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Science News for October 9, 2025


NUS-SCELSE researchers uncover hidden plant–microbe strategy that boosts crop growth under nutrient stress

Scientists have discovered a surprising strategy plants use to thrive in sulphur-deficient conditions by releasing glutathione, which enhances plant growth but reduces bacterial growth. This 'trans-kingdom fitness trade-off' has implications for designing better microbial solutions for resilient crops.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

USC physician-scientists Denis Evseenko and Toby Maher win $3.2 million grant from the National Institute on Aging to develop regenerative drug for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Denis Evseenko and Toby Maher are developing a regenerative drug to block cells that promote fibrosis in the lungs, aiming to slow or reverse IPF damage. The team plans to test the safety and therapeutic potential of their drug-like molecules in animals and human cells.

Regulating solvent coordination enables non-flammable and durable potassium-ion batteries with all-aluminum current collectors

Researchers have developed a novel electrolyte design for potassium-ion batteries using fluorinated triethyl phosphate, enabling fire-retardant and high-performance electrodes. The electrolyte supports reversible potassium storage in graphite anodes and addresses key barriers in PIB commercialization.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalEnergy Materials and Devices·DateOct 9, 2025

New study reveals that canned beans significantly improve nutrient intake and diet quality in U.S. adults

A recent study published in Medical Research Archives found that incorporating canned beans into a diet reduces shortfalls in essential nutrients and improves overall diet quality among U.S. adults. The research also highlighted the impact of replacing high-protein foods with canned beans on achieving optimal nutrient intake.

SourceThe Ginger Network·JournalMedical Research Archives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 2025

Caregivers identify key barriers to youth enrichment programs in low-income communities

Research finds primary caregivers in urban under-resourced communities highlight the importance of parent input to boost equitable access to out-of-school-time activities. Key strategies include broad outreach, structural investments, and family engagement to improve participation and quality., The study suggests that enrichment and re...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·TypeSurvey·DateOct 9, 2025

Polyherbal dietary supplement MD-1 ameliorates severity of type 2 diabetes mellitus in high-fat diet-fed C57BL/6J mice by attenuating adipose tissue inflammation

This study investigates the effects of polyherbal supplement MD-1 on high-fat diet-induced diabetes in C57BL/6J mice. MD-1 treatment significantly reduces blood glucose, triacylglycerol, and total cholesterol levels, improving adipose tissue function.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology·DateOct 9, 2025

Immersive virtual reality visual hallucinations simulate the effects of psychedelic substances

Researchers at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore develop immersive VR experiences mimicking psychedelic substances' effects on cognitive and emotional processes. The study shows significant effects on flexibility, creativity, and emotional state, with potential for integrating cyberdelics into therapeutic protocols.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalDialogues in Clinical Neuroscience·DateOct 9, 2025

AMS science preview: global heat record false? Rainier storms

Recent research from the American Meteorological Society reveals a false global heat record, suggests that severe weather events are increasing in frequency, and predicts an expansion of fire-prone areas. The study also examines the impact of cold wakes on tropical cyclone rainfall and finds that they intensify with global warming.

SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateOct 9, 2025

An AI system with detailed diagnostic reasoning makes its case

Researchers at Harvard Medical School developed Dr. CaBot, an AI system that can generate a differential diagnosis and explain its nuanced reasoning like an expert diagnostician. The system reached a comparable final diagnosis to a human expert in a published case presentation, demonstrating its potential for medical educators and phys...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 9, 2025

Scientists fix genetic defect in mice tied to brain disorders that include autism and epilepsy

Researchers developed a new gene therapy that reversed symptoms related to SYNGAP1-related disorders in mice, including intellectual disability, epilepsy, and risk-taking behaviors. The therapy successfully delivered a working copy of the SYNGAP1 gene into brain cells using an adeno-associated virus, offering hope for treatment in humans.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

