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Science News for September 18, 2025


Liverpool scientists lead discovery of powerful new antibiotic class to tackle deadly superbugs

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered a groundbreaking new class of antibiotics called Novltex, which targets lipid II in bacterial cell walls. This innovative approach offers potent and durable protection against multidrug-resistant bacteria, addressing one of the biggest challenges in modern medicine.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateSep 18, 2025

Menstrual cycle and long COVID: A relation confirmed

Research confirms bidirectional relationship between long COVID and menstrual disorders, with symptoms intensifying during perimenstrual phases. The study suggests an inflammatory reaction as the underlying cause, paving the way for new therapeutic prospects tailored to women.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2025

Most children told of biological origins

New research finds that 86% of parents in New Zealand disclose their child's donor conception to them by age 18, with most sharing the information before age 10. Heterosexual couples are less likely to share this info, but same-sex couples and single women have higher disclosure rates.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalFertility and Sterility·TypeSurvey·DateSep 18, 2025

An old drug, in a low dose, shown to be safe and effective in preventing progression of type 1 diabetes in children and young people (MELD-ATG trial)

A new trial has shown that a lower dose of the immunomodulatory drug ATG is safe and effective in preventing the progression of type 1 diabetes in young people. The study found that the drug was able to arrest or delay the progression of T1D at a dose as low as 0.5mg/kg, with a good safety profile.

Recent advances in stabilization strategies for zinc anodes in aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Researchers developed four stabilization strategies to improve zinc anode stability in AZIBs, including artificial SEI layers, electrolyte modification, bioinspired designs, and structural optimization. These approaches enhance cycle life, Coulombic efficiency, and overall performance of AZIBs.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalFrontiers in Energy·TypeNews article·DateSep 18, 2025

El Niño spurs extreme daily rain events despite drier monsoons in India

A new study finds that El Niño increases the likelihood of extreme daily downpours in India's wetter regions, potentially leading to hazardous conditions. The research suggests changes in atmospheric buoyancy and low-pressure system tracks drive this intensification, which has remained steady over time despite regional shifts.

Consistent policy, not “patchwork” regulations, recommended for the coexistence of crops

A new review from the University of Adelaide highlights inconsistencies in Australian crop regulations, affecting the coexistence of genetically modified (GM) and non-GM crops. The current regulatory framework is inadequate, leading to varying standards across different sectors, making it difficult for farmers to ensure compliance.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalGriffith Law Review·DateSep 18, 2025

How to develop trans people-inclusive medical AI: the objective of a study by UPF, the BSC, the URV and PRISMA

A recent study from Spain aims to develop inclusive medical AI applications by overcoming binary logics and including the needs of trans people. The research team, led by Nataly Buslon Valdez, collaborated with PRISMA association to design AI apps that promote personalized treatments tailored to individual needs.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2025

Tirzepatide improves blood sugar control in children aged 10-17 years with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on existing therapies (SURPASS-PEDS trial)

The SURPASS-PEDS trial shows that tirzepatide significantly improves HbA1c levels, BMI, and fasting glucose in children aged 10-17 years with type 2 diabetes. The study demonstrates sustained improvements over a year-long period, making it a potential safe and efficacious treatment option for youth-onset type 2 diabetes.

Small nuclear RNA base editing a safer alternative to CRISPR, UC San Diego researchers find

Researchers at UC San Diego have created a new genetic editing approach that uses small nuclear RNA base editing, which can modify the genetic code with greater precision and safety than CRISPR. This method has the potential to treat various diseases, including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and immune disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 18, 2025

Achalasia diagnosis simplified to AI plus X-ray

Researchers developed an AI model that diagnoses achalasia using plain chest X-rays, outperforming physicians' reviews. The diagnostic performance of the AI model demonstrated higher sensitivity and specificity, enabling early diagnosis and potentially improving treatment efficacy.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2025

SNU materials science and engineering team identifies reconstruction mechanism of copper alloy catalysts for CO₂ conversion

Researchers identified reconstruction mechanism of copper alloy catalysts during electrochemical CO₂ conversion reactions. The findings provide a 'design map' for understanding and predicting surface reconstruction, enabling the design of dynamic catalysts that adapt during operation.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2025

Gemini data critical to revealing that Hayabusa2 target is tinier and faster than thought

Astronomers using the Gemini South telescope have found that asteroid 1998 KY26 is much smaller and spinning faster than previously thought. The asteroid is approximately 11 meters wide and completes a rotation in just five minutes, making it challenging for Hayabusa2 to land on its surface.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2025

AI model offers accurate and explainable insights to support autism assessment

A deep learning model achieved up to 98% accuracy in distinguishing autistic from neurotypical participants, providing clear insights into brain regions most influential to its decisions. The model could benefit autistic people and clinicians by offering accurate and explainable results to inform assessment and support.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 18, 2025

Timely pain treatment linked to reduced hospitalizations for children with sickle cell disease

A new study finds that prompt administration of opioid pain relief in emergency departments can reduce hospitalization rates for children with sickle cell disease. Children who received timely first-dose administration within 60 minutes and second-dose administration within 30 minutes showed reduced hospitalization odds.

