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Science News for September 26, 2025


Switching it up: the secret survival strategy to life as revealed by mathematics

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, have developed a mathematical theory that can be used to design optimization strategies for dynamical networks, such as those comprising living organisms. They found that tools from information theory provided a way to simplify nonlinear optimization problem...

SDSU study links food and beverage temperature to mental and gut health

A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that food and beverage temperature has measurable links to anxiety, insomnia, and gut discomfort. Among Asian adults, higher summer cold drink consumption was associated with increased anxiety and sleep disturbances, while hot beverages in winter were linked to lower depressio...

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2025

Fidget-controlled robots show the power of metastability

Researchers at Purdue University have developed fidget-controlled robots that utilize metastability to create soft robotic systems. These robots use bistable domes to perform tasks such as grasping and classifying objects, demonstrating the potential for physical systems to replace electronic components in challenging environments.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateSep 26, 2025

Reducing the carbon footprint of our plates: A European perspective

A groundbreaking European study by Dr. Mohammad Fazle Rabbi evaluates the EU's food system and identifies key pathways for reduction in carbon emissions. The research highlights systemic inefficiencies, regional disparities, and improvements in circular economy practices that can contribute to emission reductions.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2025

Layered cobalt catalyst reimagines pigment as a pathway for carbon dioxide recycling

Researchers at Tohoku University introduced a new approach for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction using multilayer cobalt phthalocyanine/carbon core-shell structures. The study demonstrated a catalyst architecture that makes CO₂ conversion into carbon monoxide both stable and efficient.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·DateSep 26, 2025

Study: Exercise lowers risk of depression and sleep problems in older smokers

A study from Texas A&M University's School of Public Health reveals that regular physical activity can lower the risk of depression and sleep disorders in older smokers. Smokers aged 40-59 who meet physical activity guidelines were more likely to report moderate depressive symptoms, while those aged 60+ were more prone to sleep disorders.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2025

Telestroke patients more likely to receive treatment, but with greater delays

Researchers evaluated over 3,000 ischemic stroke patients and found that telestroke patients were 1.6 times more likely to receive clot-busting drugs, but took nearly seven minutes longer to receive treatment after arriving at the hospital. The study highlights clear gaps in timely treatment for these patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2025

How a 3000-year-old copper smelting site could be key to understanding the origins of iron

Researchers from Cranfield University discovered that ancient copper smelters at a 3000-year-old site in southern Georgia were using iron oxide as a flux to increase copper yield. This finding supports the theory that iron was invented by copper metalworkers, who experimented with iron-bearing materials in a metallurgical furnace.

SourceCranfield University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·TypeCase study·DateSep 26, 2025

Lifetime of social ties may slow biological processes of aging

Research from Cornell University found that people with stronger social connections over a lifetime experience slower biological aging. Higher cumulative social advantage was linked to lower levels of inflammation and younger profiles on epigenetic clocks. Sustained social networks built across decades contribute to healthier aging.

SourceCornell University·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·DateSep 26, 2025

A mother’s death during or after pregnancy may increase risk of infant’s death or hospitalization

A new study found that infant mortality rates in Massachusetts were significantly higher among babies whose mother experienced a pregnancy-associated death, with rates 14-22 times higher than when the mother survived. Nonpremature infants who survived after their mother’s pregnancy-associated death were also more likely to be hospitali...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2025

Inequality in agri-food chains: the Global South produces the food, but the Global North keeps the wealth

A study by ICTA-UAB reveals that non-agricultural sectors absorbed most of the value added in global agri-food systems between 1995 and 2020. The Global South increased its share of agricultural production, but countries of the North still capture a disproportionate share of income from higher-value sectors.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalGlobal Food Security·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2025

Study reveals roadmap for carbon-free California by 2045

A Stanford University study reveals a roadmap for California to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, requiring significant advancements in renewable energy generation, energy storage, and low-carbon transportation. The model forecasts the need for 170 gigawatts of new generation and 54 gigawatts of storage by 2045.

