New AI tool helps match enzymes to substrates
A new AI-powered tool, EZSpecificity, can predict the best enzyme-substrate combination for various applications. The tool outperformed existing models in accuracy, especially for halogenase enzymes.
Science News Archive October 2025
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Study links obesity-driven fatty acids to breast cancer, warns against high-fat diets like keto
A study by Huntsman Cancer Institute found that triple-negative breast cancer is fueled by lipids and that these fatty acids promote tumor growth. The research suggests that breast cancer patients and survivors with obesity could benefit from lipid-lowering therapies.
Programming robots with rubber bands
A team of engineers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences designed a proof-of-concept walking robot using only four moving parts connected by rubber bands and powered by one motor. The robot can find its way through mazes, avoid obstacles, and sort objects by mass without electronic control systems.
UC Irvine researchers invent bioelectronic-integrated artificial colon for disease studies, drug screening
Researchers at UC Irvine have developed a 3D human colon model integrated with bioelectronics to aid in colorectal cancer research and drug discovery. The model shows promising results in detecting resistance to chemotherapy drugs, making it a potential alternative to traditional animal testing.
Dual role of SIGLEC15 identified in breast cancer tumor microenvironment
Researchers found high SIGLEC15 expression correlates with improved survival in breast cancer patients. SIGLEC15 suppresses EMT progression and metastatic potential by down-regulating ZEB1, N-cadherin, and vimentin levels. It also shows vulnerability to the MDM2 inhibitor Nutlin-3a, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy.
A triple-threat iron supplement that also improves gut health
A new triple-threat iron supplement improves blood iron levels in mice with anemia without initiating inflammatory responses or disrupting gut microbiota. The treatment combines iron, prebiotics, and probiotics to promote public health and minimize side effects.
AI system finds crucial clues for diagnoses in electronic health records
Researchers developed an AI system, InfEHR, that links unconnected medical events over time, revealing diagnostic insights. The system transforms millions of scattered data points into actionable patient-specific diagnostic insights.
Nemours Children’s Health neurologist receives prestigious NIH grant to study brain patterns underlying autism, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease
Nemours Children's Health neurologist Rodney Scott will investigate malfunctions in the brain's hippocampal region to identify shared therapies for patients with autism, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. He aims to develop novel methods of brain stimulation that could restore healthy function across a range of disorders.
Study finds ending universal free school meals linked to rising student meal debt and stigma
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that discontinuing universal free school meal policies significantly increases school meal debt and stigma among students. States without UFSM programs reported a decline in participation rates and an increase in unpaid meal charges, highlighting the nega...
Bioinspired precision peeling of ultrathin bamboo green cellulose frameworks for light management in optoelectronics
Researchers develop a scalable, eco-friendly method to isolate 10-μm-thick bamboo green frameworks with high transparency and haze levels. The study offers a promising pathway to sustainable light-management layers for next-generation photovoltaics and optoelectronics.
Feeding the future from the soil up
Researchers found that beneficial bacteria can enhance the levels of amino acid and antioxidant ergothioneine in spring wheat, potentially improving nutritional value. This approach could associate plants with benign microbes to increase protein content in staple crops.
HKUMed discovers dietary fatty acids that boost cancer-fighting immune cells
Researchers found that oleic acid enhances γδ-T cell immunosurveillance, while palmitic acid weakens it. The study suggests that simple dietary changes like eating more olive oil and avocados could improve cancer treatment outcomes.
How to double lung cancer screening rates
A comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach led to a nearly 72% lung cancer screening rate at the University of Rochester Medical Center. The program's success was attributed to collaboration among primary care and specialty teams, leveraging technology to flag eligible patients and streamline screenings.
Ancient lead exposure shaped evolution of human brain
A groundbreaking study reveals that human ancestors were exposed to lead for over two million years, shaping their brain evolution. The research found that lead exposure may have influenced the development of language in modern humans.
Rising seas and sinking cities signal a coastal crisis in China
A Rutgers study reveals that modern sea level rise is happening faster than at any time in the past 4,000 years, posing a significant risk to China's coastal cities. The team examined geological records and found that the global mean sea level rise rate since 1900 exceeds any century-long period in the past four millennia.