AI tool offers deep insight into the immune system

Researchers at the University of Tokyo developed an AI-based framework, scHDeepInsight, to rapidly and consistently identify immune cells from gene data. The system uses hierarchical learning and image-based representation to distinguish broad and fine subtypes with improved accuracy and consistency.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalBriefings in Bioinformatics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

The dose-dependent effects of dissolved biochar on C. elegans: Insights into the physiological and transcriptomic responses

A study on C. elegans reveals that dissolved biochar affects nematode growth and physiology, with lower doses promoting development and higher doses disrupting normal functions. The findings highlight the need for careful dosing and oversight when deploying biochar in agricultural systems.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

Drop in childhood vaccination coverage: Dutch study identifies trends driven by socioeconomic factors

A Dutch study found that vaccination coverage among children declined faster in households with lower income and those not attending daycare. The study, which analyzed over 2 million children, identified sociodemographic factors contributing to the decline, including parental education and migration background.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 2025

Diabetic teens with high blood sugar have higher neuropathy risk in adulthood

Poor blood sugar control in adolescence increases the risk of painful future complications for people with type 1 diabetes. Children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a young age have trouble controlling their blood sugar as teens and are more likely to develop neuropathy in adulthood.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDiabetes Research and Clinical Practice·TypeObservational study·DateOct 9, 2025

New study finds gaps in REDD+ forest carbon offsets with most overstating climate impacts

A new study analyzes 52 REDD+ initiatives certified under Verra's Verified Carbon Standard, finding widespread over-crediting of projects and only a minority meeting their reported emissions targets. However, the research suggests that even underperforming projects can deliver partial climate gains when implemented carefully.

SeoulTech scientists develop AI-based patent abstract generator to discover and detail technology opportunities

Researchers developed an AI-based generative approach to discovering technology opportunities from patent maps using machine learning. The system translates patent vacancies into human-readable text, enabling the identification of untapped technologies and facilitating innovation forecasting.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Engineering Informatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 9, 2025

Interpretable deep learning network significantly improves tropical cyclone intensity forecast accuracy

A novel framework integrates Kolmogorov–Arnold networks with dynamic predictor pruning optimization to improve TC intensity prediction. TCI–KAN achieves superior accuracy in 6-h intensity forecasts, outperforming referenced best records by 31%, 13%, and 6%. The model's accuracy varies by region and TC category.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateOct 9, 2025

Major test of new method to control dengue mosquito shows community health benefit

A novel disease prevention strategy targeting the Aedes mosquito species has been shown to reduce mosquito numbers by 60% and cases of dengue fever by 24% in a community. The study, conducted in Merida, Mexico, tested an intervention that used targeted indoor residual spraying of insecticide before outbreaks occur.

SourceEmory University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 9, 2025

A hierarchical short microneedle‑cupping dual‑amplified patch enables accelerated, uniform, pain‑free transdermal delivery of extracellular vesicles

Researchers developed a bio-inspired dual-amplified patch that accelerates and enhances the uniform delivery of extracellular vesicles (EVs) through the skin. The innovative patch uses short microneedles to overcome the stratum corneum barrier, enabling pain-free transdermal delivery of EVs.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

Poultry growers: Have you checked your water lines lately?

A new study by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture reveals that water quality can significantly impact the type of microbial populations in poultry drinking water lines and litter. The study found a Bacillus species with probiotic properties was more prevalent in biofilms from poultry houses with normal sulfur-iro...

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalPoultry Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 9, 2025

A study by UPF reveals discrimination on grounds of ethnic background in Spain’s leading online second-hand marketplace, especially when buying

Research by UPF reveals that people with Arabic and Chinese names receive fewer positive responses as buyers but are not rejected as sellers. They should offer up to 3% more to be treated equally. In contrast, minority sellers do not suffer significant discrimination.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalSocial Indicators Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

New biosensor tracks plants’ immune hormone in real time

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a pioneering biosensor that can detect and track salicylic acid dynamics in living plants. The SalicS1 tool provides fresh insights into how plants coordinate local and systemic defenses against pathogens, with potential applications for improving crop resilience and understandin...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