New international guideline provides expert guidance for PET imaging of patients with coronary artery disease

A new clinical guideline has been issued for 18F-flurpiridaz PET myocardial perfusion imaging, providing recommendations for patient selection, imaging protocols, and interpretation of results. The guideline aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy and optimize resource utilization for the evaluation of coronary artery disease.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateSep 18, 2025

Barley’s root defense: The secret to surviving acidic, aluminum-rich soils

A new study reveals the first detailed structure of HvAACT1, a barley root protein that enables plants to tolerate aluminum-rich acidic soils. This breakthrough provides the structural basis for citrate efflux in plants and has implications for designing crops that can withstand difficult conditions.

SourceOkayama University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 18, 2025

New agamid lizard described from China

A new species of Diploderma lizard, Diploderma bifluviale, has been described from the upper Dadu River Valley in the Hengduan mountains of Sichuan Province. The species exhibits unique characteristics, such as a wheat-colored tongue and distinct coloration, and is found in semi-arid shrublands at elevations of 2,100 to 2,500 m.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateSep 18, 2025

A graphene sandwich — deposited or transferred?

Researchers at Kobe University investigated how different manufacturing techniques affect the electronic structure of magnetic tunnel junctions. They found that the surface of ferromagnets is different when insulators are transferred to them compared to growing crystals on insulator flakes. This difference influences device behavior, p...

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 18, 2025

Biodiversity needs more than just flower strips

Researchers at the University of Göttingen argue that creating diverse landscapes with various habitats is necessary for biodiversity preservation. Habitat diversity can include arable land, natural areas, and structures like nesting sites, promoting species movement and reduced extinction risk.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 18, 2025

Oil rig study reveals vital role of tiny hoverflies

A study of migratory hoverflies on an oil rig in the North Sea revealed that they can transport pollen over great distances, potentially linking plant populations across Europe. The hoverflies carried pollen from up to 14 different plant species, highlighting their importance in agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateSep 18, 2025

Age limits for social media and restrictions on addictive functions: Leopoldina discussion paper recommends better protection for children and adolescents

The Leopoldina discussion paper advocates for age limits and restrictions on addictive functions in social media to protect children and adolescents from negative effects. Researchers recommend setting a minimum age for access, restricting certain functions, and implementing policies to promote healthy social media use.

PolyU scholars pioneer smart and sustainable personal cooling technologies to address global extreme heat

Researchers at PolyU are pioneering next-generation personal cooling solutions using advanced textiles and intelligent wearables. Their innovations include spectrum-selective textiles, thermal insulation, ventilative and evaporative cooling, and AI-driven frameworks that deliver personalized, energy-efficient cooling.

Water flowed on ancient asteroid

A team of researchers discovered that liquid water once flowed on the ancient asteroid Ryugu, which was formed more than a billion years ago. The finding suggests that carbon-rich asteroids may have delivered much more water to Earth than previously thought, impacting models of the planet's early oceans and atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2025

Fresh hope for type 1 diabetes as daily pill that slows onset confirms promise at 2-year follow-up

A daily pill of baricitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, preserves insulin-producing beta cell function and slows type 1 diabetes progression in people recently diagnosed with the condition. The treatment's therapeutic effect is lost when it's stopped, justifying its testing in earlier stages to prevent or delay clinical diagnosis.

Study identifies candidates for therapeutic targets in pediatric germ cell tumors

Researchers have identified distinct immune profiles for different subtypes of pediatric germ cell tumors, which could lead to more targeted therapies. The study found that certain tumor subtypes respond well to immunotherapy and others exhibit an immunosuppressive environment, making them more aggressive.