Training the grid to spot cyberattacks without seeing your data
Researchers developed a cyberattack detection system that uses federated learning and cloud coordination to detect DDoS attacks in 6G-ready smart grids without exposing user energy-use data. The system achieved high accuracy and precision, but trade-offs were observed in terms of resources consumption.
UT AgResearch hosts ribbon cutting celebrating additions to center
The University of Tennessee AgResearch has received a $50-million investment to modernize its West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center. The new facilities, precision agriculture equipment, and laboratory renovations will enhance on-site research and improve data quality.
Shedding light on materials in the physical, biological sciences
Researchers at Penn State developed a computational framework to analyze nonlinear optical microscopy images, revealing the atomic structure of materials. The technique uses focused laser beams to produce new optical signals, which can be interpreted to determine material properties at the microscopic scale.
Arthritis pain rising: How state policies matter
A study by UT Arlington researchers found that state welfare policies affect joint pain trends, with states like Colorado and Hawaii seeing significant increases. In contrast, Texas saw a decrease in the educational gap despite increased pain prevalence, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Registration and abstract submission are open for ISSCR 2026 in Montréal 8-11 July
The ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting will bring together academic and industry leaders to explore advances in stem cell science and regenerative medicine. Scientists can submit abstracts by February 25, 2026, for oral presentations and Travel and Merit Awards.
How cilia choreograph their “Mexican wave”, enabling marine creatures to swim
Marine plankton rely on cilia for movement, feeding, and dispersal. A new study discovered that coordination of these tiny structures is maintained by short-range interactions between cilia, enabling the organism to swim even when damaged.
At least eight bat species commute or forage over pig farms in Northern Italy
At least eight bat species frequent pig farms in Northern Italy due to lack of physical barriers, increasing risk of coronavirus transmission. Researchers used a multi-disciplinary approach to study the interfaces between bats and pigs.
Rescheduling coca: Aligning global drug policy with science, tradition, and indigenous rights
The World Health Organization's Expert Committee on Drug Dependence is reassessing the status of the coca leaf, a plant long cultivated in South America. Research confirms its safety and cultural significance, differing from cocaine, which has a well-documented history of addiction and harm.
Reichman University researchers show that experiencing music through both hearing and touch enhances emotional response
Researchers at Reichman University discovered that experiencing music through both hearing and touch significantly enhances emotional responses. The study found greater enjoyment and more positive emotions when music was both heard and felt.
Pennington Biomedical hosts NIDDK Clinical Methods for Nutrition & Obesity research course for postdoctoral fellows
The four-day training program equipped postdoctoral fellows with state-of-the-art methods for clinical research in obesity, metabolism and nutrition. Participants deepened their skills in gold-standard methodologies crucial for advancing clinical and translational research.
Research alert: Bacterial chatter slows wound healing
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine discovered that quorum sensing in S. aureus delays wound healing and found targeting the agr system could disarm bacteria without antibiotics, preserving healthy skin bacteria to enhance recovery.
Sleep trap: Many young adults use cannabis to fall asleep
A new study found that 22% of young adults aged 19-30 use cannabis or alcohol to initiate sleep. Cannabis was more common than alcohol for this purpose, with 41% of past-year users using it specifically to sleep. The study highlights the risks of long-term substance use for sleep problems and increasing risk of substance use disorder.
University of Houston program addresses critical workforce gap in the US mineral industry
The University of Houston's $1 million program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to address the critical workforce gap in the US mineral industry. The initiative will sponsor high school and community college students for a four-week training camp and immersive field-based learning experiences.
New center to advance drug discovery for Africa’s healthcare needs
The Africa Centre for Therapeutic Innovation (ACTI) brings together diverse disciplines to address unique healthcare challenges in Africa. ACTI will focus on delivering mechanistic understanding of drug action and developing new laboratory methods to combat diseases like tuberculosis and malaria.
Arcadia grant improves open access to conservation knowledge by strengthening the IUCN Library
The Arcadia grant has enabled the creation of IUCN’s Open Access Policy and upgraded the IUCN Library, making over 1,500 historical publications available online. This has improved access to conservation knowledge and secured the scientific integrity of nature conservation efforts.