Short inspirational videos as effective as meditation at reducing stress

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that short exposure to inspiring media can reduce stress and increase hope. Participants who watched inspirational videos or followed guided meditations reported feeling more hopeful and experiencing lower stress levels than those with no media use instructions.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology of Popular Media·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

Old puzzle around protein distribution in plant cells solved

Researchers have solved the puzzle around protein distribution in plant cells by discovering a phosphoinositide-mediated switch that regulates the Guided Entry of Tail-Anchored proteins (GET) pathway. This mechanism highlights the dynamic interplay between lipids and proteins in shaping cellular membranes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

Collaborative AI passes U.S. medical exams

A council of five AI models trained to deliberate together achieved higher accuracy on medical licensing exams than any single chatbot alone. This collaborative approach showed promise for improving the reliability and trustworthiness of AI tools in healthcare.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 9, 2025

Revolutionizing bioplastics: a microbial platform for fully bio-based long-chain polyesters

Scientists have developed an end-to-end microbial process converting renewable plant oils into sustainable polyesters comparable to petroleum-based plastics. The two-step process achieved record-setting yields and productivity, paving the way for a scalable and environmentally viable alternative to fossil fuels.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

City of Hope Research Spotlight, September 2025

Researchers at City of Hope have identified a potential strategy to overcome treatment resistance in acute myeloid leukemia and uncovered racial disparities in triple-negative breast cancer. By targeting the ALKBH1 protein, which enhances energy production in cancer cells, scientists found that blocking this protein could make CAR T th...

SourceCity of Hope·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 9, 2025

Young birds learn life skills from their older siblings and flock mates

In a study published in PLOS Biology, researchers found that young European great tits learn essential life skills from their older siblings and non-parental adults, rather than primarily from their parents. This suggests an alternative pathway to cultural inheritance and highlights the importance of sibling relationships in shaping bi...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

Shedding light on the impact of the Bank of Japan’s exchange-traded fund purchase program

A recent study by Waseda University researchers reveals that the Bank of Japan's large-scale ETF purchases have a significant impact on both the equity market and securities lending market, making short selling easier. This suggests that the stock market functions efficiently to some extent, mitigating distortions in stock prices.

SourceWaseda University·JournalThe Review of Asset Pricing Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 2025

Commercial compact fusion triggered REBCO tape industry: Pulsed laser deposition technology opportunities and challenges

The PLD-REBCO industry has seen rapid development thanks to commercial compact fusion, enabling mass production of high-performance REBCO tapes with excellent in-field performance. However, challenges remain, including reducing costs and improving scalability, which require closer collaboration between industry and academia.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalSuperconductivity·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

Researchers find potential link between chronic pain, immune condition

A study led by Julie Pilitsis, MD, PhD, found a possible connection between chronic pain and eosinophilia, a white blood cell condition, in patients undergoing spinal cord stimulation or implanted pain medicine pumps. The study suggests that eosinophilia may be an immune biomarker for chronic pain.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalNeuromodulation Technology at the Neural Interface·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 2025

Adherence to UK Physical Activity Guidelines benefits heart and builds muscles of older adults

A 4-week intervention study found that adhering to UK Physical Activity Guidelines improves cardiorespiratory fitness and increases muscle thickness and strength in older adults. This study demonstrates the potential of physical activity guidelines for improving health and functional well-being in older adults.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalTranslational Exercise Biomedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

Research shows National Living Wage has reduced labor mobility across firms, but at what cost?

