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Science News for September 12, 2025


The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Ahead-of-Print Tip Sheet: September 12, 2025

New PET imaging agents show promise for detecting thyroid and neuroendocrine tumors, as well as reversing fibrosis in the heart. Researchers also explored tau PET scans for Alzheimer's detection and SSTR PET/CT for meningioma diagnosis. These advancements hold potential for improving cancer treatment and patient outcomes.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateSep 12, 2025

Benchmark study tracks trends in dog behavior

A new Virginia Tech study establishes a baseline for understanding dog behavior on a large scale, tracking trends in fear, attention, aggression, and trainability over four years. The research found that dogs are adaptable and not significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with some notable exceptions related to trainability.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLOS One·DateSep 12, 2025

Vitamin K analogues may help transform the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers synthesized hybrid vitamin K analogues with enhanced neuroactive properties, exhibiting threefold greater potency in inducing neural progenitor cell differentiation compared to natural vitamin K. The compounds preserved vitamin K and retinoic acid's biological activity via the SXR and RAR receptors.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2025

Novel PET tracer detects synaptic changes in spinal cord and brain after spinal cord injury

Researchers developed a new PET tracer that effectively identifies synapse loss in the spinal cord and brain after spinal cord injury. The study found reduced uptake of the tracer at the injury site and in the amygdala and cerebellum, suggesting potential for diagnosing and monitoring spinal cord injuries.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateSep 12, 2025

Using deep learning for precision cancer therapy

A new tool called Flexynesis uses deep neural networks to evaluate multi-modal data, enabling doctors to make better diagnoses and develop more precise treatment strategies for patients. The tool is designed to be flexible and accessible to non-experts, bridging the gap in precision cancer therapy.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 12, 2025

Nanoscale images of a blood clotting protein complex reveal a secret to the clotting chain reaction

Scientists have solved a mystery vexing biological chemists for over 30 years by determining 3D structures of blood clotting proteins using cryo-electron microscopy. The discovery sheds light on how the cascade of events that leads to blood clotting is triggered, with potential implications for anticoagulant drugs like Warfarin.

Circulating tumor cell-derived organoids: Unveiling mechanisms of tumor metastasis and establishing a new platform for precision therapy

Researchers have developed a new platform for investigating tumor metastasis using CTC-derived organoids. These organoids provide an in-depth model for analyzing CTC behavior, including interactions with the tumor microenvironment and drug resistance mechanisms.

Measuring the quantum W state

Kyoto University researchers successfully developed an entangled measurement method for the W state, enabling efficient identification of entangled states. The team used a photonic quantum circuit and demonstrated its feasibility with three-photon W states.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 12, 2025

Acupuncture for chronic low back pain in older adults

A randomized clinical trial found that acupuncture provided greater improvements in back pain-related disability compared to usual medical care alone. The study suggests that acupuncture needling is an effective and safe treatment option for older adults with chronic low back pain.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 12, 2025

Mount Sinai researchers find electrical stimulation may help predict recovery path for acute nerve injuries

Researchers found that nerves with a response to stimulation had a greater likelihood of recovering on their own, while those without a response had a low chance of functional recovery. The study uses intraoperative electrical nerve stimulation as a tool to distinguish between recoverable and non-recoverable nerve injuries.

A chemically modified STn glycoconjugate vaccine with enhanced antitumor immunity

A chemically modified STn glycoconjugate vaccine has been developed with enhanced antitumor immunity, demonstrating substantial resistance to enzymatic degradation and inducing potent T-cell responses. The vaccine induces functional antibodies capable of initiating both CDC and ADCC against STn-positive tumor cells.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGlycoscience & Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2025

Rice scientists develop ‘molecular magnifying glass’ to help identify diseases earlier

Researchers at Rice University have developed a 'molecular magnifying glass' that allows them to visualize subtle environmental changes in proteins, which can indicate the earliest stages of diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and cancer. This tool provides real-time monitoring of protein microenvironment changes in living cells.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 12, 2025

First in Asia! Translational Exercise Biomedicine becomes the official partnership journal of FIMS

The International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) has partnered with Translational Exercise Biomedicine (TEB), the first such collaboration in Asia. This partnership aims to enhance research publication, host co-branded events, and advance global advocacy for sports medicine.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalTranslational Exercise Biomedicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 12, 2025

Cheese fungi help unlock secrets of evolution

Researchers discovered that a specific gene disruption led to the change in color, allowing the fungus to conserve energy. This process, called relaxed selection, is common among organisms adapting to dark conditions, influencing food security and health.

SourceTufts University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2025

New hurdle seen to prostate screening: primary-care docs

A new study found that Black men often view their primary-care providers as gatekeepers for prostate cancer screening, but are frequently dismissed from getting PSA tests. The study's lead author notes that PSA testing can catch the disease earlier and reduce mortality rates by up to 30% if done in the 40s rather than the 50s.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateSep 12, 2025

Most Americans favor MMR vaccine requirement for public school, Annenberg survey finds

A recent Annenberg Public Policy Center survey found that 70% of the public supports vaccine requirements for MMR in schools. The percentage increased from 63% in August 2023. The survey also showed that over 7 in 10 U.S. adults support a policy making it mandatory for parents to vaccinate their children against preventable diseases.

Duke-NUS scientists link waning Japanese encephalitis immunity to higher dengue severity

A study found that declining Japanese encephalitis (JEV) immunity increases the risk of severe dengue disease. Researchers linked this to antibody-mediated enhancement, where partially effective antibodies from JEV vaccination make dengue worse. The findings offer new insights into cross-reactive immunity between related viruses.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 12, 2025

Bio-based, phase-change MXene/CNT foams for integrated electromagnetic interference shielding, thermal management and infrared stealth

Researchers developed a multifunctional foam combining electromagnetic interference shielding, thermal management, and infrared stealth capabilities. The bio-based foam successfully blocks over 99.9989% of electromagnetic waves while regulating surface temperature through phase-change mechanisms.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Nanocomposites·DateSep 12, 2025

Cyclic triaxial tests: Evaluation of liquefaction resistance in chemically treated soils

Researchers developed a strain-controlled testing method for evaluating liquefaction resistance in chemically treated soils, reducing carbon-dioxide emissions by up to 60%. The new method yielded consistent results, improving urban resilience and reducing economic losses in earthquake-prone regions.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalResults in Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2025

New conservation committee led by Applied Microbiology International calls on science community to get on board with microbial conservation

The IUCN Microbial Conservation Specialist Group is a new coalition of experts aiming to integrate microbiology into global biodiversity governance. The group's priorities include building a global network, mapping microbial conservation hotspots, developing microbe-specific Red List criteria, and mapping existing projects.

A gene mutation found in East Asian people increases liver disease risk by an ‘aldehyde storm’

A genetic mutation found in East Asian people, ALDH2*2, impairs the detoxification of aldehydes produced by environmental exposure, leading to an 'aldehyde storm' that causes severe liver damage. Healthy choices like increasing antioxidants and limiting smoke exposure may reduce the risk.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2025