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Science News Archive October 2025


Page 1 of 54

Mom’s voice boosts language-center development in preemies’ brains, study finds

A new study led by Stanford Medicine found that premature babies who heard recordings of their mothers reading to them showed improved language pathways in their brains. The researchers played the recordings for a total of 2 hours and 40 minutes a day, and saw measurable differences in brain development.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 14, 2025

Measles immunity 90% in BC’s Lower Mainland

A recent study found that 90% of people in BC's Lower Mainland have detectable antibodies against measles, indicating high vaccine coverage and population protection. However, the study also found lower immunity rates among older adults, with only 75% of those aged 20-39 having measurable antibodies.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2025

MDMA psychiatric applications synthesized: Comprehensive review examines PTSD treatment and emerging therapeutic indications

The review synthesizes clinical evidence on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism spectrum disorder, eating disorders, and existential distress. It identifies consistent patterns across diverse clinical applications and highlights the therapeutic potential of MDMA, including its oxytocin-mediated ...

SourceGenomic Press·JournalPsychedelics·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 14, 2025

Two-dose recombinant shingles vaccine is effective even accounting for prior receipt of live shingles vaccine

The recombinant shingles vaccine achieved over 50% effectiveness against any herpes zoster outcome in both older and immunocompromised adults. The study suggests individuals previously vaccinated with live zoster should be revaccinated with two doses of RZV to maintain protection.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateOct 13, 2025

Kiwis could help manage chronic constipation

The new guidelines recommend dietary approaches such as eating kiwis, rye bread, and drinking high-mineral water to alleviate chronic constipation. The guidelines also suggest taking psyllium fibre supplements, certain probiotic strains, and magnesium oxide supplements to improve symptoms.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics·DateOct 13, 2025

Twisting sound: Scientists discover a new way to control mechanical vibrations in metamaterial

Researchers at CUNY ASRC introduce twistelastics, a technique using tiny rotations to manipulate mechanical waves, allowing unprecedented adaptability in sound and vibration control. The breakthrough enables flexible wave behavior for applications in medical imaging, consumer electronics, and microfluidics.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2025

Life after near death: Research reveals how to improve support for near-death experiencers

New University of Virginia research explores the most common and effective types of counseling and support for people who have had a near-death experience. The study found that acceptance and validation, as well as support from groups or online sources knowledgeable about NDEs, are key to successful support.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalPsychology of Consciousness Theory Research and Practice·DateOct 13, 2025

New lab-grown human embryo model produces blood cells

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new lab-grown human embryo model that replicates early human development, including the production of blood stem cells. The 'hematoids' model mimics the natural developmental process, offering potential medical advances in screening drugs and studying blood disorders.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2025

Decoding the secrets of ‘chemo brain’

Researchers suggest chemotherapy drugs may be responsible for 'chemo brain' symptoms, citing reduced lymphatic vessel growth and impaired cognitive function. The study highlights the need to consider long-term neurological side effects of cancer treatment on quality of life.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2025

Key ExoMars Rover part ships from Aberystwyth

The infrared spectrometer Enfys, a key instrument for the European Space Agency's ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Rover, is shipped from Aberystwyth University to Italy for testing. The rover will drill up to two meters beneath the Martian surface to search for signs of past or present life.

Chemobiological platform enables renewable conversion of sugars into core aromatic hydrocarbons of petroleum

A chemobiological platform converts glucose and glycerol into oxygenated precursors, which are then deoxygenated to produce benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and p-xylene. The integrated system uses a novel solvent system to streamline the conversion process.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2025