New research by Bayes Business School reveals the introduction of the National Living Wage has decreased labor mobility across firms, but its impact on workers' incentives to search for new jobs is unclear. The study suggests that rising wage floors may reduce job switches and make potentially risky job moves less attractive.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalBritish Journal of Industrial Relations·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 2025

High performance multifactorial designs based on a refined analytical method for HTS maglev systems

Researchers developed a refined analytical computational model for electromagnetic forces in HTS maglev systems, offering fast computation speed and clear parameter relationships. This enables comprehensive optimization and enhancement of the levitation system, reducing reliance on rare-earth permanent magnets.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalSuperconductivity·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

New JNCCN study confirms it’s ‘never too late’ to see survival benefits from quitting smoking—even with late-stage cancer

Researchers found that patients with stage III or IV cancer who quit smoking lived significantly longer than those who continued smoking, with a two-fold lower rate of all-cause mortality. The study's findings emphasize the crucial role of smoking cessation support as part of standard cancer care.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateOct 9, 2025

How plants regulate adapting to drought

A team of scientists at Heidelberg University has discovered a protein complex in chloroplasts that triggers the closure of microscopic pores on leaves to prevent water loss. This hormone, abscisic acid, is formed via biosynthesis and ensures plant survival during extreme drought conditions.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 2025

Can a keto diet help protect brain energy?

Researchers found that a high-fat, low-carb ketogenic diet can improve brain health and stop or slow cognitive decline in individuals with the APOE4 gene. This study suggests that precision nutrition tailored to an individual's genotype, gut microbiome, gender, and age may be more effective than a one-size-fits-all approach.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Neurochemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

Study: Plant functional diversity varies greatly

Plant functional diversity varies greatly depending on seasonal cycles and wet-dry periods, according to a new study that analyzed 4,000 satellite images. The researchers used AI algorithms to derive plant traits from the images and calculated quantitative measures of functional diversity.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 2025

Tumor necrosis factor-α induces human bronchial fibroblasts to produce cytokines: implications for airway inflammation

This study found that TNF-α is highly expressed in asthma patients' airways and induces bronchial fibroblasts to produce inflammatory cytokines. The upregulated genes are closely related to eosinophil or neutrophil inflammation, indicating a role for bronchial fibroblasts in airway inflammation.

SourceFAR Publishing Limited·JournalMed Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

Acidic tumor environment promotes survival and growth of cancer cells

Researchers found that cancer cells in a tumor environment with acidosis can switch to more efficient energy production, using networks of mitochondria instead of fragmented structures. This adaptation helps cancer cells survive under adverse conditions, and could lead to new treatments targeting the energy metabolism of tumors.

"A DNA search engine"

The MetaGraph digital tool enables fast and accurate searching of vast DNA sequence datasets, streamlining genetic research. By indexing raw data with metadata, researchers can identify specific mutations and rare hereditary diseases in patients, accelerating discoveries in fields like antibiotic resistance.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateOct 9, 2025

New framework could defend factories from cyber-attacks

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new framework to protect industrial processing facilities from cyber threats. The framework identifies vulnerabilities, detects abnormal activity in real-time, and provides safeguards and mitigation strategies to maintain safe operations.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalReliability Engineering & System Safety·DateOct 9, 2025

Portable sensor detects synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarettes and biological fluids

Researchers developed a portable sensor to detect synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarette liquids and biological fluids, allowing for early intervention and harm reduction. The device shows high selectivity and sensitivity, detecting concentrations as low as 0.2 µM and identifying specific peaks that quantify substances present.

Early planting to avoid heat doesn’t match current spring wheat production

Researchers at Washington State University found that early planting to avoid heat damage may actually hinder spring wheat productivity due to other growth issues. The study used computer modeling to show that moving crop plantings earlier in the season can expose crops to elevated heat or cold stress in later growth stages.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 9, 2025

“Molecular bodyguard” helps infections persist

A key molecular player, RfaH, has been identified as a protective shield for bacterial genes, enabling them to survive the hostile environment inside the body. The protein ensures transcription runs to completion, making it an anti-terminator that prevents premature termination of gene expression.

SourceUmea University·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

World’s first pig-to-human liver xenotransplant in a living recipient reported in the Journal of Hepatology

A pioneering case of pig-to-human liver xenotransplantation has been successfully demonstrated, with the genetically engineered porcine liver functioning for an extended period in a human recipient. The patient survived for 171 days despite complications such as xenotransplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeCase study·DateOct 9, 2025