Two Mount Sinai research papers present evidence of distinct molecular differences between brain tissue from living people and tissue collected after death
New research papers from Mount Sinai present unprecedented evidence that brain tissue from living individuals has a unique molecular character, differing significantly from postmortem samples. These findings challenge the conventional practice of using postmortem brain tissue for studying the human brain and its diseases.
Human Organ Chip technology sets stage for pan-influenza A CRISPR RNA therapies
A new human lung alveolus chip model enables investigation of viral replication, inflammatory responses, and genetic off-target effects of a novel pan-influenza CRISPR therapy. The study achieved significant reductions in virus load and host inflammatory response after a single administration.
SwRI’s Dr. Pablo Bueno named AIAA Associate Fellow
Dr. Bueno, a lead engineer at SwRI's Computational Mechanics Section, has been recognized for his work on supersonic and hypersonic aerodynamics, turbulence, and renewable energy. He developed patented heat storage systems and advanced optical diagnostic imaging tools to study high-speed flows.
New AI platform allows users to design and analyze composite materials, structures
CompositesAI helps users create and analyze composite products without requiring in-depth technical knowledge. The platform is initially focused on rotor blades for air mobility, helicopters, and wind turbines, but its uses will expand to handle other composite structures.
Type 1 diabetes increased among young people during the pandemic
A study found a significant increase in type 1 diabetes cases among children under five and young adult men in Sweden during the Covid-19 pandemic. The incidence of diabetes increased by 12% in 2021 and 9% in 2022 compared to previous years, with no clear connection between Covid-19 infection and diabetes.
‘Metabots’ shapeshift from flat sheets into hundreds of structures
Researchers at North Carolina State University created a class of robots called metabots that can change shape and adapt to different environments. The devices can execute various actions despite having no motor or being made of a single flat material.
Seoul National University of Science and Technology researchers discover breakthrough materials for removing pharmaceuticals from wastewater
Researchers at Seoul National University of Science and Technology have discovered fluorinated covalent organic polymers (FCOPs) that can remove 67.3% of beta-blockers like atenolol and metoprolol within the first minute. The FCOPs' strong adsorption performance is attributed to their rich structure, which enables multiple synergistic ...
A spark of evolution: When differences in coexistence create new species
Research on threespine stickleback populations in lakes with and without sculpins reveals that ecological differences trigger the evolution of new species. The study shows that adaptation to different habitats plays a crucial role in speciation, even in geographically isolated populations.
Starting university boosts recycling and greener travel, a University of Bath study finds
A University of Bath study found that starting university leads to increased recycling and green travel habits. Values and supportive infrastructure play key roles in driving these changes.
Atom-scale stencil patterns help nanoparticles take new shapes and learn new tricks
Researchers have developed atomic-level precision patterning on nanoparticle surfaces using stencils, creating 'patchy nanoparticles' with various shapes and functions. The technique allows for large-scale production of batched particles with intricate designs, enabling the creation of novel materials and metamaterials.
Checkpoint inhibitor promotes tissue repair
Researchers at UZH have identified a new function of checkpoint inhibitors in promoting tissue healing, which could help treat fibrosis and chronic wounds. The study found that TIGIT upregulates a growth factor critical for repairing tissue after viral infections.
Australia’s rainforests first to switch from carbon sink to source
A new study finds that Australia's tropical rainforests have become a net source of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere due to rising temperatures and droughts caused by human-driven climate change. This shift is likely to undermine the forests' ability to absorb emissions and mitigate climate change.
Household dryers are significant sources of microfiber pollution, study finds
A recent study using citizen science found that household dryers release both natural and synthetic microfibers into the environment. The research estimates that 3,543 metric tons of microfibers are released each year nationwide, with a significant portion coming from natural fabrics.
O-GlcNAc transferase promotes metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease-related hepatocellular carcinoma by facilitating the degradation of PTEN
Researchers found OGT expression is higher in MASLD-HCC tissues, promoting tumor growth. OGT modifies PTEN, impairing its function and activating the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Reduced car commuting is linked to residential environment, health status, and health behaviours – but they explain only a small part of the change
A Finnish study found that residential environments, health status, and health behaviours are associated with reduced car commuting. However, these factors only explained a small part of the overall modal shift towards active and sustainable commuting.
