land–atmosphere processes. Soil moisture decreased over Europe, intensifying the land–air coupling strength, leading to enhanced hot days.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 20, 2025

Texting helps UCSF reach more patients with needed care

A UCSF study found that a combination of outreach methods, including texts and live phone calls, significantly improves follow-up care for hard-to-reach patients. The integrated approach increased engagement among African American patients to 76.4% and improved overall reach rate by 3.5%, supporting their recovery and treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 20, 2025

The therapeutic target against memory impairments in Down syndrome gains strength

A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that long-term pharmacological treatment improves memory alterations and inflammation in mice models for Down syndrome. The treatment targets the CB1 receptor, which is involved in neuronal connections and memory, and shows positive results even when age-related neurodegeneration is added.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2025

Study reveals long-term associations of strangulation-related brain injury from intimate partner violence

A federally funded study by Mass General Brigham investigators found that self-reported vision problems and traumatic stress are experienced years after strangulation in women who have experienced intimate partner violence. The study identified three major subgroups: strangulation alone, altered consciousness, and full loss of consciou...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2025

Toward a cervical cancer–free future: Cancer Biology & Medicine highlights science, policy, and equity

A special issue of Cancer Biology & Medicine highlights scientific progress, policy innovations, and digital health tools to accelerate cervical cancer elimination. The collection provides a comprehensive resource for advancing women's health equity worldwide, tackling vast inequities in health resources and implementation capacity.

SourceChina Anti-Cancer Association·JournalCancer Biology & Medicine·DateNov 20, 2025

Enhancing genomic prediction accuracy of swine agricultural economic traits in CNN models

A team of researchers from China applied CNNs to predict swine traits using previously published data, achieving optimal performance with a novel one-hot encoding method. The expanded encoding method enhanced the CNN's prediction accuracy, outperforming traditional techniques.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Integrative Agriculture·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 20, 2025

Population-specific genetic risk scores advance precision medicine for Han Chinese populations

Researchers at Academia Sinica developed population-specific polygenic risk score models for Han Chinese ancestry, achieving unprecedented accuracy in predicting risks for common diseases. The study identified 2,656 independent genetic associations and found that genetic risks collectively explain up to 10.3% of total health variation ...

SourceAcademia Sinica·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2025

Announcing the 2025 Mcknight Brain Research Foundation Innovator Awards in Cognitive Aging and Memory Loss: Leah Acker, MD, Ph.D., of Duke University and Erin Gibson, Ph.D., of the Stanford School of Medicine

Two researchers, Leah Acker and Erin Gibson, have been awarded $750,000 to study cognitive aging through inflammation and sleep. The award aims to understand how the brain becomes vulnerable to cognitive decline and develop practical tools for protecting brain health.

Pediatric investigation study examines the diagnostic utility of C-reactive protein for newborn early-onset sepsis

A new study found that C-reactive protein (CRP) levels can be used to estimate the risk of early-onset sepsis in preterm babies, but not in term babies. In healthy, uninfected babies, CRP levels increased naturally after birth, peaking between 24 and 32 hours, and were especially pronounced in term babies.

SourcePediatric Investigation·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeObservational study·DateNov 20, 2025

Will my kid be a pro athlete? Study finds what parents think

A new study found that most parents have realistic expectations of their children's future athletic achievement, but a minority believes their kids will beat the odds. Parents who think their child has a strong athletic identity are up to 80% more likely to believe they'll become a college athlete.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Sport and Social Issues·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2025

The road ahead: Why conserving the invisible 99% of life is fundamental to planetary health

A new paper outlines a global coalition dedicated to conserving microbial biodiversity, which accounts for 99% of life on Earth. The Microbial Conservation Specialist Group will develop Red List-compatible metrics, pilot restoration projects, and promote public awareness to ensure microbes are recognized as essential to planetary health.

SourceApplied Microbiology International·JournalSustainable Microbiology·DateNov 20, 2025

Daily oral GLP-1 pill exhibits promising results in treatment options for adults with diabetes and obesity in trial led by UTHealth Houston researcher

A new oral GLP-1 medication has been found to help adults with obesity and Type 2 diabetes lose more weight and improve their blood sugar levels. The study showed that the pill reduced body weight by 5.5% to 10.5% compared to a placebo, with significant improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors.

23andMe Research Institute helps reconnect African diaspora to their roots with release of 250+ high-resolution African Genetic Groups

The update provides the most detailed look at African ancestry on the market, helping individuals with African heritage bypass historical 'brick walls'. With over 250 high-resolution genetic groups across Africa, members can now explore their West African ancestry and connect with specific groups in Nigeria, for example.

Source23andMe Research Institute·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 20, 2025

American Gastroenterological Association streamlines Crohn’s disease treatment guidance as new therapies expand options

The American Gastroenterological Association has released an updated clinical guideline on the pharmacological management of moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease, recommending early use of high-efficacy therapies to improve patient outcomes. The guideline organizes treatments by efficacy to simplify decision-making for gastroenterologist...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGastroenterology·TypeNews article·DateNov 20, 2025

Customized cells to fight brain cancer

Researchers at UNIGE and HUG have developed CAR-T cells capable of destroying glioblastoma cells by targeting specific proteins present in the tumour environment. The new approach has shown promising results in animal models, paving the way for clinical trials in humans.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeNews article·DateNov 20, 2025

Breaking the cycle of vulnerability: study identifies modifiable elements to build community resilience and improve health

A novel study shows that US counties with limited digital tools, weaker support systems, and fewer healthcare resources exhibit poorer cognitive, mental, and physical health. The researchers found that counties with high resilience had significantly better outcomes, and that healthcare infrastructure is a key modifiable factor.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2025

Broad support for lethal control of wild deer among nature organisation subscribers

A study found that 85% of nature organization subscribers support regulated lethal control of wild deer. The practice was widely used and supported among respondents, with only differing opinions on deer management making collaboration challenging. Researchers hope the findings will help increase confidence in recommending lethal control.

SourceBangor University·JournalPeople and Nature·TypeSurvey·DateNov 20, 2025