SourceStanford University·JournalEnergy Policy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 26, 2025

Scientists target key parameters of MJO simulation bias to improve climate models

Researchers found that increasing convective adjustment timescale (tau) values in climate models improves MJO simulation accuracy, with a critical threshold of 2 hours. A larger tau value suppresses convective precipitation, leading to larger intraseasonal moisture perturbations necessary for MJO development.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateSep 26, 2025

Football: Innovative performance diagnostics for girls

The SCoRE method assesses key football-related skills such as game overview, creativity, and passing in game-like scenarios, finding agility to be a central role. Developed by University of Würzburg researchers, the diagnostic tool is valid, reliable, and objective, providing actionable feedback for coaches.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalGerman Journal of Exercise and Sport Research·TypeNews article·DateSep 26, 2025

Researchers discover an active role played by the asthenosphere in shaping seafloor structures

Researchers discover that asthenosphere composition controls magma flux and spreading mode at slow- to ultraslow-spreading ridges. The study found higher volumes of ancient refractory mantle domains in the asthenosphere during asymmetric spreading, supporting the hypothesis that the asthenosphere modulates magma flux.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2025

What is the significance of the evolution from chiral molecular macrocycles to chiral topological macrocycles?

Researchers designed chiral amphiphilic pillar[5]arene derivatives that spontaneously formed chiral toroidal nanostructures and Möbius strip-like nanorings through non-covalent interactions. The assembly process exhibited solvent-dependent evolution, resulting in structure-dependent luminescent properties.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2025

Ancient fishing nets resurrected from pottery using X-ray CT: a world-first achievement by Kumamoto University researchers

A team of researchers led by Professor Hiroki Obata reconstructed the structure of prehistoric fishing nets from ancient pottery using X-ray CT. The study revealed a rich diversity in net-making techniques between regions and highlighted the importance of sustainability practices in ancient cultures.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 26, 2025

What is the significance of the evolution from chiral molecular macrocycles to chiral topological macrocycles?

Researchers designed chiral amphiphilic pillar[5]arene derivatives to form stable chiral toroidal nanostructures and Möbius strip-like nanorings through non-covalent interactions. The assembly process exhibits solvent-dependent evolution, controlling luminescent properties and enabling the creation of functional chiral nanomaterials.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2025

Spatiotemporal characterization of disease-associated neurons in the entorhinal cortex-hippocampal circuit during Alzheimer’s disease progression

The study identifies two distinct neuronal populations affected by Alzheimer's disease: EC-stellate neurons lost and GFAP⁺ neurons expanding with glia-like features. These findings highlight energy metabolism dysfunction and neuronal identity changes in AD progression.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalProtein & Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2025

Vietnam’s food environment is changing fast. Policy needs to catch up

Vietnam's food environments are transforming, with modern retail and processed foods becoming increasingly prevalent. The country's policy response has not kept pace with these changes, leading to rising rates of childhood overweightedness and obesity. Experts recommend aligning incentives and capacity to make healthy diets the easier ...

Is experiencing extreme weather events linked to climate action?

A recent study found that people who attribute extreme weather events to climate change are more likely to support climate regulations. The study analyzed data from 68 countries and found significant differences in public support depending on the type of climate action. Protecting forested and land areas was a popular policy option, su...

SourceSWPS University·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeSurvey·DateSep 26, 2025

Seoul National University of Science and Technology researchers develop 3D-printed carbon nanotube sensors for smart health monitoring

Seoul National University researchers create highly stretchable, electrically conductive carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites using vat photopolymerization type 3D printing. The new material is optimized for smart health monitoring applications, enabling real-time pressure distribution detection.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalComposite Structures·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2025

New hope for antidiabetic drugs: essential oil compounds from Plectranthus neochilus show promise

Researchers identified citronellyl butyrate and other compounds with high binding affinity to DPP-4, suggesting strong inhibitory potential. The compounds' favorable pharmacokinetic properties, such as high absorption and blood-brain barrier permeability, make them promising candidates for antidiabetic treatments.

SourceFAR Publishing Limited·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Analysis·DateSep 26, 2025

Climate change is supercharging Europe’s biggest hail

New research suggests that severe hail storms in Europe will become less frequent but bigger and more devastating, especially in Southern Europe. Climate experts attribute this to warmer temperatures causing hail to form higher in the atmosphere, where storm updrafts are weaker.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 26, 2025

Material breakthrough paves way for major energy savings in memory chips

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have discovered an atomically thin material that enables two opposing magnetic forces to coexist, reducing energy consumption in memory devices by a factor of ten. This breakthrough could lead to major energy savings in AI, mobile technology and advanced data processing.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2025

Protecting the protectors: as measles cases surge, how can we help healthcare workers get vaccinated?

A study explores barriers to measles vaccination among female healthcare workers in a London hospital. The findings highlight low knowledge of measles and its complications, as well as concerns about the vaccine's link to autism. The article argues that ensuring healthcare workers are aware of their vaccination status, providing better...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateSep 26, 2025