New model can accurately predict a forest’s future

A new model developed by University of Illinois researchers can accurately predict fluctuations in the relative abundance of tree species in a forest. The model uses genomic data and a one-time tree count to forecast changes in forest diversity, which is crucial for understanding how forests will change in the future.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 18, 2025

Exoplanets are not water worlds

Researchers found that sub-Neptunes, such as K2-18b, have limited water content due to chemical interactions between magma oceans and atmospheres. The study's results suggest that water-rich exoplanets may be less common than previously thought.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 18, 2025

Shortlist announced for Panmure House Prize

Four leading researchers have been shortlisted for the prestigious Panmure House Prize with innovative ideas on long-term thinking and innovation. The finalists aim to address global societal challenges through rigorous research, open-source hardware, and integrating sustainability into business strategy.

Tuning "tension" in nanowires: Researchers boost CO2-to-fuel conversion efficiency fivefold

Researchers at UESTC developed a novel method to enhance metal-halide perovskite photocatalysts by precisely controlling internal lattice tension, leading to a fivefold increase in CO fuel production. The strain modified the electronic structure, slowing down charge recombination and lowering the reaction barrier.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2025

Decoding the selfish gene, from evolutionary cheaters to disease control

Scientists have discovered how to potentially control harmful insect populations by studying a 'selfish gene' that manipulates inheritance. By understanding the molecular basis of this genetic mechanism, researchers believe they can identify novel methods to control certain insects that are globally significant pests and disease carriers.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2025

Research spotlight: Combination therapy shows promise for overcoming treatment resistance in glioblastoma

Researchers identified Wnt7b as a determinant of resistance to immune checkpoint blockers in glioblastoma and developed a combination therapy with WNT974 that sensitizes GBM to anti-PD1 therapy, improving anti-tumor immunity. This approach offers a promising new therapeutic avenue for glioblastoma patients.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2025

Analysis challenges conventional wisdom about partisan support for US science funding

A recent study challenges conventional wisdom about US science funding and partisan control, revealing a complex relationship between political power and federal appropriations. Grants constitute only a small fraction of total spending, with most funds going to private firms through contracts or in-house agency research.

University of Bergen research project awarded NOK 129 million funding by Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation

The University of Bergen's 'Fair Choices on the Path to Universal Health Coverage' project aims to strengthen low- and middle-income countries in handling cuts in development aid. The project will improve priority setting through evidence-informed, context-specific approaches, collaborating with academic institutions and governing bodi...

Purdue study uncovers why some hurricanes balloon in size and what that means for forecasting future storms

A new study by Purdue University researchers reveals that hurricanes grow in size faster when traveling over locally warm waters, which can help improve daily forecasting of hurricane size and impacts. This discovery has the potential to better model hurricane size in long-term risk models used by industry.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2025

The economic cost of climate change for Europe’s Forests — Need for strategic adjustments

Climate change is expected to bring increased damages and costs for European forestry, with gains in Northern Europe and losses in Central and Southern Europe. The study highlights the need for strategic adjustments to forest management to reduce economic losses and foster more climate-resilient forests.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 18, 2025

Three deadliest risk factors of a common liver disease identified in new study

A new study found that high blood pressure, pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, and low HDL cholesterol are the three deadliest cardiometabolic risk factors for MASLD patients, with risks of death increasing by 40%, 25%, and 15% respectively. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to reach its conclu...

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateSep 18, 2025

SHAT2 gene positively regulates shattering and quality traits in rice

Researchers discovered SHAT2 as a positive regulator of seed shattering and quality in rice. The gene's expression was found to down-regulate genes related to these traits, suggesting its role in controlling seed shattering and quality. This finding offers potential for breeding rice varieties with desirable characteristics.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Integrative Agriculture·TypeNews article·DateSep 18, 2025

Landmark genetic study sheds new light on how the eye develops its sharpest vision

Researchers have identified over 120 genetic signals shaping foveal development, including pathways involved in vitamin A metabolism and retinal cell fate. The study provides the first comprehensive genetic dissection of human foveal pit architecture, revealing new insights into childhood visual disorders.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 18, 2025

Body movement-sensing fly neurons are turned off during active motion

Researchers discovered that proprioceptive nerve cells for sensing leg motion are deactivated during active movement in fruit flies. This selective suppression may enable the insect to quickly respond to sudden external events. The study advances basic scientific knowledge of sensory feedback and its application to clinical treatments

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2025

Cattle vaccine immunity ‘boost’ tested by new research

A four-year study investigates how a widely used BCG vaccine boosts overall immunity in livestock, exploring 'trained immunity' triggered by the vaccine. The research aims to develop more sustainable and resilient farming systems, leading to healthier livestock and reduced reliance on antibiotics.