Did lead limit brain and language development in Neanderthals and other extinct hominids?
A new study reveals that ancient hominids were exposed to lead earlier than thought, up to two million years before modern humans began mining the metal. This exposure may have shaped the evolution of hominid brains, limiting language and social development in all but modern humans due to a protective genetic variant.
How green infrastructure is revamping city storm sewers
Researchers found that communities with green infrastructure systems like rain gardens saw a notable reduction in cadmium, copper, nickel, and zinc being sent into local waterways. Implementing more of these systems can improve water quality, make cities cooler, and enhance ecosystem services.
A sacred leaf on trial: Scientists urge WHO to support decriminalizing coca
A new international perspective argues that scientific evidence supports the coca leaf as a useful crop plant. Decriminalizing coca could enable medical research, create sustainable economic opportunities, and recognize Indigenous rights, while aligning global policy with modern science.
Tel Aviv University to award Steve Witkoff the prestigious George S. Wise medal
Steve Witkoff receives prestigious George S. Wise Medal for securing hostage return and initiating regional peace. The medal recognizes his tireless work bringing home hostages, remarkable availability to families, and commitment to achieving peace.
In the face of extreme weather events’ devastating effects on power grids, study identifies vulnerabilities that drive prolonged outages, suggests ways to reduce disruptions
Researchers analyzed power outage data and weather records to identify planning vulnerabilities and criticality as drivers of prolonged local outages. Targeted interventions, such as isolating critical nodes and improving operational flexibility, can reduce customer outages by up to 49.5%.
Study indicates dramatic increase in percentage of US adults who meet new definition of obesity
A study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that the new definition of obesity, which includes measures of body fat distribution, increases the prevalence to 70% among US adults. Those with 'anthropometric-only obesity' have a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Project unearths voices from one of the world’s first HIV/AIDS service organizations
A team of researchers and students interviewed 120 former GMHC volunteers, gaining insight into the organization's work at the height of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. The project broke rules of traditional oral history by conducting group interviews, which worked surprisingly well due to the intergenerational connection.
African wildlife poop sheds light on what shapes the gut ecosystem
Researchers analyzed feces samples from 11 herbivore species in Namibia's Etosha National Park to understand how environmental factors shape their gut microbiomes. The study found five types of bacteria serving as environmental indicators, which could help monitor ecosystem changes and animal adaptation.
Testosterone doesn’t affect men’s economic decisions, large study shows
A large-scale study examining the impact of testosterone on economic decision-making has found no significant effects. The study, which involved 1,000 men, used a double-blind trial to test the influence of testosterone on risk-taking, generosity, and competitiveness.
New end of life care study reveals gaps in palliative care access
A new study from Swansea University found that most people spend their last year of life at home, but demand for urgent care increases sharply near death. People registered for palliative care use more health services from home, while those in care homes with and without nursing use fewer.
In chromosome of key biotech bacterium, different setups bring different strengths
Researchers found that Agrobacterium's virulence is more effective in its natural two-chromosome state, but it grows faster and handles stress better when fused into a single chromosome. This study opens the door for optimizing its use as a crop improvement tool or devising new ways to protect crops vulnerable to crown galls.
New study finds that ALS and MS likely share an environmental cause
A new study published in Nature's Scientific Reports indicates that ALS and MS have a high geographic association, even after controlling for demographic factors. The research suggests an environmental factor likely plays a significant role in both diseases.
Pollutants move through food chain affecting organ growth
A new study reveals that microplastics and heavy metals can disrupt organ development and hormone balance in higher-level species through the food chain. The study found delayed growth in zebrafish exposed to combined pollutants, highlighting the hidden risks of pollutant mixtures in real-world environments.
This robotic skin allows tiny robots to navigate complex, fragile environments
Researchers developed a soft robotic skin that allows vine robots to navigate convoluted paths and fragile environments. The robot is steered by controlling the pressure inside its body and temperature of the actuators.
Discovery of how a protein regulates DNA and affects male fertility
A study published in Science Advances has discovered that the RAD21L protein plays a crucial role in regulating DNA structure and gene expression in sperm precursor cells. The absence of this protein leads to defects in chromosome pairing, genetic recombination, and spermatogenesis, resulting in male infertility.