SourceAberystwyth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 18, 2025

LEDs shed light on efficient tomato cultivation

Researchers successfully grew large and cherry tomatoes using LED-based controlled agricultural methods, matching greenhouse performance in some ways. The study demonstrates the feasibility of this method for urban environments and potential food security in climate change scenarios.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalHortScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2025

Researchers uncover how galaxies and their black holes grew 12.9 billion light years ago

Researchers used the James Webb Space Telescope to study 12 quasars from 12.9 billion years ago, revealing mature galaxies with active supermassive black holes. This challenges previous research suggesting black hole activity suppresses galaxy growth, instead showing a complex relationship between the two.

Total synthesis of hemiketalTTX

A team from Peking University successfully synthesized hemiketalTTX in 23 steps with a total yield of 0.7%, addressing the scarcity of this natural toxin. The synthesis utilizes a unique Prins cyclization reaction to construct the [3.2.1] bridged ring skeleton.

SourceChinese Chemical Society·JournalCCS Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2025

New review unveils breakthroughs in soil nitrogen cycle research from microbial pathways to global sustainability

A comprehensive review synthesizes decade-long progress in quantifying nitrogen transformation processes, identifying novel microbial pathways, and developing sustainable management strategies. Key findings include advanced methodologies and novel microbial pathways that offer potential solutions to reduce nitrogen losses and nitrous o...

So what should we call this – a grue jay?

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a unique hybrid bird that combines characteristics of green and blue jays, sparking insights into the impact of climate change on biodiversity. The finding sheds light on how changes in weather patterns can lead to unexpected species interactions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2025

Personal storytelling during medical training improves learning and the way doctors connect with their patients

A new study finds that student-led personal storytelling initiatives improve medical education by enhancing empathy, community, and understanding of patients' experiences with illness. By sharing their own stories, students become more emotionally aware and better prepared to support their patients.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMedical Science Educator·TypeSurvey·DateSep 18, 2025

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers boost widespread use of dental varnish across pediatric network

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed a quality improvement initiative to increase dental varnish application rates. The effort resulted in a significant boost in varnish use, with over 50% of children receiving varnish annually, exceeding the target goal of 20%.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2025

Graz University of Technology opens up new avenues in lung cancer research with digital cell twin

Researchers at Graz University of Technology created a highly detailed digital twin of the A549 lung cancer cell line, paving the way for individualized cancer treatment. The model simulates calcium dynamics and electrical voltages, allowing for testing of drugs and personalized treatment strategies.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 18, 2025

Tuberculosis vulnerability of people with HIV: a viral protein implicated

A study by the CNRS-led research team highlights the key role of Tat, a viral protein that blocks autophagy, promoting Mycobacterium tuberculosis survival and multiplication. Restoring autophagy mechanism could lead to innovative therapeutic strategies for better protection against tuberculosis in HIV-positive patients.

SourceCNRS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2025

Body-positive and humorous parody social media inspire gratitude and motivate women to challenge unrealistic body standards

A new study from the University of Surrey found that exposure to body-positive imagery and humorous parody content on social media improves young women's body satisfaction. The research also reveals a link between viewing this type of imagery and women's engagement in online activism, including intentions to promote diverse representat...

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalSex Roles·DateSep 18, 2025

Giant two-photon upconversion from 2D exciton in doubly-resonant plasmonic nanocavity

Scientists have developed a new plasmonic nanocavity that enhances two-photon upconversion from 2D excitons by 2440-fold. The nanostructure's resonance wavelength can be adjusted to optimize light collection and emission directionality, leading to improved efficiency in nonlinear photonic devices.

4 beer and wine discoveries

Recent research published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry has made four significant discoveries about beer and wine. The studies explore the haziness and gluten content of beer as well as the astringent taste and potential health impacts of wine.

Clownfish and anemones are disappearing because of climate change

A new study by Boston University marine biologists reveals that heat waves are devastating the mutualistic relationship between clownfish and anemones in the Red Sea. The researchers found that prolonged bleaching caused a catastrophic breakdown in the system, resulting in a 94-100% die-off of clownfish and 66-94% die-off of anemones.

SourceBoston University·Journalnpj Biodiversity·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2025

Early humans may have walked from Türkiye to mainland Europe, new groundbreaking research suggests

A groundbreaking discovery of Paleolithic tools in Ayvalık, Turkey, reveals that early humans may have used the northeastern Aegean coast as a route to enter Europe. The find provides valuable insights into early human presence, technological variability, and raw material preferences during the Pleistocene era.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2025